tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post1935605616366130921..comments2024-03-12T10:45:12.762-07:00Comments on moviesandsongs365: Monthly recap: What have I been watching in April?Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-55708844294695021042013-06-01T00:41:52.320-07:002013-06-01T00:41:52.320-07:00@Niels85: Thank you! The Place Beyond the Pines is...@Niels85: Thank you! The Place Beyond the Pines is a film I recommend, I'll keep an eye out for your review then.<br /><br />Yes, Walkabout is remarkable for cinematography. Hope you like it.<br />Rust and Bone, I know of a few bloggers who loved the hell out of it, and then there are others who didn't get what the big deal was. That scene on the ice was definitely a stand-out. I wouldn't call it a bad film, just not a film I call a favorite of the year. Who knows, maybe I'll like it more if I ever rewatch.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-33468099059891163222013-05-30T12:52:19.535-07:002013-05-30T12:52:19.535-07:00Wonderful collection of films. As usual, I'm j...Wonderful collection of films. As usual, I'm jealous you found time to watch all of these, some of which are classics I really need to get to. I'm probably going to be watching The Place Beyond the Pines either later today or tomorrow. I'll let you know what I thought of it then. <br />I had never heard of Walkabout, and when you say the cinematography is in the same league as Malick, it certainly puts the film in my radar. <br />I just watched Rust and Bone a couple of days ago. I have about the same regard for the film as you do. I found the characters appealing, but not enough. I found their romance and connection true and meaningful, but it was hard for me to relate as Ali was specially hard to empathize with. You're right to point out the scenes on the beach and the ice, especially the latter. It made me cringe to think of the situation Ali was put under. I was glad it didn't end in tragedy. <br /><br />Great work Chris!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-15772450996686464502013-05-18T06:29:05.162-07:002013-05-18T06:29:05.162-07:00@Shubhajit: I think that’s normal, and due to pers...@Shubhajit: I think that’s normal, and due to personal preference, that we like some classics, and other classics no so much. <br />Sometimes, my low ratings are whether a film stayed with me, in the case of Hiroshima Mon Amour, Z, and Sweet Smell of Success, I know they are acclaimed, and others like them, but those three films simply didn’t stay in mind for long, and I didn’t connect emotionally. Those two criteria are important, when I rate a film. Not that every film has to be "emotional", although there has to be something I can relate to: characters, story, whatever.<br />Haven't read The Big Sleep, it sounds like I should, though.<br />Glad we agree on a few of the selections, anyway. Thanks for stopping by again, been a while since I last heard from you!<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-39277788593524369662013-05-17T09:35:36.462-07:002013-05-17T09:35:36.462-07:00You sure watched a number of classics of world cin...You sure watched a number of classics of world cinema. Sherlock Jr, Daisies, Celine & Julie Go Boating, The Third Man, Rashomon, Anatomy of a Murder, etc. rate very highly in my opinion as well. However I'd disagree with your moderate scores for 3 films which too rate very highly in my reckoning - Hiroshima Mon Amour, Z and Sweet Smell of Success. In fact I'd go so far as to state that Sweet Smell, with its superlative performances, vitriolic tone, grimy theme, sleazy characters, terrific cinematography, the superb jazz score, etc., in my opinion, remains one of the finest film noirs ever made. Interestingly, though I liked The Big Sleep, I'm not as big an admirer of the film as most are - maybe because I'd read the masterful book earlier & consequently the film failed to live up to my expectations. Shubhajithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02040495040897333606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-28523103392040242222013-05-11T14:19:03.344-07:002013-05-11T14:19:03.344-07:00@Eric: Yes, I’ve made a conscious choice this year...@Eric: Yes, I’ve made a conscious choice this year to watch fewer new films, and go back in time to the classics.<br /> <br />The Place Beyond The Pines -- Agree the three acts are very different, quite unexpected.<br />The Third Man -- Yes, that ending stayed with me too.<br />It Happened One Night -- one of the better romantic comedies/screwball comedies, maybe it would appeal to your girlfriend too.<br />Steam Boat Jr -- I see it’s only an hour long, so hopefully I’ll get to it soon. <br />Walkabout -- If you like road movies, which celebrate nature, that one could be for you.<br />Sweet Smell of Success -- it’s in the 1001 movies book, but it didn’t feel like an essential watch, soon forgotten.<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-64961316236284588392013-05-11T14:14:16.525-07:002013-05-11T14:14:16.525-07:00@Robert: The Place Beyond The Pines is worth going...@Robert: The Place Beyond The Pines is worth going to see on the big screen, if you find the time. I agree about Room 237.