donniedarkos 2013 self challenge

[donniedarko]

Well I discovered a ton about my movie tastes in 2012, and really explored more genres and more foreign film. A primary reason is joining this site, and seeing a lot of posts about films I never heard of, or never bothered watching. So ya, I learned a lot about film this year, and my tastes.

At the same time I'm nowhere close to a true cinephile like many on this site, and at only fifteen, I understand that will take time, but this year I decided to do a bit of a challenge for myself. Every week I will explore a new director, one that I haven't a single film of. I will try to watch atleast a couple of his films that week, and then post my thoughts here, by the end of the week. Then do that with a new director next week. I understand because of vacations and just plain busy weeks, I won't be able to get all 52 weeks in. And maybe I'll only be able to watch one of his films, but that's still exploring. But I'll do my best to get one director in, and a few of his movies per week.

I have a few in mind already, and later on I may load up on a few eclipse sets, which would be a great recourse for this. If anyone has any recommendations for a director I may have not watched a film of, or just know of a great lesser known director please post it here. But I'm not limiting myself to lesser known directors, since there are star directors I have never seen a film of. Just this year I discovered Bergman and Fellnini, who are amongst my favorites now. And I will still be watching there movies too. I will start this challenge January 2nd and update on Saturday the 5th. Thanks for the great year MoFos, and I hope I'll keep this resolution, and do this the whole year through. I may even work on proofreading :)

[Gabrielle947]

I don't think that you should make some kind of a schedule."Explore" a certain director whenever you feel like it.I think that for most members of this forum,films are entertainment,not a some kind of a duty.

And personally,I couldn't go for one director in one week unless I already like him.I can watch 2 movies tops from the same director in a row,then I just need something different.

[donniedarko]

Its not as much as a schedule as It is a challenge, like watching every movie on AFI movie list in a year. Ill still watch films of directors I like of course, this is more of a side thing.

And nah it's not a duty, but just a commitment I wanna make. Just to help me explore, of I feel like its become a burden, I'll stop, but I doubt that.

[Godoggo]

Good idea, Donnie. I give myself reading challenges all the time, but I never thought to do a movie one.

I think it's fine to have a tentative schedule. If I don't have some sort of time frame in mind when I set up projects for myself they won't get done.

I'll think up some suggestions for you later.

[Upton]

Good luck. Agreed that it might be easy to get burnt out quick on this, though.

Either way, here's a nice list of essential directors

http://www.theyshootpictures.com/gf1000_top250directors.htm

[The Rodent]

I decided at one point to challenge myself to review every movie I'd seen...

... after 237 movies made up of mostly favourites and realising there are probably still a couple thousand still to go, I gave up and decided to do them as they pop into my head.
Or I get a reminder by seeing them on telly.

[Daniel M]

Madness to think you're only 15, and that's a compliment by the way :up: Good luck with this, great idea, I'm 17 myself so have many years ahead of me myself. Like you wouldn't consider myself a cinephile like some on this site, although I've greatly improved my film knowledge and writing over the past year or two there are plenty of great films and director's work that I have not yet seen such as Bergman, Fellini, Tarkovsky, Godard, Kurosawa etc.

[honeykid]

Pfft. You should've done my 100 challenge. :p

[donniedarko]

Lol, I guess I'm missing out on Charlie's Angels and 50 First Dates for another year ;)

[Mr Minio]

What directors are you planning to start with? Your schedule is pretty good, but you should try something like this:
1. Watch a movie of the certain director:
a) you like it - watch more films
b) you don't like it - watch 2 more
-you still don't like them - change the director
-you like them - try to see more, or, if you're tired, change the director, but keep this one in mind and get back to his other movies when ready
That's a good method - you should try it.
Besides directors, you should also try to watch a lot of foreign movies from around the world. That should enlarge your movie knowledge.

[Tyler1]

And personally,I couldn't go for one director in one week unless I already like him.I can watch 2 movies tops from the same director in a row,then I just need something different.
I remember watching 8 films of Hou Hsiao Hsien in a week. That's the most I've ever seen from a director within such a short period of time.

[donniedarko]

What directors are you planning to start with?
A few I have in mind to start with are Malle, Travovsky,Gilliam, and Downey Sr.

Your schedule is pretty good, but you should try something like this:
1. Watch a movie of the certain director:
a) you like it - watch more films
b) you don't like it - watch 2 more
-you still don't like them - change the director
-you like them - try to see more, or, if you're tired, change the director, but keep this one in mind and get back to his other movies when ready
That's a good method - you should try it.
Besides directors, you should also try to watch a lot of foreign movies from around the world. That should enlarge your movie knowledge.
Well if I like what I see then ill be coming back for more of him later on in the year. I'm trying not to set a number of his films since then I'll for sure just be making this a duty, but Im going for atleast two a week. Hopefully more. And with this challenge I should be exploring Foriegn cinema too, since there are a lot of great Foriegn directors.

I remember watching 8 films of Hou Hsiao Hsien in a week. That's the most I've ever seen from a director within such a short period of time.
I watched seven Svankmajer films in a day once, after watching three of his a couple days before. But they're short films so doesn't really count

[The Rodent]

Saying foriegn cinema and me being a fan of Verhoeven, can I recommend his earlier stuff?
Turkish Delight, Soldier Of Orange, The Fourth Man etc... pretty much his back catalogue before he did RoboCop...

[Gabrielle947]

I remember watching 8 films of Hou Hsiao Hsien in a week. That's the most I've ever seen from a director within such a short period of time.
Guess that depends then.On the other hand,there is a very very short list of directors whose all movies are enjoyable for me so maybe that's why I can't watch a lot of films of the same director in a row.

[Godoggo]

O.k I have a couple of recommendations for you. For something classic, Carl Theodor Dreyer, if you haven't seen anything by him yet. I'd start with Day of Wrath; great movie.

For something current going on in Spanish film, I recommend Alex de la Iglesia. He has been influenced by some of the top Spanish language film directors (del Toro, Almodovar) and is currently an influential director himself, so I thought he might be interesting for you to look at.

[Mr Minio]

When it comes to Polish directors you ought to see Andrzej Wajda's films as well as Jerzy Kawalerowicz's.

[honeykid]

Lol, I guess I'm missing out on Charlie's Angels and 50 First Dates for another year ;)
That's just the tip of the iceberg. :D

Personally, I don't really care about directors. Auteur theory is pointless, at best. Just watch anything you can lay your hands on. :)

[wintertriangles]

I'm kind of late, but..

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lt3t6kqSso1qa7sdzo1_1280.jpg

[mark f]

I'd watch Richard Brooks, John Frankenheimer, Paul Mazursky and William Dieterle to start. I have many lesser-known directors to suggest after that.

[Tyler1]

Louis Malle

Elevator to the Gallows
Au Revoir Les Enfants

Andrei Tarkovsky

Stalker
The Mirror

Terry Gilliam

Brazil

[Mr Minio]

I've heard that Malle's Le Feu Follet (several English titles, not sure which one should I choose, so I post the original one) is a good movie. I haven't seen anything by Malle yet, but I've got 4 of his films on my to-watch list.

Stalker is a perfect movie for a start. The Mirror is like the most difficult of him, but it might be okay as number two.

I've seen only one movie by Terry Gilliam. It was 12 Monkeys. I want to see Brazil and I've heard that The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a good film too.

[Gabrielle947]

12 Monkeys is good but I don't like Brazil(it has a lot of similarities with George Orwell's book "1984").I would recommend to see Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas from Gilliam.

[Tyler1]

Stalker is a perfect movie for a start. The Mirror is like the most difficult of him, but it might be okay as number two.
The Mirror might also be his most accomplished film.

[Skepsis93]

I've heard that Malle's Le Feu Follet (several English titles, not sure which one should I choose, so I post the original one) is a good movie. I haven't seen anything by Malle yet, but I've got 4 of his films on my to-watch list.

I don't know how representative it is of his body of work (not very, I suspect) but My Dinner with Andre is well worth a watch. One of those that will hit everyone in drastically different ways. The rest of his filmography I still have to see. There's Au revoir les enfants, of course and I've heard good things about Vanya on 42nd Street.

[wintertriangles]

I love every single Malle movie I've seen.

[honeykid]

... I've heard that The Adventures of Baron Munchausen is a good film too.
You've been lied to.

[NuWell]

Andrei Tarkovsky
The Sacrifice
Andrei Rublev - These get ignored because they're long and confusing, but they're my favorite Tarkovsky films for sure.

Alain Resnais

Hiroshima, Mon Amour - I don't have words to describe how beautiful a film this is. Just watch it.

I could spend the next day explaining why you should watch every Godard film, but then you would probably hate me, and Godard.

[donniedarko]

Week 1- Louis Malle

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/10/Malle2.jpg/220px-Malle2.jpg
Works that I saw:
Crackers 0.5
Viva Maria! 1.5
Elevator to The Gallows 2 Arthouse Rating: 2.5

Crackers is the first Louis Malle film I've seen, and I must say it's a very weak start. Even though it's one of his later works. I don't give a .5 star rating often, I hold it almost as sacredly as I hold a perfect 5 star rating. This deserved it though. The whole atmosphere and how the movie was made felt cheap. It didn't take any risks other than going half racist here and there. Not sure if it was meant to be satirical or not. It was possibly the blandest most usual film I've seen.

Viva Maria! actually started off as an interesting film. The whole way through the makeup and costume were phenomenal. The first half was enjoyable enough for almost anyone. Other than an unrealistic scene where a woman shoots herself, and there's no blood. Then the second half was just outrageous. Such stupidity displayed on that screen, that was meant to be taken seriously. It's one of those films that you're grandmother would be watching on PBS. It became absolute crap. It was unrealistic too, I mean during scenes of war all the enemy soldiers were klutzes who would conveniently ruin it all last second. Hardly any blood, and the least realistic depiction of a revolution I've seen. Then the closing scene was so ridiculous I had to laugh, but at the same time I was cheeped out.

Elevator To The Gallows is the only truly acclaimed work of Malle that I've seen. While it was unique, following two criminal couples with baggage in France, it wasn't particularly good. For one everything felt to coincidental, everything happened at the wrong time, or right time depending on how you viewed the film. I was viewing it rooting against the protagonists. All four of them, I was cheering for the police. Therefore the ending actually did bring some joy to me. I doubt this is how Malle intended to deliver the film though. I also felt like the female performances were amateur. The men did alright, but the woman didn't seem convincing at all. I feel like my rating is a tad rough, but honestly I didn't catch the hype. I'm not saying it's overrated, just not of value to me. I will say though, some scenes looked gorgeous.

In conclusion I'm not sure how much more of Louis I'll be watching. The only one that still on my radar is, My Dinner with Andre. This is because I enjoy dialectically rich films, and simple ones. Other than I'm not sure I'll be watching to many more of his films.

Next Week: Nicolas Roeg

[mark f]

You should have started with Atlantic City.

[honeykid]

Looking forward to your views on Nicolas Roeg's work. Do you know what films of his you'll be watching?

On a side note, I was literally going to recommend him after I read your reviews on Malle.

[Godoggo]

I'm also curious to see what you pick to watch from Roeg and what you think of it. There's some interesting stuff to choose from.

[under0ath777]

I'm surprised you didn't like Elevator to the Gallows. It's Malle's feature debut and it is also the best work of his I've seen. try to see Le feu follet, or Au revoir les enfants if you like simple but powerful and honest drama films. It's not his fault you chose to see two of his lesser works.

[donniedarko]

Looking forward to your views on Nicolas Roeg's work. Do you know what films of his you'll be watching?

On a side note, I was literally going to recommend him after I read your reviews on Malle.

I'm also curious to see what you pick to watch from Roeg and what you think of it. There's some interesting stuff to choose from.

For Roeg I'm tackling Bad Timing, Eureka, and The Man Who Fell to Earth

[honeykid]

It'll be interesting. I really like The Man Who Fell To Earth. Bad Timing sorts 'em out. :D I think you either like it or hate it, but I don't know anyone who loves it. Not sure I'd want to. It's been 20+ years since I saw Eureka and I can't remember anything about it, but I wouldn't hold that against it. :D

Personally, I'd put Walkabout head and shoulders above anything else he's done and I'd recommend Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse to anyone who loves film and/or Apocalypse Now.

Looking forward to it. :)

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck x]

There's some more accessible Malle films. Damage is an entertaining potboiler and Vanya on 42nd Street is just lovely.

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck x]

Surely the obvious Roeg one is Don't Look Now? It was voted top of a BFI poll I think :)

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck x]

Future directors (though I imagine you've watched some of their films already): Vincente Minelli, Billy Wilder, David Lean and Jean Renoir. For controversial films, Michael Winterbottom and Lars Von Trier.

[NuWell]

Future directors (though I imagine you've watched some of their films already): Vincente Minelli, Billy Wilder, David Lean and Jean Renoir. For controversial films, Michael Winterbottom and Lars Von Trier.

Big fan of Lars Von Trier. So far Europa and Medea have been my favorite. Dogville being my least favorite. It redeems itself at the end, but the stage play with chalk divisions is a bit too kitschy for me.

[donniedarko]

I've seen three Von Trier works I believe. Europa, Melancholia, and Antichrist. I only liked Antichrist. For your other directors recommended most of them were already on my to watch list.

[NuWell]

I figured. Pretty hard to ignore those in my opinion. My feeling is if you ignore Hiroshima, Mon Amour, you should be taken out to pasture.

[NuWell]

That may be harsh, but I'm sure I'd be taken out by others for my offenses.

[donniedarko]

Week 2- Nicolas Roeg

http://www.evi.com/images/thumbs/180/250/Nicolas_Roeg.JPG
Works I've Watched
The Man Who Fell to Earth- 2+ Arthouse Rating: 3.5-
Eureka- 1.5 Arthouse Rating 2.5-
Bad Timing- 2++ Arthouse Rating: 3+

Ok, first off The Man who Fell to Earth, where do I even begin. It was creepy and odd film. While it didn't feel like close to it's running time, it was hard to follow, and therefore I didn't get anything out of it. David Bowie was mostly believable but the film itself pushed on it's central themes to much. I can see why it has a cult following but I won't be jumping on that train. Definitely interesting but not something that touches me, I hardly remember what happened.

