Movies by the Fireplace with Swan

[Swan]

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/vv13/NectarOfGods/scenes/Fireplace.jpg

Welcome to my review thread.

A

Alien (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1160992#post1160992) (Ridley Scott, 1979)

P

Primer (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1232430#post1232430) (Shane Carruth, 2004)

U

Under the Skin (http://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1090874#post1090874) (Jonathan Glazer, 2013)

[Swan]

Under the Skin
(Jonathan Glazer, 2013)

rating_4_5+

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/bef1edf6-ea86-47a0-9c87-6cd19d03f7d3_zps88938764.jpg

Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin stars Scarlett Johansson, in a wonderfully nuanced performance, as an alien who seduces men, luring them into a dilapidated apartment building where a room with a pool of black goo brings them to their death. Eventually, she attempts to seduce a disfigured man, but feels sorry for him and lets him go. Because of this, she has to flee from those who were once helping her.

Under the Skin is a seemingly indecipherable film, which means it’s hard to sum up. Despite its ambiguity, it’s a film that will have you thinking long after it’s over, and it’s not impossible to explain the events somehow. In fact, the interpretation you have may differ from someone else's. I’ve not read the book, but have read the plot outline and it seems to me as though Jonathan Glazer decided to make it a separate entity from its source material, making it far more open to analysis.

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The film echoes John Locke’s philosophy of tabula rasa. To Locke, humans start out as a blank slate, without any identity, and through experience define themselves. The film begins with the alien learning to act as a human being, by wearing human skin and learning English. Over the course of the film, she discovers emotion, sympathy, desire, and in this way there is a newfound humanity in her.

Mica Levi, who usually goes by her stage name Micachu, has created an eerily memorable score for Under the Skin. It differs from the more upbeat, experimental pop of her band, Micachu and the Shapes, going for something that could be the music of a nightmare.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/b2ce79f9-47c8-4c43-86d7-5b2e4ff60854_zps114478c9.jpg

In the end, Under the Skin will most definitely become something of a cult classic. It’s too strange to find mass appeal, but is sure the captivate some with its terrifying, surreal, dreamlike and thoughtful nature.

[Daniel M]

Great stuff Swan, really well written review and I will definitely be looking forward to hearing more movie thoughts from you. Certainly looks like the type of film I would enjoy, a strange potential cult classic. I was already interested in the project with it being an low key, strange British film (I also want to see Sexy Beast), and that interest has definitely been furthered on hearing how much you enjoyed it :)

[Swan]

Thanks Dan. After seeing this I had to buy Glazer's other films, Sexy Beast and Birth. I don't expect them to have the same style, but I'm expecting them to be good films anyway. The dude is talented, if Under the Skin is any indication.

[Cobpyth]

Nice review, Swan!

I'm not a big fan of Birth, but Sexy Beast is plain awesome!

I have a feeling I'll like Under the Skin. Where did you see it? In a movie theater?

[Swan]

Thanks, Cobpyth. There is an arthouse theater about 30 minutes away from me, so I saw it there. :)

[christine]

Sexy Beast is class!

[seanc]

Good review swan. I like the thread name. Makes me feel like I am heading into an SNL skit.

I will see Under The Skin but dont know if I am looking forward to it. It seems outside my wheel house. However if the worst thing that happens to me this year is watching Johanson run around for two hours I think Ill be okay.

[Swan]

Thanks Sean. Glad to see the title works. :D

[cricket]

I wanted to see Under the Skin anyway, but will make it a priority now that I know it's the same director as Sexy Beast. Great start Swan!

[Swan]

Thanks Cricket!

[Sexy Celebrity]

Where's the fireplace?

[Swan]

http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/89/4b/894b0de56f5c3d90a2ff5f4282b553ef.jpg?itok=4HOdQVkK

[Nostromo87]

http://oi62.tinypic.com/2mnjd7a.jpg

[Captain Spaulding]

You should rename this Moves by the Air-Conditioner with Swan, since it's too damn hot outside to be sitting by a fireplace. Maybe then we can get some more reviews in here. :cool:

[jiraffejustin]

We want more.

[Sexy Celebrity]

You should rename this Moves by the Air-Conditioner with Swan, since it's too damn hot outside to be sitting by a fireplace. Maybe then we can get some more reviews in here. :cool:

How about "Movies in the Bathtub with Captain Spaulding?"

