Written, Directed, Edited and Cinematography By: Quentin Dupieux
Cast: Jean Dujardin, Adele Haenel, Albert Delpy, Coralie Russier, Marie Bunel
A man’s obsession with his designer deerskin jacket causes him to blow his life savings and turn to crime.
Another tale of a possessed object of sorts
The film could easily be seen as analogue to trying to make a film or in following your dream that seems impossible above all else but you do it anyway. Especially when you try to do it all alone and the crazy situations and deals you find yourself having to manage
Only here though there is filmmaking involved it’s about the destruction of every other jacket in the world and the means he goes through on the way to this impossible task.
While his only confident other than talking to his jacket is hiring a local bartender to edit his films and also since by her to help fund his expenditure.
Though once he goes extreme in his quest it goes overboard but truly by that point it has no more place to go
As even his weapon fo choice is oversized and ridiculously absurd though it does lend itself to showing how a serial killer might think and in his own mind regulate his actions in her make sense to himself
Maybe i just don’t understand french
When it comes to the The films of Quentin Dupieux
I love his style and loved his first film runner and I guess I keep coming back to his films so that there will be another unorthodox one like that but I have also noticed that was his most mainstream and genre film.
His films that have coen after that have stayed absurdist and have elements the to have enjoyed the closest to come to enjoyable since his first has been WRONG. As the other films do far I have found elements of the fun and entertaining but as a whole hasn’t enjoyed the films. A usually there is funny material done awkwardly
Here the lead character is so loathsome in his obsession that is also absurd but half the fun of the fil. Is watching the lengths he will go to achieve his obsession that makes him the singular comedic character while all around are mroe in reality. So it becomes funny to a pony watching his schemes as they get deeper and more outrageous. Though even for a film so short it starts to feel monotonous. Luckily something happens usually to doing them up a bit.
Though there is also that his soundtracks are eclectic and electrifying and the best parts of his films.
The jacket can be seen as his souvenirs/evidence of his kills as well as the reason.
Though also when on This quest for a dream to meet someone who believes in your vision. So that you are. No longer alone. Usually, you attract more people to achieve and believe in the dream but here it becomes so gonzo all it becomes is a team trying to make a great movie that they both believe In.
There is a comeuppance in the end that results in a sequel of sorts or continuation of story, that will not die as easily.
It has a good premise but feels like it falls short maybe because it is small scale.
Directed & Edited By: Lamberto Bava Written By Dardano Sacchetti & Elisa Briganti Editor: Gianlorenzo Battaglia
CAST: Andrea Occhipinti, Anny Papa, Fabiola Toledo, Michele Soavi, Valeria Cavalli
A composer, working in isolation on a score for a horror movie meets two women who used to know his house’s former tenant. When the women disappear, he’s forced to look into the film he’s working on to determine what happened to them, and who’s responsible.
The film is obviously heavily influenced by the movie PSYCHO with a new wave twist.
The film has a good premise. Though could have been worked out a bit better. As it feels like it strives to be artsy yet comes off like a typical slasher in the right hands of a more skilled director. This could have been something worthwhile and noteworthy.
Also the Film seems real into showcasing slitting throats to finish off the female victims
The film does have a good fake-out inventive opening. Which continues throughout the film with plenty of fake scares and mystery suspects and wondering exactly what is going on. It has plenty of set up’s but fails to excite.
The protagonist stays very calm despite his suspicions. The film could have been played up his paranoia stronger to have it be contagious for the audience.
The film has so many pauses and dead moments in between the action. And when the action does happen it feels more schlocky than anything.
The killer’s voice is so creepy and unnerving messes with your thoughts and fears to be much worse than the actual eventual reality
For a movie about a horror movie composer. The main score of this movie is monotonous.
Directed & Story By: Sergio Martino Written By: Sergio Martino & Ernesto Gastaldi Cinematography: Giancarlo Ferrando Editor: Eugenio Alabiti
Cast: Suzy Kendall, Tina Aumont, Luc Merenda, John Richardson, Roberto Bisacco, Ernesto Colli, Angela Covello
A string of appalling lust murders shocks the University of Perugia as a sadistic serial killer strangles to death beautiful college girls with a red and black scarf.
This film is bathed in sex and nudity more than expected. Even though at times the film tries to make it more artistic but still feels excessive.
