Film, media and related arts - subjective contemplation and commentary with consideration of the intrinsic duality, interminable relevance and evolution of each. Exhibition of original and contributed film, art, music and writings.
Friday, December 31, 2021
The Optical Files: An Introduction
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Red Rocket - Featured Film of Interest - Highly Recommended
Monday, December 27, 2021
Relevant PopCorn Quote: Tokyo - Money Heist
“A Lot Of People Believe We Only Find One True Love In Our Lives. But What They Don't Realize Is That We Can Have Several Lives.”
Tokyo (played by Ursula Corbero), Money Heist
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Fan Fun Opinions #02 - Top 10 Worst Films That I Have Ever Seen
Winner of 4 Razzies, well earned |
No more insight into this list of disapproval than that, but it will no doubt leave some bothered, angry, or head scratching. My answer - Don't take it so seriously, it's just my opinion.
Top 10 Worst Films That I Have Ever Seen
Note: This list is comprised of the worst films that I have ever sat through in full. Major releases and films with distribution deals (including indie) are up for consideration. No student films or Festival films without distribution deals will be on the list - well, because that's no fun, it's mean spirited, and it's too easy. Plus, I might have to consider my own work on a list like that, so no way.
10. Walk the Line/I Saw the Light: Pretty much the same film, so ya know... Biopics that belittle the stories of fascinating people by minimizing them to a singularity and narrative-beat formula that misses the entire essence and special significance is an insult to the subject matter and an utterly vapid way to tell a story. You CANNOT tell an entire life in a linear comprehensive style in approximately 115 minutes. It's an absurd concept. How about this, reference Milk, Malcom X, Control, Naked Lunch or numerous others that did it in an innovative and respectful fashion. Sometimes an entire story can even be told through a single moment in a person's life. Imagine that. Even that Churchill film with Gary Oldman figured it out. That's all we needed to know about the man (well, other than the imperialistic tendencies, racism and mysoginy, but I'm sure they'll cover that in the next one).
9. The Holy Mountain: Well, this one is on here for some personal relativity for sure, as well as my formalist analysis of the film itself. This is the arthouse, avant-garde film that everyone seems to reference in conversation when trying to sound sophisticated and versed in edgy cinema. I guess it must pop up on Jeopardy a lot, and the sort. So, I'm tired of folks bringing it up assuming that I MUST adore it because it fits so neatly into my cannon of tastes, apparently. Yes, it has some pretty cool artistic imagery at times, but that is not enough unless maybe your name is Warhol. In reality, it's the most pretentious, self-indulgent, overly self-aware and not self-aware at all, transparently premeditated, "look at me" film that I've ever seen. Self indulgent nonsense that I can't fathom how anyone other than Jodorowsky himself could find value in, but I'm pretty sure he was fine with that - hence the problem. So, after you watched it and shook your head a little and had that thought, "Hmm? I don't think I got it?", I offer you this comfort - Don't sweat it, there was nothing to get. How about you check out Maya Deren, Luis Bunuel, Stan Brackhage, Jonas Mekas, Jean-Luc Godard and Guy Madden and get back to me.
8. Half Baked: Umm, do I really have to explain this one? I mean, Chappell himself thinks it's a giant stinker. I don't know how the stoners of the world weren't the most offended of all. This is the most patronizing and not funny cliche stoner film ever. There should have been a stoner uprising, but I think we all understand why that didn't happen. I hear it's had a bit of a retro-revival currently - that's a shame, and makes no sense. It's still terrible. How about a little Chris Tucker in Friday - now there's a great stoner film.
7. Jurassic Park (1993 original): It stinks. It really really stinks. I should just leave it at that, but I won't. Spielberg should be embarrassed. He should know better, but obviously doesn't. Yes, the special effects were fantastic and even age well, but without a story worth caring about, well, who cares? And, if I ever have to see or hear those screeching children again... Why do folks think casting children as annoying brats is appealing or appropriate? The kids I know are smart as hell and would never behave like those beasts. Umm, casting??? Really??? (with the exception of Goldblum, of course, but he couldn't even save this one). It seems like the masses agree that the sequel was kind of awful, but it's pretty much the same movie as the original, so I don't get the discrepancy in popular reception. My twelve year old nephew totally got how bad this film was on first viewing and humorously noted the weak storyline and characters the entire time, while agreeing that the special effects were cool - So why can't everyone else see it?