[Swan]

Alien
(Ridley Scott, 1979)

rating_5

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/a880924c-9b27-4f27-9997-be58c412852a_zps8139934d.jpg

Alien is my favorite film of all-time. I’ve been passionate about it much of my life – I’m not sure when I first saw it, was either a kid or a teenager. But it’s been around me all my life, as my dad and sister are both fans as well. Find me when I was 17 and you’d usually catch me in my old Alien shirt, with the classic poster on it featuring the brilliant tagline -

In space, no one can hear you scream.

It’s simply the best film I’ve ever seen. Such a masterful use of suspense and build-up, great characters, terrific Sigourney Weaver, and easily the greatest creature design in history – xenomorphs rank high on my list of favorite things, period. I also love the mystery of the creature. They don’t explain what it is exactly, or where it came from, and I think that’s a stroke of genius.

http://37.media.tumblr.com/1600f70461766c0aad43dbc07defbb9b/tumblr_n5ipvlmXte1qjxgmho5_500.gif (http://37.media.tumblr.com/1600f70461766c0aad43dbc07defbb9b/tumblr_n5ipvlmXte1qjxgmho5_500.gif)

The reproductive system of the creature adds to its complexity, and the film also deals symbolically with our own reproductive system – I love catching these little metaphors in the film (the obvious phallic design of the creature, “umbilicus clear”, when they are looking at the tracking device to follow Dallas as he searches for the creature and it looks similar to a sperm going to an egg, to name a few). I find more with every viewing. I feel like this subliminally makes the creature more threatening to the viewer, somehow - as though it wants to violate our entire being rather than simply kill us.

And talk about a climax. Ridley Scott is known for his visuals, but I also think he’s great at making really intense films. Blade Runner, Gladiator, and Prometheus, to name a few, are full of edge-of-your-seat moments. Even Black Hawk Down, which I didn’t care for in general, is still pretty gripping. But in my opinion, Alien is his most intense. It just doesn’t let up.

http://onthescreenreviews.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tumblr_lrkplult1x1qi1jaoo1_500.gif

Overall, it’s a fantastic take on the classic monster movie, takes that format and runs with it, masters it, excels with it, and ultimately, makes the best movie of all-time with it.

[mark f]

Hey, I've read that before. :cool:

[Swan]

:D

I just wanted another review up in here so figured I could post that. I will hopefully revisit the film some time in the future.

[cricket]

Congrats on finally getting a good movie into your thread:)

[Swan]

:coleman:

[honeykid]

Ooooh... Someone call the burn unit.

[MovieGal]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/22/Animated_fire_by_nevit.gif

[Derek Vinyard]

Congrats on finally getting a good movie into your thread:)

hahahahah nice one ! Alien is definitely a great movie ! Nice Review Swan :)

[Swan]

Thanks. :D

[MovieGal]

Swan, I think your fireplace burnt your house down.....

[Swan]

I'm gonna throw cricket into the fireplace.

[honeykid]

Is that the sequel to Throw Momma From The Train?

[Swan]

Primer
(Shane Carruth, 2004)

5

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Primer isn’t everyone’s cup of coffee, but for me it’s the perfect blend. When talking about films that I personally connect with, Primer is one of the first films that come to my mind. It's a flawed film for sure, but that comes with the territory of being a $7,000 directorial debut by someone without any previous experience in filmmaking. In fact, with that in mind, I personally consider Shane Carruth - who directed, wrote, starred, produced, composed the score, and sound edited the film - something of a filmmaking genius. He's one of my filmmaking heroes, because he is a one man moviemaking machine.

And I feel Primer is the perfect example of genius in terms of low-budget creativity in storytelling. Using $7,000 dollars and almost no special effects, Carruth manages to tell a believable, engaging, intelligent and thought-provoking time travel film by very economical means. I've read criticisms of the film and none of them have changed my personal feelings toward it. I love it wholeheartedly and it's one of those films I can watch an endless amount of times and still love. There's just something about it. It appeals to my sensibilities in nearly every way.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/17itxfwwgqv3kjpg_zpscb19abff.jpg

Unfortunately, unless it looks like a movie you would like, don't expect a recommendation from me. I would recommend it to engineers and mathematicians and scientists more than anyone. I recommended it to my mechanical engineer cousin and he dug it. But cinephiles always seem to focus too much on it's flaws and don't just try to enjoy the experience.

And it's all about the experience of the film. I am close to understanding the film - as much as you can. Carruth purposefully leaves out some information so it's impossible to know 100% what's going on. But personally, I don't care that much to figure it out. That's a fun little game, but whenever I watch it, I just sit back and let the film take me over. I experience it's magic. It's inspires me in every way.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/c2377285-579f-402c-a63f-687602ad6bee_zpsf35eb432.jpg

I wish I will one day make something as creative and intellectually stimulating. But if I never do, I can always just watch Primer.