Eureka started off fairly simple, but fell to itself. It kept referring to one or two moments to often and it didn't add up. Made well, comparable to Apocalypse Now in its set up, but fell very short of that quality. Despite showing some crazy things on the screen, I was never in the film. My mind was elsewhere, and I think so was Nicolas Roegs. It was concerned with how it looked, and its cast (which is a great one) that it forgot to focus on plot. Forgettable and bland over all, no wonder it was forgotten.

Finally there's Bad Timing. This was actually an interesting lay out but not really fully developed. It was very concerned with feeling erotic and not feeling real. Like the others found the story confusing, but at the same time amusing. Never drew out an emotion, but I wasn't bored until the necrophiliac ending.

In conclusion, I found the same thing true to all his films. I respect them much more than I enjoy them. He puts style over substance. And I find hard to remember what I saw even after I just saw it. I won't be watching anything of his anytime soon, I'm already over loaded. But I did have fun all things considered. I have very little to say. His films share many similarities, and I don't get them. I do understand why other would love them though.

Next Week: Paul Verhoeven (The Rodent should be pleased)

[donniedarko]

Movieforums was glitchy last night so bumping so people can actually see my last post.

[mark f]

Your rating for Fell to Earth is too high. You should have watched The Witches (pure entertainment) or Don't Look Now.

[HitchFan97]

The only Roeg I've seen is Don't Look Now, which was very good. I think I gave it a 3.5. It has a great atmosphere.

[honeykid]

Next Week: [B]Paul Verhoeven (The Rodent should be pleased)
He's not the only one. So much goodness there.

Though I like The Man Who Fell To Earth a lot more, I can understand anyone's opinion and/or rating of that film. If someone hated it and thought it was the worst film they'd ever seen, I'd understand. It's certainly not for everyone. Shame you didn't watch Walkabout. If you like films such as Matilda or Hocus Pocus, then I'd recommend you seek out The Witches. Otherwise... :nope:

[mark f]

The Witches isn't a kiddie movie no matter what honeykid or IMDB says.

[Exist]

^ Yes, Angelica Huston to the viewer, young boys like myself, that was something else, oh boy, oh boy!

[honeykid]

The Witches isn't a kiddie mpvie no matter what honeykid or IMDB says.
:yup: Remember, mark is both mark and American. Of course, you are too, so maybe you'll think the same way.

However, if you like Roald Dahl, writer of the greatest chidlrens book of all time, Fantastic Mr. Fox, then it's a must see.

[donniedarko]

It actually turns out I have seen a Verhoeven movie In Starship Troopers completely forgot it was his. Anyways I'll still do him for my challenge since I still no very little of him.

[teeter_g]

Movie challenge sounds interesting. Maybe I should do something similar for myself. Feel like I hardly ever watch movies any more. Cudos to you good sir! :)

[Godoggo]

:yup: Remember, mark is both mark and American. Of course, you are too, so maybe you'll think the same way.

However, if you like Roald Dahl, writer of the greatest chidlrens book of all time, Fantastic Mr. Fox, then it's a must see.

I agree with you 100% on Dahl and disagree that The Witches is a kiddie movie. But of course, I'm american. ;)

I kind of wanted Donnie to watch Track 29. That's an interesting one.

[TheGirlWhoHadAllTheLuck x]

Seems strange that they didn't watch the ones Roeg's more known for.

[mark f]

i see (from another thread) you're watching Basic Instinct :) Make sure to see Total Recall too!

[donniedarko]

Sorry Mark to late for that, I'll def. check it out in the future though.

Week 3: Paul Verhoeven
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/Paul_Verhoeven.jpg
Works I Watched:
Hollow Man- 2.5+
Basic Instinct- 3.5
Robocop- 3-

Technically this week doesn't really count as a new director. As I've mentioned a few posts back mid week I realized that Starship Troopers was a Verhoeven, and I've seen it. I would rate 3.5, but I decided to continue since he's still pretty much new to me.

Hollow Man is actually a half decent film. I wasn't that fond of the special effects, but when I look back it's interesting. I thought the acting led by Kevin Bacon was pretty crummy though. A small group of scientists turn the leader of the project invisible. All he can think of now is sex and killing, while this has been criticized I think this movie would suck if he didn't go insane. It was actually sufficiently thrilling, the last scene had me tense. It wasn't the smartest plot, but I was a fun one. Maybe it did feel lacking of a true purpose or sense, it's odd that the Doctor went mad so quickly, but it was all around an entertaining treat. It seems like one of those movies to watch on a plane, nothing great but it'll keep your eyes on the screen.

Basic Instinct is a sexual psychological thriller with twists and turns until the ending. It was undeniably intense, and explicit. It adds humor in unlikely places. The film revolves around sex, it's paced brilliantly, and you don't know anything about the two suspects true identity until last second. I'm not going to spoil it but I think the way the concluding scene is finished is smart, it leaves it to the viewer. Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone were a great match on the screen. All around a masterful thriller, that could almost be called a dirty version of Vertigo.

Robocop is the Verhoeven that I was looking forward to most, but found it as the least entertaining. A struggling police department in Detroit creates a machine cop that raids the city with justice. Personally I would prefer the 2011 grindhouse epic in Hobo With a Shotgun which has a similar idea, but in my mind has a true meaning behind it. Actually a strong movie for the emotions, while Robocop was just more of a fun film. Cheesy with the search for Justice, and the seize of corruption. It had some good comedic moments similar to the anti-war campaign of Starship Troopers, but while it was passing I didn't feel anything special.

In conclusion I will be viewing more of the mans movies, I haven't seen one I couldn't bare, and they are for the most part entertaining. Turkish Delight and Total Recall are the two I am especially looking out for. The most enjoyable experience I've had in this challenge so far.

Next Week- Robert Downey Sr.

[mark f]

What movies of his are you watching? I've only seen three.

I think you're too tough on Robocop.

[donniedarko]

What movies of his are you watching? I've only seen three.
I own THIS (http://www.criterion.com/boxsets/887-eclipse-series-33-up-all-night-with-robert-downey-sr) little set of his movies, I'm planning to watch them in one night.

I think you're too tough on Robocop.

I actually thought a 3- was pretty generous.

[mark f]

I hope you're prepared for that! Of those, I've only seen Putney Swope.

[Daniel M]

Good stuff donniedarko, really enjoying reading your thoughts so far and makes me really want to expand my viewings to more directors that some I've never heard of before. By the way, your love for Hobo with a Shotgun makes me want to watch that soon, I also have Death Proof on blu-ray ready to watch, I think you like that as well don't you? :)

[donniedarko]

^ Thank you. Death proof is a good film, Definently true Tarantino, since you loved Django you should Atleast like deathproof. I prefer the Rodriguez feature when they released it together in Planet Terror though.

[Daniel M]

^ Thank you. Death proof is a good film, Definently true Tarantino, since you loved Django you should Atleast like deathproof. I prefer the Rodriguez feature when they released it together in Planet Terror though.

Yeh I love everything Tarantino to be honest, I got his XX box set with every film so Death Proof is the last one to see, I've heard it is generally considered his worst but I'm really interested in the style as Tarantino deliberately did it as a grindhouse/explotation/gritty style, like you said I would have loved to watch it as a double feature with fake trailers + Planet Terror in the cinema, I would have imagined that to have been a great experience.

[mark f]

I know I recommened four directors earlier but I'd also like to suggest Donald Siegel and when you're ready for great British cinema, try Michael Powell/Emeric Pressburger.

[wintertriangles]

Powell/Pressburger....oh yes

You could make one fun month out of that duo

[Gabrielle947]

Death Proof is the last one to see, I've heard it is generally considered his worst
Death Proof as a single film is great.I like it as much as other Tarantino films.But,to be honest,in the whole Grindhouse project Tarantino failed.He just made his style movie instead of a grindhouse type film.Planet Terror is better for grindhouse but Death Proof is better as a separate film. :)

[HitchFan97]

I know I recommened four directors earlier but I'd also like to suggest Donald Siegel and when you're ready for great British cinema, try Michael Powell/Emeric Pressburger.

Don Siegel is great! Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dirty Harry, and all the other great collaborations with Eastwood make for a truly underrated director. Running through almost all of his films is a distrust of groups and institutions.

[donniedarko]

Week 4- Robert Downey Sr.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/auteurs_production/images/cast_member/30307/original.jpghttp://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/release_images/3908/Downey_3D_slipcase.png?1329430837

Works viewed:
Babo 73 2
Chafed Elbow 3++
No More Excuses 2.5-
Putney Swope 3+
Two Tons of Turquoise To Taos Tonight 1.5

Well as the title of the eclipse set implies, I stayed up all night watching the disturbed mind of Robert Downeys Srs underground New York films. It was a memorable experience for sure, and one I don't think I'll soon forget. The films weren't great, but they were fun.

The first Downey Sr. film I viewed was the political satire Babo 73. The film had a view good moments early on, such as the confession scene, but it quickly got boring and even predictable. I understood the satire of it, in fact I feel like the satire in this one was to simple. You don't even have to think about it, it's all laid out for you. As a directorial debut it's certainly not a great one, but it has a few sparks of energy. Chafed Elbows is my favorite of the Downey Sr. explorations. It was the story of a man involved in incest with his mother, and is a direct involvement in a murder. It was a hysterical piece, the dry humor therapist scene had me laughing my ass off. Just these wise one liners all the way through, and underground cinema inside jokes made it an extremely interesting film. I thought the dubbing was annoying though, and would be better just to make it a regular shoot. No More Excuses paralleled the civil war, animal nudity, and the sexual revolution. What do you mean what do these things have in common? Isn't it obvious, psh. The first twenty minutes or so was interesting, but it became to repetitive, going over the same things again and again. It was enjoyable over all, but I thinking adding a couple more topics would make it a legit satire master piece.

Putney Swope is the most acclaimed Downey Sr. film, and it's because it was one of the riskiest films I've seen. Hardcore satire here, the whole story is of a black man taking over an advertising company as a fluke. He then fires the white crews, hires stereotypical African Americans, and the film goes full pledged racism. The crew demanding watermelon breaks, instead of smoking breaks, and that's just average. I was laughing for the majority of the film, and the hilarious advertisements. I think some of the techniques were questionable, such as dubbing Putneys voice, but it paid off. It felt a bit like a publicity stunt, but stuck to the roots. Even has a Chafed Ellbows Easter egg in there. I think I'll probably re watch this with in the month. Finally there's Two Tons of Turquoise To Taos Tonight, if it sounds like crap, it's because it is. Nothing more than a home movie, with Downeys wife at the time playing twenty plus roles. Just a little montage, and I don't think it was really made for the publics eye. Uninteresting, I couldn't even find a reason to watch it all the way through.

In conclusion, other than rewatching some of these, I'm not in a rush to watch other films from the original Robert Downey. I would like to learn more about him as a man, and inspiration for his films though. If you like satire, you should appreciate the first four of these films. And no matter what it's a good time.

[Godoggo]

I haven't seen any of those movies, but I think I'll put Chafed Elbows on my to watch list.

[donniedarko]

^Def. worth it, I'm pretty sure you'd like Putney too, and I forgot to say who's next.
Michael Haneke. And here are the films I'm watching.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7b/Cache_Haneke.jpg/220px-Cache_Haneke.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Funny_Games1997.jpg/220px-Funny_Games1997.jpghttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/88/The_Piano_Teacher_film.jpg/220px-The_Piano_Teacher_film.jpg

[Godoggo]

Haneke is always good for discussion whether you like him or not. :cool:

[rauldc14]

you have to watch Amour, then too naturally.

[Mr Minio]

Watch Amour.

[NuWell]

Grrrr Regal has taken its sweet time bringing Amour to Knoxville.

[donniedarko]

Week 5- Michael Haneke
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/Michael_Haneke_2009.jpg/220px-Michael_Haneke_2009.jpg
Works Viewed
Funny Games (1998)- 3.5 Arthouse Rating: 4
The Piano Teacher- 2 Arthouse Rating 2.5-
Cache- 4+

Funny Games is a movie that fights violence in film, by putting extreme violence into a film. Maybe that's the only way to do it. Most regular audiences will be disturbed and shaken, if you've watched enough violent films in the past you'll sit through it while feeling agitated. It depends on the audience really, and while it's film that's incredibly self indulgent, it's sophisticated. Two sadists terrorize rich vacationers, for pleasure purposes. For entertainment value, which is the exact reason the viewers keep watching. And the villains in the film, they will call you out for it. Not always directly either. The acting by the four adults was authentic and true to itself, I honestly applaud the actors. The films pacing is some of the best ever, other than the concluding scene (which was intentionally offbeat), the film moves itself in an extraordinary tempo. Builds a load of tension coming in, and while predictable later on, still uses the filming techniques to keep the audience involved. While I do understand the underlying message, there's a difference between Tarantino violence and this, and I believe that must be understood too.

The Piano Teacher had one ginormous problem, it was the protagonist Erika Kohut. She's the most irritating character ever put on screen. Egotistic, naive, uptight, selfish, she just had awful qualities. Therefore even the final scene couldn't draw pity out of me. Was Haneke really trying to make the mother seem like the pest? Because if that was the intent he has it reversed. The cinematographer Christian Berger did a phenomenal job, no wonder Haneke had re-casted him for future projects. Also the film editing made this smooth in transition, not a single scene was over bearing for me. Technical wise this film was brilliant, but the characters and story couldn't meet these achievements. Therefore this film fell flat, and truly it wasn't that disturbing.

