I rarely rate movies 10/10, and I could expound upon this movie for hours, but I'm going to keep it short and sweet. This movie looks at the principle of choice and its effect on the human condition and in particular, a specific human life. This is one of those movies which is better suited to just pressing play and being astounded by the journey (as opposed to researching, watching trailers, etc.). The acting, cinematography, writing, directing, and story/writing here are absolutely excellent - this is a movie which will stick with you for a long time - and if it doesn't, you probably weren't paying attention. This is a gem and I highly recommend you watch it - or re-watch it - NOW.
Reviews
39 Reviews
Stranger Than Fiction
(2006)
One of the Best Written Films, Ever.
31 March 2012
This film is the type of film I show people who are interested in writing, because this is the type of cliché-breaking, convention shattering movie which comes along only once or twice every twenty years. It also happens to a great example of how to write a film, and do it differently while remaining amazingly awesome - and keeping broadly appeal.
This movie is massively under-stated. Everything about it is subtle, but it you are a fan of witty dialogue and amazing wordplay/banter in a very well made movie with a largely unique plot, look no further.
Everyone involved does wonderfully, but again this movie works so well because of its writing.
Don't believe me? Re-watch it and try to ignore the amazing writing. I dare you.
This movie is massively under-stated. Everything about it is subtle, but it you are a fan of witty dialogue and amazing wordplay/banter in a very well made movie with a largely unique plot, look no further.
Everyone involved does wonderfully, but again this movie works so well because of its writing.
Don't believe me? Re-watch it and try to ignore the amazing writing. I dare you.
Luck
(2011–2012)
The Most Ironic Series Title, Ever.
29 March 2012
Luck was an epic show. In only 9 episodes, it weaved together numerous, insanely complex story lines which many people probably had trouble following. But what started as a 'too dense for anything but pretense' project soon turned into an amazingly broad show whose characters included mafia, rounders, trainers, jockeys, agents, horse owners, and many others - to create an incredibly smart show which, in my opinion, sought to expose the world of horse racing to the many who are uninformed, or simply would not normally care. The characters and writing were top notch, and this definitely should have been allowed more time to flesh out.
Hopefully another network won't be as scared of PETA and will pick it up.
Hopefully another network won't be as scared of PETA and will pick it up.
Beauty Day
(2011)
Genius often appears to 'normal' people as insanity.
11 March 2012
Cap'N Video is quite a character, and if you are like me, you have no doubt seen his epic fail ladder stunt. But the man behind that goofy moment is an incredibly alive philosopher whose goal in life is to open peoples' eyes to the joys of goofing off.
I was shocked how perfectly this Doc came together. It has great drama, lots of laughs, and so many interesting characters/stories that a lot of it seems almost unbelievable.
But this is a true story, so you'd better believe. If Cap'N video doesn't inspire you - either you're already like him, or you'll never understand him.
I was shocked how perfectly this Doc came together. It has great drama, lots of laughs, and so many interesting characters/stories that a lot of it seems almost unbelievable.
But this is a true story, so you'd better believe. If Cap'N video doesn't inspire you - either you're already like him, or you'll never understand him.
Hugo
(2011)
Magical Fun
18 February 2012
This is a rarity - a film that both pays homage to film and is enjoyable for ALL ages. It is more of an adult story, of losing childhood and the passion which following your dreams entails, but it never feels too mature, a testament to Scorsese's determination to make a family film.
This is a genre- less film, and to some degree it is Oscar bait, although it will probably fall just short of a slight more 'artistic' movie, but this movie is pure film-making in every sense of the word. One of the better movies of 2011, but this shouldn't be surprising to anyone familiar with Scorsese's versatility.
This is a genre- less film, and to some degree it is Oscar bait, although it will probably fall just short of a slight more 'artistic' movie, but this movie is pure film-making in every sense of the word. One of the better movies of 2011, but this shouldn't be surprising to anyone familiar with Scorsese's versatility.
Awake
(2012)
Who determines reality? What price do we pay when we forget our past?
