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afullmer
Reviews
Sick: The Life & Death of Bob Flanagan, Supermasochist (1997)
Powerful. Genius. Freakishly Hard for Guys to Watch.
I was fortunate enough to watch this in an intimate setting with an introduction by Kirby himself. I have never responded so much to a move than this one.
I gave it a 10 because i could not find anything the movie lacked. The way it portrayed the main character, Bob Flanagan, in such a real way was just good. It didn't sway from the point, it didn't have useless commentary like other documentary style movies, and it wasn't ever, ever boring. The vivid images that go uncensored on the screen will make you cringe, laugh, and cry all within a few moments. I am glad i took the time to see this. Rent it soon.
Elephant (2003)
Lets go for a walk, lots of walks.
I will first admit that this is a concept i enjoyed. It seems almost taboo to have a movie about a high school shooting, and its about time we saw one. That said, it was not done well.
First of all, the character development is slow, and not in depth enough to really understand any of them. It seems that we are to assume that each character represents the stereotypical high school student, with several of those stereotypes accounted for. A good idea, but it was done too slowly, and its up to the audience to find a character they can latch on to, and feel connected to. I couldn't find one, and I'm a photographer myself. Sorry Elias.
The conflict between the dad and the son in the beginning of the movie is pointless. It unfolds as some sort of family conflict, and the result of which is poorly exhibited. The son cries. whoopty doo. The dad is an unnecessary character, except that he is probably the only thing we have to know who the blonde boy is, (i forget his name, apologies). At the end of the movie, the dialog between the two was boring and uneventful, as well as incomprehensible, especially in the context of the film.
The script, oh I am sorry, but it is among the worst i have seen (heard?) And the acting to support it was really not present. There were good performances, and not to write everybody off, but overall, lines were read as if they were simply just being read, and even though characters were somewhat developed by action, the dialogue did nothing to assist it. The most prevalent example is early in the film, when Elias is taking pictures in a wooded area, and happens upon a darkly dressed couple. After asking if he can take their picture for his portfolio, Elias is then privy to acting that has only one place, in a 3rd grade musical. Apologies, i don't mean to be crass and rude, but this is my view and my criticism.
The camera work, however, i did enjoy. To an extent. The long following scenes were done quite well, except that it seems like it was half the movie. The character walked and walked, we got very familiar with the backs of their heads. I imagine the director wanted to convey every aspect of the life of a high school student, the walks through the halls of the school being a repetitive part, but in film it only works in moderation. This was full of the long walking scenes that slow the movie down and assist anyone losing interest.
The way the time line was layed out was unique, and i did enjoy it. Even if i spent the time trying to figure out if the timeline continuity was accurate, and when things were happening. The way the director shows the same time over and over, from different perspectives is a fantastic way to convey many events in a short time.
Referring to the ending, the suddeness of it, while is supposed to startle the audience and rob them of any closure.... really does a good job of that. It really needs to show what the rest of the school does, where does the last shooter go? These are questions that i just don't want to try and figure out for myself (mine would involve robots and dinosaurs and pirates, and nothing would make sense).
Don't netflix this. i mean, rent. its still called rent.
Acne (2000)
Bad Movie, Great Director
First things first. This movie is clearly done in a style in which bad acting and a bad script are over dramatized to create a potential cult classic. The problem is it's just too annoying to enjoy. The acting comes across as something from an elementary school production, and the script seems like it was written by several people who didn't collaborate. Granted, the movie was made over four years, and its easy to lose track of what you are doing. The budget of $20,000 wouldn't do anyone justice, and that $20,000 didn't even come all at once, so I understand the problems. Not a great movie, but a lot of great directors had some rather questionable material come out of their first hours behind a camera.
That said, Rusty Nails is a great guy. I saw this movie at a film festival that he hosted. He's a witty, funny guy and doesn't strike you as a person who makes bad movies. He can hold his own in front of an audience. I really want to say, judge this movie, not its maker.
Summerland (2004)
Pure Teenage Trite
This show is yet another attempt to capture the attention of Americas impressionable youth with an unrealistic concept of teenage life. Its another show where all the characters are cast with attractive young teens, with minimal acting abilities. Its writing is shallow and predictable, with dramatic plots coming right out of the book. Lori Loughlins attempt at returning to the TV could have come on a better show, but then again with her claim to fame being full house, her career was over before it started. The biggest issue I have is watching kids get their life lessons about the real world from shows like these. If this is the impression they get, than the next generation is doomed to a very hateful and plastic existence. All of these teen shows need to either get real, or disappear Worst show since Degrassi.