My Week in Film

Apologies for not taking part in the director list that Brandon started. My list would be too full of holes to even bother writing up. I'll be using everyone else's lists to help me decide on movies to watch in the future, however.

Jason, I saw My Effortless Brilliance when it first came out a few years ago. Honestly, I can't remember much about it right now other than that I enjoyed it. You're right about the location. It really becomes an extension - or way of understanding - the one character. I just added the DVD to my queue again. 

Instead of naming other movies that use location and scenery to add texture, I'll mention the short-lived HBO show Carnivale. It's set in 1934, during the dust bowl, the "last great age of magic." The traveling carnival and the dusty, barren landscapes are just as much a part of the show as some of the characters. Everyone should watch it.

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I watched several movies over the last week or so.

Rabbit Hole (dir. John Cameron Mitchell, 2010)
We catch up with Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart's characters eight months after the sudden death of their young son. As they each struggle to come to terms with what has happened, we are given glimpses of the recent past until the events of the tragic day are clear: Someone forgot to latch the gate, the dog ran out of the yard and their son chased after him. A kid was driving down the street, swerved to avoid the dog and hit the boy just as Kidman's character ran out of the house to stop him.

This film survives on the strong and compelling performances of Kidman and Eckhart. When they are together, the film soars to emotional heights. When they are off coping in their own ways, it seems a bit lacking.

Only Angels Have Wings (dir. Hawks, 1939)
I was particularly interested in this film after John made some mentions of it in comparison to one of my favorite books, Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and I'm glad I finally got around to watching it last week. It was a great movie for a raining Monday afternoon.

All That Heaven Allows (dir. Sirk, 1955)

I mentioned on Facebook that this was one of my favorite movies I've watched recently to which Brandon replied, "melodrama at it's very best." Yes, I agree. There is so much that's over the top and kind of silly but, for some reason, it all just works. I loved every minute of it and I want to live in the old mill.

Match Point (dir. Allen, 2005)
Perhaps it was the PBS documentary that put me in the mood for some Woody Allen. So, I decided to watch Match Point because I happen to have a copy someone burned for me years ago. While some may not think this is one of his better works, I enjoy it quite a bit. It's compelling throughout and tinged with just the right about of Woody humor.

I Melt With You (dir. Pellington, 2011)
If you like drug and party montages set to loud music, you're going to love the first half of this film. If you like weak plot lines, one-dimensional characters and lots of pretty people, you're going to love the second half of this film.

The best part of the film is Sasha Grey.



Zodiac (dir. Fincher, 2007)
Finally, a Fincher film that I can say I love. Great dialogue, great acting, great storytelling.

Limitless (dir. Burger, 2011)
Another really unimpressive 2011 film that I wanted to like. I have the distinction of being the only person I know to have really enjoyed Burger's The Illusionist. I have watched it several times. So, when I read some bad reviews about Limitless I was hoping that situation would repeat itself. It did not. An interesting concept was quickly ruined by a poor story execution, to many zoom shots and ridiculous voiceovers.