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matthewchristopherdavidson
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L'amore in città (1953)
I gave it a shot
I was curious to watch this because Fellini directed one of the episodes, but I didn't like it. As a form, the fake-documentary is interesting, this is a piece of film history, but in terms of the actual content, I couldn't get through the first few episodes, the disdain of the directors towards their subjects was sickening. I skipped ahead to the Fellini episode, and it was quite funny, a cute little story about a woman marrying a person who thinks he's a werewolf, after that I was done. It was kind of like reading a magazine, not all the articles are good or at least appealing to everyone.
The Grandmother (1970)
The story broke my heart
A kid is abused by his parents. He wets the bed because he is abused. Because he wets the bed, he is abused further.
He grows a plant which becomes a grandmother. The grandmother is safe. His parents are not safe.
The animations reminded me of Terry Gilliam, but much darker. Especially effective is a scene in which he fantasizes about his parents' death.
His environment is savage and full of noise. The sound design and music are very jarring and convey a sense of chaos.
This film was very evocative for me. I wouldn't say I liked it or recommend it but I think it is very well done and an important film in Lynch's evolution, it will help you see better understand Eraserhead. Side trivia, it was the first film for which he received a grant.
Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe (1980)
Not for everyone, but I laughed and cried
Those who know of Werner Herzog and his film work know he communicates with seriousness and intensity. Every sentence is a deliberate act of poetry. Herzog has no interest in wasting time saying anything that is not important.
In case it isn't obvious from the title, this movie is literally about Herzog eating his shoe after losing a bet. The levity and absurdity of this act is only amplified by the seriousness and intensity with which he approaches it. He must prepare the shoe as one would prepare a last meal, or prepare a body before burial.
If you haven't seen anything by Herzog before, don't bother just yet. If you have, I hope you laugh and cry as much as I did.