Cache is a tight nerve wrenching, heart pounding, film. The greatest thriller of recent history. A couple with a near perfect life gets disturbed by video tapes arriving at there door of someone watching them. No character development lead into this, the film dived right into this. Smart decision in my mind, because this film never wasted a second. These tapes and occasional letters turned there lives upside down. There were no threats, no foul play, just the pure idea of being stalked crashed there lives to the ground. I was incredibly tense through out, I was always on the edge waiting for what's to come next. The editing by Muse and Hudeck was unbelievable, the pacing was spot on. The only thing I wish is that there would be at least some more of a conclusion. I'm not saying a give away, but a hint. The film can be interpreted many ways with the open end, I'm still pondering a few possibilities. No doubt in my mind though that this will be remembered as a classic with in the thriller genre.

In conclusion more Haneke will be happening in my near future. Amour and The White Ribbon were already on my to watch list. All these film were entertaining, and all were more or less open ended. I was always in the loop until the credits started rolling. I do feel like the immediate feeling I get from these films wear off pretty fast though.

[mark f]

I give ALL those 2.5. I find them interesting but unfulfilled; light on suspense and heavy on intellectual exercises. I think even less of The White Ribbon. I'm in the minority, at least of people who post about Hanake here, but I suggest you decide for yourself, like donniedarko did.

[HitchFan97]

I've posted about Funny Games before, but I'm not a fan of it. It starts strong but devolves into sadism. I get the message, and there's a certain nobility in Haneke's efforts to re-sensitize his audience to violence, but I find the whole thing too mean-spirited and hateful of its audience. It's the only one of his films I've seen and Cache is the only other one that I'm really interested in.

[Mr Minio]

I'm looking forward to watching more Haneke after your recommendation. The White Ribbon and Amour are the ones I've seen.

[Cobpyth]

Who's the next director you're going to discover?

[rauldc14]

With Haneke, not sure why someone would remake their own film less than 10 years apart of each other (Funny Games). Haven't seen either but truly strange to me.

[donniedarko]

Who's the next director you're going to discover?

Right, keep forgetting to do that.

Next week: Todd Solondz


And as far as Raul's remake comment, I think it might be that he wanted more exposure to American audiences

[wintertriangles]

And as far as Raul's remake comment, I think it might be that he wanted more exposure to American audiencesCorrect, the film was meant for our viewers, but you can't really get that when a brutal German film. I almost prefer the remake just because of the performances.


Next week: Todd Solondz
Hehehehe....Oh I really hope you don't hate this guy.

[Cobpyth]

Right, keep forgetting to do that.

Next week: Todd Solondz

That's a coincidence. I was just preparing to watch Happinness!
Enjoy!

[Godoggo]

Correct, the film was meant for our viewers, but you can't really get that when a brutal German film. I almost prefer the remake just because of the performances.

I do for that reason.

Oh good, Todd Solondz. One of his movies is in my top 120.

[Skepsis93]

Happiness is incredible. Shoo-in for my next list if I ever get round to doing one.

[donniedarko]

Week 6- Todd Solondz
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ee/Toddsolondz.jpg/220px-Toddsolondz.jpg
Happiness 2
Life During Wartime 2-

Well I don't really have much to say about the sick mind of Todd, but I'll do my best to get a reasonable amount in.

The first Solondz I watched was by far his greatest hit Happiness, if this is his best I can't imagine watching some of his worse like Palindromes. It's mainly my fault I don't like this though. I'm not a fan of dual stories, especially exceeding two, and this one has four plus. Films like Slacker, Nashville, and now this have never appealed to me. I love black humor, but I felt this films was even predictable. Most people on the contrary were shocked by what was shown, I just though it was stupid to make a film purely off being perverted. So no it didn't shock me, with an NC-17 rating, I thought it was even bland humor. Then there's Life During Wartime, the sequel to Happiness. All the questions I never had are more or less answered here. Some of the references actually did put a smile on my face, but for the most part I found it dull. It's not much worse than Happiness, but that's not saying to much. I felt it was to colorful for the topics at hand, and never really accomplished anything.

So no I'm not watching any more of his films, I don't see any reason to do so. They're self indulged and try way to hard to shock. Nothing good about this week.

Next Week: Powell and Pressburger

[Skepsis93]

Well, he's not for everyone.

Taking a look at your lists I notice you haven't seen any David Lean. I recently saw three of his films and if he keeps up the form he's established in my mind with Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Brief Encounter then he's well on his way to becoming one of my very favorite directors.

In other words, consider this a recommendation for one of your weeks. :)

[donniedarko]

Well, he's not for everyone.

Taking a look at your lists I notice you haven't seen any David Lean. I recently saw three of his films and if he keeps up the form he's established in my mind with Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai and Brief Encounter then he's well on his way to becoming one of my very favorite directors.

In other words, consider this a recommendation for one of your weeks. :)

:yup: he's already high up on my watch list. The only thing is i wanna see about five of his films when I do his, so I'm waiting for summer, or a week when I'll have a ton of free time.

[mark f]

There are several others but I'd recommend A Matter of Life and Death, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp and The Red Shoes next. :cool:

[donniedarko]

^Out of those three Im watching one, and then another one you didn't mention. That's all I'm saying.

[Skepsis93]

I like A Matter of Life and Death. Awe-inspiring opening but gets a little too propagandist and drawn-out by its finale.

[mark f]

The only propaganda is an American from 1775 dislikes the British WWII pilot... for awhile. That's what I think - it's called conflict. :) I'd say it's awe-inspiring throughout, but I've watched a gazllion times.

[honeykid]

Are these going to be only Powell and Pressburger films or are Peeping Tom or The Edge of the World possible?

[donniedarko]

Only Powell/Pressenger, the archers. I was thinking of Doing individuals too, so I could include Peeping Tom, but I'm only doing duals. Maybe one week I'll do individual Powell films though.

[HitchFan97]

Peeping Tom is awesome. The Red Shoes is one of the most beautiful films ever made, but that's about all I got out of it. Ironically enough I was just gonna watch Black Narcissus, it seems right up my alley.

[wintertriangles]

The Red Shoes is one of the most beautiful films ever made, but that's about all I got out of it.Aw that's ALL you got out of it? I know how you feel. Someone recommended me Black Narcissus but all I got out of it was one of the most beautiful films ever made. What a gip!

[mark f]

All Archers' films improve with repeat watches. :cool:

[HitchFan97]

Aw that's ALL you got out of it? I know how you feel. Someone recommended me Black Narcissus but all I got out of it was one of the most beautiful films ever made. What a gip!

Shouldn't a film have more than just technical brilliance to be great? I'm not denying that it's extraordinarily well-made, but it didn't really connect with me. I gave it a 3, btw.

[wintertriangles]

Shouldn't a film have more than just technical brilliance to be great? I'm not denying that it's extraordinarily well-made, but it didn't really connect with me. I gave it a 3, btw.Well you didn't say technical brilliance. Usually when people say "one of the most beautiful films of all time" it connects with them on more than an aesthetic level. Don't mind me though, I'm just a devil's advocate.

[honeykid]

Well you didn't say technical brilliance. Usually when people say "one of the most beautiful films of all time" it connects with them on more than an aesthetic level.
Really? That's not been my experience. Especially when it's something like The Red Shoes.

[wintertriangles]

Really? That's not been my experience. Especially when it's something like The Red Shoes.Well I guess I'm a stereotypical artist then because I found it pretty moving because of the whole self-destruction through creative action aspect.

[donniedarko]

Week 7- Powell and Pressburger
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6f/Archers-AMOLAD-Logo.jpg/215px-Archers-AMOLAD-Logo.jpg
Works Viewed:
A Canterbury Tale- 1.5
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp 3+

A Canterbury Tale, while seemingly popular in Britain is a lesser known film of The Archers. In my mind for good reasons. The story follows three young adults, the woman of the crew is attacked by a wretched criminal. This criminal goes around and rapes innocent, actually no that's not at all what he does, he pours glue on people. Then a heart pounding man hunt begins for this criminal, well that's not true either. The manhunt was rather bland and moved slowly. I think it's sadder that there was a search for this man, then it is a pity that a man is so lonely he has to do this. If this film realized how ridiculous it was it might've been fun, but despite some puns it took itself fully seriously. All around disaster of a film.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k7LiL3ZniVA/UARqFpbkNrI/AAAAAAAAEDw/ypxooPFDJxg/s400/20065-the-life-and-death-of-colonel-blimp.jpg
Before I say anything of, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, I must credit this film with the greatest production design/ makeup I've ever seen. The restored version of this bursts with color. Comparable to The Tree of Life, filmed almost seventy years later, in the outstanding mixture of coloration. The film follows the three world wars that Clive Candy has been a part of, and what happens in between. I found the film was a bit too choppy at parts, and over extended the less important parts of a scene, and then kept the interesting part cut off. It was most certainly style over substance, but the style was near flawless.

Compared to most these ratings are on the lower side of things, but I'm still intrigued deeply by The Archers other films. Most notably Black Narcissus which just from some screen shots I've seen looks stunning. I want to explore more from these men, and I certainly will watch more of the duos films in 2013.


Next Week:Carl T.H. Dreyer(What's your favorite?)

[Godoggo]

Dreyer? I'd make sure I watched Day of Wrath.

[mark f]

The "Glue Man" only tried to keep the women from dating soldiers; he wasn't meant to be really dangerous. The manhunt just brings all the characters together since it's rather obvious who the misguided criminal is. It's the parallels to Chaucer and the outcome of the all the characters' pilgrimages that are the heart of A Canterbury Tale. The other things I can say are that I find both films deeply moving and I own both. I'm glad you'll watch more Archers though.

[TokeZa]

besides day of wrath i would suggest:
The Passion of Joan of Arc
The Word
Vampyr

[donniedarko]

Week 8- Carl Th. Dreyer
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7e/Carl_Theodor_Dreyer_(1965)_by_Erling_Mandelmann.jpg/220px-Carl_Theodor_Dreyer_(1965)_by_Erling_Mandelmann.jpg

Works Viewed:
Day of Wrath 4.5-
Vampyr 2.5--
The Passion of Joan of Arc 2.5+

Day of Wrath is an amazing Carl Th. Dreyer drama, and is my favorite film set in the medieval ages. The film is centered around two scandals, a cover up and a love affair. Both weigh equal value to the film just at different times. I think the greatest part of this film, despite being from the 1940s and set in the 1600s, is that I strongly relate to the family in it. Not a character, or even the situation, but I felt like I had something to share with all four of the family members. I felt all of there emotions, even the seemingly heartless ones. It's brilliantly filmed, and is technically flawless. Filled with depth and marvelous technique, this is undeniably a classic.

Vampyr was largely underwhelming, especially after watching Day of Wrath only a day before it. The film shows odd images that never get explanations, and nothing was ever surreal. Let alone scary. To think it's regarded as a classic horror is shocking to me, because it really is sloppy. The camera work is much ahead of its time, I will give it that. Maybe it's because this formula has been breached and executed stronger by future directors like Lynch, but for me this film felt largely out dated.

The Passion Of Joan of Arc is an amazing film in the arthouse sense. I mean it was phenomenally made and flawless in technical senses. The performance by Fallconetti was brilliant, and has hardly ever been matched in the sound days. Despite being from the 20s this film used modern techniques in filming. So yes I applaud this film in its accomplishments, but I don't think I will ever watch this again. For one thing I never found the tale of Joan of Arc at all interesting. It's probably because my lack of any spiritual life, so while this might be a personal problem, but then again I am giving this a personal rating. If I would still award art house ratings this would be around a 4. But with with disinterest of historical hero Joan of Arc, a movie about her trial also served me little. I'd rather be watching Mulan.

In conclusion I'm still very interested in Dreyers non silent films. The ones around The Day of Wrath era. Ordet and Getrud both seem like they would please my movie watching needs, and I'm very intrested with the plots. But my ratings for the two silent films would be even lower if I was just looking at my enjoyment. And there wasn't any.

Next Week: John Cassavetes

[honeykid]

See, had you watched better films in your Paul Verhoeven week, you'd have this as your favourite film set in medieval times. :D

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/1589/fleshblood1985.jpg

[donniedarko]

Week 9- John Cassavetes
http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/product_images/483/Film_250w_Cassavetes.jpg?1328128315

Works Viewed
Faces- Unratable
A Woman Under the Influence- 2

So my introduction to Cassavetes as a director was Faces, and I'm dissapointed in my self by saying I only got 45 minutes in. I mean it's not that the film had such awful over all qualities, it's just the fact how pointless it all felt. I mean it had great acting, especially looking at the un-real characters that had to be portrayed. And the characters with there constant mood swings and bitching gave me a headache. So shame on me for having no patience, but it's as much as the films fault. Oh and the only other thing I have to say, is did anyone else notice how abruptly this started. Just dived right in, thought that was interesting.

A Woman Under the Influence is a film I've been meaning to catch for a good while now. It's about a broken home, or perhaps the end was implying that this was a normal home, either way it's about a home. In this home there's a wife, a husband, and three kids. It couldn't be more normal, except the wife is coo-koo, and the husband is an abusive prick. Both had amazing performances, but especially Gena Rowlands. If you've seen the 2010 film Blue Valentine the style is incredibly similar. I think the main draw back of the film is that it tried to be too genuine. I was shocked by the realistic feel, but I was noticing so much that I never viewed this as a real family. It never left just a movie zone for me, which I think is contrary of the intent. I felt that the film could have been trimmed down some, but the length wasn't to big of a deal. The problem was the over kill of realism, and trying to show a regular family with there baggage, been better if Cassavates toned down trying to make it 100% life like.

I don't believe I'll be watching more from Cassavates, these two films intrigued the most, and neither lived near to the credit I was hoping to give it. The Killing of a Chinese Bookie has a noticeable title, but that doesn't mean sh-t.
If there is one you'd recommend though, what would it be?

Next Week: Exploring a female director in Chantal Akerman

[donniedarko]

Week 10- Chantal Akerman
http://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/explore_images/511/explore_1216_021.jpg?1328128309

Work Viewed:
Hotel Monterey- 1.5
La Chambre (shortfilm)- 2--

This week I watched the films of feminist director Chantal Akerman, and I must say it was the worse week of this challenge, since week 1 with Louis Malle. I watched two of her "experimental" documentaries, and was equally unimpressed by both. I also got about twenty minutes into Jeanne Dielman, 23, Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles, but I realized I would not be able to make it three more hours.

