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Reviews
Just the Ticket (1998)
Pleasant and entertaining
This film was pure entertainment. It gave me a fine smile throughout the whole duration of the story. Fine en believable acting of two professional and charming actor's. One of the best scenes is undoubtfully the one in the kitchen preparing the "haute cuisine" and bringing it to the "guests" This is a refreshing view on it.
Stir of Echoes (1999)
Throat-gripping
I want to make a comparison that may be a SPOILER so do not read any further if you want to be thrilled to the very end of the movie. What have we here : an alternative version of Poe's "Black Cat"? I used to wonder why so seldom a good film of any story from this master of horror has been realized by anyone. As a matter of course I always searched between the obvious titles. I should have known better : Poe isn't obvious. So here it is, with no reference to Poe at all. "Stir Of Echoes" is an EXCELLENT horror-movie. The idea is transformed to a credible know-a-days situation, with a plausible story and present-day people of flesh-and-blood (...?) and yet ... just look for yourself. "Stir Of Echoes" shows a THRRRILLING story with several intense scenes and unexpected throat-gripping shots that make you hit the ceiling. Kevin Bacon is just right for the job. A previous reviewer (jangu, Sweden) was bothered too little is explained. On the contrary I'm just grateful there was just enough explanation, more would have been annoying and make the end to long.
Breaking Up (1997)
Refreshing
What a fine and refreshing movie. But there is more to it than this. It is a well-made film about a very common and credible situation. It shows us both sides of an ending affair and makes you feel sympathy for each character. Only two players, Salma Hayek and Russell Crowe, to play the game and carry the story to the end. They do well.
The story doesn't go on straight. There are twists in the presentation, cuttings, slow-motion - movie-stills, split-screens, showing off a lot of the pinches of film-making. None of this ever going heavy. It all just fits in, and I like it. Enjoy it. I will again.
Total Eclipse (1995)
A French poet's story in English ?!!!...
A fascinating movie about two of the greatest French poets ever, accomplished with all the dedication of two high talented leading actors : the Italian-German rooted American Leonardo Di Caprio (Titanic) and the British David Thewlis (Seven years in Tibet).
Nevertheless, what a disappointment that a European produced movie about French poets is brought in the English language. In the same way Rimbaud's beautifull rebellious and renovating poetry is translated in English : almost hilarious if it weren't so sad. Was this violation of French poetry really necessary to introduce French literature to a big audience ? It fails on this point. With up-to-date technology of DVD's this shouldn't happen anymore. Nowadays such a film could very decently and correctly be written and performed in the adjusted language - in this case French - and given the extra feature of an English spoken or subtitled version for those who fail the knowledge of the original language. The wrong language was - luckily - the only, but serious let-down of the film.
The story itself is well told, acted and directed. It is about a literary genius blooming in the absolute freedom of youth - not restricted by any social rule. It is a compliment to the makers that the film breathes the same freedom of mind. It is in this sense clearly a European and not an American (moral majority) film.
Between his 16 - when he left home and joined Verlaine (Thewlis) - and his 19, Rimbaud (Di Caprio) wrote the fine flower of French poetry. As youth goes by and the love-hate relationship with Verlaine escalates (?), vanishes (?), explodes (?), implodes (?) (find out yourself) ... Rimbaud seems to outgrow or abandon his own gift.
The movie tries to give a strong impression of a young man with talents so great and powerfull, burning in his head so violently that it was a real struggle for him finding the right words to express them. Although both characters evolve during the whole story, the movie starts with Verlaine in the main role. Than Rimbaud takes over Verlaine's life and the leading part. Verlaine is taking over again in the last sequences. You get the impression that Verlaine's character was meant leading all the way, but both Di Caprio's and Rimbaud's gifts and energy are so powerfull that they take over the central part of the story. Good casting. Similarities between character and actor shine through, but Di Caprio is not gay.
It is hardly known that Rimbaud still lived another 10 year or so after his turbulent and talented youth. Little is known and one may wonder about it. What is the role of his sister in this ?
When the movie is over, questions rise. Did Rimbaud's talent disappear ? So hard to believe. Was Verlaine his mentor or was Rimbaud just parasitizing on him ? Why did Rimbaud never again write anything ? Or did he, and what happened with it ? It is good to see an movie that leaves you with questions and wondering. Why ?... Quote : 7/10
Gladiator (2000)
Flesh, blood and brains.
The gladiator shown in this movie is a man of flesh, blood and brains, not only integer, will-powered and physically dominant, but also intelligent and sensitive. A real difference from previous movies on similar themes. Further on the whole film is breathtaking by acting achievements, special effects and sound-track. Very lucky I saw it, because mostly I am not so interested in big show-pieces.
The Insider (1999)
A missed academy award for actor Crowe !
Although the movie's subject was the corruption of a cigarette-manufactory and the way a honest man and a journalist work together to bring it out, the mainstream was the courage of a man nearly paralyzed by fear yet determined to do what has to be done. Never before I saw an actor "breathing" fear and determination so intensely during the whole length of a movie as Crowe did here. He should have won his OSCAR-nomination that year.
Virtuosity (1995)
Look Again !
A few years ago I saw "Virtuosity" and enjoyed the special effects and the originality of the story. Then the tape disappeared in my video-case. When, this year, I watched "Gladiator", followed by "The Insider", I was eager to discover other work of Russell Crowe. It is a pity there aren't much films with him available in Belgium. So "Virtuosity" was found back and reviewed. Crowe's acting in this one is very intense and remarkable funny due to his personal charisma. In acting achievement he ends up as the leading actor in this one. Look again people !
Summer City (1977)
Mel outlived this one ??? Actors everywhere, there is hope, just carry on.
By sheer chance I found a movie titled "Sex, Blood and Rock&Roll" in a low price range of DVD's. It happened to be "Summer City" for sale under a new name. Curious I bought it. What a surprise ! Never saw a worse film than this one. The picture was exhausting to watch as over-exposed parts alternate with ... less over-exposed parts. The sound was incredibly bad, sometimes painfully sharp, mostly dull. The story : let's say, there was a story, and a good screenwriter or director probably would have been able to make something of it. Not this one. The only thing that seemed okay was Mel Gibson. What a mercy for each movie adept, he outlived this one. Conclusion, there is hope for any good actor, even after a bad start, just carry on.