Film Discussion

[TEND]

Okay, well since we've had a few conversations in the film review thread that sort of go off on tangents I thought perhaps we should have a thread more devoted to the discussion than solely reviewing. I don't know how exactly to get the ball rolling, so someone please jump in :D .

[bluevictim]

I'll jump in, but I'm not the kind of person who regularly calls movies "films", so this might not be what you had in mind.

I recently bought The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I really liked that movie. I thought it was hilarious, and it had some really touching moments. I really loved the acoustic performances of David Bowie songs in Portuguese by Seu Jorge; I thought it was perfect for the atmosphere of the movie.

Anyways, I figured I'd post here since it wasn't the last movie that I saw, so it doesn't belong in that other thread.

[kathycf]

I don't think it is a requirement to call movies films to post in this thread...as long as you don't refer to them as "moving pictures". :p Ok, just teasing. I have a terrible confession to make. I really like cheesy b grade horror movies(although nothing about serial killers or people being tortured to death, that is just bad.) I mean the kind about vampires or werewolves or vampires and werewolves from outer space. ;) One of my favorites is the "Subspecies" series by Full Moon pictures.

[bluevictim]

That reminds me of my anti-favorite movie, Plan 9 From Outer Space, the official worst movie ever made.

[kathycf]

Oh yeah, Ed Woods. Gosh, I have never seen that movie but it is like an urban legend of bad movie making.

[bluevictim]

Yeah, it's got quite a cult following because it is so bad (it was mentioned on Seinfeld (http://www.seinfeldscripts.com/TheChineseRestaurant.htm) and there is an operating system named after it (http://plan9.bell-labs.com/plan9/)).

Another cult classic that I love is Strange Brew, which is actually relevant to literature because it is an adaptation of Hamlet.

[kathycf]

Agh! The McKenzie brothers, eh? :lol: Eep, I think I saw that at the drive-in theatre when I was in high school. Loooong time ago. They really came out with some er "odd" movies during the 80's. /me shudders and thinks of Porky's. :sick:

[bluevictim]

Haha. It wasn't just the movies that were odd in the 80's. The thing is, since it has been 20 years, the fashions of the 80's are due for a comeback. I haven't seen Porky's. Something tells me that I needn't lose sleep over that fact. I wonder what the quintessential 80's movie would be. Maybe Top Gun?

[TEND]

I don't think it is a requirement to call movies films to post in this thread...as long as you don't refer to them as "moving pictures". :p Ok, just teasing. I have a terrible confession to make. I really like cheesy b grade horror movies(although nothing about serial killers or people being tortured to death, that is just bad.) I mean the kind about vampires or werewolves or vampires and werewolves from outer space. ;) One of my favorites is the "Subspecies" series by Full Moon pictures.

I'm actually a bit of a fan of B Science Fiction movies, stuff like the classic example 'Soylent Green.' Very fun to watch because you don't have to take them quite so seriously.


Agh! The McKenzie brothers, eh? :lol: Eep, I think I saw that at the drive-in theatre when I was in high school. Loooong time ago. They really came out with some er "odd" movies during the 80's. /me shudders and thinks of Porky's. :sick:

:lol: Ah, Porky's the highest grossing film in Canadian history until just this year.

[kathycf]

Oh, TEND. You don't know the bad (BAD!) Canadian jokes I could make...Porky's was really a topgrosser until this year? See, I guess all that cold and hockey addles the brain. (Peace! I love Canada!) No, bluevictim, you have not missed a thing in my opinion.

Now I will stop being silly. A quintessential movie of the 1980s...I am going to go with Wall Street. Big money, greed and Michael Douglas all wrapped up in one package. Though, that is a tough call. So many movies typify that era to me. The Breakfast Club could really be another for folks like me who were in highschool during the 80s.

[Pensive]

Has anybody watched Cruel Intentions? What are your thoughts about it?

[kathycf]

Has anybody watched Cruel Intentions? What are your thoughts about it?
It was entertaining enough, I thought but Dangerous Liasions was the superior adaptation. Both are based on the same story.

"Dangerous Liaisons," based on the 1782 Choderlos de Laclos novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses"
I think Cruel Intentions was intended more for a teen audience...not to say that makes it bad, but simply presented in a way to be more appealing to a younger viewer.

