Road to perdition
9/10
very good film, excelent Tom Hanks, Paul Newman. fantastic
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Road to perdition
9/10
very good film, excelent Tom Hanks, Paul Newman. fantastic
Hi Antiquarian, I agree with your post most definitely. I always admire how Helen Mirren presents herself. She a total lady and has a sense of class and is never overdone or glitzy. I think she is definitely one of the best actresses going. I loved her in "The Queen". I have been dying to see her in "Queen Elizabeth II" - that is the same film with Jeromy Irons, correct.Quote:
Originally Posted by Antiquarian
And...I also agree with this part of your post. I have not yet seen "No Country for Old Men", but do plan to soon. However, I have seen the other films you mentioned that Bardem starred in and I kept telling myself this man has a lot going for him as an actor. His talent is special and readily appreciated. His performances are always captivating with sublte nuances and expressions. There is much going on behind his eyes. I am glad he is finally getting the full recognition he deserves. He is top-notch, there is no question about it.Quote:
I also agree that Javier Bardem is the absolute best actor working today. Those who loved him in "No Country for Old Men" need to watch "The Sea Inside" (a beautiful, understated performace) and "The Dancer Upstairs" (so atmospheric). I know these have already been mentioned, but I just wanted to second them.
I heard her portrayal is great but that Jeremy Irons seems a bit too old and worn for the part. I will have to judge for myself on this aspect of the production. I greatly hope to see it sometime.Quote:
Originally Posted by Antiquarian
I also like Cate Blanchett very much and her rendition of "Elizabeth". I just saw the second film "Elizabeth, The Golden Age" and liked/enjoyed it very much. I have read mixed criticisms online, but I personally enjoyed both films and I have seen the first one twice or more times by now. I happen to think that Cate is also a very fine actress; she is someone I greatly admire. The film of "Elizabeth The Golden Age" is quite beautifully filmed and the set designs are magnificent and interesting as are the elaborate and detailed costumes. I can't recall if these won Oscars or awards but they certainly deserved it. One commentor said one could turn the sound off and watch the film again and totally enjoy it. I believe that is true. The film is so artistic and I appreciate that sort of undertaking. Truly an exquisite film with a very fine cast - Samantha Morton plays E's cousin, Mary Queen of Scots and Clive Owen delivers an adequete performance as Sir Walter Raliegh. Some parts of the script could have been stronger but the performances took over and even in silent mode one could enjoy the nuances in the expressions and acting. I would give it a high rating and suggest it to all. I found the film quite gripping and suspenseful as well, but imagery reigned supreme in my opinion - a very lush film. Looked great on my new HD TV.
Absolutely, and I am so glad and fortunate to have seen those two films you mentioned, free from my library. Now I must see "No Country for Old Men" - I am sure that will appear in my library not long from now. They get all the latest DVD's in so I will just wait.Quote:
I was so happy to see Javier Bardem get an Oscar and recognition for his work in "No Country for Old Men," though I preferred his character (more sympathetic) in the other two films. He's just superb.
Absolutely, one of my all time favorite actresses, from "Henry V" to "Notes on a Scandal"....OMG, Judy Dench is an icon and fantastic actress! She can't be equalled. I just love anything she is in, and I have seen her in much so far. I have only seen a few of the PBS comedy shows, she appeared in or starred in. I don't think she has eve given a poor performance. I know she also is a very fine director. If you have not seen her in films do try to. She always is so great and true to her characters/roles.Quote:
I also like Dame Judi Dench. I like to watch her on PBS in some of the older British comedies.
"Dead Ringers" - 1988; Cronenberg
Starring Jeremy Irons, as twin brothers - both gynecologists - one of whom develops a bit of a drug problem as he gets involved with this actress (Genevieve Bujold).
Crazy film! Really great performances from Jeremy Irons. Uncomfortable, but very good, movie.
