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robsha
Reviews
Nóz w wodzie (1962)
Eye of the Beholder
This early work of Polanski's shows us that he has always had a great eye with the camera and he shows us that he's not afraid to use it. He frequently breaks way from the traditional film shots as he frames the shots in unique and interesting ways.
The story is simple and yet he is able to brew some dark energy even with an amateurish cast. The psychological conflict that continues to grow until we have storm on the set and a storm in the film is somewhat simple in it's symbolism but unlike many director's today he is looking at the story on multiple levels.
All in all this still has the feel of a really good student film. It reminds my somewhat of Scorese's "Whose That Knocking at My Door". I'd have to say that it's overrated in most aspects but I find it a tasty morsel of things to come.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Life through a snow globe
It would be difficult at best to contribute any insight in what might be the most analyzed movie of all time. So I think I'd like to just give my initial impressions of this film after seeing it for the first time in over a decade. This is a hauntingly powerful work. This is a film that many will relate to and revisit mentally. The strength of the film lies in the writing. The unique way in which the story is revealed and the smart believable dialog. The technical aspects are also unique and the use of light is superb. It's one of the best and certainly one of the first. Some of these images will sear themselves through your eyes into your brain. Orson shows his story telling and visionary talent in this piece. He was well beyond his time which is why his peers booed this film multiple times during the academy awards. It's looks as though Orsen had the last laugh as this one time art house film becomes one of the films against which all others are measured.
House of Sand and Fog (2003)
A Symbolic Greek Tragedy
This is a story of a man whose tragic flaw brings him down. In this case it's Behrani's pride which ultimately destroys him and those around him. Behrani is our catalyst who can't live in his present because of his past. In our story his goal is actually to obtain a better life for himself and his family. Behrani can't believe his good fortune when a seized home becomes his through an auction and then he can't let go of the dream once he's found it. In his pride he refuses to compromise or negotiate and instead takes a hard line. This leads to the unraveling of his family and the eventual destruction of the dream. The other characters as Behrani puts it are weak and scared and he is correct. He also notes that scared people are also dangerous people which of course also proves to be true. There is no one to blame here as each character acts in their own best interest but in the end the Behrani's pride dooms them all.
Reign of Fire (2002)
I love the smell of Napalm in the morning
I would say this was a colossal waste of time and money but I with all it's flaws I still found it fun. The effects and photography were first rate. I could tell where the money was spent. McCouanghy did a good impression of mixing Brando and Duvall from Apocalypse Now. Christian Bale plays our everyman hero. Izabella plays our roughed up pilot with model looks. It's all pretty cliche so I'm sure most of you know what happens. The plot and storyline are so full of holes it's not worth discussing. This is not original and certainly not Academy material but worth at least one viewing.
In America (2002)
Lost in America
This is very obviously a very personal story of loss so my first thought is why package and sell it with all the Hollywood touches after twenty plus years. I felt that this was an epic book that the writer took out just the highlights and left out the rest. As I rumbled and jumped from scene to scene I kept wondering how did I get here? From the Halloween incident to best friends was snap and done. I also found lots of questions wanting especially how they paid for private school in Manhattan. I thought Mateo's character was reticent to join society but when the opportunity came he jumped right in. Mateo and the girls were the only bright spots for me in an otherwise weak attempt to trap the sentimental. Considine and Morton were flat and uninteresting with little chemistry. I have to give this an all time mark for hokiness especially the passing of Mateo with the newborn scene. I think the only true line in this fairy tale of a story came from the Junkie who when confronting Jim on the stairs indicates that "It's been a bad day for the World."
Lost in Translation (2003)
Amazing Direction
I was in awe by the silky deft touch Sofia Coppola shows in writing and directing. This film was beautifully told in a quiet and subtle manner. The relationship which develops between Bill and Charlotte is told mostly in actions and facial expressions. This mature and dramatic gambit pays off with a very realistic and believable feel. This a story of temptation and redemption. Our heroes are show as vulnerable and fallible yet we know them and we are them. The dreamlike score lends itself to the other worldly quality of the film. A film worthy of praise and recognition.
Y tu mamá también (2001)
story and spice is kinda nice
This is a both a physical and spiritual journey of boys to men. It's chocked full of sexuality and interlaced with humor told through the male point of view. Their is so much going on in the back stories it can sometimes overwhelm the senses.
The writer tells us a story about the fragility of life and the growing of it. He cuts to various side points which show the political and sociological strata in Mexico. This is done well without overtaking the story. He uses lots of symbolism from the pool of rebirth to the trip representing the movement or stillness of life.
I felt a powerful connection to what the story and director were saying and felt the truth of it. If the acting and production values of the film were as strong as the story this film would have been extraordinary.
