Reds

"Reds" is an epic, and it's hard not to admire the sheer ambition on display in this production. But it feels like a vanity project. The majority of the film is comprised of people sitting around tables yelling at each other. This does not appeal to me. Particularly when they're mostly shouting about the Bolshevik revolution and worker's rights. Hard to follow, and hard to be entertained. Nonetheless, Beatty is a tremendous actor and he managed to corral a lot of notable talent for the film. But all in all it's too preachy and self-righteous for me.


Written 9/2/10

The Documentaries of Louis Malle: God's Country

"God's Country" is a charming documentary that does well to capture just what it was like living in the small midwestern town of Glencoe, MN in the 1970's. A synopsis of the film may lead one to believe that the ending will be grim, but I didn't see it that way. Times change, and people must remain adaptable. Filmmaker Malle is bright, cheery, and curious throughout - indefatigable to the end, as though wishing to permanently lift the mood of his subjects.


Written 8/3/10

Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

Every shot in "Mishima" is a visual poem, but not all of these are pleasant to ingest. Director Paul Schrader produced a challenging work that is certainly not for everyone. The man Mishima remains enigmatic despite the film. Sometimes bio-pics can tarnish a legacy, but "A Life in Four Chapters" only amplifies Mishima's singularity. This most certainly is not the film to watch the first time you meet your partner's parents... you may want to lean toward lighter fare on that occasion.


Written 8/30/09

The Verdict

Absolutely outstanding. Paul Newman inhabits his character with unwavering commitment. This is filmmaking at its best - driven by brilliant acting and a continually compelling screenplay.


Written 6/23/09

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains

The "vibe" is strong in "The Fabulous Stains". This is a brilliant satire of the punk scene and also a progenitor of the riot grrl movement, no doubt. The music is outstanding throughout, and the cast is perfect. A lot of the audio overdubs are awful, but it all adds to the charm. I can't believe this movie was out of circulation for so long -- it's a blast!


Written 6/14/09

Sherman's March

I enjoy director Ross McElwee's particular brand of neuroses. This documentary presents him chasing after a long list of former flames as well as potential new flames. All the while he lugs his lo-fi film equipment around, documenting the proceedings and often making people feel uncomfortable. The connection between his doomed love life and General Sherman's Civil War march through the South are hardly tenable, but I appreciate McElwee's willingness to juxtapose all manner of different filmed scenes and let the viewer decide the connection. He doesn't force you to come to any conclusions, but his themes are so universal that you will inevitably stumble upon some poetic truth along the way with him in this rambling travelogue.


Written 9/23/08

Horowitz in Moscow

Casual viewers will inevitably become bored at some point while viewing this. This DVD offers about an hour and a half of an elderly man performing works for solo piano. Those who find this dull should be pegged as unfortunate gorillas! What singular performances these are - not merely because of the performer's prowess, but also because of the location. It is touching to witness Horowitz's return to his homeland after 60-odd years away. The reception from his audience in Russia is a joy to witness, as each individual strives earnestly to commune with the tones emanating from Horowitz's piano. And Horowitz leaves his best on the stage, grinning giddily to his audience and delivering a performance of emotional richness and depth.


Written 7/16/08

Au Revoir Les Enfants

This is a vivid portrait of director Louis Malle's experiences as a child at Catholic boarding school during World War II. I'm particularly impressed by the restraint shown here. There is so much left to the viewer's imagination. The editing is masterful and unexpected. Often the spoken dialogue is less important than what the actors express wordlessly via their faces. The child actors are brilliant. They imbue realism into this tragic tale.

Written 1/14/08

Das Boot

An excellent window into what daily life is like on a submarine. The characters are well-drawn and easy to relate to. The ending is a bit melodramatic for me, but didnt detract from my overall enjoyment. Yes, the directors cut version of the film is extremely long. And the language spoken by the actors is German. How shocking - they chose to make a movie about a German submarine crew in WWII, and have the actors SPEAK German?! If only filmmakers made this choice for authenticity was more often. Reading subtitles should not be viewed as a chore. Admittedly, "Das Boot" is slow-paced. But the relaxed pacing allows for an even greater sense of exhilaration when the sub is engaged in battle. If you think you have the patience, block out a few hours on a free weekend and take a trip down below.

Written 3/29/07

Ordinary People

It can verge on overly melodramatic at times, but the outstanding acting performances in Ordinary People elevate the film. Each member of the cast is outstanding, particularly Timothy Hutton, playing a depressive, anxiety-shredded teenager. Also, this is Robert Redford's directorial debut, for which he won the Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards. An outstanding piece of cinema.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Internet fan boy prayers are answered! Here is the best approximation possible - 30 years later - of the way ousted "Superman II" director Richard Donner would have cut the film. Other than a disorienting and rough initial 10 minutes, the work hangs together very well indeed. The "Superman" movie series originated Hollywood's current obsession with comic book characters. Its influence is obvious. There are so many great scenes and also Christopher Reeve is at his chiseled best. Awesome!