I think what made that film, or at least what had a large part in making that film was the soundtrack. They picked the absolute perfect song to fit the mood of the scene it was featured in, it was almost a character in and of itself.Originally Posted by Janine
the luminous grass of the prairie hides
feet lovely and still as sleeping doves,
porcelain bones strong enough to carry a life,
but weighty and unmovable
As black Dakota hills. ~ Riesa
I absolutely agree with that Idril; you know so often recently I have heard directors say that about the score and it is completely true. The score is often a character in itself. Also set design, or location. Every song is Garden State was just perfect for the scene - you are right.
"It's so mysterious, the land of tears."
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Oh don't worry Janine. I'll see the film anyway (since JD is in it). But it's nice to know what to expect , so i won't be disappointed. I agree with what you say about Malcovitz. Some of his last films were bad.manolia, oh see I knew you were poking fun of me....
Since I wrote that a friend of mine (guy) convinced me it is a good film but even he said that Malcovitz is so into himself lately and really arrogant. I wished he was not in the film. I used to like the stuff he did but not so much anymore. I thought some stuff really did go over the top. This friend and I don't usually agree anyway, but some good points in the film we did agree on, such as JD's acting, which is hard to take considering how handsome and cute he is. What a sad degenerative person he plays in this film. He does have a shed of human decency, but only a shred and otherwise he is blazenly brazen and hard to figure out, but that may be the charm of the film.
Still one should always judge on your own and I would probably tell you to watch it for that reason. It is really not that distasteful, but some parts are. I have seen way worse. It is basically historical or at least 'based' on historic facts and so I found this part kept my interest.
I have seen 'Devil's Advocate' more than 5 times. It's not that the film is THAT good. But Al Pacino is the leading man, playing the devil and he is so good in this role. Even Keanu Reeves (whom i consider as a bad actor) isn't capable of spoiling the film.I saw "Devil's Advocate" awhile ago; did you like it? I would like to hear you feedback and your take on the film. I thought it was pretty good with good performances, but real strange. I would say your 8/10 rating is fair.
"Through a glass darkly" by Bergman ~ I would love to see this film. I don't have assess to Bergman films, but I could try renting one at maybe Blockbuster. Not sure other than buying them, how to go about seeing them, or this one, for that matter.
I believe that every Bergman movie is an experience in itself. In my opinion 'Through a glass darkly' is one of his best. Prior to watching it, in order to understand it better, you must know that Bergman grew up in an austere religious environment and that explains a lot about his films.
The english title is "Farewell" or " Farewell to Matyora" and the russian title is "Proshchanie y Matyorov" or "Proshchanie". It's seems that there is a confussion about the title. The broschure of the movie club of which i am a member says "Matyorov". Figures..
A Beautiful Mind ~ Ron Howard, starring Russell Crow and Jennifer Connelly
I saw this film bebore several years ago and I think it is such an excellent film. The performances are great, direction is masterful, and the story is very touching. I love stories that keep you guessing and this one did on first viewing. I had a lot of surprises. It still holds up with more viewings but never quite the impact of seeing it the first time and realising certain things for the first time. I liked the way the story and film were so well constructed and presented. Being a period piece and based on a biography I thought everything was done well - sets, music, costumes. A near perfect film!
Outrage! (1996) ~ Carlos Saura, starring a young Antonio Banderas, Francesca Neri.
Well, first off Antonio Bandaras is such good eye-candy in any film, but I found his youthful looks in this film of particular curiosity. Also the film is in Spanish, his native tongue, with subtitles. I suppose this was prior to his big Hollywood stardom days. He is really adorable with his hair short, a little curly and he wears glasses, he is a reporter - maybe a Clark Kent type to some extent. He is sweet and a little naive which makes him even more appealing. The woman, Francesca Neri, I have never seen before and she really was quite stunning. She played her role well; you really felt for her after the outrage that is done to her, which perpetrates the resulting plot and actions.
I thought the film was good, better than I thought. We always see films about the 'fall of man', but this is a sort of 'fall of woman', which I found to be an interesting reversal. The plot was pretty simplistic and shocking, but somehow I thought it was quite predictable. The end was not surprising to me at all. Not a particularly clever film in storyline, but worth seeing if you are a Bandaras fan. Filming was good and characters were convincing.
Last edited by Janine; 05-06-2007 at 09:08 PM.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
I tried to watch Farce of the Penguins but didn't make it. I couldn't even watch March of the Penguins, so I don't know why I thought I could watch Farce of the Penguins. It was like watching a Saturday Night Live skit that has gone on way too long, but it was worse since it was a full length movie. In fact, they should have left this one to the good people at Saturday Night Live because a three to five minute skit would have been sufficient.
I don't know..... maybe 4/10.
"...if you weren't smart enough to get a pedophile in a dress to put a small amount of water on the child’s forehead, then what the eff did you think was going to happen?
