Comedy Quaddafi wrote:
Berberian Sound Studio (2012) - Plays as a slightly surreal drama about a goofy Brit who does some audio-work to a horrorfilm made by tempramental Italians who generally give him a really hard time. The film looks rather slick and the actors all do their jobs, there are some funny moments too. But this isn't a horrorfilm really, which I was expecting, but if you want to watch a well-made film about some clashes of culture which also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the audio-work was being done back then (still is?) then this good value.
It's not a horror film, it's a Santini film.
Just finished watching Berberian Sound Studio. Agree with many of your points, CQ, but from the sound of it, I think I enjoyed it a lot more than you did, certainly deserves a spot in my personal Best of 2012. Toby Jones was awesome in this. Impressed me by how much he conveyed with so minimal dialogue and was reliant on playing it physically and emotionally. Without going into spoilers, I loved how he gradually evolved from this British reserved timid guy into something else. Don't think you need to have a knowledge of Italian genre cinema of the seventies to enjoy this film, but it certainly has an almost pornographic level of affection for sound engineering mixed with Lynchian surrealism. The sound was awesome coming out of my speakers, loved the cabbage stabbing. The whole culture clash thing was entertaining throughout, and I liked how it lead from being very comical initially, to something much darker on a psychological level. Great film and yeah, this qualifies for old school psychological horror in my book. Peter Strickland ought to make The Equestrian Vortex as an actual follow-up and companion piece.
Spartan wrote:It's not a horror film, it's a Santini film.
The self-important director-rant is the funniest part of the movie. Really nailed it.
There's a great deal to piece together and it's a movie I will return to. I loved the audio-fetischism and vegetable-massacres too. But did you not find the end to be a bit disappointing?
Forgot to mention how hot that Greek bond-babe looked.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
Comedy Quaddafi wrote:
There's a great deal to piece together and it's a movie I will return to. I loved the audio-fetischism and vegetable-massacres too. But did you not find the end to be a bit disappointing?
Abrupt? Yes. Disappointing? No.
The ending is intentionally ambiguous, depending on how you interpreted the rest of the film; in particular, the film looping back and altering the sequencing, dubbing and narrative.
I read it as two possible scenarios:
Gilderoy's obsession with sound is what keeps him stable, finding refuge in sound recordings that remind him of home. The unorthodox work conditions in the sound studio and the hostility he faced, interfere and eventually take hold of his mental well being. His mother's small talk letters get more and more gloomy with the second (or possibly first, depending on how you see it) Theresa, reciting lines from the last letter. By the end of the film, he's so far gone and completely consumed by Santini's film.
Alternatively, you could see it as Gilderoy still asleep in his garden shed back in England; "Slept through the entire flight"; accounts had no record of his flight from England to Italy; the grape scene with him and Santini (a reference to Alice in Wonderland, perhaps). The film's climax with the light could be interpreted as him finally waking up from his vivid dream.
Not saying I completely understood the film, but I was left with the impression that Strickland strived for the viewer to experience the film first and foremost, rather than propel a conventional narrative plot.
Good analysis of the possible meanings. It's not impossible that Strickland wanted both the interpretations you speak of to coexist. I have a feeling that was the intention.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
Ought to add... After watching a few interviews with him talking about the film, I'm convinced he can't tie his shoe laces without getting into some type of existential quandary.
[quote="Spartan"]How did you read into the film, CQ?[quote]
Didn't see the question before now. Nothing beyond a very basic reading.
Gilderoy is a timid and conservative man who is forced to question his existence and outlook when confronted with more exotic surroundings and the kind of brutality in the film which is something his mum has sheltered him from his whole life. Instead of standing up to himself he becomes a sadistic little fucker due to the strain on his psyche. And all of it could possibly be some sort of Freudian-dream.
Bohachi: Clan of the Forgotten Eight (1973) - A must-see for fans of naked Japanese women. It's absurd, pick any random moment in the movie and there's an 80% chance there will be boobs on screen. Anyway, it's a fun film which I would rank just below the Scorpion-films in terms of the best of Japanese 70's exploitation. The film is about a nihilist ronin who joins the Bohachi Clan which traffics women and prides itself on having no morals. The end is incredibly stylish and takes a dream-like turn.
Looper (2012) - It's okay but a great deal of momentum is lost when JGL arrives to the farm. For some reason the movie just didn't seem very believable to me. And they do try their best to avoid going in to details about the timetravel-mindfucks, which is probably for the better. There are some cool scenes though, and the movie deserves props for bringing something original to the table in a year where franchises dominated Hollywood.
Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) - This is intended as a direct sequel to the original film ignoring all other installations of the TCM-saga, which is probably the only spin you could add to it. I was a fan of the 2003-remake and thought the following prequel was sort of okay. This film is about as good as the remake and should be seen by TCM-fans who haven't already decided that they hate the movie before seeing it. Alexandra Daddario is fine as the female lead, not to mention ridiculously attractive (no nudity though - why not just hire an actress who is willing to take her top off? It's not as if shes irreplaceable). Trey Songz is also in this and hes terrible. As is the slutty friend. But it doesn't matter much. The story takes a great chance but it's worth commending that the movie actually has a story. Some will hate it, but I thought it was decent. It's hard to ignore how stupid some of the scenes are, it's bordering offensive but allrite. Daddario delivers what will go down as the cheesiest line in 2013. The 3D is fun in some parts but more or less unnecessary. Everyone at the theater seemed to have a great time and everything got lots of laughs. Including a kill which was more brutal than what you'd expect from a film like this.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
Didn't see the question before now. Nothing beyond a very basic reading.
Gilderoy is a timid and conservative man who is forced to question his existence and outlook when confronted with more exotic surroundings and the kind of brutality in the film which is something his mum has sheltered him from his whole life. Instead of standing up to himself he becomes a sadistic little fucker due to the strain on his psyche. And all of it could possibly be some sort of Freudian-dream.
That's a pretty solid theory. Watched it again over the weekend, this time with Strickland's commentary. He essentially had no clue about the ending either and confirmed my suspicions that the film is meant to be completely ambiguous and be treated as an experience rather than anything else.
TC 3D - Usually wary of horror flicks released around the new year. The word is out, it's pretty terrible but I'll check it out since you've given it the thumbs up.
Bohachi 8 - I've seen but I can barely remember if i liked it or not.
I probably should have known that BSS wasn't a neo-giallo as I was lead to believe, would have made it easier to enjoy it without waiting for something that wasn't going to happen. So I'll definitely give it another look.
The new TCM is terrible. But it's good-terrible IMO.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
Dredd - Emphatically cosign all of Spartan's praise for this. I'd put it just a tiny notch below The Raid, only because I enjoy seeing people get kicked in the face a tiny bit more than seeing people shot in the face. My only complaint here actually mirrors my only complain about The Raid - they could've put a little bit more effort into coming up with cooler/more varied villains. Like maybe there was a bad guy mutant to match the rookie on some psychic shit (I was hoping they would use the kid with robot eyes for this.) Otherwise this shit is glorious and highly recommended. I'm really really mad for missing this in theaters, since the slo-mo stuff is obviously meant for 3D and looks like it would be glorious.
Dredd is Dredd. He done do that slo-mo shit and he would personally sentence himself to twenty years on Titan.
As for a suitable villain, I think Garland & Travis initially set out for a 'day in the life of a Judge' type deal and focusing on what Dredd the man is all about. They along with Urban - nailed it! Possible big name villain in the sequel, although that'll never happen now.
I've only read a little bit of it, def gotta read more.
I didn't mind Mama and the evil Judges, they were dope. But it would've been nice to see more varied henchmen. Avon was cool but he doesn't really do much. Give me a 3-armed mutant or some braindead giant that crushes skulls like walnuts, just a little something to break up the routine of guys in hoodies getting splattered by the dozens.
The Blues Brothers (1980) - For the last few years I started a tradition where I would watch a highly praised film that I had never seen before as my first film of the year. Last year it was Dazed and Confused and the year before that was Fight Club.
I have no idea why it has taken me all these years to finally see Jake and Elwood attempt to save the orphanage they grew up in.
This was so much fun to watch. It’s one of those films where you know everyone who saw it in theaters 33 years ago all had a great time. The comedy, the car chases, the music, and the amazing cameo appearances. It had everything.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) - I know I’m in the minority, but I did not like this...at all. I wanted to like it, I really did. I would not have watched it if I didn’t. I realize every character is supposed to be over the top. I got that, it’s just that the jokes seemed forced/expected. I honestly only laughed once, and that was when Luke Wilson had his arm ripped off for the second time. Oh, I also liked when they showed an outtake from Smokey and the Bandit II in the closing credits for no reason, other than an homage.
While everyone will be looking forward to the return of Ron Burgundy, I can safely say that is one sequel I will not be seeing.
The Driver (1978) - I never heard of this film until after I had seen Drive. That is when I started hearing that it heavily influenced Refn’s film.
My cable company recently removed FOX Movie Channel from the movie package and now made it a part of the basic HD package. So, when I saw it was airing between the hours of 3a-3p (only time the movies are commercial free), I DVR’d it.
This is pretty much like Drive, but much less violent and without the 80’s sounding score.
I liked it a lot and wonder if I would’ve liked Drive less had I seen this one first.
Skyfall (2012) - My second time seeing this. The first was in IMAX. I now can appreciate how much better the experience is in IMAX. Not taking anything away from the film, it stands on its own just fine. So good to see a Bond film that’s entertaining throughout. There have been many duds in the 50 years of Bond, the majority of those within the last 20+ years. I hope the momentum of this one carries on to the next Bond film. I’m certainly looking forward to it.