Hotel Monterey is a cheap motel in New York where Chantal Akerman brings her camera. No sound, no music, and no credits. But really a score would highly benefit this film. Many have said it had a surreal feel, but I really just felt mutual and bored. It's like a more focused version of Man With A Movie Camera, but also much less interesting (which Honeykid would say is impossible). A score really would've benefited this, but instead it CHOSE to be uninteresting. Would've worked better as a short film, which essentially is what La Chambre is. Once again silent, this time the camera just spins around multiple times in an apartment. Nothing really better, but I give it half a star higher for being shorter.

Sorry that's all I got this week. This is more of just a warning to stay away from these films, eventually I'll get to the three and a half hour film I mentioned earlier, but that'll be when I feel like my life is to dry. Pretty much it's just about a house moms routine, I'm sure Akerman be upset with me using that term, but screw her.

Next Week: Chris Marker

[Guaporense]

Interesting thing you are doing.

The "arthouse ratings" would be your "artistic value" ratings while your normal ratings would be your "entertainment value" ratings. (a-la Keith Allen's movie site)

Anyway, how about a Satoshi Kon week?

[donniedarko]

Interesting thing you are doing.
Thanks

The "arthouse ratings" would be your "artistic value" ratings while your normal ratings would be your "entertainment value" ratings. (a-la Keith Allen's movie site)
More or less, but I've been abandoning the arthouse rating thing, and instead just merging into my actual rating.

Anyway, how about a Satoshi Kon week?
I'm actually considering dedicating a few weeks to Japanese anime films since I haven't seen any, so I'll keep him in mind.

[SnuffStuff]

It seems that you just can't get into anything even remotely challenging or non-straightforward.

2/5 for Woman Under the Influence is a brutal score, man. I think you should rewatch it sometime, when you don't have to separate between arthouse points and enjoyment points.

Passion of Joan d'arc rating also hurts me deeply, sir.

[donniedarko]

It seems that you just can't get into anything even remotely challenging or non-straightforward.

2/5 for Woman Under the Influence is a brutal score, man. I think you should rewatch it sometime, when you don't have to separate between arthouse points and enjoyment points.

Passion of Joan d'arc rating also hurts me deeply, sir.

There's plenty of arthouse films I love, but I've been misfortunate with some of the arthouse films I've been watching for this challenge. But I do believe simple and straightforward films can be the greatest. And remember even when I give brutally low ratings, I can still respect a film.

Anyways Im planning to do Brakhage soon, are there any short films of his that you'd reccomend, since I know that you're somewhat of a fan by the name.

Also it's great to see Persona in your top ten, it's my number one.

[SnuffStuff]

There's plenty of arthouse films I love, but I've been misfortunate with some of the arthouse films I've been watching for this challenge. But I do believe simple and straightforward films can be the greatest. And remember even when I give brutally low ratings, I can still respect a film.

Anyways Im planning to do Brakhage soon, are there any short films of his that you'd reccomend, since I know that you're a fan.
Well, the clearest place to start is with something short but reasonably famous.

So, Mothlight and The Garden of Earthly Delights would be a good place. And, of course, Dog Star Man.

If your appetite for insane short films isn't quenched after that, I'd suggest also trying Hollis Frampton, I almost feel like in some ways he was a more insightful avant garde artist than Brakhage, though both are definitely worth dipping into.

And yes, I love persona. And I like that you have Cat Soup in your top 10, that film is quite perfect.

[mark f]

You shouldn't feel hurt by his or anyone else's ratings or thoughts. After all, what I think and feel doesn't hurt you unless we're the same person or a family member. To disagree is fine though. :)

[SnuffStuff]

Occasionally, like most men, I feel like exaggerating.

[honeykid]

Hotel Monterey It's like a more focused version of Man With A Movie Camera, but also much less interesting (which Honeykid would say is impossible).
I don't know. You may well be right, but as it's a short, I may think it works better, as that was my complaint of Man With A Movie Camera. Of course, when you say "short", it really does depend just how short it is. :D

[donniedarko]

Week 11- Chris Marker
http://www.ballardian.com/images/chris_marker2.jpg

Works Viewed:
La Jetee- 4.5
Sans Soleil- 3.5

La Jetee is a phenomenal sci-fi movie, and Chris Marker inspired me with this. The story of time is told purely off picture stills and a narrator, but it is more powerful than most films with live actors. Sure this craft has been imitated, but it's never been made as lividly as Marker made it. With in the opening minutes I already forgot that these were just pictures. The story begins complicated, and the concluding made me contemplate everything I've considered to be true. At under thirty minutes the film wastes no time, but it doesn't feel rushed. Absolutely brilliant and memorable.

Sans Soleil is a documentary, which like La Jetee has a narrator, this time a hypnotic woman (the narrator is different depending in what language you watch this in). The film travels from San Fransisco to Iceland, and is a journey in itself. A study of human life, with out any human opinions. Just images. At times I'd look at the images and not listen to the voice, and at others vice versa. I'll admit at times I wasn't focused at anything. The most memorable scene was the sex museum, which felt more pure than any church. There are plenty of graphic images, especially once this film approaches, that were hard to look at. But this film isn't here to manipulate your emotions, but instead your view of life. While I felt that it couldn't take anything as simple nature, I certainly pondered a few lines. I believe I would have an easy time rewatching this, and I look forward to it. I certainly missed large chunks of the film.

Well obviously Marker left a strong impression on me. Especially La Jetee which morphed how I look at film. Two definite experimental classics, unlike Akermans movies. Does he have any other good films though? These two were the only ones I heard of.

Next Week: Brain De Palma

[Brodinski]

Next Week: Brain De Palma

I'll be waiting for that. I'm a fan of De Palma and think he's one of the greatest stylists and creators of moods and atmospheres out there. I know lines is a big fan too.

[Daniel M]

Nice to see you find a director that really seemed to leave an impression and you enjoyed, will have to check out his stuff, good stuff :up:

I want to see more De Palma films myself, make sure you watch Blow Out, I love that film and it'd be interesting to see how you find it.

[Skepsis93]

Glad you liked La Jetee, donnie. :up:

[linespalsy]

What DePalma flicks will you watch?

[HitchFan97]

Yayyy De Palma! Make sure you catch Blow Out and Dressed To Kill, those are my two favorites.

[Skepsis93]

Watch Carrie. I love that flick.

[donniedarko]

What DePalma flicks will you watch?

Well since he's very popular around here I'm gonna watch four films this week, so I can get a true taste.

These are the four I'm going with:
Sisters
Mission Impossible
The Untouchables
and
Blow Out

I would watch others like Carrie and Scarface, but I'll probably only have time for one DVD from Netflix, and I went with Blow Out. Unless the library has a movie or two of his, and then I'll be watching a fifth.

Thanks for the recommendations guys :yup:

[Gabrielle947]

Pfff,no Scarface and Carrie? Shame on you :P

[teeter_g]

Gab has a point Donnie.

[wintertriangles]

Scarface needs to disappear for a while.

[The Gunslinger45]

Scarface is overrated IMO. The last ten minutes are great though.

[Gabrielle947]

Since Donniedarko is "discovering" directors I think he should see the films which really made the director known.I would take The Untouchables off the list. :P

[donniedarko]

Since Donniedarko is "discovering" directors I think he should see the films which really made the director known.I would take The Untouchables off the list. :P

There are a ton of people who have Untouchbales as they're favorite De Palma. Don't believe me search "Brian De Palmas best films" on Google, and you'll see most people have it a 1 or 2. I'd like to watch all his classics, but ain't nobody got time for that.

[Cobpyth]

You never saw a De Palma movie before? You're in for a treat!

I think his best film is Carlito's Way (of the ones I've seen, that is). It has one specific scene that I really liked a lot and it's more subtle and in a certain way darker than his other crime movies in my opinion. Al Pacino and Sean Penn also give some very strong performances. It also has a good script.

I also liked The Untouchables. De Niro steals the show, although he doesn't have enough screen time in my opinion. It has some very interesting and very well crafted scenes.

Scarface is a good movie with a more cartoonish main character, but the ending is just AWESOME!

I think you should certainly watch 2 of these 3 crime flicks if you really want to explore Brian De Palma.

[honeykid]

I'm not much of a De Palma fan and nor of the four films you'll be watching next week. I would, however, recommend Scarface, Casualties Of War, Carlito's Way and Dressed To Kill, if I were to watch four of his films, with Body Double getting an honourable mention. However, if you want four of the more 'out there' De Palma's, then stick with Dressed To Kill, but throw in Phantom Of The Paradise, Raising Cain and Bonfire Of The Vanities. That last one may seem like an odd suggestion, but it really isn't normal. :D

[linespalsy]

The Untouchables is the one that "won me over" but strangely I don't have any to recommend as 'the essentials.' Have fun with those four.

[Cream]

Like Hitchcock? Then try Dressed To Kill.

[mondoproportions]

One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

[HitchFan97]

Like Hitchcock? Then try Dressed To Kill.

Hell yeah. Best movie Hitchcock never made, and a brilliant homage to Psycho.

[donniedarko]

Week 12- Brian De Palma
http://scarfacewikipedia.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/1/8/3218355/2806798_orig.jpg
Works Viewed:
Sisters 4-
Mission Impossible 1.5-
Blow Out 3-
The Untouchables 3.5

Sisters is my official introduction to De Palma, and it's a damn hard one to top. The low budget psychological thriller was highly flawed. The sound was in poor quality, and not always in sync. The supporting actors weren't always believable, and there were times when the movie itself wasn't believable. But despite this all the film had me hooked from the opening scene where it's a view in the womb. Then the cheesy TV show scene dragged me farther in, and it kept me until the credits. The film is intense, and while it is an imitation of Hitchcock, it's not just some poser. Sisters had many distinctive unique qualities, and is on par with most of Hitches filmography. The dual camera scenes were fascinating. This is something most critics of the film can agree on, and it's perhaps the idea that stands out the most. I'm still not sure how I feel about the end, it was certainly hypnotic, but I'm not sure if it crossed the line. De Palma uses plenty of exploitation in the film, but I found this was a large benefit. Kidder and Jennifer Salt both went all in with their acting, and it paid off. This is a masterpiece, but it might be the most flawed masterpiece I've seen.

Then a few days after being pleased with the treat in Sisters, I watched the somewhat hailed action movie, Mission Impossible. It was a total opposite experience. The story was confusing, and overly dramatic. The script had inconsistencies, the characters never felt like real people. But the worse thing about this movie is how generic it is. This film displays no style or flare. This is opposite of the other De Palmas, but MI is the most uniform action I've seen. It wasn't cheese, it was bland and took no risks. I will not be rushing out to see the sequels (even though they're by other directors).

Blow Out, is the De Palma film I have the most mixed feelings on. I found the idea to be very alluring, but it sounded more complex than it turned out to be. I found the two stars Travolta and Nancy Allen put up weak performances, considering their high caliber profiles. The facial expressions didn't match how they were feeling, and they rarely showed raw emotion. One epic scene (cinematography and editing wise I recall) is when Travolta is recreating what he saw with a pencil in hand, and in parallel it shows what actually happened. That scene was deeply creative and for me the stand out of the film, except the ending. That ending was glorious, the finale alone makes this worth it. My heart stopped.

The Untouchables is an enjoyable cop film, that follows the stop of notorious gangster Al Capone. The cast was amazing, Costner, Connery, Garcia, and De Niro were tremendous in their roles, and fit right into them. The film itself really brings you back to prohibition Chicago, with its scenery and style. The city feels glamorous, but at the very beginning it shows how ugly it really is. A few scenes didn't make much sense, like the baby carriage, and the post office scene. Those felt forced and non practical, but the rest of the film flowed well. Not my favorite police film, but it was a good one. It's set up well at the start, and continues (for the most part) running smoothly.

De Palma was enjoyable, but no where near complete. I'll be watching more of his films, and my priority is on Dressed to Kill and Carrie. All of the films but MI had a unique style and individuality. I'd be shocked if any of his films appeal to me as much as Sisters did. But then again I was expecting Blow Out to be my favorite of the bunch. Any who, good week.

Next Up: Well I'm going to Can Cun for Spring Break, and while I'll have internet, I'll have little to no access or time for movies. So the next two weeks are going to be off weeks. After that though I will be revisiting the director I did my first week, Louis Malle. I'm doing this because it was said it's not fair for me to judge him based on his lower end films, and I have more availability to his films now.

[Sinny McGuffins]

I'm not a fan of De Palma. Blow Out is the best one of his I've seen. Scarface and Carriewere OK, but I didn't like Mission Impossible, The Black Dahlia or The Untouchables. Did Sean Connery's ridiculous Irish accent in Untouchables not throw you off? I honestly don't know how he managed to bag an Oscar for that role.

[donniedarko]

I'm not a fan of De Palma. Blow Out is the best one of his I've seen. Scarface and Carriewere OK, but I didn't like Mission Impossible, The Black Dahlia or The Untouchables. Did Sean Connery's ridiculous Irish accent in Untouchables not throw you off? I honestly don't know how he managed to bag an Oscar for that role.

I certainly don't think the role is Oscar worthy, but I didn't get thrown off the accent. TBH I didn't even notice it until Stone commented on it. It seems that on this forum Blow Out is his most popular.

[honeykid]

The Untouchables A few scenes didn't make much sense, like the baby carriage, and the post office scene. Those felt forced and non practical, but the rest of the film flowed well.

It's just De Palma letting us know that he's seen Battleship Potemkin.

I saw Mission: Impossible on the big screen and, don't let anyone tell you different, it's just as unimpressive on a big screen as I'm sure it is on a small one.

[donniedarko]

It's just De Palma letting us know that he's seen Battleship Potemkin.
.

:laugh:

Ya I made that connection, but The Odessa Steps scene is actually epic.

