There are films. And then there are films. - page 5.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: finkleshnorts on September 26, 2012, 12:40:22 PM

And no lights on!!

Of course!

Criterion just released a 'Three Reasons' video for In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC4BfRhsh-c&feature=youtu.be

I'm picking up the Blu-ray when it's released on Tuesday if there's a promotional sale price on it.

finkleshnorts

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And no lights on!!

FirstAscent

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Quote from: finkleshnorts on September 26, 2012, 04:14:39 AM

Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

It makes me happy that someone was introduced to 2001: A Space Odyssey in a way that ensured it was watched it properly, as I'm sure you made sure he got the full experience. Properly, of course, means:

- Pretend it's 1968.
- Make sure you're watching the widescreen 2.35:1 version.
- 1080p if you are able.
- Turn the volume up!
- Sit down and watch it, and soak it in. Don't blink.
- Pause the film if you must go to the refrigerator or bathroom.

Quote from: scribe on September 26, 2012, 04:55:22 AM

Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

I wish Barry Lyndon would get the Criterion treatment. As usual, Kubrick was always pushing the envelope. Remember that there were often hundreds of candles in those scenes lit just by candlelight. Factor in the fact that Kubrick was notorious for liking to do about 80 takes per shot to get just the right performance. Think about that style of filmmaking combined with hundreds of candles.

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Quote from: finkleshnorts on September 18, 2012, 11:14:51 PM

Which reminds me, I need to watch Inland Empire again. That was a real whatthefucker for me.

The first time I saw Inland Empire I was expecting something similar to Lynch's previous stuff, in that it could be discussed, inspected, and ultimately made sense of. I'm a big fan of the rest of is stuff, especially Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway.

But the whole feel of Inland Empire is something different. After reading a few articles on it, I realised it has to be watched "without thought". It definitely helps to watch Mulholland Drive first as it ties into some of the same underlying themes, but really Inland Empire is about how you feel what's going on, rather than how you understand it. There are a couple of points which have me unable to do anything but watch, and yet I have little idea why (plot-wise).

Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

(Oh, also Dr. Strangelove is possibly my favourite film ever.)

finkleshnorts

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Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: Jermainé on September 25, 2012, 08:11:53 PM

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy. Cheesy

Regarding 2046, it helps if you're aware it's part of a trilogy:

1. Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
2. In the Mood for Love: http://www.criterion.com/films/198-in-the-mood-for-love
3. 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related

Days of Being Wild is on it's way to me in the form of a Blu-ray. In the Mood for Love will be released as a Blu-ray in exactly one week. They can all be watched independently, and to be honest, among the three, I've only seen 2046. However, it's pretty much understood that among the three, Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love is the masterpiece - and is one of the most beautiful films ever made. However, many do say that 2046 is perhaps the most beautiful film ever made. Factor in the soundtrack, and it's hard to argue.

Consider his other well known films though:

- Chungking Express: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw
- Ashes of Time Redux: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHxm_md60c
- Fallen Angels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQI
- Eros (Wong Kar-Wai did the first of three segments): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaSY1pcWDmI
- Grandmasters (not yet released): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CfC_1_Wpmo

All are rather mouthwatering. Among these latter five, I have only seen Chungking Express. These omissions will be rectified. Now, considering the eight trailers/clips above, there are only three scenarios:

1. You've seen the films, and rewatching the trailers is eye candy.
2. You haven't seen the films, in which case watching the trailers is mandatory and not to be missed.
3. You're cheating yourself out of seeing great films.

Question: is there a single word that adequately captures the essence of a Wong Kar-Wai film? Some possibilities:

Sublime. Dreamy. Exotic. Beautiful. Lovely.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: Blind on September 25, 2012, 05:37:38 PM

I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- * American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- * Fargo
- * Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- * Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- * Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- * The Ghost Writer
- * The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- * Twelve Monkeys
- * Vanilla Sky

I've seen nine of those (asterisked). Interestingly, two on the list which I have not seen still leads me to believe you might like Layer Cake, which is an excellent film. A couple on your list that I haven't seen have caught my eye. Now, about four posts back, I suggested some films. Have you watched the clips? I can't say that you might find any interesting. Actually, I can. I think you'd like all of them, provided you don't have an aversion to subtitles. I used to avoid subtitled movies like the plague. But I took the plunge, and it opened up a whole new world.

Layer Cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5R4iepdXqo

Jermainé

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Quote from: FirstAscent on September 22, 2012, 11:52:57 PM

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy. Cheesy

Quote from: Blind on September 25, 2012, 05:37:38 PM

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

We have similar taste, have you seen Mr. Nobody?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485947/

Blind

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I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

FirstAscent

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So there's only five people in these forums who have a film to discuss, comment on, or share? Really?

I've suggested films. Perhaps even films that others were not aware of. Anyone is free to comment on my above suggestions after watching the trailers. But just as equally, any member is obviously free to discuss some other as of yet unmentioned film with another member. I'm a little bit confused as to the notion that nobody watches movies. If you wish to discuss The Avengers or some other film, then by all means.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: Jermainé on September 24, 2012, 02:53:19 PM

Quote from: FirstAscent on September 22, 2012, 11:52:57 PM

Quote from: Jermainé on September 22, 2012, 06:56:15 PM

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/

Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober. Tongue

Those are spare words! Where are the passionate locutions which wax eloquently about your favorite auteurs and their films that have moved you? Surely there are other movies that you have found enthralling. In the meantime, perhaps you could comment on some of the films I have recommended, in place of those you have not chosen to share with us. Which of these might you wish to watch now? Please tell me.

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

So, we have meditations on unrequited love, avant-garde existentialism, a study on family life in post war Japan, reflections on childhood, lost souls, surviving tragedy, and immorality.

