Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

This is currently my favorite short film. Its M-azing.

Movie Reviews

Au Hashard Bathalzar(dir. Robert Bresson)
I still don't really grasp the Bresson style. It just frustrates the hell out of me yet it is interesting. I will probably rewatch one of the four films I have seen by him or maybe try some of his later work. This movie clicked at first and clicked
out which made it more frustrating. ? out of ****
Capote(dir. Bennett Miller)
A really good film about the writing process for a legendary author and could there possible be a message about the death penalty? What made this film better than Crash or Good Night, and Good Luck is that there could be a message about the death penalty, but it doesn't cram it down your throat. Hoffman's performance is kind of overrated, but it was still great. **** out of ****
The Squid and the Whale(dir. Noah Bambauch)
I heard this film is Wes Anderson lite, but it really isn't. It doesn't seem to try so hard to be quirky or stylistic. It seems very honest and personal which the two Wes Anderson films I've seen don't have, but I still love Wes Anderson. This was a great film about divorce and the effects on the family. **** out of ****
Taste of Cherry(dir. Abbas Kiarostami)
I currently have this movie still from Blockbuster, but it doesn't count as a checked out movie. I'll probably rewatch it pretty soon, but this film is really slow. It isn't nearly as thought-provoking or interesting as The Wind Will Carry Us. The ending probably provoked the most thought and was probably the most interesting part in the whole film. ** out of ****

Brokeback Mountain

This film really took me by suprise. I expected to like it, but not as much as I am right now. It has this confliction that creates a very human picture. The main characters are masculine yet homosexual. It breaks down stereotypes and creates characters that are whole and human. Most of the time when I watch movies, I really don't pay attention to the performances by actors. If the acting is off-key, I notice it, but usually I don't pay attention to the actual acting. Heith Ledger however made me notice it. His acting is not bad, but fantastic. He creates a character that is inarticulate yet assured. A character that is manly as hell yet homosexual. This confliction with his character makes him human. This film is more of a tragic love story than a message film. It doesn't shove a message like homophobia is bad down your throat. I've only seen three films that were nominated for The Best Picture and the other two, Crash and Good, and Good Luck, basically force audiences to accept their message. Crash is a very flawed film with a message that everybody knows, be kind to other people. Good Night, and Good Luck is an even more flawed film with a message that is basically TV has no balls now and days. Brokeback Mountain has no message, it simply tells a story beautifully and subtly. That is probably why it didn't win the Best Picture Oscar. Homophobia might come into the matter, but I feel strongly it was because it wasn't overblown and melodramatic as hell. Crash is a film with "big" moments. It is a shitty actors' wet dream with constant shouting and everybody on the edge of going ballistic or crying. This film is in the major leagues and Crash and Good Night, and Good Luck are in the minors. It is subtlity that brings this film to such a devastating emotional level. Whenever I watch award shows, I get embarassed seeing the acting clips cuz often they pick parts of great emotion and acting. You don't want to see acting in movies, you want to see people, human beings living their lives and happen to be in a movie. John Cassavetes knew this and that what makes him one of the greatest directors ever to grace cinema. Some people might feel the relationship in the film feels forced since Heith and Jake seem to explode in sexual feelings sometimes in the film. It feels so spontaneous that it could feel fake or contrived. I found it to be suprisingly realistic since these men have been supressing their homosexual feelings for most of their lives. I cannot see any real flaws with this film. I feel this film will become an American classic like most of the critics have been saying. I love this film and feel anyone who watches it should too.

