Movie of the Week II

[Bop]

Moved the selections here so that the page will load faster for the folks on dial-up; here are the old picks and a link to the other thread just in case anyone is interested in reading the reviews:

PAST MOVIE OF THE WEEK SELECTIONS:
1 Bleu
2 The Third Man
3 The Killing
4 The Secret of Roan Inish
5 Titus
6 The 400 Blows
7 Persona
8 Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror
9 The Passion of Joan of Arc
10 The Bicycle Thief
11 The Crying Game
12 Sweet & Lowdown
13 Exotica
14 Basquiat

[Bop]

This week's selection is the last film by the great french director Louis Malle, "Vanya on 42nd Street". It concerns a group of actors as themselves as they gather inside an old run down theater to rehearse the classic Chekhov play "Uncle Vanya". It opens with the actors walking to the theater and engaging in small talk, they all refer to one another by their real names. Andre Gregory as himself is the director of the play and gives a group of visitors who will sit in as the audience, a quick tour of the theater. The theater has a beautiful romance to it. It is an old grand masterpiece of architecture that is falling apart and deteriorating. We see only a few props, a bench, a table, a lamp, etc. As the people mingle with one another the play begins without any announcement, the hand held camera steadies and eventually focuses only on the characters of the play. What follows is a brilliant mixture of cinematic technique and theatrical acting. With only a few props, virtually no lighting, and only Chekhov's words to carry the film, we are invited to the most minimalist and bare pieces of cinema ever put to celluloid.

The play itself, if you haven't yet read it, is a rather simple tale about very complicated human emotions. At it's core are questions about aging, happiness, loss, regret, death, and of course the meaning of life. It takes place on a Russian planatation over the course of a few nights and days; and sucks us into the battles that our minds go through as we try to keep the pieces of our lives together while trying to achieve happiness. Because Russian literature can be very heavy at times, the film actually takes an intermission after the second act so that the audience may take a breather. The actors break from their roles and mingle with the audience, and then resume the play.

I cannot recommend this film with more enthusiasm. When I first saw it in the theater, I was in awe. How could a film so bare become so believable, so emotionally exhausting. It is one of the most breathtaking pieces I have ever seen. You really must see it to know what I am talking about. The film is a great example of what cinema can be, it proves that you don't need a huge budget, a million special effects, or big movie stars to make something memorable. It uses only the words of Chekhov, a few actors, and an old theater to achieve timeless emotional breadth.

Click on the poster for more info. Thanks & good day.

Vanya On 42nd Street (1994)
Runtime: 119
Country: UK / USA
Language: English
Color: Color

[Sandman2012]

I've seen Vanya. It's an excellent movie. A great way to adapt a play for film.

[Bop]

Sorry I haven't suggested a movie in a few weeks (like anyone cares )

This week's movie selection is a film I recently saw on video and it touched me so much that upon its ending I immediately rewound it and watched it again. Ghost World is a film about the misfits, the social outcasts, and the misunderstood geeks that roam haplessly about trying to find some meaning among this world's conformist existence and their vintage collectables. The lead is played by American Beauty's Thora Birch and she does a bang up job as a quasi-Daria nihilist with an incredible sense for drawing, and a sense of humor so dry only the initiated will ever understand them. The film exposes truths about political correctness, but more importantly about those individuals that hang at the edge of society; too smart for their own good but too socially inept to make a difference. The film follows a rather loose plot, but the plot really isn't what it's about; it's more a character study than anything else. Enid and her friend Rebecca, two misfits who are in thier summer between the end of high school and their careers in college; wander through the small town poking fun at cultural hypocracy, filling time with their noses raised and heads hung low. The story really takes off when on a slow, boring evening, Enid answers an ad in the personals. The man on the other side is Seymour (played with such great vigor and honesty by Steve Buscemi I'm very surprized to find he is simply a mortal). Seymour couldn't be more like Enid had they been twins. He is another social outcast, who in the mornings is a number behind a desk; and at night time is a lonely middle aged man, obsessed with vintage pop culture and old blues records. Enid and Seymour meet, and become close friends. Which strains the relationship she has with her other friend, Rebecca- who is trying to move on with the rest of her life; while Enid seems determined to wallow in the abyss of social hibernation. The story is a lot more complicated than that; but it is the skeleton of the film. The film moves along like a lazy trot, showing us the lives of these desparete people with absolute honesty and without sentimental hogwash. It is films like this that make life enjoyable, and they give evidence against anyone who believes art is dead. A hardy bravo to all the people who went into filming this masterwork.

I think that many of the individuals here at the forums will relate to these characters. Aren't we all social outcasts to some degree? I cannot recommend this film more, please do take some time and give it a viewing or two.

