j.dawson Reviews

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

The rise of American capitalism and its inexorable descent into corruption and politics, illustrated through an epic drama of gangsterism and community.

[10/10 · 5 October 2006]

One of the very best films ever made. Period. If you haven't seen it - see the full-length 4 hour version. All other versions are trashed travesties. If you're reading this, it's because you're interested in films. If you haven't seen it, you owe it to yourself to see one of the few grown-up masterpieces of American cinema. There's no point in trying to describe the story or even the themes. Suffice it to say that this is on a bigger scale than you even realise watching the film the first time. It's about the formative years of the American Empire, and has much to teach us that is relevant still. It's very much a European film - the equivalent is probably Bertolucci's 1900 - but it deals with a uniquely American history. Violence, rape, union-breaking and assassination: it's the perfect American History X.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

Brilliant political satire

[10/10 · 14 February 2002]

Don't let the South Park reputation as a shock-cartoon fool you. Like the TV series, only more so, this is a very astute attack on political and social "standards" in the States and beyond. It might be disguised (as one IMDB reviewer puts it) as "mindless entertainment" to draw in the crowds, but this is anything but mindless. Targets of bigotry, prejudice, and the dominant social and political order are hit with unerring accuracy; this isn't like 'Wag the Dog'; it's closer in spirit and style to Lindsay Anderson's "Britannia Hospital". Amazingly, its constant assaults on its targets aren't scattershot but are part of a coherent point of view.

That position is perhaps a little too radical for an audience that wants only to see the latest "Beavis and Butthead" incarnation. Alot of the gags could I guess go by without notice. So watch carefully, think about this as more than just some exploiting cartoon. As I said - don't be fooled. Trey Parker is a subtle filmmaker despite the sledgehammer he can use at times.

The targets hit are many and varied, and even those who might be expected to be part of the "resistance" to the powers that be are mercilessly - but, importantly, accurately, satirised.

A small example. Watch the flag that the revolutionaries carry.

It's super. Thanks for asking.

La Resistance lives on.

Is That All There Is? (1992)

Lindsay Anderson being playful

[9/10 · 4 January 2001]

This is great director Lindsay Anderson's mock documentary on his own daily life: a sort of "portrait of the artist". Of course we get to see the man himself, but along the way he satirises all the cliches of this genre of documentary - domestic disputes (appallingly enacted), parallel montage as political statement, and those "personal moments" such as the director in his bath surrounded by posters of his films and plays. There is naturally, despite his usual sharp-witted fun, a great chance to learn more about him. Particularly poignant is to see him in his last film describing the difficulties such a great director always had finding funding for his anarchic, surrealist visions. I've heard it was this constant struggle that killed him at the realtively young age of 73. It's a shame that the profit motive remains more important than the chance for us to have seen more films from such a wonderful filmmaker.

Idle Mist (1998)

A short film to make other beginners jealous - and inspired :-)

[9/10 · 22 September 2000]

I thought of this as "The Incredible Hulk" written by Niels Bohr. I don't mean that as a flippant comment, but to show the beautiful balance of seriousness and playfulness in the film. The filmmaking is of a different order here than most low budget, indie films. Andres clearly understands the language of film, and uses it to great effect. The acting performances are also very impressive - this isn't just a case of getting any old friends into roles and not worrying about whether they can act. Great fun that makes an impact, emotionally and intellectually - what more can you ask of a movie? (Oh, and I only gave it a 9, because there are a few technical issues that require a bigger budget, which hopefully he'll have for the next movie)

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

A film that shows what film can be

[10/10 · 25 August 2000]

One of the best movies ever made? Yeah, cliche comment you've heard before. But here Leone operates on every level a movie can, it exemplifies what the medium offers for possibilities. You can read it on many levels; a mythical gangster epic, or an allegory of the rise of American capitalism perhaps. But mostly, it's a truly masterful piece of direction. BTW - whatever you do - see the full 4 hour version, not any studio-butchered shorter versions. Laugh, cry, and think.