Pros:
-Brilliant performance from Heith Ledger
-Subtle
-Beautiful
-Powerful
-Emotionally devastating
-Mesmerizing

Cons:
-Animal cruelty?
-Butt sex?
-Just kidding?
-Some might feel the relationship is forced

Taste of Cherry and The Leopard Mini Reviews

The Leopard(dir. Luchino Visconti)(US version)
The whole film was pretty good. Nothing really amazing about it. It kind of got boring during the last 45 minutes or so. I need to watch the original version of it.
*** out of ****

Taste of Cherry(dir. Abbas Kiarostami)
I'm borderline whether this film is actually good or bad. It was interesting and different. It was not as good as The Wind Will Carry Us which had conversations that felt natural and pointless yet meaningful. The whole film really doesn't engage the viewer but there is something bold about it that I have to respect.
*** out of ****

The Wind WIll Carry Us Review

This film is directed by Abbas Kiarostami. He is an Iranian filmmaker whose film, Taste of Cherry, won the Palm D'or at the Cannes Film Festival. I have been interested in him for awhile so I rented this. I was expecting something slow and meticulous and I guess some people would watch this film and think that, but I was suprised how fascinating this film was. There is not much plot. You could basically sum it up with an engineer and his colleagues are waiting in village for an old woman to die and they are supposed to take pictures of the funeral ceremony. The film reminds me of something more along the lines Eric Rohmer than Robert Bresson with the constant talking covering up the fact there is not much plot development. This is not a bad thing, but I could see how people could get bored. The meaning of the film is not immediately apparent until a conversation between the engineer and a doctor. The doctor recites a poem and I basically took it in as the meaning to the whole film. The engineer and his colleagues are waiting for death when they should really just be living. The film is marked with idleness and repetition. The conversations are more or less the same. The engineer constantly gets called and has to drive his car to higher ground to talk in a cemetary. He talks to a man digging a well up there and happens to come across a bone. He keeps the bone throughout the film until the end. The ending seems like a major change in the engineer's life throughout the whole film. I took it in as he is done waiting and ready to start living. This film is a modern masterpiece.

Pros:
-Beatiful photography
-Realistic acting
-Repitition is used almost comforting in a way
-The film has little plot development, but remains extremely interesting all the way through

Cons:
-Can be boring to some
-Repetition might annoy some
-Too much talking?
-Not much backround on the protagonist?

Overall: A modern masterpiece
**** out of ****

The Bank Dick Review

W.C. Fields's name is often referred with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, The Marx Brothers, and so on and so on. He is basically considered a classic comedic actor. His slurred speech is highly enjoyable and his basic behavior throughout the film is pretty entertaining. I wouldn't say this film is as good as say Duck Soup, but it definately makes you laugh at some points. I felt bored at some periods of time. The film was only 69 minutes so it wasn't that huge of an issue.

Pros:
-Some good laughs
-W.C. Fields is pretty funny
-The nagging family turning rich and proper seemed highly enjoyable

Cons:
-Not that funny
-Some of the jokes with the bank inspector seemed somewhat mean-spirited
-The presentation of the black character seemed rascist, but it is the 1940's

Overall: A pretty good classic comedy
*** out of ****

In the Mood for Love Review

This film is directed by Wong Kar-Wai. He is one of my favorite directors. He has excellent control of mood and tones in his films. This film is considered by most to be his masterpiece. I however have to differ. I am in the same state I am with Jim Jarmusch's Broken Flowers. I feel indifferent to it. It is too "subtle" for me to emotionally connect with the characters and the plot. I am very disappointed. I might rewatch it in the future.

Pros:
-Subtle
-Maggie Cheung is beautiful
-The music is pretty good
-Wong Kar-Wai's style seems pretty much intact except lack of narration

Cons:
-Too subtle
-The relationship seemed forced
-The disc's image quality annoyed me for some reason

Overall: A disappointing film that I feel I need to revisit in the future
** out of ***

Jarhead Review

This film is directed by Sam Mendes. He is best known for American Beauty. I was actually really suprised by this movie. All I have heard from people was negative criticism. Some say it is anti-marines because they show marines wanting to kill, but in context with the film, it is understandable. The soldiers don't really see any action. Do they want to see action? They are so bored that they want something new. Something exciting. Their behavior seems contradictory about whether they want to see wear or not. The whole film feels contradictory yet that is its beauty. It isn't anti or pro war. It basically apolitical which leaves audiences able to focus on the characters instead of the agenda its trying to push. The film does not even seem like a war film. The only flaws I could see with this film is that some scenes are almost direct quotes from Full Metal Jacket and the constant referencing of classic Vietnam War films like Apocalypse Now, Full Metal Jacket, and The Deer Hunter.