17 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This pilot was solid. It was not ground-breaking to me, but it was a show which has a lot of potential for growth, as long as they keep the sappiness to a minimum. This is essentially a cop procedural show with a hint of inception. The premise is that the main character is living two lives, one with his wife dead and one with his son dead, while the other remains alive in each respective timeline. He does not know which one he is really awake in. The show does some cools things with this, like having two cases, two psychiatrists, and the previously mentioned alternating characters with the alternating timelines. It has some potential, but it also wasn't awe-inspiring.
I Just Want My Pants Back
(2012– )
Update; It has gotten more interesting.
4 February 2012
This show isn't ALL that bad, but it has been done before. There are 4 friends...2 are the couple, and the other 2 are good friends who are opposite sexes and will likely end up together, and then there are all sorts of random hookups and talking about them with each other, vividly, after. Big surprise, right? Another show about mostly selfish people in their 20s, who have some seemingly charming traits masking their lack of direction (e.g., "I'm going to look for her on craigslist missed connections").
EDIT: The last few episodes have improved and the characters are acting like real, young adult, human beings. It is very watchable at this point, although it has still been done before.
EDIT: The last few episodes have improved and the characters are acting like real, young adult, human beings. It is very watchable at this point, although it has still been done before.
Footloose
(2011)
Brewer Knows How To Blend Music and Film, So...
4 February 2012
I had HIGH expectations. Hustle and Flow is one of my favorite movies from the past few years, and Black Snake Moan was an equally enjoyable affair (although not quite as awesome). I never saw the original Footloose, so I am judging this film and story solely based on this movie (as I feel most remakes should be, regardless). The music is pretty solid for the first half, but almost entirely disappears form the second half. Willard is the best character, and provides most of the film's laughs. The writing and acting are decent and the direction is capable, but overall this just doesn't feel like a movie that needed to be made.
I will say, Brewer is the only person who could pull this off and make me watch the whole thing. His blues tunes in the early parts are amazing selections, and the choreography and geography are ideal for his type of film (music/"gritty" visual color palette ). The last dance scene is pretty damn solid, too.
The biggest drawbacks were the over-the-top cheesiness of it all and the excessive runtime. This story could've easily been told in 90 minutes. Also, it is absolutely unconstitutional and I understand it has happened before (as in Elmore City), but it is unlikely that, even in a Southern religious town, anywhere in 2011 would ban dancing. The internet kind of makes the plot moot.
I will say, Brewer is the only person who could pull this off and make me watch the whole thing. His blues tunes in the early parts are amazing selections, and the choreography and geography are ideal for his type of film (music/"gritty" visual color palette ). The last dance scene is pretty damn solid, too.
The biggest drawbacks were the over-the-top cheesiness of it all and the excessive runtime. This story could've easily been told in 90 minutes. Also, it is absolutely unconstitutional and I understand it has happened before (as in Elmore City), but it is unlikely that, even in a Southern religious town, anywhere in 2011 would ban dancing. The internet kind of makes the plot moot.
Circus
(2010)
PURE Magic.
3 February 2012
I found this via Netflix and watched it in one unemployed day of glory. It was a spectacular journey, one that I did NOT want to end. I can honestly say this is the best thing I have ever seen from PBS and I sorely wish they would do more seasons, or even do this type of show with a different subject. I love the multiple characters who are allowed to really develop and draw your empathy over the course of the (relatively) short series. But, these aren't just characters, they are real people who happen to work in the circus. Some of them love it, some of them leave it, but the magic of Circus lies in that whether a character is talking about a tragedy or a success, in the ring or out, that the show makes you feel like a kid again and truly appreciate the amazing things people can do.
Eddie Murphy: Delirious
(1983 TV Special)
The First Time I Knew What Comedy Was
3 February 2012
I was 14. I was sitting there in study hall, listening to my iPod. After finding out Eddie Murphy had been a stand up before an actor, I became intrigued. I pressed play and my life changed. The next day I showed it to my best friend . We laughed audibly for the entire study hall, constantly being told to shut up (our study hall teacher liked us, or we would've been asked to shut the iPod off). I still remember almost every line in this show. I have seen it many, many (countless, really) times, and it honestly influences me as a person on some level. I never knew anything could be so funny up until that point in my life, and every time I listen to it, it remains relevant and amazing. I am now older than Eddie was when he made delirious and I can still, probably even more so to be honest, appreciate the pure genius of this film. I believe it is probably the best stand up film ever made, although there are plenty of great ones. It is definitely one of the best of all time though...go watch it now.
