I'm excited to announce that Oscar season has begun. This means more films that either mean something, or at least are of a higher quality. More of Phillip Seymore Hoffman, A-list directors, independant gems, and Daniel Day Lewis' moustache.
So far there have been two films (both currently out in theatres) that I fully endorse. The first being Drive Ryan Gosling plays a man of few words that is a mechanic and stunt driver by day, and assissts in robberies at night. It's stylish, slow, and I heard someone call it pretentious, and it is. That aside, I loved this film and everyone in it. It looked great and sounded even better with moments of sweet innocence lapsed with extreme violence. If you liked this film, I highly recommend Nicolas Winding Refn's other two films i've seen: Bronson (which has the greatest soundtrack ever), and Valhalla Rising (the most violent film i've seen).
The second film is on the complete other side of the spectrum. Ides Of March is a political thriller for the political junkie. This is a moral tale set in a race for the Democratic primary. Directed by and starring George Clooney who loosely adapted it from the play called Farragut North by Beau Willimon. The cast is nothing short of Oscar fodder: Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright, and the star of the show Ryan Gosling. Ryan, Phillip, and Evan play aides to Georges' canidate for President. If you like politics, or even half this cast, it's a must see.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Goodbye
I've lived in a variety of places in the U.S.. Some longer than others, but the length of knowing people didn't make saying good-bye any easier. I've lived in Minneapolis just shy of 6 years and I believe that this was the hardest farewell to date. I first experienced that pang in your heart of seeing somebody you care about go away at a very young age. First with my sisters, then my brothers, then moving to a new school. By then I had become a restless soul doomed to wander the earth. This wandering brought me to Minneapolis, and for the first time since childhood I felt settled.
I think that's why this move, and the decision to return home, was so bittersweet. So in tribute to all that, here are some of my favorite scenes of departure.
1. Lost In Translation. The end of random friendship.
2. Almost Famous. One of the greatest gifts we can give each other.
3. The Wizard Of Oz. Saying goodbye to go home.
4. E.T.:The Extra Terrestrial. Go. Stay. Ouch.
5. For all my fellow Target creatures...Watch.
It's been a pleasure. Stay classy Minneapolis.
I think that's why this move, and the decision to return home, was so bittersweet. So in tribute to all that, here are some of my favorite scenes of departure.
1. Lost In Translation. The end of random friendship.
2. Almost Famous. One of the greatest gifts we can give each other.
3. The Wizard Of Oz. Saying goodbye to go home.
4. E.T.:The Extra Terrestrial. Go. Stay. Ouch.
5. For all my fellow Target creatures...Watch.
It's been a pleasure. Stay classy Minneapolis.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cinema heat wave
I am now sitting in my fourth floor apartment in the middle of a heat wave with no air conditioning and one fan. The only thing I am able to do is stare at the wall, try not to move, and be thankful I'm not my cat. As I endure my plight, I find myself thinking and relating to films I'd seen where the heat index played a leading role. Here are my top four.
1) Body Heat (1981). I first saw this about a year ago during the winter, and after about 20 minutes it felt like July. This film propelled both William Hurt and Kathleen Turner to fame and rightly so. When you first see Turner on the screen she's "in a white dress that makes it look as if she's about to burst into flames." Obviously she's worth killing for.
2) Do The Right Thing (1989). Spike Lees masterpiece about race and class tension during a sweltering New York heat wave. The tension gives way to conflict and rioting and the weather is a viable suspect. Lee captures the heat so well you almost wipe the brow of your T.V..
3) Dog Day Afternoon (1975). Sidney Lumets brave film of a man who robs a bank to pay for his boyfriends sex change operation. As the robber (Pacino) tries to keep himself and the hostages cool, the streets heat up and the people of New York begin to gather to cheer on the misfit. This was shot on location with no score or soundtrack just raw nerves exposed in the elements. Based on a true story.
4) In The Heat Of The Night (1967). Start with a Mississippi summer before there was airconditioning. Add the racial tensions of the South in the 60's, and you get this powderkeg of a film. Poitier, in perhaps his best role, is a detective from Philadelphia stuck in a small Mississippi town that becomes a suspect involved with "a murder they don't know what to do with."
These are just four that I've seen that come to mind. What films would you add to this list?
1) Body Heat (1981). I first saw this about a year ago during the winter, and after about 20 minutes it felt like July. This film propelled both William Hurt and Kathleen Turner to fame and rightly so. When you first see Turner on the screen she's "in a white dress that makes it look as if she's about to burst into flames." Obviously she's worth killing for.
2) Do The Right Thing (1989). Spike Lees masterpiece about race and class tension during a sweltering New York heat wave. The tension gives way to conflict and rioting and the weather is a viable suspect. Lee captures the heat so well you almost wipe the brow of your T.V..
3) Dog Day Afternoon (1975). Sidney Lumets brave film of a man who robs a bank to pay for his boyfriends sex change operation. As the robber (Pacino) tries to keep himself and the hostages cool, the streets heat up and the people of New York begin to gather to cheer on the misfit. This was shot on location with no score or soundtrack just raw nerves exposed in the elements. Based on a true story.
