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Jamesian i have to admit that you have a very good taste in films :thumbs_up . I've been reading your reviews occasionally and i agree with most of them. This is an excellent film by the way :thumbs_up. If you liked this film by Haneke you should also see "Funny games" this one is a very disturbing film about violence-for no particular reason-and it is in german.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesian
Janine i haven't seen "Rope" but "Rear window" is an excellent film.
Ghost Rider 3/10
I didn't even want to watch the movie but it was the only one playing in the cinema and my friends wanted to watch it and I tagged along. I'm not a fan of action movies and the plot wasn't too strong imo.
Superman Returns 4/10
I'm not a big fan of this genre but I did watch almost all the other Superheromovies. Some of them were ok, but this one definately NOT. Sometimes people should pay more attention to the phrase ˝less is more˝
Mark F,, I disagree; I liked "Rope". It had it's moments and it's merits. It was definitely 'weird' in concept, but I still liked it. It kept my interest every minute and so what that it was filmed not as perfected as the others, but it certainly did have it's value. You know even the 'not as good' Hitchcocks are well worth viewing and better and more clever than mediocre directors. The man had a mastermind! Granted - it did feel more like a play, but I actually like films done in this format - single-shot. I have seen it several times and would watch it again, no doubt. I watch all Hitchcock films over and over again. I am a big fan of the man - he was brilliant! In this film he takes the remarks of one man, the professor and the youth turn them around to mean something else that suits them. It is so pychological that I really liked it and was drawn into the web of the play immediately. It was originally a stage play I believe, but I could be wrong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
"Rear Window" and "Dial M for Murder" are masterpieces. True "Rope" is secondary to these but it is still a good film and unique.
HiNightshade, even though not one of M.Night Shyamalan's best (so I have heard) I really have the desire to see this film to judge on my own. I have liked the ones he made that others hated. Guess I am a rebel:lol:or just have bad taste:(Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightshade
Anyway, I like your write-up on the film - seems really fair and I will try to see it soon and let you know what I thought of it. The 'character sketches' sound interesting and you brought out a good point - it is a children's story, in fact M.Night actually read this to his child at bedtime. I saw a video online of an interview with him concerning the film and it increased my curiosity to see it myself. I like his honesty and his manner - he seems like a very sincere young man.
Rope was a play first. Hitchcock is hit and miss, some of his films like Notorious and Strangers On A Train, I can do without, others like Rear Window, North By North West and The Birds are brilliant. I think there's another "single shot" Hitchcock film called Under Capricorn which is supposed to be much better than Rope.
Hi again Mark F, "Notorious" is suppose to be Hitchcock's very best film. I saw a panel of most of his leading ladies and his daughter on a talk show and they all agreed that "Notorious" was his best film. Hitchcock, himself, said it was his masterpiece. His daugher stated this fact. How odd you say you did not like it. Actually and unfortunately, I have never seen it and want to badly, but can't buy it presently - too expensive - and I don't know where to rent it. I saw two versions of "Strangers On A Train". I agree it is not my favorite, but I still enjoyed it very much. "The Birds" is good but after so many viewings I have to tell you I think it is just plain silly; now I am always laughing when I see it. The fact she rows across the lake in a mink coat and highheels is hilarious and the scene with the birds flying into the phone booth - yes, classic - but corny as anything; those birds look so fake. I can't help but laugh throughout the whole film, especially the ending. I love the film Dali did the dream sequence in. I am sure you know the name of the film. It is eluding me right now; it will come to me. I especially liked "Vertigo". "North by Northwest" is great. Love the cornfield scene. Not many Hitchcock films I don't like - probably none.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
Oh Notorious! I do like that one....but I still get annoyed with Cary Grant anyway. I expect you will think I can't stand him, Janine! :lol: I don't hate him but he is far too suave. Ingrid Bergman is just wonderful in this movie.
Rope is not one of my favorite Hitchcock movies, but it is interesting and a little suspenseful even. Of course I was about 14 when I watched it on TV, so I really would have to get a hold of it again to verify my opinion.
