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Reviews
La piscine (1969)
Always a deeply moving experience
Reviewing this as slow or shallow proves that one is not understanding the French culture or French cinema of that time as well as being oneself shallowly viewing this rather powerful depiction of inner psychological struggle. This is a magnificent film in many aspects. One of which being the fine details in voice, gestures and dialogue. Small moments and looks. In addition to the layer of dialogue and the actually normal moving pace there is an emotional layer found in the expressions and behaviour of the characters towards one another. This is by far anything but shallow but, in fact, the opposite. It requires empathy and emotional perception to be able to enjoy it. While it is often painful and full of strong emotions, it tells the viewer a lot about human relations and feelings. Jealousy and revenge as the primary, and at times soul destroying, ones on display. Subtlety isn't for everyone to uncover. The actors transport those emotions in a very real fashion. Their helplessness in that struggle doesn't appear to be superficial but honestly felt. One can observe the true love Alain Delon possesses for Romy Schneider. It is understandable that even today this film is stirring up such strong feelings inside him. It may be exhausting to viewers for whom reality and real feelings are too slow or too painful to confront. It may also be hard to comprehend when one can't relate to those situations. Yet this is exactly what makes this film so outstanding and beautiful.
The House That Jack Built (2018)
Extremely Entertaining
The film has fantastically funny moments that really show off the director's comedic talent. Matt Dillon is, once again, delivering an excellent acting performance. He keeps getting better and better. What is laid bare here is what happens in the life of a serial killer. Very direct. Not art. Not deep. The interesting bit is that it isn't hyperbole or overly excited but very calm. There are psychological elements that, too, are quite clever and entertaining. Most of all it gets never boring.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Nostalgic and Pretentious Twaddle
A quite juvenile and exhaustingly clichéd representation of an alleged and idealised Hollywood of the 60s. Filled with annoying and repetitive car shots, a shallow focus on details ("this is what everything and everyone looked like in the 60s") and unconvincing acting that also suffers from extremely dull dialogue. One frequently feels the desire to switch it off and do something worthwhile instead.
15 Storeys High (2002)
Beautiful Comedy
A magnificent series with excellent story telling, fantastic characters and most of all brilliantly funny comedy. Sean Lock isn't only a terrific comedian but proves to be a great writer too. 15 Storeys never gets old but it leaves one always wanting more. An A+ for location, location, location.
Glass (2019)
As Dim As It Gets
Obviously the director must suffer from delusions himself, as he had successfully proven many times in the past, but this does take the cake in t
88 Minutes (2007)
Painfully embarrassing
The story is so ridiculously far fetched and impossible that it is defying belief that this film was even made. It's a terrific waste of time and it is astonishing that someone was willing to finance this. One has to call into question the degree of sanity of those involved in this farcical project. As viewer one has a constant feeling of embarrassment for what is actually going on during this torturous display of mediocrity and intellectual deprivation. One can't help but feel utterly ashamed for the director, writer and actors that a film such as this is allowed to exist.
A Star Is Born (2018)
The third remake, tired...
It's really rather embarrassing that no new ideas can be found and that we then have to consider this to be even remotely moving and stunning, when that's obviously not the case. Kristoffersson and Streisand were actually capable of music making and singing, besides the character acting bit. And that, too, was a remake. Different quality though.
The Hundred Code (2015)
Very close to one star
Apart from the horrifyingly absurd plot, the show generates a constant hope and desire for Dominic Monaghan to either end his own life or be murdered to spare the viewer his appalling teenage attire and appearance, his very flat acting and the outrageously inauthentic New York accent.
Were it not for Nyqvist, this would have been a successful one-star show.