[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

I went a renting today! Unfortunately last week, I only managed a few of them, hopefully I'll improve my odds.

Richard III (1995)
Ali: Fear (1974)
La Strada (1954)
Camille (1936)
City of God (2002)
An Affair to Remember (1957)
Henry V (1944)
Champion (1949)
Jezebel (1938)
The Virgin Suicides (2000)

No one has any comments on any of these films?

[Sidney Falco]

City of God and La Strada are good. Virgin Sucides not so much. I haven't seen Ali, but it's near the top of my list and I'd check that out first.

[Dr. Mulholland]

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul was just as good as all those high brow critics said it was. The female lead was heart breaking to watch at times because she looked like the nice old lady who'd give a few bucks for raking her lawn. No sexual innuendo intended right there. The ending left me a bit confused though.

City of God is awesome. Emotionally charged vibe throughout with some of the best handheld camera work in any movie ever to boot. The acting from some of the child actors was scary good. And I mean that in the most literal sense.

An Affair to Remember was decent. Cary Grant could've had any woman on the planet and he chose that weaksauce red head?! Yeah, decent enough though. Definitely worth watching once to see what all the hubbub is about.

The Virgin Suicides... bleh. I paid five bucks for the DVD and I want my damn money back.

I'm getting La Strada on Friday via Netflix. Better be good.

[Swan Swan H]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

Ali: Fear (1974)
La Strada (1954)
Camille (1936)
City of God (2002)

The above four are all great films.

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

Jezebel (1938)

Bette gives a great performance but the movie itself is OK.

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

The Virgin Suicides (2000)

I haven't liked any of Coppola's films including Marie Antoinette which was souless and badly acted. Although the costumes are magnificent and I wouldn't be surprised if it gets nominated.

I taped "L'Avventura" which I might watch tonight after "Lost" and "The Nine" (new series). Tonight I'm taping Ken Russell's "Whore".

Last night I watched "Mission Impossible III" and it was terrible.

[Bryce The Cyclops]

Glad you liked Richard III.That scene with Downey Jr. and his girlfriend in the hotel room was one of the most shocking, cringe-worthy scenes I've ever seen. McKellan gave good performance as well.

La Strada (1954) 10/10. While others may say that 8 1/2, Nights of Cabiria, or La Dolce Vita is better, I've always thought that La Strada (The Road), along with Amarcord, were Fellini's finest achievements. This film is quite frankly, one of the greatest dramas ever put to celluloid. Anthony Quinn and Giulietta Masina give two of their best performances. You should definitely check this one out.
The Virgin Suicides (2000) 9/10. I only saw it once about three years ago, but I remeber that I thought it was really well-made and that it perfectly captured some of the pains of adolescence that teenage guys go through (especially their thoughts about girls). Very depressing, but still worth checking out.

[Swan Swan H]

Did my post not go through? Is this place buggy again?

Anyways, big thumbs up on Camille, City Of God, La Strada and Ali. Not so much on Jezebel, although it was a great performance from Bette.

I don't like Coppola's films and that includes Marie Antoinette. Souless and poorly acted. Although I wouldn't be surprised if it gets a costume nod. Great scenery as well.

I might watch L'avventura tonight. I Tivo'd it. Lost is premiering and then a new show called The Nine which looks interesting. Then I'm taping Ken Russell's Whore later tonight.

[Philosophe rouge]

The Departed (2006)
Director: Martin Scorsese
My Rating: 9.5/10

This is the first Scorsese film in years I can truly call excellent (I haven't seen No Direction Home yet) since Goodfellas, and honestly I'm probably overstepping some bounds I think I may even prefer it (I'd rather say that with certainty with at least one more viewing). There were literally moments that took my breath away and that is special. Honestly, watching the first ten or twenty minutes I was getting worried I was in for a dissapointment, but it turned completely around and this is one of my favourite of the year. Two men on different sides of the law go under cover, one infiltrates the Irish Mafia, the other the police department.