BTW, that dream sequence by Dali is in the film Spellbound, another Hitchcock classic. That stars Gregory Peck, who I will take over Cary Grant any day of the week. I should have been born like, 60 years ago. :p
Hi kathycf, Glad you are in support of "Notorious"; I could not imagine a bad Ingrid Bergman film - she was always so beautiful, luminous. Cary Grant is not my favorite actor either. I can see him in some things and he passes, but I don't know what all the raves were about him personally, but remember men were perceived differently in those days - maybe a bit more testoserone? Charm was a big thing back then and he was a good actor. Look at Fred Astaire - he was not exactly a handsome guy, at least not in my book. He was a great dancer and certainly oused charm and likability. I think Grant's charm was his strong point. People back then loved 'sauve', also. I agree with you; I would take Peck over Grant any day. Yes, it was "Spellbound" and I loved that film. I loved the Dali sequence and the eye and the ski scene. It really kept you wondering. I think being 14 and seeing "Rope" you would not see the brilliance in it. I think I felt it unusual and unique. The concept of the professor is somewhat 'twisted' and in a way it comes back to haunt him in the end. The two students twist his ideas around to suit their own greed. What I liked was the fact of the one guy really being dominent and controlling the actions of the other guy to do all the dirty. He perpetrated the whole murder, but he kept his hands clean all the time. The rope is the most interesting part of the film and is a character all of it's own - the way it is hanging out of the trunk first and then the use of it to tie up the books. The film was quite suspenseful. Hey, Hitchcock was the master of suspense!Quote:
Originally Posted by kathycf
I like old films, too. I think with new technology and DVD's they are making a whole resurgence in our modern day society and people are again appreciating their charm and their timeless qualities.
the last movie I saw was "Little Manhattan". It really took me back to when I was a kid -- always in love with some girl or other, only, she never knew.
Ironically, the young boy that was in it, I believe was also in the movie I saw just before little Manhattan -- RV. RV was the worst use of Robin Williams I've ever seen. It could have been a much better movie.
The one with the Dali sequence is Spellbound and I hate that one, it's so flawed. It can't stand up to multiple viewings despite good acting and directing. As you said Hitchcock is "classic - but corny as anything". I don't mind the fact that his films are corny, how corny is North By Northwest? Very. But it's such a great adventure film. I'll have to watch Notorious again, but I remember being bored the first time I saw it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
Dear Janine: Where did you hear about the Dali sequence? Just a rumor on my end. And Vertigo, don't get tired of it especially the newer DVD. As for Notorious, I'll look around. quasimodo1
Happy Feet ^^" It's soooo cute but before I saw "The Importance of being Earnest" both deserve 5 stars :D
Hi quasimodo, I went to the Dali Show at the PMA in Philadelphia 2 yrs ago; they had some of the original artwork for the film, plus a 5 minute video of the sequence. I had known about it prior to going to the show, since a good friend of mine is very knowledgable about Dali. There also were sketches for the dream sequence. Surely you have seen the film (?)Quote:
Originally Posted by quasimodo1
This is from my friend's blog - Index:
#151. The Eye (Set design for the film Spellbound), 1945
#152. Dream sequence from the film Spellbound, 1945
DVD; 5 minutes, 12 secondsDesigned by Salvador Dali Directed by Alfred HitchcockCourtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Does this look familiar?
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...ce/DaliEye.jpg
Yes, "Vertigo" is fabulous - one of my favorites! Could never tire of that film. Maybe Blockbuster has "Notorious", but I usually don't go there; go to "Wow"; doubt they have it, but will ask.
If you have your email set so you can get PM's I will send you a link to the Dali blog.
Janine
Here is another Dali picture from Spellbound:
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p...eamSDisney.jpg
Very good clarification and I wasn't aware of many of those facts. I remember the first image but the second was new to me (or my memory). I guess I mentioned "Pan's Labarynth" as a first rate experience but if not...you have to see that one. Almost "Daliesque"/ the Spanish filmaker is someone I'll be delving into now for sure. Thanks again. quasimodo1
Quasimodo, Yes - in fact Disney Studios did the film sequence. Also, somewhere in their archives buried are drawings by Dali for a full-length animated film at Disney. Eventually they are believed to perhaps finish it and market, maybe at Epcot Center, who knows. Let's hope they do. I will have to look into it for the details, but isn't it interesting?
Yes, several people besides you, said to see "Pan's Labarynth" - I intend to.
Aren't you confuising the dream sequence with a Dali cartoon produced by Walt Disney? I'm not trying to be annoying, heh. Just curious.
Pan's Labyrinth was the best film of 2006, (Del Toro is mexican by the way). I didn't think it had much to do with Dali, but anyway. If you want to see more of his stuff watch The Devil's Backbone. His other films are less interesting.
Hey Janine....yes, I see what you mean (wink, wink) ;)
The last film I saw was Shrek the Third...it was funny...for adults really, not for children. I give it a 3/5 :)
The next movie I'm planning to watch is Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End...
Vacancy. this movie is "real" as it gets. you feel part of this one.
five stars.