Night of the Creeps (1986) - Of all channels, Turner Classic Movies played this one one Friday night as part of their weekly TCM Underground series.
I had remembered posting about its release on Blu-ray in one of my DVD Picks threads and a few people replied that they were looking forward to it.
This pretty much summed up all 1980s B-Movies. Silly plot, cheesy dialog, nudity, and, oh yeah, entertaining.
As bad as it was, it was still a lot of fun to sit through.
The Brothers McMullen (1995) - Drama about 3 adult brothers, all living together while each struggles with personal issues. One brother is incapable of falling in love, another lets being a Catholic get in the way of a love life, and the 3rd brother, whose house they all live in, is cheating on his wife.
It was alright. The acting seemed a little stiff. Felt like a student film.
Ministry of Fear (1943) - A man released from an asylum accidentally uncovers a Nazi spy ring.
I’m a sucker for films revolving around Nazi’s (well, not the pro-Nazi agenda ones). This was a good Nazi-noir type film.
Midnight Run (1988) - Robert DeNiro plays a bounty hunter assigned to track down an accountant who has skipped bail. This accountant also happens to be wanted by the mafia, as well as a competing bounty hunter.
This one was a lot of fun.
Life of Pi (2012) - Never been a fan of 3-D, but I knew by the time this left theaters I would have no interest in ever seeing it. So, on the day that it received 11 Academy Award nominations, I decided to go and see it before it was too late.
I was not familiar with the book and had only heard that it was virtually unfilmable. I have no idea if anything from the book was changed or omitted, but I found this to be visually stunning.
I can’t imagine waiting for this on DVD or Netflix. If you don’t see this in 3-D, the way the director intended, you are truly missing out.
Leatherface (1990) - This third movie ignores the previous sequel but retreads familiar territory. It's a somewhat decent attempt but was villified upon release for being too tame. The uncut version has surfaced since then but I don't quite understand why a rather tame movie had to be toned down further. It probably has to do with the movie-discourse back then. It's fun to see Viggo Mortensen as a crazed Sawyer, though he doesn't look entirely comfortable.
Captivithy (2007) - I mistakenly thought this was another movie, Vacancy, so I stayed up to catch it on TV. Decided to stick with it for some reason eventhough it was obviously a bit crap. Elise Cuthbert is a terrible actress. Why is the standard for American actresses (or even actors) so embarassingly low? There must be some talented women out there wondering why someone like her keeps getting roles. Anyway, the gimmick or twist is a bit predictable but it's actually fun enough and could have worked if there was competent people involved in the production of this movie, but alas.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
All the fun of a Dumas swashbuckler + Welles racking up wacky accents and giving the crazy eye to everything in sight as a revenge-mad gypsy hypnotist (!!!). Aside from slight lull in the second act where the intrigues get a bit too twisted and start to drag, this shit is a total blast. Welles' casting is incredibly perfect, the protagonist's raging egomania echoes not only Welles' own personality but also lines up neatly with Charles Kane's too. Even the character's arc loosely matches up, he starts as a righteous crusader, then becomes consumed by his own excesses and obsessions.
Django (1966) - This is a proper man-film about Django who intends to clean up in a conflict between Mexicans and some KKK-esque gang of white Americans. I bought this a long time ago and never got around to seeing it, but had to after seeing Django Unchained. It's hard to say which is the better movie and it doesn't make much sense to compare them, but this is a very iconic and fast-paced, fun western.
The Imposter (2012) - Docu about an identity-stealing Frenchman who manages to hustle his way in to an American family. Towards the end there is hint of something sinister at play and it was rather interesting to guess what actually happened. It's a compelling film with much going for it and a story which will interest pretty much everyone. I would have prefered to have been spared some details in favor of some talk about the psychological factors at play, but it's probably wise to just tell the story and let us judge.
Whether to Jason of Philaflava or John Podesta, I will speak my fucking perspective openly
- MB
Jayou Ayen wrote:Bought Sucker Punch a while ago, finally watched it.
-What the fuck? This shit is Chicago for CGI fanboys.
Wasting $5 never felt so bad.
Jayou Ayen wrote:Bought Sucker Punch a while ago, finally watched it.
-What the fuck? This shit is Chicago for CGI fanboys.
Wasting $5 never felt so bad.
trying to get your own movie poster huh
The game has changed, bro.
Tell me I'm wrong though. I'm glad no one saw me watching that shit.
I think I'm the only poster here that didn't mind Sucker Punch. Thought it was an entertaining waste of time.
Its certainly not a good movie in any real way, but its a pretty looking train wreck with lots of girls whose buttholes i would lick.