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-56411639593852181542013-05-09T18:40:42.416-07:002013-05-09T18:40:42.416-07:00Wow, lots of classics last month! A few of my thou...Wow, lots of classics last month! A few of my thoughts:<br /><br />The Place Beyond the Pines -- Just saw this one a couple days ago. Really liked it. And I agree, it's best to go into it knowing as little as possible. I knew the film had three acts, but I wasn't expecting them to be so different.<br /><br />The Third Man -- I have been wanting to rewatch this one since I saw it for the first time a few years ago. I loved it, and the closing shot is one of my favorites of all time.<br /><br />It Happened One Night -- I have a Capra box set but still haven't got around to watching this one. Thanks for the reminder!<br /><br />Sherlock Jr. -- Nice one! Curious to hear what you will think of Steamboat Bill, Jr. if you watch it.<br /><br />Walkabout -- I added this to my Hulu+ queue just based on its synopsis alone. Haven't heard much about it since, so it's awesome to read such high praise from you! I'll have to check it out soon.<br /><br />Sweet Smell of Success -- I have this coming next from Netflix. Disappointing to hear you didn't like it so much.Erichttp://twscritic.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-38073665526471151272013-05-09T11:11:31.577-07:002013-05-09T11:11:31.577-07:00I really need to see The Place Beyond the Pines bu...I really need to see The Place Beyond the Pines but I'll need some down-time for that film. I recently saw Room 237 (a double feature with The Shining!) and I was definitely let down. Most of the stuff was - as you mentioned - implausible.<br /><br />Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10394045103473759585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-5215903056288789532013-05-06T15:15:31.380-07:002013-05-06T15:15:31.380-07:00@Michaël Parent:
RASHOMON: I was just reading an ...@Michaël Parent:<br /><br />RASHOMON: I was just reading an interview on the Canadian documentary Stories we Tell (2012), and they even compared it to Rashomon, in terms of storytelling.<br /><br />Celine and Julie Go Boating: it is a long film, and you're right, it does stay with you, trying to figure out what it all means. One viewing is not enough.<br /><br />Daisies (1966): Yes, it probably appeals to free spirits, or those who yearn to be young and free of responsibility Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-91529011299267148642013-05-06T15:07:41.263-07:002013-05-06T15:07:41.263-07:00@Bonjour Tristesse: Thanks for the extra info abou...@Bonjour Tristesse: Thanks for the extra info about Celine and Julie Go Boating.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-26871967262731240082013-05-06T04:55:44.183-07:002013-05-06T04:55:44.183-07:00Great selection again.
RASHOMON: is one of my all...Great selection again. <br />RASHOMON: is one of my all-time favorites. It grows on you with multiple viewings.<br />CÉLINE ET JULIE VONT EN BATEAU: well, you've read my review, but I must say that I agree on the fact that it is a bit long and gets on our nerves. It's like a challenge that is worth it. The film stayed with me very long after I finished it.<br />DAISIES: it was one of my favorite viewings of last year. I love the freedom and the acting of both girls. MPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08366182655374603950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-77222489523375059272013-05-05T21:05:30.772-07:002013-05-05T21:05:30.772-07:00I might review The Place Beyond the Pines sometime...I might review The Place Beyond the Pines sometime in the future, just don't have a lot of time lately, so I'm putting off reviewing films I have a lukewarm reaction to.<br /><br />Thelma and Louise isn't a favorite like those others, but I remember enjoying it :)<br /><br />Re: C&J, the subtitler actually did a decent job to try and capture the lighthearted humor, instead of a literal word for word transcript. But even so, there's inevitably going to be something lost in the translation. Actually I think that contributes to one of the reasons why Rivette never got as much attention as his peers.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00597866901901238462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-22173022572956848762013-05-05T13:12:53.419-07:002013-05-05T13:12:53.419-07:00@3guys1movie: Thanks for stopping by! A good time ...@3guys1movie: Thanks for stopping by! A good time to watch the trilogy. I heard Mad Max 4: Fury Road (2014) is happening with Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, with the same director as the first three films. Not entirely sure if it's a remake/reboot/re-imagining.<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-32512660781727679212013-05-05T08:59:49.555-07:002013-05-05T08:59:49.555-07:00I like that Mad Max marathon ... might want to re-...I like that Mad Max marathon ... might want to re-watch those myself. Pines was pretty amazing. <br /><br />Looks like you had a great month of viewing.3guys1movie.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01062517557452204681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-78196521208572844242013-05-05T04:55:15.447-07:002013-05-05T04:55:15.447-07:00@Bonjour Tristesse:
