Reviews

True Blood: se1 ep3 "Mine" 9-26-08

Its clear upon viewing the third episode of this freshman series that barring any unforeseen shifts in tone and or subject matter I am in love this series. This is "adult" genre material of the highest order. Not adult because it features sex, or violence as these things are more akin to an adolescent take on the material. Rather its adult due to its use of the genre...in this case Vamprie....as allegorical commentary on any number of societal and interpersonal issues. Thats right folks the vampire show is perhaps the most mature/accurate/adult depiction of sexual and or romantic relationships I've seen in quite a while. The past couple weeks have seen me gushing over Anna Paquin and how lovely/brilliant she is. This streak continues into the third ep but I want to take the time to comment on how amazing Rutina Wesley is as Tara. She gets perhaps the best lines of any character and manages to deliver said lines with remarkable authenticity and fantastic comic timing. Of note as well is the series serialized structure...im quite fond of the cliff hanger endings with the subsequent ep picking up quite literally where the last left off.

Lolita (1962) 9-25-08

Lolita features some of the finest performances I've ever had the pleasure of viewing. I derive such pleasure from watching James Mason, Peter Sellers, Shelly Winters and Sue Lyon do there collective thing that it almost distracts from the other aspects of remarkable cinema on display here. Genius is a word that gets thrown around quite a bit. That being said its the one word that comes to mind when I think of how to describe Mr. Mason and Sellers respective performances in this film. They are both remarkable at fooling me into thinking not that they are these characters but that the words uttered are in fact there's and not from a script. Perhaps they were ad-libbed..perhaps not. Thats not the point...the point of the matter is that it all seems to flow so naturally from them as to not even seem like acting at all. Charlotte Haze is a character who has little to truly say but doesn't let that stop her and Shelly Winters is quite good at spewing said dialog at a mile a minute. Then there is Sue Lyon aka the titular Lolita. She is tasked with being both vulgar childish girl and a woman who is capable of wooing two seemingly intelligent men and does so with marvelous grace. Then we have the films quite lovely mise en scène cinematography. Many dialog scenes are covered from very few angles, quite a few take place in only one shot. Giving one the effect of a real conversation rather than something cut together by an editor...i liked this a great deal and it is one of the more memorable aspects of this film.

Fringe: se1 ep3 9-25-08

The opening scenes of this episode demonstrated a series who was seemingly unwilling to break away from the cliché "procedural drama" formula. All the components are here right down to the pre-opening intro scene that introduces this episodes unique dilemma. Where it falters in bringing to the table anything unique structurally it makes up for in what I am now officially going to call the "fringe twist". That is to say the only area the series seems to stand out is its capacity to create unique twists on tried and true sci-fi paranormal schlock. This ep had me fooled into thinking I knew what was going on then subverted said expectations in a rather unique little way. The series has also has a tough time balancing the characters procedural side with the more human side....you know the side that laughs/smiles etc.. In this the third ep of this new series I'm not yet willing to wave its banner and claim fandom but I can say that by the time the credits rolled I was quite entertained and will be back next week.

Barry Lyndon 9-24-08

Here we have yet another film whose narrative is concerned with a central character who by all accounts is an a$$...and I couldn't love it more. Why these sorts of movies fascinate me is simple. Stories about "good" men or "bad" men are easy to tell, often times entertaining (whatever that means) and quite frequent. I find that in reality men are seldom either of these extremes to the exclusion of the other. I find films that depict characters as such to be more authentic and to my way of thinking much more compelling. Suffice to say the titular protagonist (who is arguably also the antagonist as well) is just such a character. With each subsequent viewing of Barry Lyndon I become more convinced that there is no greater implementation of the myriad components that make great cinema than this marvelous film. In nearly every respect this is a marvelous film. The cinematography is breath taking. Scenes appear to have been lit naturally...as this is a period film I find this to be quite a wonderful stroke of authenticity.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 9-24-08

To my way of thinking One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is perhaps one of the most remarkable cinematic commentaries on the modern human condition that I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. Whats even more remarkable is that it manages to do so with out seeming overly didactic or righteous. The tale can at times seem ambiguous, leaving one feeling as sterile as the institutional surroundings of its characters and it is all the more better for it. Nurse Mildred Ratched who is played with brilliant precision by Louise Fletcher is perhaps the best example of the films sometimes ambiguous nature. Knee jerk reactionaries might label her as antagonist or even evil but she clearly isn't. She is simply doing her job, and one could even argue that she really is concerned with helping Randall and company. Remember that many of the characters are in the hospital voluntarily. I would posit that the only real villain of the film are the flaws within each of these men that causes them to think that hiding in this hospital is the solution. I would also posit that this is Chief Bromden's story and not Randall's. As he is the only character to experience any real "arc".