Thunder Soul
(2010)
Truly Soulful Inspiration
2 February 2012
This film is about the Kashmere (High School) Stage Band which was popular in the 1970s (and again in the 1990s). It was led by a man named Conrad Johnson until 1978 when the school failed to continue funding the highly successful endeavor. Now, 30 years later, his band comes back together for the sake of the aging band leader who changed their lives.
With Civil Rights and Black Power movements in full force, Kashmere's member overcame racial prejudice and economic/social problems to become one of the greatest funk bands - not just high school bands - in the history of music. This film is an amazing look at the drive which makes people overcome circumstances which seem unfair. If you do not smile at least once during this movie, you probably lack a soul...so you probably should not be watching a movie called Thunder Soul! Amazing film - any music fan should go watch this NOW.
With Civil Rights and Black Power movements in full force, Kashmere's member overcame racial prejudice and economic/social problems to become one of the greatest funk bands - not just high school bands - in the history of music. This film is an amazing look at the drive which makes people overcome circumstances which seem unfair. If you do not smile at least once during this movie, you probably lack a soul...so you probably should not be watching a movie called Thunder Soul! Amazing film - any music fan should go watch this NOW.
Thoroughly Compelling - and Intriguing
2 February 2012
I found this documentary to be an interesting investigation into a very obscure mystery. The toynbee tiles were well known to me before this documentary, and their message was also clear to me. The thing which always made me wonder was 'why'. Why put this message on random tiles in seemingly random places? To a lesser extent, I also was curious if the person involved was either insane or enlightened. This movie does a great job of showing a thorough investigation into the mystery, and without giving anything away, I can say they did an amazing job, and they do determine who the original tiler (most likely) is.
I am kind of curious how the investigators make a living, as it seems as though they spent an inordinate amount of time on this. Either way, props to them - because without their efforts we would ALL be in the dark about this very intriguing idea.
I am kind of curious how the investigators make a living, as it seems as though they spent an inordinate amount of time on this. Either way, props to them - because without their efforts we would ALL be in the dark about this very intriguing idea.
Tiny Furniture
(2010)
Vapid, Empty, Direction-less, Quirky, and Semi-Profound.
2 February 2012
This film is essentially about a young college graduate trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. The fact that, throughout the movie, things only get more confusing for her, only adds to the realism of the film. I have read some reviews where people claim the movie is TOO pointless, or too confusing, or just generally lacking something. I understand this position, but to the people who think this, I kind of feel like they are taking the place of Aura's mother when Aura says to her mom "you never listen to me". This is a movie that requires you to heavily invest in the characters, so if you dislike them immediately, you will probably not like this movie, either.
Aura is a great character, one of the most realistic characters I have seen in a while. Even though I am a male, and am nowhere near her level of wealth nor as self-depressed, I am around her age and I could surprisingly still easily relate to her. Mostly because the time when you define yourself seems so important, and yet it is mostly a time where not a lot happens. Despite her 'hard time' she is still generally upbeat and curious towards everything, because I believe her character wants to believe, like her mother says, "your 20s don't matter that much...I never think about the past".
She is, however, a very vapid character. She tends to choose the wrong people to hang out with, and she is somewhat weak (I mean, she moans the whole movie that no one cares, but the one friend who truly does, she basically shafts). Yet, she is likable because she has flaws and she embraces them. We rarely see her in fits of emo pity; instead we see an intelligent, very funny young woman simply trying to escape the shadows of her family and overcome the awkwardness of young adulthood.
There are flaws here, but the writing was amazing (despite a lack of plot) - the dialogue is realistic and often hilarious. The composition of shots is brilliant, and the apartment's white walls draw beautiful contrast in certain shots. And the acting was stellar considering the indie nature and family sourcing which Dunham used to make the film.
