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Unforgiven (1992)
Decided to watch this film. Enjoyable with a few issues.
The film was very dark and underexposed for the night and interior scenes. Difficult to see what's happening plus the quick cuts do not help. I know it's period, but it's taken too far. Here is a case where the precedence of cinematography takes over set and story.
Hard to believe: The kids are his son and daughter, perhaps he their great grand pappy. That's more believable. The character is way too old to have such young kids.
Hard to believe: At the beginning he can't shoot accurately with a revolver and at the end he's an ace.
Hard to believe: He can't mount a horse.
Hard to believe: At the end he takes all them men down singlehanded. Those were a bunch of seasoned pro's not a bunch of greenhorns.
Overall the film was enjoyable. Gene Hackman delivers a powerhouse performance. Clint his usual 'hat tilted up' or 'hat tilted down' performance.
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Way too long.
Very long dragged out film. Most unbelievable is that Baby Jane could drag her sister around the way she did. Up stairs, into a bed, down to the beach, just too much of a stretch. Moments of enjoyment.
Lumière et compagnie (1995)
Pretentious and Boring.
The only reason I bought this was to see the work of Lynch, and I am happy to say it paid off. He was one of three that really had something to say. (story) Lynch is the only artist out of the bunch. In front, behind, and away from the camera.
8 Million Ways to Die (1986)
Character and plot breakdown at the end!
Ashby's career took a dive after a lengthy success of films in the 70's. I feel he moved out of his style to make this film. I enjoyed it, however at the end, it fell apart: The characters became cliche and the plot unbelievable.
It is not possible to stick to a book all the way, for many reasons, and compression from novel to a script, takes a lot of skill, and choices. I am glad I watched it, but the movie is definitely not an 'Ashby' film in the traditional sense.
Overall, still an enjoyable movie.
The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
Boring. No story structure.
Thought this would be an interesting indie movie, but alas not. There is no set-up or story structure, it's just a bunch of boring happenings strung to-gether. Thought because it had Danny Glover in it it may be good, in 50 minutes I saw him once, did not even say anything. Fowl low brow language, amateur acting, directing and cinematography, had to leave after 50 minutes, (I tried to give it a chance, but figured it had enough time, and was going no-where). Got my money refunded. Boring, home movie. Worst film I've seen in decades. Read 2 star reviews all true. Could not even give 2 stars, just could not. Don't not waste your time and money on this one.
The Other Side of the Wind (2018)
A marvelous film of a bygone era.
I have always been an admirer of the experimantal/avante garde genre. As I watch the film (I am almost through) I enjoy it more and more. 16mm and 35mm film is such a beautiful medium; the tempera and oils of the true motion picture period, which can never to be sustituted, no matter how many K's and LUTS become avaialble. Every analogue film has a "look" that is built in by a single artist, other mediums have it "applied" by anyone who can push a button. The comparison may be compared to painting on canvass as to painting on an i pad. The imperfection of the first, leads to some amazing discoveries: Malevich, Kandinsky and Pollack for example, that has never been equaled with an i pad. I feel that same way for the film film medium. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have worked in that medium know the challenges, difficulties, expense, talent and knolwedge it required. The cinematography in marvelous, Graver applied all his expereince in that film and it shows, he was afraid of nothing. Wells is a true director, artist, and a lion. A few other "Heavies" (pun intended) in that pride are were Churchill and Hitchcock.
Les Mystères du Château du Dé (1929)
"Amazing"
I just love the work of Man Ray, his paintings, photography and his films. His work is that of an independent artist, with a free thinking mind. This film shows it in form and content.
I recently had the opportunity to go to Paris, where I visited his old haunts, Rue De Ferou Studio, The Campaign Premier Studio, The Luxembourg, and his final resting place. All of which I found just as inspiring as his work. When I watch films like these it inspires and motivates me.
I love the images and the montage of disconnected space. What interests me most are his ideas, I find them refreshing and unique.
Not for everyone, but if you like unique images and strange disconnected connections, it's a must see.
Saints and Soldiers (2003)
Looks and feels like a big studio picture.
Great movie, really enjoyed it. I went to the video store to rent a film; I overheard someone say what a good movie it was. I rented it and was glad I did, it was very good.
What peeked my interest was the end credits, when I saw that the director was also the DP. While watching the commentary, I discovered it was a small budget movie, under a million. Well, I could not believe it. I am really glad I did not know this, as it would have prevented my renting it, as most low budget films are terrible.
Saints and Soldiers had a big feel to it. The acting was tremendous. So glad to see relatively unfamiliar faces do such a good and believable work. Made the story more believable, did not have to suspend my belief that one has to do with the "usual big names". The film was very well cast.
The director did a tremendous job, both in the directing and the cinematography, the film had a lot of feeling, both directorial and visually.
The writing was excellent, it is obvious that the writer knew his craft, and it worked, not a boring second in this film, very well structured. It was well edited, good set-dressing.
All round very impressive, highly recommended, a must see.
The Notebook (2004)
One of the most enjoyable films I've seen in years.
I was bored and went to rent some movies. So I rented Five Easy Pieces and The Notebook, both of which I had not seen. The strange thing is, that in both films, the lovers played the Chopin Prelude for Piano for their loved ones. How often does this happen, thats why I mentioned the Five Easy Pieces.
The story was wonderful, no-one can forget their first love, no matter who you are with, and no matter how much time has passed. The film was wonderfully directed, acted, and photographed. The directors commentary was a real eye opener, and very informative, and very humble, what a joy it must be to work with him.
A must see. Nice work for everyone involved
Regen (1929)
Great study of ''"R"''A"'I"'N"''
I just recently found out about Joris Ivens and is awe-inspired by the amount of pieces he made.
This piece is a study about RAIN in the city. It is a beautiful montage of images,reflections,closeups,and people in the city.
His work reminds me of Georgia O'Keefe's, work as an artist. Her work was based on bringing hidden details out into the open, I feel much the same way about Ivens. The slowness of the film gives one time to think about the images, and I like that. Unlike most films today, in and out as quickly as possible.
A must see by any image loving artist.
Polizeibericht Überfall (1928)
Great silent film. A must see
I just recently had the opportunity to watch this short film, and as far as silent films go, I have to conclude that this is one of the best image/story portrayed films I have seen.
The reason is that the film is very well told using pictures. The story is easy to follow all the way through, and this is rare with silent films.
The film is well cast, I like the characters, and it is beautifully shot, I must admit, that I am biased by old type images, and especially like films that are from the early to late 20's, there is something very mature in the imagery and style of these films.
A must see for every student of the arts..
Out of Africa (1985)
Great Film!!!
I rented this film again recently, and I liked it even more than when I saw it originally.
Even though it is long, I did not find it boring, not even in parts. The script is well written, it is beautifully photographed, well directed, and the acting is great.
What I like about the film is that it makes me FEEL, and I like that. The story holds my interest. I also enjoyed the wide variety of chrarcters, and had a good laugh a few times. Sydney Pollack is a very talented director.
Very enjoyable.