This should be a teenage boy’s dream in the 1980s and 1990’s before the internet came forward. This is the type of foreign film you were hoping to catch on cable television that the TV guide said contained nudity and sexual situations but was usually more on the artistic side.
This film is more a murder mystery slasher where most of the characters who survive are suspects.
The actors playing college students in this movie all look way too old, but that is to be expected.
In living up to the film’s title, the killer carved up their victims after death. The film makes it feel fetishistic. As the camera and the killers’ hands Roam the victim’s naked body
Usually the torso before dissecting it and poking out the eyes. (Trust me the violence sounds worse in the description than what is shown) other times the camera lingers on the actress’s beauty also bodies.
As a product of The Times when it was released the film is definitely misogynistic. As most of the victims are female and the male victims are either afterthoughts or killed more aggressively and gruesomely. The male characters’ attitudes towards women are just as gruesome.
The final reveal is so ridiculous. As usual with a bit of a far-fetched initial motive for the killer.
As the film seems to maleness the death scenes more iconic while the Women look to live up to the killer’s view of them As living dolls.
With a happy-go-lucky soundtrack and each death explained except for the one person of colors. Who the film leaves as more of a discarded accessory’s. As they all gawk and the female characters are mo resemble fashion models at the time.
The film also has the male characters have ugly attitudes towards women. So that each seems like they could be the Killer. No matter how minor the character. Though her crime might be that she is a lesbian also for the film.
It offers very fun surprises and almost seems to get tired of creating more elaborate Murders.
Also seems that some characters are added to only be victims and up the body count as well as seem fairer in the number of male viewers
Directed By: Dennis Villeneuve Written By: Taylor Sheridan Cinematography By: Roger Deakins Editor: Joe Walker
Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro, Jeffrey Donovan, Victor Garber, Jon Bernthal, Daniel Kaluuya, Maximilano Herandez, Raoul Trujillo
An idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by an elected government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico.
This film is where director Dennis Villeneuve style really comes alive. Now while PRISONERS is a well directed film. I always had problems with it. Here Villeneuve’s style is crucial to the story.
It can only be explained as he has a knack for making scenes feel alive with tension. Even simple ones. He manages to catch you off guard so many times. That at any moment in his films anything can happen. Especially in the world the characters inhabit. Violence can break out at any time. Tension which he excels makes everything feel urgent and powerfully delivered. Makes it feel like anything can happen
The film while having violent scenes manages the trick of not really showing any violence but making it feel like there is more in the film then there actually is. The few scenes of violence are either so shocking or graphic. That in other scenes that even suggest it. Your imagination is already at work going overboard.
That is certainly a skill in story telling.
Here Emily blunt is our protagonist so we learn things just as she does and through the first half of the film. We realize we are on a mission, but just like her the rules and true objective are confusing and the rules keep changing. So that we are constantly confused even when the audience thinks it knows where the film is going.
She makes a good lead as her character proves both tougher and more fragile then she is presented. Seeing her in EDGE OF TOMMOROW convinced most audiences of her ability to be tough. Which she uses here, but here she also reminds us of how deep and emotional she can be whole Doing or at least showing so little.
Initially, the director was asked to rewrite Emily Blunt’s part for a man. But, Denis Villeneuve wanted Emily Blunt for the role after he saw her in The Young Victoria.
The film could easily be compared to films like TRAFFIC. For how it mainly shows the government side of taking down drug cartels, but the film also manages to tell small Individual stories of different characters and their position in this trade. What it also manages to do is remind the audience yes we are in this films singular world, but there is a greater real bigger world out there. That is our reality that these characters live in also.
Some night even compare the film to ZERO DARK THIRTY. If they did the only reason I can see is that they both have a female protagonist who learns to become more cautious and tougher as the film goes along. As well as learning more information about her supposed target through various different governmental agencies. As well as working with special teams to extract certain people to get to main targets. Though that film is more fact based. This one deals with a real subject, but manages to create it’s own story. This film is truly it’s own Animal
No matter what is shown and not shown this film is brutal. It is a cutthroat world they operate in.
There are some nitpicking like why at first do they forbid her partner access to go with them. Then throughout they seem to not mind if he is there.
