Blinded By the Light I went to see this today not expecting much, but I loved it. I’m not a big Springsteen fan, but I could totally relate to having your world suddenly rocked unexpectedly by music, and also traveling to another country to see where your idol is from! It was also interesting to me to see a place I go to fairly often without giving it a thought (Asbury Park) through the eyes of someone on a musical pilgrimage. If you have ever had your life changed by a particular artist’s music, you should see this film.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette Tedious film in which Cate Blanchett, who I usually think is great, plays the one of the most annoying, unsympathetic characters I’ve ever seen. I considered walking out halfway through, but I hate doing that and figured it might get better. The only thing that got better was the scenery, which changed from dreary Seattle to beautiful ice sheets and cute penguins. I am truly starting to think that Richard Linklater’s wonderful Before trilogy was an aberration.
Over the last fortnight: Apollo 11 The Gift: The Journey of Johnny Cash - a beautifully-executed portrait of the Man in Black by Thom Zimny Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound - recommended for all SHF members! Meeting Gorbachev - the Russian 'Fog of War'. Essential. Amazing Grace The Art of Self-Defense - offbeat, humorous, nice twist at the end Peterloo Sorry We Missed You - brilliant social commentary from Ken Loach: zero hour contracts laid bare. La Belle Epoque - lovely bit of escapism Once Upon a Time in Hollywood An embarrassment of riches.
Luce I really liked this film about a star high school student who may or may not have the good character everyone thinks he has. Outstanding performances all around (Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Octavia Spencer, and the kid, Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) and a very thought provoking commentary on race in the U.S., and what a parent will or should do to protect their child.
Stratford Company's production of The Tempest. Really solid version. The lead was no Mirren, but she was really good.
Yesterday. One expects more from Danny Boyle, or something at least a bit different, but it's an OK pop trifle.
I stopped watching movies in theaters a LONG time ago. The last one was Star Wars episode 2 when it first came out - back in the day when they used real film and there was only one marvelous screen at the Cinerama in Seattle.. However, I did make a special exception and, just a couple of months ago, watched Unplanned. Great movie. Lousy viewing experience.
He runs hot and cold, but he is constantly trying different things, to his credit. Bernie was terrific, and his rotoscoped movies Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly are fascinating experiments (the latter is the only time Philip K. Dick's writing has really been done well on film.)
Heh. I didn't post WHY I haven't gone in years. I do have a list of reasons, if you want to see them.
I was just having fun. BTW, I forgot Warhorse. I saw it in the theater when it came out. My wife really wanted to see it. I thought it was an awful movie. Oddly, we watched it again at home on Netflix a few weeks ago and I was blown away by it. I dunno what was going on.
I'd say there are other good films based on his work, but A Scanner Darkly is by far the most faithful to the original material.
Great films that use his writing as source material, but most of them toss a considerable amount out.
I have only walked out of two films. That was one of them. The scene with all the dead horses...couldn’t take it.
Chris, did you see Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and did you (and your wife) enjoy it? Best film I’ve seen in a long time.