For more info click the poster; this film is based on a comic book so I have also included a link in case anyone wants to purchase it. Thanks and good day.


Ghost World
MPAA: Rated R for strong language & some sexual content.
Runtime: 111
Country: UK / USA / Germany
Language: English
Color: Color



Comic Book:

[eleet-2k2]

Resident Evil. Great graphics.

[Aeroe]

I wasn't impressed at all with Ghost World, rather boring flick and plotless. Then the thought of Thora Birch shagging... ugh won't bother saying. Overall besides the 2-3 parts I cracked a smile I was unmoved.

[[LMF]ZeroKool]

Originally posted by 31337-2k2
Resident Evil. Great graphics.

The Story line sucks.so does the acting. They should follow the first game story.

[stttafffy]

watch pulp fiction. if you have it, watch it again. if you have never seen it, SEE IT! i saw it two days ago for the first time, and it is AWESOME. please do yourself a favor and watch this movie.

[Bop]

It's about time you saw it sttaffy- Pulp Fiction is a great film. I've seen it numerous times, enjoyed it more upon each viewing, and would recommend it any day.

[Sandman2012]

I am so glad you are pushing Ghost World, Bop. I have been a fan of comics (semi-mainstream and underground) for a long time, and I thought that Ghost World was an amazing comic. I loved the transition to film as well. Much of the material in the movie was straight from the graphic novel, but altered to fit the new medium. And it worked. Not an easy task. Terry Zwigoff did a great job directing, considering that this is only his second film (and the first was a documentary). The colors are vivid and alive, providing a nice contrast to a script that is subtle and understated. The scene in the quasi-Starbucks, where Enid is trying to tell Rebecca that all the freaks and losers are "our people" is a beautiful piece of storytelling through character and dialogue.

This movie isn't for everyone. But if you've ever felt alone and wanted more from a world that seems to offer nothing but corporate culture and status quo, or if you've ever experienced a growing gap between you and a good friend because you are both changing, I think you'll relate to the characters in this movie.

Another suggestion. "Crumb" the documentary on Robert (R.) Crumb, "underground" 60's cartoonist. Best known for doing the cover of Janis Joplin's "Cheap Thrills" album and the "Keep On Truckin'" guy. Watch this film and you'll appreciate your family like never before.

[Sandman2012]

Originally posted by randman
Another suggestion. "Crumb" the documentary on Robert (R.) Crumb, "underground" 60's cartoonist. Best known for doing the cover of Janis Joplin's "Cheap Thrills" album and the "Keep On Truckin'" guy. Watch this film and you'll appreciate your family like never before.

Crumb is the documentary made by Ghost World director Terry Zwigoff. I don't know if you knew this and just didn't mention it, or if it's an amusing coincidence. R. Crumb's daughter did the on-screen art for the character Enid in Ghost World.

And yes, I agree, Crumb is a great documentary.

Originally posted by Sandman2012


Crumb is the documentary made by Ghost World director Terry Zwigoff. I don't know if you knew this and just didn't mention it, or if it's an amusing coincidence. R. Crumb's daughter did the on-screen art for the character Enid in Ghost World.

And yes, I agree, Crumb is a great documentary.

Actually I did know that, but I wasn't conciously thinking it when I posted. So we'll call it an amusing coincidence.

[Bop]

Crumb, is such a well made documentary! I hope everyone checks it out. For the folks who have little or no money I know for a fact that most libraries keep a copy of it. Borrow it from your local branch. There's an interesting little story behind the filming of Crumb. As most people know Crumb was an "on the edge" cartoonist, but in real life he dealt with rejection, denial, and mental breakdown. His family is comprised of individuals who were on the brink of madness; coincidentally many of them were also brilliant artists. Crumb was a person who was very difficult to deal with and didn't really want to have a film made about his life. Upon hearing that Crumb was unwilling to take part in the filming of the documentary, Terry Zwigoff threatened to kill himself, if the cartoonist didn't participate- of course Crumb had no choice but to go along. What more can I say?! Desparate, and achingly truthful, I think everyone hear at the forum will relate to the awkwardness of the subject- a true outsider who made it big. Crumb is a fascinating individual and the movie does him great justice! WATCH THIS FILM!