[Virgil]

I don't think it is a requirement to call movies films to post in this thread...as long as you don't refer to them as "moving pictures". :p

Will I get myself thrown out of here if I refer to them as cinema or celluloid? :D

[TEND]

Oh, TEND. You don't know the bad (BAD!) Canadian jokes I could make...Porky's was really a topgrosser until this year? See, I guess all that cold and hockey addles the brain. (Peace! I love Canada!) No, bluevictim, you have not missed a thing in my opinion.

Now I will stop being silly. A quintessential movie of the 1980s...I am going to go with Wall Street. Big money, greed and Michael Douglas all wrapped up in one package. Though, that is a tough call. So many movies typify that era to me. The Breakfast Club could really be another for folks like me who were in highschool during the 80s.

I think I didn't quite say it properly (in case you didn't figure it out) I said top grossing in Canadian History I meant top grossing Canadian film in Canadian history, and yeah this year it was finally topped by 'Bon Cop, Bad Cop,' this year.
On the topic of highschool films, though I'm still in highschool, me and my buddies have a certain fondness for 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High.' :D


Will I get myself thrown out of here if I refer to them as cinema or celluloid? :D

I actually like cinema, it sounds classy if you were discussing movies in a black-tie environment you should use cinema, film is what you'd use talking to a grad student or a beat and....well....celluloid? :lol:

[kathycf]

Will I get myself thrown out of here if I refer to them as cinema or celluloid? :D
Nope, but just don't call them "talkies". :D ;)

Just teasing you a bit TEND. I can be pretty silly. I agree Fast Times at Ridgemont High is very evocative, although some parts are a little depressing. (but not Jeff Spicoli, dude ;) ) It is always labeled a comedy, but I think it is more of a drama or slice of life type of movie. (with comedic elements)

[TEND]

Well yeah it's more than just a comedy, it definitely has some deep routed connections with teenagers at the time (and now), you can see this in all the characters, worries and problems about the present and the future, about sexuality and love, about friendship, it's actually a very complete film/movie/cinema/talkie/moving picture show :p .

[Mark F.]

I recently bought The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. I really liked that movie. I thought it was hilarious, and it had some really touching moments. I really loved the acoustic performances of David Bowie songs in Portuguese by Seu Jorge; I thought it was perfect for the atmosphere of the movie.


Yeah, "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" is one of the best recent films. Wes Anderson is a very good director, I prefer his older film "Rushmore" though.

Anybody here seen or even heard of Jonathan Caouette's autobiographic documentary "Tarnation"? I highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in cinema, I'd rate it as one of the most important films of the last ten years.

[trismegistus]

Oh yeah, Ed Woods. Gosh, I have never seen that movie but it is like an urban legend of bad movie making.
Whereas Burton's Ed Wood is fine indeed.

[jon1jt]

Haha. It wasn't just the movies that were odd in the 80's. The thing is, since it has been 20 years, the fashions of the 80's are due for a comeback. I haven't seen Porky's. Something tells me that I needn't lose sleep over that fact. I wonder what the quintessential 80's movie would be. Maybe Top Gun?

i can still remember the girls in the theatre going wild during the volleyball scene to Top Gun. the movie seemed to draw far more females than jocks from what i recall at the time, but still received mediocre reviews. Cruise's love interest in the film was terrible.

quintessential 80s flick would probably go to The Breakfast Club, also known for its most quoted script. but my vote goes to The Last American Virgin and Valley Girl (starring Nicholas Cage). Back To The Future is up there too.

[Shalot]

The thing is, since it has been 20 years, the fashions of the 80's are due for a comeback.

I think the 80's fashions are back in a way -- maybe updated a little but I keep seeing these little teeny boppers wearing leggings under skirts and sweaters cinched with belts. I seem to remember big belts being a big thing in the eighties. I don't know if the weird perm will make a comeback, but I do see tight jeans and furry boots....

[higley]

Personally, I can't stand big hair. The leggings are actually ok. Remember when leg warmers were "in" again for about a month? :D

There aren't many 80's movies I like, but Aliens is my favorite movie of all time. I can watch that over and over and not get tired of it! Funny, my mom introduced me to it; it's her favorite movie too, that and Predator. :lol: But she also loves Pretty in Pink, so it all balances out.

