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clintswift
Reviews
Cidade de Deus (2002)
Tough to Watch But Well Worth It
Several times now I have gotten into discussions with people regarding this film. The most common criticism that I hear is "how could you watch children killing children." I have to say that it is a fair criticism of the subject matter of the film but not of the film it self. This film is based on actual events that took place in the seventies in the slums of Rio. The film is brilliant at catching the desperation of some of the poorest people in the world. For many people in the US this kind of poverty coupled with violence is unimaginable and the shock can be quite powerfull. I applaud the filmmakers for artfully completing such a difficult task. The cinematography is magnificent. Alexandre Rodrigues beautifully does his part at portraying the difficulties that all teenagers face growing up (sex, carrer, frienship etc...) but with the extra challenge of having to deal with growing up with one of the most dangerous neiborhoods in the world. Over all a very good film.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Scorsese and Kazantzakis ask the right questions.
If you want a new perspective on an old story this film is for you. I can see why so many devout christians were upset about this film because it really presents a Jesus that is threatnig to traditional beliefs. If you have read Kazantzakis' novel the intro outlines he true nature of this story. It deal primaraly with the idea of being both human and god and what kind of implications that might have had on Jesus as an individual. Scorsese shows us Jesus' personal stuggle to try and deny his importance as he wants to reced into the life of a normal person. At no time did Scorsese or Kazantzakis claim this story to be anything but fiction, however it does make you wonder about the psyche of "the christ."
The Office (2001)
What a great show!!
I can see why most of America hasn't caught on yet. The comedy is thoroughly British, which means very dry!!! None the less one of the funniest shows out there right now. Basically it is just centered around an office filled with totally bizarre characters. An over confident, want to be funny boss an ex-army geek team leader and many more complicated characters. The whole show is filmed like a documentary and so you get constant glances at the camera and ridiculous displays of showing off. Ricky Gervais is a true clown and can say the most outrageous things with a straight face. I have seen both seasons and was really upset to learn that the series was over. NBC bought it out and is tearing it apart as I type no doubt. It didn't appeal to the American masses so I'm sure they will turn it into some mindless slapstick dribble. The Office is truely British, to take that away would destroy its charm. I just hope that NBC's version will spark interest in the original and motivate people to look into the British version (although I doubt it). If you are reading this I plead you to look into this show, it is one of a kind.
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Not Again David
It is thoroughly impossible to summarize a David Lynch film. I have seen all of them and I can say that if you are a fan of Blue Velvet and Twin Peaks you will not be disappointed. This film has all the ingredient that Lynch loves to use: intrigue, suspense, sex, confusion and what seems to be bizarre random occurrences. If you enjoy films that leave you feeling totally confused and lost (like I do) you will adore this one. The only piece of advice I can give about watching this film is to remember that Lynch doesn't have one consistent plot in mind. He leaves it open to interpretation for a reason. To allow the audience to make their own sense of it. Brilliant!!! One of My favorite. If you liked this you should definitely look into some of Lynch's others (especially Blue Velvet).
Trois couleurs: Bleu (1993)
Impressive
Often times when viewing an intelligent film like this I have to really contemplate what the implications the film maker making mean to me. This film was no exception. Kieslowski, with his background in non-fiction film making, is applying the french political value of liberty to a personal situation. He is, in essence, studying the human condition through fiction. The meaning of "liberty" takes on a very different meaning for Julie in this film. She tries to gain liberty from her memories and her emotions only to find that it is an impossible task. This is not a film to casually throw on after supper. This film requires a commitment by the audience to really consider Kieslowski's implications, for he is telling us (throughout this trilogy) what he thinks makes a "good" person. The score is beautiful and has a character of its own in the plot. A must see for true film lovers but perhaps a little too much for someone expecting a casual encounter.
Blue Velvet (1986)
I love Lynch!!!
David Lynch is a true surrealist!!! If you do not find this film bizzare and disturbing than you have missed the point. Basically this is Lynch's study of the multiple layers of society. Kyle finds himself thrown into an underworld that he becomes facinated with. He meets a series of disturbed characters that suck him into a wierd plot of kidnapping and abuse. Filled with Lynch's trade mark suspence and lots of rediculous plot twists. Hopper is to good and Rosellini as well. A GREAT FILM. Please do the the industry a favor and see this movie.
PS Roger Ebert is a prude (see the Siskel and Ebert review of the film that is on the DVD).
Donnie Darko (2001)
Bizarre tale of a boy who encounters an irregularity in time.
Twisted look at a boy who's imaginary friend may have answer to future events. Jake Gyllenhaal brilliantly plays a confused teenager facing hallucinations that lead him to lash out against society. The plot gets even more bizarre when a jet engine from a passenger airliner falls through the roof of the family house and no one knows where it came from. Donnie sets out to understand where his hallucinations are sending him. On the way he develops a romantic relationship with a school friend. The events of the film suggest things are leading to impending doom. Definite reminiscent of the late eighties (time the film takes place) and fully disturbing but non the less very entertaining. This film is entrancing from the get go. Scary and thoroughly unpredictable.
Tunes of Glory (1960)
Incredible performance!!!!
The reason this film is so brilliant is because it draws upon the inherent class struggle that is present in the military. Maj. Jock Sinclair is an enlisted man that was able to gain command of the battalion through his feats of bravery in North Africa during WWII. Lt. Col. Barrow is an aristocratic member of the officer elite and a graduate of Oxford. After the war Barrow is to replace acting Col. Sinclair as the battalion commander. The conflict that ensues is a traditional class struggle. This film is a glorious display of the profound impact of tradition in the military and the role of officers. Alec Guinness at his best, acclaimed by some to be the most astounding performance ever. A must see for anyone who love movies or the military.