Although sticking to old motifs, Scorsese seems to have rediscovered himself and refreshing and exciting in his visual style. Like with most Scorsese films, I feel that going into the technical aspects of it's construction is worthy of a few hundred pages. There is so much, although it is rarely intimidating and overdone. In The Departed Scorsese uses to great success cross cutting (I'm going with the term off the top of my head, I can't find my book, so correct me please) to juxtapose situation, events and character. He uses it quite a bit in Goodfellas, but here I feel it's much richer and complete (again though, I need to see this again to say for sure). There is one death scene in particular where all the sound is cut, and it's shot in slow motion... the whole theatre gasped. There are one or two moments in this film that will do that to you. It's not overkill, it borders on pure genius.

I was honestly worried about casting on this one. I don't think the casting of DiCaprio bothered me as much as it did with others, I thought he was the best part of the Aviator, although he was underwhelming in Gangs of New York. Here he hits all the right notes. Honestly, I was more worried about Nicholson... it seemed like odd casting to me (I'm personally hit or miss with Nicholson... he bothers me a bit) but he was absolutely excellent. His character was sadistic ******* and while Nicholson is over the top, he never goes overboard. I think what's so excellent about Nicholson is that while being so incredibly creepy and dislikeable he infuses an interesting type of humour into his roles that make him all the more compelling to watch. I thought Damon was excellent, as was most of the supporting cast.

I haven't been so pleased with a new release in a while. Some people are hoping this will bring Scorsese his Oscar, I honestly don't think it's going to happen. It's not in tune to the type of film that the Academy gives Oscars too. I think this film will be remembered among Scorsese's best, if you like Scorsese, I can't help but urge you to see it as soon as possible.

[Dougal McGuire]

Great review of The Departed. I can't wait to watch it next week. Glad to hear DiCaprio was good, as I haven't really been too impressed by him in the past.

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by Dougal McGuire

Great review of The Departed. I can't wait to watch it next week. Glad to hear DiCaprio was good, as I haven't really been too impressed by him in the past.

Let me know what you think of it~

[Swan Swan H]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

Let me know what you think of it~

I went to go see "The Departed" earlier and it was sold out all night. BUMMER. Now I have to wait until Saturday. This time I'm going to the early show.

So, Rogue, I watched "Johnny Guitar" last night. Very good. Joan Crawford was crackling and the dialogue was tres cool.

Tonight I'm watching old horror movies on Turner Classic Movies. I also watched "L'Avventura" and thought it was good. Not a classic. Some striking cinematography throughout. Not as good as "La Notte".

What have you seen lately?

Oh, I also watched "Over The Hedge" and it was alright.

Did you see "Lost"? It was underwhelming. But things look to heat up next week.

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by lovesexy

I went to go see "The Departed" earlier and it was sold out all night. BUMMER. Now I have to wait until Saturday. This time I'm going to the early show.

So, Rogue, I watched "Johnny Guitar" last night. Very good. Joan Crawford was crackling and the dialogue was tres cool.

Tonight I'm watching old horror movies on Turner Classic Movies. I also watched "L'Avventura" and thought it was good. Not a classic. Some striking cinematography throughout. Not as good as "La Notte".

What have you seen lately?

Oh, I also watched "Over The Hedge" and it was alright.

Did you see "Lost"? It was underwhelming. But things look to heat up next week.

I really want to see Johnny Guitar, it looks excellent.

I really want to see La Notte, I haven't been able to find it yet. Similarly I haven't seen L'Avventura/

I saw Lost, I agree it wasn't nearly as good as I expected, but then again things are really developing and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

I've been really overworked this week, I've only seen two films Swept Away, which was dissapointing... not terrible, but not good either. In class I saw Battleship Potemkin, amazing... especially the Odessa Steps sequence.

