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kanarazu
Reviews
Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
I really wanted to give the movie...
more than a six out of ten, but I don't feel like it would have done justice to intelligent movies. This is no "Adaptation". The dramatizations of the writing process are good, however, this movie takes a great idea and great possibilities and turns it inevitably into a standard Hollywood film that is funny yes, and undeniably creative. Unfortunately, it's also mindless and straightforward The following may contain spoilers.
There were great possibilities in this movie and I had high hopes for it. In the end however, there is not a great deal of reflection on the main character. He is turned into a robot that slowly comes out of his shell. Typical, standard story. However, they even botch this up by making him into an impossible creation, dealing with his life with mockery and disrespect.
What I mean to say is, I couldn't suspend my disbelief. I don't believe a character like that really exists nor do I think that anyone would write about someone like that. He isn't the everydayman. He is the butt of jokes. He lives in a sterile world and there is no explanation. Somehow it's all rosy and comical. How can a man who hasn't been traumatized so contentedly remove himself from the world? How can he be so desireless for so long and then suddenly change? Granted, the movie portrays it as his fear of death. However, things work out so seamlessly without great difficulty.
A woman falling in love with her tax auditor? On top of which, a literary, educated woman who has tattoos and is a baker? That's the potentially interesting character and there is no development.
The romantic element is contrived and unbelievable. I didn't sense any passion there at all.
The movie is funny, and perhaps worth watching as it goes rather quick. I wouldn't go to the theatre to see it though.
In summation, the movie isn't bad. It is just disappointing - how someone can come up with such a fantastic idea and fall so short on everything else. The writing in this fake novel is average to poor. The characters don't work. The acting is bland and uninspiring. I felt anyways.
If you want something literary, go somewhere else. If you want a light hearted comedy that has a great theme although a mediocre execution, this would hit the spot.
Ikimono no kiroku (1955)
Good film
I felt I had to post because this film, not one of my favorites by Kurosawa but still a one of quality and intelligence, keeps getting bashed by reviewers. The low score (compared to other Kurosawa films) shouldn't discourage potential viewers. Granted, this film takes more patience than some of his other films. However, the subject matter of the atomic bomb and how Japanese society and individuals deal I thought was very seminal. The whole concept of fear is deeply imbued into the film and it questions the sanity of the viewer and the world who live under the constant threat of universal destruction with ignorant self-assurance. The ideas are intelligent and presented with clarity. This film is complete and good in itself and doesn't need to rely on the name of Kurosawa to justify itself. Not a good Kurosawa film to start off with if one is trying to nurse an interest in his fecund movies but a good movie to watch nonetheless particularly if one is at all curious about how Japanese people feel about the horror of the atomic bomb.
Derrida (2002)
Great film
I keep reading horrible responses to this movie and I don't understand why? Do people think you can substitute Derrida's works for a two hour movie? The movie is only meant as supplementary, it gives you a taste of his life and his ideas, coming directly from the man himself. Granted there are certain questions I might have asked him that the interviewers didn't but I definitely wasn't left unsatisfied. I think anyhow who can get over that egoism should enjoy the film. There are very poignant moments and especially encountering Derrida in a real setting, seeing the man at work. The movie itself addresses the notion of biography and how by nature it is incomplete. It is a great way to encounter his ideas I think. There are certain mindsets and expectations that won't be satisfied with this film but I think in general, if one sets realistic expectations for this "cinema verite" they won't be disappointed. I think there are really quite profound and inspiring moments and it is presented in an intelligent collage. There are certain quite profound and charming moments to the film and very watchable in part due to its tongue in cheek style and ability to be self-mocking while still retaining its dignity.