matty03 Reviews

Medicine for Melancholy (2008)

Elagant, Intelligent and Powerful

[10/10 · 13 March 2009]

I wasn't sure what to expect when I sat down to view this film. I knew it had been filmed here in San Francisco and had won some praise. And, I knew it was low-budget/indie.

However, nothing prepared me for the beauty and quiet power of this film. Aside from the painfully beautiful and realistic performances of the two actors and the story of a stretched out one night stand is something that more than a few of us can relate to/with --- what really makes this film stand out for me is the artistic use of editing and cinematography.

The director has created a sharp and tightly made film. Not in color and not in black and white -- the film really sparkles by use of some form of muted visual effect that works on multiple levels considering the story, emotions, actions and lives of the two characters. The editing is perfect -- creating a pace which is both natural and urgent all at once.

I found this film to be close to perfect and elegant.

I suspect we will see a number of indie filmmakers attempt to copy the style of this film.

How refreshing to see a truly original film which never falls back on cliché or indie film tricks.

I also found the use of San Francisco to be quite clever. The city acts as not only a sort of symbol for various aspects of the characters and their relationship but almost as a third character hovering in every single scene.

This is movie not to be missed!

Time (2006)

Visually Cerebral

[9/10 · 7 January 2007]

Ki-duk Kim is one of my favorite filmmakers. He seems to always stick to his vision and, I suspect, enjoys going against the very grain of where he is expected to go. It is my opinion that he takes audiences to "places" in Korean culture that other Korean filmmakers dare not go. I had been waiting to see this film on the screen but the opportunity has yet to come. I was thrilled when a pal sent me the just released DVD.

Ki-duk Kim's work is surreal, socio-political and melo-dramatic all at once. This can be an uncomfortable combination. I find that there is often a dark comedic element at work in his films which makes it all the more uncomfortable. In fact, I often wonder if the "comedy" I find is intended. As a viewer, I don't care. I find his work endlessly interesting and unforgettable.

This is not his finest work. It is, however, a visually stunning work. At it's heart are two central ideas playing off each other: the 21st century obsession with plastic surgery and the obsessive quality of love/devotion. The film is filled with character insecurity and the neurotic. The surreal set up for this film is also a bit too confused. However, I would urge anyone interested in his work or the films that are coming out of Asis to seek this film out.

There has been criticism of the theatrics of the performers. While I understand this issue I feel the actors give exactly what Kim was after. The pitch of the performances match the over-the-top story line.

This is an intellectual film. I think what I love the most is the fact that it is visually intellectual vs. plot driven intellectual. I am not sure I managed to get that idea out, but I hope whoever reads this understands what I am trying to articulate.

Put the Camera on Me (2003)

Putting the Camera on Childhood

[10/10 · 1 February 2006]

PUT THE CAMERA ON ME is a deceptively cute film. It is actually a complex glimpse at the psychology of children and offers interesting insights into the development of adults and an artist. On the surface this is a nostalgic look at some home movies made in the 80's by a group of upper class neighborhood kids. One of the film's directors, Darren Stein, had access to a video camera and quickly took over as the artistic leader for all of the movies. Sure, these are just some cute kids having fun. But, this is also much more. This is a look into some moments in time as children grapple with a number of confusing issues that all of us face in life --- fear, sexual awakening, unrequited love, loneliness and just trying to make sense of the adult world which seems to explode all around us. As we get older we tend to forget how overwhlelming the realities of life were when we were little.

What makes this film all the more valid is to watch a young Darren Stein turn into a little general of a filmmaker. It is clear that Darren is running this show and these little movies are his vision but they are all informed by his friends, their problems, the interpersonal dynamics and the general confusion regarding the horrors of adult life. A lot of children make home movies, but I've never heard of or seen children create "little" movies about the holocaust, homosexuality, nuclear war and the inability to fit in and make friends. These kids are confronting and dealing with some heavy stuff!

The power of this film is the way Stein and Shell pull various scenes together so tightly with running interviews with the kids --- all now adults and all still friends. This adds a new angle to the film. How many of us have stayed in touch with our childhood friends? These guys have. And, many of the issues with which they were dealing are still running between them two decades later.

Among the conflicts -- a confession of a crush reveals a heart still broken, a very normal childhood sexual experience continues to be a "sticky" subject between two of the men, some ongoing resentments over the dynamics of relationships and there is still a member of this team who remains very much in charge and in center stage! Which makes perfect sense as one watches these home movies progress over the course of a couple of years. Darren Stein is a director. No doubt about it.

