CitizenCinephile
http://www.flixster.com/user/citizencinephile
|
|
| Movie: | |
|---|---|
| Actor: | Klaus Kinski, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Gena Rowlands, Anna Karina, Jack Nicholson, Giuletta Mansina |
| Director: | John Cassavetes, Werner Herzog, Martin Scorsese, Jean-Luc Godard, Robert Altman, Francois Truffaut, Federico Fellini, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Ingmar Bergman, Andrei Tarkovsky, Wong Kar Wai, Jim Jarmusch; others run the gamut, as well |
| Quote: |
| Film enthusiast, a child of Marx and Coca-Cola. |
Skin art by
ladypyramidhead
| Grab this skin
Rick's Recent Reviews
Blowup (Blow-Up) (Blow Up)
Unrated
Hello, fellow cinephiles. Are you prepared for cinematic blasphemy of the highest magnitude?!?!?!?!
This film is beyond my reach, it fails to arouse my senses, capture my imagination and I have absolutely no emotional attachment to the protagonist. It's empty, vacuous, bereft of an emotional core. Maybe that's the desired effect, I don't know. I feel deceived that I invested my time in a film that has no semblance of a resolution, and the lack of a plot isn't very conducive to the film either. I must admit, however, the pantomime scenes were brilliantly conceived and I'm still anxious to see the rest of the films in Antonioni's oeuvre despite this being a massive disappointment.
Stroszek
Unrated
an absurd, affecting film imbued with melancholic cynicism. it's amazing how herzog is able to conjure up all these sort of bland, dull images and transform them into something of captivating beauty. bruno s. has left an indelible impression on me.
Rick's Favorite Movies
Rick's Movie Scrapbook
Rick's Talk
View All (1914)
-
I recommend you see...
High Tension (Switchblade Romance)
by Oscarposted 2 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Hansel & Gretel
by scottnot the fairytale you know or love, more inspired id say, you certainly can see the storys influence, a young man has a car crash, and ends up at this house in the woods, and once meeting the seeminly perfect family, cant get away, he tries, but the forest traps him in, and theres more to family than meets the eye, a great little chiller from the east, some nice touches and moments, and great performances, especially the three kids vital to story, it looks great, very tim burton at times
a good korean horror
posted 18 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
Bottle Rocket
by QuintoI wanted to love this movie to death, and I had wanted to see for a long time now, but in the end I just didn't "get". I mean, I laughed all the time and I found the movie to be hilarious and the motel scenes were fantastic, but overall I just couldn't muster enough interest in the story and my mind would wander off for long periods time and I had to be rewinding everything all the time. I'll wait for this experience to wash down and give another shot later.
Help me like this movie more, please.
posted 19 hours ago -
I recommend you see...
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
by Nikolashaving as background a very strong antiwar book the film can touch the quality of book ..it is one of the classic traps when you make a film based in a very good film
i show some elements , which give the reality of one of the most weird war .
deep in the ground the soldiers , without ideology , just wait there and nothing happens . and of course a guy who wants glory throw all ...Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Knowing
by FabioThis is a suspenseful story, part science fiction, part thriller, which will challenge viewers to decide what they believe in the aforementioned debate. And unlike the sensation we find in some suspense stories, viewers won't have to suspend much belief to go along for the ride. John's journey happens step be step, each event happening in perfectly logical order. Is John creating his own story or is he just following the steps laid out for him long ago?
I enjoyed the movie all the way right up until they made it a bit too unrealistic at the end. Once you've seen it you'll know what I'm talking about...it was an interesting mix of both hope and loss.
The disaster scenes were grisly and disturbing. Cage did a great job of post-traumatic shock that was played just right.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Knowing
by Fabio
This is a suspenseful story, part science fiction, part thriller, which will challenge viewers to decide what they believe in the aforementioned debate. And unlike the sensation we find in some suspense stories, viewers won't have to suspend much belief to go along for the ride. John's journey happens step be step, each event happening in perfectly logical order. Is John creating his own story or is he just following the steps laid out for him long ago?
I enjoyed the movie all the way right up until they made it a bit too unrealistic at the end. Once you've seen it you'll know what I'm talking about...it was an interesting mix of both hope and loss.
