Reviews

I have waited a long time to see this movie. IFC finally ran it one night. I thought it would be something like "Barfly" from Barbet Schroeder. Wrong. This film doesn't recreate that underworld of chintzy, dirty, smoke filled, character filled bars you associate with his stories. It also fails to capture that Bukowski attitude that Mickey Rourke did so well in the above mentioned film. That natural smart-ass attitude. Fans of Charles Bukowski will enjoy seeing scenes from his books on screen but those unfamiliar with his books could get the wrong impression about his works. This film looks like just another 'Movie Of The Week" about a drunk and his relationships. If you want to get a better idea about Charles Bukowski's world watch "Barfly".

I love foreign films. Maybe its because they aren't spoiled with the propaganda and commercialization prevalent in Hollywood films. This little jewel has made a place as one of my favorites. I discovered it on the Sundance Channel one day in August but I didn't watch it all. Even then I realized it would be best to watch it in colder weather to match the climate on the film. I only watch Dr. Zhivago in January or February. This film is wonderfully minimalistic. It doesn't tax your brain but is never boring due to the absorbing cinematography. Also, I love films that have a lot of quiet passages and this one does not disappoint. Thank God for movies like this. They cleanse the palate of inferior Hollywood drivel.

Werner Herzog steps in front of the camera for this mockumentary account of a film crews encounter with the famous Scottish submarine- Nessie. Personally, I am a big fan of Herzog's- Fitzcarraldo,Aguirre,Woyzeck,Stroszek. From what little I have been able to glean about the man over the years, he is not the type of fellow who would have anything to do with a presentation as this. In the documentary of the Fitzcarraldo filming,"Burden Of Dreams" he is so deadpan and sober that you might think him unable to do comedy. Genius does have a sense of humor. Black humor. Think of Stanley Kubrick doing "Little Shop of Horrors" - in front of the camera! This film is a must see for Herzog fans. There is also a little cheesecake and some pretty good CGI for the intellectually challenged.