Pros:
-Apolitical
-Focused more on the characters than the war
-Contradictory nature makes it feel more human
-Suprising
-Seemed realistic

Cons:
-Some scenes are almost directly lifted from Full Metal Jacket
-Referencing of class Vietnam War films

Overall: An amazingly underrated film
**** out of ****

Stranger Than Paradise

This film is directed by Jim Jarmusch. The only other film I've seen by him is Broken Flowers. This was his breakout film. This had a major impact on the independent film scene of the late 80's. It seemed rather simplistically made, but it didn't feel as rough as most independent films. It also didn't feel as pretentious. I enjoyed the editing style of the film. I basically enjoyed all of it. I feel torn whether to give this four stars or three because I liked it alot, but I didn't exactly love it.

Pros:
-Great editing style
-Great characters
-The New World is good
-The second part is great
-Minimalistic
-Not overblown

Cons:
-Doesn't leave that much of an emotional impact
-Third part is just descent
-Ending kind of stinks

Overall: Good film
*** out of ****

A Man Escaped

This film kind of wins me over about Robert Bresson. I've seen two of his films before, but it didn't really allow me to become involved since the acting was emotionless. The acting is still the same in this film, but I feel the protagonist's conquest is more heroic than the others in his other films. This is not the typical prison escape film. There is none of that hanging around with the guards and fellow inmates. It feels like prison and you can honestly understand why somebody would want to escape. This film is amazingly realistic and builds suspense without feeling manipulating. The Bresson style still seems off-putting to me. The lack of emotions makes it hard to get into the story. I understand during this film that I need to force myself to get into it instead of just watching the images. I hope the next Bresson film I see, I will fall in love with.

Pros:
-Suspensful
-Realistic
-Systematic
-Heroic

Cons:
-Emotionless
-Not many different settings

Overall: A good prison escape film
*** out of ****

Amelie Review

It is a breath of fresh air. I've been watching alot of movies that haven't really been hitting the spot with me. This film hit the spot. Sure, it might not be as deep and complex as the other movies I've been watching, but at least it hits the spot. The film is light-hearted and feel good. I found it interesting that a director is the romantic target in this film. His name is Matthieu Kassovits. When I realized he directed a film called La Haine(Hate), I was even more suprised. I saw about 30 minutes of that film with no subtitles. It seems rather strange since the Paris inhabited in Amelie is basically perfect and out of a children's book while the Paris in La Haine is one of corruption and rascism. This film was pretty bizarre, but it feels like a children's fantasy.
Pros:
-Feel good
-Romantic?
-Audrey Tatou is beautiful
-Original
Cons:
-Not very deep
-Too stylistic?
-Too wierd for some?
Overall: A great escapist film
**** out of ****

Stroszek Review

I really can't think of anything to say. It feels so raw and non-stylized that you have to dig into it. It is pretty bizarre, but it works. It is not as good as The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser, but better than Fitzcarraldo.
*** out of ****

Movie Reviews

Gonna do the one sentence after the rating format for this.

Good Night and Good Luck (dir. George Clooney)
*** out of ****
A brief film about the power of journalism. Biggest flaw is that it is kind of preachy and does not get the viewer very emotionally involved.

Anatomy of a Murder (dir. Otto Preminger)
**** out of ****
A film that raises questions about our legal process and morality. Is man morally right in killing his wife's rapist?

Ugetsu (dir. Kenji Mizoguchi)
**** out of ****
A beautiful film about the consequences of temptation in 16th century Japan. A great film.