Stein and Shell take turns chatting with each other from time to time and one can't help but imagine the awkwardness of allowing us to peek into the young lives of these people. This is particularly true for Stein who has gone on to a great deal of success in the entertainment industry as a film producer, writer and director. From the first moment of PUT THE CAMERA ON ME we can see the emergence of a gay little boy trying to figure it all out. We also see sides of the artistic mind and personality that are not always "nice" or "caring" --- and, this is a bold move for any artist to share with an audience.

There are so many revealing moments, but the most disturbing and complex moments involve a movie in which we see a Jewish concentration camp victim being tortured and killed by a Nazi. We discover thru interviews and narration that the Nazi is played by a Jewish child and the part of the victim is played by a gentile child. It is a painfully disturbing moment that glimpses into the darker side of fear and the way children work thru the horrors of the adult world that are beyond adult understanding much less that of a child.

This is much more than some home movies. This documentary captures the pain, beauty, joy and sadness of growing up. Powerful stuff --- and well worth seeing!

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Stay (I) (2005)

Intelligence from a Big Studio -- Who Knew????

[10/10 · 28 October 2005]

I went to this film for the visuals --- including the looks of the three lead actors who are all beautiful! I expected it to be silly and bad for the exception of the set design and cinematography. However, I was most surprised to discover that I was watching one of the most thought-provoking and intelligent films I've seen in years! ...and I was seeing it at the mall cinema where DOOM was playing next door!

This is an exceptional piece of film work and a tip of the hat to who ever it was at the Big Studio who gave it the "green light" If only more films like this came out from mainstream Hollywood I would "deal" with the mall theaters more often.

This film is eye, ear and mind candy. I love it.

Particularly enjoyed the use of twin symbology throughout. This is the sort of film I would expect from the likes of David Cronenberg or David Lynch. Refreshing and unique. I actually got to think! One of my faves of the year thus far!

The Devil's Rejects (2005)

Quite Interesting, but Flawed

[8/10 · 7 July 2005]

I just saw this film at a sneak preview screening in San Francisco. I had really loved Zombie's first film, HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES, and was looking forward to seeing how he was going to "re-create" the characters from that first film into this new one.

Stylistically, this film is exceptional. Zombie knows how to build tension and has a real gift for being able to pay homage to the horror flicks of the 70's without insulting or copying them. His choices in casting is genius and the performances in this film are quite good.

However, gone is the camp-value he infused into CORPSES. This film takes itself much more seriously and this does not help. In fact, the fact that Zombie focuses more on horror and torture without the same level of dark humor makes the film come off as somewhat cruel. Are we to actually enjoy seeing the victims tortured? Somehow, the fun of his first film is absent.

However, for those of us who have an appreciation for the films of the original 70's renegade film makers such as Tobe Hooper -- you can't help but enjoy Zombie's style of filming. This film also enjoys have some of the best southern rock ever created to serve as its soundtrack.

The three lead actors stand out and give great performances, but one wishes Zombie would have allowed them to go a bit more over the top. Karen Black did not return to play Moma Firefly which is too bad, but the actress who takes over the role does a great job.

In the end -- I think this is an interesting and valid second film from Rob Zombie, but I hope that he allows his cast and his audience to have a bit more fun. The world has enough torture and violence -- if we are to see it in a film it needs to give us a bit of a scare and a bit of a laugh. If only he had utilized that dark/twisted since of humor a bit more.

Still, it is worth a look -- but not for those of you who get upset by violence. And, please, this is not a movie for children. There was a child at last night's screening. That poor baby is going to be scarred for life!

Ma mère (2004)

SPOILER ALERT!!!! What Was Ms. Huppert Thinking?

[10/10 · 29 May 2005]

It is my opinion that Isabelle Huppert is the finest actress to ever step infront of a camera. Beautiful, unusual, talented beyond reason and able to convey more with a simple look than most actors can communicate in an entire film. In short, she is brilliant. Even when her films lag -- she shines.

Her interest in exploring the darker sides of humanity have created some of the most memorable performances put to the screen. The Piano Teacher shines as her best work thus far.

I am always quite excited whenever one of her films makes it to the states. I was thrilled when I was able to secure a DVD copy of Ma Mere (yes, it was legally obtained!) prior to its release in the states. The film is just bad. From the production values to the editing to the screenplay. The actors are all quite good and do their best with what they are given --- and, that isn't much.

