jouler500-art Reviews

The Big Short (2015)

Simplistic Denouement

[7/10 · 13 July 2019]

Yes, it this movie is fast paced, fascinating characters well acted and it made a difficult subject understandable. However the overwhelming point of view of the film makers permeated the movie. Bankers, Mortgage lenders, investment firms, and all of Wall Street are not only greedy, avaricious but really stupid to boot! There was no balance in the film outlining other causes such as the government's role in this debacle. Starting with Bill Clinton, his administration pushed for more minority home ownership by encouraging not enforcing usual lending practices such as down payments and income to debt ratios. Next, through congressional legislation, banking businesses were encouraged to weaken or toss out normal lending practice standards and norms. In addition, most of the loans were made by private businesses and they were not subject to government regulation. Since normal practices were not used, indeed it was a bomb waiting to go off. A statement repeated several times at the last 10 minutes of the movie that was that in the aftermath, now the usual suspects--" the poor and the immigrants" were going to be and were blamed." I really think that is a complete overstatement. There are many causes of this devastating event and many people had a part in it spanning a long period of time. This film doesn't deal with the complexity of causes at all, just states some cliche bromides and leaves it at that. It was enthralling, moved at a good pace, had interesting characters but overall I am disappointed in the simplistic approach.

The Golden Gong (1985 TV Movie)

Come, come gentlemen, it wasn't that bad!

[7/10 · 2 June 2015]

As an admirer of the British cinema, I thoroughly enjoyed those who were able, i.e. alive at the time of filming in 1985 to contribute. To say that they had only minor entities commenting on the studio in the film is false. Dirk Bogarde was not a minor star.

The film was an attempt to follow the entire history of the Arthur Rank phenomenon and so naturally could not go into great depth on many films. I especially enjoyed seeing John Mills, Betty Box, Dirk Bogarde and Norman Wisdom on camera relating their various experiences at the studios.

Many of the wonderful films and their producers and directors were touched upon with insightful anecdotes and stories. I was not disappointed, but indeed wished the film was three times longer to be able to give us even more information. It is a fun documentary and highly recommended.

Never Apologize (2007)

Tour de force

[8/10 · 11 September 2014]

The other reviewer describes the film in detail with accuracy so I will dispense with the description. I was mesmerized with McDowell's presence and loving portrait of his prickly friend. It was a tour de force. His impersonations were outstanding. He has great stage presence and this tribute to the prolific talented amazing Lindsay Anderson with warts and all, is so touching. I suppose knowing the British film scene of the era is necessary, not sure if it would be so enlightening if one didn't know the films and actors. His unique anecdotes involving such marvels as Bates, Gielgud, Harris and Roberts were enlightening. The sound footage of Anderson singing during the credits was priceless. I enjoyed this one man's tribute immensely and highly recommend it.

The House Is Black (1963)

They have more than we realize at first

[7/10 · 10 August 2014]

Despite their suffering and disfigurement the people in the film are shown to be normal in most respects. They dance, exercise, sing, read out loud, go to school, receive treatment, have families, play with their kids and do all the things people without leprosy do. They are an isolated community however but due to the large numbers of them, we can see that they also have a sense of community.

Seeing their diseased bodies is distressing until we realize that even to have this type of life is better than no life at all. The reading from the Koran which is lifted from the Bible speaks of God making us and what a miracle that in itself is. So despite their severe shortcomings, they too have the joys of life.

Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Feminist Wet Dream

[2/10 · 18 January 2013]

So we are supposed to believe:

That the little lady single handedly brought down bin Laden while completely surrounded for 10 years by only bunches of bleeding-idiot incompetent CIA and military personnel.

That all government individuals associated with the search only speak in short sentences with the requirement to use the f word in each one.

That Amerika is a country which uses torture and assassination in a routine way for no reason.

In short, this movie is pure propaganda and a real insult.

Next to address is the directing, writing and acting. It seems okay at first, but as time goes on one realizes it is really very bad. The worst criticism is reserved for the director and the lead actress.

I thought I was watching a television sitcom with all the glib quick quips, just like real people talk, right?

All in all, a great waste of time and money, and as one other reviewer said, this director needs to be boycotted in the future.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

Gary Oldham ain't no Alec Guiness!

[5/10 · 16 January 2012]

Numerous things bothered me about this terrible remake. Many of the male characters broke down and cried without much provocation-what was with that? Gary Oldham imitated Guiness's facial expressions and quietness but without the richness and depth of emotion and humanity that Guiness portrayed. Didn't like--the anti American slap implying that Americans torture by pulling out fingernails- I thought that was the Japanese or Chinese in WWII or the Viet Cong? Turning two of the characters into politically correct gays. Must that agenda be continually forwarded to the public? There was not much depth of character development or plot development. The film had a confusing story line which not surprisingly many people couldn't follow, and added gratuitous sex and violence, such as killing the nursing mother. This movie just didn't live up to the promise with so many stars nor the hype of the movie world. Was quite disappointed with most of the actors including Colin Firth. Do yourself a favor and get the 1979 series.

