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frank vandenblock
Reviews
Empire (1964)
just look at the voting details !
I saw "Empire" during an exhibition in Brussels. First of all, I would like to be honest and tell you I didn't see the whole 8 hours. Even watching the Godfather I, II and III for about 8 hours without a break would be pretty difficult.
But this movie, which shows a static view of the Empire States Building from dawn till dusk, is fascinating in its simplicity. It's like Koyaanisqatsi but the other way round. One thing that I found remarkable when looking at the voting details, is that almost everybody either gave it a "10" or a "1". This must be the movie that is a definition of "you either love it or hate it"
The Tragedy of Macbeth (1971)
blood-soaked...which makes it great
I read another commentary where this movie was described as "his/her least favorite movie of all time." Having liked this movie myself, I was intrigued to find out why other people wouldn't like it. And the comment goes on : "I didn't like it because it was creepy and dreary and evil and just... bugged me."
Shakespeare wrote with Macbeth maybe his most creepy and dreary and evil play, and it is a great credit to Roman Polanski that he managed to turn this play into a captivating movie. The atmosphere, the music, the acting and of course the beautifully shot imagery makes this a memorable film. Yes, it is a blood-soaked movie, but only because Shakespeare wanted it.
Le bal masqué (1998)
worth seeing
I never quite understood why this movie received such low marks from the majority of users. It's a beautifully filmed piece of art that poses some important questions about one of Belgium's worst nightmares : the apparently senseless murders of dozens of innocent people during the late 80's. Of course I can see why this movie would shock or even confuse people. Le Bal Masqué does not give answers (although the main 'conspiracy' theory of an involvment of the Belgian crown is suggested), it uses close-ups to emphasize that we are blind to the truth. Yes, this is not an easy movie, but if you know a little bit of the background of the story (Bende van Nijvel/Tueurs du Brabant) then you will be blown away.
Manneken Pis (1995)
true love never dies
one of the most touching love stories ever to come out of Belgium, Manneken Pis is the touching story of two people who try to life and love their lives despite their background and past. Great actors, beautifully shot, and the feelings of the main characters are brilliantly acted. If you liked 'Amelie Poulain', you should try this little movie. !
Arlington Road (1999)
tense movie
I had never heard about Mark Pellington before, but both Tim Robbins and Jeff Bridges were two actors I liked a lot, so I decided to see this movie on the big screen. The first feeling when the opening credits started to roll, was "oh boy, another "Se7en" or "Fight Club" or something similar". But after only 5 minutes I felt that this movie was definitely something else, and started to become interested. Without giving away anything of the plot (especially the strong ending) I just want to comment on both leading roles (very strong) and the use of audio and visuals. I was very impressed with the way the movie sounded. No, there is no special soundtrack or catchy tunes, but the whole movie soundes so "fresh" and "crisp". If you like movies with a twist (not even so far fetched), good acting and a slow but steady advancement, then this movie is definitely for you. 8,5 out of 10
Morderstwo (1957)
interesting two minutes - includes spoilers !
What can you possibly say about a 2 minutes long film without using spoilers ? Nothing of course. The title is Morderstwo, meaning 'murder' and that's exactly what you are getting. But what it really interesting, is the way Polanski uses light and camera positions to create a kind of 'hitchcockian' atmosphere. Quite interesting if you get the opportunity to watch this, especially in light of the greater things Polanski would accomplish later (Le Locataire, Repulsion..)
Tydzien z zycia mezczyzny (1999)
A drama or a comedy ?
Having seen this movie during the Brussels Film Festival in 2000, I remember being pleasantly entertained, but nothing more. We see the life of a lawyer (Stuhr) during one crucial week. Each day starts with him doing a couple of laps in a swimming pool and every day ends with him getting a little bit further in trouble. There are some comic moments, and some dramatic ones, but in the end it is difficult to say what the makers of this movie tried to accomplish. Sure, it is well acted, reasonably well-written (with the exception of the "seduction" scene, which is extremely unbelievable. The music is well used, but the pace is very uneven. In short, a movie that is worth seeing on video, especially if you like Stuhr. If you don't, then I would suggest re-renting Kieszlowski's Dekalog 1 to 9 again (not number 10 if you don't like Stuhr).
Dekalog: Dekalog, dziesiec (1989)
Very funny
I just spent a couple of days watching everything by Kieslowski, and after all the gloom of "a short film about killing" and "Dekalog One", it was such a relief to see this beautifully shot comedy about two brothers who inherit their father's precious stamp collection. I won't say anything about the plot, as it is a well-constructed little gem. See it and enjoy it. Stuhr is brilliant as the 'smart one'...
Tillsammans (2000)
Great actors, great story
Having seen this with no previous knowledge, I was pleasantly surprised. I was 14 in 1975 (the year the story takes place) and even though I lived in Belgium (and not in Sweden) I could identify myself very well with the two children around whom the action is set. This movie was funny, well-written, well acted and left me with a very good feeling about life in general. Don't expect a sentimental romantic comedy, but a realistic portrait of life in a Swedish commune.
After seeing this movie I also rented "Fucking Amal" and felt that Tillsammans(Together) was much more consistent and polished than F.A. A must-see, a splendid time is guaranteed for all.