6. Plan 9 From Outer Space/Glen or Glenda: Yep, it's the quintessential cliche answer to worst American filmmaker and film ever, but sometimes there's a reason for cliches. The only debate is which is worse between these two "auteurist" Ed Wood films. Now, I don't in anyway think he was the worst filmmaker ever, and I have a sweet spot for ole Ed, hence the no. 6 ranking. He was endearingly honest in his pursuits (honest hearted that is, not necessarily an honest man, ha) though misguided. Glen and Glenda (which was personal to Ed Wood) deserves some credit for even attempting the subject matter in those times. It's actually a bit bewildering that it ever got made, but it's bewildering any of his films got made, and a whole lot did. So, go Ed! You really are an utterly inept filmmaker of the most joyous nature. I think Plan 9 has to take the stinker win between these two, but I'll leave it up for debate.
5. The Island: The only Michael Bay movie that I have ever seen in full. A good film production friend of mine that commonly disagrees with my cinematic perspective (with intelligent, aware fervor) got me to watch this in an attempt to prove that Bay had actual filmmaking chops. Yeah, his attempt backfired terribly. All I can assume is that the others go downhill from here, but I'm not sure how you go much lower. Michael Bay is not a filmmaker. He's something, but not a filmmaker. No need to show a parody or critique for something that does the work for itself. Enjoy.
4. Catwoman: Just a giant piece of %&*# in every regard. Have no idea why it was ever made. Well, yes I do, but it's not good. If I were being completely honest with this list and looking at nothing other than what happens between those four magic lines, this may actually be the "worst film" I have ever seen, period. It won Four Razzies, including Worst Actress for Halle Berry, who impressively embraced the badness.
3. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: How dare you?! Just, how dare you?! I can't even discuss this one comfortably, as it trampled childhood love and magic with the fury that only an old fart Lucas could muster. Yes, I actually blame Lucas more than Spielberg, but both of their hands are dirty, and never shall I forgive them. To understand my full intensity of feelings on this, watch South Park, The China Problem, S12 E8 . I couldn't possibly express it better.
1. Avatar 3D: James Cameron, you take the cake! - but it's digitally generated, so don't try to eat it.
Oh goodness, here we go. I'll try to keep it simple, the way Cameron kept his script - so simple it read like a seventh grader wrote it. And, if a 13 year old had written it, I probably would have given the kid a B, or at least a C plus for effort, but Cameron is a grown man with an enormous budget to play games in front of green screens. Mr. Cameron, what to say. You're just the worst. You may play interesting games once in awhile, but you are no great filmmaker. Not even in the discussion, regardless of what your ego (likely a hologram of Sigourney Weaver) whispers in your ear at night.So, if Avatar had been a digital image experiment, a short to show off technological advancements, or a video game on display at a SXSW tech tent, maybe it would have held up. As a movie, it's the most adolescent and tone deaf attempt at an environmental message ever, and once again, I'm pretty sure it was written by a 13 year old boy named James Cameron. Lucky for everyone, he has spent the last decade or so making "the sequels that nobody asked for." Maybe it'll give me a reason to revise this list.
*Special Mention - Most Recent "worst" film that I've seen: The French Dispatch
Thursday, December 9, 2021
C'mon C'mon - Featured Film of Interest - Highly Recommended
This film is absolutely endearing. Directed by Mike Mills and integrating unique modes of production, aesthetics, and documentary-style inserts, it manages to maintain an intimacy tilting between unavoidable sadness and joyous hope, while never forgetting itself and never losing it's heart. Yes indeed, this one hit just right.
Ever since a little film called Thumbsucker popped up in the mid-2000's, I've been waiting to see just how good Mike Mills can be. Thumbsucker was an excellent little indie film, original and quirky, that to some degree got overlooked, though well received by many critics and festivals. Though it wasn't a film without missteps, it showed enormous hope for his future projects. Then I just lost track of him, and he didn't quite garner the attention that I expected... until now. The way I stated it to a close film ally and friend immediately after leaving the theater was, "Any critic that slams or disregards this film has no soul."
