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Reviews
Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise (2001)
Original, bleak, funny and insightful
Just saw this on DVD last night. It is not a comedy, although there are some very funny bits in it. There are also some deeply poignant moments in the movie,
particularly involving Pete.
And, there are some wonderful insights into to what makes this salesman's
character tick. Timothy Spall is brilliant, and his supporting cast members,
including Michael Begley and James Cartwright, are well suited for their roles.
Worth a look for its current take on salesmen, selling and the end of an era. A dark "Death of a Salesman", or darker "Oh Lucky Man" so to speak.
Red Roses and Petrol (2003)
Seven characters - each acting in their own play
Saw this yesterday at AFI and came away disappointed in this screen adaptation of Dublin playwright Joseph O'Connor's play. There is some good casting, particularly with Malcolm McDowell and Max Beasley - they look like they could be father and son. However, I never felt much chemistry between Malcolm McDowell (Enda) and Olivia Tracy (Moya), and she seemed to be too youthful to be his wife!
This ensemble piece frequently felt like seven characters acting in their own version of this play, with many soliloquies rather than engaging dialogue. The writers burdened their actors with trying to bring life to these 2-dimensional characters. Dialogue or scenes often didn't ring true - like when Enda does his impression of Elvis or when Moya can't explain to her daughter what more there is to marriage.
Scenes were long and empty, almost as if trying to stretch out the limited substance. Character development was shallow and fell short on insight. I don't feel I got the emotional payoff in the end for some of the more intense scenes - instead it felt manipulative. Technically, there were continuity and questionable editing issues, which weakened the movie.
Bottom line - it didn't have a consistent ring of authenticity about it!
Unforgiven (1992)
Should have been called "Revenge of the Whores"
Near-sighted twenty-something wannabe gunslinger goads down-on-his-luck reformed alcoholic widowed bad man into one last bounty hunt to revenge the maiming of a naive young whore. Predictably filled with clichés and stereotypes speaking twentieth-century phrases and cuss words. Moments of good story can't make up for the inconsistent lighting and outdoor scenes, and the fragmented editing, possibly due to insufficient film footage. Should have kept the original working title of `The Cut Whore Killings'. The truly unforgiven in this movie are the writer, editor, movie critics and Academy voters who gave 4 Oscars for this body of work recognition of Clint Eastwood.
The Dish (2000)
A wonderful slice of NASA history through an Australian lens
Capturing the feeling of the awe and wonderment of the NASA program in the sixties, specifically Apollo 11, is the province of this movie. However, rather than a Houston or a small town USA perspective, we are privileged to share these feelings with the citizens of Parkes, Australia - home to the only satellite dish in the Southern hemisphere capable of receiving television transmissions.
It was a simpler time in 1969, and "The Dish" evokes powerful feelings of unity, brotherhood and national pride that were present at the time for anyone following the space launches during the sixties. The movie's music, though sometimes a bit overpowering and overused, taps into the emotional feel of this era. Even the playing of the US national anthem will bring smiles to the faces of even the most cynical!
The story humorously focuses on the humble and proud people of Parkes - located 5 hours west of Sydney, beyond the Blue Mountains. One of the film's many delights is its use of dry Australian humor and wit, along with the opportunity to teach us all a bit about Aussie slang. Much like the characters in director, Rob Sitch's previous film, `The Castle', these good honest locals find a way into your heart. This is a story about the camaraderie, teamwork and tireless efforts of the men who maintain and operate the `dish', as it is locally known. And, it is one of the many little-known stories about the people who supported this incredible mission around the world.
The living and working quarters at the dish are tight and so are the relationships for the three Aussies. Along comes a Yank from NASA sent to oversee this important mission. Add to the mix, the Mayor who campaigned to bring the dish to Parkes, the American Ambassador to Australia visiting for the historic moon walk, the Australian Prime Minister who hopes they won't mess up, the women who support their men, and a few assorted characters to round out this slice of life.
Have a Kleenex handy, watch it with your family, and enjoy the film You may find yourself waxing nostalgic and yearning for the simplicity of that summer of '69.