CS Film Club

[Dracula]

I'm afraid I'm going to be a day or two late again. I gave up trying to get Hamlet through netflix (it was on wait) So I'm getting Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry instead, but they had to deliver that from North Carolina, which delayed things, it would arrive on Monday, BUT it's being delayed further by Columbus Day.

[SnoBorderZero]

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Its very difficult to say whether this film is an absolute mess or a post modern masterpiece. With many critics, this was the case, as 'Natural Born Killers' was either praised or viewed as grotesque and disgusting. I had the hardest time judging this film, as there are so many things going on that it was like one head trip after the other. Oliver Stone, a director known for producing controversial material, and this is probably his most controversial to date, has decided to take his film-making to a whole new level, and really test the audience. I had a hard time coming up with a final decision because there are some great scenes that truly stick with you, and there are some moments of randomness that doesn't seem to make any sense or fit in with a particular scene. What I mean by the ultimate style over content is that it's exactly that. Oliver Stone seems to use every camera angle and cinematography technique known to the world of cinema and used every single one left, right and centre in the space of one hour and fifty minutes. This ranges from colour transitions, switching to black and white, quick-cut editing, first person shots, tracking/crane shots and animation, and all of which are seen within the first 10 minutes. This is one of many flaws, and another is the lack of character development. Although maybe there is, as you see an odd-ball couple arguing you find yourself asking what is a 'perfect' relationship when the one you love is also a mass murdering psychopath.

When viewing this, you simply will not hold any emotion towards Mickey and Mallory (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis) a couple on a road trip across Route 66 whilst on a brutal killing spree. But then I stop to realise that maybe this film isn't about the development of the characters, and more on the subject of how Stone has created a satire, deliberately targeting the media, and completely mocking how the mass media have glorified violence. If that's the case, then this is where Stone succeeds. Oliver Stone is suggesting what America has become over the past decade, emphasised through over the top flashing imagery and pure, pure bloody violence. A generation fascinated by how murderers are the main attraction in a socially depriving country. The messages involved are rarely even seen by audiences and just feel that it contains meaningless violence. So I suppose, when I sit and think about it, the violence is there for a reason, yet many did not acknowledge this.

The performances here are excellent, with Robert Downey Jr. as Wayne Gale, a reporter who irresponsibly turns Mickey and Mallory into superstars of the mass murdering genre of news reports. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis portray the white trailer trash, sick and twisted couple to perfection, whereas Tommy Lee Jones plays a crazed, hyper prison warden. However solid the performances are, its not enough for it to redeem itself from the montage of cinematic trickery that Stone exposes you to. At times it is too much for the eyes to take, and surely Stone could have restrained himself.

One perspective that I did find interesting was how Mickey found Wayne Gale to be the evil of society and vice versa. Mickey sees Wayne as scum, as he is more interested in ratings and glorifying the ordeal of a three week slaughter. As Harrelson's character strings together reasons for why he does what he does, the one-liners in the dialogue are great. 'I don't kill on Wednesdays' just sums up this whole film. The glimpse of optimism is cruelly taken away by Oliver Stone's uncompromising vision. With jingles echoing in the background of the vicious scenes the director has definitely captured a disturbing atmosphere throughout, with odd dash of dark humour.

Art-house geeks will certainly be impressed by what 'Natural Born Killers' has to offer, but for the casual movie-goer, it might be too much to handle. I personally always find it a worthy achievement when the films retains its shock value without having to dumb down its content, taking its subject and its audience seriously, which is what we receive here.

6/10

[MovieBuff801]

I'll need an extra day to get my review in as well.

[sshuttari]

im in for next round

[MasterChief117]

Originally Posted by SnoBorderZero

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Its very difficult to say whether this film is an absolute mess or a post modern masterpiece. With many critics, this was the case, as 'Natural Born Killers' was either praised or viewed as grotesque and disgusting. I had the hardest time judging this film, as there are so many things going on that it was like one head trip after the other. Oliver Stone, a director known for producing controversial material, and this is probably his most controversial to date, has decided to take his film-making to a whole new level, and really test the audience. I had a hard time coming up with a final decision because there are some great scenes that truly stick with you, and there are some moments of randomness that doesn't seem to make any sense or fit in with a particular scene. What I mean by the ultimate style over content is that it's exactly that. Oliver Stone seems to use every camera angle and cinematography technique known to the world of cinema and used every single one left, right and centre in the space of one hour and fifty minutes. This ranges from colour transitions, switching to black and white, quick-cut editing, first person shots, tracking/crane shots and animation, and all of which are seen within the first 10 minutes. This is one of many flaws, and another is the lack of character development. Although maybe there is, as you see an odd-ball couple arguing you find yourself asking what is a 'perfect' relationship when the one you love is also a mass murdering psychopath.

