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zachlen48
Reviews
Brüno (2009)
Truth be told
When dealing with the mind of someone like a Sasha Barron Cohen one needs to realize there will be moments of greatness and others that simply do not work. This man is ruthless and fearless. No one can touch his vulgar audacity. Having said all that I found Bruno compared to Borat more vulgar,more staged,more fake,more shocking and less enthralling.The chances he takes, the places he will go for that outrageous laugh must be admired.
If what Truman Capote once said is true, which I believe it is,"GOOD TASTE IS THE DEATH OF ART" then Bruno is a masterpiece.Might take us all a while to realize it but there you have it.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
brilliance abounds
Having never been a huge fan of Tim Burton's past works with the exception of ED WOOD and BIG FISH. I have usually found his work empty of what makes a film interesting for me. They are always full of style but totally void of anything resembling substance. Needless to say I was very skeptical of his taking SWEENEY TODD to the big screen.Glad to say how wrong I was. The film is stupendous from every department. Production Design,Costume Design, Cinematography, all hitting their marks with horrific beauty. As for the people claiming that the singing voices were weak, they have no clue as to the concept of the brilliant Lyrics and Music of Stephan Sondheim.The score was always meant to be Spoken/sung adding to the darkness of the story.Any other way it would have been down right silly. As for Johnny Depp, never has he been better. For an actor to take a role of a serial killer and manage to have the audience understand and feel his pain is to be admired. His spirit has so been destroyed,his revenge seems justified.There is however one last final betrayal that makes what has preceded even the more tragic. A truly great achievement for all.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)
Great acting --- BUT---To ridiculous and unbelievable
This was for me one of the slowest, ponderous,ridiculous,convoluted,badly photographed,badly designed major films in recent memory. There were far too many things within the screenplay that removed me from the reality that this film so strived for. First off the opening scene alone almost made me puke.As much as I admire Philip Seymour Hoffman as an actor, to have to be submitted to watching his flabby,fat,pink flesh,pounding,sodomizing his wife,in one long static shot,hearing his fat flesh banging Marisa Tomei's ass should have been enough to send me running for the exit. Being with friends I stayed.
What was with the gay drug dealer, with an open safe in his closet? Unbelievable to say the least.Also from the look of his flat this was a upper class apartment building with a Door Man and probably surveillance cameras, but that did not stop the brothers from murdering and robbing.
Ethan Hawke was terrific here,the bestperformance I have seen from him, but as he goes through hell cleaning any prints left from the rented car, we then see him return the car, opening the door and closing the door with his bare hands,leaving prints.
Wardrobe: Tomei's character wears a black cocktail dress to her mother in laws funeral with a plunging neckline, tits, beautiful tits, far too exposed. As an actress she should have known better or perhaps it was her demands wanting to look sexy.
When Albert Finney tries to leave a lower east side street after a murder has been reported he drives off coming head on with the police.He then backs up to find the police behind him.I would think any police would find these actions very suspicious to say the least. Also his crashing his car into a Police Vehicle outside the station would also cause some alarm within the station only a few feet away from the sound of the crash. Now forthe biggest plot flaw of all. For any audience to believe that Andy would leave his business card with this crooked diamond dealer really needs to question their personal logic. There are so many more stupid things happening in this film, far too many to consider this film anyhing near great.
Across the Universe (2007)
Forget Moulin Rouge and Hair
This film does have similarities to both Moulin Rouge and Hair, however never have I seen a film which pays homage to sadly a long forgotten genius of cinema that being Ken Russell. Julie Taymor must have seen every Ken Russell film and loved the sheer audacity and creativity that seemed to have gotten lost in the critics eyes. A sad lot they are. Ms. Taymore it seems, was ,is and hopefully will in the future continue to expand where Russell left off. There are far too many scenes, shots, camera angles, themes, to mention but should you admire what Russell did in the 70's you must go see this film. Taymor must be credited for taking a chance in the making of this. It may not be your cup of tea, but If you can not appreciate this film for what it is, then you know nothing about the art of film making. From Production Design, Art Direction, Props, Costumes, cinematography , all shine in this instant classic.