[HitchFan97]

Blow Out, is the De Palma film I have the most mixed feelings on. I found the idea to be very alluring, but it sounded more complex than it turned out to be. I found the two stars Travolta and Nancy Allen put up weak performances, considering their high caliber profiles. The facial expressions didn't match how they were feeling, and they rarely showed raw emotion. One epic scene (cinematography and editing wise I recall) is when Travolta is recreating what he saw with a pencil in hand, and in parallel it shows what actually happened. That scene was deeply creative and for me the stand out of the film, except the ending. That ending was glorious, the finale alone makes this worth it. My heart stopped.

From what I've seen, I'll say that Blow Out is De Palma's masterpiece, and a fine candidate for the title of 'best ending ever'. Nancy Allen's performance gets s*** on a lot, but personally I'm not as bothered by it as a lot of people. I think Travolta is pretty great in it though, his performance shows a lot of restraint and in the ending, of course, you get a powerful sense of the heartbreak he's endured. The beginning of the movie is great too, and sets up Blow Out for what it really is: a meditation on the darker nature of film itself. Aside from that, I think it's a genuinely perfect thriller and one of the three or four best films of the 80s.

[Daniel M]

From what I've seen, I'll say that Blow Out is De Palma's masterpiece, and a fine candidate for the title of 'best ending ever'. Nancy Allen's performance gets s*** on a lot, but personally I'm not as bothered by it as a lot of people. I think Travolta is pretty great in it though, his performance shows a lot of restraint and in the ending, of course, you get a powerful sense of the heartbreak he's endured. The beginning of the movie is great too, and sets up Blow Out for what it really is: a meditation on the darker nature of film itself. Aside from that, I think it's a genuinely perfect thriller and one of the three or four best films of the 80s.

I have to agree with HitchFan more here, I thought Travolta was really good in this, and so was Lithgow who makes a great villain, Nancy not so much but still nothing terrible to affect the film for me. Interesting reading what you think of De Palma anyway, because I've only seen Blow Out I will have to watch more of his films myself, might try Sisters seeing as you loved it.

[BlueLion]

I saw Blow Out last night, one of the very few things I didn't like about the film was Nancy Allen's performance. I think I would've liked the film a lot more than I did had De Palma picked another actress for that role. Travolta on the other hand did a pretty good job, and he looked quite determined. All in all, it was a pretty enjoyable thriller with plenty of suspense, and one of the things that I liked the most was the camera work.

I haven't seen many De Palma films but I think my favourite is Carlito's Way, followed closely by Scarface. But sometimes I feel it's the other way round.

[donniedarko]

Yaaawn, Well break is over time to continue this challenge.

Week 13: Revisiting Louis Malle
http://www.newwavefilm.com/images/Louis_Malle.jpg
Back when I did this in week one here's how it went (awfully)

Works that I saw:
Crackers 0.5
Viva Maria! 1.5
Elevator to The Gallows 2 Arthouse Rating: 2.5


Well here's my results this time around:
Zazie dans le metro- 2.5
My Dinner with Andre- 3

Zazie dans le metro is the Louis Malle film from 1960, which seems to bring out his inner child, and occasionally mine. The immature film revolves around a French girls visit to her uncle, which is adapted from a novel. The girl seems sweet but is really just an annoying hooligan. The film shows how childish and immature it is when it enters Zazies mind, in an approximately 15 minute imaginary chase scene. Which was pretty much the humor used in Loony Tunes. The film wasn't made for kids though, Zazie is a potty mouth, and the hints at sex are often. So once again I feel like Malle himself doesn't know what he wants. It was inconsistent in style, and other than the social satire at the start had no laughs. Got less creative as it went along, and left no lasting expression. The film does have some cool cut scenes though, which are constant, choppy, but astonishing to watch.

My Dinner with Andre was a film that has previously caught my eye because dialogue in my mind is the most stand out part of a film in personal experiences. But this helped me realize on the contrary of what I thought it can't make a film. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this film well enough, but it didn't meet my expectations. Just like in a real conversation I missed large chunks of the dialogue, and was zoning out. Despite the screenplay covering interesting talking points, with no music or anything it wasn't always enough. The acting was magnificent, using their real names in the film Wallace Shawn and Andre Gregory seemed always genuine and like real people imperfect. Wally felt like someone coming out of a Seinfeld episode, in look and in talk. Andre is a movie character I would like to have a meal with, but it seems I already did. I do like the courage Malle had at attempting such an idea, it's almost ludicrous. It's not pure entertainment, but it's his most enjoyable film I've seen.

I actually think I'll do Malle again by the end of the year, I may just watch them individually but I want to see Murmur of the Heart and Atlantic City. I still have hope that I'd really like those two films. While this week was better than week one, it wasn't great. Based on what I've read though next week will be at the least bizarre.

Next week: Dusan Makavejev

[jiraffejustin]

I didn't notice it the first time around, but sad to see you didn't care for Elevator to the Gallows. :(

However, I do approve of the Funny Games avi.

[donniedarko]

Week 14- Dusan Makavejev
http://ts4.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4655234453931487&pid=1.7

Works Viewed:
WR: Mysteries of the Organism 1.5
Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator 1.5
Sweet Movie 2

It would be easier for me to write about these films as a collective whole, rather than as individuals. The three films I watched this week were concerned on two things, sex and communism. In the mind of Makavejev these two things are practically twins. These movies are sloppy in editing, and are the perfect example of overly concerned with style, and not what's going on. If Dusan sees the slightest opportunity to show nudity, he will snatch it. You'd think this shocking publicity will keep your eyes on the screen, but even that isn't enough to make a film interesting. Nor is showing orgasms 1,000 times enough as he did in WR, nor is showing dead rats as he did in Love Affair (which does have a great title). The reason I gave Sweet Movie half a popcorn higher is that despite watching two of his films before it I still was shocked on what was going on. But these do seem like films I'd like on some days. If I was in a hippy, relaxed mood this week I might've given these film completely opposite ratings. Which means in maybe a few years I'll revisit these, but for now they left a bitter taste on my tongue.

Next Week: Based on the recommendation of Mark F, John Frankenheimer.

[The Gunslinger45]

Yeah I have seen reviews for two of the movies you just listed. A very... unique subject matter.

[donniedarko]

They are unique, there's no doubt about that.

[The Gunslinger45]

I will have to see one of them eventually. Also gives me an excuse to knock off WR off the Ebert Greats list.

[mark f]

You might have overrated W.R.

[The Gunslinger45]

I thought Ebert overrated it from what I know about it when I saw it on the list!

[mark f]

I saw it at the theatre in the early '80s and gave it 0. I haven't seen it since, and I'm more tolerant now, but I don't see how it'd be more than 1. I probably will check sometime.

[donniedarko]

Ya it's on Eberts great movies list, which is odd since he gave Sweet Movie 2.5/4, and it just doesn't seem like something he'd like. WR seems like a movie that would be worse on a large screen, with speakers, and an audience.

[Godoggo]

I will have to see one of them eventually. Also gives me an excuse to knock off WR off the Ebert Greats list.

Yeah, it's not something I want to watch, but I do want to complete Ebert's list.

[The Gunslinger45]

Mostly since I am sure there is a limited market for communist themed booby fests.

[honeykid]

+ rep just for having sat through those. You know you're going to die one day, yeah? :D

[donniedarko]

+ rep just for having sat through those. You know you're going to die one day, yeah? :D

Hopefully not during Frankenhiemer week :p

[donniedarko]

Week 15-John Frankenheimer
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0a/Frankenheimer_-_Life_-_portrait.jpg/220px-Frankenheimer_-_Life_-_portrait.jpg

Works Viewed:
The Young Savages 3
Ronin 2-
The Manchurian Candidate 3

Frankenhiemers' early film, The Young Savages, is a film I found underrated. The film opens with a gang, that look like they're straight out of West Side Story, attacking a young blind boy. A conservative prosecutor is assigned to the case, who has a closer connection than what meets the eye. What I found fascinating about this film, which was released in 1961, is how out dated it was. How is this a good thing? The film brought me back into the world of the 1960s, the traditionalism, the things that would be brushed off now were scandals in this town. I'm not a golden age person, but I did feel that I went into a time machine. The film doesn't only focus on the case, but the racial tensions surrounding it. Burt Lancaster stars in this film, and had a solid performances. The savages depicted weren't great actors, but they passed. The film did have scenes that I felt were dispensable , like the train and elevator scenes, which don't contribute to the story. I was hooked on the story line though, and despite the cheesiness, I was paying full attention to the faith of the boys.

Ronin is a action film from 1998, which goes as cliche as possible, with the plot being five men hired to get a mysterious and valuable case. It was also done in a cliche manner, using no creative techniques or original scenes. It stars De Niro and Reno, neither of which excelled at their roles.The worst was Natasha McElhone who had a shabby accent, and her character never seems to have consistent ways. This film offered me hardly any entertainment, outside of the brief zone of 50-70 minutes which was pure fun. It attempts at character development, but never gives you a feel of who you're really watching.

The Manchurian Candidate stars Frank Sinatra and is fairly popular on this forum. I know I've been saying this a lot lately, but I feel it deserves another watch. I feel like it might be like the film I watched earlier for this challenge, Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, which improves anytime I think about it. The film was released five years after the second red scare, but has it's share of anti-communism propaganda. But it was presented in such a wholesome way, that I loved it. The scene where Raymond (Laurence Harvey) was hospitalized was talented in a comical sense. The ending was also terrific, but I think it's the only twist I didn't predict beforehand. The film handles the idea of brain wash and communism, and it doesn't feel dated! That's perhaps its greatest accomplishment. Which is odd since it was only released a year later than The Young Savages.

This week was better than the last, but it was a completely different tone. Last week was highly sexual surrealism, which is a polar opposite of The Young Savages. All the films had weak spots in entertainment, but over all even Ronin left more pleasant memories than bad.

Next Week: Not really a new director since I've seen most of Double Life of Veronique, but I'm watching the Three Colors trilogy.

[honeykid]

Glad you liked The Manchurian Candidate, DD. I do think that it's something that gives with each subsequent viewing, but if you hadn't enjoyed it, I wouldn't have advised you give it another go.

I'll be interested to see what you think of the Three Colours trilogy. Despite your thoughts on Veronique, I don't see that happening here. Hope you enjoy it. :)

[donniedarko]

Thanks HK. I remember atleast one of the Three Color movies made your top 100, so that'll be two weeks in a row that one of the movies made your 100, maye I will be able to finish your challenge by the end of the year :king:

[honeykid]

Not at that rate, you won't. But I'd love to see you try. Not sure anyone else would care, but I'd be + repping the hell out of it. :D

[donniedarko]

Week 16- Three Colors Trilogy

Blue- 4+
White- 2.5
Red- 3.5

As I mentioned this week wasn't really a director since I've seen most of Kielowskis other work Double Life of Veronique, but instead a long overdue watch of an acclaimed trilogy.

Blue is a phenomenal beginning to the three colors trilogy. The film surrounds a widow who lost her child and husband in a car accident, it shows her life after the event. The peculiar thing about the film, is we only hear about what she was like before the accident, and never see it. I'm not sure if this was the proper decision by director Kieslowski, because it resulted in lack of character development and a withdrawal of emotion from that scene. At the same time it kept the films focus on its purpose. The brilliance of Blue is that the director wasn't only concerned on the main characters, Julie's, suffering but also that of people that surround her. This includes an elderly woman and a hooker, the film is equally invested in the troubles of others. One thing I found questionable as something the character would do is Julie's decision on the house. It didn't seem fitting to make her seem so selfless. The film has an amazing score, and is visually stunning. One small scene that shows the visual excellence is the sugar cube sucking up the coffee. Emotionally difficult to watch, but in my mind an essential.

White was the most sadistic film of the trilogy, it follows a Polish immigrant whose bitch wife divorces him. He then seeks revenge, but the majority of the movie isn't concentrated on that. The humor is coal black, and while I did identify it, I didn't laugh at it. I hated the main character almost as much as I hated his ex-wife, he was to foolish and I was deeply frustrated with him. The score was once again good, but it was bland in visuals. Yes I get it, White is the central color, but white can be stunning to, here it was more like grey. Entertainment wise, it went down after he came back to Poland, but overall like the other films, kept me engaged.

Red is the last piece of this three piece puzzle, but the end makes it look much larger. It had the most intresting idea behind it, as it follows an ease dropping neighbor, who is far deeper than he appears. I'm sounding like a broken record here but amazing music and lovely visuals. Neither of the following two films compared to Blue in this sense though. Valentine isn't only a lovable character, but the actress Irene Jacob is gorgeous. The film has one or two truly depressing scenes, and a good twist. Great to follow, and even moves to quickly. Also I liked the scene where Valentine in the music store very much, not only was the song smooth, but the music transitions felt sleek. The end satisfied me, and brought the films together, in a miraculous conclusion.

So overall I did like this trilogy, Blue will most likely be making my 90s list. My next step is to rewatch Double Life since I can't grasp why I hated it as much as I did. I recall feeling disconnected, but I feel like it was just the wrong day. This has been one of the better recent weeks, and I can see why the films gather so much hype.

Next Week: Bong Joon-Ho

[HitchFan97]

^I really need to watch these.

[honeykid]

Glad you enjoyed the experience, DD and that you agree with me on the order in which they're great. :D I, pretty much, agree with everything you say about the three. Obviously, I like Blue more than you, but that may change over the years. I feel it more, the more I watch it. Like Julie dragging her knuckles along the wall. :D

[cinemaafficionado]

Week 16- Three Colors Trilogy

Blue- 4+
White- 2.5
Red- 3.5

As I mentioned this week wasn't really a director since I've seen most of Kielowskis other work Double Life of Veronique, but instead a long overdue watch of an acclaimed trilogy.

Blue is a phenomenal beginning to the three colors trilogy. The film surrounds a widow who lost her child and husband in a car accident, it shows her life after the event. The peculiar thing about the film, is we only hear about what she was like before the accident, and never see it. I'm not sure if this was the proper decision by director Kieslowski, because it resulted in lack of character development and a withdrawal of emotion from that scene. At the same time it kept the films focus on its purpose. The brilliance of Blue is that the director wasn't only concerned on the main characters, Julie's, suffering but also that of people that surround her. This includes an elderly woman and a hooker, the film is equally invested in the troubles of others. One thing I found questionable as something the character would do is Julie's decision on the house. It didn't seem fitting to make her seem so selfless. The film has an amazing score, and is visually stunning. One small scene that shows the visual excellence is the sugar cube sucking up the coffee. Emotionally difficult to watch, but in my mind an essential.