I just saw "Requiem for a Dream". EXCELLENT film. It is so wrought with symbolism. It is the kind of film that continues to haunt you after the credits role; that stays with you as you go to bed that night. Way better than most of the crap being put out in recent years.
Last edited by metal134; 05-07-2007 at 02:52 PM.
Monty Python's Holy Grail...10....Something about knights with no limbs & killer bunnies......
Debrasue
Hysterical - love this movie no matter how many times I see it, especially the holy handgranade and the killer bunny! 10/10 in my book - none like it!
Last edited by Janine; 05-12-2007 at 09:31 PM.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
In the Bedroom ~ Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, Marissa Tomei
This film was nominated for 5 awards including best picture. I can see why. The performances are extraordinary. In fact Tom Wilkinson won that year for Best Actor - I have never seen him in such an intense dramatic role and he was amazing. I love Sissy Spacek and there again she did a fine job in her role as his wife and very convincing. The whole film was so authentic it felt like watching real life and not a drama/film. This made it really difficult at times to watch, espeically the really emotional scenes - they will tear you appart. You could really feel for the characters and their situation was at times very uncomfortable and so sad.
This film is slow paced, but very thoughtful and the performances are quietly nuanced and subtle. If you don't have patience for this type film, then skip it, but I found it interesting enough to keep me watching and wondering what the outcome would be. I think that part may have been a little predictable and also another climatic moment - I won't mention either for fear of ruining this film for anyone.
This film really hit home for me, because my son in his early 20's, got involved with a woman somewhat older than himself with a child, (the woman in the film has two and she is not yet divorced). The father of the child my son knew came around and harrassed his estranged girlfriend and mother of his child, even when my son was there dating the young woman. I was afraid and very concerned at the time for my son, so this film sent chills through my spine at moments in the movie. It was a little too close to reality as I had known it, for comfort. Also, a family incident that ended tragically came to mind, involving martial harrassment that ended tragically.
I think this film was very well done and did not rely on special effects (refreshing for a change) and was actually a low budget film. But the message is in the words and the drama and it is a excellent script and performances, and very well directed. I really liked this film and would recommend it.
Last edited by Janine; 05-07-2007 at 05:54 PM.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The Queen ~ directed by Stephen Frears, starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen
This film is excellent and well directed. The performances were very commendable and noteworthy. I can fully understand why Mirren won the Oscar for her wonderful portrayal of the Queen.
I really liked the structure of the film using old film clips from the time Diana was being aggressively pursued by the press, up until the fateful car crash in the tunnel, then the actual footage of those paying homage to her around Buckingham Palace after the death. The sheer volume of flowers was unbelievable, so were the crowds. This part of the film brought back that whole time painfully to my heart.
Michael Sheen played well his role as Tony Blair. I was not sure of him at first viewing but then I felt he fit himself comfortably and humbly into the role. Other supporting performances were also noteworthy. My only criticism might be that I did not care that much for the choice of actor for Prince Charles. He seemed too whimpy to me and too much in the background, but maybe that was just my opinion, and he was meant to play a minor role in the film.
This film dealt with very sensitive material and it never really took definite sides in any of it, it merely showed all people realistically and with their own concerns and points of view. It was handled quite well and respectfully - afterall it is dealing with people who are still alive!
I think that one would get a different view of Queen Elizabeth II after seeing this film. For instance, I would never picture her actually driving a vehicle on bumpy roads, would you? As in the film "Roman Holiday", you begin to understand what it must be like in the daily life of a monarch and what great lifetime responsibility they accept in dedicating their lives to serving their country. I came away with greater respect in that aspect. Early in this film it was stated that the Queen cannot even vote in elections. I thought that interesting. It was very eye-opening to see how the royal family lives behind closed doors and in various locations such as their huge estate in Scotland. The scenery is amazing!
I really liked the film emensely and would recommend it highly. Helen Mirren perfectly captured the Queen in her performance. I applaud her!
Last edited by Janine; 05-08-2007 at 02:20 PM.
Chapter 7, The Little Prince ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
i watched bend it like beckem last night. First movie i have watched in a long time. Willow, i also liked garden state!
"Come away O human child!To the waters of the wild, With a faery hand in hand, For the worlds more full of weeping than you can understand."
W.B.Yeats
"If it looks like a Dwarf and smells like a Dwarf, then it's probably a Dwarf (or a latrine wearing dungarees)"
Artemins Fowl and the Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer
my poems-please comment Forum Rules
I just saw The Prestige again :P...
You can watch it too if you like.
My hide hides the heart inside
I watched the remake of the 80's movie The Hitcher.
It wasn't too bad, although it was somewhat predictable, having seen the original.
7/10.
"Yes, Mati. That was exacshully what I was saying."
OK........I know no one wants to hear it again...but here goes.......My favorite movie...and I just watched it. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera...can not get enough....even after 2 years.....10+ in my book...but then I am rather passionately biased...sorry 'bout that!........Dangerously handsome man in mask & cape, with drop dead eyes & sexy voice...........there's more...but....gotta go............!
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