4) In The Heat Of The Night (1967). Start with a Mississippi summer before there was airconditioning. Add the racial tensions of the South in the 60's, and you get this powderkeg of a film. Poitier, in perhaps his best role, is a detective from Philadelphia stuck in a small Mississippi town that becomes a suspect involved with "a murder they don't know what to do with."
These are just four that I've seen that come to mind. What films would you add to this list?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Request #1
So while I continue to wrap my mind around Tree Of Life, I will fulfill a request to blog of a classic film that continues to scare and entertain...Wait Until Dark. This is one of my favorite scary movies and one of Audrey Hepburns greatest performances. I have never been a fan of gory films, but I don't mind being scared. If you're like me, this is the film for you. Audrey plays a woman who has recently lost her sight and becomes entangled in a desperate search for a doll that happens to contain heroin. I've seen this several times and it still gives me goosebumps.
The best part of the film for me is Alan Arkin, who plays the mastermind of three thugs trying to get their hands on the doll. He nails one of the creepiest, slimiest bad guy roles in film. It's full of 'jump in your seat' moments that are never once hokey interlaced with a feeling of dreaded anticipation for what's next. Top it off with the eeriest film score i've ever heard which is composed by Henry Mancini. I once made about a dozen 14 year olds watch this during a lock in. My hearing took a worthwhile toll. Be sure not to watch it alone......
The best part of the film for me is Alan Arkin, who plays the mastermind of three thugs trying to get their hands on the doll. He nails one of the creepiest, slimiest bad guy roles in film. It's full of 'jump in your seat' moments that are never once hokey interlaced with a feeling of dreaded anticipation for what's next. Top it off with the eeriest film score i've ever heard which is composed by Henry Mancini. I once made about a dozen 14 year olds watch this during a lock in. My hearing took a worthwhile toll. Be sure not to watch it alone......
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Freedom Riders
Now as much as i enjoy escaping everyday life by diving into a good film, sometimes learning about our past or stories of long ago can be just as enjoyable. I have PBS to thank for that. Not only do they broadcast the most amazing (and high quality) films and documentaries, but they rerun them during the night and online so people like me can view then for free. Thank you PBS! Anyways, I'd like to talk about such a program that I have seen recently.
This is a subject that I've always been (especially considering my family and upbringing) rather sensitive to. It was an episode of American Experience called Freedom Riders. In 1961 the American South was still very segregated. African Americans basically had little to no rights. Even civil rights and equality laws passed by Congress were completely ignored by local and state governments. Something so simple as eating lunch at a diner or talking back to a white man could cost you your life. This was most evident in Alabama and Mississippi. So when two groups of young people consisting of blacks and whites, men and women, decided to ride a greyhound bus from D.C. to New Orleans, everthing changed. They fought segregation head on. They were a non-violent army that stood against that which was wrong. Watch this trailer.
Neither bus made it past Mississippi. The first bus didn't even make it to Birmingham without being surrounded by local klansmen and set on fire. The second bus made it to Birmingham only to face severe beatings. The whites involved were beaten first because the only thing they hated more than blacks were "nigger lovers". The fear and violence endured and the bravery and non-violent reaction by these modern day hero's and those that picked up their cause when they fell are to be saluted and applauded as much as any soldier who fought in any war. Please watch this episode if you haven't already.
This is a great stain in our country's history. While it is important to remember where we've come from, it is equally important to step back and reflect on who we now are and where we are headed. Watching this has made me do so, and I hope it does the same for you who watch it. I look forward to hearing your comments on the matter.
This is a subject that I've always been (especially considering my family and upbringing) rather sensitive to. It was an episode of American Experience called Freedom Riders. In 1961 the American South was still very segregated. African Americans basically had little to no rights. Even civil rights and equality laws passed by Congress were completely ignored by local and state governments. Something so simple as eating lunch at a diner or talking back to a white man could cost you your life. This was most evident in Alabama and Mississippi. So when two groups of young people consisting of blacks and whites, men and women, decided to ride a greyhound bus from D.C. to New Orleans, everthing changed. They fought segregation head on. They were a non-violent army that stood against that which was wrong. Watch this trailer.
Neither bus made it past Mississippi. The first bus didn't even make it to Birmingham without being surrounded by local klansmen and set on fire. The second bus made it to Birmingham only to face severe beatings. The whites involved were beaten first because the only thing they hated more than blacks were "nigger lovers". The fear and violence endured and the bravery and non-violent reaction by these modern day hero's and those that picked up their cause when they fell are to be saluted and applauded as much as any soldier who fought in any war. Please watch this episode if you haven't already.