Critics have shaken their fingers at Huppert for "finally going too far" in her exploration of transgressive characters, but I found this film to be more silly and comical than dark and shocking. In addition, Huppert is not even on the screen all that much. Which is really a lucky break for her! This is one of those films which makes me want to ask the film maker, his producers and his actors why they bothered at all.

Tasteless, tacky, slow moving, un-erotic, dull and uncomfortable for all the wrong reasons - this film fails on almost every level other than the performances given by the actors. Being a French film, I do not think it was the intention of the director to create irony by his odd choice of playing "Happy Together" by the Turtles at the film's end when we see the son masturbating next to the dead body of his mother. However, I am hard pressed to think what else could have been meant by this choice. On the DVD there is an interview with this seemingly untalented artist in which he says that he used that selection of music because the mother and son could only be happy when they were together, but this makes no sense given the plot and ultimate outcome.

Interestingly, the DVD also contains an alternate ending which would have been a "better" way to go, in my opinion. Rather telling, a bit of this alternate ending is used in the middle of the film ---- in the context of the mid-point of the film this scene made no sense. This leaves me to think the Honre hadn't a clue as to how he planned on putting this mess together.

Perhaps the reason Huppert made this film was to spend some time on the Cannery Islands -- she would have done better to just take a vacation and should have skipped this film altogether. The choice of updating the novel from which this film is somewhat based to modern times and shifting it to these islands is odd. In fact, much of the film seems to be making a negative statement about tourists and their impact on nature. Fine, but how does this fit into the film? Answer: it doesn't.

Ma Mere should not be dismissed pretentious, perverse and morally off-track. Instead, one can simply call Ma Mere a very bad cinematic mistake. But, why did Isabelle Huppert appear in this waste of good film stock? Sad.

Jump (II) (2003)

A Meditation on Life Choices

[10/10 · 4 April 2005]

It seems I find myself turning to Eastern cinema more and more for films that offer real ideas and challenge audiences to think about what they are viewing. As it often feels like films from the US are losing touch with humanity foreign cinema is tapping into it more than ever. If you're looking for a movie filled with familiar plot structure, action, sex and violence this is not the movie for you. However, if you're interested in films that explore human emotion and depth this is a gem!

Filled with great production values and an outstanding cast of actors, this film follows a young man's journey in the first portion of his adult life. The movie illustrates the sheer power our choices in life impact all of those around us for both the good and the bad. Whether or not fate or chance plays a crucial role in our choices is left for the viewer to decide. Somewhat similar to some of the interesting films of the 1970's, JUMP is rare glimpse into life and the way we are all connected for support whether we realize it or not.

I highly recommend this film! I hope this film and its very talented (and HOT!) lead actor find an audience in the US --- both deserve one!

Shutter (II) (2004)

The Shudder of Shutter!!!

[10/10 · 3 April 2005]

If you like a good scare, this film is not to be missed! While it borrows a bit from the Ringu cycle, the film makers have added enough originality to make the film stand on its own. It is all done with a great deal of talent and packs quite a horrific blow! I had the pleasure of viewing this film on DVD and was surprised by all of the clever editing tricks employed by the filmmakers. Some of this editing is so sneaky it happens before your eyes can catch it! I suspect that, because belief in ghosts is more acceptable in eastern culture --- the emphasis on why and what is scary differs from what we western viewers are used to seeing in a horror film. Very often, in western horror film, half the scare is that there is a ghost at all. In eastern horror films the existence of ghosts seem to be more taken from granted so the root of the horror in these film is unique to western viewers. There are several scenes in this film that left me feeling fairly "shaken" and disturbed. This one will most definitely stay with you! A must see for fans of the horror genre. It is also exciting to see another great film come from Thailand! The two lead actors are particularly effective in their roles! 10+++++ One quick word of guidance, I would not suggest this film for viewing by children. This is an adult horror film.

The Piano Teacher (2001)

What's It All About

[10/10 · 8 June 2002]

Without question, this is a powerful and well crafted film. It features two amazing performances. It seems to generate a great deal of anger, frustration and confusion. After seeing the film I began to think about what it was trying to say. I could be wrong, but I think this is far more than an examination of sexual perversity or a woman's tragic journey of self hate. I think this is a very adult view of what is slowly taking over western civilization; facisim. The piano teacher is a victim of it, just as is society. If you've seen the film think back on what happens and how it is filmed. Think of the music used --- and the ultimate realization that the fantasy may not be the reality we really want ---- and certainly not what is needed. Maybe I am reading more into the movie than what is really there, but I think not. This is a brave work of art that has something to say. It provides the message through the story of a repressed woman on a journey which goes beyond self-destruction. Fascinating film making.

