ScarletLion's Movie Log

I absolutely adored "The Dirties", I found myself thoroughly entertained by the two main characters and their shenanigans, their chemistry together was simply off the roof. I also loved how they kept acknowledging the crew and the technical aspects of their own film, while still being in the movie's universe, this level of insanity is rare to find, even though it can be a source of some great comedy.

__________________
"A film has to be a dialogue, not a monologue — a dialogue to provoke in the viewer his own thoughts, his own feelings. And if a film is a dialogue, then it’s a good film; if it’s not a dialogue, it’s a bad film."

- Michael "Gloomy Old Fart" Haneke

It really is quite unique in that respect. Although it's a cheaply made movie, it is a very well constructed one and edited very well. The writer/director was in his mid 20s when it was made. That blows my mind.

I have yet to check out his tv-series "Nirvanna the Band the Show", but I thought his second feature film, "Operation Avalanche", was just as brilliant as his first. He is a unique film-maker indeed, and I wish he would get more recognition.

I'll be watching both those very soon, he seems like a very promising talent.

The Dirties looks like something I'll love. The darker the better.

__________________
Too weird to live, and too rare to die.

I think you'd dig it. Let me know what you think

Will do. Cheers.

Quite violent, tense, Northern Irish crime thriller. @TheSamoanLawyer put me on to this. I believe he's from that neck of the woods. It's gritty, extremely well shot and has some good performances. It's not particularly groundbreaking but does have some poignant moments:

"No-one seems to know the full story. That's the problem with this country".

^ That one stood out for me given the history, and eludes to the fact that certain things will never, ever be forgotten leading to an endless circle of tragedy.

The problem I have with it, is that there are a few 'less than plausible' moments also.



These are small, tiny details, and I am nitpicking. Because without them, there would be no movie. But they did stand out as a little distracting.

Overall, I'd give it a 6/10 - as as nice as it was to look at, it didn't quite pull me in enough to make my heart beat a little bit faster or make my emotions boil to the surface.

Glad you liked it. I watched it at the premiere months ago so I'll have to get a rewatch in asap. I really enjoyed it but I definitely was a tad bias.

This is a beautiful film. Director Kogonada has made several tribute videos, essays and shorts but this is his debut feature. And he nails it, with help of the stunning, meticulously framed cinematography by Elisha Christian.


Columbus, Indiana is the backdrop to the story that positions a daughter giving up her career to care for her mother, and a son who was neglected in favour of a career by his father. Symbolism, symmetry and architecture provide the metaphors for the messages and themes, and I took them mostly to mean that some of us strive to align symmetry to our lives but the reality is that we can all achieve balance - even when things are off kilter.

As an Asian film-maker, Kogonada has clearly been influenced by Kim Ki-Duk and Takeshi Kitano ('Time' and' Kikujiro' are similar in tone) and also the one point perspective techniques of Kubrick. The result here, is a phenomenally beautiful movie that trickles along nicely as we meet a male - female dynamic that share their troubles and end up trying to figure out how to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Haley Lu Richardson and John Cho are a great combo, and the former especially gives a pretty amazing turn well beyond her years.

Think Asian cinema blended in with stunning photography, and perhaps a hint of Jim Jarmusch's 'Paterson' and it's about where this movie is. There's also a hint of the before / after trilogy in the dialogue.

Those who appreciate aesthetics will enjoy this movie. Those who prefer more of an adrenaline rush will want to avoid it.

Nice review. Never heard of it before, sounds and looks great.

Such a brutal, tense, brilliant movie. And yet it's not even close to being Villeneuve's best. There are a couple of flaws, most notably that big reveal towards the end where Alejandro is at the Mexico side of the border. I just feel they didn't nail it somehow. Emily Blunt's character just looked a little too confused.


That said it is still one of the better thrillers of the last few years, helped by Taylor Sheridan's dialogue and the edgyness of the film's tone.

I cannot wait to see what Villeneuve does with 'Dune'. He has a ridiculously good resume already and has now done thrillers, sci-fi, politically motivated movies, high school shootings, Mindf**k moives. I guess a war movie might be up after Dune.

My Denis Villeneuve movies ranked:

1. Incendies
2. Arrival
3. Enemy
4. Polytechnique
5. Prisoners
6. Sicario
7. Blade Runner 2049
8. Maelstrom

I am yet to see 'August 32nd on Earth'

Villeneuve is a fantastic film-maker, and I do agree with the fact that "Sicario" is one of his worst films, which is nothing but a great compliment. I too love "Incendies" and "Enemy" the most, out of his impressive filmography.

I was impressed by Enemy and Prisoners when I first saw them but after watching Incendies I was completely blown away with his attention for detail and brutalness. He never shies away from being completely in your face, yet at the same time does violence and harshness with a certain degree of style and dignity. I haven't explained that very well but I hope you get what I mean. He doesn't go over the top in terms of graphic content but at the same time disturbs the viewer enough to make certain scenes unforgettable. 'Polytechnique' is perhaps the best example of this. It is done so well.

I get the same vibes from Jacques Audiard. Both great modern filmmakers and both at the top of my favourite Directors working today.

Arrival, Enemy and BR 2049 were great.
Sicario disappointed me. Wasn't instense, didn't keep in suspense, was even boring at some parts.

Fair enough, did you watch Prisoners? And if so how did it compare to Sicario?

No, I haven't seen Prisoners I'm curoius, If I would like it.

Sure it was comedic, but I felt it more and more intense and disturbing as it went on, until you're left absolutely shaken by the final shot.

A note on that ending:



?

I'd say it's definitely that one.