[Virgil]

I think the 80's fashions are back in a way -- maybe updated a little but I keep seeing these little teeny boppers wearing leggings under skirts and sweaters cinched with belts. I seem to remember big belts being a big thing in the eighties. I don't know if the weird perm will make a comeback, but I do see tight jeans and furry boots....

Hey I was your's and Higley's age in the 80's. I lived with all that. At least from the male point of view. :D

[TEND]

Hey I was your's and Higley's age in the 80's. I lived with all that. At least from the male point of view. :D

Sorry I missed that :lol: .

[higley]

Hey I was your's and Higley's age in the 80's. I lived with all that. At least from the male point of view. :D

Yah, but do you want to live through it again? :p Kidding. Actually, according to my mother, the 80's was the worst thing to happen to the ozone layer.

Virgil, your new nickname is AquaNet.

[Virgil]

Yah, but do you want to live through it again? :p Kidding. Actually, according to my mother, the 80's was the worst thing to happen to the ozone layer.

Virgil, your new nickname is AquaNet.

Why worst thing to ozone? And why Aquanet? ;)

[bluevictim]

quintessential 80s flick would probably go to The Breakfast Club, also known for its most quoted script. but my vote goes to The Last American Virgin and Valley Girl (starring Nicholas Cage). Back To The Future is up there too.There is a highly accurate way to settle this: by Google Fight!

So, here are results for the nominations so far for quintessential 80's movie (keyword: "X" movie):
Top Gun 1,210,000
Wall Street 1,580,000
The Breakfast Club 738,000
Fast Times at Ridgemont High 502,000
The Last American Virgin 41,200
Back to the Future 1,300,000
Valley Girl 277,000
Aliens 1,840,000
Predator 1,690,000

It looks like Aliens wins.

Another 80's movie I loved was Better Off Dead. Two Dollars!

[bluevictim]

Yeah, "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" is one of the best recent films. Wes Anderson is a very good director, I prefer his older film "Rushmore" though.

Anybody here seen or even heard of Jonathan Caouette's autobiographic documentary "Tarnation"? I highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in cinema, I'd rate it as one of the most important films of the last ten years.I haven't seen Rushmore, and I haven't even heard of Tarnation.

One scene that really sticks out in my mind from Life Aquatic is when Seu Jorge is singing Space Oddity while the pirates come from behind. For some reason I really liked the effect.

[higley]

Why worst thing to ozone? And why Aquanet? ;)

Hairspray! Lots and lots of it. I think AquaNet's one of the brands that essentially converts your hair into an army helmet you could crack a bottle on. Fess up Virg, did you have big hair?

[kathycf]

Hairspray! Lots and lots of it. I think AquaNet's one of the brands that essentially converts your hair into an army helmet you could crack a bottle on. Fess up Virg, did you have big hair?
Don't you mean "Virgy"? I was so happy when they came out with a pump spray for AquaNet. Helmet hair and ozone safe. :D

What is the most disgusting film that you guys couldn't even sit through? I saw 10 minutes of Blood Sucking Freaks and well, freaked out. Just nasty.

[bluevictim]

What is the most disgusting film that you guys couldn't even sit through? Hmmm... The only movie I didn't sit through that I remember was "Scream". It wasn't because it was too disgusting, though, I was just really tired and I fell asleep. I do seem to recall some gross scenes at the beginning.

[subterranean]

What is the most disgusting film that you guys couldn't even sit through? I saw 10 minutes of Blood Sucking Freaks and well, freaked out. Just nasty.

Probably Not Another Teen Movie

:sick:

[Mark F.]

I can sit through more or less anything, people say "Salo" is hard to sit through, I don't think so. "Canibal Holocaust" is a tough film to watch.

[Mark F.]

One scene that really sticks out in my mind from Life Aquatic is when Seu Jorge is singing Space Oddity while the pirates come from behind. For some reason I really liked the effect.

SPOILERS

I really liked the scene where they burry his son. It's really sad, but still in the film's funny tone. The whole film has that kind of ambiguity.

[kathycf]

Probably Not Another Teen Movie

:sick:
Oh yea. I used to have HBO and one night when I was bored stiff I started watching that. Sometimes I think vulgar is funny, but that was just plain vulgar and not funny at all. I gave up on it after one scene I thought was just so offensive.

[bluevictim]

It's really sad, but still in the film's funny tone. The whole film has that kind of ambiguity.You hit the nail on the head. Somehow that funny tone reinforces the touching moments and makes them all the more poignant.