Slacker Uprising 9-23-08

At one point during Slacker Uprising a reporter asks Michael Moore if his films are propaganda. Of course they aren't lady...propaganda is defined as and I quote "a concerted set of messages aimed at influencing the opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people." Michael Moore is certainly not trying to do this in Slacker Uprising as this "documentary" is clearly aimed at his supporters. So then one has to ask the question...whats the point? How can one affect change when one clearly makes a concerted effort to alienate the opposition or anyone who might not agree with you. Its clear that with this film he is not concerned with affecting change. This film seems to be a reminder that those of us who voted against Bush were not alone. Lets talk structure for a moment as I feel this is the films weakest link. It runs by my clock at 99+ min and at times it feels more like cspan w/a soundtrack. Take that for what you will.

If you ever had a dream about having to make a movie only you forgot why you wanted to make the movie and aren't that interested in the movie anymore. In the dream you have producers and various department heads all hounding you for final casting decisions and or approval on trivial details you could care less about. What you do seem to be concerned with is woman...all woman. Woman in the myriad roles they have played in your life. If your dream was something like that only in black and white with everyone speaking Italian and looking extra hip then you have some idea what the movie 8 1/2 is like...sorta. Its a film that is certainly concerned with dreams and or nightmares that bleed into the waking state. Marcello Mastroianni portrays a protagonist who seems to be a passive participant in a nightmare of his own making. That nightmare being an artist out of ideas. The film seems to be a subconscious search for why the ideas have stopped...it has something to do with woman.

The Doors 9-19-08

If you come to this film expecting the "truth" or documentary about the band The Doors then you are wasting your time. This film isn't concerned with either of those things, rather its more to do with perpetuating a Rock & Roll myth and being probably the greatest "music video" ever created. Understand that I don't mean either of those things as insults. Rock myths are great entertainment and I love the music of The Doors so seeing wonderful images set to those songs is great fun. The cinematography is top notch, filled with over saturated nostalgic tones of some wonderful 60's California dream. This aspect of the film more than any other seems to perpetuate the notion that this is all myth and not a document. Val Kilmer as the quintessential rock god himself Jim Morrison is amazing. He is such a delight to behold one could easily see why you would just want to watch the film for the pleasure of witnessing his wonderful performance. There is also something to be said of the fact that he is (seemingly) performing the vocals in the songs himself. Seriously though folks this is a great flick but one has to wonder how enjoyable it would be to those who don't care for this music?

Fringe (season1-episode 1: pilot) 9-10-08

Here we have the jumping off point for what could be a decent but formulaic series. Whats the formula? Wacky stuff happens then a team of people willing to accept the fantastic as a possibility arrive to save the day....its been done before to be sure. Though I'll save my judgments for the season as a hole for a later date...lets talk about this episode. Words like slick come to mind...well paced, kinetic. Anna Torv is cute and gives a decent performance, Joshua Jackson seems to be here only to suply quips on how crazy the titular fringe science is even though we all know its going to end up working. John Noble's performance has to be the stand out...he does a wonderful job. And how can you not love Lance Reddick...seriously. If its the purpose of the pilot to hook you or at the very least get you to come back next week...then this episode certainly did that though certain rough spots will need to be ironed out.

Sexy Beast 9-18-08

If tasked with describing Sexy Beast in one word that word would undoubtedly be cool. "Cool" that ever elusive quality that many films strive for but in the very act of trying to be cool they kill any chance of...well you get my point. So how does a film end up this cool...by being slick you see. Slick contemporary cinematography that uses a few gimmicky tricks..but these are never over used. The narrative moves along briskly and in a linear fashion save for two decidedly non-linear sequences that are quite fun. The second of these sequences takes place in the final section of the film. This portion of the film is amazing as it managed to put me in the shoes of the protagonist in ways few films have ever been able to do...enjoyed this bit a great deal. Its impossible to talk about this movie and not talk about a force of nature I like to call Ben Kingsley. Im certain this man can walk on water and if he cant at the very least he gives one hell of a performance as the batnuts insane sociopath Don Logan. The perfect counter balance to Don would be Gal played by the coolest man on the planet Mr. Ray Winstone. One last thing...I absolutely adore the music in this film.