[Philosophe rouge]

Poltegeist
Director: Tobe Hooper
Year: 1982
My Rating: 6/10

Here we have Spielberg "The Producer" giving his best creative energies to this summer blockbuster. He was on a roll, working back to back on this and E.T. ... God do I EVER hate E.T. This film is actually entertaining, although a bit too long, unmemorable and effects too dated or over the top. A series of strange phenomenas start at the freeling home, and then during a storm their youngest daughter dissapears.

Despite the obvious faults I mentioned above, I think this is a serviceable money making film (notice the ABUNDANCE of product placement and Star Wars pimping). It's better made than most, and is for the most part underplayed. The real strength of the film has to be the casting, using for the most part unknowns there is a definite "real" feel to it. I think it's completely underrated for it's comedy that the cast brings alive, sure it has some spooks but the msot memorable moments are those little jokes, like the kid with the buck teeth standing in front of the TV set, or the little girl placing the head back on her doll... the dialogue is pretty quick and well written fo this type of film.

However, this is offbalanced by the weaknesses of the film that I stated above. It just feels too long, and in the end it's over the top. The effects although not terrible are distracting and in one or two scenes over done. The best scares come from the moments of minimalism, like the good old days of classic film.

[Philosophe rouge]

Ali:Fear Eats the Soul (1974)
Director: Reiner Werner Fassbinder
My Rating: 9/10

For whatever reason, I've been putting this one off for a long time. The guy at the video store has been trying to get me to see this for ages, and I've got to say I did enjoy it. I'm happy I have the background information of having seen All That Heaven Allows that was directed by Douglas Sirk of which this film is based on. An older German woman falls in love with an arab worker who is half her age.

This is a much richer film in terms of socio-political and cultural context than Sirk's, although I think in terms of quality they are on the same plane. I've read a few reviews and analysis of this film, and too often the word "improbable" comes up. It's perhaps not likely, but it brings the question why exactly is this such a far fetched concept? It's almost as if these reviewers are further instilling the pressures of society onto this film that tries to show the fault and the hypocracy of the judgement. Although I must admit it's quite a rare occurence, much of it is caused by the anxiety and the pressures of societial judgement and "morality". It's really a very heartbreaking film about this survival, and it asks the viewer to reflect on what happiness really is. I think we see this especially through Emmi's character and her interactions, although Ali finds himself bending as well.

The direction and mise-en-scene of this film is rich and interesting. Sirk's vibrant and beautiful lighting and colours are not gone from this interpretation, but toned down and suited for the situation. I love how Fassbinder kept the red light to remind us of passion and love. Whenever they dance, the only moment they seem to be alone and without worry in the outside world, the light shines on them, and it's serenity. Fassbinder also uses a great amount of framing to trap his characters, further emphasising the fact that they are in a tight situation and everyone is always watching. They are almost like animals in a cage to be gawked and mocked.

This is an intense and beautiful film that is worth seeing. I also have to recommend Sirk's All That Heaven Allows, because it's the film that inspired it all. Both are excellent films, and should be seen by all.

[Philosophe rouge]

bump

[Die Todliche Doris]

Great review of Fear Eats The Soul, a film I've been meaning to see for ages.

What other Fassbinder have you seen? Along with Howard Hawks and Jean Renoir he's my favourite director.

[andarsoninflame]

this in my top 100, I'll link you.
EDIT: click the following.. 83

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by marcus_smelly_carcus

Great review of Fear Eats The Soul, a film I've been meaning to see for ages.

What other Fassbinder have you seen? Along with Howard Hawks and Jean Renoir he's my favourite director.

I actually haven't seen any other Fassbinder, any recommendations for where to go next?

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by andarsoninflame

this in my top 100, I'll link you.
EDIT: click the following.. 83

Great choice in poem, really fits the film.

[andarsoninflame]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

I actually haven't seen any other Fassbinder, any recommendations for where to go next?

Whitty is stunning and so is the BRD triliogy.

Originally Posted by Phillosphe Rouge

Great choice in poem, really fits the film.

thank you.

[<"_]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

Director: Tobe Hooper
Year: 1982
My Rating: 6/10

What film is this?

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by <"_

What film is this?

