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"The Passion of Joan of Arc" (Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer)
"El Topo" (Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky)
"There Will Be Blood" (Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson)
Reviews
An Unfinished Life (2005)
Minor Haalstrom
This is a good film, but when viewed against Haalstrom's other films, it seems pretty trite. Good performances all around, in my opinion. Or, at least, there weren't any performances that were distractingly bad. The script is fine. The direction is fine. Everything about it is fine, but, considering that it's coming from the director of "My Life as a Dog," it's a pretty big let down. I like small films like these, which a lot of people won't see ("Levity" and "Around the Bend" are perfect examples of this type of film). They have a certain charm that is inexplicable. However, this film is just not that outstanding. There's nothing in this film that is at all above average. Instead of seeing this, see "Levity."
Heartbeat (2000)
A charming little film
My dad saw this at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento, CA in the year 2000. I went to school with the filmmaker's son and daughter, and that was the reason my dad found out about the film and saw it. I don't remember if he purchased a VHS at the festival or if he ordered it later, but I remember I saw it then and thought it was pretty good. Today, I was looking through my old VHS tapes, and saw this one. I popped it in and was surprised by this quirky little gem. I doubt anyone will read this, but if you are on this film's page for some reason, go to the link for the film's official site and order yourself a copy. You will enjoy it.
It is the story of a heart that was donated, but which cannot make it to the patient due to a helicopter crash. The survivor of the crash carries the heart in a cooler, trying to reach a phone or someone who can drive him to the hospital, and on the way, discovers the heart can talk, chaos ensuing.
Definitely try and see this film. It's well worth your time.