dirtypearl Reviews

In My Skin (2002)

Startling Vision

[10/10 · 11 November 2006]

Stunning film from writer/director Marina de Van. The film is bathed in atmosphere from the opening scenes as the viewer sees straight away this isn't going to be an average type film. The comparisons to David Cronenberg are very reasonable, and to some lesser degree Dario Argento. It's not all visual though, the story and acting really enveloped me. I had seen her work in Francoiz Ozon's SEE THE SEA as an actress, and I should have known this woman would have more great work under her belt to come.

It's not a film for conservative film goers, but ambitious viewers should give it a look!!

The Heart Is Deceitful Above All Things (2004)

Asia's dark heart unwraps itself here

[6/10 · 10 June 2006]

It's taken me forever to see this film. It didn't play in my city theatrically and only this week have I seen it by way of a DVD release. I'd been studying the history of the film since it's making and was expecting it to be grim and depressing- it is!

Asia's acting seems to be very realistic. Playing an indifferent mother looking for constant sex and little deviation from punk rock tunes, pills and whoring. The performance shows a mother without concern for her son and despite the attempts she makes a few times to return him into her life..one has to wonder why she bothered.

The graphic nature of some of the scenes were surprising and shocking for someone who has seen it all in cinema. Not having read the book, I am guessing this is mildly toned down compared to the JT Leroy novel. In recent years I have been shocked by movies like THE WAR ZONE by Tim Roth, BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA and some others. Argento seems to be channeling inner demons in films like Jennifer Jason Leigh did in movies like GEORGIA, BASTARD OUT OF CAROLINA, and especially LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN.

Asia will be an interesting one to watch- from her start in her father's films to making THE SCARLET DIVA and THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS. I am looking forward to more of her work in films acting and directing. Thank you, Asia.

Love Is Colder Than Death (1969)

Dark vision of Fassbinder's cinema future

[10/10 · 12 March 2006]

The place is Germany 1969. Fassbinder would direct his first full-length atmospheric piece. The film probably only should be viewed by those already interested in his cannon of work. The dry characters and dialogue work well within it's context but for the primitive viewer or the non-convert, this won't win any awards. I had saw the film the first time over a year ago and thought it was OK. I decided to re-watch it last night and walked away with completely a different opinion than before. Fassbinder knew the importance of the non-dialogue scenes and how to make them stand out, with expressionistic photography and stark settings. The music used here in the film is also first rate in adding to the mood. Ulli Lommel, Hanna Schygulla and Katrin Shaake (sp?) are all wonderful here. Fassbinder's role seems to be playing himself, like in all of his work. I rate this film very highly though my favorites of his work are: "Beware of Holy Whore", "Whity" and "Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant".

3-Iron (2004)

Very Nice!

[9/10 · 8 July 2005]

After seeing this film tonight, as well as the directors' SAMARITAN GIRL recently, I am concluding that Korea will be the next Europe for cinema standards. The film has little spoken words and relies on mood and cinematography to reveal a story and characters. I was very taken with it and wondered what other great treasures I see from Korean cinema. The film is a very ambitious one using almost no narrative with the lead characters at all. In the short time I have seen also OLD BOY, which was also very impressive and different.

If open to something mysterious and thought-provoking I recommend "3Iron" .

Look at Me (2004)

Well acted- but an endurance...

[5/10 · 8 July 2005]

"Comme une image" looked to be from the outset a very light French film. I immediately prepared myself for a comedy and to not expect much. I thought the acting was top-notch, but there was too much indulgence in sub-plots of characters that didn't seem to be important enough to the full story. To the point where it is detailing them too much as well their lives. There is one scene with Jean-Pierre Bacri playing chess, that seems to appear three separate times.. with dialog each time. It is meant to show the effects of his fame on those around him and the doors it opens.. but after seeing that same scene cut back to three separate times interspersed with other scenes it seemed a bit much. The relationship between Father and Daughter and the weight issues were all handled very well and interesting... but this film needed a good editor to hold it together. Usually I admire a director's indulgence and gratuity, but this had me rethinking.

Avoid this movie!!

The Moon in the Gutter (1983)

Needs DVD Release in either NTSC or PAL Format!

[10/10 · 8 July 2005]

Most printed words regarding this film is usually all negative. Criticisms for story and lack of coherence are usually the main issues. The film has has a sad reputation overall, but the atmosphere and cinematography makes up for any shortcomings in the script. The cast-particularly Kinski and Abril really make the film. Depardieu's dedication is serious enough as the lead protagonist. Check the works of Kinski and you'll find no other film of hers giving the aura and beguiling beauty display in The Moon In the Gutter. Regardless,the movie is better than most coming out these days. I would rank it highly with films like "Betty Blue" and the works of Almodovar and Polanski.Hopefully, a proper DVD issue of some kind is imminent.