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metokyoli
Reviews
Lovely by Surprise (2007)
Truly a beautiful film
We saw this film at the Seattle Film Festival, and attended the awards banquet Sunday where it won The Special Jury Prize in New American Cinema. After seeing 22 films at the festival, this was by far my favorite. (I also loved SEx and Death 101 and Walk The Talk). The story structure of Lovely By Surprise was wholly unique and the script was beautifully written. While the film could be categorized as surreal or non-linear, it was very engaging. I was invested in each of the three stories, and riveted when they came together. ( I refuse to give it away, but rest assured you will be moved.) Having read another review on this site that referred to the film as borrowing from Wes Anderson or Charlie Kaufman- I would strongly disagree. Whoever wrote this hasn't lived long enough to see the real influences in this film. It captures the absurdism of Fellini, Godard's purposeful use of color and space, and the poetic language of Sam Shepard- while living in a space wholly its own. I admire both Wes Anderson and Charlie Kaufman, this owes nothing to either of them. The film lives in its own world. On Sunday, Nancy Bishop (juror and publisher of Venice magazine) announced the jury prize for the film. She mentioned the strength of the performances, and the originality of the film as the reasons for its selection. She specifically mentioned the performance of Reg Rogers. I couldn't agree more. You have to see what he does in this film- as it cannot be described adequately. He absolutely broke my heart. I laughed at him, wondered about him, yearned for him to be back on screen and cried when he went away. Writer Director Kurt Gunn got amazing performances from all of these actors. They were truly committed to him and his script, and it showed. I would specifically point to Austin Pendleton, Michael Chernus, and Lena Lamer all whom gave stellar performances. The cinematography was wonderful. The film was shot on a shoe string but the creative use of the camera was strong and clear. I liked the editing, sound design and must reserve some words for the music which was also really fantastic. I am a film fanatic, and this film goes up there with some of my favorites. If you get a chance to see this movie- see it.
Down by Law (1986)
truly one of the pioneering indies
This is my first review because it is my favorite film. My husband and I moved here from japan and saw this movie together on our first week in the states . I have over 500 DVDf films in my collection and am avid watcher of world and US cinema. I keep the Criterion collection of everything if I can. I am a real movie nut. Anyway- this needs to be my first review because it is my favorite film- simple, funny, beautifully shot and brilliantly crafted. The film captures the essence of the other side of New Orleans and the other side of America. it is a funny and kind without being overly sentimental. It is linear, but also other-worldly. It is fantastical, but truly honest. The performances are, like the film, simple but beautiful. Tom Waits is so engaging and lovably cranky. Lurie is level and cool while Begninni delivers a kindness that moves. The black and white world is wholly unique. This is my favorite film!