War of the Roses Review

Nothing really insteresting to say here.

Pros:
-Divorce is displayed in a unflinching and over the top way
-Can be funny at times
-Allows the actors to create unlikeable characters

Cons:
-Kind of crosses the line with the cat
-Most of it was not funny
-Mean spirited
-Too over the top
-Reference to earlier scenes with items and so is kind of stupid

Overall: Average film with some laughs
** out of ****

Werckmeister Harmonies Review

This film is directed by a Hungarian director by the name of Bela Tarr. The film's opening sequence and scenes are so brilliant that I was thinking this film would be my favorite of all-time. However, those scenes leave viewers with a bad first impression. Not to say the film is bad, it just does not achieve that God-like cinematic experience really ever again throughout the film. When the story actually starts to happen, the film takes a turn for the worst which makes no sense to me, but it does. The film has a somewhat unified look, but it feels kind of uneven probably since it was 4 years in the making and it had 6 cinematographers. The beginning sequence with the eclipse rivals the jester in the rain sequence in Andrei Rublev. In all honesty, I feel conflicted about giving this a film a three or four. I am going to give it a four cuz there are some scenes of such extreme beauty that it overweights the flaws the film has.

Pros:
-Beginning is amazing and as close to flawless I have ever seen
-Great black and white cinematography
-Pretty good story
-Some amazingly long shots
-Only 41 shots through the whole two and half hours
-Some scenes of extreme beauty

Cons:
-When the story starts going, it kind of loses it effect
-Doesn't it feel as unified as I would have liked
-Beginning sequence/take kind of sets too high of a standard for the film
-Old man nudity, but it is used in such a way that is heart-breaking
-Some of the shots/takes are too long and usually of something very repetitive like the marching of men or just simply walking

Overall: A flawed film with some flawless scenes.
**** out of ****.

Z Channel: A Magnificient Obsession Review

The film chronicles Z Channel and lead programmer Jerry Harvey. The channel allowed Los Angeles subscribers to see obscure, forgotten, and foreign films in their homes. The channel had an effect on people's perceptions of a film such as Heaven's Gate and Once Upon a Time in America by showing Director's Cut versions of the films before the term Director's Cut was even coined. It also chronicles the life of Jerry Harvey who meets his demise in a murder-suicide. The film is interesting and creates a new outlook on HBO and all those movie channels.

Pros:
-Some great interviewees
-Footage from great movies
-Informative
-Cinephile's wet dream
Cons:
-Not enough clips
-Seems rather short
-Does not feel complete
Overall: Interesting documentary that could have been longer
*** out of ****

Trial of Joan of Arc Review

I was also about to go to sleep and I tested my favorites on the remote since I just set them. The only stations I set were Nickelodeon and TCM. When I tried it out, it went to TCM and this film just started. I have wanted to see it, but I do not think there is a Region 1 dvd so I would have to buy one from Europe. This film is just basically a recreation of the trial of joan of arc with none of that Hollywood type story telling in it. It does not really glorify Joan of Arc or dismisses any of her judges. It just simply shows it. Now with the pros and cons.
Pros:
-Brisk and swift (65-68 minutes)
-Balanced view of the situation
-Learn about Joan of Arc
-Great repetition of locations
-"Model" acting
-More interesting than Pickpocket
Cons:
-No real emotional involvement for the audience
-Alot of talking
-Not many different locations
Overall: Interesting film about Joan of Arc
*** out of ****

Crash Analysis

I don't care how much trouble "Crash" had getting financing or getting people on board, the reality of this film, the reason it won the best picture Oscar, is that it is, at its core, a standard Hollywood movie, as manipulative and unrealistic as the day is long. And something more.