8/10
"Brokeback Mountain" 8/10
"Lawrence of Arabia" (rewatched 3rd time) 10/10
Ok, I am answering three post in one here:
quote by Jamesian:
Hi Jamesian, I saw that film a number of years back and I really liked it, extremely and surprisingly, as well. Truly it is strange and definitely 'twisted', but the acting is riveting I think. Plus we get two Jeremy Irons, who could complain about that? Literally I could not stop watching it; it commanded my full attention being so suspenseful and emotional...very draining, as well. I think I caught it on late night TV and I hardly ever watch TV; I watch DVD's obsessively. I thought that film was very well done and I believe it is based on a true story. Strange, don't you think?Quote:
"Dead Ringers" - 1988; Cronenberg
Starring Jeremy Irons, as twin brothers - both gynecologists - one of whom develops a bit of a drug problem as he gets involved with this actress (Genevieve Bujold).
Crazy film! Really great performances from Jeremy Irons. Uncomfortable, but very good, movie.
8/10
Quote by manolia:
manolia, I really did not care for "Brokeback Mountain". I guess I am one of the few who didn't particularly like it, but I just was so disappointed in that film, after the huge publicity buildup. I don't think it deserved the Oscar. I have seen the subject matter presented so much better in other films, that truly captivated me. Did you ever see the film "Far From Heaven"? I will check online. I believe that is the correct title. It is quite good. I also saw another film that came out before "Brokeback Mountain" and did not get near the recognition. I cannot recall the name but it handles the subject matter of gay men so beautifully. I would watch that film again in a heartbeat. The one scene in BM I did like was the part at the end with Keith Leger clutching the jacket. There may be parts I liked but as a whole I did not like the film. I found it so lacking and I truly could not stand Leger's way of mumbling.Quote:
"Brokeback Mountain" 8/10
"Lawrence of Arabia" (rewatched 3rd time) 10/10
manolia, now "Lawrence of Arabia" is a film I own and adore. Definitely, I agree - it is a 10/10....maybe it is even a 20/10, because I do not think there has ever been a film quite like it. The fact that is is based on truth further interests me. I love true stories. The acting is extraordinary. Peter O'Toole's finest performance, I believe. And manolia, I could watch that film 10 times over. I believe I have already seen it at least 3 times. :) :thumbs_up
Antiquarian, Well, I was lucky to get E at my library (free rental) and I can rewatch it anytime, so I suppose I will not invest in it, just now. They also own the first "Elizabeth", which I have rewatched several times, and will probably watch again. I love that film. I take it that you have seen it. I think the second film is more serious throughout, because it deals with a more 'mature' Elizabeth and she is more serious minded, yet even more complex. Some say it didn't have quite the buildup or plot of the first film, but I am not sure of that...I was never at all bored with the story. I do think it excelled in visuals and costumes and glad to hear it won the Oscar for that or those aspects, but then again I loved the same in the first film. I too, am quite a period film fan. I actully don't like powered wigs that much, but sometimes they are necessary for the roles and true to the era. I love miniseries and try to have my library secure them for me, from other libraries in our county, if they don't own them. I am quite lucky that way.Quote:
Originally Posted by Antiquarian
I suppose if I did see the films reasonable enough, I would buy them to keep in my own collection, but like you I am on a budget, so I hold back. I do desire second viewings on these films, so if you can't get them free, I would recommend buying them if you encounter a good price. Ever buy from Amazon?
I also love all the old films. We will have to discuss that further in PM's. I have seen the most of the ones you mentioned and loved them; and I have seen plenty more. My library also has a great/large collection of older films - classics. I am so lucky that way.
As I said good to hear. It certainly deserved it. Amazing set design and costume.Quote:
I know "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" won the Oscar for "Best Costume Design." I think that's the only one, but I'm not positive. I'll have to rent it for sure. Thank you very much for the recommendation.
So did I; again so lucky that my library owns it. I think I will watch that again soon. I am fanatical about watching all the extra on the DVD's as well. Unfortunately, I had to take back "Elizabeth The Golden Age" before I had the time to watch all of the extras; but I can do that later on. How could we go wrong in "Notes on a Scandal" with two film greats - Judy Dench and Cate Blanchett? I was thrilled with both of their performances. Yes, it certainly was a difficult year with so much talent up for the Oscar. I see them all as winners. Mirren became the Queen, that is certain. I just saw a documentary on the Queen and I was all the time thinking of how Mirren had captured her perfectly.Quote:
I loved "Notes on a Scandal." It was just so well acted. Just excellent. One of Cate Blanchett's best pieces of work, I think. For me, it was such an involving film. It's too bad both Judi Dench and Helen Mirren couldn't have won Oscars for their stunning performances, but last year was just Helen Mirren's year and she was wonderful. I almost believed I was watching Elizabeth when I watch "The Queen."