The disaster scenes were grisly and disturbing. Cage did a great job of post-traumatic shock that was played just right.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Black Hawk Down
by FabioOne of the strongest experience I had by seeing a war film.
I absolutely love this movie because it shows us how much these men go through to try and make the world a better place.
This movie so realistically captures the two different styles of war (USA and Somalia); one being incredibly organized and technically superior, and the other being disorganized but fighting with reckless abandon. The gunfire-scenes are amazing as are the injuries and the treatment of them.
It wasn't may be that massacre that in Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan was, but some shots are rather disgusting.
A must-see for anyone thinking war is glorious.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Pride and Glory
by FabioThis movie had a very strong script that felt very honest & humble, and what I mean by that is, it didn't need/rely on any extravagant twists/turns in order for it be interesting and suspenseful. It managed to intrigue and excite with a single plot.
The performance given by the actors in this film is what gives it the extra quality that makes it an especially good and entertaining movie. They all live up to their names/status and deliver solid performances that remind us why they're A-list actors. It's also worth mentioning that the supporting actors/actresses are equally impressive.
In conclusion, this was a great movie and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially action/drama fans.
Buuut it's not a classic like Serpico.Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Public Enemies
by MarkDecent historical crime drama about John Dillinger and the efforts of J. Edgar Hoover's developing FBI to stop him. Classy production design beautifully recreating the 1930s is undermined by a less than compelling plot. It ultimately builds to an interesting climax, but most the action before that is rather spiritless. Unquestionably an improvement over Michael Mann's last film Miami Vice. Also of note is actress Marion Cotillard as Dillinger's girlfriend Billie Frechette.
Unquestionably an improvement over Michael Mann's last film Miami Vice.
posted 1 day ago -
I recommend you see...
Testament
by edwinIt's almost a far gone conclusion that a post apocalyptic film is going to be decorated with sets of destruction, chaos, squalor, grime, etc. It's a fair assumption. That's what makes Testament such a unique entry into the genre.
The film focuses on a Californian family. They are, quite fittingly, a nuclear family. The father, Tom (William Devane), is a health nut. He goads on his son, Brad (Rossie Harris) to keep up with him as they cycle. A bit harsh, maybe, but lovingly, certainly. He's a jovial family man. There are two other children, an adolescent daughter and an active five year old (Lukas Haas in his first role). Running the household is the Mother Carol (Jane Alexander). She is the heart and soul of the film. Tom's morning bike ride goes through town introducing us to neighbours along the way - including an Asian gas station owner and his young son with down syndrome, always looking for someone to take him fishing.
Ted works in San Diego, and heads to the office, everyone assuming it will be a day like any other. Carol checks the answering machine to hear that Ted says he'll be running late, then calling back to say he will be coming for dinner. The tv scrambles, then a rumble and blinding light. That is the extent of the explosion in Testament. It is, by apocalyptic definitions, a quiet low key picture. The effect of the blast on their town is minimal. Ted however does not return home on time, nor at all. Without news, the family waits day after day hoping he can make it through what must be the twisted and demolished landscape outside of their town toward the city. In distressing fashion, his fate is confirmed later by his own words.
As time passes, fallout begins to set it. It creeps in like an invisible fog, slowly taking its toll. People begin to die from radiation sickness; gasoline and food supplies begin running out; the cemeteries fill, and eventually bodies must be burned on a spire as the sky's light is ever slowly being choked out by nuclear ash and dust. While movies like Threads show us what it would like to live directly in the blast area, Testament actually hits home with more impact it its subtlety. Most of us living in these smaller towns. It's quite possible this is what life would be like immediately after for us.