East of Eden 9-17-08

East of Eden is a big film with out ever trying to hard to be grandiose. Its manages to be dramatic with out spiraling into melodrama. Its the kind of film that other films wish they could be but just don't know how. All the elements of greatness are here for you to enjoy. The beautifully staged mise en scène cinematography seems to focus on wide and two shots. Occasionally dutch angles are implemented to great effect...they seem to be used to convey the topsy turvy relations between Cal and Adam. There is an elegance to the editorial pace that seems to just flow perfectly. It never feels too fast or overly cutty. James Dean is stunning as Cal, there is a grace and authenticity to his performance that quite frankly can at times make some of his fellow performers look bad. Julie Harris as Abra being chief amongst them. She is perhaps the films weakest link as her hammy over the top delivery seems contrary to every other performance here.

Repo Man 9-17-08

I knew after viewing about fifteen minutes of this amazing film that it was probably going to end up being one of my favorites. Sure enough by the time I saw the credits role (from top to bottom no less) I knew this was going to join my elite group of films I love to death. You used to be able to literally love a film to death back when the medium was analog...repeat viewings were killer. But I digress..Repo man has a specific peculiarity that seems to permeate every aspect of the film. Everything about it seems just slightly off and as the film progresses it slips further and further into lunacy...in the best way possible. Over all the piece feels rather anti establishment but it does so with out seeming overly didactic. Instead it seems to poke fun at the establishment and the misfits that cant or wont fit into it. This is a comedy of the highest order...one that is funny with out trying to be. The visual approach is rather plain...I mean this is the best way possible as the film is so odd it would probably be distracting to have a wacky visual style. Both Emilio Estevez and Harry Dean Stanton give wonderful performances. Though I would remiss to not mention Tracey Walter who is arguably the funniest thing in the film.

True Blood (se1ep2: the first taste)

Week two of me professing my love for Anna Paquin. But seriously folks she is wonderful yet again and this series is looking even better in its second ep. An episode by the way that could have been titled "Big time sensuality"....the sexual tension is turned up to eleven between Sookie and Mr. Tall Dark and Undead Bill Compton aka Stephen Moyer. Also of note in this ep are the flashbacks to Sookie's past that go a long way in showing us who she is...the failed date flashbacks are awesome. Oh and I could kiss whoever is in charge of Anna's wardrobe....one word...smokin'

True Blood (season 1-episode 1: strange love)

As I sit down to write my comment on this rather well executed episode all I want to do is talk about how amazing Anna Paquin is in it. Can a series rest on the shoulders of its star? Certainly not but having a star like Paquin certainly helps. She is extremely charming as the telepathic protagonist Sookie Stackhouse. Ms. Paquin has that rare ability to say so much w/out uttering a single word...suffice to say the camera or at the very least I...love her. Nelsan Ellis and Rutina Wesley are quite effective in supporting roles. Here we have an episode that introduces us to a narrative that clearly is using vampires as an allegory for all things deemed unacceptable by "mainstream" society. This is executed quite blatantly and could seem heavy handed if sustained at this level through out a season...but we will see.

Leatherheads 9-16-08

"Comedy Romantic" I thought this rather inverted genre delineation best described Leatherheads. As it seems many traditional comedies ascribed as "Romantic Comedies" focus more on the romantic and comedy that is usually derived from said romance. Leatherheads is quite the opposite it seems. Here we have a film that is silly to the point of seeming almost cartoon like and amidst all this buffoonery a romance is derived. To my taste this works quite well as the romance does not seem forced, rather its just another component to an overall enjoyable if not derivative film. Both Mr. Clooney and Ms. Zellweger give pitch perfect performances in there respective roles. Each demonstrating remarkable wit and charm delivering sharp dialog with the utmost precision. The films look is extremely romantic, everything is bathed in a golden hue. The period staging (sets, costumes etc..) seems authentic with out calling attention to itself.

Burn After Reading 9-15-08

"I want to go in fresh" truer words have never been spoken about the movie going experience. Or at the very least a first time viwing experience. Going into a film there are many things that can inform your opinion and or perception of said film. Be it a trailer, genre label, word of mouth etc... With Burn After Reading I think the film works best if you don't know what to expect. Its seems to want to be a spy film and at the same time make fun of said films. It vexing as the film can at times challenge what you expect from parody. It can be ridiculous yet there are moments when its almost as if it wants to be serious too. This to my way of thinking is the brilliance of the film. Though don't get me wrong....its hella funny. I haven't laughed this much at a film in quite a long time. The plot in and of itself is or rather how convoluted it seems is the funniest thing of all. An example of this takes place when David Rasche's character sits down to give J.K. Simmons' CIA director character a break down of the events up till this point. The director is about as confused as the audience might be and reacts in a similar fashion. I love these kinds of self aware type scenes. There are two scenes in particular are quite fun and really seem to sum up what the film is really all about. The list of brilliant performances reads like the cast list...stand outs for me though had to be Malkovich and Swinton. Seriously though the entire cast is at the top of there respective game as are all the filmmakers involved in this wonderful film.