Once (2007)
A Musical it is not. A film it is not.An audition tape is what it is.
Don't let anyone fool you. As sweet as Once is it is certainly not a Musical. What it is, is one long and boring audition video with a weak story thrown in. Granted, the male lead has great moments of both acting and singing, but to call this film a great love story is pushing it. Slow does not come close to describing this semi noble try. As a TV docudrama it might work on a small screen, but the quality of the film making here does not warrant a big screen. For all the hype and fuss I certainly expected much more.
There is even a scene where the male lead shows up with a huge hickie on his neck. This during a love story where the two supposed lovers have not yet been intimate.So, who was asucking on his neck????
Maybe the film was meant to be a mystery.LOL
I had always thought of a musical to be a story in which the musical pieces advance the telling of the story. Here we have a guy writing songs totally independent of the actual story within the film.
Critics love making fools of the public. This is a perfect example.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
what a waste of film stock
There were simply too many things I hated about this film for it to be anywhere near the grades people here have given this ridiculous movie. I almost got up and left when they, the film makers, tried to pass off Bourne giving CPR to a woman while under water. If you can swallow that then there is nothing more to say. Also, I am willing to bet that this film has more cuts edited together than any other film in history.This is the sort of film I loath being that it was made in the cutting room and not a clear vision of anyone in particular, usually the director. No one could have had a clue as to the out come of this film until the editor got his hands on it. Not my idea of great film making.
There was a time I would see anything with Matt Damon,because of the smart roles he chose. This film is a perfect example of how the public has been dumbed down by this sort of rubbish.
As for Joan Allen,she better eat something. She is painfully thin to look at.
24: Day 6: 8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. (2007)
Best TV in my memory
Two nights ago, Sunday, I watched the new season of 24 and was compelled to watch the next 2 hrs Monday, of the new season.
What is it about this show that makes time fly by so quickly. Having been in the film industry for 30 years, never have I been so totally involved in a 2 hour sitting, at home mind you, where the time goes by so quickly that by the finale all I can think of is, WHY FEATURE FILMS SEEM TO TAKE SO MUCH LONGER IN TELLING THE STORY NEEDED TO BE TOLD. I walk out of some films feeling I have spent half of my day sitting, watching,listening,to what amounts to usually a big waste of time.
This show,24,on Television,has been able to do what the art of film making was meant to do, which is to enlighten, entertain,enthrall,and take us to a place that does not insult ones integrity or intelligence as most feature films have done.
Where are all the great film makers of the past, who took chances
chances despite the repercussions of critics. Today, many Feature Films in their early state, are viewed to audiences for their pedestrian opinions as to many details. How sad that there are so few real artists in the Industry today.
So, here is my point, 24, IS, without doubt, a TV show that even within the restrictions of TV censors has accomplished a series of superb quality, within the restrictions of TV censors, and still remaining true to the subject and its integrity.
The Needs of Kim Stanley
Why has this not been made available???????????
Anyone with information as to how I may get a copy , PLEASE, PLEASE send me a message. Kim Stanley is, in my opinion, one of the all time forgotten greats in Dramatic Arts. Again, I beg anyone to help me get a copy. I would do the same for you. As a matter of fact I have sent strangers copies of films I own no longer available. Also, should anyone reading this have a copy of a Ben Casey 2 parter, directed by Sidney Pollack called, A Carnal Act of Mercy, let me know. I will send you my first born. Just kidding of course.
I have actually worked with some of the people involved with this, one being Shirley Knight. Should anyone know how to reach her,I lost contact having left L.A. I was the designer on a film she did with Nastassia Kinski and Gabreal Byrne.That should be enough to remind her.
Sin City (2005)
credits on IMDb
just checked the credits for this film which appears to be a film of MUCH style and void of any substance. having not seen it yet perhaps i may be commenting too soon. however, having said that, there is no listing for the person responsible for the costume design.but the listing for effects are endless, but no one is credited for the costumes. are we to expect that the actors dressed themselves. being a costume designer it seems to be getting worse year after year when designers are literally at the bottom of the scale and salary when in fact if the job is well done it adds to the character and performance to the actor. personally i have been told by actors that the clothes i designed for the role they were playing defined them so much that they felt as if they need not have spoken a word.
for any production company to exclude the costume designer in their credits is a film i for one am not interested in seeing. how pathetic.