Testament gets under your skin with its brooding psychological impact. One of the films most crushing scenes comes as a mother washes her son by candle light, slowly realizing he is dying. In fact if there ever was a perfect word to describe Testament, it would be crushing. It's almost unbearable. Threads is as well, but in a different way. That was like a chainsaw to the face, this is like a punch to the stomach. But even when it looks like all is lost - and may be - hope still finds a way to shine on. In Carol, and in the young challenged Chinese boy, who remains happy with life's smallest pleasures. After all, that's where the key to survival lies.As promised, a review of Testament. Although vastly different in style and execution, Threads and Testament go quite well together. One as the immediate and long term effects directly within the blast zone, and one on the outskirts. Testament takes a more existential approach, demonstrating the slowburning after effects which would eventually consume us, seen and unseen. Where Threads terrifies, Testament distresses.
posted 2 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
by scottanvil were to make it big in the eighties,with the likes of bon jovi, metallica and many others, but never did, making over 13 records to this day, but certainly not raking it in and here we see them doing there day jobs,and a spinal tap like tour around europe, we see the highs and very lows of this troubled band, its very entertaining to watch them live the dream, or what there is of it, and looking to the future wit a new album. there passionate about there music and especially being in anvil
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 2 days ago -
Come see this movie with me...
The Heiress
by AudreyIs the delusion of "love" better than living without love? An excellent film by William Wyler in 1949, starring Montgomery Clift and Olivia de Haviland. An awkward,plain unmarried (mature) woman is swept off her feet by a handsome young man with an eye to her fortune. He makes her happy-almost transforming her into a vibrant and happy woman. Her shot at love is sabataged by her father who suspects the young man's motives, but more importantly,cannot believe that any man could love his dull, plain daughter.De Haviland is excellent in portaying a woman transformed, again and again.The ending was spectacular.
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 2 days ago -
I recommend you see...Hey, you should really see this!
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Withnail and I
by QuintoDon't think I've ever seen two performances as convincing as the two leads, nor dialogue be delivered as amusingly. The characters are the very definition of memorable.
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
In Bruges
by ElviraRalph Fiennes, Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell compose the axis of this black comedy, unfolding in the "fairy tale"-like Bruges. Probably one of the most amusing films I've seen lately, In Bruges is equal parts cruel and flat out funny, all while being based (oddly enough) on a dead serious moral dilemma. I think it's admirable that a writer may have reached that balance in a way that feels fresh, and also that the actors may have adjusted so perfectly with the tone of the film. Speaking of tone, it's one of the most remarkable things about In Bruges: the cool palette ranges from blues to muted golds, music is used with measure, the pace is either draggy or frenetic for comedic purposes... It's a very entertaining film to go along with; above all, it's brilliant at being unpredictable.
To me, the highlight is definitely the screenplay. Every scene is quite meticulous and there aren't many that could be discharged or replaced. In Bruges goes back to the old practice of having a shot actually last longer than the speed of light, and give space for body language and intelligent dialog (also testament to how long the actors can maintain the comedy without it falling sloppy). I could have listened to these foul mouthed, prejudiced characters for hours. However, they were far from typecast as typical "hitmen" or "gangsters", and were drawn as people, who may or may not appreciate Flemish art and beer, who also happened to kill people for a living. How it was laid-out, so matter-of-factly, and the context of Medieval tourism it was put into, had me smiling like a fool for the entire duration of the film.
The humor is violent, loud, and very very dark. The more ignorant and irreverent the better.
Much to my, and most people's, dismay, I didn't really think Colin Farrell was very superior to the other two actors. That isn't saying anything bad about his performance, since I consider them all to be great. Although Ralph Fiennes did steal some of the scenes.
There's also a message about redemption, or the impossibility of achieving it... your call. Make sure not to miss it though, there are quite a few distractions :PThis is a film I would buy and watch every time I felt like a) laughing b) killing someone.
posted 3 days ago -
I recommend you see...