When viewing this, you simply will not hold any emotion towards Mickey and Mallory (Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis) a couple on a road trip across Route 66 whilst on a brutal killing spree. But then I stop to realise that maybe this film isn't about the development of the characters, and more on the subject of how Stone has created a satire, deliberately targeting the media, and completely mocking how the mass media have glorified violence. If that's the case, then this is where Stone succeeds. Oliver Stone is suggesting what America has become over the past decade, emphasised through over the top flashing imagery and pure, pure bloody violence. A generation fascinated by how murderers are the main attraction in a socially depriving country. The messages involved are rarely even seen by audiences and just feel that it contains meaningless violence. So I suppose, when I sit and think about it, the violence is there for a reason, yet many did not acknowledge this.

The performances here are excellent, with Robert Downey Jr. as Wayne Gale, a reporter who irresponsibly turns Mickey and Mallory into superstars of the mass murdering genre of news reports. Woody Harrelson and Juliette Lewis portray the white trailer trash, sick and twisted couple to perfection, whereas Tommy Lee Jones plays a crazed, hyper prison warden. However solid the performances are, its not enough for it to redeem itself from the montage of cinematic trickery that Stone exposes you to. At times it is too much for the eyes to take, and surely Stone could have restrained himself.

One perspective that I did find interesting was how Mickey found Wayne Gale to be the evil of society and vice versa. Mickey sees Wayne as scum, as he is more interested in ratings and glorifying the ordeal of a three week slaughter. As Harrelson's character strings together reasons for why he does what he does, the one-liners in the dialogue are great. 'I don't kill on Wednesdays' just sums up this whole film. The glimpse of optimism is cruelly taken away by Oliver Stone's uncompromising vision. With jingles echoing in the background of the vicious scenes the director has definitely captured a disturbing atmosphere throughout, with odd dash of dark humour.

Art-house geeks will certainly be impressed by what 'Natural Born Killers' has to offer, but for the casual movie-goer, it might be too much to handle. I personally always find it a worthy achievement when the films retains its shock value without having to dumb down its content, taking its subject and its audience seriously, which is what we receive here.

6/10

Good review.

[Knerys]

All hell as broken loose over here. I wil try and my damnest to get at least one up tomorrow.

[JBond]

The Ghost in the Shell still isnt here, but I will watch it eventually.

[ViRUs]

i will try to have my review up today, i just started school again and I've been busy with that. If it's not up tonight it will definitely be up tomorrow afternoonish. Sorry about that.

[FranklinTard]

12 Angry Men

Great great film. There are probably only a few set pieces for this movie, as it surrounds a court proceeding where the defendant is accused of murdering his own father in cold blood with a knife after years of abuse. seeing him for few moments in the begining of the movie, we learn that he is of lower economic status, which comes into play with some of the jurors. the judge tells the jurors what they must decide, and we are sent into the room with the "12 Angry Men."

this movie has the works, great acting, excellent pacing, the writing is top notch, and all the scenery and the fact that it is black and white really adds to the atmosphere of the movie in my opinion. if i had more time i would write a little more about the movie, but it was excellent all the way until the end, keeping you entertained the entire way. highly recommended.

8/10.

[Knerys]

Excellent movie. Everyone should see it.


And I not going to get my review up by today. Having major issues with the people I live with (like bills and rent not being paid) and the only video store near me is closing. I will try to get it up but the end of the week. I guess if there is an odd man out I can do the next round.

I'm sorry guys.

[MovieBuff801]

Quick Review:

"High Fidelity" tells the tale of a man (John Cusack) who recounts his top five break-ups, including the one he's currently in. John Cusack has got to be one of the most underrated actors around today, and his talent certainly isn't wasted here. Cusack, as always, gives an interesting performance and helps carry the movie. The film itself is interesting and involving, though not quite perfect. At times, "High Fidelity" is a bit too quirky and sort of whimsical way, but it works as a whole. It also offers a rather amusing look at the record store business and how obsessive music lovers perceive some of the different forms of music. Highly entertaining.

***1/2 out of ****.

I'm in for the next round as well.

[Darth Maul]

The Fountain

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky


The Fountain' is ambitious, brilliantly-acted and stunningly beautiful; it's the sort of bold film-making that you love to see.The plot of 'The Fountain' is a blurred combination of drama, science-fiction and fantasy. Three thematically-linked narratives – respectively set in the year 1500, the present day, and somewhere around the year 2500 – are interwoven throughout the film, each era featuring similar characters played by Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz . In the present day, Jackman plays Dr. Tommy Creo, a devoted husband who is dedicating all his time to uncovering a cure for his wife Izzi's (Weisz) terminal brain tumour. Izzi, in her final months, has been writing a novel, entitled "The Fountain." The novel, which she would like Tom to complete himself, traces the struggles of a 16th century Spanish conquistador, Tomas (Jackman), to discover the famed Tree of Life in the New World, a mission granted to him by his beloved Queen Isabel (Weisz). The third story, set in the far future – or perhaps merely in Tommy Creo's mind – shows astronaut Tom (Jackman again) travelling towards the golden nebula Xibalba in an ecospheric bubble spacecraft, his only companion a dying tree and occasional visits from present-day Izzi, in spirit form.