[dramasnot6]

What is the most disgusting film that you guys couldn't even sit through? I saw 10 minutes of Blood Sucking Freaks and well, freaked out. Just nasty.

Team America *shuddersa*.

[Idril]

but my vote goes to The Last American Virgin

I loved that movie! None of my friends liked it though because of the ending, they wanted happily ever but I loved the fact that she went back to the jerk in the end, it's a lot more realistic. :p

An 80's movie that isn't on that list that I think was pretty significant was Purple Rain, I remember going through a phase were we watched that dang movie every night. :blush:

And Top Gun...I went to that with a friend who was about to join the Air Force, actually, he already had, he was just waiting for basic and I think he was much more into the flying scenes than anything else, I just liked the Berlin song that was the main theme.

[TEND]

All I remember is going through a period where me and two of my buddies referred to each other as Maverick, Goose and Iceman :lol: .

[kathycf]

An 80's movie that isn't on that list that I think was pretty significant was Purple Rain, I remember going through a phase were we watched that dang movie every night. :blush:
Oh yes, me too! I think I saw it about 9 times. :rolleyes: Then I watched part of it about 3 years ago and was wondering why I liked it so much. Although I still think Prince is a pretty good musician.

All I remember is going through a period where me and two of my buddies referred to each other as Maverick, Goose and Iceman :lol: .
So which one were you? :lol:

[TEND]

Oh come on Kathy, as if it isn't obvious enough? I was clearly Mav. :D

[kathycf]

Oh come on Kathy, as if it isn't obvious enough? I was clearly Mav. :D
Ahhh, I see. :D

[TEND]

Well, moving away from defining films of the 80's, I just watched 'The Graduate' for the first time (I had seen parts but never the whole way through). It's such a wonderful film, fantastic soundtrack and just a wonderful story. I think for the 60's this has to be THE movie, what does everyone else think?

[Mark F.]

Nah, greatest film of the 60's is The Wild Bunch. But I've been on a bit of a Peckinpah binge lately so I'm clearly biased. But he is a great director and more people should get to see his films, especially those he made between 68 and 74.

[toni]

The Poseidon is the worst movie ever! :rage:
Cliched plot, poor lighting, pathetic directing, so-so acting..
Such a waste of time.
Has anyone seen it too?

[dramasnot6]

Well, moving away from defining films of the 80's, I just watched 'The Graduate' for the first time (I had seen parts but never the whole way through). It's such a wonderful film, fantastic soundtrack and just a wonderful story. I think for the 60's this has to be THE movie, what does everyone else think?

i LOVED The Graduate, great acting, lovely soundtrack. Of course, Im a hardcore Simon and Garfunkel fan;)
Ann bancroft gave quite a performance

[Guzmán]

Orson Welles

[Guzmán]

Well, moving away from defining films of the 80's, I just watched 'The Graduate' for the first time (I had seen parts but never the whole way through). It's such a wonderful film, fantastic soundtrack and just a wonderful story. I think for the 60's this has to be THE movie, what does everyone else think?

"Blow up" by Michelangelo Antonionni

[Nasser]

Has any body talked of "the dead poet's society" in my absence?

[Therapy?]

I have no idea about these films...!

[Janine]

Has any body talked of "the dead poet's society" in my absence?

Nasser, :thumbs_up I absolutely loved "The Dead Poet's Society" - one of my favorite films. I may have to watch it every couple yrs. Love Robert Sean Leonard's performance...wonderful! It gave me goose bumps and brought tears to my eyes. That one horrific scene. So heartbreaking.

GuzmanI need to get a copy of "Blow Up" - I remember that was a great film! When did that come out? Is it on DVD - it was a classic suspense.


Orson Wells was awesome - Guzman - did you not love "Citizen Kane"? "Third Man" is pretty cool, too. I liked "The Stranger" - a pretty obsure one now I would imagine - I got it at Target for only $1. Watched it several times now - quite good. Well's "Macbeth" is really hard to watch, but unique and quite good. I look often for his films. He was a rebel and very innovative in his time. Don't forget .....Rosebud :(

dramasnot6 - "The Graduate"
was great! I have not seen it for years now. What a super soundtrack. S&G - how could one go wrong? I always loved that pool scene - so alone and isolated....you could feel his pain. The song was great!