American Teen
by scottwhat apears to be a documentary on a group of teens in warsaw a middle america town, but clues give it away this is actually actors or non actors, working under a loose script, or thought out actions before hand, but what ever it is, its entertaining, as we follow the kids through there last year of high school,and thinking about college, the highs and lows of high school life, the actors/real life people, whatever they are are genuin, and not like you see in hollywood movie, this is part of the charm as you watch the whinny kids go about there day, some are annoying, some just sad,and some,,bitches, all the events you get in hollywood highschool films make it in here, but with authenticity, if this is fiction of course, if not,ainteresting doc
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex
by scotta interesting look at a group of radicals during 1960s germany, protesting out against americas involvment in vietnam,and especially there ocupation in germany as bases for there preparation,what starts as protests to the streets turns into bombings and murder, they were germanys most wanted, the film with great detail takes us through a groups beginnings and getting in too deep, showing the 1960s through to the 70s where events became bigger and bigger, and inprisonment for most of the people, the story is well told, lots crammed in its two and a half hours, and lots of action, bombs being set of as part of there attack, all performances are good especially moritz bleibtreu,as the guy in control, another filmabout germanys past that isnt nazis and killing jews
Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Threads
by edwinThe 1980s were awash with post-nuclear apocalyptic films. The atmosphere during the Cold War was tantamount to sociological paranoid schizophrenia. As those kind of movies pointed out, it wasn't an entirely unreasonable mindset. With the emotional strings of mass public ripe for pulling, movie execs put out as many apocalyptic films as possible to fill what was for a time a hollow quota. Like any mass produced product, most were forgettable at best, some endearing simply for their subject matter and aims (when not jingoistic propaganda), and few actually top quality, even fewer bonified art. While movie houses were churning out profit racking money traps, how interesting that one of the very best of the genre was made as a TV docudrama by the BBC (another excellent film, which I'll also review, was also made for tv in the US, Testament, though when producers saw its quality, they pushed it on to the big screen).
Threads amounts to a by the numbers procedural. The film begins with the story of a young couple, pregnant, and contemplating their future. We meet their families, and others, among them a political bureaucrat. The first half of the movie deals with the buildup to war. TV reports telecast news of escalating confrontations between the US and USSR. War breaks out and nukes are used. Protests mount in the streets as the UK becomes trapped in the nuclear vortex. Inevitably, bombs begin to fall on it.
When the nuclear strikes occur, the imagery is frightening and unforgettable. But it's the aftermath that truly gives Threads its disturbing legacy legitimacy. Most of the rest of the film focuses on Ruth, the pregnant fiance. She stays with her parents in their ruined flat for a time, then goes out into the streets of Sheffield in search of her lover, and then eventually just food and a means of surviving. The area is reduced to rubble, and it is assumed with the amount of fighting reported before the blasts that so is everywhere else. Nuclear dust clogs the skies, there is no sunlight to be seen. Those who are not dying from fallout are dying of hunger, or possibly marauding bands of looters, or even the ruthless guns of the authorities. Ruth eventually has her child, a daughter. The movies jumps forwards in time, throughout the time of the initial survivors, to the nuclear children, the next generation.
The movie is punctuated by on screen statistics, providing us with information we'd rather not be privy to. A voice occasionally briefly narrates as if it were a real documentary. But the real star is the imagery. Threads has no standard plot so to speak, but simply follows. There is a beginning, but no middle. The end, however, is quite symbolically the end. There is little hope in the film. What hope their is is provided by ourselves and our own internal predilection for optimism. By some turns, Threads is overbearingly pessimistic, others though insist it may be optimistic. If the latter is correct, let me be vapourized upon impact, please.
Stylistically, Threads is barren, dirty, bloody, uninhabitable. The filmmakers do a painfully good job considering the technology of the 80s. The storm of dialogue coming from all angles in the beginning half of the film - from people, from radios, and tvs, often simultaneously - gives way to screams of panic and desperation, and finally to near silence. The final acts of the film are most without dialogue, what there is is sparse and passe. After all, as it is said, the world goes out not with a bang, but a whimper.With the forthcoming release of The Road (though not definitively nuclear apocalyptic, but likely in the book), and all the renewed hysteria over nuclear war, what better time to revisit some of the better films of the genre. Starting with one of the best, the bbc docudrama Threads. It's a very, very disturbing and existentially terrifying proposition, based on research conducted about the likely aftermath of nuclear war if it fell upon the UK.
Since Threads was a TV movie, I'll also be reviewing another great originally made for TV movie that was switched to the big screen, Testament, and possibly the great "documentary" The War Game if I get time.posted 4 days ago -
I recommend you see...
Terminator Salvation
by OscarNot a fan of the Terminator saga, so the only thing that I can say is that this fourth installment is not a good blockbuster, Why? Because MGM directed one of the most boring Ive ever seen, seriously I was almost sleep watching this. Not even Christian Bale could save this film. Sorry but this is a FAIL!Hey, you should really see this!
posted 4 days ago
View All (1914)
