catching up

I have a bunch of movies to write about, but first I want to say a few things in response to Chris and Brandon's dismissal of Thirteen. If either of you care to elaborate on your negative opinions of the film, I'll gladly engage. In fact, I probably share a few of the same criticisms you two have; however, I still think it's a really powerful and important film. I think it's challenging and that it deserves more respect and more viewers. Moreover, Evan Rachel Wood's performance is nothing short of a revelation and Holly Hunter's raw portrayal of the confused parent is complex and emotional.

Though subtle things, like the way color seeps in and out of the different scenes, add to the film, Thirteen is at its best when we are simply forced to look in at the characters and are not given a reason to turn our heads. We watch Wood's character cut herself and see all the pain and sadness involved. We have to watch Hunter's character collapse helpless in the shower, confused as to what has happened to her daughter. These are the true bits, the parts that echo long after the film ends.

I don't want to be the only one in Film Club defending this movie. But if that's the way it shakes out, I'm happy to do so. 

On to the movies I have seen in the last few weeks.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (dir. Rupert Wyatt, 2011) - Growing up I would watch all the old Planet of the Apes movies every Thanksgiving when they were on TV. So, while I was excited about seeing this, I was also hesitant as to whether or not I wanted Apes to be something different than fond memories of watching the old films after a big Thanksgiving meal. But Rise is a solid prequel. I have no complaints and am happy I saw it. 

Super 8 (dir. JJ Abrams, 2011) - I thought this was a fun film. If I was 12 or 13, I'd probably love it. The first hour was great, the monster stuff in the last half was kind of "eh," but what can you do? 

Le Reyon Vert (dir. Eric Rohmer, 1986) - This film is damn close to perfect. Besides John, who else has seen it? I don't want to write too much about it because I think it is probably best to watch it with no expectations. I had no idea what it was about, didn't even read the back cover, and was so pleasantly surprised by the simple beauty of it (not to mention the connection I had with the main character) that I felt an immediate urge to re-watch it. 

Cold Weather (dir. Aaron Katz, 2010) - This time around, I had John's DVD and watched the commentary. Great film, can't wait for more Katz.

Take Shelter (dir. Jeff Nichols, 2011) - This movie deserves its own post after I go back and read what everyone else had to say. Definitely one of the best from last year. I need to see it again. 

Julien Donkey-Boy (dir. Harmony Korine, 1999) - I still have not finished this film. As I mentioned on Facebook, it is a different viewing experience than it was back in high school when I was watching it for all the wrong reasons. It is a disturbing and difficult film to watch - though maybe that changes? I'm only 40 minutes into it. 

The Killers (dir. Andrei Tarkovski, 1956) - This is Tarkovski's excellent student film adaptation of the Hemingway short story. Short but interesting, it's obvious that this is the beginning of a long and important career. This is not like any other student films I've seen...

Appaloosa (dir. Ed Harris, 2008) - Of all the recent movies that I watched, this one surprised me the most. Harris moves the film along simply and nothing is overdone. The characters and their stories are interesting. The whole film is a bit ambiguous about the whole good guy/bad guy thing too. Definitely worthy of another viewing. 

I also watched this BBC documentary on Haruki Murakami. If you're a fan, you'll find it interesting. If not, I suspect you'll find it strange.



That's all for now. I'm all caught up.