OMG I never knew this. And now I am very hopeful that they will indeed pursue this. Dali is my ultimate favorite artist. Thanks for this information, Janine. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
HiKiz, how are you? Yes, indeed he did and really there is something about him working on an animation through the Disney studios, that is still in their archives. My friend, from Japan, an avid fan of Dali, did the research and I can attest to seeing the paintings live in the museum last year. They are really awesome. After the exhibit I have to say he is my favorite or at least one of my favorite artists. His work is extraordinary. I had to see the exhibit not once but twice....wonderful!Quote:
Originally Posted by kiz_paws
Have you mastered you P&P soundtrack sheet music yet? I was going to get the CD and a friend offered to send it to me. Now my computer is not working well and I need a new one so I am holding off till then. If you find out more about Dali and the dream sequence please post in here and share with all of us. Lots of Dali fans on Lit Net.
Take care, Kiz ~ Janine
oops - I had posted same thing twice so I just deleted this one --- sorry.
Hi Malwethien, I just saw that - POC - I laughed and laughed. It is like Jurasic Park, Indiana Jones, Monty Python, all thrown in a giant potpouri. Really crazy film this time. It is quite entertaining. JD is something else! He is very cool hiding out in the tribe. Love his war paint.Quote:
Originally Posted by malwethien
I have never seen any of the Shrek films - are they good?
Mark, Are you being funny? or joking, or something? Because I am serious about this. Dali planned a whole animated feature film with Walt Disney Studios. It is buried somewhere in their archives and it is projected it may be completed and marketed. I can look into more details for you. The dream sequence is by Dali and was also produced by Walt Disney Studios. It says it in the movie credits. At the show in Philadelphia the paintings were labeled clearly as such, plus I was wearing earphones (guided tour) and there was considerable narration concerning the dream sequence. I think they also may have mentioned the other film that had not been completed. You could probably google it or look up on Wikepedia if you don't believe me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
It is on my list of films to see in the near future. I have heard of "The Devil's Backbone". I really like Del Toro so if he is in both I am totally interested. Again, are you being funny referring to Dali. What does Dali have to do with Labyrinth...you have lost me here....:rolleyes:Quote:
Pan's Labyrinth was the best film of 2006, (Del Toro is mexican by the way). I didn't think it had much to do with Dali, but anyway. If you want to see more of his stuff watch The Devil's Backbone. His other films are less interesting.
Another one by Almodovar. This time it was "Live Flesh" 8/10 (i am forming a more favourable opinion about his movies).
Janine i am with you regarding "Notorious". I also liked the film very much. It may not be my fav Hitchcock film (fav being "The Birds" and "North by Northwest") but i like it still. It is natural that opinions should differ, concerning films and perhaps Mark speaks more about the techical aspects of the film (which personally i don't understand, being but a simple viewer and not an expert ). As for the dream sequence in Spellbound, i agree that it is made by Dali. I have biographies for both Hitchcock and Dali and both books refer to their co-operation in this movie.
Sin noticias de dios (2001)
I'm not too sure what the english title would be for sure, but it's either Don't tempt me or No news from God. I've found both...
Anyway, directed by Agustin Yanes, with Penelope Cruz and Victoria Abril as two angels, one from hell and one from heaven trying to get the soul of a failed boxer still on earth, by orders of the 'managers' of the two other worlds.
Great performances from Gael Garcia Bernal as the guy who manages hell in a limousine without air conditioning and speaks english and Fanny Ardant as the woman who manages heaven and is french. It's a nice comedy told in all three languages, french, english and spanish.
7.5/10
Transamerica (2005) directed by Duncan Tucker
A transexual, Bree, is very close to having her final operation but is informed of his/hers son's existance and has to meet him. I found it quite sad in some parts but it is a good film which I don't think got the attention it really needed.
7/10
The Departed (2006) directed by Martin Scorsese
Amid the multiple blood baths I really enjoyed the plot and Jack Nicholson as the 'bad guy'. Didn't expect the end though....
7.5/10
Not joking, I know Dali made an animated film produced by Walt Disney, and it was released last year or a year and a half ago with restored footage and all. I didn't check it out cause I'm not a huge fan of Dali's films "L'Age d'or" and "Un Chien andalou", but I'm pretty sure you can find it somewhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by Janine
I was just wondering cause I don't really see why Walt Disney would have produced a part of a Selznick production. I was surprised and thought you might have mixed them up is all. I'll take your word.
I wasn't comparing Del Toro to Dali, but somebody else said Pan's Labyrinth was Daliesque in a post.
Getting bored has nothing to do with the technical aspects of film, heh. Just opinions, I didn't like Notorious but The Birds and North by Northwest also happen to be my favourites, even if they're corny as Janine correctly pointed out.Quote:
Originally Posted by manolia
Again, I wasn't disagreeing on the fact that Dali designed the dream sequence, I was just surprised by the fact it was produced by Disney. Personnaly I don't like the dream sequence, but I'm not a Dali fan. I know Hitchcock wanted to use Dali's artistry because of the very sharp light that's omnipresent in his paintings which corresponds to the kind of light that supposedly illuminates our dreams.