Fast Food Fast Women (2000)

Entertaining

[7/10 · 1 July 2001]

A bit slow at times, but solid performances and quirky script makes it work. Lead actress is a bit too old for the role of a 34 year old woman, but carries great screen presence and manages to add depth to an eccentric character. Lasser, as always, is fantastic. The editing is a bit messy, but I found this little movie to be quite entertaining.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Great Art Direction Gone to Waste

[3/10 · 3 June 2001]

I didn't really expect much more than an interesting visual experience. And had the editing not been done as if cutting hair I might have been able to do so. The quick/stop editing is sloppy work disguised as art. This is the musical for the MTV Generation and for those who are unable to digest a story or film unless given to the audience in form of music video or commercials. I got the feeling that the film's director thought he was being original, but the entire film borrows from so many sources that it could be the most unoriginal movie I've seen in years. I did not like this film at all.

Gummo (1997)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 12 May 2001]

I saw this film because I heard that Janet Maslin thought it was one of the worst films she had ever seen. That alone made me want to see it. This film, from the mind and talent of Harmony Korine, blew me away. I had never seen a film quite like it. Beautifully filmed with both humor and horror --- this film takes the viewer to new territory. At a time when cinema seems to be floundering, Harmony Korine stands out as a true original dedicated to his vision. I love this movie! ...but many, like Ms. Maslin, will not.

Eye of the Beholder (1999)

Huh?

[1/10 · 29 October 2000]

I looked forward to watching this film as it features two of the most talented actors on the horizon, but I could barely make it through the entire DVD. I have absolutely no idea what this film was about or what was happening most of the time. I wonder is studio tinkering didn't hurt this film which sports great production values. In my opinion this movie just didn't make any sense and left me feeling confused and frustrated for having wasted an evening watching it.

My Name Is Barbra (1965 TV Special)

A Televison Masterpiece

[10/10 · 3 June 2000]

This was Barbra Streisand's first television special and is "must see" viewing for any Streisand fan. Even non-Streisand fans will enjoy this highly energetic and entertaining piece of entertainment history. Performers like this only come our way once in a lifetime. Brilliant!

8 ½ Women (1999)

Greenaway Fans Only

[5/10 · 3 June 2000]

Peter Greenaway is a one-of-a-kind film maker. If you have enjoyed his other films you might find this one to be of interest. However, it asks a lot from the audience. Greenaway's psyche is caught without pants in this one. Too intellectual to be erotic and too dull to be funny. Amanda Plummer is wasted, but Toni Collette has a few interesting moments.

The Idiots (1998)

A Dogma95 Masterpiece

[10/10 · 3 June 2000]

This film will not be for everyone, but for those who like something other than the usual Hollywood stuff this is a treat. Although too long, this film is almost perfect and adheres to all of the 'rules' established by Dogma95. "The Idiots" starts as a comedy, but by the film's heartbreaking end it has turns into a powerful examination of the human condition. ...and society.

Sad that it has taken close to two years to reach the US. As a matter of annoyance the US distributer has inserted censor tags over shots of male nudity.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

Powerful Film

[10/10 · 3 June 2000]

A true departure role for Diane Keaton. This is perhaps her best performance. All of the natural presence she conveyed in both "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan" with added complexities. Her performance makes this film worth watching. As does the star turn by a very young Richard Gere and a surprisingly good performance from Tuesday Weld.

Sadly, much of the book's message is lost by Richard Brook's screenplay. Judith Rosner's classic novel dealt with the main character's inner-thoughts -- and this created a challenge which Brook's was unable to meet. Due to the poor translation the ending comes off as not only tragic, but homophobic.

Viewers should be warned that this is a brutal and graphic film which should be viewed by adults only. It also features one of the most disturbing endings ever put to celluloid.

Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)

Oddly Pretty

[5/10 · 3 June 2000]

This is really a terrible movie, but it contains some fantastic visuals. The set design is very interesting and the photography is quite good. It also features a great musical score. And Linda Blair is quite pretty. Too bad the script is so silly.