White was the most sadistic film of the trilogy, it follows a Polish immigrant whose bitch wife divorces him. He then seeks revenge, but the majority of the movie isn't concentrated on that. The humor is coal black, and while I did identify it, I didn't laugh at it. I hated the main character almost as much as I hated his ex-wife, he was to foolish and I was deeply frustrated with him. The score was once again good, but it was bland in visuals. Yes I get it, White is the central color, but white can be stunning to, here it was more like grey. Entertainment wise, it went down after he came back to Poland, but overall like the other films, kept me engaged.

Red is the last piece of this three piece puzzle, but the end makes it look much larger. It had the most intresting idea behind it, as it follows an ease dropping neighbor, who is far deeper than he appears. I'm sounding like a broken record here but amazing music and lovely visuals. Neither of the following two films compared to Blue in this sense though. Valentine isn't only a lovable character, but the actress Irene Jacob is gorgeous. The film has one or two truly depressing scenes, and a good twist. Great to follow, and even moves to quickly. Also I liked the scene where Valentine in the music store very much, not only was the song smooth, but the music transitions felt sleek. The end satisfied me, and brought the films together, in a miraculous conclusion.

So overall I did like this trilogy, Blue will most likely be making my 90s list. My next step is to rewatch Double Life since I can't grasp why I hated it as much as I did. I recall feeling disconnected, but I feel like it was just the wrong day. This has been one of the better recent weeks, and I can see why the films gather so much hype.

Next Week: Bong Joon-Ho

Kieslowski's directing is quite pedantic and thought-provoking. I enjoy his directing and loved the color trilogy. I particularly enjoyed his short film: A Short Film About Killing.

[donniedarko]

Thanks Cinema, it's on YouTube so I shouldn't have an excuse not to watch it.
Week 17- Joon-Ho Bong
http://static.cinemagia.ro/img/db/actor/02/43/21/joon-ho-bong-329666l.jpg
Works Viewed:
Barking Dogs Never Bite 2
The Host 2.5
Mother 3.5

The first Bong film I saw, was also his debut. Barking Dogs Never Bite is a dark comedy, about a killer and an eater of dogs. If there's a stereotype about Korean it's in this this film. Personally the only thing I could hope for during the last 45 minutes of the movie is that the next two films I watch would be better. I didn't find it particularly funny, I laughed twice, the first when the main character reads the sign, and the second is kind of a spoiler. Other than that I was bored miserably.

Next I watched a movie advertised as the new Jaws, The Host. I thought this had a few funny moments, and actually did succeed as a comedy, and even a sic-fi. When it was trying to be a thriller or drama it didn't work. The acting was believable, but what was going on wasn't. Everything happened randomly and I even found it confusing. The end was actually touching to a degree, but the creature wasn't scary, and was just laughable in it's antics.

Then came Mother, after two disappointments this film surprised me. The film is filled with twists, and the mood is ever changing. I found the first third of the movie actually funny, the second sad, and the third intense. It was the only one of the three that successfully mixed genres. The story is about a mother and her son who is convicted of murder. By the end you can't tell who's more out of it, but I'll say Mother was. The film was not more than decent in a direction and technical view, but the story was fascinating and always moving.

So what I noticed about the South Korean director, Bong, is that he loves genre morphing. This only connected with me once and that was during Mother. All three of the film focus on revenge, and multiple characters. I still need to watch his most acclaimed piece, Memoirs of Murder, but after that I'm not watching any more of his films. I'm probably going to make the next two weeks count as one, since I'm busy for finals, not sure what director I'm doing yet, but will update.

[Daniel M]

The Host 2.5

Next I watched a movie advertised as the new Jaws, The Host. I thought this had a few funny moments, and actually did succeed as a comedy, and even a sic-fi. When it was trying to be a thriller or drama it didn't work. The acting was believable, but what was going on wasn't. Everything happened randomly and I even found it confusing. The end was actually touching to a degree, but the creature wasn't scary, and was just laughable in it's antics.

So what I noticed about the South Korean director, Bong, is that he loves genre morphing. This only connected with me once and that was during Mother. All three of the film focus on revenge, and multiple characters. I still need to watch his most acclaimed piece, Memoirs of Murder, but after that I'm not watching any more of his films. I'm probably going to make the next two weeks count as one, since I'm busy for finals, not sure what director I'm doing yet, but will update.

I've only seen The Host and I liked it, at the time I would of gave it a 3.5 but I am trying to tighten up my ratings slightly so now I give it a 3.

But I agree with most of your complaints, and that mixing of genres didn't work. It is classed as a horror by some but in no way at all did it work as a horror for me, it was not scary at any point, and I found the family and comedy side of things a lot stronger. I liked the dark, dirty feel of the whole thing - that's the only bit that felt horror/thriller, but like you said the monster itself leaned more towards the comedy genre than that of a horror/thriller.

I really want to watch Memories of Murder, I think I'll like that, then going off your recommendation I would make Mother my likely next choice :)

[donniedarko]

I think you'd like Mother, and I think I'd like Memoirs. From what I heard it doesn't seem comedic at all, but then again reading the synopsis for Barking Dogs Mever Bite or any of the three for that matter don't make them sound comedic. Also forgot to mention it in my post but I'd rather watch Man Bites Dog (not similar story but similar title and comedy style) to Barking Dogs never Bite anyday. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

[mark f]

The detectives in Murder are idiots, so that's "comedic" and makes it weaker.

[donniedarko]

Wasn't aware of that, it seems that Bong wants all his films to have comedic episodes/characters, doesn't always work. I saw that you have Mother a 2.5 in the Movie Tab not long ago, what didnt you like about it. I know you said all his films feel cartoony to you, but I didn't sense that with Mother (I did for the other two).

[Mr Minio]

Mother is better than Jaws. If you can compare films of different genres, of course.

[honeykid]

^^Pfft. Idiot.^^

Nothing's better than Jaws. :nope:

[donniedarko]

Well I'll be doing Mike Leigh this week, only two movies (Topsy Turvy and Naked) so I'll most likely be able to finish him out this week. During summer I'll start watching all the directors recommended that I haven't gotten to yet, and also planning to do a Terry Gilliam week soon. Fun.

[Godoggo]

Glad you liked Mother, Donnie. I disagree with you about The Host though. I think it does really succeed as a drama and it's one of the things that make it great.

I hope you do great around to watching Memories of Murder sometime. I saw it for the first time a couple of days ago and it was fantastic.

[Mr Minio]

When watching Mike Leigh's movies it's a sin to don't watch Secrets and Lies.

honeykid, I knew that my words will upset Jaws lovers on this site. :D

[donniedarko]

http://www.hauntedamericatours.com/museum/images/devil-baby-doll.jpg

[honeykid]

Whatever you think of Mike Leigh after watching Naked and Topsy-Turvy, please check out some of his other work.

[donniedarko]

I may watch Topsy Turvy some other day, but I'm just really in no mood for it, so I suppose just one film this week. Discluding the fifteen opening minutes to Topsy. I did enjoy Naked very much though, and yes Honeykid I'lk watch more, and yes Minio including secrets and lies.

Week 19- Mike Leigh
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Mike_Leigh_(2008).jpg/220px-Mike_Leigh_(2008).jpg
Works Viewed:
Naked- 4+

Naked is a sadistic vicious realist film which is black as coal. The improvised dialogue is the basis of this films acclamation, and it's well earned. This was in no way a comedy but the dialogue was wit filled. It sounded as if it was real lower class conversation. But the dark humor didn't distract from the mysoginistic theme. Nor did the philosophies of the main character Johnny, which just added to how deep of a character study Leigh created. The shocking thing about Johnny is despite him being a (borderline) rapist and sexists, he's the idol of the film. He may be despicable, but he's not the worse. David Thewlis himself put on a magnificent performance of Johnny, but the supporting characters of Louise, Sophie, and Jeremy also shined during their limited screen time. The soundtrack was centralized and efficient in creation of gloom. The whole slum setting was efficient in a pessimistic view. I mean for Gods sake the film opened with a sexual assault. The story which takes place in less than 24 hours feels like an epic, as if we've known Johnny for years now. This could well become one of the few films I'd award a 5/5, it's tremendously moving, and outstanding in craft.

Next Week: Eric Rohmer

[HitchFan97]

I saw Rohmer's My Night at Maud's recently and absolutely adored it, so I'm looking to check out his other stuff too. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on him.

[donniedarko]

That's actually the reason I'm watching him, as I saw you gave it a 5 in the Movie Tab, so I'm defiantly viewing that one.

[HitchFan97]

Hope you love it as much as I did! :) Really a great movie that leaves you with a lot to think about in terms of love, religion, philosophy, body language, etc.

[donniedarko]

Week 20: Eric Rohmer
http://www.sensesofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/images/directors/03/24/rohmer3.jpg
Works Viewed:
La Collectionneuse- 3.5
My Night At Maud's- 2.5-

I watched two films from Rohmer's Moral Tales series (6 films). The first I viewed is the 4th one in and that is La Collectionneuse. I originally gave this a 3/5 but it stick with so I bring it up half a cupcake. For a film from 1967 the restoration was great as the color was alive and fiery. The settings and style are awe worthy. The story is incredibly simple, a love triangle of three young adults in a villa. I would've taken out the whole narration aspect though and show instead of tell. I found it a bit boring in the moment, but looking back it was certainly worth the watch. I enjoyed the hippy talk and careless protagonists.

My Night at Maud's is the third film in the series, and the one I just finished watching. Maybe this will also fade away but I found this awfully slow and jumpy. It took me three viewing sessions to finish this, and it really provided nothing for me personally. I may have not noticed this if I didn't read someone point it out, but the body language was great. Along with the dialogue it added a realistic feel. The film was far more concerned with philosophy than story, and Rohmer snatched any chance to put a new idea in. Just like in My Dinner With Andre, this became overwhelming.

As far as the rest of the series the movies seem to romantic to attract me. In fact judging by what I read these two were the least romance filled, and they were about love. Despite giving these an average rating of 3, I'm in no rush to watch the other films.

Next Week: Hiroshi Teshigahara
I'll be able to watch more than two films again, yay

[Tyler1]

Cupcake? :babbling:

[donniedarko]

I'm aware that they're popcorn boxes, always looked more like cupcakes to me though. :cool:

5

You can't say there's no resemblance?

[Daniel M]

I'm aware that they're popcorn boxes, always looked more like cupcakes to me though. :cool:

5

You can't say there's no resemblance?

Damn you Donnie, now that you have mentioned it, every time that I see them I am going to think of cupcakes :D

Unfortunately I have not seen anything of Leigh or Rohmer, although Naked has been on my watchlist for a while, I will add the Rohmer films now, not heard of him before so like you I look forward to discovering new works :)

[HitchFan97]

I'm gonna have to see La Collectionneuse now, especially if you think it's even better than My Night at Maud's. It was next on my own Rohmer watchlist. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on The Face of Another (I have a feeling it'll be right up your alley) and Woman in the Dunes, which I desperately need to see.

[moviefan1996]

I have a good idea for your self challenge. I think you try seeing some of Segio Leone's films if you haven't seen any on his movies.

[donniedarko]

Week 21-Hiroshi Teshigahara
http://www.nautiljon.com/images/people/00/10/hiroshi_teshigahara_29901.jpg

Works Viewed:
Pitfall 2-
The Face of Another 3.5
Woman in the Dunes 3.5

Pitfall is a surprisingly untouching father and son story. With slow movement, and unexplained story points, the film is not only outside of realistic (even before the ghosts), it just doesn't attract me in. The characters were one dimensional, and dull. The acting wasn't graceful, nor good. The actors were walking around like zombies on the screen, and the film was just as dull. The only character I liked was the killer, since at least he had some elusive qualities to him. It made me sleepy, and practically ruined my day.

The Face of Another, unlike Pitfall is highly symbolic and relatable. It's a story of identity, and the constant way humans cover up imperfections. Highly philosophical and especially the first half has deep thoughts. Add this to the beautiful but simple visuals, and it's a real treat. This reminded me of so many other films. The Elephant Man and The House is Black immediately come to mind. Then the surreal first half brought Persona and Un Chien Andalou into the mix. I talk about the first half more since it was far more memorable. After the mask came on this became more straightforward, and less stunning. It still brought up interesting new ideas, but lost the spookiness, and emptiness. Which perhaps was intentional, since by the end the main character is completely transformed. I love the opening scene, and all the scenes involving the creation of the mast. Enjoyable art movie.

Woman in the Dunes is the most acclaimed of Teshigaharas films, and my personal favorite of the three. This reminds of a less horror version of Misery, with more of a raw creative motive. I find isolation to be one of the scariest concepts, and this touched some thought into me, of how far I'd go. It's a film desire, whether it's a desire to escape your current "prison", or desire of a radio. This film is also concentrated on deception. It seems character had a trick up their sleeves. And while it maybe predictable, it's still directed well enough, that climax and plot didn't matter. This film also had some detailed close up cinematography, which I enjoyed. The director seems (based on this and Face of Another) an obsession of the body, and this is shown in not only the sex scenes, but where the camera is focused.

Next Week: David Lean

As I've been planning to do him for awhile I'm making this one a two week process so I can watch more of his films. It appears I'll mainly be watching his early films, but I will try to squeeze a few later classics in. Please recommend your favorites.

[wintertriangles]

Pitfall is a....father and son storyNot really, no

The Face of Another, unlike Pitfall is highly symbolic this is hilarious

[Cobpyth]

Brief Encounter is very good. I strongly recommend it!