Josh Brolin is good as the charismatic leader of this force. Who seems to operate in bureaucracy and in shadows, but the films MVP is Benicio Del Toro as a badass man of mystery. Though his character is mostly quiet. There is an intensity and toughness about him. That makes him look world weary, but constantly sharp. He takes no prisoners and seems to have no moral guide. I missed this type of performance from del toro. He played this type in SAVAGES, but that character was more of a loud mouth and sadistic for fun. Here he does it because he has to and can. If it helps achieve whatever mission he is on.
Throughout the film. The story plays out slowly only revealing itself when it has to. Even when we are privy of scenes and information that blunt isn’t. There isn’t too much revealed. So we are still just as unsure as she is. History is more reveled slowly about the characters rather then present it as soon as we meet them.
The shots throughout are beautifully composed and framed. That makes the territories they govern and go through come Alive. Even in their plainness. They feel constantly full of mystery even though they are mostly plain.
Though the film is structured well and directed well. It doesn’t feel overly stylized.
This film is a doozy, it is wild, yet calm. Epic and far reaching yet small.
The acting that plays out constantly or at least the threat of it Is not the kind you expect in a film Like this. No big action set pieces that rely on the audience finding a thrill. Like it is a roller coaster. Often the violence is either surprising, quick or just plain unorganized in the manner that it happens. This isn’t a thrill seeking movie. It is a thrill feeling movie.
Though it more relies on a moral meter. Rather than having a clear political message or even discussing the politics of the situation. It is matter of fact, yet offers a deep reserve for the audience to ponder. As it Also doesn’t offer any answers. Leaving it more of an open ended film. It’s not even really too much of a political film More like an extreme procedural.
Now while this film could have been made with any director. I believe the reason the film excels is because of director Dennis Villeneuve his style totally fits in with the story and reminds one of the promise he showed with the film INCENDIES. As with his other films though acclaimed. The style for me never quite fit the stories. Or the stories never quite fit his style. They took too many wrong turns or all there seemed to be was that style and little to no substance at least nothing deep. As the direction seemed to suggest.
Directed By: Guy Ritchie Written By: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham & Simon Kinberg Story By: Michael Robert Johnson & Lionel Wigram Cinematography By: Phillipe Rousselot Editor: James Herbert
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, James Fox
In London, Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson captures the follower of black magic and serial killer Lord Blackwood that has already killed five women when he is near to kill his sixth victim. Blackwood is sentenced to be strung up and Dr. Watson attests his death. However, Blackwood mysteriously returns from the afterlife and Inspector Lestrade summons Sherlock Holmes to help the Scotland Yard in the investigation. Meanwhile Dr. Watson intends to get married of the gorgeous Mary Morstan while Sherlock is visited by his former lover Irene Adler that has a secret agenda.
I should have liked this film, but the film is too big, too many action set pieces, Too many explosions. Not enough Mystery. It’s like everything has to be bigger and better like it’s some kind of sequel or Michael Bay movie with better style and some sensibility.
It’s not good enough for Sherlock Holmes to be a good detective but must also be tough by doing bare-knuckle fighting, being a master of disguise, and always having a weapon handy. Like a victorian era super spy.
Once in a while, we get to see how Holmes’ mind works with deductive thinking. While having a semi homoerotic relationship with Dr. Watson, Who he is jealous of because he is not only moving out of the house they share but also getting married. The case they try to crack involves a woman from Holmes past who is lively and almost as cunning as he is and at first the case seems based on the supernatural. Than along the way becomes more logical.
The chemistry between Downey Jr. and Jude Law seems false and more manufactured than it should and makes you wonder if Jude Law was insulted as being the natural-born brit and having to play the sidekick to the American actor taking over a notorious British character.
The film isn’t horrible and it’s nice to see what director Guy Ritchie can do with a sizeable budget, but as I said before everything feels overblown and like it goes out of its way to keep reminding you this is the NEW Sherlock Holmes.
The leads are both charming and mark Strong is a good villain and the film’s more interesting scenes are when he is on the screen or exploring his character and it’s a conspiracy.
While the film is a good popcorn film afterward you start to feel the fat and the grease and wonder why this movie really needed to be made. Again it’s not horrible it’s not bad either. It’s ok and has some things going for it, but the end feels unnecessary and unremarkable. It keeps your attention as any time the film seems to begin to slow down another action sequence pops up. Not always for a good reason, But for the most part everyone involved seems to be having fun.