[BlueLion]

Yeah, definitely a tough nut to crack. I still don't know how I feel about Primer but I really dig Carruth's other feature, Upstream Color. Thought it covered more ground in addition to just being more enjoyable in general.

[seanc]

Very good teview Swan. I have yet to see Primer, but I may some day.

[Swan]

Yeah, definitely a tough nut to crack. I still don't know how I feel about Primer but I really dig Carruth's other feature, Upstream Color. Thought it covered more ground in addition to just being more enjoyable in general.

I absolutely love both. The thing I really love about Upstream Color is it proved Carruth actually has talent and Primer wasn't just an accidental wonder. I also love how, to me at least, Upstream Color is a different movie every time I see it.

[christine]

I remember seeing Primer quite a few years ago and not knowing what the hell was going on. I'd like to watch it again now :)

[Swan]

Pontypool
(Bruce McDonald, 2008)

rating_5

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/70b17e73-f22e-49dc-bad5-82fc8dcb30f3_zpstpcgvl9a.jpg

Pontypool blew me away. It was absolutely stunning. I was captivated – at the climax I literally had to sit up, the definition of “edge-of-your-seat”. It’s been so long since I’ve had this kind of experience with a movie. I thought I never would have. But Pontypool, this little underseen horror flick from 2008 came along with little expectations from me, and absolutely rocked my world.

It wouldn’t have been possible if the cast didn’t kicked ass. Stephen McHattie owns this film as Grant Mazzy. This movie will no doubt become something of a cult classic, and its star will no doubt be the icon. The two gorgeous actresses, Lisa Houle and Georgina Reilly, are nothing short of great in their own right. I totally bought into all their performances. After a while, I forgot I was watching a movie.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/pontypool01big_zpscdw5eyu2.jpg

I’m probably going to be in the minority on this. While the film seems to be well-received among horror fans, the general public doesn’t seem as enthralled for some reason. I was talking to my oldest sister about it today, in fact, and the impression I got was that while she liked it, she wasn’t blown away like I ended up being. She called it “too talky,” which I thought was a weird criticism. But I thought I would have to find out for myself.

The film takes place entirely in one building, a radio station, and it is pretty much all talk. This is funny and ironic if you’ve seen the film. The way they play with the talky one-room scenario we’ve seen more than a few times is absolutely genius. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I was quite taken by the script and it’s execution.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/pontypool2_zpsq5mzrfuf.jpg

It’s a great example of a film getting progressively better, too. I recently watched Alyce Kills, which I felt was the opposite – a film that, as it went on, just got worse and worse. This was different. As it started, I expected maybe a 3.5 film. As it kept going, it began creeping up to a 4, then eventually went all the way up to 5 with the stunning climax.

I’m just not crazy about a lot of modern horror films. My dad buys a lot of them, these new movies that come out and are no good, and I used to watch them with him. Those, as well as most of what comes to theaters… horror seems to have lost a bit of steam. But every once in a while, something great comes along, something like Pontypool. Maybe I’m too hard on modern horror. After this one, I certainly would like to seek out more of those newer horror ventures that are respectfully rated by horror hounds. Because, like I said, every once in a while something good, or even great, comes along.

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f145/ifiswan/76190ec8-f142-4856-aeb5-d2de9a450110_zps1w8o0uuj.jpg

Back to what I was saying about being in the minority. If my glowing review gets people to watch it, I have a feeling they will like it but won’t be absolutely gobsmacked by it. I hope I’m wrong and that’s not the case – I’d love for people to love this movie like I loved it. I would love to do a commentary on it, perhaps. But if not, I will have no problem watching this gripping and fantastic film by myself.

[mark f]

Well. I liked it, but since I give one 5 about each decade, you'll have to do with this.
It came across as quite intense to me. Stephen McHattie's strong presence and voice as the maverick radio disc jockey is the centerpiece. In many ways, it plays out as a companion piece to Orson Welles' radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds on Halloween 1938. Horror shows do really like those holidays. I'd also give it 3 but that means it wasn't disappointing at all. :cool:

[Swan]

That pleased me, Mark. :D

[Swan]

You mentioned it a bit in that post, but I loved how it kind of brought back old-time radio in that sort of way. In the movie what's happening is real, but still. I also love how you're not seeing what is happening to Ken. I know horror movies always do that, are scary by what they DON'T show (hell, my favorite film does that), but for some reason it worked so well here.