[Daniel M]

I've only seen The Bridge on the River Kwai, but I think it's great and would definitely recommend it. I have got Lawrence of Arabia recorded from Sky too, need to find the time to sit down and watch properly. Are the films you watching from a lesser-Lean criterion set? Think I've seen that online somewhere unless I am mistaken, wish we had Criterion here over in the UK/Europe :(

[moviefan1996]

Brief Encounter is very good. I strongly recommend it!

Brief Encounter is a must see film of David Lean. I can't wait to hear what you say about the movie donniedarko because I really enjoyed this film alot.

[mark f]

You never know what donnie's going to think. I don't know if that makes him unpredictable or crazy. :)

[donniedarko]

Not really, no
The first 45 mins is

this is hilarious
Which part? That it's symbolic. Or that Pitfall isn't


Brief Encounter is very good. I strongly recommend it!
Will be watching


I've only seen The Bridge on the River Kwai, but I think it's great and would definitely recommend it. I have got Lawrence of Arabia recorded from Sky too, need to find the time to sit down and watch properly. Are the films you watching from a lesser-Lean criterion set? Think I've seen that online somewhere unless I am mistaken, wish we had Criterion here over in the UK/Europe :(

Ya I have the set with Noel's screenplays. Bridge and Lawrence are the two I really should watch, but not sure if I'll be able to.


You never know what donnie's going to think. I don't know if that makes him unpredictable or crazy. :)

Most likely, both

[Skepsis93]

Lean: Lawrence of Arabia is a must-see for any fan of cinema. It's long, but it's over far too soon. Also The Bridge on the River Kwai and Brief Encounter. Great Expectations is interesting, too.

[Cobpyth]

What about Doctor Zhivago? I haven't seen it myself yet, but I heard it's also regarded as a very good movie. I have it on DVD, actually.

I don't see many posts or discussions about the film on this forum. Has anyone seen it? What's your opinion about it?

[Skepsis93]

Still need to catch it myself.

[Gabrielle947]

Has anyone seen it? What's your opinion about it?
I think it is pretty good.Good cast,awesome story is told basically from three or even four perspectives.The thing which I liked was that it doesn't look American and that is a good thing for a film which is basically about Russia.I also love when historical background has an important role in the movie and affects the characters and in this film it's the October Revolution and then Civil War which separates the characters,makes them wander.
But despite all this I found it boring sometimes maybe because it is basically a romance movie and I am not a fan.I gave it a 3.5 which means that enjoyed it and time was spent well.It might grow on me but I also might never see it again.

[edarsenal]

I'm with gabrielle when it comes to zhivago on both the pro's and con's of it. It is a very good movie that does, at times, seem to drag, but still very worthwhile

[donniedarko]

Week 22- David Lean
http://ftpmirror.your.org/pub/wikimedia/images/wikipedia/tr/e/e5/David_Lean.jpg

Works Viewed:
Hobsons Choice 3
Brief Encounter 2.5+
In Which We Serve 2.5+
This Happy Breed 3
Blithe Spirit 4

Henry Hobson (played by Charles Laughton) owns a bootmaker shop in 1800s England. He has a soft spot for the pubs and has three daughters. He wishes for the two youngest to have a marriage, but doesn't want to pay the fee. He wants to hog the oldest Maggie for himself and the shop. Basically nothing goes Hobsons way. The most comedic element for me of this whole film was Charles Laughton himself. I just found him hilarious in his role of the wretched Hobson, and just his facial expressions could make me laugh. I never did reach the pity from him that I believe David Lean was trying to reach by the end, just because I couldn't take the character seriously. This had its ups and downs as far as how I viewed the film. I couldn't finish this in one sitting though. Not that the film is dull in pace, but it's not the most exciting adventure. Which is fine since it gives the movie a cozy feel. The characters outside of Hobson are one-dimensional. The three daughters are predictable. Willy developed to an extent, but the rest just stayed in place. This was in total a decent comedy, and David Leans first impression on me.

I've come to the conclusion that I've watched Brief Encounter at the wrong time. It seems like a movie to view on a rainy day, while I watched this when it was sunny and I was full of energy. Therefore David Leans Brief Encounter just brought me down. While my rating isn't awful, it doesn't match what one would predict for the film that's #2 on the BFI British films list, and perhaps the most acclaimed on Leans early works. It's not only that I didn't watch this in the most suitable time on the other hand. I personally don't have empathy for characters who practically abandon their families for a love affair. So the two protagonists of this film weren't ones I was fond of. I credit this film with amazing dialogue, in it's adaption of Noel Cowards play. The thoughts and speech of Laura are realistic and relatable. You can notice this from the opening train scene. Secondly the narration is held in high regards, and rightfully. Told as a story, and begins at the near end. I'll put this title alongside Rashomon and Midnight Cowboy as a film I should rewatch the fully grasp


Fun fact: In Which we Serve used condoms as bullets. This war film directed by David Lean and partner Noel Coward had a lot of cool moments and ideas. If you watch this I'd recommend the Criterion edition as it holds some enlightening interviews. This isn't a great eerie war film and is a bit dated. This patriotic effort would probably be a joy for me if I was a Brit, but I don't have that kind of enthusiasm of British patriotism. This film uses the 40s cliche of flashbacks, but it makes the movie better than it'd would be. I'm didn't like Noel Coward as a ship captain as he didn't feel serious or strict enough. I suggest this if one is looking for a spirited war movie.

Another David Lean, Noel Coward adaption, This Happy Breed follows the life of a suburban family between the two world wars. A two decade long epic this film has great character development and shows marriage, death, abandonment, and the rest of the occasions a family goes through. It has some funny snip bits of dialogue, and I especially like the communist/anarchists discussion. The film is somewhat dry, but it remains touching and relevant.

My final David Lean, Noel Coward adaption I viewed was Blithe Spirit. I fell in love with this movie. There's no paranormal movie quiet like this. It's elegant in humor and moves quickly. There are no scares, it's more in depth on the idea of the other world, and a humorous view of how life is after you die. David Lean morphed the dead with the living, when an estranged wife comes to "visit" her husband and his second wife. She terrorizes the family through this, and a quote brought up early in this movie really summarizes it well. " It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit". Not only is it a great line but it is perfect in the film. Harrison, Cummings, and Hamond have great on screen chemistry, making this an amazing feel good comedy.

Despite most of the ratings being middle lurkers I did enjoy these two weeks as they were lighthearted and classy. The first four film were not the most on the edge of your seat movies, but they moved along well enough. I still have to see David Leans later (and longer) works, and my exploration is not completely halted as I'm going to watch the rest of the supplements on the discs I own. I plan on doing more British directors in the future, but I'm going back to an arthouse director for the remainder of the week.

Next Week: Hollis Frampton

[honeykid]

I'm glad you liked what you saw, Donnie, and that you're going back for more. :) I completely agree with you about Blithe Spirit. I love that film and I think Brief Encounter may grow on you with another/repeated viewings. There's a lot to do with the subtlety, code and conduct as well as the niceties of the British middle-classes.

[Skepsis93]

I'll have to check out Blithe Spirit. You gotta find the time for his later stuff, though. Lawrence and Kwai are special, special films.

[donniedarko]

I'm glad you liked what you saw, Donnie, and that you're going back for more. :) I completely agree with you about Blithe Spirit. I love that film and I think Brief Encounter may grow on you with another/repeated viewings. There's a lot to do with the subtlety, code and conduct as well as the niceties of the British middle-classes.

Thanks, ya Brief Encounter is a pleasant film, next time it gets rainy here I'm gonna plop it back in the blu-ray player.

I'll have to check out Blithe Spirit. You gotta find the time for his later stuff, though. Lawrence and Kwai are special, special films.

I know I do, I've gotten lazy when it comes to long movies though, but those are obviously classics so I'll have to suck it up.

[donniedarko]

Week 23- Hollis Frampton
http://hollisframpton.org.uk/frampton.jpg

Works Viewed:
Nostalgia 2.5
Critical Mass 2.5
Poetic Justice 1.5

Arthouse Rating: 4.5

Hollis Frampton is hailed as a king of avant-garde cinema. I'm not sure if there's any on this site (SnuffStuff liked him, and Hapax probably) but he has a cult. I watched the first three films of his short film series Hapax Legomena. While I'd like to give all of them higher ratings, since in theory I like this kind of experimentism, I can't get myself to, due to how hard they are to watch. First is Nostalgia, a film that tells a story through a dozen photographs taken by Hollis in his lifetime. It's narrated by Edward Snow and is the best of the three due to it's sedative effect. Critical Mass is to hard to describe, a five minute conversation, is turned into near half an hour. It's a couple arguing and while the technique shows the beauty of speech, it's irritating as hell. Then there's Poetic Justice. The film is a screenplay. No, no, it's not somewhat writing a screenplay, it's literally just 30 minutes of flipping through a screen play. I turned on my own music in the background since this didn't have it. I think it would've been funny if it was an action screenplay being read, but no it's artsy sh*t. Not the best week, atleast the films are short.

Next Week: Alexander Korda

[donniedarko]

Week 24- Alexander Korda
http://www.britmovie.co.uk/wp-content/images/people/98-Sir-Alexander-Korda.jpg

Works Viewed:
Wedding Rehearsal 1.5
The Private Life of Henry VIII 2

Alexander Korda is someone I've wanted to explore for awhile now. My interest was especially piqued with his historical films. The two movies I watched of this British director bored me to death. I honestly couldn't finish Wedding Rehearsal. It's an extremely dated charmer, which has no relevance or impact today. There's no wonder it's so highly forgotten with only 78 (including myself) ratings on IMDB, and I've never heard anyone mention it. Only watched it since the Criterion Collection had it on Hulu. And I don't remember the last time Ive been so dazed out of my mind. I did like Ronald Young in thus film though, and he had an inspiring mustache.

Henry VIII is an interesting historical character.His Private life is the most fascinating part about him. For these reasons I'm shocked that The Private Life of Henry VIII was as boring as it was. And this was after watching Wedding Rehearsal. I understand this was back in the 1930s, but I would've wished for the film to be more risky. It was just a regular historical movie that one would watch ten minutes of in a history class. The scenery worked well, but nothing this film could do was enough to draw me in. Charles Laughton was a perfect Henry VIII to be fair, and despite only seeing a couple of his works, his becoming a favorite actor of the era.

Next Week: more of the 30s with James Whale. Will be watching The Bride of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man.

[honeykid]

Not seen The Wedding Rehearsal, but I agree that The Private Life of Henry VIII is a fairly standard, and now, quite dull period drama. Honestly, I've always thought he was better thought of as a producer than a director. That said, The Four Feathers and Thief Of Baghdad are classics.

[donniedarko]

Week 25- James Whale

Works Viewed:
The Invisible Man 3.5
the Bride of Frankenstien 2.5

The Invisible Man is a successful H.G. Welles adaption, and while being from the early 30s still holds up well as a horror. The great thing about this is what most modern horror films lack, the element of mystery. In the opening scene we don't know who the man is, how he became invisible, what his intents were, the audience knows just as much as the shop keeper. Except we have the title. The special effects in this film are far ahead of there times. It's also highly imaginative, not just an invisible man, but it talks about how he can be seen if his nails are dirty of it there's rain. The narrative of this story feels like a book, in fact you don't have to look on the screen to know whats going on. The film has moments of over acting, but not enough to bother me. The old fashioned environment of this is what makes it great and eerie. Despite being to an extent scary it has a cozy feeling to it. Hollowman tries to recreate a similar concept 70 years later and it was ENJOYABLE (emphasis on enjoyable since it wasn't really good). I prefer the old special effects of The Invisible Man and the more homey environment of this film. One of the most pleasant horror films I've seen lately.

A few days after being pleased with The Invisble Man I check out The Birde of Frankenstein. The main thing I felt an automatic lack of is characterization. I haven't seen James Whales original Frankenstein but I have read the novel which I figured was enough. During the book I cared for the monster and Dr. Frankenstein, while in this movie I felt a lack a empathy for either. This also was to much fantasy for me. I get it was a story about a man created from dead corpses and brought to life, but I'm talking the miniature men. While it was a cool concept I didn't see it bring anything to the film. I didn't understand why James Whale placed this kind of score in some scenes. Much of it felt way to joyful, and really unfitting to what was going on. The sci-fi horror does have a great end sequence to look forward to. Last ten minutes were phenomenal, so don't stop this film short no matter how much you dislike it.

Next Week: Aki Kaurismäki

[donniedarko]

Week 26- Aki Kaurismaki
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Aki_Kaurism%C3%A4ki.jpg/220px-Aki_Kaurism%C3%A4ki.jpg

Works Viewed
Leningrad Cowboys Go America 2
Ariel 3
Le Havre 2.5

I was originally planning to watch all of Kaurismaki's Leningrad Cowboys films (Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses & Total Balakia show), but finishing this film, and going 15 minutes into the next I felt like the worst rock and roll band couldn't offer me much more. The comedy in the film is decent, just looking at the Cowboys in there fur coats and whatever the hell that hairstyle is was snicker worthy, and I laughed at the Abe Lincoln scene, but I can't say this had many funny jokes or scenarios. I don't understand why they were so hated, the music was pretty pub worthy, and the singing wasn't bad. A few songs are even catchy and stuck in my head almost two weeks later. "I'm a Leningrad Cowboy"

Ariel is a solid existentialism effort, and my favorite of the three Kaurismaki films I've seen. The story moves slow, and the violence are cheesy as can be. At the same time the movie keeps you on the edge. This is a genre mixer including the themes of action, drama, comedy, and romance. I think it only succeeds in the drama category though, making my rating highly generous. It does succeed highly in its dramatic elements though. The prison break is my favorite sequence, and that's all I really have to say on this film.

I heard of Aki from the title Le Havre, which starts off as a very charming but honest piece. The film shows class seperation very well. It's not just the rich, bourgeois, and poor in this film. The movie goes more in depth showing the working class, the beggars, the refugees/migrant workers, ect. And when you look at the protagonist Marcel Marx, getting his shoe stand kicked over at the beggining, he seems like a pitiful low class man. But once you seem him in the refugee camp he presents himself as a lawyer. This film reminds me of Ali: Fear Eats the Soul when it shows how quickly people can change their attitude to you, and on how Marcel starts becoming a taker. The acting in this film wasn't great, the refugee boy and the wife were noticeably stiff, and characterless in their given roles. The film also loses all it's realism in the concluding scenes, this is unfortunate, since it doesn't fit in with the rest, and the rest was far more down my alley.

