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Reviews
Tropic Thunder (2008)
Stiller's first complete film?
I really do enjoy Stiller's sense of humour, but until now I really thought that he wasn't capable of making a complete film. Usually the humour dies out half way through, the plot becomes boring, and I just want the film to end - having not regretted seeing the first half.
While this new film doesn't achieve anything "great" (think Dr. Strangelove, Annie Hall etc.) it is, finally, a complete film that succeeds from beginning to end. The characters are portrayed very well, the direction was obviously open ended enough to get a lot of good work out of the actors... the plot, while not spectacular, provides a good vehicle for the humour from beginning to end.
As a satire the film succeeds better in some areas than in others... near the end there are some particularly difficult scenes that are reminiscent of Apocalypse Now and The Prisoner that actually succeed somewhat. It is in this area that I find that most modern comedies fail completely, but Stiller and Co. manage to pull it off - just enough.
If you like this film, I also recommend "The Party" as they are very similar in some ways (though The Party is more subtle) and I can't help but think that The Party was a bit of an inspiration for this film.
Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)
dull, uninspired, one dimensional
That's just my opinion. Most people seem to think otherwise... I felt that the film was a complete letdown with the exception of some of the acting and the use of some good documentary footage. I think a documentary would have been more interesting... the screenplay is a bore... none of the emotional elements are very emotional... it is very dry - which can be good, but it is not good in this case because it just becomes boring.
I found Clooney's role in the film to be rather pointless as well, and in fact almost irritating... his presence distracts you from the film which is hard enough to watch as it is!
As a political statement the film as fine, as a work of art it is a bit of a flop.
Husbands and Wives (1992)
A NY Version of Bergman's "Scenes From a Marriage"
I am surprised that so few people mention that this film is so obviously inspired by Bergman's television series - which was later edited into a film.
As Scenes from a Marriage is perhaps my favourite Bergman film, it makes sense I guess that this is my favourite Woody Allen film.
If you like this film, I would highly recommend Bergman's "Scenes" and vice versa.
Regarding H&W, it is great in that it uncovers the savagery involved in love and breakups that many films gloss over. There are also some touching moments, but for the most part the film is an investigation into the darker side of relationships and egos.
I love it!
-BB
Blow-Up (1966)
A Unique, Memorable, and Influential Film
I have just now finished watching Blowup for the first time in about ten years. I still remember the first time I came across this film, on late night television back in high-school. I remember sitting up every night praying that something "different" would be on the local Toronto station. Usually something like Manhattan or Sleeper would suffice back then... Anyway, I remember being drawn in to Blowup immediately. I'm not sure what it was about the film at that time, perhaps just the unusual cinematography... the lack of typical conversation etc. Regardless, for a first time viewer, I find the film has character enough in this respect to warrant attention.
I don't think that I fully understood the film back then, and I probably do not today... I enjoy the play regarding what is considered real and what is not, and how the sense of reality is depicted in the modern world. More so, however, I find it interesting how the "goal" of the main character is seldom solidified... there seems to be both a natural and unnatural sense of life in this film and I must admit that I find it difficult in determining the opinion of the director regarding this... am I viewing an attempt to provide a more realistic travel through life's experiences, or an abstraction? Somehow, I don't think this is really answered in the film and this probably lends itself to the popularity of the film amongst certain viewers.
As a result of all of the above, I find Blowup to be one of the most memorable films I have ever seen. Regarding the influence of the film, it is hard to ignore the impact this film has had... good or bad. Woody Allen has acknowledged some of the impact of this film in his conversation with Stig Bjorkman... Dario Argento seemed to hate the film so much that he took it upon himself to create the antithesis (in a stylistic sense) in Profondo Rosso...
I am actually a huge fan of Profondo Rosso. I am not sure how well received that film is, but the cinematography, storyline, tempo... everything about Profondo Rosso seems perfect to me. In some ways it has a similar temperament as Blowup, but it does lack in the sense of depth. In my opinion, both styles are completely valid and deserve a place in film history. I find that comparing Blowup to Profondo Rosso in style and execution can actually bring one to appreciate both films more.
That's my two cents. Anyway, you can't ignore this film so go see it.
:-)
-Blaine
Kvinnodröm (1955)
An Essay on Marriage and Passion.
This film talks to all of those concerns that each of us has to face, at one time or another, in our relationships. I cannot put into words what is depicted in this film... but I can say that anyone that appreciates the perversity of Eyes Wide Shut or Husbands and Wives (in how they treat the subject of marriage/commitment/relationships) should enjoy this film. In fact, I wouldn't doubt that this is the original and the best film to tackle the subject.
The subject matter is presented in a somewhat tragic sense, but I think the film is rather uplifting in its treatment when it is considered from beginning to end. The simplicity of the presentation also leaves the viewer with the sense that this is a very poetic film.
I highly recommend this film, especially for those who are sufficiently ancient to have suffered enough in love to understand its (love's) beauty.
Does that sound pathetic or what? But I think it's true.
Enjoy.