I will have to think of my favorite - I have so many. Let me think on it.

[Janine]

Hey, gang, don't give away endings in case we have not seen the film yet...ok?

[kilted exile]

I hated Dead poets society, mainly because I cant stand that idiot Robin Williams.

However on the subject of great films how about: On the waterfront, Taxi Driver & Raging Bull

[Mark F.]

Orson Wells was awesome - Guzman - did you not love "Citizen Kane"? "Third Man" is pretty cool, too. I liked "The Stranger" - a pretty obsure one now I would imagine - I got it at Target for only $1. Watched it several times now - quite good. Well's "Macbeth" is really hard to watch, but unique and quite good. I look often for his films. He was a rebel and very innovative in his time. Don't forget .....Rosebud :(


"Citizen Kane" is probably the most overrated film of all time, it's good but far from Welles at his best. It's also one of those completely misunderstood films. You should check out "Touch Of Evil". By the way, Welles didn't direct "The Third Man", well not officially anyway.

[Mark F.]

However on the subject of great films how about: On the waterfront, Taxi Driver & Raging Bull

"Taxi Driver" is brilliant although very cynical. Then again it was inspired by Dostoevsky's "Notes From The Underground" so it just had to be awesomely despairing. "Raging Bull" is good but comes nowhere near it.

[Guzmán]

"Citizen Kane" is probably the most overrated film of all time, it's good but far from Welles at his best. It's also one of those completely misunderstood films. You should check out "Touch Of Evil". By the way, Welles didn't direct "The Third Man", well not officially anyway.

I disagree. In my opinion, Welles' best movies are the Trial and Citizen Kane, with Othello coming in close second. I find CK a much more profound film than Touch of Evil, which, in my opinion, comes half-way between being a masterpiece and simply a Noir thriller with lots of camera show off. As far as Citizen Kane being overrated, i think it cannot be argued that in terms of narrative, editing, camerawork, makeup, and lots of other technical stuff (even in lighting: placing light sources above semi-transparent ceilings and walls, for example) it is a landmark in the history of cinema. Not to mention that Welles was one hell of an actor and that he did all this at the age of 25, CK being his first film ever. I recommend Peter Bogdanovich's comments on the DVD edition to find out more about it.

[Guzmán]

Anybody here into Tarkovsky?
"The Mirror" is probably my favourite of all time and "Stalker" is also brilliant, in my opinion.
What about the french new wave, Resnais, Godard, Truffaut?
Any opinions on "Last year at Marienbad"? That's the kind of movie that always stirs up a good debate.

[TEND]

I hated Dead poets society, mainly because I cant stand that idiot Robin Williams.

However on the subject of great films how about: On the waterfront, Taxi Driver & Raging Bull

Some of my favorites. Brando at his best. De Niro at his best. Taxi Driver and Raging Bull are the films that really showed off what Scorsese could do, Taxi Driver especially just wonderful camerawork that I really love, they do a wonderful job of making you feel the filth and the scum that Travis sees. Raging Bull too is terrific, it's my 3rd favorite Scorsese after TD and Goodfellas.

[TEND]

Anybody here into Tarkovsky?
"The Mirror" is probably my favourite of all time and "Stalker" is also brilliant, in my opinion.
What about the french new wave, Resnais, Godard, Truffaut?
Any opinions on "Last year at Marienbad"? That's the kind of movie that always stirs up a good debate.

Unfortanetly I'm quite uninformed and haven't watched much French cinema of any era. I have however been trying to get my hands on a copy of Tarkovsky's Nostalghia. The only film by any of those named directors I've seen is the one film Truffaut did in english that being 'Fahrenheit 451.' Which for the time I suppose was a decent adaption of the novel, but does not come close to giving the novel a run for it's money.

[Mark F.]

I disagree. In my opinion, Welles' best movies are the Trial and Citizen Kane, with Othello coming in close second. I find CK a much more profound film than Touch of Evil, which, in my opinion, comes half-way between being a masterpiece and simply a Noir thriller with lots of camera show off. As far as Citizen Kane being overrated, i think it cannot be argued that in terms of narrative, editing, camerawork, makeup, and lots of other technical stuff (even in lighting: placing light sources above semi-transparent ceilings and walls, for example) it is a landmark in the history of cinema. Not to mention that Welles was one hell of an actor and that he did all this at the age of 25, CK being his first film ever. I recommend Peter Bogdanovich's comments on the DVD edition to find out more about it.

