08/01/03 (VHS)
In the Realm of the Senses (1976) - It would simply be too easy to dismiss this film as glorified porn for the art-house crowd, even if it feels like it at moments. It's
obvious that's there's some exploration of emotions, love and lust going on here, but the graphic nature of the film cheapened the effect for me. Just not to my tastes, what can I
say?
08/02/03 (DVD)
Network - Dreadful- a film with this kind of reputation shouldn't be so awful. Every moment is showcased like its the climax, the dialogue is overly talky and annoying, the
epic battles between larger-than-life ego in every scene become tedious in their repetitiveness. Basically, Network hits every wrong note it possibly could.
08/03/04 (VHS)
Shoot the Piano Player (Tirez sur la pianiste) (1960) - One of the greatest accomplishments of the French New Wave, which say a lot. The pacing was perfect,
and Charles Aznavour and Marie Dubois turn in excellent excellent performances. The quality of the VHS copy I watched left a lot to be desired (especially when the subtitles
were unreadable), but I still have no problem proclaiming this film a masterpiece. The montages of Charlie and Lena in bed were particularly impressive. Chalk up another triumph
for Truffaut. I'm dying to see more.
08/04/03 (VHS)
The Young Philadelphians (1959) - It's not a particularly noteworthy film- it's just solid entertainment that were so common at this time. Paul Newman is awesome
as always, and some of the supporting performances (particularly Barbara Rush and Billie Burke) are memorable. I liked it very much despite myself. Check out my full review
here.
08/04/03 (DVD)
Il Grido (1957) - This early Antonioni film kind of puzzles me. Nothing really happens, but I was rivited the entire time. It wasn't really the performances, or the
cinematography, or anything else that captured my attention so- so what was it? I can only point to Antonioni's pacing- it's almost hypnotizing. This isn't quite up to the level
of the films Antonioni made starting with L'Avventura in 1960, but like Kubrick's The Killing, it's an early film that proves without a doubt that the man behind the wheel is
destined for greatness. It's definitely worth seeing, and essential for Antonioni fans.
08/06/03 (Theatre)
Whale Rider (2003) - Hey, something resembling an Indie film was playing at the local theatre, so I jumped at the chance. I don't think my girlfriend really knew what to
expect- I mean, the story about a young New Zealand girl who struggles to convince her grandfather she's the next leader of their tribe doesn't exactly inspire much enthusiasm.
It's what I expected- something slightly different, but nothing incredible, hence it getting into the local theatre. There's some good moments (the talent show scene being the
standout), but a lot of the times things just seem a little flat. Not exactly memorable, but not exactly bad either. But hey, my girlfriend liked it, so everybody's happy.
08/07/03 (DVD)
How Green Was My Valley (1941) - I don't exactly seek out John Ford's film, but when I saw the new DVD at the library, I couldn't resist. Known probably more today
as being the film to beat out Citizen Kane at the Oscar than anything else (though there's still a devoted group who claim it's Ford's masterpiece), it's actually much better than I
expected. Yeah, sometimes things get a little sappy (as is expected with Ford), but there's a lot of redeeming qualities to compensate- particularly the performances of Roddy
McDowall, Donald Crisp (who won an Oscar), Sarah Allgood, and the beautiful young Maureen O'Hara and Anna Lee. It's not exactly a favorite, but it's superior to Grapes of Wrath, and quite enjoyable in its own way. I'll have to rewatch Stagecoach, but this may be my favorite Ford film so far.
08/08/03 (Theatre)
Freaky Friday (2003) - I have anticipated this movie like few others this year. And not only did it reach my high expectations- it surpassed them! One of the best movie experiences I've had in a while. Expect a full review soon.
08/09/03 (DVD)
Desistfilm (short) (1954) - My first experience with the prolific work of Stan Brakhage is this several minute look at a group of teenagers amusing themselves. A sadness
pervades the film, they're valiantly attempting to be jovial, but it's obvious they're unhappy with life and their place in it. The use of an unfocused radio signal clearly underlines
the unfocused element of their lives. Desistfilm has definitely piqued my interest in Brakhage's work, and I look forward to seeing more..
08/10/03 (VHS)
Champagne for Caesar (1950) - My main attraction to this comedy was Celeste Holm, so it was rather dissapointing to find that she only appears in the second half. As
I expected, she is the bright spot of the film, though Ronald Colman's performance as a 'know-all' genius pleasantly surprised me. At it's best, the film is fast and zippy, but
sometimes it becomes rather tedious. Some claim this is a forgotten comedic masterpiece, and while I definitely wouldn't place it anywhere near masterpiece level, it's a fun little
film taking a look at.
08/11/03 (DVD)
This Sporting Life (1963) - After Room at the Top, I have become interested in the genre of British 'kitchen sink' and 'angry young man' dramas that it inspired. While
This Sporting Life is an extremely good film (and essential viewing), I just never connected with it like I had Room at the Top, much to my dissapointment. The performances
given by a Richard Harris and Rachel Roberts are spectacular, and the intensity they generate drive the film. I also loved the structure- constantly jumping from past to present
and back again. But as I said, I just didn't get emotionally involved, and ultimately walked away feeling slightly let down.
08/11/03 (VHS)
The Last Metro (Le Dernier Metro) (1980) - It's rather shocking when you consider the fact that the director of the film is also the director of such gutsy, gritty
masterpieces as The 400 Blows and Shoot the Piano Player, for The Last Metro is as glossy, pretty and safe as a film can get. I refuse to judge it for the things it is not, however,
so I'll point out that The Last Metro, which ended up being one of Truffaut's last films, boasts of some good performances and good art direction (though the obvious artificiality
of the town is a little off-putting at first). The problem is is that the whole film is rather flat, and even the talents of Catherine Deneuve (who is forced to wear some hideous period
hairstyles) and Gerard Depardieu isn't enough to give it the 'spark' it so desperately needs. Interesting, but ultimately disposable.
08/12/03 (DVD) (twice)
Meshes of the Afternoon (short) (1943) - I've long been wanting to see the work of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren, particularly this, her first and most famous film.
And I was not dissapointed. In fact, it surpassed even my wildest expectation- it's one of the most amazing films I've ever seen.
08/12/03 (DVD) (twice)
At Land (short) (1944) - Deren's second film, and nearly as good as Meshes of the Afternoon. The closest things I've ever seen during my waking hours to a dreamstate.
Remarkable filmmaking.
08/12/03 (DVD)
A Study in Choreography for Camera (short) (1945) - The beginning of Deren's fascination with the human body in motion. This four minute short displays some
awesome camera work and interesting choreography.
August Movie Log continued