Let us throw in Gate of Flesh as a bonus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xWk4_EMx4

Extra bonus! A clip of the beautiful Zhang Ziyi in 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_oTpuUjtX8&feature=relmfu

And I'm really looking forward to seeing Army of Shadows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on38oTESbHU

And I just watched Yi Yi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwNZGrRfF8

Jermainé

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Quote from: FirstAscent on September 22, 2012, 11:52:57 PM

Quote from: Jermainé on September 22, 2012, 06:56:15 PM

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/

Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober. Tongue

FirstAscent

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Cyclo would be the next movie I'd like to watch from director Tran Anh Hung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdOPQj8ccPA

I watched his film The Scent of Green Papaya last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxuWJ1y1Tww

After I watch Cyclo, I'd like to give The Vertical Ray of the Sun a watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ma2Bt8c1Kc

FirstAscent

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Quote from: payb.tc on September 22, 2012, 07:12:51 PM

Quote from: FirstAscent on September 17, 2012, 01:51:21 AM

Quote from: cbeast on September 17, 2012, 01:27:17 AM

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

I read the book before the movie came out. I was psyched to see the movie. I saw it on the opening weekend, and was pretty satisfied with it - especially the T-rex attack scene. Over time though, other aspects of the movie have lost their luster, mostly certain characterizations.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: Jermainé on September 22, 2012, 06:56:15 PM

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/

Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

payb.tc

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Quote from: FirstAscent on September 17, 2012, 01:51:21 AM

Quote from: cbeast on September 17, 2012, 01:27:17 AM

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

Jermainé

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The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/

Cerebral greatness.

FirstAscent

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Merit: 1000

I haven't seen The Mirror yet. As is typical though, it has Andrei Tarkovskey's amazing cinematography. Notice in the film clip the shot where the children get up from the table and the bottle falls. The thing to notice in the shot is the camera work and composition after that, as the camera moves through the scene. Consider, given the content of the scene, how may opportunities they got to retake that shot.

The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror

Tarkovskey probably ranks as Russia's greatest film director. As an aside, I find it interesting that the site linked to above which hosts the clip from The Mirror and just about every other film made explains that the site was actually developed due to inspiration from Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love.

FirstAscent

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Quote from: FirstAscent on September 19, 2012, 02:33:01 PM

- Hunger
- Pale Flower
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- 2046
- Chungking Express
- Woman in the Dunes
- The Face of Another
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
- Jane Eyre
- True Grit (Coen Brothers)
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Late Spring
- Never Let Me Go
- No Country for Old Men
- Three Colors: Blue
- Three Colors: White
- Three Colors: Red
- Secret Sunshine
- Let Me In
- Branded to Kill
- Mystery Train
- The Makioka Sisters
- Sunshine
- Lost in Translation
- A Dangerous Method
- The Innkeepers
- Layer Cake
- The Darjeeling Limited
- Black Swan
- X-Men: First Class
- Inglourious Basterds
- Watchmen
- Stalker
- The Road
- Winter's Bone
- Pride & Prejudice
- The Prestige
- The Ninth Gate
- Bottle Rocket
- Hugo
- Fargo
- The Jacket
- An Education
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Tokyo Drifter
- High and Low
- Daybreakers
- The Thin Red Line
- Battle Royale
- The Hunger Games
- Memento
- The Incredibles
- Horton Hears a Who

Honest bob,

The above are the ones I've seen. The others are on my list. Also, certainly I've seen plenty more films than on the list. Mostly, the list, including the films I haven't seen, are recently viewed films, and films that have hit my radar recently. Many are great films, some are just lesser known films (either arthouse, foreign, or both). And I should add more to the list.

Regarding the ones you commented on:

I liked The Prestige. I'm not ready to watch it a third (or is it a fourth?) time any time soon though.

I love The Incredibles. I think it's Pixar's most entertaining film. Mostly, I liked the suburban scenes better than the island scenes.

Eternal Sunshine takes a few viewings. A truly great film? I don't know. It's just a thinking person's movie is all, I guess.

Memento is like Eternal Sunshine. It challenges the mind.

The Road is absolutely depressing. But emotionally moving, well shot, and well acted.

Winter's Bone I have watched twice. I'm a fan of Jennifer Lawrence. Loved her in X-Men: First Class, along with Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy. Hunger Games as well.

Did you like An Education? I'm a big fan of Carey Mulligan. She's really hit it big recently. She'll be in The Great Gatsby and the Coen Brothers latest film as well. I also loved her performance in Never Let Me Go.

finkleshnorts

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Quote from: FirstAscent on September 19, 2012, 02:33:01 PM

- No Country for Old Men
- Inglourious Basterds
- The Road
- Winter's Bone
- The Prestige
- Fargo
- An Education
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Chinatown
- Yojimbo
- Taxi Driver
- Goodfellas
- Memento
- The Incredibles

Wow. These are the only ones I have seen. I love all of them except for The Presige... I it's Nolan's weakest work in my opinion. Actually, I wasn't crazy about The Incredibles either.

Eternal Sunshine has a lot of amazing, memorable, dreamy scenes that I will never forget. But it also had some scenes that I felt were out of place. And the subplot about the program employees was absolute shit. Nearly ruined the movie for me.

Memento is admittedly gimmicky. Pearce, nor whats-her-face, are not great here. The movie is redeemed by the expertly crafted mood that is set. I also love the last few lines of the film which pack a not-so-subtle postmodernist punch.

The Road is so true to the book. It portrayed everything exactly as I pictured it when I read the book. So kudos there.

Winter's Bone. Man, is that close to home. Many people refer to my county as the meth capital of the world. That kind of living is just a short drive away.

Topic: There are films. And then there are films. - page 5. (Read 9705 times)