I have "The Trial" on dvd but haven't got around to watching it yet, I want to read Kafka's novel first and haven't had enough time lately.

Citizen Kane SPOILERS

I think "Citizen Kane" is overrated for two reasons, firstly because it's often dubbed the best film ever, which is a stupid concept, and secondly because I believe it's flawed. The final shot leaves most audiences thinking that all Kane wanted was his sled. The point of the movie is obviously that trying to understand a man based on a single word he happened to utter just before dying is absurd, that people are far more complex.

The multiple point of view/flashback narrative structure had been used before (a French 1930's film, I'm sorry I cannot remember the title) and in more interesting ways later (Rashomon).

Welles is a very gifted actor, but Kane isn't his best work. I prefer his acting in "The Third Man", the way he smiles when he first appears on screen is great acting, only he could pull that off.

[Mark F.]

Anybody here into Tarkovsky?
"The Mirror" is probably my favourite of all time and "Stalker" is also brilliant, in my opinion.
What about the french new wave, Resnais, Godard, Truffaut?
Any opinions on "Last year at Marienbad"? That's the kind of movie that always stirs up a good debate.

I've only seen "Stalker". Great film. The footage in the first 20 minutes is beautiful, some of the best ever shot. I want to see "The Mirror" and "Andrei Roublev" but the dvd are very expensive.

I've only seen "A bout de souffle" by Godard, it's a decent film but no masterpiece. I have "Pierrot le fou" but haven't watched it yet. I've seen a couple of films by Resnais and didn't like either of them. Truffaut's "Le Dernier metro" is good, I need to see more of his work.

[Mark F.]

Are there any silent movie fans? Murnau, Lang, Chaplin anyone?

[Guzmán]

I think "Citizen Kane" is overrated for two reasons, firstly because it's often dubbed the best film ever, which is a stupid concept, and secondly because I believe it's flawed. The final shot leaves most audiences thinking that all Kane wanted was his sled. The point of the movie is obviously that trying to understand a man based on a single word he happened to utter just before dying is absurd, that people are far more complex.


I agree that best film ever is a completely absurd concept. I also agree about the point of the film being about the entrance to the inner workings of a man being not just a word. My own interpretation of the film goes along those lines, in fact; the "keep out" sign and the whole opening shot gives you that sort of feeling, doesn't it?

Regarding the Trial, i've never read the novel but i've read other works by Kafka including "The Castle" and Welles' movie recreates wonderfully the oppresive ambience of Kafka's works. Anthony Perkins is great as K as well.

[Guzmán]

"City Lights" and "the Circus". wonderful films. Two of the best ending scenes ever, as well.

"City Lights" is not strictly silent, however. More like pantomime i guess.
I tried to watch sunrise once on vhs but the tape was awful.
Fritz Lang? Ive only seen Metropolis (on a great quality DVD). what about Dr Caligary or Nosferatu? I myself really dig German expressionism, i remember the version of Caligari I saw had Schoenberg's "Transfigured night" as background music.

[Mark F.]

I've read "The Metamorphosis" and "Amerika", both very oppressive and well worth reading if you like Kafka's style.

[Guzmán]

Ive read metamorphosis, in fact ive been naming Gregory Samsa (is that the name in english?) every cockroach that crawls around my room ever since! (not that they crawl that often). Its pretty good but very depresive; the individual being dismissed by society, similar to Kafka's short story "The hunger artist". Ive never read Amerika, is it worth it?

[Janine]

Are there any silent movie fans? Murnau, Lang, Chaplin anyone?

Love Chaplin!!! - Anyone ever see "The Kid"? "City Lights" and "The Circus" are great and I love many, many more. He was great! I like Buster Keaton films, too. Interesting - such an acrobat.

[Omniscient One]

Can i recommend a film?

To Die For

I know it's an odd choice to have for FAVORITE FILM OF ALL TIME. But it holds that title to me.

I love this movie. Nicole Kidman has never been better or funnier. Oh The script is doubly amazing.

[dramasnot6]

Big chaplin fan here too! "The Kid" is an alltime fave

[Pensive]

It was entertaining enough, I thought but Dangerous Liasions was the superior adaptation. Both are based on the same story.

