Giant (Stevens, 1956)
This one one of my Grandmother's favorite films, and we used to watch it together when I was a youngster. At the time, I didn't understand the implications, I just liked the scene with the kids and that poor turkey. This time around, I was just enthralled by the epic scope and earnest but over-the-top performances. I also liked the statement made in the restaurant scene near the end. The family is confronted by a racist restaurant owner, and the scene escalates into a fist fight between Rock Hudon and the owner - I love the resolution of the issue. The owner gets his way, as it is his property and clearly his free decision to not serve someone for a reason he deems valid, while Hudson makes his point that he and his family disagree strongly, and will pay with pain to stand up for what they believe. Of course, I agree with the family's view on this one, but I support the owner's right to refuse service to anyone he chooses on his property. He's the one losing business and making himself look like a fool, but hey, it's HIS place. I still feel bad for Pedro the turkey!
Runaways (Sigismondi, 2010)
Tough call here. I liked some aspects of the film, but man, what was with the shanking of Lita Ford? Her only scenes are her being screamed at by Joan Jett and then at the end, when the film makers did the obligatory "Here's where they are now" title cards, she didn't even get a mention. Also, I thought the film focused far too much on the lead singer, who was an idiot, and not anywhere enough on the actual talent in the band in Joan Jett. Decent, but not great.
The Parallax View (Pakula, 1974)
An extremely cynical examination of the political climate in the Nixon years, with conspiracy, murder and subterfuge around every corner. Some interesting concepts, if not a bit predictable, and the film is shot exceptionally well.
Metal : A Headbangers Journey (2005, Dunn)
Above average documentary with a personal touch that I really enjoyed. I used to be a die-hard metal fan throughout the 80s and some of the 90s. I still put it on here and there, but not anywhere near the level I used to listen. I have picked up my guitar in the last couple of months again, and i am enjoying playing some of my old favorites - this film just added to the inspiration that has re-emerged recently.
This one one of my Grandmother's favorite films, and we used to watch it together when I was a youngster. At the time, I didn't understand the implications, I just liked the scene with the kids and that poor turkey. This time around, I was just enthralled by the epic scope and earnest but over-the-top performances. I also liked the statement made in the restaurant scene near the end. The family is confronted by a racist restaurant owner, and the scene escalates into a fist fight between Rock Hudon and the owner - I love the resolution of the issue. The owner gets his way, as it is his property and clearly his free decision to not serve someone for a reason he deems valid, while Hudson makes his point that he and his family disagree strongly, and will pay with pain to stand up for what they believe. Of course, I agree with the family's view on this one, but I support the owner's right to refuse service to anyone he chooses on his property. He's the one losing business and making himself look like a fool, but hey, it's HIS place. I still feel bad for Pedro the turkey!
Runaways (Sigismondi, 2010)
Tough call here. I liked some aspects of the film, but man, what was with the shanking of Lita Ford? Her only scenes are her being screamed at by Joan Jett and then at the end, when the film makers did the obligatory "Here's where they are now" title cards, she didn't even get a mention. Also, I thought the film focused far too much on the lead singer, who was an idiot, and not anywhere enough on the actual talent in the band in Joan Jett. Decent, but not great.
The Parallax View (Pakula, 1974)
An extremely cynical examination of the political climate in the Nixon years, with conspiracy, murder and subterfuge around every corner. Some interesting concepts, if not a bit predictable, and the film is shot exceptionally well.
Metal : A Headbangers Journey (2005, Dunn)
Above average documentary with a personal touch that I really enjoyed. I used to be a die-hard metal fan throughout the 80s and some of the 90s. I still put it on here and there, but not anywhere near the level I used to listen. I have picked up my guitar in the last couple of months again, and i am enjoying playing some of my old favorites - this film just added to the inspiration that has re-emerged recently.
__________________
“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” ― Thomas Sowell