Directed By: Ant Timpson Written By: Toby Harvard Cinematography: Daniel Katz Editor: Dan Kircher
Cast: Elijah Wood, Stephen McHattie, Madeline Sami, Martin Donovan, Michael Smiley, Garfield Wilson
A man in his thirties travels to a remote cabin to reconnect with his estranged father.
This is a movie that will take you by surprise and keeps you guessing. Don’t expect a big change in your thinking type of film but more than a secretive kid in the corner who shocks you with his talents but still seems creepy. As each time you believe you have it figured out it adds something. A film best to go in blind.
As one of the main desires of the film is to keep you off-center. So that you end up just as confused as the main character. The twists come not only from the plot but from the characters. Though the film does have a dark sense of humor.
This is a movie that gradually adds things as it goes along and still Manages to stay small-scale. Even though at times the film seems to be going towards the supernatural or at least spooky. It still manages to stay somewhat believable though it has its quirks.
It also feels a little hipster-Ish when it comes to the main character and its Style. Even if it had a more pure demented heart.
This film feels full of ideas and imagination that feels lost. As it more feels like an oddity that more belongs in a previous decade but is oddly welcome in this time period and quickly sets itself up in modern-day. Yet managing not to depend on so many modern-day conveniences.
Though ultimately it does leave you a little disappointed because as it keeps building towards bigger things and you expect something huge but after a while, it seems to calm itself and stop. Then You realize this is it and you kind of were hoping it would keep going.
It also feels like at times they are making it up as they go along and try to work more on characters than story.
Have to wonder sometimes if Elijah Wood internationally goes after movies that leave him tortured and somehow mutilated after this and the film PAWN SHOP CHRONICLES.
Directed By: Dan Aykroyd Written By: Dan Aykroyd & Peter Aykroyd Cinematography: Dean Cundey Editor: Malcolm Campbell & James R. Symons
Cast: Chevy Chase, Demi Moore, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Taylor Negron, Raymond J. Barry, Brian Doyle Murray, Daniel Baldwin, Valri Bromfield, digital underground
A financier agrees to take the lawyer to her business meeting. On the way, they run a stop sign in a small town in the middle of nowhere and are arrested. But all is not as it seems: the courthouse and the “prison” are a maze of zany booby- traps and deadly contraptions. The antics of the captured couple as they try to escape from the mad judge and his bizarre family make up the rest of this unusual film.
This film should be a cult classic for all the craziness all around. That if someone remade it and could make it work it would be noteworthy.
This is what happens when writer/director/ star Dan Aykroyd is let loose. As there are no Kenny if ideas all around and set pieces plus room for broad comedy. That stays outrageous and yet is never quite funny and ruthlessly mean-spirited. Though considering the cast this should be much better
Chevy chase seems like he just showed up and is discovering everything as if it was the first time. He seems uncomfortable and tired. As his behavior doesn’t Really match the Tone of the film. It’s bad enough but he seems like he is going to be the one who sinks it.
Demi Moore seems here to be the beautiful damsel in distress. Not to mention the eye candy. She seems more the big named co-Star female lead and a bombshell in her tiny wardrobe.
John candy seems more embarrassed. Like he only did this as a favor and a hefty paycheck. Dan Aykroyd seems to be the only one really into this movies wavelength and his character
The hip hop group Digital Underground comes out of nowhere to cameo and add an impromptu music performance.
The film comes off as a violent live-action cartoon. That literally has a cartoon-type ending. That is gruesome yet tries to stay somewhat light hearted
I am not the biggest fan of Chevy chase and once again seems on autopilot or not engaged. He actually hurts the film. As not being engaging or interesting. She is barely a character.
This film is grotesque even when it doesn’t need to be. It’s hard to believe. Especially with a healthy budget. Other than cast and elaborate set design and sets being built to the judge’s house.
Though should have known that other than the stars this film is Amy for mainstream audiences no matter how broad it plays.
This could have been salvaged artistically. If maybe a More experienced director took hold. Who also would have known to work on the script and make the film appealing in some sort of way. Not totally gross out the audience for a comedy.