I think Cruel Intentions was intended more for a teen audience...not to say that makes it bad, but simply presented in a way to be more appealing to a younger viewer.
Well, I have read the the English translation of the book. I will have to say that the movie appealed me much more, because it is made according to 21st century, which is more striking.

I have not watched the earlier adaption Dangerous Liasions though I will like to see it someday if I get my hands on it. :)

[Idril]

It was entertaining enough, I thought but Dangerous Liasions was the superior adaptation. Both are based on the same story.


Oh, I agree! That movie was outstading, Sarah Michelle Gellar has nothing on Glen Close. But as has been said, it was clearly made for a different audience and a different time and I think the storyline is classic enough for that to work...but I'd still prefer the original movie any day.

[byquist]

Are there any silent movie fans? Murnau, Lang, Chaplin anyone?


Yea, "The Gold Rush"
No, Nosferatu is so humorless, although M has plenty of film skills.

[higley]

Mm, cowboy westerns. ;) John Wayne and Dean Martin are my favorite westerns stars. I have scoured for and watched every single Dean Martin western he ever made, even the silly ones with Jerry Lewis. My favorites are Four For Texas, Bandolero and Rio Bravo, although The Sons of Katie Elder, Five Card Stud, and Rough Night in Jericho are good too. John Wayne's best ones were The Cowboys and True Grit along with the ones he was in with Dean. Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. have also made westerns that are pretty good.

General Rat Pack movies are also great, my favorite being Robbo and the 7 Hoods and the old Ocean's Eleven.

[Mark F.]

The best westerns are Peckinpah's and Leone's. The Wild Bunch, Once Upon a Time in the West.

[Idril]

Are there any silent movie fans? Murnau, Lang, Chaplin anyone?

The only silent movie I've seen was Lang's Metropolis and I loved it. I thought it was incredibly well done given the time. I find Chaplin the person much more interesting than his movies but then again, I never have been much of a vintage movie fan.

[TEND]

The best westerns are Peckinpah's and Leone's. The Wild Bunch, Once Upon a Time in the West.

Have you seen One-Eyed Jacks? Starring and directed by Marlon Brando, I really like it, and it had a lot of people come and go as the project went along (including the great Stanley Kubrick).

[Mark F.]

No I haven't seen that one, I've heard of it though but have doubts about Brando's talent for directing.

I've just finished watching Von Trier's "Dogville". Anybody seen this wants to share thoughts? I liked it a lot, lots of character development.

[Janine]

No I haven't seen that one, I've heard of it though but have doubts about Brando's talent for directing.

I've just finished watching Von Trier's "Dogville". Anybody seen this wants to share thoughts? I liked it a lot, lots of character development.

Mark F, Well, to each his own; I absolutely hated "Dogville". I was sick of seeing Kidman lugging around that ball and chain. They had me up to that point, thinking how very different this film was and the acting was good, but at that point I felt it all got pretty pointless. I would not watch it again I am afraid. Sorry....:(

Tend, I want to see "One Eyed Jacks" - I just bought a cheap $1 DVD version of it. It sounds interesting and Brando was young in it so thought it might be good and I would give it a try.

Drama, "The Kid" is my alltime favorite silent film, too! I like Chaplin, Keaton, W.C. Fields...all the really old black and white films. They are great still and so funny.:lol:

[byquist]

Anybody seen "Pan's Labyrinth"? Your reaction?

This is an "art film." Several plots interwoven; be ready for rough military cruelty; extremely sympathetic toward a mother and her daughter and the woman servant.

Is the magic real? Or all made up as a survival mechanism?

It must win best Foreign Film. Powerful study of the mythic.

[Shalot]

Can i recommend a film?

To Die For

I know it's an odd choice to have for FAVORITE FILM OF ALL TIME. But it holds that title to me.

I love this movie. Nicole Kidman has never been better or funnier. Oh The script is doubly amazing.


I love this movie. I even own it (though I must admit I bought it at a bargain price). I liked joaquin phoenix in the role --- I thought he was perfect for it. And that brings me to Clay Pigeons, which I also own. This movie is hilarious and that brings me to Vince Vaughn, who is also wonderful (but I hated Wedding Crashers and The Breakup)

And back to Nicole Kidman --- anyone seen The Birthday Girl ?