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
The Worst
This has to be one of the worst conceived musicals ever.there is no blame here to the performers. All the blame for this fiasco is in the hands of the director , Joel Schumacher. He hasn't a clue as to how to structure a scene to find its meaning. Its all so over done that nothing moves you as it goes on and on and on. It is clear that the man has no soul which is something I have thought from his first film.The opening looks like MOULIN ROUGE, then it switches to grainy black and white which looks like out takes from ELEPHANT MAN.Then later on he has a flash back to the early years of the phantom which becomes almost laughable in its depiction of the boy as John Merrick. How this director continues to get funds to make films is a mystery. He should go back to decorating windows at Henri Bendel's in NYC, where he started. Every person in this film might as well been a mannequin.this film has no heart, soul or substance.a bigger waste of 90 million dollars there has never been.
i wanted so much to like this but it fails miserably this might be the death of future musicals.
where is Ken Russell when you need him.
The Polar Express (2004)
MUST BE SEEN IN 3-D AT IMAX
to see a film in its best presentation is not always possible. THE POLAR EXPRESS at IMAX in 3-D is the only way to appreciate this film. even if you need to travel miles to see it presented this way it will be worth the journey. besides it being the best 3-D i've ever seen it is without doubt one of the years best.tom hanks will get a nomination as should the cinematography, costume design, production design etc.i am not an animation fan but the work here is astounding.every detail from dirty windows on the train, reflections in glass,are done with such precision and care that it is mindboggling. there are so many details here,too many to remember.a great artistic achievement by all involved.
The 24th Day (2004)
some added quotes
great review.very well stated.
since quotes have been added i thought i'd include some of my favorites.
TOM,explaining to DAN how he plans on killing him if the test comes back positive.
TOM I'm gonna cut your throat and your going to bleed to death.
DAN And you're just going to stand there? Blood spilling all over? You have that inside you? You could do that to another human being.
TOM NO, I couldn't do that to another human being. But I can do it to you.
In another scene Tom is trying to defend his masculinity for when he had that one night stand with Dan five years earlier.
TOM And for the record;one night together was a one time deal for me.One night doesn't make me anything.
DAN You're absolutely right. Just like if i slept with a woman it wouldn't make me straight.
TOM You could screw a week's full of playmates it wouldn't make you straight.
some great writing here. this film IS great. should not be missed.
the strange thing about this film and the brutal honesty in dealing with this subject is that theatre owners were in fear of it being considered homophobic as some critics have indeed written.
this is proof that political correctness IS a dangerous thing when certain truths must be avoided for fear of upsetting a few radical gay rights advocates. any gay person watching and listening to this little brave masterpiece and finds it remotely homophobic is living in total denial.
this film holds up a mirror and many will not like the reflection looking back.
The Buried Secret of M. Night Shyamalan (2004)
a total fake from beginning to end
Although a total fraud this was still a fun watchable 3 hours on a rather boring M night. Having been in the film biz for more than 25 years,I'd like to explain. There is a scene in the early morning in a field which has a sub-title,"ONE HOUR BEFORE CREW CALL". There in the field we find M NIGHT walking in the field with a dozen or so black crows for company. For anyone in the industry a director never arrives at the time of the crew call let alone one hour before. Also if this was one hour before crew call it would have been 5:00am and still dark. ON a film such as THE VILLAGE the director would arrive 2 to 3 hours after crew. Also if M NIGHT was against this from airing he would never have appeared nor any scenes from his films to be allowed. This was a very smart gimmick to raise interest for the opening of THE VILLAGE.Many people will think this to be real. For those as jaded as I it was just one 3 hour long commercial, with added commercials for THE VILLAGE. This has really made me loose respect for a director I had admired in the past. Should THE VILLAGE not stand on its own then my days of seeing anything by M NIGHT are over. SIGNS was bad enough. UNBREAKABLE even worse.Another failure this early in his career would be the end of wasting my money on this publicity hound.