[Swan]

By the way, I realize it might seem like I'm overrating it, I dunno. But I genuinely loved it. Part of it is just because I had such a fun damn time with it, and was at the edge of my seat like you wouldn't believe - something that hasn't happened in a long time.

[Camo]

Haven't watched either of the films on this page, but Primer has been pushed up my watchlist before after hearing you talking about it; and it has again :up: .

Still i'm dissapointed that this isn't called, "A Fireside Chat With Swan", gueststarring 'Indian Companion' :p .

[Camo]

I love you Swan... by the firelace :p ,

[Swan]

You okay there Camo? :p

[seanc]

Great review Swan, you may even get me to see it...someday.

[dadgumblah]

Nice thread, Swan! About Primer...I was told that there would be no math in this thread!

https://doughboytoironman.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/triumph-insult-comic-dog-i-kid.jpg

I love several of the movies you've reviewed, including Alien and Pontypool, which I loved also. I thought the resolution was great. Stephen McHattie was awesome. I've been a fan for a long time and I think this is probably the best he's ever been.

This is what I love, a thread of movie reviews that inspire me to see a movie I've not seen yet. Keep up the good work!

[Swan]

Any recs for films Stephen McHattie has been in, dadgumblah?

[dadgumblah]

Yes, but most of the stuff I've seen him in have been TV related. He's been in all eight of the Tom Selleck "Jesse Stone" TV-movies (2005-12), of which I've seen seven. He played a half-French, half-Native American who was a stone-cold killer in the mini-series "Centennial." (1978-79) He was in the TV-movie "James Dean" (1976), being young enough to actually convincingly portray Dean. He was in several episodes of the Seinfeld show in 1992 as a somewhat domineering psychotherapist who is dating Elaine. He was on "The X-Files" in 1995 as someone I don't remember, but he played The Red-Haired Man, so he couldn't have been a good guy. The last thing I've seen him in besides the ones I've mentioned is the SyFy series, "Haven," in 2010-11 episodes. I'll have to go through his list on IMDB and see what else looks interesting. BTW, I haven't mentioned anything that he was in where he only appeared in a cameo.

[Swan]

I just checked IMDb and it looks like I've seen him in a few things and didn't even know it. Anyway, thanks for the recs. :)

[Captain Spaulding]

Swan, I know you love these low-budget, small-scale genre pics that you could theoretically pull off one day as an aspiring filmmaker, so I'm not surprised that you're head-over-heels for Pontypool, but personally it didn't do much for me. I think Pontypool would work great as the type of radio play it aspires to be, but as a film it failed to maintain my interest. Not that it's a bad film. I agree with you that it's well-written and features strong performances. I like how large the epidemic feels despite the movie taking place in one setting. But I was bored, to be honest. I expect more zombies in my zombie films.

To be fair, I haven't seen Pontypool since it first came out. When I watched it, I didn't know that the entire movie took place in one setting, so I felt restless and frustrated by all the juicy stuff happening off screen. It's quite possible that I'd enjoy the movie much more on a re-watch since I now know what to expect.

I enjoyed reading your passionate review.

[Swan]

Swan, I know you love these low-budget, small-scale genre pics that you could theoretically pull off one day as an aspiring filmmaker, so I'm not surprised that you're head-over-heels for Pontypool, but personally it didn't do much for me. I think Pontypool would work great as the type of radio play it aspires to be, but as a film it failed to maintain my interest. Not that it's a bad film. I agree with you that it's well-written and features strong performances. I like how large the epidemic feels despite the movie taking place in one setting. But I was bored, to be honest. I expect more zombies in my zombie films.

To be fair, I haven't seen Pontypool since it first came out. When I watched it, I didn't know that the entire movie took place in one setting, so I felt restless and frustrated by all the juicy stuff happening off screen. It's quite possible that I'd enjoy the movie much more on a re-watch since I now know what to expect.

I enjoyed reading your passionate review.

Maybe it's expectations, then. I knew it all took place in one building so I wasn't really expecting them to leave. I also knew it was dialogue heavy, and wasn't expecting many zombies at all - in fact, I only had barely an inclination that it was a zombie film at all. I knew there was a twist to it, and was excited to find out what that twist was.

I was expecting a decent but not great modern horror film but what I got was a superb script and excellent performances, and an overall gripping film. At least for me, personally.

Thanks for reading.