It is not perfect, but it was an enjoyable experience, and I can imagine it only gets better with repeat viewings...since you know what to expect, you can focus more on the 'tiny' details that truly make up the triumph of the film.
Aura is a great character, one of the most realistic characters I have seen in a while. Even though I am a male, and am nowhere near her level of wealth nor as self-depressed, I am around her age and I could surprisingly still easily relate to her. Mostly because the time when you define yourself seems so important, and yet it is mostly a time where not a lot happens. Despite her 'hard time' she is still generally upbeat and curious towards everything, because I believe her character wants to believe, like her mother says, "your 20s don't matter that much...I never think about the past".
She is, however, a very vapid character. She tends to choose the wrong people to hang out with, and she is somewhat weak (I mean, she moans the whole movie that no one cares, but the one friend who truly does, she basically shafts). Yet, she is likable because she has flaws and she embraces them. We rarely see her in fits of emo pity; instead we see an intelligent, very funny young woman simply trying to escape the shadows of her family and overcome the awkwardness of young adulthood.
There are flaws here, but the writing was amazing (despite a lack of plot) - the dialogue is realistic and often hilarious. The composition of shots is brilliant, and the apartment's white walls draw beautiful contrast in certain shots. And the acting was stellar considering the indie nature and family sourcing which Dunham used to make the film.
It is not perfect, but it was an enjoyable experience, and I can imagine it only gets better with repeat viewings...since you know what to expect, you can focus more on the 'tiny' details that truly make up the triumph of the film.
Better Luck Tomorrow
(2002)
A Near-Perfect Crime Film
1 February 2012
This movie is non-stop entertainment. All of the main characters are likable and easy to relate to, whether or not you are of Asian descent. The direction is pitch perfect, and basically subtle. This movie starts kind of slow and seems to be just a film about bored high school kids, until they start to abuse the power they have been given and it turns into an epic crime film. This is Lin's best feature, and although Fast 4/5 were good films (FF:TD was NOT), I would like to see Lin go back to this kind of story telling. Unknown actors giving amazing performances in a realistic movie filled with action and humor...what else could you ask for? This is one of my deepest sleeper picks, and I constantly show it to people who have not seen it. The movie also does a great job of both embracing stereotypes and shattering them, simultaneously.
If you have not watched this film, go do it NOW.
If you have not watched this film, go do it NOW.
The Informers
(2008)
Existential Nihilism is Real...I know people like these ones.
31 January 2012
I am shocked by the terrible/mediocre reviews. This is an incredibly dense movie masquerading as a bunch of moral-free vignettes. The main thing to take away from this movie is: nothing. There is no discernible meaning to life when lines get blurred. Grant, sort of near the end, tells Martin that when you don't know what is good or bad, you don't know what to do anymore. This sums up this movie perfectly. I know people like this...that is, people who have everything and act like it is nothing. People who are so self-centered and naive that they actually believe their nihilism is justified. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but it is fascinating (for me at least) to watch. Every character is fleshed out pretty well, it is just that the details of their characters are semi-buried. If you watch closely, I think most will find an intimate portrait of bad people (Renfro's character may be the only 'decent' person in the film...and yet he aspires to be like the 'bad guys'...what does this say about our culture? This movie is tragic, but not in the usual way. We are forced to watch characters who have it all and act aloof. I kept thinking throughout the film, a surefire sign something was done right. I can easily imagine myself in the main characters' shoes - so withdrawn (from riches and drugs) from society that good and bad don't even exist anymore. Instead, there is just life - and to them, it sucks.
Yes, there is some to be desired here, but I think this film more than any of the other Easton-Ellis adaptations shows how Brett views the world - as a cold place where those who have it all have nothing, and those who have nothing - still have nothing.
From a film-making standpoint, there was some to be desired, but Gregor Jordan, overall, is an excellent filmmaker. I give this film a 7 for strong visuals (more impacting than the dialogue. usually) and a very realistic look at the philosophy of nihilism.
Yes, there is some to be desired here, but I think this film more than any of the other Easton-Ellis adaptations shows how Brett views the world - as a cold place where those who have it all have nothing, and those who have nothing - still have nothing.