A Star Is Born (1976)

Groovy Babs!

[10/10 · 27 May 2000]

My mom took me to see this movie when it came out around Christmas of 1976. I loved it then and I love it now. I know everyone makes fun of Barbra's hair in this one, but I think she looks and sounds great! ...And I seem to remember a number of women who copied that permed look at the time! Also, the bath tub scene between Streisand and Kristoferson is just so sexy! The music is great as well. This is the groovy 70's Babs at her best!

Up the Sandbox (1972)

Fascinating Mistake

[10/10 · 27 May 2000]

This is a true departure for Barbra Streisand which fans like me will love. Billed as a comedy, Up the Sandbox deals with some very serious issues in a surreal way. This film marked the first time that Streisand actually produced a film. Unusual in the way it meshes reality with fantasy --- in fact, it isn't always easy to tell the difference. Streisand gives a poignant, realistic and understated performance. I feel this is her best work as an actress. She is quite believable as a New York housewife. One could view this film as one of the first mainstream films which deals with the internal issues of abortion and feminist concerns. There is much good to be found in this adult film, but I feel that is ultimately must be viewed as failure, but certainly an interesting one coming from one of the most important entertainers of the 20th Century. The film flounders on its stance toward many of the issues presented. This might have been intentional, but by the film's end I had the feeling the the makers of the film were just confused about how to present the ideas within the context of story. One of the film's most memorable and bizarre scenes features a fantasy featuring Fidel Castro revealing that he is really a she. So absurd and strange to see Streisand in this scene that there is a certain level of comic shock value. This strange sequence is ruined with an odd line which was meant to get a laugh, but instead smacks of homophobia. When Castro reveals he is really a woman Streisand's character responds, "You're not a woman! You're a dyke!" Seems strange that Streisand would have gone with that line given her (and this film's) strong liberal stance --- however, this movie was made close to 30 years ago. I guess that has to be kept in mind. History shows us that the sexual revolution caused much confusion for everyone. Perhaps this unusual little movie offers us a glimpse of that confusion. Well worth viewing -- particularly if you love Streisand. By the way, this film features some brilliant cinematography.

Salome's Last Dance (1988)

Ken Russell Fans Will Love This Movie!

[7/10 · 26 May 2000]

I really love this Ken Russell film. Very compact it features all of the qualities that I most love about Russell's work. I am not sure if anyone outside of his fans will really enjoy it. DVD contains entertaining commentary from Russell.

The Lair of the White Worm (1988)

Campy Fun

[8/10 · 26 May 2000]

This is a campy film that most will enjoy for the sheer "cheeziness" of it all. On a shoe string budget, Ken Russell made an enjoyable film. DVD version features commnentary from Russell which made the purchase worthwhile for me!

Crimes of Passion (1984)

Lots of Fun!

[6/10 · 26 May 2000]

Thank God for Ken Russell. No other director could have made this one. This is not one of his best films, but it is certainly a fun one to watch. Kathleen Turner really goes the limit as an actress in her role as China Blue. She looks great and gives more to the film than it really deserves. While there are some serious jabs made at relationships and sexuality --- this movie is really just raunchy fun. Anthony Perkins almost steals the show in a send-up of his "Psycho" performance. Great use of color and set design considering the small budget. Rick Wakeman's score is suitably cheezy and very dated. An adult film worth watching.

Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)

Way-Cool Glimpse of 70's Fashion!

[8/10 · 26 May 2000]

I really love this movie. It could be put in a time capsule for the late 70's. A slasher movie written by John Carpenter which takes place in the chic world of high fashion and disco! Faye Dunaway's performance is larger-than-life as a kinky fashion photographer who suddenly finds herself seeing through the eyes of a killer stalking all of her models and pals! This is not a work of art in the sense of great film making, but it is well worth watching. The musical score is great and even features a rock theme song performed by Barbra Streisand! ...Her then boyfriend was the producer. Which is the only reason one can think of that she would be singing a song for a horror movie. Check it out!

Nashville (1975)

Brilliant Film

[10/10 · 26 May 2000]

In my opinion, this is one of the greatest films to ever come out of America. This is a masterpiece. I can find no fault with this film. Robert Altman created a stunning portrayal of American politics and celebrity. Funny, tragic and human all at once. Great cast!

The video transfer by Paramount is terrible. If ever a film deserves to be preserved on DVD it is Nashville.