This is a great stain in our country's history. While it is important to remember where we've come from, it is equally important to step back and reflect on who we now are and where we are headed. Watching this has made me do so, and I hope it does the same for you who watch it. I look forward to hearing your comments on the matter.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Straw Dogs
I recently discovered that this is being remade. No i will not see the remake. Not ever. Why? Well i'd rather just watch the original again. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, Straw Dogs (1971) is an amazing film. It is, however, not for everyone. This film is very shocking in it's violence and sexuality. One of Dustin Hoffmans greatest performances, and my favorite film by Sam Peckinpah (Wild Bunch, The Getaway).
A New Way
I've decided to reformat this whole fiasco. No full-on blogs. I suppose you could consider this to now be a film diary of sorts. I have had some of you say to me that I'm considered to be your personal film critic, and to that I'm honored and hope to serve you well. So here's the deal: every film I watch from now on will be posted along with a brief review. I have no rating system as of yet, but I am open to ideas. If there is a particular film you'd like me to review or want my opinion on, please leave a comment or email me at op70no1@gmail.com. Thank you and enjoy.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Royal Tenenbaums
It was very difficult to choose a film for my first blog. This feels like a first date. The nervousness and not knowing whether it'll end at date two or flourish into a beautiful union. Well here's to the latter. So why Royal Tenenbaums?
This is the first of Wes Anderson's films that I had seen. While most rave on and on about Rushmore (made in 1998), it was this film that I really connected with. First of all this film is perfectly casted. From the children to the parents down to the amazing smaller roles and cameos (Seymore Cassel was absolutely brilliant). One of the many things I love about Wes is that his films merit multiple viewings. I catch something new every time. This can easily be said for all of his films (I didn't like Life Aquatic the first time I saw it, but now I totally love it).
He has a very particular look and feel to his films. Stylish and sentimental, this film portrays the complexity of relationships and family with a biting and subtle humor. He tackles the painful moments of life, love, and even drug use with a formal matter-of-fact attitude that I find refreshing. Now I must mention the soundtrack. His use of punk, pop, and Mark Mothersbaugh's original score aligns itself perfectly his lush visuals and witty dialouge. Wes Anderson is one of the best directors of my generation, and this movie is one of his best.
Royal: Can I say something to you, Henry?
Henry Sherman: Okay.
Royal: I've always been considered an asshole for about as long as I can remember. Uh, that's just my style. But I'd really feel blue if I didn't think you were going to forgive me.
Henry Sherman: I don't think you're an asshole, Royal, I just think you're kind of a son of a bitch.
Royal: Well, I really appreciate that.
This is the first of Wes Anderson's films that I had seen. While most rave on and on about Rushmore (made in 1998), it was this film that I really connected with. First of all this film is perfectly casted. From the children to the parents down to the amazing smaller roles and cameos (Seymore Cassel was absolutely brilliant). One of the many things I love about Wes is that his films merit multiple viewings. I catch something new every time. This can easily be said for all of his films (I didn't like Life Aquatic the first time I saw it, but now I totally love it).
He has a very particular look and feel to his films. Stylish and sentimental, this film portrays the complexity of relationships and family with a biting and subtle humor. He tackles the painful moments of life, love, and even drug use with a formal matter-of-fact attitude that I find refreshing. Now I must mention the soundtrack. His use of punk, pop, and Mark Mothersbaugh's original score aligns itself perfectly his lush visuals and witty dialouge. Wes Anderson is one of the best directors of my generation, and this movie is one of his best.
Royal: Can I say something to you, Henry?
Henry Sherman: Okay.
Royal: I've always been considered an asshole for about as long as I can remember. Uh, that's just my style. But I'd really feel blue if I didn't think you were going to forgive me.
Henry Sherman: I don't think you're an asshole, Royal, I just think you're kind of a son of a bitch.
Royal: Well, I really appreciate that.
Monday, March 28, 2011
What's it all about?
I thought I'd send out my first blog here as a sort of mission statement as to what it's all about.
I am an avid watcher of films...all films. I admit that I was a late bloomer when it came to movies, but have more than made up for that. Years ago I worked at a video rental store that had the largest collection of films in probably the entire Midwest. While I was there I began to catalogue every movie I had ever seen. This is also where I discovered the Criterion Collection. It is now one of my goals to see every film in that collection. So here I am several years later and my love for all things cinema has flourished to quite the obsession. Many of the films I'll review and comment about will be older films and mostly those from Criterion along with a few fresh ones I'll catch in theatres. I will do my best to be informative while keeping the snobbery to a minimum. Enjoy.
k.
I am an avid watcher of films...all films. I admit that I was a late bloomer when it came to movies, but have more than made up for that. Years ago I worked at a video rental store that had the largest collection of films in probably the entire Midwest. While I was there I began to catalogue every movie I had ever seen. This is also where I discovered the Criterion Collection. It is now one of my goals to see every film in that collection. So here I am several years later and my love for all things cinema has flourished to quite the obsession. Many of the films I'll review and comment about will be older films and mostly those from Criterion along with a few fresh ones I'll catch in theatres. I will do my best to be informative while keeping the snobbery to a minimum. Enjoy.
k.
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