mvhoore Reviews

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser (1974)

a flat film about the story of Kaspar Hauser

[6/10 · 28 March 2000]

When you have seen this movie you think about the idea of the maker. Did he want to tell an exciting story? Did he want to show a new insight in the mysterious descent or murder of Kaspar Hauser? Or did he just want to make a nice movie with beautiful pictures? I was always fascinated by this this story about a boy who appeared out of nowhere in the city of Nurnberg in the beginning of the 19th century. He can hardly say a word and can't walk properly. It appears that he was locked in a cellar since the time he can remember. Already during his lifetime there were a lot of talks that he was born as an aristocrat or even at a royal court. This talks became louder after his mysterious murder a few years after his appearance. Werner Herzog is more interested in the development of the boy into society than in the solution of the questions. This makes this film an interesting story about someone coming into society at an older age rather than an exciting story. Because I already knew a lot about Kaspar Hauser this movie didn't tell me any news. But it remains a fascinating tale which probably will never be solved

One Week (1920)

a fantastic short-film by Keaton

[8/10 · 23 March 2000]

Buster Keaton is just married and gets a do-it-yourself kit house from the ex-boyfriend of his wife. What he didn't know is that this fellow has changed the numbers. So after one week of building a very strange house is completed. The front door is on the first floor and the roof is not entirely on the house. But never mind, Keaton is still giving a housewarming party.

In only twenty minutes Keaton puts an enormous number of gags. This is pure slapstick, but it's from a kind that's still funny after all those years. As usual he does all the stunts himself which results in both his arms being broken after a fall out of the window. Keaton proves to be the greatest comedy star of his time

Darlings! (1984)

If you want to discover Dutch cinema choose another movie

[3/10 · 7 March 2000]

Schatjes is a good example of the poor level of the Dutch cinema in the 80's. The acting is very weak, there's almost no story and the script is missing every form of reality. There is a lot of sick slapstick into it which will make no one laughing. It's hard to understand that this film makes one million Dutch people go to the cinema while a lot of good movies from my country are ignored by the audience. If you are still going to watch the movie be prepared for the ridiculous ending.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

This movie really scares me.

[9/10 · 11 February 2000]

In my opinion this is really the best horror picture of last year. Far better than The Blair Witch. The young boy acts impressive. He looks really feared and confused. Bruce Willis is also good although awards are a bit too much for his performance.The change in the story at the end is great. I didn't realize the clues that were given although I have to watch it a second time to see if it's all correct. The whole atmosphere of the film made me think of the Exorcist a couple of times. Of course the little child but also the old house where he and his mother live and the dark interior of it. Look out for the small but important role of Donnie Wahlberg in the beginning of the film

The Wrong Man (1956)

a great character study by the master

[9/10 · 9 December 1999]

a great movie by the master. Not the usual suspense but more a character movie with an outstanding Henry Fonda. He plays the all-american man with a steady job, a wife and two kids. The way he reacts to his sudden arrestment is great, he is really in a shock. I think this movie is just as good as the suspense movies by Hitchcock