The Place Beyond the Pines: ...@Bonjour Tristesse: <br /><br />The Place Beyond the Pines: Yes, the performances are terrific. Didn’t know you had seen it, where’s your review, BT? LOL :)<br /><br />Stories We Tell: Thanks for the recommendation. Had colorful characters, and agree was interesting how it was told from a personal angle, that truth and memory are so subjective. It did keep me on the edge of my seat to the end, so maybe I should have given it a little bit higher score. That scene when the sister cracks up talking about her mother being loved was moving to me, and felt genuine.<br /><br />Room 237: It was fun to watch, The Shining is in my top 100, but couldn’t take the observations in this doc that seriously.<br /><br />Sound City: Agree. I think I prefer when a documentary looks at one band, rather than so many.<br /><br />Rust and Bone: I kind of liked it. I agree the ending is manipulative, a powerful, but not very realistic test he is faced with on the ice. That's the kind of situation you see in movies-and hardly ever in real life. After what happened to Cotillard, what are the odds that happens on the ice.<br /><br />The Third Man: It looks great, I agree. I would watch it again just for the look of the film.<br /><br />Daisies: Definitely underrated and inventive. Two female leads, yep, I can see that, Daisies, Mulholland Dr, Double life of Veronique, C an J Go Boating. I could imagine you probably like Thelma and Louise :)<br /><br />Hiroshima mon amour: Despite the non-linear flashback storytelling, I was underwhelmed, a classic which I feel is not as good as its reputation. I have 3-4 unread articles about the film I got from the library, so maybe that will alter my perception of it. <br /><br />Celine et Julie: I saw Daisies first, I heard about that it was an influence on Rivette’s film, I didn’t think about it too much as an influence when I watched C and J, yet you are right the mischievous spirit is in there somewhere. <br />That intro in Rivette’s film is among my favorite scenes I’ve watched this year :) I’ll have to keep an eye out for that clever wordplay, if I ever rewatch, it’s a pity the dialogue doesn't translate that well(as with the title). I might give LA BELLE NOISEUSE a chance, and see if it’s for me. Especially as I noticed it on your favorites list.<br /><br />Walkabout: That’s the best cinematography I’ve seen in a long time. I know how you love those open-ended mysteries, so I can see why you are a fan.<br /><br />Ps Look forward to your coverage of Cannes Film Festival!<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-83589867870702681042013-05-04T14:48:14.770-07:002013-05-04T14:48:14.770-07:00TPBtP: Loved the sprawling unpredictable narrative...TPBtP: Loved the sprawling unpredictable narrative, but for me the second and third acts weren't as engrossing as the first. All around, the cast was excellent. So much that I probably enjoyed the supporting performers more even than the leads.<br /><br />Stories We Tell: It didn't remind me of my family either. For me, it wasn't necessarily the story, but the way in which she setup and revealed it, to be the most interesting and emotional thing. Also, her father is a superb narrator.<br /><br />Room 237: A little wacky but entertaining, however, overall it felt like something that belongs on cable tv.<br /><br />Sound City: Agree, not an essential watch. But it was fun hearing all the anecdotes, and realizing just how many of those immortal songs were made there. <br /><br />Rust and Bone: I think we agree on this one. It's very impressive filmmaking, but maybe too calculated, since it didn't bowl me over either.<br /><br />The Third Man: Love that theme, and how the opening credits are shot. Also love the backdrop of post war Vienna. And all those shadows! A magnificent looking film, and a really great script as well. Deserves its place in all the best of lists.<br /><br />Daisies: I love films that display this level of inventiveness, and I'm not quite sure why, but I seem to be especially drawn to films with two female leads. The spirit and playfulness of it is mesmerising. Within the first few minutes, I knew it would be an all time favorite.<br /><br />Hiroshima mon amour: You're right, not as visually stunning as Marienbad, but it still has some beautiful scenes. Starts of fascinating but does drag towards the end. It's one I feel I need to watch again at some point.<br /><br />Celine et Julie: Another of my all time favorites. Did you watch this before or after Daisies? Rivette was clearly influenced by Chytilova, as this film displays a lot of that same spirit. I agree that intro is masterful, especially the chase up the steps of Montmartre. Drew me in right away, and even after 3 hours, I didn't want it to end. One thing to note, as is the case in many of his films, there is a great deal of clever wordplay in the dialogue that isn't always accurately translated. If you ran out of patience with this, then I'm not sure if Rivette is a director for you, but if you're willing to try, look up LA BANDE DES QUATRE, or LA BELLE NOISEUSE.<br /><br />Walkabout: Really glad you enjoyed this one too. Agree about the cinematography. It's hypnotic and makes the outback look otherworldly. Also have to say, the bookends of the film are what really ground the story to Agutter's character. <br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00597866901901238462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-51826018028312151942013-05-04T00:27:14.412-07:002013-05-04T00:27:14.412-07:00@Shala: I agree about Marion Cotillard’s performan...