From a film-making standpoint, there was some to be desired, but Gregor Jordan, overall, is an excellent filmmaker. I give this film a 7 for strong visuals (more impacting than the dialogue. usually) and a very realistic look at the philosophy of nihilism.
Good Will Hunting
(1997)
"Nobody's Perfect, Sport. The Question Is, Whether or Not You're Perfect For Each Other..."
29 January 2012
Gus Van Sant (mostly because we share the same hometown of Portland, Oregon) has always been one of the filmmakers I have paid attention to. I never give him undue bias, because he can definitely be hit or miss. This, however, was and always will be, his biggest hit (in terms of making an ideal film). There are hundreds of quotable lines in here that espouse more philosophy than most filmmakers pack into trilogies. The direction is steady and the acting is great, but what really sets this movie apart is the writing. The writing of Good Will Hunting is so exquisitely realistic and philosophical, that to contemplate your own life during the movie is almost a necessity. There is not a whole lot of emotional manipulation in the movie, it is basically just such a universal story, that to be unemotional would be callous.
Similar to the quote in the title, delivered by Robin Williams in his best role, this movie isn't perfect, but no movie is...the question is whether or not it is the perfect movie for you. It doesn't matter if I watch another ten thousand movies, this movie will always be in my top 20.
Similar to the quote in the title, delivered by Robin Williams in his best role, this movie isn't perfect, but no movie is...the question is whether or not it is the perfect movie for you. It doesn't matter if I watch another ten thousand movies, this movie will always be in my top 20.
Touch
(2012–2013)
A Solid Journey
28 January 2012
I hate emotional manipulation, and I often see Jack Bauer when I look at Kiefer, no matter his role, so I was skeptical heading into the pilot. I was pleasantly surprised to find a pretty smart show that was hinting at a lot of possibility, without much pretense. Wait, is this really on FOX?! The vibe of this show is all positive, and you can nitpick the logistics and science that they use all you want, most of it is very sound anyways, but you cannot deny the appeal of the show.
The pilot had solid writing, good acting, a unique premise, and was just believable enough to make most people keep watching.
It has a chance to be a very unique platform to break down barriers other shows constantly build up (stereotypes, plot conventions, clichés, etc.)...but time will tell.
Note: I found the second episode even better than the first, and much more realistic in terms of the connections.
The pilot had solid writing, good acting, a unique premise, and was just believable enough to make most people keep watching.
It has a chance to be a very unique platform to break down barriers other shows constantly build up (stereotypes, plot conventions, clichés, etc.)...but time will tell.
Note: I found the second episode even better than the first, and much more realistic in terms of the connections.
Unsupervised
(2012)
Solid Pairing to Archer...Plus, it's early...
26 January 2012
The first few episodes have been tolerable, and actually IMO, funnier than MTV's similarly themed 'Good Vibes'. It is hard to judge a show so early, I remember lots of people disliked Archer at first, too(Thompson and Reed, as in creators of Archer, Sealab, and Frisky Dingo, are producers on Unsupervised- they know comedy, people). I, for one, will be tuning in, if for no other reason than to kill time waiting for Archer. The voice cast is pretty solid, and they seem to be taking Archer's lead and making it a much more grown up version of a cartoon show about kids. I really like how positive the kids are despite their terrible conditions...it is pretty refreshing.
Interstate 60
(2002)
One of a Kind Treasure.
26 January 2012
I am an admitted cinephile of sorts, and when I first saw this movie recommended to me by netflix, I cringed at the cover and the description. I read Gary Oldman's name and became perplexed...he has very deliberate choices in roles (aka tends not to be in too many bad movies) so I was immediately pawned into watching it, if for nothing else to see what Oldman was doing in this thing. Well, without giving much away - I was blown back. I mean, wow - this movie has some of the wittiest dialogue, most interesting characters, crazy situations, and in-depth philosophy of any movie I have ever seen. It fully deserves the ten/ten stars. It seems kind of cheesy at times, but even the harshest of critics tend to love this movie.
This is one of my go to movies when someone wants me to show them a great movie they have never seen. It will make you truly laugh AND truly think about important questions - an exceedingly rare combo in films these days.
