Reviews
American Violence (2017)
All together a Brave and compelling effort.
Giving it 9 'cause I think it looks better.
The developing back story is compelling and very believable. The violence not over gratuitous, actually below what I was expecting, but excellently screenplay directed. Also, it doesn't preach even though the academics play as preachy characters, you're still left with a unique sense of your own judgement, unique in relation to how this particular movie gives you that. The lecture or the message is more played out in the clever characterised background environments. It does not force you to judge people but suggests the modern culture problem without forcing an emotional conclusion. Truly an excellent and inspiring watch. The acting, especially the main protagonist is truly Oscar material or should be. Support also very good indeed, and its great to see Bruce Dern in this movie playing a great role.
I suppose some of the bad reviews relate to pacing, but thats due to reviewers wanting the opposite of what this movie is about and being uncomfortable with the emotional passages, and/or deeper emotional themes delivered very skillfully indeed - with the music score also set in a well disciplined non-over intrusive style, but certainly not bland.
It is a beautiful work. But I do recommend giving it a good watch. If your looking for something to entertain YOU! you may well be disappointed. Having said that - I highly recommend this movie, you may even gain a healing experience or a re-awakening of a very gentle, well measured but strong truthful hope.
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
A work of cinematic genius that gives the noun 'Movie' its Capitalization and Classicalization.
So much explored in the psychological hinterland of this eclectic Movie that it beggars description. I will say, however, you will be better of for having watched it. It is without a shadow of a doubt in that rare genre. It is original and yet classical and contemporary at the same time.
One point on reviews: Somewhat early on - around the 'bar scene' I realized that the musical craft in this Movie is profound - Masterful, and in a sense will leave you stunned at the banality of so much cinematic musak gloss that our ears have become deadened by. My background theatrically is exactly that - Music - so I can't speak with compelling authority on the cinematic accomplishments of this Movie,but having seen it I know there are many, and many reviewers here have commented. However, I also know from experience and instinctively that the musicology employed and then ultimately delivered, made this story telling cinematic glory what it was-is. And it is simply that, that's what is so astonishing about its accomplishment, it is simply, a tale. But told in a way that delivers extraordinary contemplative satisfaction to the audience. One that will stay with you for some time.
Honestly, it is Original, non-invasive and awe-inspiring at the same time. Perhaps a new bar has been set.
Also, some reviewers have expressed disappointment at a sense of inertia toward the end of the Movie, however I believe this development is necessary as it underscores the terrifying human weakness before the trappings of an institutionalism that enslaves. Its pace succeeds in my view because I feel inspired, even empowered to turn away from every dark force a monstrous institution may present to me, especially marked at the end. And the argument very much ingeniously juxtaposed; the two institutions being the isolationism of the cursed village Vs the soul sucking gloom of corporate 'life'. Therefore a 'cure' for 'wellness'. A Masterpiece in my view.
Aus.
Be Afraid (2017)
Glossy production but disjointed plot
saw this on Netflix.
I think what lets this movie down is the effort to link a number of monster/scary themes in one movie. If you are familiar with "sleep paralysis" phenomenon, alien abduction etc. you'll recognize that theme. However if you've seen Dark Skies and Nightmares, you'll know why this particular plot doesn't really work. The actors are doing their best with it plot/script wise and give great performances all round. The direction is classy but the story is very thin and I found myself about two thirds the way thru losing interest. Some of the elements might motivate a series - its kinda like a bad pilot in a way, though then again perhaps we've spared another endless series ;-)
It's worth watching for the overall production value but if you haven't seen Dark Skies and Nightmare, watch those first.
Aus.
While She Was Out (2008)
Mind flattening cacophony of incomprehension......
It has been a while now since I've seen this movie - rental at local store. I had to wait a while to contemplate the implications of what I had sat through- more than once did I hit the FFS button.
However all is not lost, it does briskly topple over into the abyss of unintentional comedy.
I'm left with the impression that Ms. Bassinger entered this project as a bet with someone, to see if she could involve herself in an incomprehensibly awful movie and emerge with her fan base intact. I conclude she did - if only for the fact that fans will be waiting with inversely invigorated intensity to see what she may do in the future.
It starts uncharacteristically well - the audience is put right on the edge of their seats as the tension ratchets up in the opening scenes in the car park - but what follows is an incredulous catalogue of minus scripting, minus screenplay, and desperate acting, that eventually breaks an involuntary smirk out the side of your mouth, as you begin to pity the actors involved.
I give it 2 because Mdm Bassinger is in it and its soooo bad, its worth watching once just to see what people are talking about.
The Reader (2008)
Certainly a must see...
Because I gave Tropic Thunder 9 - I'm giving them 10. I am a Graboid user - but Graboid links to this site so...
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The Reader.
I feel tired - so I'll keep it short. DEFINITE SPOILERS WITHIN. So read this after you've seen it.
I think the implied hanging is not truthful to the spirit of the film. I may indeed be wrong - but it is unquestionably implied.
Why wasn't she knocked down...? - by a bus or a car? Or perhaps an overdose...? Was she really a nurse..? The conductress aspect lending weight intellectually to the characterization - but - things can be also shown to be just as strict within a hospital regime. Would lend authenticity to an overdose...(a compromise maybe between self-hanging and being knocked down..) But knocked down I would prefer.... She is not like that - to hang herself... she is too fearful, in a survivorist sense - God is Just - In what he allows us to do - though he may not agree..
The music is far too invasive - far to distractionary... it is bad. Lovely music to be sure - lovely, orchestral, - but wrong... Might have suited the end - and may have played a subtle theme, orchestraly ... and therefore disturbed... things... That kate won an Oscar - though her performance is splendid/exceptional - doesn't impress me at all... I expect it came as a substantial shock to her...
Ralph Fiens' character seems like he had Brass Balls to go to so imbittered a Jewess - but it works in the context of Kate's character's suicide, so... If she suffered suicide for that reason - its hard to say - that it was wrong filmatically.... Hmmm - I still lean toward being knocked down - somehow... Might have given the Jewess survivor scene - surrounded by all that wealth - may have given her more anger to work with - something stronger - more emotionality...
So, is it the script ? - the book ? Well...its hardly the project - but is there a book? ..another script..?
All in all - very worth the watch...
The love scenes - well... it should be as hot as that - shouldn't it? Beautiful Bods though..... Acceptibly so, maybe..