American Splendor (2003)
Disillusion of Granduer
This is a fresh and honest look at the disenfranchised of the world which plays out as a biography of Pekar. This does have some funny and poignant moments which Giamatti catches brilliantly as a gloomy hunchback of Notre Dame.
I didn't find the story to be very original however. I found myself constantly and strongly reminded of Steve Buscemi's character, Seymour, in Ghost World and I was reminded of Crumb. I guess if you collect old jazz records and comics you are destined to be in the comic book world.
All in all this felt to be an underground story dedicated to the nerds that helped make it happen. I think this was the true revenge of the nerds.
Open Range (2003)
Lonesome Range or was that Open Dove
I love a good western and this was a good western because it gives you everything a good western should. We have a strong silent cowboy with a secret past, we have a noble cause, and we have the grit to make a stand.
Kevin Costner does a good job with his role. Robert Duval plays Gus from Lonesome Dove and the interaction between the two very Gus and Call. Annette Benning plays the role of Lorena Wood from Lonesome Dove who falls in love with the dark brooding cowboy.
I thought this movie took ideas not only from Lonesome Dove with the epic feel and the camaraderie of the two main characters. But also borrowed the antihero of Unforgiven and the men making the stand for the small town from the likes of Tombstone or Young Guns. If your going to use ideas than I guess those are some pretty good westerns to pattern yourself after.
I enjoyed the gun fights almost as much as I enjoyed the sweeping panorama shoots of the British Columbian mountain ranges. The bad guys were bad and we all wanted them to lose, even the town hated them. In the end we get what we want and that's the little guy standing up to the big guy.
The Western is a wholly and unique American way of thinking. I think that may be why Westerns in general don't sell overseas. It shows our swagger and our doggedness that made this country a great place to live. I digress.
Western lovers will love it and all those other city varmints won't. It's big and it's fun and makes you want to buy some spurs.
Daredevil (2003)
On the brink of the absurd
I was looking forward to watching this movie with my son and 20 minutes into the movie I was looking forward to it being over. The story was unbelievable and downright hokey. Ben Affleck was unbelievable as an both a blind person and as an action hero. He looked stilted and uncomfortable.
"Electric Nachos" as my son was wont to refer to Jennifer Garner's character was also written badly. She however at least could pull off the action scenes. I think she could take Ben in a real fight. The quick change from being hostile to being deeply in love between the two was fast and loose.
I think I liked Affleck's friend the best played by John Favreau of swingers fame although he was on-screen maybe 5 minutes. Collin Farrell was way over the top but at least enjoyable as a bad guy. Affleck needs to stay out of the action.
The best thing about this movie was the "vision" effects but I couldn't see how seeing sounds would help you dodge bullets. Daredevil came off as a poor splicing of spiderman and batman. Come on guys the "rose" thing in a dark alley. Sound like anyone you know?
Dirty Pretty Things (2002)
Nice idea...Did you have to hit me in the head with it?
I really didn't have a preconceived notion as to what this movie was about or even how good it might be. I was looking forward to seeing Audrey Tautou working with Frears. Upon seeing it, I have to say I was fairly dismayed at the acting, directing, and writing.
I did like the idea of what the director and writer were saying yet I didn't need for them to yell the point at me towards the end of the movie. The "speech" about who we are and what we are felt over the top and preachy.
I feel the chemistry between actors either creates a synergy or the actors take away from each other. Our two main characters in this film felt really stiff and made me uncomfortable to watch them. I certainly wouldn't have guessed the feelings they expressed later. I found the side characters much more interesting. The prostitute, the doorman, and Okwe's chess playing morgue friend. Each had their own maxims and philosophies of life.
I found some of the writing logic very messy. **Possible Spoilers** The "twist" at the end in which all three people walk out to meet the black market doctor. That person would never have given them the money willingly. Also, if the Hooker told Okwe the room needed to be cleaned up than she would then obviously know about operation. He was extremely curious yet he never asked her about it and what person in their right mind would have flushed the heart in a toilet to begin with.
Rope (1948)
The master at work
Hitchcock was always trying to push the envelope. In The Rope, he pushes this envelope in numerous ways. The first was technical. The film takes place in one apartment and on one set. In this respect the movie has the feel of a play. There are also no fade ins or outs. The few breaks in the film are done by having a body move in front of the camera etc. Also, during the sixties the censors would not allow same sex partnerships and Hitchcock also pushes this envelope although no word is directly given or said. I would recommend the documentary "the celluloid closet", which delves further into this. A movie that pushes the envelope years before it's time
Murder in the First (1995)
Overlooked
Kevin Bacon and Slater were overlooked in this seedy look into the darkness of men's souls. This was probably due to the fact that it was compared to one of the all time greats in Shawshank. Bacon however did an excellent job with the character and hooked me without being too over the top.