So, it turns out John was right: I'm afraid to defend Lost in Translation. Rather, I'm hesitant to defend Lost in Translation. Perhaps, in a way, I think that all of your points are valid - even if I disagree with them. It is funny, I have loved this movie for a long time; however, I've never really attempted to explain why to anyone because, on a certain level, Lost in Translation has to be felt. I empathize with both characters in the movie - Charlotte's confusion, Bob's numbness. In the end, I appreciate the movie for its beautiful shots of Japan, its humor, its meditativeness, its characters and how everything is actually lost in translation. Further commentary is suspended until I re-read all your old posts on the topic or re-watch the movie. I'd like to say that I'll be doing these soon, but I just can't promise that right now. Sorry for the cop-out.
Last night I watched Client 9: The Rise and Fall of Eliot Spitzer. I do not think that I need to provide any background information about the film as I'm sure everyone is aware of what occurred. As a documentary, it was mostly even-handed. I think that the reason a lot of right-wingers have a problem with it is because there truly were some dubious things that happened and if some of his "enemies" (Republicans and the Wall Street Execs he went after) were not directly involved, they at least had some sort of knowledge about. That said, I do not think the doc give Spitzer a pass at all. His temper and what could be interpreted as questionable tactics are clearly portrayed. And, let's not forget, the fact that he spent thousands of dollars on high-end escorts while being a married man with three daughters.
It was definitely interesting to hear from the escort who was actually Spitzer's "girl." Ashley Dupree was a one-time thing, though hired from the same service. It just happens to be Dupree who was caught on the wire-tap and leaked out.
I was a fan of Spitzer back when I first read about him in Newsweek in '04. In fact, I donated a lot of money to his '06 campaign for Governor of New York and was very upset to see him go down like he did. Yes, he is to blame for what he did (something he admits in the doc), but I have always thought that personal and public life should be something that is separate. His work as AG was exceptional and I think that our state really lost out when he had to resign as Governor. A lot of the corruption that he was fighting is directly related to the economic collapse of the last few years. I am glad to see him beginning to make public appearances again. His career will never be the same. The projections of him as the first Jewish president are definitely not going to be realized. However, his voice on economic corruption is vitally important.
During one of his interviews in the documentary, Spitzer is asked why he choose an escort service instead of having an affair. His answer was basically this: he had no desire to involve emotions. He loves his wife and to do that would be unforgivable. Given the discussion in Film Club recently of emotional adultery, I thought that might spark some debate.
Overall, I enjoyed the documentary and think that anyone interested in politics, especially NY politics, should watch this film.
Overall, I enjoyed the documentary and think that anyone interested in politics, especially NY politics, should watch this film.
Other things:
Brandon, I'm really looking forward to seeing Let Me In as well. I have The Tillman Story coming from Netflix next, but that one is right after. I really loved Let the Right One In. io9 had some great write-ups about the film before and after it was released.
I'm also looking forward to John's reaction to Black Swan.
It looks like The Fighter will probably be hitting the Cinema Saver in the next week or so. Looking forward to that. Also, I haven't forgotten about True Grit. Hopefully that is at the Cinema Saver in the next few weeks as well. Anyone want to see it with me? John? Which reminds me, I want to join you in Toronto. I didn't get to game night until 9 and heard you had already run off to work. I'll email you about it soon.
Also, expect some Star Trek posts. I've been watching about an episode a night for the last week. Any other TNG fans here besides John? I would still like to see a new Star Trek series.
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