The Proposition 9-15-08

When I think of The Proposition I think of a film that eschews many cinematic/narrative conventions and is all the more interesting for it. The film seems to use action and not words to develop characters. I was vexed for most of the film not understanding why they weren't giving me more to go on in regards to our protagonist. I honestly didn't feel I understood Guy Pearce's Charlie Burns until the final moments of the film. It occurred to me that this seemed to be the point as this sort of eleventh hour revelation occurred for two of the other main characters. It would be a tremendous oversight to speak of this film and not mention the beautiful cinematography. As silly as it may seem it gives one the feel of acutely being there that adds the overall experience a great deal. The film moves along at a slow but steady pace that feels natural and not in the least dull. The afore mentioned Guy Pearce is subtlety brilliant. Danny Huston is a name I am making a point to remember as he was brilliant in this film. Though it is Mr. Ray Winstone that damn near steals the show in a role that calls for both tenderness and intensity.

Harsh Times 9-12-08

Harsh Times gave me more than a few reasons not to like it. At times the pseudo urban dialog sounds as if it was written by a 13 year old boy. Christian Bale's delivery of said dialog is awkward to say the least. The gritty cinematography has been done countless times in better films. In spite of these facts I was compelled to see it through to the credits based in large part on the narrative structure. I was rather fond of the "two losers driving around getting into trouble" plot. There was a very laid back vibe that never feels overly dramatic or takes it self too seriously....until the climax that is. The last ten minutes of the film were a bit too heavy handed for my taste. Christian Bale gives a mixed performance, he's great when he's not forced to talk like a silly cartoon street thug. Eva Longoria is believable as a normal person. Freddy Rodríguez is quite effective as the "other loser" driving around w/Bale. He sounds a bit better w/the afore mentioned thug dialog and manages to exhibit a bit of depth in the role.

Southland Tales 9-12-08

To my way of thinking a film should compel one to view it to its completion. In no way did Southland Tales accomplish this goal. I managed to make it to the hour and thirteen min. mark and decided not to waste anymore of my life with what has to be one of the poorest excuses in "absurdist" cinema I've ever bore witness to. It's like some teenage cartoon satire of post 9/11 America...but wait, no...I'm all wrong because that description sounds kinda fun...something this film certainly isn't. I can admit that perhaps I just dong "get it" but I'm at a loss as to what it is I'm supposed to get. If forced to describe the film to someone who hasn't seen it, it would be to say that this film is like a joke that goes on and on and eventually you don't even care what the punch line is you just want the guy telling it to shut up.

Spartan 9-12-08

When I think of what to say about this wonderful film I'm compelled to speak of its pace. Its a movie with a strong forward moving momentum in its narrative. A fact that might cause some to say that its difficult to keep up with. I'm rather fond of films that require one to pay attention and don't spoon feed me full of unnecessary exposition. This is certainly the case with Spartan. Also of note is the reliance of unique catch phrases in the dialog that brings a singular quality to the piece. The cinematography is clean and rather beautiful at times. Val Kilmer as the titular metaphorical Spartan gives a reserved performance. His delivery is razor sharp and precise like the dialog he's speaking.

Nixon 9-11-08

"When they look at you they see what they want to be, when they look at me they see who they are" This beautiful line seems to sum up a lot of what this film attempts to do. Which is to take a man who many would call a villain and show us that he's not a monster and his flaws are deeply human flaws. Any film that can accomplish the mighty task of making Richard Nixon sympathetic is to be admired if only for this fact. Fortunately it posses many other admirable qualities that are of note. Cinemagraphically the film seems rather hallucinatory at times. Odd angles and various film stocks are implemented to great effect. The narrative is non-linear accomplished by a stark and impressionistic editorial approach. I was overwhelmed with the sensation of participating in a completely subjective interpretation of history rather than documentary. Now lets talk about how brilliant Anthony Hopkins is in the title role. His portrayal is at time vulnerable and insecure then shifts into the hysterics that seem the inevitable sum of such flaws. The always phenomenal Joan Allen almost steals the show as Pat "Buddy" Nixon. Can I admit that the film nearly brought me to tears? Sure I can...the Nixon movie got me all glassy eyed. Its a powerful film people and one that has lots to say not only about its title character but about the nature of heroes and villains and right and wrong.