"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
"Into the Wild" Grade: A A profound visual experience reminding me of some of the great experimental films of the 60s. Emile Hirsch is very charismatic in the lead (and I had not been a fan of his) while Catherine Keener and Vince Vaughn are great in support. Even better is Hal Holbrook who gives a little master class in screen acting in about ten minutes of screentime as a lonely old man who has kept himself hidden away from the world since the death of his family. His performance is incredibly moving and deserving of an Oscar nomination. I have some complaints about the narration in the film which sometimes gets in the way of the visual elements but when those visuals are this dazzling (reminding me of great visual films like "Days of Heaven" & "Apocalypse Now") a devoted cinephile should just be grateful.
Posts: 17850 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: February 02, 2003
Added No Country for Old Men (A), Margot at the Wedding (B/B+), and The Last Mistress (B+).
"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project (A-) and Actresses (C)
"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
For what seemed like years, I finally saw this film. Everyone is forgettable for me, with the exceptions of Cate Blanchett and Samantha Morton. For a brief moment, Avolta A and part of that great score from Elizabeth put a smile on my face. The rest of the music can be canned and used perhaps for the next Jaws film. Her famous speech was truncated, as was Mary Stuart's execution, mercifully. If anything, I was happy to see Phillip of Spain cast in a villanous role. He was, imo, a zealot and a user, who treated Elizabeth's sister Mary, like a purse. Oddly, I wasnt moved by Rush's Walsingham; and Cornish was beautiful, but put forth nothing special. Clive Owen, was a bore. A voice coach? Er, why? B+ for Cate, but C for Kapur.
Michael Clayton:
A brilliant screenplay paces this masterful film filled with pitch-perfect performances, by everyone. Tony Gilroy has written and directed what could be, one of the finest films I've seen in many, many years, which was, mildly surprising. But I guess the nut doesnt fall far from the tree. It is an ensemble piece, carried with controlled perfection by George Clooney, and supported by everyone around him. Tom Wilkinson is one of my favorites, and his work here is wonderful. Every actor who's face appeared on the screen, did admirable work. But, it's this screenplay, supported by A-work editing and cinematography, sound and art direction, which blanketed the film like blown glass. A+
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Posts: 8242 | Location: canada | Registered: December 22, 2005
"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
Adding: Lady Chatterley Although technically a 2006 release. Initially somewhat languid, but ultimately satisfying. Very beautiful and true to the spirit of the novel. B+
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Posts: 8242 | Location: canada | Registered: December 22, 2005
Sharp, clever, wonderfully acted legal thriller (believe the brilliant Tom Wilkinson should be an Oscar nominee). A certain coldness pervades the film leaving it a not completely inviting entertainment but it's very well crafted and absorbing. A terrific script in terms of dialogue but somewhat conventional in its plotting. Not a great film but very good.
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Posts: 17850 | Location: Phoenix, AZ | Registered: February 02, 2003
"A movie is not good because it arrives at conclusions you share, or bad because it does not. A movie is not about what it is about. It is about how it is about it: about the way it considers its subject matter, and about how its real subject may be quite different from the one it seems to provide." - Roger Ebert, from the introduction to "Awake in the Dark" (2006)
