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Reviews
Touching the Void (2003)
Enthralling Film
What a vicarious experience. Essentially we are able to relive Simpson and Yates awe-inspiring ascent and harrowing descent of the 21,000ft Siula Grande peak in the Peruvian Andes. There is never a dull film moment. Audience members will be subjected to 3 major themes: mortality, loyalty and perseverance. And as all great films elicit, discussion after the conclusion will be inevitable. Director Kevin Macdonald does a superb job of capturing this experience using actors along with Simpson and Yates linearly interjecting commentary throughout. In the last 2 days, I have recommended this film to family, friends, acquaintances, work staff ...etc. Even for those reluctant to partake in the documentary genre, this film will undoubtedly enthrall, excite and horrify.
19 Months (2002)
Relationship Terminus...hardly predictable
Viewed at 12th Philadelphia Film Festival.
Insightful. Captivating. For some maybe even retrospective. Certain things are difficult to rationalize, one undoubtedly is the aftermath of a relational breakup. This film, a mockumentary on the aforementioned, is brilliantly acute in capturing the emotional turmoil, the forced introspective process and the unpredictably of how people handle a breakup.
Many times one or both parties entertain a chess match trying to get the best move on the ex-partner. Moreover, others can crumble and eventually fall into a quagmire of despair. I was very pleased as these elements were shown with stark clarity. One could vicariously live the male and female split. And in fact...
The events that transpire run contrary to the proposed theory offered by the couple, Rob and Melanie, in the film (its premise) who state (Rob more confidently) since science statistically supports that romantic love ebbs at the 19 month mark; they will end their relationship gracefully and thus will not compromise either's dignity and/or chance dismissal of a continued friendship. Misguidedness. Great!!!
L'emploi du temps (2001)
Wonderful Film!
This Film began my 2002 Philly Film festival. A great Beginning indeed.
Vincent the main character embodies the "Everyman" that is we all have to at one time deal with whether or not we should be honest. Both sides tend to have far different consequences. Even when we choose there is a good chance you might continue to ponder the other. Anyway..
This film grabbed me emotionally right from the start and never let go during its 132 mins. Superbly acted by the main and supporting crew. Laurent Cantet's film is one I would recommend and with such I plan to watch his film Human Resources (1999) which I missed.
Paths of Glory (1957)
Absolutely mesmerizing
This remarkable film should undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on its audience. I would not be able to fathom those that confess such was not the case.
This film is rife with scenes, shots and camera movement along with Kubrick's trade mark, a marvelous use of lighting that makes goose flesh abound, pulses scale and mouths to agape.
There are scenes of such haunting mastery, dialogue, and capacious rooms with ornate accoutrements all revealed in intriguing Kubrickian splendor leaving me in an 86 minute Cockaigne of splendor.
10 down 3 to go: KILLING, THE (1956) KILLER'S KISS (1955) FEAR AND DESIRE (1953)
Otesánek (2000)
Absolutely stunning and intriguing
Powerful use of animation with a surrealistic storyline of characters threading through a gluttonous fairytale come to life. Appealing to only a handful of movie go-ers I might surmise as the subject matter is far removed from anything Hollywood could or would create. Not to say all HW movies content is blase or typical. But percentages dictate that most times we are offered a slavish reworking of some other movie. Originally is not a standard practice permeating HW
As for Otesanik, I enjoyed the scenes of maternal care and pampering that were taking to its apex along with the hyberbole of delusional scenes that manifested from both the impotent main man and woman prior to coveting and nurturing a tree stump infant into a frenzied eating machine. The parallel fairytale (a jot in front of the narrative) read by the little girl was invigorating. This girl who in desperation for a baby to play with, assumes responsibility of caring for the odd infant.
In addition, I was enamored with the camera closeups of runny food which presented us with a 'beautiful-ugly'(as perhaps some of Goya's paintings) image as most shrieked in disgust but was apt for a plot of significant profundity and perfect in its clarity and perception.
Simply I enjoyed this movie through and through!
Barfly (1987)
An unadulterated Henry Chinaski
A film that so eloquently reflects on the human condition by taking a stark misanthropic look at the human fabric. In fact, this is one of one of my personal movies favorites (on the level of City Lights). The dialogue is sensational (not forced). I love ALL the exchanges between Rourke and Dunaway such as:
Dunaway: I hate people..Do you like people?
Rourke: Yeah..I just don't like to be around them.