In large, C'mon C'mon is a film of raw honesty that serves as an ode to the intellect and awareness of young people, and the adults that so earnestly stumble, and at times transcend, to guide and raise them in this absurd world. It is shot in pristine black and white that rivals the visual likes of La Haine, and the cinematographer and production designer take full advantage. It's a beautiful film inside and out.
I would be remiss to end comments without noting the performances. To no surprise, Joaquin Phoenix and Gaby Hoffmann gave invested, intimate performances while seeming effortless. Woody Norman could not have been better in a youthful performance for the times, because it just didn't seem like a performance at all.
I had the privilege, and I do mean privilege, of screening C'mom C'mon at the 34th Annual Virginia Film Festival in my sacred, intimate film fest context. Though there was some intensely quality competition in feature length narrative fiction, and admittedly a tough call for me, this film is indeed my favorite of the 2021 VAFF.
Link: C'mon C'mon Film Review (2021), Roger Ebert.com
Saturday, November 27, 2021
A Very Brief Analysis: The French Dispatch by Wes Anderson
VAFF Opening Night Film: The French Dispatch
Thursday, September 16, 2021
The Card Counter - Featured Film of Interest - Highly Recommended
The review below takes an approach and tone worthy of the material, demonstrating a critical manner reminiscent of Bazin, particularly in considering the film within the context of Shrader's body of work and artistic nature. Shrader is apparently not slowing down or falling under the weight of age anymore than Bresson did. I could argue that this film coupled with First Reformed, his last directorial/writing effort, represent some of his finest accomplishments as an auteur. As someone that holds Bresson's films, Notes on the Cinematographer, and the Taxi Driver script as sacred precedents of filmmaking, may I say, extraordinary work, sir. I look forward to what comes next.
Link: The Card Counter Film Review (2021), 'Roger Ebert.com'
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Bressonian Quote #24 - Notes from a Master Filmmaker
"An image must be transformed by contact with other images as is a color by contact with other colors. A blue is not the same blue beside a green, a yellow, a red. No art without transformation" - Robert Bresson
From: Notes sur le Cinematographe/Notes on the Cinematographer (1975)
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Fan Fun Opinions #01 - Top 10 TV/Streaming Show Intros
So, in my opinion, opinions mean absolutely nothing. Well, absolutely nothing as far as useful dialogue or cognitive consideration or problem solving or creativity or personal evolution or evolution of any sort, or really anything of substance or purpose at all. It was once said by a wise man you may have heard of, "Opinion is the wilderness between ignorance and knowledge," or something like that. However... opinions are fun. They're fun to share and banter about with friends and peers and they're fun to sling around in casual socialization, but that's about as far as the usefulness goes. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy the hell out of some good ole opinion banter, as long as we all know that none of it REALLY matters. Inevitably, someone, usually a big David Fincher or James Cameron or Oliver Stone fan, goes and gets the idea that their opinion matters and ruins the fun for all. We're not going to do that here. We know our opinions don't mean a thing, and we rejoice in that freedom and knowledge.
So, with that classy clarification of my general outlook on opinions and their modest purpose at best, I begin this fun little series of random and poorly thought out "top 10" lists. I've always made a point to veer away from such things, just like thumbs up/thumbs down art critique, but both seem inevitable when pop culture intrigue stirs. The dirty and apologetic truth is, I really like "best of" lists when done well, but like good reggae outside of Jamaica, that's rare. With full awareness of my own aimlessness, I enter into this pop culture/film/media nerd venture, well... because I'm a pop culture/film/media nerd, no matter how hard I try to validate myself as a cinephile, filmmaker or academic. Really I'm just a big ole film nerd.
Enjoy our very first Opinionfest installment. By the way, the general standard for my high opinion of Show Intros is typically based on one of three things, or all - it could stand alone as an experimental short film, music meets image, and the tone it sets in relation to the show.
Top 10 TV/Streaming Show Intros or Title Sequences
10. Rick and Morty
9. True Blood
8. Mash
5. The Wire
4. The Expanse
Honorable Mention: Fresh Prince of Bel Air, House of Cards, Mr Robot, South Park, Breaking Bad, Shameless
Extra Special Mention: Fishing With John