This film plays like an extremely first draft. No one puts in any energy or excitement except Dan Aykroyd. Whose comedy can be a fun experiment (DOCTOR DETRIOT) crashes and burns (NEIGHBORS) or works with collaboration (GHOSTBUSTERS) here this was a doomed project that might have had a chance with a more gothic dark visual stylist like Tim Burton.
Can’t even give the film credit for being artistically weird it on another level it’s just sloppy. Even with an amazing production design by William Sandell. That is a messed up playground in hell all Its own. has the scope of a bigger film. Yet the mindset of a smaller one. As the film is pretty bad but inspired and original.
The film is too dark to be so Goofy. It would have been more effective if allowed to go to a full R-Rated as it would feel more dangerous instead of the sanitized PG-13.
At least the film gave Digital underground a hit for the soundtrack. This might be one of the few successful things to come from this movie.
As well as the big screen debut of Rapper/Actor Tupac Shakur.
Written & Directed by: John Hughes Cinematography: Matthew F. leonetti Editor: Chris Lebenzon, Scott Wallace & Mark Warner
Cast: Anthony Michael Hall, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, Kelly Lebrock, Bill Paxton, Robert Downey Jr. Robert Rusler, Suzanne Snyder, Judie Aronson, Vernon wells, Michael Berryman, Britt Leach, Wallace Langham
Two high school nerds use a computer program to literally create the perfect woman, but she turns their lives upside down.
This film is a nostalgic favorite for me. That still fills me with joy as I watch it. Even if as I get older I realize how thin the premise is.
I would have to say out of the John Hughes canon this film seems to be his lightest weighted film. As this film just seems more of an escape for him and maybe his audience a film that you could just enjoy and not put any great thought into.
Though just as any coming of age tale. This one still has a lesson to teach about confidence and being yourself. Even if it takes wishes from a beautiful woman as a genie to do it.
This film is total wish fulfillment for teenage boys. As the heroes get all they ever wanted really. They work to a degree to get it but in the most fanciful way. So this film doesn’t come close to any of the realities of Hughes’s previous teen films. As it is more science fiction influenced. As part of the fantasy
One thing that stays constant is the humor. The scenes feel like little skits of their own under the banner of a plot. With teen fantasies thrown in. In a movie where the plot could easily be made into a porn parody
Early groundbreaking performance from bill Paxton as the older brother from hell. Though shows how distinguished a career he has had and as many iconic films and characters he has played. That this his debut is the most remembered and strongest.
The lust and desire the characters and audience has for Kelly lebrock are what also help the film. As the friendly yet ultimately unattainable object and character of desire.
Amazingly the film has nudity but not from her she stays clothed though scantily clad in only a few scenes. As their genie of sorts. Though then again as a fantasy. It makes her more desirable if she stays a mystery.
It’s a shame she never really followed up with a film or role quite as memorable. Which for that generation and generations after who are fans of this fits her defining role. I am Sure also an early model for quite a few a dream girl.
This film seems written for Anthony Michael hall as most of the film allows for his comedic facial expressions, double tales, and comedic bits. Especially in his scenes where he plays drunken. where he seems to be attempting his own version of the classic Richard Pryor Mudbone character.
This showcases that some of the film’s humor is racy by today’s standards and would be viewed as non-politically correct in quite a few scenes.
Mostly Due to language and what seems like a hallmark of John Hughes films of inclusion of minorities by having a scene where the character goes to the more urban side of town. That seems stereotypical but not as insulting as it could be. Except for a scene in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Which as a minor defense was only written by him.
Learned the difference between a nerd and a dork. The Dork fast-talking thinks he is smoother and cooler than he actually is, Nerd is just smart and has trouble following social cues and finds interest in things that aren’t popular and more interested in science and other things to an obsessive degree. Where he feels he must dismantle it to understand it or at least examine to learn all they can.
At the time I Looked up to Anthony Michael hall he was in all my favorite movies at the time. (Usually John Hughes ones) not to mention was more a movie star who was near my age.
It seems like this film is almost like Anthony Michael hall’s audition for Saturday night love along with Robert Downey jr. Who were both cast members for one season. As he is given more to do comedically over the top here.