For "Crash"'s biggest asset is its ability to give people a carload of those standard Hollywood satisfactions but make them think they are seeing something groundbreaking and daring. It is, in some ways, a feel-good film about racism, a film you could see and feel like a better person, a film that could make you believe that you had done your moral duty and examined your soul when in fact you were just getting your buttons pushed and your preconceptions reconfirmed....

Hollywood, of course, is under no obligation to be a progressive force in the world. It is in the business of entertainment, in the business of making the most dollars it can. Yes, on Oscar night, it likes to pat itself on the back for the good it does in the world, but as Sunday night's ceremony proved, it is easier to congratulate yourself for a job well done in the past than actually do that job in the present.
(Critic Kenneth Turan, "Breaking no ground," Los Angeles Times)

You can almost view it as the cinematic equivalent of brainwashing, but its for a good cause.
The reality in the film is not similar to our own in any shape or form.
How are we supposed to take what we learn from this film and apply it to everyday life when the people that inhabit this world tell people of other races and cultures why they do not feel safe and secure around them?
The film makes the audience feel like a better person by supplying them what they want.
They give the rascist characters redemption.
Do most rascists change their ways?
Sandra Bullock and Matt Dillon would not change their ways.
Their rascism is so deeply in them that they cannot change.
Well they could, but definately not the way the film provides.
And don't get me started about Ludacris's story.
The film does not leave viewers in an array of frustration and confusion, but in an array of comfort and relief.
Rascism should not leave that type of feeling.
The film and the crew think they can change people's thoughts of other people, but it really cannot if it does not realize that they need to provide truth to what they are doing.
The film supplies good drama.
I'll give it that.
It just needs to know how to deal with the issue it has.
Do the Right Thing handles this issue so much subtler and brilliantly.
You might not like that movie because you might think it is preachy.
It is definately more subtler than this film.
It actually leaves you frustrated and confused.
It leave you pondering what is the right way to deal with rascism.
Crash preachs the "truth" to the audience, while Do the Right Thing poses the question what is the "truth."
Nobody really knows how to deal with rascism so why provide solutions to it?
Ask the audience what the right solution is.
And remember...

Always do the right thing

2046 Review + Junebug Mini Review

2046
This film is unique because it is not about ideas like plot and meaning, its more about emotions. Last night, I was reading some stuff about Ray Carney and he feels film should be more about emotions than ideas. This is the second film that I have seen by Wong Kar-wai. The first being Chungking Express. It is strange because I love both films, but there are definately points in the story where it is not interesting. They will have parts where I think it is the greatest thing I have ever seen turn into boredom or with Chungking Express, it is not interesting in the beginning then half-way in it becomes really interesting. 2046 is like this but reverse. The first hour and half is simply amazing and the last half hour I lost some interest. The last half hour was still good, but not on the level of the first half and a half.
Pros:
-Great atmosphere
-Great use of repetition with music
-Great chemistry between Tony Leung and Zhing Zayi
-Great almost all the way through
-Faye Wong
-Romantic?
Cons:
-The last half hour is simply good
-The parts in 2046 kind of do not work
Overall: Almost flawless film
**** out of ****

+


Junebug
I watched this a couple of weeks ago. I have nothing really smart to say with this film. I simply liked the feel of it. It felt good, so its good. Its a low-key family drama that is not cliched or about the estranged family members becoming closer to their family. It is simply about how family will always be your family even if you do not like some of the people in it.
*** out of ****

The Hudsucker Proxy Review

Joel and Ethan Coen are very talented contemporary film-makers. They are responsible for Fargo, The Big Lebowski, Blood Simple, and Raising Arizona. That is probably why it makes it hard to accept this movie. I know they can do better than this. This film is disappointing and subtanceless.
Pros:
-Imaginative sets and art direction
-Over the top acting
-Great style
Cons:
-Characters are not fleshed out at all
-Jennifer Jason Leigh's voice is just annoying
-No substance
-The ending is just too ridiculous
-Cliched themes
Overall: Average film by excellent film-makers
** out of ****