This book and film I do not know of, so I cannot comment on it. What is it about?Quote:
Last night, my husband and I watched "Silk," the film adaptation of Italian author Alessandro Baricco's book. I loved the book, so I had to see the film. I enjoyed it a lot and the cinematography was stunningly gorgeous, but I think those who haven't read the book might find the plot and characterization a bit "thin." Still, if one can rent it or get it from the library, it's worth a few hours of watching, but I don't think most people would want to purchase it. I'd rate it 6.5/10 if I'm being truly objective, but my personal rating would be 9/10 because of my love for the book.
Do enjoy the film! And I hope you hubby does, too. That is good that you have converted him.;) :lol: There are some stunning scenes you will find very memorable later on. I, too, am waiting for "No Country for Old Men" - actually, to come to my library. They have gotten a number of new ones in lately, so I am sure they will purchase it. I like Bardem very much and in the other films I have seen him in; he is terrific no matter if he plays a good guy or a bad guy.Quote:
I think I'll rent "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" when I take my husband to work this afternoon. Thank you again for the recommendation. I am counting the days until "No Country for Old Men" is available on DVD. Neither my husband nor my older brother has seen it yet and I really think they'll love it. I also want to watch Bardem's magnificent performance again. He plays such a "bad guy" but he does it so well.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (the 1978 version).
7/10
I bought it because of Leonard Nimoy.
the story is OK and if you like longish 70s shots (cf. Rosemarie's Baby), you'll find plenty of them here. The first third is slow but full of suspense, then it sags a bit towards the middle and the last bit has some action. Didn't like the ending, though
I did not know that. Strange, indeed! I might have to look further into this.Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
I'm not sure I want to see it again, either. Pretty devastating conclusion. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Antiquarian
I don't think I could view it again but maybe someday I will. It was devastating and really difficult to watch - so draining as I said before.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesian
Two nights ago, I watched this very bizzare film "In the Cut"....if you have a weak stomach, do not watch this film. It certainly has it's share of blood and gore. It is a noir directed by Jane Campion, who did "The Piano" and other noteworthy films, so I thought I would like it. This one was a total surprise. I still don't know what to make of it. I think it was a little predictable. I kind of had the murderer picked out early on, and some of the scenes seemed trite to me. This is a very erotic film, too, and I only saw the R-rated version, so I can imagine the Unrated version...yikes. The acting was ok and really a pretty commendable performance from Meg Ryan. The roles of Mark Ruffalo and Kevin Bacon were quite unlike their usual roles. The film, being a 'noir' was just that - very dark and dismal, a little too much so for me actually. I would have liked a more suspenseful and less predictable plot but the film was ok. I probably would give it a 5/10 for effort...but I would not take the time to view it again - too disturbing and bizzare.
I saw 2 other films as well last night and a few nights ago.
First, I say "Becoming Jane" which was quite enjoyable. I liked learning more about Jane Austen so I watched the extras as well. I thought that the acting was good and the cast well chosen. I espeically liked James McAvoy and he kept reminding me of a young Ewan McGregor - maybe I was thinking of his role in "Emma" or something. McAvoy didn't have silly hair though, like Ewan in Emma. I really don't like that version of "Emma". At anyrate, he lend a certain bit of playful devishishness to the character, which was interesting. I would give the film a 9/10, even though I hate rating films. Anne Hathaway was quite good in the role of Jane.
The second was "Road to Tarabethia", which I felt was a cute film; geared more for youth. I did like some parts better than others, but thought the film was a little bit predictable, even though it kept my attention most of the time...a few parts I felt a bit bored. I liked the limited use of CG and the bit of mystery in the forest. I also liked the way the parents interacted with the children and felt so badly for the young boy character who craved some bit of attention from his hardworking father. I did feel the girl's parents were a little too unreal and a little too perfect, but I can overlook that part. The little sister at times seemed a little too cute for my taste and a little too wise for her age but generally I liked the film. It was well-done and I thought the girl who played the new girl in school was exceptionally cute looking with a special look - she had amazing eyes. The boy was good in the role, also.
Unlike "The Piano", of course... :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Janine