"The Official Randman Selection of the Week" -click poster for more info

[Bop]

It's been a while since I recommended a film, so without further ado- this week's (or however long's) selection is Alex Proyas' Dark City (1998). I watched it again last night for the umpteenth time and thought it would make a great pick- I don't think everyone has seen it yet. Indeed a similar film that was released a year later has received all the attention that Dark City rightly deserves. I'm talking about The Matrix of course, and Dark City does follow a similar course, but I think that it is a smarter piece. Dark City has everything that I love in a film- it's a science fiction, retro-futuristic, film-noir mystery. It borrows a great deal from Fritz Lang's Metropolis- the look of the film is archtypal German Experessionism. This may be one of the best looking films I have ever seen. Imagine a hybrid of old and new America- combining elements from modern life, Deco & Noveau periods, and a futuristic view that's right out of Blade Runner. The special effects are subtle and displayed only to serve the story and the characters are drowsy drones, who haven't seen sunlight in years. The story line is intriguing in that the "Strangers" actually have a real motivation.

***[Spoilers= They are not just a malicious alien race, rather they are a dying species that needs the help of man to find a solution to their extinction. Each night the "strangers" shut down the city and redesign the architectural landscape and rearrange the lives of ******** and implant new memories into them. The experimentation is to discover what makes a human, a human- what is it that drives his soul? In the case of our protagonist, the "strangers" implant the memories of a serial killer into his mind, to see if a man is the result of his collective memory. Will a man with a history of killing and memories of such acts- continue killing, will he become a serial killer?]***

I won't reveal any more, as this film really plays on the senses and the mind... i think you will find that this film is more cerebral than your average science fiction.

The film works on so many different levels; it is a detective film, it is a piece of science-fiction, it is a comic-book fantasy... It is fantastic in every respect. Do yourself a favor and watch this film, and soon. As always, click the poster for more information. Thank you for your time, good day all.


*I recommend renting/buying the DVD, as it has 2 alternative versions, one with critic Roger Ebert commenting through out the entire film and another with the comments of the director & cinematographer.

Dark City (1998)
Runtime: 100
Country: USA
Language: English
Color: Color (DeLuxe)
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital / SDDS

[Huehuetenango]

i loved dark city
then again, i turned it on halfway through, so there is probably a whole other level to it that i missed
i've been meaning to go out and rent it for the longest time
i might just buy it, now

[Sandman2012]

I oved Dark City, but I felt the ending was lacking something because it turned rather simplistic.

I've long been of the opinion that the Batman movies, both Tim Burtons and Joel Schumaker, whould have been netter if they had the look of Dark City. Surreal without looking too fake.

[rm']

I just rented Century Hotel. It's one of those surprising gems which litter the international filmscape, but get not nearly enough attention. It's a Canadian pic (you might have a bit of trouble finding it at the rental place if you don't live in Canada) featuring the likes of Colm Feore (Titus), Raine Maida (Our Lady Peace), and his wife, Chantal Kreviazuk. It essentially traces the history of rm.720 of a hotel, starting from 1922, and ending at the millenium celebrations. I really can't describe it better than this review from IMDB:

Michael Elkink
Victoria, BC

Date: 7 February 2002
Summary: Visually and Emotionally Fascinating Movie

I just saw this film last night at the Victoria Independent Film Festival and was very impressed. The intertwining stories of eroticism, death, betrayal, love and understanding were a feast for the eyes and the heart. David Weaver and Co. give a lesson in how to construct a beautiful movie on a limited budget with a minimum of location.

The set design was impeccable. From the opulence of the turn of the century to the stark functionality of the recession era 80's the designers managed to capture the essence of each era in the furnishings and decorative aspects of the room.

Less than convincing was Raine Maida's effort at the cliched emotionally unstable rock star recluse. I suppose my judgment is clouded by seeing the excellent portrayal of said cliche by Maury Chaykin in Whale Music. Also, the dialogue between Raine and Chantal was strained and really didn't fit into the stream of the rest of the movie.

Of particular enjoyment were the scenes between the Hotel Detective and the Nerdy Book Lover. Their chemistry together was unmistakable. The simplistic dissection of the nature of love between a man and a woman gave me many a laugh.

All in all, a highly recommended Canadian flick.

9/10

If you can manage to find it somewhere, I highly recommend you watch it.

[Bop]

I have never heard of Century Hotel- it sounds interesting and the type of movie I would enjoy- but if I can hunt it down be sure I will give it a viewing. Thanks for the recommendation.

[rm']

I saw this really interesting Italian film last night. I'm not really sure what it was called, but the live TV Guide listed it as Le Terre Tremble. There was no earthquake in it, so I'm assuming they were in err. Anyhow, it's how I imagine The Bicycle Thief to be (I haven't seen it yet). Although it was an Italian film subtitled in French, the storytelling ability of the director was so great that it's very easy to pick up what was going on (well, I do know some elementary French, but you'll probably be able to find a copy dubbed in English, or if it's on DVD, there'll English subtitles for sure). The story is about the struggle of a Sicilian fishing family to overcome the troubles of Mussolini's Italy. A really great b&w film which not only presents an excellent story, but moving visual imagery as well.

