Change Your Image
Hasek
Reviews
Mother! (2017)
The tension/discomfort is the point
**possible spoilers since we are talking about the movie** The general wide release reaction is the point--people "hate" the film because they hate being shown things they have ignored since time began. We love to see ourselves as "good," but our actions don't line up with that narrative. Mother and her house are how we position ourselves, as the protagonist, even though we are actually the guests, exploring, barging in, taking without giving back. The audience response rejecting the message of the film, and the difficult medicine of its third act, is that, while we shield ourselves from carnage and suffering, war, animal agriculture, poverty, etc. and live like we aren't complicit, we surely are as long as we continue to turn away. Aronofsky makes a film that is accepted more by critics/cinephiles and, as he described it, like a cruise missile sends it out into sheltered mainstream with big stars/carrots, to educate, to hold a mirror to us. Judging from the bewildered theater I saw the film in, he blew some minds.
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013)
One of the great modern feminist/female empowerment films
I admit to having mixed feelings about so much negativity regarding Nymphomaniac. Yes, Nymphomaniac is a single 5 hour film. Much like previous attempts to separate films into two features (Kill Bill, The Matrix sequel), these "two" films do not work separately. Also, I imagine many are viewing the theatrical releases, versions neither edited nor approved by director Lars Von Trier, who instead of creating two shorter "watered down" visions deferred to his assistant and instead focused on he director's cut. And that is where this film comes alive. It saddens me that the casual film-goer would dismiss such an ambitious, challenging, cumulatively awe-inspiring composition, yet un-surprised by the lazy and prudish instinct when it comes to empathizing with both stigmatized femininity, taboo sex and fear of something bold.
As a single, sprawling opus, Nymphomaniac comprehensively confronts the realities of sex from the point of view of a woman, tracking her along the many emotional highs and lows through her life. Many have been put off by the (at times) graphic sex and "other" imagery, but the unflinching nature of these scenes is meant to convey the truth of her at first shameless and, gradually, self-judgmental self image, as she is slowly broken down by culture. It is a glorious, painful, and ultimately, triumphant protest for female empowerment, for female voice, albeit clothed in appropriately harsh packaging, and a reminder that even in such seemingly liberated times, women are still slaves to expectation, to morality, to public and patriarchal pressure, not their own desire, and the film is a harsh critic of this. Confronting difficult or ignored topics is rarely comfortable, and this film holds nothing back in passionately and comprehensively defining the prison of culture so many women aspire to transcend.
Lick the Star (1998)
Reasonable; a quick jolt of feeling...
Well, I must say, I initially found this short to be quite average, but having watched it nearly 5 times since (its constantly shown on IFC), I've developed an enjoyment of the simple plot elements and reality of the situations presented. Sofia Coppola contributes a solid addition to the category.
Lionheart (1990)
Solid film...
OK, so maybe it doesn't "just make me feel good"; this is one of those movies that's just a little bit melodramatic (and in a good way), so it's enjoyable. This is one of the first JCVD films I saw and I still like watching it every once in awhile. The very catchy score will accompany every dramatic real life moment from the day you watch it...
200 Cigarettes (1999)
Nicole Parker, Ben Affleck give this film strength.
I was a bit disappointed with the film initially. I didn't laugh at any of the jokes (at first), and despite the fact that the theater was crowded to the walls with raucous teenagers, no one else did either. But as it progresses; fleshes out; it gains momentum.
I thought the overall look and "feel" was a little like The Last Days of Disco (which few enjoyed, it seems). I was having flashbacks with the walking "boots only" scene with Christina Ricci and Gaby Hoffman. I was impressed with Christina's act, but not to the point of drooling. The strongest characters in this film are Nicole Parker's Bridget and Ben Affleck's nameless bartender. Nicole always adds something to a picture and few can argue Ben Affleck's comedic appeal (ask Kevin Smyth). Not surprisingly these two have a connection at a particular point which is both gratifying and makes you go,"See, that's what should have happened." Dave Chapelle's taxi driver is a compelling but not incredible personality (he's OK).
I found myself becoming annoyed with a few of the players, specifically Jay Mohr's Jack. I realize that the point of the film was to portray this guy in an detestable fashion, but I just wasn't enjoying myself when he was onscreen. Does he ever play someone you can like? No. Incidently, Paul Rudd gives a tongue in cheek performance that includes a few sexual dares (in lieu of Courtney Love's comings on), which gives this film an edge (more of one, then); an intangible, I guess. I don't want to go through everyone, but I've never liked Janeane Garofalo and I realize some truly love her but her presence in this movie is a bit forced. So, like I said, some good performances are there, but not everyone fits in...