This film was one of my favorites from the 1980’s teen genre. As it was all more Commercial. As it has some themes of teenage life but is far less emotional and leans more towards fantasy
At the time I was envious and Jealous of the fashion and cars in the film. It made me want to have them in the ’80s and looked forward to when I got older owning them. Especially a Ferrari. Still have a fascination with those cars.
This film is a total of 80’s fantasy wish fulfillment. That works Escapist entertainment. It’s definitely Dated
The story is Frankenstein mixed with a teen fantasy or more like a bride of Frankenstein. Almost like a long-form music video brought to life.
Bill Paxton co-stars in one of his breakout Roles and is truly a comedic highlight.
It has a moralistic lesson of bee icing in yourself as you had what you needed in you all along. As well as getting everything they want in the end.
Reminds you of the excess of the 1980s But still really enjoyable. One of my favorite films of the day watching it now see it’s a weakness but is more harmed by them in my deep-seated nostalgia.
Directed By: Joe Wright Written By: Susannah Grant Based On The Book By: Steve Lopez Cinematography By: Seamus McGarvey Editor: Paul Tothill
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener, Stephen Root, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Rachael Harris, Tom Hollander
In 2005, the only thing hurting Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez more than his face from a recent bike accident was his pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half-broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez’s good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers’ personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. Regardless, Lopez and Ayers must find a way to conquer their deepest anxieties and frustrations to hope for a brighter future for both of them.
The film is perfectly fine entertainment of a film that really doesn’t have a plot. Sure it’s a fascinating fact-based story that may have been better explored as a documentary or maybe even better reading about it, but the film leaves a lot to be desired as not much really happens. Except that it makes the main character feel better by discovering and trying to help a talented homeless schizophrenic. Which is pretty much the plot of the film.
Everyone does a perfectly serviceable performance. I really like Robert Downey Jr’s look. Jamie Foxx’s performance doesn’t really hit as hard. As it seems like his intention sure he is a spot-on mimic, but the performance seems exactly like that an act or impersonation in it’s not really ground in any sort of reality though it is based on a true story.
The film feels empty with no heart which is how the film feels. It tries to get you emotional in many scenes but fails to do so. The film plays like a contemporary movie that seems only made to try and be Oscar bait and a crowd-pleaser. Like the film THE BLIND SIDE only the latter seemed to know how to appeal to the masses this film seems more directed at a more artsy audience. That is why it feels so basic with artistic touches and indulgence.
Other than the two main characters we really never get to know any characters. This is especially daunting as the film has an established supporting cast. So we never get to know the past of the main characters as far as what they tell us. Like we know Steve, as played as Downey Jr., has demons but we only get hints at it. But in the film, we are supposed to believe he faces his own to help another person but other than having serious looks on his face and seeming vulnerable we never know exactly what he has to overcome.
The film also introduces a character who insists that Jamie Foxx’s Character needs to find god and religion, but the first time he suggests it he goes ape-shit. So when right before a recital he tries the same plan again it’s hardly surprising that he messes him up. If this was a traditional film he would be seen as a villain but here he is a normal supposedly intelligent side character.
I can see why this was held over for a few months. When it was thought at first to be Oscar bait then the studio watched the film and realized what a dud they had on their hands and held it for an anonymous release, that would be the best to just make a quick buck on the film.
The film just seems like it is desperate to pat itself on the back especially by including actual homeless people as characters and extras. That it feels false and like a waste of time.
I just hope Joe Wright picks better material for his next film to show off his talent rather than waste it on drivel like this that requires more of a workman-like director with not as much creativity.
Written & Directed By: Noah Baumbach Cinematography By: Harris Savides Editor: Carol Littleton
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Halley Feiffer, John Turturro, Cirian Hinds, Zane Pais, Seth Barrish, Flora Closs, Michael Cullen
A slice of family life: sisters, husbands, children, history, secrets, jealousies. Margot and her teen son, Claude, travel from Manhattan to her family’s Long Island home, occupied by sister Pauline, Pauline’s daughter, and Malcolm, the slacker Pauline will marry outdoors that week under a tree neighbors want removed. Backbiting marks family discussion, particularly between the sisters and in Margot’s cutting remarks to Claude. Pauline tells Margot a secret that Margot promptly tells Claude. Margot dislikes Malcolm and undermines him. She also has marital problems and a lover nearby. People are cruel, inside and outside their families. Is there a refuge for Margot or for Pauline?