Right, important detail. It's Poltergeist, I'll edit that in.

[<"_]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

Right, important detail. It's Poltergeist, I'll edit that in.

That wasn't a bust on your chops, more of a love tap.

[Die Todliche Doris]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

I actually haven't seen any other Fassbinder, any recommendations for where to go next?

The next film to see is The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant. Again, similar to Fear, it's very Sirk-like. It's a very intense film, though, and it's all done on one set but I found it mesmerisingly brilliant in terms of how it was shot etc. You might want to check out the book Negative Space by Manny Farber too(if you can find a copy) there's a very acute essay on Fassbinder in there. I found it helpful in understanding his films anyway. Seriously, check it out.

I've read some of the other write-ups in the thread and they're very good although I haven't seen most of the films mentioned. Just wanted to give you a .

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by <"_

That wasn't a bust on your chops, more of a love tap.

It's good to know I'll always have a friend there to give me love taps when I so deperately need them.

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by marcus_smelly_carcus

The next film to see is The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant. Again, similar to Fear, it's very Sirk-like. It's a very intense film, though, and it's all done on one set but I found it mesmerisingly brilliant in terms of how it was shot etc. You might want to check out the book Negative Space by Manny Farber too(if you can find a copy) there's a very acute essay on Fassbinder in there. I found it helpful in understanding his films anyway. Seriously, check it out.

I've read some of the other write-ups in the thread and they're very good although I haven't seen most of the films mentioned. Just wanted to give you a .

I hope my video store has it, I know they have the BRD trilogy at least. I actually have a book on Fassbinder lying around somewhere. It's not the same one you mentioned, still might give it a reminder look. I'll check my library for Negative Space nonetheless.

[Swan Swan H]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

I hope my video store has it, I know they have the BRD trilogy at least. I actually have a book on Fassbinder lying around somewhere. It's not the same one you mentioned, still might give it a reminder look. I'll check my library for Negative Space nonetheless.

Bitter Tears is great. One of the few Fassbinder's I've seen. He made alot of movies in his short career.

I still haven't seen "The Departed". Too lazy to wake up early. I'll get to it soon enough. My friend said it now replaces "Goodfellas" as his favorite Scorsese.

I watched Derek Jarman's "Caravaggio" which was good. The quintessential 80s art film. I still have Jarmusch's "Dead Man" on tap as well as another Carl Dreyer I taped.

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by lovesexy

Bitter Tears is great. One of the few Fassbinder's I've seen. He made alot of movies in his short career.

I still haven't seen "The Departed". Too lazy to wake up early. I'll get to it soon enough. My friend said it now replaces "Goodfellas" as his favorite Scorsese.

I watched Derek Jarman's "Caravaggio" which was good. The quintessential 80s art film. I still have Jarmusch's "Dead Man" on tap as well as another Carl Dreyer I taped.

I'm with you on mornings, overrated and not worth waking up for. Although The Departed is worth seeing. I don't know if I would go so far as calling the Departed better than Goodfellas, but it comes close to equalling it. Wait a few years and I'll get back on that one.

I haven't seen Caravaggio, sounds interesting though.

[Sid]

La Strada (1954) ****
City of God (2002) ****
The Virgin Suicides (2000) **

Great Departed review, Rouge!

[Swan Swan H]

Originally Posted by Philosophe_rouge

I haven't seen Caravaggio, sounds interesting though.

It was loosely based (loosely, since not much is known about the man) on the life of Michelangelo Caravaggio, the famous renassaince painter. Jarman's films are interesting. He sets them in the right time zone yet adds modern touches. In one scene a character is using a modern calculator and other scenes feature characters dressed in 1980s attire. Lots of homoerotic tones.

[Philosophe rouge]

Originally Posted by Lord Sidious

La Strada (1954) ****
City of God (2002) ****
The Virgin Suicides (2000) **

Great Departed review, Rouge!

Thank you! I don't think I'll have time for City of God this week, but because it's a library rental I'll probably just renew it and watch it ASAP.