You know what is really fun? Choose a director you like, then trace the ideas you like about him back through two paths: the films by others that surely influenced him, and also back through his own earlier work. Like this.
I like Rodriguez. I do. I like the risks he takes, his proclivity to experiment, his notion about structure and reference in film. He is not yet on my "absolutely must see this" list but is well represented on the "worth watching" list.
The first "Spy Kids," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," And his entry in "Four Rooms," showed a high degree of what I call folded, selfaware film-making. Spanish, without the prancing pretense of the French.
So go back with me to view this homemade short, featuring his kids and home videocam. It is simple, but you can already see his characteristic mix: Simple truths, including appropriate effects done cheaply. A world of magic. A world where children often center the narrative. A world where justice is built into the cosmos.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.
I like Rodriguez. I do. I like the risks he takes, his proclivity to experiment, his notion about structure and reference in film. He is not yet on my "absolutely must see this" list but is well represented on the "worth watching" list.
The first "Spy Kids," "Once Upon a Time in Mexico," And his entry in "Four Rooms," showed a high degree of what I call folded, selfaware film-making. Spanish, without the prancing pretense of the French.
So go back with me to view this homemade short, featuring his kids and home videocam. It is simple, but you can already see his characteristic mix: Simple truths, including appropriate effects done cheaply. A world of magic. A world where children often center the narrative. A world where justice is built into the cosmos.
Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.