I don’t know if this is supposed to be misery/tragedy emotional pornography with some humor or not. As it is beautifully filmed with natural lighting, but when you are complimenting the filmmaking or certain technical aspects over the whole of the film or you just happen to notice and focus on that more than anything else. You know the movie might be in trouble.
I was looking forward to this film having loved his previous film THE SQUID & THE WHALE. Not to mention other films he has made before and since. This was his bug follow up project. Though I have to say this was a big disappointment really his first for me. It might be because he was following up a big success and his film would have to live up to it and it falls short.
I should have known when Nicole Kidman was cast in it. Not that she is a bad actress. Quite the contrary. Around this time and. Wrote She only seems to do independent films when she wants to be noticed m. As her career might be in trouble and she wants to prove herself to critics again (TO DIE FOR, FUR, RABBIT HOLE) she also comes off as icy onscreen so if she was looking to play different. She could have tried Jennifer Jason Leigh’s role in this film.
Unfortunately for her. This was not like the redirection Charlize Theron had with MONSTER. Here she plays such a bitchy unlikeable character, It’s hard to like anything about her unfortunately for this film other than the kids the same goes for almost every character in this film. Jennifer Jason Leigh is fragile, sympathetic and pathetic. Oddly enough though this maybe the best and funniest work ever by jack black at the time. It takes awhile to get ignited but You can see all the promise people have been saying about him. Though The uncomfortable nature of his relationship with the teenage girl in the film feels reprehensible and especially after the film tries to get us on his side. After that it seems pretty easily to detest his character.
The constant war their characters have with their neighbors could have gone on longer. Those scenes might have sped the move up. The way it stands the neighbors come off like a mix of the duckie boys from THE WANDERERS and The Bumpasses of A CHRISTMAS STORY. They seem to be dirty and mean instead of just mean like the other characters in this film. Who just have better wittier one liners and vocabularies.
Nicole Kidman is the main attraction here. As the film takes place more or less around her character. Even though she is only there for a wedding, but her arrival brings old family drama and her sister’s drama and problems with her fiancé to the forefront.
Of course Nicole Kidman stands out in this film as she all but consumes the film and takes it with her. As she is thebttile character everything seems to stem from her. Even when we try to get into the side stories of other characters they are usually all connected or come back to her
This is also the moodiest if all of writer director Noh Baumbach’s films which usually are dramatic and go to dark places though usually manage to have a smile. While the film does have humor it seems to have a chilly mean spirited vibe throughout. Which again seems to stem from Nicole Kidman’s character
The film offers the actors plenty to play with and they all get room to shine a bit, but the film and screenplay are more focused on the character of Margot. Her name is in the title.
Nicole Kidman, Jack Black, & Jennifer Jason Leigh moved in together during filming because they wanted to perfect their roles as a dysfunctional family.
The film exists as an emotional melodrama where the overall mood is depression and just melancholy with some bits of humor. While most of the characters are intellectuals.
Jack Black gives an ok performance and much was made of his appearance in the film. Here he gets to play a character who is unlikeable and normal. Which is something that is rare for him. As now he seems more the master of cameo roles or kids entertainment comedy. Though with a kind of wicked streak enough that adults still find him funny. He seems to manage to have it all.
This seems more like a film devoted to the 1970’s and with a twist of the French new wave in presenting a kind of familiar story more emotionally but also with more cutting edge pizzaz.
The film is Not a complete failure. It tries to play more like a European film or at least seems to be inspired by them. Though this film among other does make me wonder why when a film Is depressing they call it realistic and natural. There are a few happy moments that feel like simple pleasure within but in these films it just seems to be more attention paid to the doom and gloom.
Cinematographer Harris Savides used old lenses and shot mostly in natural light to get the dim, ominous look of the film. The natural light and old lenses making the hues darker doesn’t cover up sub par material. This film just heavily is disappointing. It has It’s moments but not enough for the audience. You never know you might like it.
The film feels like an overblown second novel that has too much to prove. Like the first one wasn’t a failure so it feels bloated with self importance. Like the writer is trying too hard to prove themselves. As he wants to explain things yet also be vague enough to have the evidence read into more
Cut To The Chase 