[Bop]

Originally posted by rm'
I saw this really interesting Italian film last night. I'm not really sure what it was called, but the live TV Guide listed it as Le Terre Tremble. There was no earthquake in it, so I'm assuming they were in err. Anyhow, it's how I imagine The Bicycle Thief to be (I haven't seen it yet). Although it was an Italian film subtitled in French, the storytelling ability of the director was so great that it's very easy to pick up what was going on (well, I do know some elementary French, but you'll probably be able to find a copy dubbed in English, or if it's on DVD, there'll English subtitles for sure). The story is about the struggle of a Sicilian fishing family to overcome the troubles of Mussolini's Italy. A really great b&w film which not only presents an excellent story, but moving visual imagery as well.

That film sounds really familiar... I remember back in '97 or maybe it was '98, the Eastman Theatre celebrated Italian realism; Isabella Rosselini hosted the four day festival. I went to just about every film screened over the course of those days. The one I saw was called The Sea Episode or something along those lines, but the story line was exactly as you have depicted it. The Italians went through a period where their films were almost documentaries, they captured the plight of everyday citizens, used real people instead of actors, and filmed their pictures with utmost simplicity.

I went to all the local video stores and I couldn't find that title under the name you mentioned nor the one I recall. But I'll keep my eyes open for it.

BTW: rm' if you enjoy realism, you will love the films of Indian director Satyajit Ray; he was heavily influenced by the Italians- his films are virtual documentaries on human suffering and they give great inspiration as to what we can endure. (also all his films stay clearly away from Xerxes' Hindi movie template- no song and dance garbage; just raw human emotion)

Of his films the most accessible and probably easiest to find is the "Apu Trilogy" (Pather Panchali, Aparajito, & The World of Apu)

[Bop]

This week I would like to recommend something completely different. Something so bizarre it is virtually impossible to find- but I think with some effort, you might be able to get your hands on a copy. This week’s movie selection is Luis Bunuel & Salvador Dali’s Un Chien Andalou. I cannot tell you what it’s about- because I really wouldn’t even know where to begin. Let’s just say that it works like a dream; all rationale is out the window, the plot is inconsequential, and actors are used like puppets.

This is the dream (nightmare) child born from two of the most twisted minds of our century. Luis Bunuel and Salvador Dali came together to wreak havoc on convention, good taste, and to insult a few priests (for good measure). The film is a little over fifteen minutes long; but every frame is bursting with demented chaos and creativity. The highlights- an eyeball is slit open with a razor blade, a man pulls a piano filled with a dead mule, a raving a priest goes unheard, candy striped virgins do a rain dance, a hand is pierced with a nail and ants crawl out of it, a cyclist is chased by a crazed a head……

This is madness! MADNESS! I’m not sure if this is a practical joke or high art, and I really don’t care. Watch it for what it is, and not what it represents. It’s an assault on the senses- abstract, surreal, absurd, clever, hilarious, disgusting, thought-provoking... ingenious!

Btw: I know that many libraries keep a copy of this film, you probably have a better chance of finding it there than at a video store.

And as always, click the poster for more info. Thanks and good day all.


(ironically most prints of Un chien andalou come with another Bunuel short, called Land without Bread, which is a rather realistic look at a poverty stricken wasteland.)

Un chien andalou (1929)
B&W
Silent
15 minutes

[Xerxes]

Ah yes, the surrealist masterwork. As I remember it, during the opening of this film, Mr. Bunuel (Maybe Dali as well) carried stones in his jacket pockets to throw at people in self defense, in case the theatre rioted when they saw it.

The film truly gives credence to Dali's famous quote-

"I don't take drugs; I am drugs"

[Bop]

Originally posted by Xerxes
As I remember it, during the opening of this film, Mr. Bunuel (Maybe Dali as well) carried stones in his jacket pockets to throw at people in self defense, in case the theatre rioted when they saw it.

LOL! Is that right!? Sure sounds like Bunuel...

[Xerxes]

Yeah, and this being released in the what- 1920's? I probably would have taken similar measures if I were in his shoes

Truly a breakthrough film, especcially considering the era. My only complaint is that I wish it were longer...

[rm']

I'd like to suggest Criminal Lovers (Les Amants Criminels, original French title). Unfortunately, IMDb doesn't have much details on this film, or even a poster, so I'll give you the gist of it. It's a film out of France that explores the nature of loyalty, and the isolationism caused by contemporary society. Clearly, the director was heavily influenced by the existentialist writings which arose from postwar France. But that's not the most notable thing about this film. It's the plot... I'm a bit ashamed to admit that the ending brought me to tears.