If all this sounds very confusing to you, then you're not alone. 'The Fountain' really is a film that you have to think about to receive most rewarding movie experience, and multiple viewings are sure to be beneficial in understanding the intricacies of the plot and themes. The "Conquistador" portions were certainly inspired by films such as Herzog's 'Aguirre: The Wrath of God' (and, reportedly, Aronofsky based his script on that of Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon A Time in America,' which also employs a flashback structure between three different eras).


Though Aronofsky's dialogue is perhaps a bit simplistic at times, the actors deliver it with a real passion. Hugh Jackman is particularly good during the present-day sequences, and we can only watch with despair as the impending loss of his wife begins to tear him apart from the inside. Rachel Weisz is also very good, and the two actors share a strong chemistry, never leaving us in doubt that their two characters are very much in love with each other. 'The Fountain' is an especially visual film, relying on its vibrant colours and stunning cinematography to inspire emotion. The dying golden nebula, Xibalba, towards which Jackman's astronaut travels is simply beautiful to look at, encompassing all that is beautiful and fascinating about the endless universe. Clint Mansell's score also contributes greatly to the awe-inspiring feel of the film, gradually becoming stronger and stronger in tone, before exploding in a flash of sound and energy for the heart-racing climax.

At just over 90 minutes in length, 'The Fountain' is long enough to adequately get its message across, but it ultimately feels as though there could and should be more to it. In my view at least, not nearly enough of the conquistador's journey was shown to us, and, indeed, another filmmaker might even have made that single section into a fascinating feature-length film of its own. 'The Fountain' is sorta like Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' in tone and style. Though the film itself is probably not even science-fiction – as I'm inclined to view the astronaut's journey as being metaphorical more than literal – 'The Fountain' is similar to '2001' in at least one way: both films were bold and daring enough to stray from the mainstream, from what audiences are used to; time, I predict, will be very kind to this film.

A must rent


8/10


Darth Maul

[shained]

glad you liked it, i watched it earlier this year and it instantly became my best film from the previous year, 06.

Agree with most of what you said that the future bit is in Tom's head as he imagines an ending for the book she has written. And the score, just lie Requeim, is unbelievable a must see.

Sorry about my film not being up yet i have it but have just gone back to uni and bein in work just havn't had the time i will have it watched on thursday when i have the day off and will be in for the next round

[JBond]

We can extend this a little longer.

[Nilade]

Cool. I got my movie, will watch it tonight!

[Dracula]

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry

I'm going to give a short, simple review for this short simple movie.

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry is a low budget 70's "carsploitation" movie about a NASCAR driver named Larry (Peter Fonda) and his freind Deke (Adam Roarke), who rob a grocery store and flee in their sweet 1969 Charger. An obsessive sheriff (Vic Morrow) sets up roadblocks and chases after them. Along the way they meet up with Larry's girlfriend Mary.

This film was clearly an influence on Tarentino's Death Proof, this alone made it worth seeibng if only to be a little more "in the know" about the background to that great film.

Still this film is hardly "good" in the conventional sense of the world. The plot is standard "Dukes of Hazard" fare; a much better film from the same year with a similar plot would be the early Steven Spielberg film The Sugarland Express.

The acting is fairly attrocious, Peter Fonda is an interesting screen presence but he's no great thesbian.

The car chases are well filmed, but don't come anywhere close to the great chases in films like Bullitt and The French Connection.

The movie's final action scene is anti climactic, and it ends on a hilariously random and stupid deus ex machina.

Good for those interested in seeing the origins of Death Proof, bad by any other standard.

*1/2 out of four

[JBond]

How much longer are we looking on the rest of these?

I'll give til about Friday or so, but please try to update us either way.

[Dracula]

I'm in for the next round of course

[Nilade]

I can't get it done in time, so I won't be in next round. But I will still watch my movie and post it in the next round near the beginning or so.

[Matrix_Fan]

I'm in for the next round

[Darth Maul]

Im in next round also.

[sshuttari]

in for next round as well

[shained]

Me too Review Will Either Be Up 2night Or 2mora Night

[Knerys]

I'm going to work getting at least one of my reviews up soon, but keep me on stand by for this next round. If there's an odd man out I do it.

[ViRUs]

sorry, i know its not an excuse but i would have had my up by monday or tuesday but our computer is acting weird and we cant get on the internet. I'm at my mom's now, but i havent been able to visit here much because of my busy schedule. Anyways, sorry again this is late.

The Shawshank Redemption

Before I saw this movie my one friend always used to say "You still havent seen the Shawshank Redemption!?" He apparently loved this movie, and that is one of the reasons why I picked it. Let me tell you, I am so glad that I did too. The acting was great, both Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins did great. The plot however almost seemed to be stretched too far, I think they could have cut the movie down to around two hours maybe two hours and fifteen minutes, but that is me just kind of nit-picking. The movie does a great job at keeping your attention, and then giving it a little twist at the end. Great movie!

***1/2 (out of four)

sorry this is kind of a mini review. I kind of need to get back to studying my medical terminolgy, lol. I would like to sit out this next round, however if you guys have an odd number i'll play. Just send me a message and I will get it next time I come back on the computer.