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Reviews
The Riches (2007)
We are on a journey with these Travelers--Hang on!
I am a big fan of Eddie Izzard and find his comedy remarkably insightful and clever. So, when I first heard the premise of "The Riches" a while back, I dreaded the thought that he would be in a sitcom akin to another version of "The Beverly Hillbillies." However, when I saw the pilot last week I was mesmerized by the quality of the acting and writing; and the concepts that were spring-loaded into this first episode. It was like reading a great novel when virtually the entire story is laid before you early on, but the art and craft comes in the characters pulling the pieces apart and then putting them back together, saying: "If you come with us on this journey, you will have some questions and confusion. At times we might make you laugh, or we might break your heart. You might not always like what you see, but you will never be bored." This is what "The Riches" promised the viewer in that first episode. After viewing the second episode last night, I believe they intend to keep that promise.
As a longtime TV viewer I have watched many a new show, digging through the dreck and the dross, seeking gold. I believe there is gold in "The Riches."
Dead Man (1995)
Enraptured by this movie!
SPOILER First of all, I must say that for the most part I dislike Westerns; hate bloodshed and violence in movies; and, since I don't believe in killing animals or people, I don't like movies that portray either graphically. Having said that...Dead Man is one of the most remarkable and mesmerizing movies I have ever seen. I just came upon this move recently on IFC and I have already watched it multiple times. The cinematography is hypnotic and brilliant, reminiscent of some of the wonderful scenes in The Long Riders (another move that I "shouldn't" have liked, but did!).
The acting in Dead Man-- incredibly quirky and on target for most of the cast--left me stunned by the talent of Depp, Farmer, Henriksen and Thornton. Neil Young's instrumental work--which is almost another character, providing a harsh, pounding voice--is such a complement to the movie, I cannot imagine any other music in its place.
I have read most of the comments and it seems that only a few folks came away from this movie with the concept that I have - Blake is already dead. But Nobody sees that Blake should have died when he was shot. That's why he asks "Did you kill the white man that killed you?" Then when Blake says, "I'm not dead," Nobody assumes the role of trailguide taking Blake on the path to acceptance of his death.
There are so many symbols, allusions and metaphors in the film, both obvious and hidden, it's like panning for gold. The film is so poignant at times it almost hurts, like the pain that Blake feels from the bullet near his heart. I can't believe I missed seeing this film "at the movies" and never heard much about it until recently.