[Bop]

Originally posted by rm'
I'd like to suggest Criminal Lovers (Les Amants Criminels, original French title). Unfortunately, IMDb doesn't have much details on this film, or even a poster, so I'll give you the gist of it. It's a film out of France that explores the nature of loyalty, and the isolationism caused by contemporary society. Clearly, the director was heavily influenced by the existentialist writings which arose from postwar France. But that's not the most notable thing about this film. It's the plot... I'm a bit ashamed to admit that the ending brought me to tears.

!!!I've been dying to see that film for months!!!
It's supposed to be quite disturbing...
Damn you Blockbuster for not carrying it!

I did manage to find some little posters:


/Bop makes a mental note to visit Video Barn immediately

[Scar Da Kookee]

f34r nam.

[J. Burnaway]

Full Metal Jacket - good movie, almost like 2 films in one.

Anyone for Memento?

[angelic]

Has anyone ever seen Human Traffic? It's a GREAT film

[rm']

Originally posted by Boplicity

!!!I've been dying to see that film for months!!!
It's supposed to be quite disturbing...
Damn you Blockbuster for not carrying it!
/Bop makes a mental note to visit Video Barn immediately

Heh... I'm so extremely happy to be finally recieving Showcase again They'll be having a Stanley Kubric film fest next month

btw Natacha Régnier is HOT

[Indyrod]

Originally posted by Scarface2k2
[B]f34r nam.

Don't forget "Siege at Firebase Gloria". R. Lee Emery at his best again. One of the best Nam action films made period..

Saw "Memento" over the weekend. Outstanding movie, one to watch over and over and over and over.

[Widdykats]

It's under Movies General Discussion I'm Soooooo stupid

[Sandman2012]

You're not stupid, just new. Don't be so hard on yourself. Welcome to the forums.

[eleet-2k2]

Originally posted by N e m e s s i s
you know, the sad part is i havent seen any of those movies on the list. i really need to make better use of my video card.

Haha Nem. Nem's got lots of downloading to do.

I havent seen any of those movies either, but I'm only really interested in those 'Blockbuster' kinds of movies which 95% of theatres carry.

Can I nominate 'Minority Report'?

[Bop]

The Hairdresser's Husband is a film so slight and frail I swear I saw it merely on a breeze. I have had days, months even, that have floated by with such quiet ease- that they are unnoticeable and unremarkable; and I think to myself "how is it that I live with six billion people and yet move along without making a sound?" The world is cluttered with stories, small ones, gigantic ones- horrendous and beautiful. They are all personal and within them they contain a thousand emotions- and yet we will never even come close to hearing 1% of them...

The few moments we share are so fleeting and the end of them is unbearable to comprehend. But we have to find a reason to live or there is no point- if that reason is love, it is sure to give speed to your days... I know that giving love and being loved has a way of turning a lifetime into a flash. That flash is this movie. It captures a little story and presents it for you...

The Hairdresser's Husband is a story that is shared between two ******** two quiet individuals who, to the world, merely exist to cut hair. Besides that, no thought is ever given to them. And yet this little tail is so poignant that if the world knew of its beauty and sorrow- it would smile and cry for a thousand flashes.

This is such a wonderful little gem, I regret not recommending it earlier. Have a look at The Hairdresser's Husband and meet two people that you will certainly not forget. Thanks all & good day.



The Hairdresser's Husband (1990)
Runtime: 82 min
Country: France
Language: French
Color: Color

[apollos]

Well Ive just watched Fight Club and it blew my mind!

I saw it last year when i was younger and i didnt understand it however i got it this time! This is a unique film like the martix was! It kicks some serious ass and some of the issues raised in the film are quite valid.

[Bop]

Originally posted by Boplicity
"Fight Club" starts out good and then does nothing but disappoint through out...

[rm']

Originally posted by Boplicity
The Hairdresser's Husband (1990)
Runtime: 82 min
Country: France
Language: French
Color: Color

Definitely will check out. Thanks for the tip. Once again, a big pat on the back for all the work you put into MOTW. I don't think people compliment you enough for your tireless efforts to bring culture to the forums

[Sandman2012]

If I may I'd like to suggest a cool indie film that came out last year called Donnie Darko. It just returned to Santa Fe's independent film venue The Screen as it's achieved a sort of cult status. It's about a troubled teen in who is visited by a strange man in a demented-looking rabbit costume who claims to be from the future. It's a great little flick about the nature of time. It doesn't try to be hip and therefore it is.



Check it.