Double Indemnity
Now
This is how you make a Film-Noir ladies and gentlemen. Billy Wilder's other noir-classic
Sunset Boulevard is one of the greatest films ever, and somehow this film is just as incredible. This is a dark-noir that somehow manages to do everything right. The script is tight and engaging, the shadowy cinematography is gorgeous and the suspense is palpable. It's just perfectly crafted, and extremely compelling. I've seen 4 Wilder films thus far, and obviously I will watch many more. But a thing I've noticed about all his films is how well-paced they are. They somehow never drag and even slow moments are very interesting. If you haven't seen
Double Indemnity, please do so now.
Planet of the Apes
Heading into this film, my expectations weren't all that high. I already knew the infamous "twist", and I thought this was simply going to be a solid, yet dated piece of classic Sci-Fi. I was very wrong. The make-up, special effects and the entire aesthetic of the film is way ahead of it's time. It's not as revolutionary as
2001:A Space Odyssey, which strangely enough came out the same year but it is very impressive nonetheless. This is an extremely entertaining, adventurous and rather thought-provoking film. It is ripe with allegory and it harshly condemns human-nature. I expected a simple action flick, so I was happy to see it had more substance to it than meets the eye. Charles Heston is badass in this role, impossible to not smile when he spouts quotes as cool as this:
"Take your stinking paws off me you damn dirty ape!"
Planet of the Apes isn't without flaws, it is quite flawed in some areas. But it certainly does earn its place in history as a piece of classic Science-Fiction. And the ending is brilliant, even thought I already knew what was going to occur. Truly one of the best endings in Hollywood history.
Duck Soup
Rather amusing, but not much else to it. A political satire filled with slapstick and clever jokes. I did enjoy parts of it, but I just don't see anything
That great here. Maybe its because most of it's jokes and humor has been replicated so many times through movie history.I don't feel too strongly about this film, so I have nothing more to say.
Barry Lyndon
Kubrick was a master filmmaker as we all know, with a plethora of masterpieces under his belt. This film is another one of his masterworks.
Barry Lyndon is easily one of the most gorgeous films ever made. It is meticulously composed with beautiful cinematography, stunning locations and backdrops, as well as incredible attention to period detail.The acting is great, as is the script. This is a 3-hour epic which never feels boring or dull. Kubrick shows us the life of a character, his rise and then his inevitable fall.It really is a excellent story, with Kubrick painting a truthful portrait of human frailty. No other filmmaker in history has such a perfect record of films. Kubrick has tackled war epics, political satires, horror, science-fiction,etc,etc. There was nothing this man couldn't do. This is a remarkable triumph of filmmaking, and must-watch cinema for film enthusiasts.
Nymphomaniac Parts 1&2
Lars Von Trier brings us another controversial film which is sure to push many buttons. Nymphomaniac is a film about a woman who recounts her life to a man who found her beaten in an alley. She recounts her earliest sexual experiences and guides the viewer through her life as a Nymphomanic(sex addict). This is a very explicit film, honestly no other film I've ever seen shows such gratuitous nudity and sexuality. Many might criticize Lars for making this film, and they may believe it only exists to provoke. I personally think the content is handled fairly well, and quite realistically as well. It's not afraid to go to areas, other films might be too afraid to go. It's a well-told story, and of course the acting is very strong. But I feel a slight indifference to what I've seen. It's an interesting effort, and I'm glad I checked it out. However its not something that I would recommend to everyone, nor is it a film I see myself revisiting ever again. Your mileage may vary with the film, depending on how you choose to look at it.
About Schmidt
Quite an earnest showcase of elderly unease and unhappiness. Nicholson gives one of his career-best performances as an elderly man who has recently retired, yet feels he has nothing to show for his life. It's not a particularly upbeat film, it is quite cynical and pessimistic. I found myself liking it due to how real the material feels, the director treats the subject with care and honesty. I found myself emphasizing with the film's main character, and I feel many other people might as well. He's lived life, but he doesn't really have much to show for it. It's a dry film, and not one I find myself revisiting anytime soon however.Still damn good though.
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