The Human Condition III: A Soldier's Prayer (1961)

Love is the Condition for Being Human

[10/10 · 9 April 2010]

Ningen no jôken is a masterpiece film but is also painful to watch most of the time. Nonetheless, it is a tour de force to be lauded for its direction, cinematography and acting at every turn. Most of those commenting in previous discussions mention the virulent anti-war sentiment of the film which is abundantly evident. It was interesting that much of the film is autobiographical, inspired by Kobayashi's war experiences. He too refused to be an officer when he qualified, and stayed a private throughout the war. An interesting point came up when I was watching the fourth DVD in the Criterion edition of The HumanCondition which is a series of three insightful interviews. During his comments the director Masahiro Shinoda mentioned that he thought at the time, the romantic love Kaji had for his wife, Michiko, was overly sentimental and unrealistic. He thought that it was due to the fact that Kobayashi and his peers were born of another age whose romanticism was the norm and unsullied by his generation's sobering war experience. He said that he had also consulted the internet to see the opinions of the film among contemporary young people in Japan today, and found that they too, thought the love unrealistic. He felt the love should have been more erotic and less idealized. The remarks of another commentator solidified my opinion of this issue about Kaji's love. That writer stated that the title really means more like "condition for being human." This confirmed my opinion that Kobayashi's point of the film is that what makes one human, in the best sense of the word, is love. Otherwise we devolve into some type of cruel bestiality found in the phrase 'man's inhumanity to man.' This inhumanity is evident throughout the film, whether in the sadism of the other Japanese soldiers, the cruelty of the guards to the Chinese prisoners, or in the malice of the of the Russian overseers. However, the Kaji character is set apart: he sticks to his ideals, he is humble, he displays selflessness as seen when he gives his food to another or when leading the men and puts them ahead of himself. He is a type of everyman whose being is elevated above merely satisfying physical needs and responding to base instincts. He remains an ennobled human not a saint above the fray, but his love gives him the will to live, to continue on and to even do good when surrounded by evil. Love is the condition for being human.

Red Cliff (2008)

Epic Opera

[9/10 · 16 October 2009]

Saw Chi Bi in its West Coast premier last night. Not knowing the story at all I found it fascinating and easy to follow. I saw many influences at work here and it certainly it reflects Woo's adulation of Kurosawa. He also said he loves musicals and all the battles were certainly choreographed to music.

The film is extremely action packed—brimming with fiery explosions, excruciating sound effects and blood. The full frontal violence is tempered however, because of the special effects and slow motion, which turn it into a ballet and opera that ostensibly removes the gore from reality.

I agree with the director who said Tony Leung is maturing and has more charisma and heart. The film fully developed the characters, which I think was excellent. All the actors were very fine.

One criticism I have is with some touches of corniness throughout. In addition, I think the weakest part of the film is found with the female lead, whose character was written into the book/movie by the director. He stated that he wanted his film to be an anti-war movie and a lot of the nihilistic dialog at the end reflects that goal. This aspect works against the whole epic nobility of the film. If all are wrong to fight and any victory is worthless and there are no winners, what's it all about anyway? The characters were set up throughout the movie to be heroes and their cause, a right cause, but I think the postmodern mindset here diminishes the whole project.

Nonetheless, it had sumptuous costumes and sets, was terrifically choreographed and was a spellbinding piece of entertainment!

Tunes of Glory (1960)

A Lesson to Be Learned

[8/10 · 18 February 2009]

Technically court marshalling Jock was the correct thing to do. Mills agonized over it but let himself be 'encouraged' by Guiness into changing his mind. A leader is often lonely in his loftly position when making tough choices and standing by his decisions, but Mills weakened for some reason-- I guess because of Guiness and the lack of good will from the regiment.

Price's outstanding and chilling performance reminded me again of how the icy and cruel the tongue can be. Then with Jock's last comment still ringing in his ears, "You won't ever be sorry for this," he was sorry in just a few short minutes. Guiness finally realized his horrible arrogance when it was too late. At least he got it. Mills should have stuck to his guns, but that was his tragedy.

Niagara (1953)

Visually stunning noir

[8/10 · 4 December 2008]

While everyone has discussed the acting over and over, not many have commented about the look of the film. I agree all the actors were quite good and it was refreshing to see Monroe do more than her campy breathless delivery.

I would submit that the Technicolor was fabulous. The scenery being majestic and incredibly powerful, was spellbinding. A lot of the scenes' compositions were astonishing and ageless--obviously this film influenced many who would come later. The scenes in the tower were ultra-noir--very dramatic with sharp camera angles, strong shadows but also a kaleidoscope of mesmerizing colors. The pounding sound of the falls, the reoccurring theme of the song along with the bell ringing added much to the film.

All in all, I was totally taken in by the visuals and felt Hathaway did a great job, in fact, as good as Hitchcock.

Tess (1979)

Life imitates art?

[8/10 · 7 April 2008]

While the movie was very good in so many ways I must make a statement about another issue.

After reading some of the posts I have gathered that Polanski had a sexual affair with Kinski during the filming of Tess. This made me quite sad and forlorn for she was quite young.

It seems that the very thing that was decried in the novel and the movie narrative is accepted in real life with a note of satisfaction as a reviewer speculated that this fact made Kinski's performance more realistic and sensual. In the film/novel a young girl is taken advantage of in a miserable way and then in the filming of the story the very same thing happens --a young girl is taken advantage of.

She buys her family's comforts with her sacrifice. How different was it in real life? If Polanski weren't a celebrated director things might have been different in the audience's view.