The Notebook (2004)
THE WORST
call it predictable, sophomoric,clichéd up the ying yang,badly scripted and the worse direction,in a film that could have been lovely.there is not a truthful moment here. everything is so forced and the end result is boring.
questions to ask and remarks #1 who on earth did Gena Rolands make-up and hair? i know of no nursing home that has professional hair and make-up people on staff.this looked ludicrous.also, there was not one old person using a walker or a wheelchair. #2 David Thornton performance as Allies' father was out of a comic book along with Joan Allan as her mother. #3 the costumes were terrible.in the flash back sequences which there were plenty not one woman was wearing slips. WOMEN WORE SLIPS. #4 the only spark of energy is when James Marsden appears.sadly more people will see this piece of trash then another film he is in that is a small indie masterpiece, THE 24th DAY. #5 the only good performance in this mess that WAS truthful and heartbreaking was the widow that Ryan s' character is sleeping with. #6 Allie in her wedding gown soaking in the bathtub was so stupid. #7 Rachel McAdams was so annoying during the first hour i was hoping that someone slap her. #8if you are going to make a period film get your details correct.notice Joan Allans manicure. she has a french manicure, unheard of in the 40's.
i wanted to like this film but that was impossible after 10 minutes .
i could go on but i think i've made my point.
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
horror
this is quite simply put, the greatest horror film ever made. bravo mr moore.hopefully you have opened the eyes of the people of our great nation. it is not too late to right this terrible wrong. we must get bush not only out of office but into a prison never to be heard from again.am i crying at the moon, perhaps.
to say this film is powerful would be a great understatement.i for one went to see this film expecting to loath it and michael moore. i had always thought of him as a propagandistic which still might be true . he has a definite point of view that he conveys brilliantly.the really frightening part is that he was able to convince me and the sold out crowd.
The Brave (1997)
better than expected
years ago i met with the producers of THE BRAVE as the possibilty of being the costume designer in the early stages of getting the film together. i had already been sent the script to read which i always prefer to do before meeting for an interview. when i sat down to discuss the film and its very disturbing subject they said that johnny depp was interested in playing the lead.at the time of this interview there had not yet been a director attached.i remember asking then why they felt the need to make this film.the script i read was very different from the finished film.in the original draft when depp's character meets the man doing the hiring, which in the film is brando, there was a very long disturbing discription as to what they were going to do to him once tied to that chair, which is prominently displayed in the film. it was a told in graphic detail , step by step, as to the torture . it is to depp's credit that as the director he deleted this. on the whole the film is beautifully made , very well acted , but i must ask , why were there so many shots with peoples heads cut off in long shots. it was so well shot in general that these moments where the composition faltered was very disappointing. i kept changing the format from wide screen to all the other choices my tv has to offer and in all formats heads went off the top of the screen. very sloppy for such a well made film. depp certainly has a gift as a director but needs to find a new camera operator should he ever direct another film. i was very impressed by the work in general ,it was better than i had expected.
My Life Without Me (2003)
worst film making in a long time
This has got to be a bad joke for all the acclaim it has received.the script is unbearable.the lighting and camera work unwatchable. This story was done so much better a few years back as a TV movie with Ann-Margret, "WHO WILL LOVE MY CHILDREN".
This is a total piece of crap.
The Music Lovers (1971)
masterpiece
quite possibly one of the greatest films of ALL time.also the most under rated and misunderstood bios ever made. never has a film so flawlessly combined music and image to create the telling of a mans life through his excessively romantic music combined with equally excessive visuals.its highly operatic in its telling and to some over the top. how anyone can say that after listening to the mans music is beyond me.in short this is without doubt my favorite film ever made.
Cold Mountain (2003)
cold mountain is as cold as it's title
this is a film that should be seen ,however there are some details that are very disapointing for a film of this stature. firstly kidmans character when down and out tries to pawn her fathers pocket watch, something that would only be done out of desperation, but later is seen wearing three gold braclets. also the laces and trims used appeared to be modern except for a few that were orignal which made the modern ones stand out. also the last costume kidman wears looks as if she belongs on the calvin klien run way. very distracting.