Having seen some real bummers in the past, the choice from the considerable
number of available films has tended to be limited to directors and actors that one knows and likes coupled with tolerable timings, i.e. no late nights and no Saturdays or Sundays. This year had fewer possibles and, for the most part, those seen were worth the effort.
GLORY TO THE FILMMAKER.
Takeshi Kaetano plays a frustrated film maker and runs through the various
genres in which he has previously had success. Unfortunately, I found the
film very self-indulgent and tired though some of the clips from his past
successes were welcome.
EASTERN PROMISES
The new David Lynch with Viggo Mortenson, Naomi Watts and Armin Muhler-
Stahl (with apologies for what is probably a mis-spelling). Violent and a
little slow to get going with a reliance on coincidence (but that is what makes
the world go round in the cinema) - Watts playing a nurse who sees a Russian
young girl die, is herself of Russian origin - but, despite this, a first-rate
film. I don't know that Vincent Cassel was well cast and his was the least
satisfactory performance of the leading quartet.
LUST, CAUTION
Ang Lee's porno movie failed to convince. While the basic story of young Chinese patriots secretly trying to sabotage collaboration with the Japanese
in the late 30s was sound, the development with a sweet young amateur
actress seducing (or letting herself be seduced0 by a wealthy, unemontional
businessman did not ring true. Explicit sex has its place but the violence
and contortions dsiplayed here were almost laughable and gave no feeling
that passion was involved.
LAST MISTRESS
Move to France over a century earlier for a tale of infatuation and loss. Very
well photographed and believable (Balzac does not mess about), this, too, had writhing sex though without the need to show insertion. The difference
lies in the enthusiasm Asia Argento threw into her role and the sexual
activities in particular which left one convinced of the passion between her and her lover. excellent performances in the minor roles, especially from
the great Michael Lonsdale.
I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GANGSTER
A black and white oddity which was a delight. I don't know why I picked this
but it was an enjoyable afternoon's enterteinment.
EXTE
The title refers to hair extensions and this Japanese horror movie was very
effectively done. The story made sense and the special effects were both
logical and scarily effective without being too extreme. Seeing hair grow
rapidly out of someone's eyes and mouth is as effectively bloodchilling as
blood-spattered limb loss.
FAY GRIM
A belated sequel to Henry Fool with the same main characters. A fine central
performance from the eponymous heroine, Parker Posey in what was rather
a different Hal Hartley film. Allowing for some quirks, this would not be out
of place alongside the Bourne trilogy or a cgi-less Bond movie. A delight
to the eye and ear with Hartley's wry dialogue again in evidence.