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Reviews
American Beauty (1999)
Tragic & Funny
Hard to say if I loved this film or not. I've seen it now at least four times. There's a fantastic script for its time. Good performances from the actors.
Sadly, every TV show and other indie film has copied so much from it's mood and pacing that it's dulled down the original work. I could barely get through the fourth viewing. It sits like a reference point for so many other TV plots that go nowhere.
Sam Mendes still hasn't been in this kind of form since.
Ball's writing never returned to this level either. It's quite tragic and funny, actually. Think about it.
Flirting with Anthony (2005)
No commentary?
I don't have any idea what I just watched. I can easily write it off as a poorly made film but I feel compelled to find out more about why it's so strangely conceived. The film's website is currently down with some strange note on it. I'm rather curious about this film.
I saw Flirting with Anthony back to back with another gay film called Sun Kissed two weekends ago. I've watched one again and returned the other to the store. I watched Flirting with Anthony again and again. It's a funky movie. Mix one part sex, road trip, early 20s romance and you'll start to describe it. I found myself liking what I saw but the film is oddly paced and disjointed. The soundtrack is remarkable. There's a sticker on the box that says adults only and I think that's how I'd describe it. Daniel Cartier does a fantastic job and the cameos are really nicely spread out through the movie. Still don't know what to make of it.
Shiner (2004)
Rather Erotic and Funny
I quite enjoyed it. I came by the screener doing some volunteer work for a film festival and then saw it again on amazon. I was curious what all the fuss was about.
I have to say it was quite funny and very erotic in some parts. I can see why there are such strong feelings about the film. The picture is stark and the soundtrack is fine. The dialog script comes as a surprise at times. The film dares to mix a rather morbid story with some childish jokes. The surprise is that it all works nicely.
David Zelina and Nicholas T. King deliver a real punch with their roles. Forgive the pun.