This is one of my go to movies when someone wants me to show them a great movie they have never seen. It will make you truly laugh AND truly think about important questions - an exceedingly rare combo in films these days.
The Fall
(I) (2006)
It is hard to explain to someone who does not get it...
26 January 2012
It is very hard for me to review this film objectively, because it is objectively awesome. This movie works on almost any level you want it to. As a kids/adventure epic...As a romance drama...As a comedy of errors...As sci-fi...well, maybe not sci-fi so much, more fantasy. The writing is solid, but honestly until you watch the film a few times, you probably won't realize how well the film is actually written (since you will be visually awed and following the story so closely). The cinematography is absolutely stunning - some of the best in any film (and that is NOT hyperbole). It was shot over four years and incorporates footage shot in over 20 countries...which is pretty rare/incredible for a movie anytime, but especially now. Also, there are almost no special effects...even the burning tree man has no cgi. Really, just on every level, this is what you want out of a film...it is entertaining, unique, and unforgettable.
PS: This is the BEST movie to show off your blu ray player.
PS: This is the BEST movie to show off your blu ray player.
Immortals
(2011)
Visual Masterpiece. Just an Okay Film.
26 January 2012
Tarsem is one of my favorite directors, mostly because I like when directors use tools consistently enough to have a distinct look or feel. I would argue Tarsem's surrealist, vibrant high def look is one of the most distinctive around (currently). The Cell was an interesting movie that looked unbelievable. The Fall was a pure masterpiece - with epic storytelling and insanely well shot cinematography in some astounding locations. Immortals does not reach the level of The Fall, but it is slightly better than The Cell. It is a solid movie overall, but if nothing else it is gorgeous to look at. Some of the best shots are reminiscent of 300, but I believe it is done a little better here...Tarsem's films always seem to use time and space really well (like the slow motion whip against a marble palace), and this film is no exception.
Thumbsucker
(2005)
"The Trick Is Living Without An Answer...I Think"
24 January 2012
This is a light coming of age dramedy distinguished mostly by a great cast and realistic handling of the content. The thumb-sucking is obviously not a super common motif for movies - but it's metaphor (fear/anxiety) is. This movie was very solid, although not earth-shattering. Anyone who is, had, or may eventually have problems in school, or in life, can benefit from this movie, and because of that I gave it an eighth, probably undeserved star. It has a hopeful message: that no one really knows what they are doing in this life, and there is pretty much nothing more freeing and confidence-boosting than knowing that.
I like the part where Justin laughs at the line in the recovery book that says "Don't judge your inner self against others' outsides" and then laughs. Though he laughs, this line brilliantly sums up one of the main philosophies of the entire film, but it is lost amongst his teenage naivety.
I like the part where Justin laughs at the line in the recovery book that says "Don't judge your inner self against others' outsides" and then laughs. Though he laughs, this line brilliantly sums up one of the main philosophies of the entire film, but it is lost amongst his teenage naivety.
Big Fish
(2003)
The Art of Storytelling
24 January 2012
It is easy to forget that most people originally start liking films for their stories. When you are little, you are not concerned with 'who directed what?' and 'who is in what?', as you are with 'what is it about?'. This is a movie filled with magic. It is a simple story about a man desperately trying to get the truth about his dying father, whose tall tales of his life seem far too interesting and surreal to have happened. To say anymore about the plot would ruin it. There is no movie quite like this - which captures the essence of childhood magic and which exhibits the best traits of pure storytelling, and contrasts it brilliantly with the bleakness of how most lives are actually lived on this planet.
Surrealism has never been more real.
Surrealism has never been more real.
Hell and Back Again
(2011)
The Terror of War (and the terror of modern society).
23 January 2012
This is one of the most amazing documentaries I have ever seen.
The imagery is stunning, and the filming is pristine - especially considering the conditions - the camera and editing are high quality, and the shakiness is pretty subdued.
Most importantly, the stories are interesting and all too real.
The editing, which juxtaposes the return of the wounded Nathan Harris to America with the striking images of war is chilling. There is simply no other film which actually shows what it might be like to actually have PTSD.