Next Week: Bruce Robinson

[donniedarko]

Week 27- Bruce Robinson

Works Viewed:
The Rum Diary 3+
Withnail and I 1.5


I wasn't expecting a whole lot out of The Rum Diary, I almost dismissed it from the trailer, what I got was a pleasant surprise. The film is flawed in its acting and pacing.The scene where Kemp (played by Johnny Depp) met Chenault in the lake contained piss poor acting. I ended up rewinding to see it again, and found it nastily cheesy. The movie was poorly paced, starting very slow and suave, in a Hemingway like setting, and then just chopping through the action scenes. Amber Heard looked stunning as Chenault, no wonder Kemp fell in love with her. This film does have tremendous humor. The tongue scene (when they're under the influence of eye drops) had me laughing for a couple minutes. The film has themes of alcoholism (I guess that obvious from the title), and race division. I'd like to read Hunter S. Thompson's book, as this seems it'd would work even better if it was read. The only thing I know about Thompson is that he also wrote Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and he had an awesome funeral. Anyways this is a solid introduction to Bruce Robinson.

I honestly didn't finish WIthnail and I, so take my rating as a complete approximate, I had about 30 minutes left before shutting it off. What can I say, I just found it dry, not at all funny, not even that dark, and it just seemed to try to hard to be a dark comedy. I heard it's better on a second viewing. Is How to Get Ahead in Advertising similar to this, if so I don't really want to watch it anymore

Next Week: TBD, open to recommendations

[honeykid]

I've never wanted to see Withnail & I simply because I don't like the actual look of the film. I simply don't want to sit and look at it and this isn't helped by never having seen a clip or heard a quote I thought was funny.

I couldn't tell you if How To Get Ahead in Advertising is similar or not, but it's another film which those who love it tell you "you just don't get it", while everyone else goes "wha?"

[donniedarko]

:laugh:, than it's probably similar :p

Marketing is a general area of interest for me though, so maybe I should give it a try. Has anyone here seen Jennifer 8, any opinions on that?

[honeykid]

Yes. I really liked Jennifer 8. It's been a very long time since I've seen it and I've only seen it twice (I think) and, while I don't remember it as anything special, I really liked it. Not at all hurt by Lance Henriksen and John Malkovich (both of whom I like in most things) and Uma Thurman in the bath. ;)

[donniedarko]

^I'll have to check it out then


I'd watch Richard Brooks.

Well I guess I'll watch Richard Brooks, yes Elmer Gantry at the top of the list. Any other recs? Wrong is Right looks pretty good

[mark f]

In Cold Blood or The Professionals. Wrong is Right - yuck.

[Mr Minio]

Moar arthouse, please.

[JayDee]

I know it's a real favourite of many people but about the only thing I remember about Withnail & I is really not liking it. A friend gave me a loan of it many years ago and because they adored it so much I actually felt that I should lie and say it was quite good. And I get what HK is saying about its aesthetic; I remember it being very grubby and grim in appearance.

[donniedarko]

In Cold Blood or The Professionals. Wrong is Right - yuck.

Hmm both of those look good, but In Cold Blood seems more around my alley, so I'll go with that one


Moar arthouse, please.

My last true art house guy was Hollis Frampton, so I'll probably do one after Brooks.

I know it's a real favourite of many people but about the only thing I remember about Withnail & I is really not liking it. A friend gave me a loan of it many years ago and because they adored it so much I actually felt that I should lie and say it was quite good. And I get what HK is saying about its aesthetic; I remember it being very grubby and grim in appearance.

Yes it does look really grim, I imagine its on purpose, but it's probably another reason that its hard to watch.

[honeykid]

Derek Jarman? Sally Potter? John Cameron Mitchell? George A. Romero? Ken Loach? Richard Linklater? William Friedman? Michael Mann? Robert Rodriguez? Neil Jordan? Abel Ferrera? Woody Allen? Anthony Minghella?

Sorry for all the question marks, but I can't remember which you have and haven't already done. :o

[Mr Minio]

Theo Angelopoulos? Bela Tarr? Miklos Jancso? Kim Ki-duk?

[JayDee]

Michael Bay? Uwe Boll? Paul W.S. Anderson? :p

[donniedarko]

Derek Jarman? Sally Potter? John Cameron Mitchell? George A. Romero? Ken Loach? Richard Linklater? William Friedman? Michael Mann? Robert Rodriguez? Neil Jordan? Abel Ferrera? Woody Allen? Anthony Minghella?

Sorry for all the question marks, but I can't remember which you have and haven't already done. :o

I've seen films from Romero, Minghella, Linklater, Mann, Rodriguez, and Woody Allen. I'll keep the rest in mind for later weeks, thanks :up:

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

Jim Jarmusch?

[donniedarko]

Jim Jarmusch?

Just saw this, but I've seen a handful of Jarmusch films this year, I'm starting to like him


Also sorry for the delay, with Netflix wait times and everything going on, I've been busy lately. Should do a write up by tommorow

[donniedarko]

Week 28- Richard Brooks
http://movi.ca/im/dio/ax.jpg
Works Viewed:
In Cold Blood 3.5--
Elmer Gantry 3.5

The greatest thing that Richard Brooks, In Cold Blood, holds for itself, is the stunning black and white shots. The cinematography by Conrad L Hall, who's done a lot of great things like American Beauty and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, does another superb job with this work. The picture quality was crisp, and the fade outs just blended so perfectly. This film is deep into the realism sphere. While the movie isn't wholesome, the family scenes were, and reminded me of The Young Savages. The music wasn't fitting, and this movie could've been shorter, but it was a classy film.


Elmer Gantry opens with a short shot of chapter 1 of the novel, I'm not sure if this implies a loyal reproduction, but since one of the criticisms I heard of this film is that it vulgarizes the novel, than it's probably not. And this film vulgar, especially for the time. There was a lengthy warning at the beginning that the content may offend. The film, while perverted, is usually colorful and light filled. An early is where Elmer goes into a black church, even as the farthest thing from a spiritual man, or a singer, I wanted to stand up and sing with them. That was a well done scene. Everywhere the salesman Elmer Gantry goes people think he's a preacher, and really he always was. It's clear to see how much this film inspired. During Gantry's ramblings, I always saw the resemblance to Network. Elmer also reminds me of John Candy's character in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The preaching is Wise Blood is highly similar, and the cult like setting in The Master. The script is filled with wit and the dialogue keeps moving. The church at the end is highly remarkable and realistic. A 150 minute delight.

Next Week: Sally Porter

[mark f]

Not bad donnie, not bad. You'll get more out of them with repeated viewings. :)

[donniedarko]

Week 29- Sally Potter
http://www.toimg.net/managed/images/10230511/w482/h298/image.jpg
Works Viewed:
The Man who Cried 1
Orlando 3

The Man Who Cried is just one of those films that you can feel the manipulation flowing through. And for me personally, it frankly didn't hit a single nerve. I was never interested, when I was focused I was irritated. This movie goes unfinished for me because I just couldn't keep suffering through and wasting time. I'm not really good at expressing these low ratings, but it's just a movie with no connection value to me.

Orlando is a pleasant surprise after being bored to death by The Man Who Cried. This highly surrealistic epic takes place over about four centuries (+). Immediately there is a gender confusion in the audience, is Swinton playing a woman or a male? Eventually this is answered, but it goes through a gruesome process to get to clarity. Adapted from Virgina Woolf's novel , this is separated into pieces and themes, my favorites were Love, Death, and Society. The film has highly praised, artistic design, and it is worthy of it. The film swifts from century to century in smooth fashion, making it never a bore. Swinton is great in her many roles as Orlando. For the most part I enjoyed the surrealism, but that last angel scene was painfully cheesy.

Next Week: Liliana Cavani (only one film though)

[honeykid]

I'm glad you liked Orlando. Especially after The Man Who Cried. I have to say it's something I've not wanted to see, as there's nothing there that interests me. I know I say this quite a lot, but I really should rewatch Orlando some day. I really liked it the first time.

I'm hoping that I'll see Ginger & Rosa one day. I'll let you know what I think, should it ever happen.:D

[donniedarko]

The delays keep coming

Week 30: Liliana Cavani
http://www.theamericanmag.com/uploaded_images/article_2431_jkI94ExTcU.jpg

Film watched: The Night Porter 1.5

There's a lot wrong with The Night Porter it's a sickening film, and not because of what it shows, but the inexplicable exploitation of the holocaust. Before I say why I don't consider this "art" by any means, I'll start with some technical problems. The acting was stiff and unattractive, the visuals were never intriguing, and dark visuals can sometimes be the greatest. The plot is based is based to much on coincidence. And worst of all this makes no attempt to create a German concentration camp worker, or someone who has suffered through this. I didn't detect any accents, any physical signs, it's just lazy garbage.

And now I'm pretty lenient in what I consider wrong to exploit for a film, or even caring about a directors personal actions. I love Polanski and Lars Von Trier "I'm a nazi moment" was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. But to turn holocaust victims into Nazi dick cravers, who just all happen to becomes obsessed with the world of BDSM, is not a subject that should be looked at as legit. It loses all potential meaning due to its craving for controversy. It's far from anything meaningful, a picture to be missed, unless you're Mr. Minio. Liliani Cavini is scum.

Next Week: TBD

[The Gunslinger45]

Damn, scathing review... Don't think I have even seen you this pissed off at a movie before.

[donniedarko]

This (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=848963) comes close, lol

[The Gunslinger45]

This (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=848963) comes close, lol

Close, but this movie seemed to offend you personally.

[honeykid]

I've not seen The Night Porter since I was about 12, I think, and I saw it around the same time I saw Death In Venice. I can remember little about either, except the feeling of boredom and the colour brown.

I'm pleased to see you continuing with this, though. :) How many more directors do you have before you'll want some more suggestions?

[donniedarko]

Gunslinger, I'm not sure if I'd consider myself personally offended, but I do personally dislike highly what this film attempts to do.

Honey kid, I'm pretty sure I finished all of Mark Fs recs, so right now I'm cranking through your list, when I start going through Mr. Minios art house ideas take that as an SOS :D

[Tyler1]

Abel Ferrara. Watch this guy's films.

[donniedarko]

I've wanted to see stuff from him since I heard of The Funeral, K I found my guy for next week. Thanks

[Daniel M]

You're rating seems quite generous considering your thoughts on the film :p

[honeykid]

I think I put Abel Ferrara up, so I'll be pleased to see which films you watch and what you think. I think that Ferrara is quite divisive, though, even with his fans.

[donniedarko]

"Week" 31- Abel Ferrara
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Abel_Ferrara_Cannes.jpg/220px-Abel_Ferrara_Cannes.jpg

Works Viewed:
Fear City- 2
King of New York- 2.5-
Bad Lieutenant- 3

Thriller Fear City follows a psychopathic Grim Reaper killing strippers, and a stripper manager hunting him down. Both the protagonist and the antagonist have background stories. The protagonist was a pro boxer, who's career got cut off. A stupid and cliche background story, which gives the character to much of an invincible feel. The antagonist is a religious nut who's ridding the city of filth, I suppose it's better than just a business rival. This film is sexy galore, the strip club scenes contributed greatly to the film. Whenever the movie was feeling dry the audience can escape to a strip club, which creates a whole new atmosphere. I can appreciate people going to one as an escape now. Well this is until all the good strippers are killed/assaulted/scared for their lives. The kills in this film weren't intense due to how dumb they looked, with a white martial arts master holding nun chucks. The film doesn't have many thrills, but has enough pros to make it somewhat pay off.

Waltz plays the drug king of New York fresh out of prison. His character, Frank white, seems cool and possessive. Early on he gets ADHD hyper and this is the side of him I don't like. I'd prefer the film if he had an invincible type feel. This is a pre-Tarantino, Tarantino film. The film is completely gritty, and purely based off style. The true material is just non existent. The criminals in the film are shown from a better perspective than the cops (except Roy). This isn't a negative, but this not so subtly gets you rooting for the mafia men-rather than the men in uniform. The visuals in the "I'm Black" club scene were top notch, and the film always had up beat color visuals. If more time was invested in the script this could be a very good film, but as is, mediocre.

Bad Lieutenant: A series of long, and often uncomfortable scenes, weather it's a rape of a nun or an ignored daughter, the dark film brings a certain jazz to pessimistic situations. This is due to a combination of Kietels electric yet grimly performance and director Ferrara adding his love for style in. The film is perverted and graphic earning its NC-17 rating to the fullest, teaches you to snort coke and get a fake blow job. Many scenes were pointless, and to long, but an equal amount of other scenes were stunning. The oddly symbolic church scenes brought surrealism to the screen, with the slum scenes bringing a strong sense of neo-realism. My favorite of the three Ferrara films I've seen.


It actually took me over a month to watch all these, thus the quotation marks around week, but with Ferrara the films got better as it went along. Maybe I liked Fear City slightly more than King of New York though. I'm not going to commit to any director right now, but I will try to get one more done by the end of the year. Thanks for the rec Honeykid and Tyler

[honeykid]

I'm glad you got something out of it, donnie. :) Personally, I'm not much of a fan of Bad Lieutenant. Like one of my favourite directors, Ken Russell, he's not for everyone and that includes people who like his films. However, it's usually interesting and, with Ken, always cinematic.

[Tyler1]

Let's see you do Derek Jarman next, donnie.

[Skepsis93]

Let's see you do Derek Jarman next, donnie.

I second this.

[donniedarko]

Sure, next stop Derek Jarman.

[mark f]

mwahahaha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Evillaugh.ogg)

[honeykid]

Go with Ken, donnie.

[donniedarko]

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3mm8bb2BF1qk4v3a.png#why%2520can%2527t%2520we%2520have%2520both%2520gif