@Shala: I agree about Marion Cotillard’s performance, and I think Matthias Schoenaerts has a bright future too. <br />Stories We Tell, difficult to really talk about the family secrets, without spoiling. What I can say is we get to know especially her parent’s on a deeper psychological level, all about their strengths and weaknesses. It’s an excellent doc, but it does feel like eavesdropping on something private.<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-46267117523889417162013-05-04T00:26:23.092-07:002013-05-04T00:26:23.092-07:00@Ruth: Yes, the cinematography is beautiful in The...@Ruth: Yes, the cinematography is beautiful in The Hunt. Hope you like It Happened One Night. Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-79922968438728400202013-05-04T00:25:18.931-07:002013-05-04T00:25:18.931-07:00@Josh: I was surprised too how much I enjoyed Pine...@Josh: I was surprised too how much I enjoyed Pines-maybe because I am a similar age (early 30s) as the characters, it struck a chord. Also curious about how it holds up on rewatch, I think Pines may have potential to become a future classic. Mona Lisa is really good, glad you liked it as well.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-81159926924476460972013-05-03T14:33:04.012-07:002013-05-03T14:33:04.012-07:00I'm glad I got to see The Hunt on the big scre...I'm glad I got to see The Hunt on the big screen, the cinematography is quite beautiful. Yeah, I can't wait to see It Happened One Night pretty soon!ruthhttp://flixchatter.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-1356254782661652382013-05-03T12:53:10.341-07:002013-05-03T12:53:10.341-07:00I also was not blown away by "Rust and Bone&q...I also was not blown away by "Rust and Bone" though I will admit that Cotillard performance was really good. <br /><br />I was kinda interested in seeing "Stories We Tell" though I really don't watch docs; as you mentioned, it eludes to the fact that she was revealing all kinds of family secrets... what kind of stuff did she mention?Shalahttp://life-between-films.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-3792401710637510032013-05-03T10:36:31.846-07:002013-05-03T10:36:31.846-07:00Awesome month of films, Chris. Surprised you liked...Awesome month of films, Chris. Surprised you liked The Place Beyond the Pines so much. I can't wait to give it a second look.<br /><br />Glad you watched (and enjoyed) so many classics. Since I saw Mona Lisa, I still listen to "In Too Deep" a few times a week. It's very memorable in the film, for sure.Joshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08596682195753811295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-18093714023255142622013-05-03T02:05:41.249-07:002013-05-03T02:05:41.249-07:00@SDG: Yes I saw quite a few :) It Happened One Nig...@SDG: Yes I saw quite a few :) It Happened One Night is certainly still good, despite being a genre film. I love The General equally as much as Sherlock Jr, and I can’t wait to delve into more of Buster Keaton’s classics. <br />Yes, that sort of plain story in Shadow of a Doubt did keep me interested, I noticed Flixchatter just reviewed it. <br />They are a bit similar Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, both are wordy film noir with H Bogart, so that makes sense you mix them up. <br />Hope you like those documentaries and films you haven’t seen yet.<br />Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-26242094537911822013-05-02T08:31:46.157-07:002013-05-02T08:31:46.157-07:00Lot of movies, you saw this month. :)
It Happened...Lot of movies, you saw this month. :)<br /><br />It Happened one Night: It's very typical Rom-Com, one that we take for granted these days. But still, I think it was done right and I like it.<br />Sherlock Jr.: Everyone seems to love it, except me. I am still hanging on to The General as Keaton's best.<br />Shadow of a Doubt: You are right, there is nothing extraordinary in it. But that's what surprised me that this sort of plain story was able to keep me interested till the very end.<br />Rashomon: Glad you liked it. My favourite Kurosawa and one of my all time favourites.<br />The Big Sleep: Funny thing about it is I have seen it some time ago but for some reason, I have it mixed up with The Maltese Falcon so much that I never remember which one's which now. Silly Me! :)<br /><br />I would love to see Stories We Tell and Room 237. I have heard a lot of things about them. Some of the conspiracy theories in Room 237 I heard are seriously wacky. Would also love to get my hands on Z and Anatomy of Murder. I have been waiting for quite some time.SDGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09331736603243732602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1619249406686227577.post-67935107550148645032013-05-02T00:48:07.962-07:002013-05-02T00:48:07.962-07:00@Ruth: Thank you! It Happened One Night deserves t...@Ruth: Thank you! It Happened One Night deserves the classic tag, I think you’d enjoy it. <br />Yes, I’ve seen The Hunt, out on dvd over here, and indeed very good, I’ll take a look at your review.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395044055566348346noreply@blogger.com