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A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Sly natures and free will...
This film is brilliant. Why? Well, it makes me think of good and evil and how they have the ability to arise in a dynamic environment. What makes a man a man?
Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange seems to examine humans as subjects bound to their inner desires. I see it as a satire of a totalitarian society more or less. A Clockwork Orange takes place in a futuristic dystopian society. A dynamic environment is present displaying chaos through the littering of trash and the formation of such gangs as Alex's. As the movie progressed I began to see a dualism. One see's a society at the start of the movie in which man is exercising his outer state, the succulent lively surface (An orange). Alex has full opportunity to exercise his free will in a dynamic environment. Alex then gets arrested. While in prison, Alex is offered a treatment known in the movie as Aversion Therapy. The treatments aim is to reform the criminally inclined individual into being a good person. In return he would get his freedom. He ends up receiving this treatment. However, he ends up being like a clockwork toy, wound to their liking. In short, the duality of the control over man and free will (Clockwork/Orange)
To me, Alex represents the inherent evil nature that resides in all humanity. Alex is the personification of that evil in us. Each of us has the right within a civil society to choose how we act. I see evil essential, just as good is essential. There is a balance that is to be achieved for full understanding and enlightenment to take place. I feel that the good in people arise naturally, just as evil arises naturally. Alex becomes a puppet or mechanical toy tweaked to the governments liking. As a result, I feel like Alex looses his humanity; he ceases to be a man. It instead confines him and tortures him in this living hell.
Kubrick did a magnificent job with the camera work and set designs. I particularly love the opening sequence when Alex is with his "droogs" sipping on "milk plus". How the camera pans out in combination with the music is brilliant. It immediately sets the tone for Alex's sinister sadistic character. As Alex goes about with his "droogs" reeking havoc, I love the succession of set locations and designs. It makes me feel as if I'm truly looking into a cryptic otherworldly society.
If you're into cerebral films, this movie is for you. It makes one think about what it means to be human and how evil and good go hand in hand. Good isn't always good, bad isn't always bad. The sly natures induced by free will perhaps offer some zest in a mundane ridden life.
Twin Peaks (1990)
Foreboding undercurrents...
The fascinating thing about David Lynch's Twin Peaks is this ethereal dreamy vibe juxtaposed with a creepy undertone. One could also assess a cheesy tacky nature (brilliant humor) juxtaposed with a more serious imminent undercurrent. It's all these contrasting factors that make Twin Peaks magical and unlike any other television show to date.
I feel like this show turns a stereotypical soap opera on its head. This is a brilliant aspect to me. As a result, Twin Peaks has a lot of the sappy stereotypes attributed with a traditional soap opera. However, it's with a sense of wit and adds to the overall charm of the show. It may seem off putting at first, but just think a little bit about what you're seeing and give this show some time to warm up.
There are some genuinely creepy surreal sequences scattered throughout this show. I love the overall lighting and cinematography of these scenes. These sequences portray morbid ambiguity in a way that is quite simply out of this world. If you decide to watch this show, you will know what scenes I'm talking about.
What drives humanity to commit evil? What is it that makes us truly yearn for it? It's of course human nature to do evil, however, what is the cause? Twin Peaks seems to examine human nature in an out of the box sort of way. I love it!
I can't talk about Twin Peaks without mentioning Angelo Badalamenti. This has to be one of my (if not) favorite film scores laid to television. He amplifies the atmosphere all the more through these brilliant compositions. The opening sequence is one of the few opening television sequences that I actually enjoyed sitting through. The reverb laden guitar is unforgettable, and associated with my memory of Twin Peaks. I also liked Julee Cruise's contribution. Her voice is haunting and beautiful.
This show falls under a perfect score for me due to the second season. The first season was flawless. The first half of season 2 was flawless. In my opinion around episode 10 of season 2 is where things start to go south a bit. It seems they were having issues with writing after Laura Palmer's murderer was revealed. However, if you find yourself invested in the characters like I was then these episodes aren't all bad. The last two episodes of season 2 pick up again in quality, especially the last episode. I love the macabre ending sequence. It's still etched in my mind, and I find myself thinking about that ending sequence from time to time.
If you haven't seen Twin Peaks, you're missing out. It's something special indeed. After watching this show perhaps one will find aspects of Twin Peaks in all places within reality. Are you looking close enough? The foreboding undercurrents. Twin Peaks shows you just how out of this world and sinister reality can be. So I beg you, take a step inside the magical cryptic realm of Twin Peaks. You surely won't forget it soon (if ever).
The Elephant Man (1980)
Perception beyond face value...
The skin at face value most certainly isn't everything, and Lynch's The Elephant Man wants one to be very aware of this. There are many different facets/attributes that make up something that is beautiful. It encourages one to think outside of the box when encountering something within reality. The soul is more than the shell. Digging deep under the skin could bring great rewards. Perhaps after watching this film you will see people, and creatures in general, in a different sort of way. Perhaps reality will unfold into a new light.
This film is one of the most emotionally exhausting films I think I have ever seen. It is presented in stark black and white which fits quit nicely with the industrial landscape and subject matter. Without spoiling anything, the end had me entranced and in complete awe. It's probably the most riveting ending I have ever seen in a movie. After the movie had ended I sat in complete silence thinking about it all. It was extremely powerful. I felt emotionally drained but also enlightened.
The Elephant Man is far more straightforward in comparison to other Lynch films. However, there is still Lynch's surrealism thrown into the mix. For instance, the industrial landscape of the town. I thought the cinematography and layout very pleasing.
In closing, it's raw and it's powerful. It has superb acting (Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt are both absolutely phenomenal). It will make you think. It's something a lot of films fail to do. The Elephant Man is a keeper.
Shinseiki Evangelion (1995)
Captivating
This is a philosophical psychodrama more or less. In addition to the look into seemingly Freudian psychology, there is this sense of uncertainty when faced with what is at work within reality. What exactly is reality? How is it that one perceives reality? What exactly is governing reality? These are very difficult questions, and they are questions that NGE seems to explore. It can be very meta at times, but not in a bad way. Get ready, because you are in for a helluva treat. Just be prepared to think out side of the box.
Another thing to take note of are the characters. All of these characters have depth, and something unique to bring to the table. They're all kinda slow burners though. At first this show seems like a stereotypical mecha. I mean, yeah, Evas are bad ass organic creatures resembling mechs,however, they are a component to an intricate array of ideas. Just give the show several episodes to rev itself up.
I think multiple viewings of NGE are essential. Anno crafted such a cerebral world full of intricacies. One would be hard pressed to fully grasp them all off of one viewing. In closing, enjoy and let it wash over you.