The soldiers in this documentary are all too real, never joking with the camera while in combat, and coming close to death numerous times.
If you want proof, look closely, despite the presence of the camera, few soldiers ever look into it. This may have been a directorial call, but more than likely, it is because they are real soldiers, and one second looking at a camera - especially in such hostile territory - could cost you your life.
This movie is something special, and I doubt we will see anything like it again.
Honestly - props to this filmmaker Dennis - because he has some serious guts/grit.
The imagery is stunning, and the filming is pristine - especially considering the conditions - the camera and editing are high quality, and the shakiness is pretty subdued.
Most importantly, the stories are interesting and all too real.
The editing, which juxtaposes the return of the wounded Nathan Harris to America with the striking images of war is chilling. There is simply no other film which actually shows what it might be like to actually have PTSD.
The soldiers in this documentary are all too real, never joking with the camera while in combat, and coming close to death numerous times.
If you want proof, look closely, despite the presence of the camera, few soldiers ever look into it. This may have been a directorial call, but more than likely, it is because they are real soldiers, and one second looking at a camera - especially in such hostile territory - could cost you your life.
This movie is something special, and I doubt we will see anything like it again.
Honestly - props to this filmmaker Dennis - because he has some serious guts/grit.
The Artist
(I) (2011)
The Magic That Was Lost
19 January 2012
This movie is special. Every now and then, a movie comes along that captures the magic behind cinema, but this film does even more than that. With hundreds of movies made every year, and many of those blockbusters, it is easy to forget film is an art form - and one of the newest at that. Films, before sound, had to rely on music and intensely physical acting to convey everything from plot to emotions, but now the words thrown at us are becoming less and less meaningful, which make the images less meaningful as well. Silent films are a small part of film history when looking at time, but when you consider that without silent films, 'talkies' would've never been possible, silent films are about important as film history gets.
What makes speech so much more compelling? It allows us to know rather than infer. But in this process, we lose a connection to the film. When someone says 'I love you' in a movie, we tend to focus on the words and miss out on subtleties in characters. In my opinion, inference is a much more important skill - and in a way, this movie may speak to why people nowadays tend towards social ineptness (that is, lack of attention to detail, perhaps through sensory overload).
In this movie, you are forced to watch real acting, in fact - it may just redefine how you watch movies (with an increased focus on the actor/actress's abilities, that is). Beware.
The performances were shockingly perfect in this movie, and I found myself smiling brightly and even shed a tear or two. Yes, the editing, writing, plot and direction leave some to be desired, but that is how most movies were back then - it is much more like a general homage to that era than a perfect silent film (of which, there were only a few).
Also, the dog is amazing in his (pun intended) tiny role.
This film is a love letter to film making, to nostalgia, and mostly, to love itself. Whether you love silent films, an actress, or a dog, love is universal - and losing it hurts, but it is when we dig deep and find the courage to love again that we find the most rewarding experiences. If you don't get that from watching it, you weren't really watching.
What makes speech so much more compelling? It allows us to know rather than infer. But in this process, we lose a connection to the film. When someone says 'I love you' in a movie, we tend to focus on the words and miss out on subtleties in characters. In my opinion, inference is a much more important skill - and in a way, this movie may speak to why people nowadays tend towards social ineptness (that is, lack of attention to detail, perhaps through sensory overload).
In this movie, you are forced to watch real acting, in fact - it may just redefine how you watch movies (with an increased focus on the actor/actress's abilities, that is). Beware.
The performances were shockingly perfect in this movie, and I found myself smiling brightly and even shed a tear or two. Yes, the editing, writing, plot and direction leave some to be desired, but that is how most movies were back then - it is much more like a general homage to that era than a perfect silent film (of which, there were only a few).
Also, the dog is amazing in his (pun intended) tiny role.
This film is a love letter to film making, to nostalgia, and mostly, to love itself. Whether you love silent films, an actress, or a dog, love is universal - and losing it hurts, but it is when we dig deep and find the courage to love again that we find the most rewarding experiences. If you don't get that from watching it, you weren't really watching.
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