This was released in 2004, so you can see how up to date I am... Saw it on TV a couple of months ago, and although it is not the most recent film that I have seen, it is the one that made the most impact. Christian Bale plays an insomniac lathe worker, I know sounds really fascinating, but it is the most strangely compelling movie. Evidently he lost over 60lbs to play the part of the emaciated Trevor. Anyway, I'll never make a film critic, so have added the link below. They definitely tell it better.:). I'd really recommend it if you like something kind of dark, suppose it could really be classified as an art house movie only with star names playing the lead roles.
http://www.themoviebox.net/movies/20...main-page.html
I saw Hitchcock's Marnie not all that long ago, and while somewhat "dated" it is still one I like. I think my favorite Hitchcock is probably Vertigo though.
I recognize this writing style. ;) Even before I received your PM, I wondered if this was the person I thought it was. :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Haven
Welcome onboard, Haven. :wave: The movie sounds (reads?) interesting.
I forget its title.......
Shrek 3..
It was pretty dull the third time around, but if you are a lover of Shrek I am sure you will love it... 5/10
and sometimes even what it was about! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella
I've been reading the posts on Dali and coincidently there's an article in the newspaper today about how Dali thought cinema should be and it mentiones two collaborations, one with Hitchcock, Spellbound and one with Disney,Destino.
Selznick, the producer, censored what Dali had done for Spellbound and Destino was cancelled after only 18 seconds were filmed. After that, Disney proposed to Dali the possility of a Don Quixote film, but that didn't happen either.
Hi again Mark F, well now that is interesting. I will have to do further research into this film. You say it was released a year or so ago? I wonder if it is the film I was referring to that I had heard about. I will ask my friend, who knows much about Dali if he has heard of the film. I did not see the other films by Dali but will also ask my friend about them. Interesting information you have provided here.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
Was it Selznick who produced "Spellbound"?
Manolia has supported my knowledge that Disney did collaborate to make the animation of the dream sequence. I see you did notice her post. Yes, apparently unusual for Disney and Selznick to get together on a project. I don't know, personally, if I like the dream sequence all that much as a whole, but I like parts of it. One has to remember it was the time when there were no CG special effects, so it is a bit crudely executed. It is odd and luminous like a dream would be, but we are so spoiled now with CG special effects that things like this really appear fake to us or corny.
Cheers Kathycf always nice to be welcomed by a friend. And thanks for the intro to this site. I think I am going to enjoy it very much.Quote:
Originally Posted by kathycf
The Machinist is like I implied, weird think prob have to be in one of those introspective moods. I also recently watched [again on TV, such the cinema buff; not] The Libertine starring Johnnie Depp. Supposed to be based on the life of the Earl of Rochester who was best buddies with Charles II of England. Well, if you were looking for 17th century historical accuracy, best give it a miss but if a Depp fan, well, always worth a look. Frothy. :D For me Hitchcock, The Birdstruely spooky.
Hivheissu, thanks for the new added information...interesting. I will look into all of this further. Now you have me curious. Interesting that Selznick censored part of the dream sequence. Wow, it must have been something in it's original form, knowing Dali's work. Selznick could not have censored all of the animation, because there is much proof that it still exists (in the film) and was done by Dali.Quote:
Originally Posted by vheissu
Hi Haven, So many times when I go to watch a video there is the trailer to this film - "The Machinist" and it makes me ill just seeing how thin and ill looking Christian Bale is for this film. Wow - 60lbs! I don't doubt it though; he looks close to death. I think the film looks so weird. It probably is "strangely compelling", as you stated. For some strange and unknown reason, everytime the trailer comes on, I keep it on and watch the whole preview - trying to figure out if I want to someday view it. Maybe I will check it out sometime. Still undecided.Quote:
Originally Posted by Haven
Mark i wasn't refering to you about the dream sequence. I saw another post (don't remember by whom) which doubted the fact that it was made by Dali ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark F.
For Dali's other films you should be able to watch them on Youtube as their in the public domain now.
L'Age d'or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcasqBRzeeA
Un Chien andalou
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8UEu...elated&search=
Fallen ~ Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davitz
Wow, I am still thinking about this one. Really strange, but interesting film. It kept me on the edge of my seat wondering just what was going on. I love Denzel Washington and I like Embeth Davitz, never saw her look so lovely - a very classic look. Other actors turned in equally compelling performances. I am still trying to figure it all out but I like films that make me think like that. I just found out this movie was filmed in Philadelphia near where I live so I had to review it quickly to recognise places I know, which was great fun, like trying to identify various bridges I go over all the time.
Thanks for the links Mark, I did look at part of the first one, but my computer quit on me - it does not like these movie videos. I need a new computer!