dane-31 Reviews

Monster's Ball (2001)

Unexpectedly Powerful!!

[8/10 · 3 June 2007]

From one our most promising younger directors, another masterpiece was born. Forster's subtly moving and deeply honest portrayal of two individuals from a small southern town is very real, and all the more powerful for it. Like the early 1960s, the early 2000s was a time of political turmoil, economic ambivalence, tragedy, and a chain of events that caused millions of us to reconsider and reflect the issues of human nature and human cruelty, and Monster's Ball was nothing short of a powerful projection of the times. Thorton and Berry were amazing as the two Central Characters and shared a surprisingly natural chemistry, not only empowering the realism of the narrative, but the authenticity of the complex emotions that accompany the best and worst of extremes, love and hate. As well as a more than believable concept, nuanced performances, the film itself is full of hidden meanings, motifs, and brilliant symbolisms. The symphonic score by Asche and Spencer accessed at the right moments, not to theatrically manipulate us into feeling prescribed emotions, but subtly hinting at the emotions of the Central characters as well as a thoughtful melodic reflection, coalescing into an enchantingly soft and melodious close. That year, the Oscar for best performance went to Halle Berry, and deservedly so. Overall, a great film, gently compelling it's viewers to question the way we treat ourselves and others into greater consideration. 8/10. Excellent Film-making.

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman returns with the Unexpected

[8/10 · 2 June 2007]

Director Bryan Singer's courageous adaption of the legendary Superman comic is in many ways, nothing like the actions of the comics many of us may remember from our days of childhood. Instead, we are presented with more of a Drama than your typical summer release Action/Adventure film. Singer's visually gorgeous sets and angles, top-notch cast, and sincere performances, as well as a more Dramatic storyline, make for a great film, not to mention the earthy, sweet beauty of Bosworth's finely-tuned performance as the troubled young mother and reporter, Lois Lane. Many scenes are nitwit for their exceptional performances and visual flair, namely the rooftop scene between Lois and "Superman." Spacey and Routh were exceptional as the villain and Superman. The motif score was also very moving, and frequently tags on the heart strings. Overall, a very well crafted, Drama/Action, and an unconventional telling an imaginative and inventive story with an uplifting message.

Seconds (1966)

Deeply Disturbing Thriller, Honest, Compelling!!

[8/10 · 16 April 2007]

In the late fifties, Rock Hudson was seen through the eyes of middle-aged women and teenage girls as the all-American Alpha male, the hero, a luminary of the melodrama genre. While Hudson's performances were exceptional in nearly all of his films, his performance in Frankenheimer's frenetic psychological thriller "Seconds," is nothing short of amazing. Another notable, albeit overlooked performance was that of Francis Reed as Emily, Tony's original wife. Reed's final scenes of the film were beautifully and eloquently articulated, and her emotions, while restrained, were catching, you could feel her sense of loss and confusion. The film's commencing images of Authur's distorted/warping face, accompanied by Goldsmith's dark, piercing score gives the viewer a sense of confusion, of not knowing exactly just what is happening, and a lingering air of dread and disgust. The film in an elemental analysis is rather uneven, some scenes are over-drawn, lengthy. Take for example the duration of the wine stomping festival. While this sequence is significantly important to the understanding of the main characters, their thoughts, their ideas, and their behavior (a spiritual and personal releasing of the central character's concealed emotions and inner tensions) it's simply far too long, and at times confusing, due to the jerky camera movements (hand-held?), making the scene almost laughable. Another example of a needlessly linty scene is the party episode at Wilson's new Ocean-front domicile. Once again, the camera movements are highly unstable, and the scene, overall, far too long. The scene comes across as an over lit, neurotic parody, rather than a significant watershed in the narrative. Other than these few weaker elements of "Seconds," the film as a whole is surprisingly powerful. Once again, Hudson's performance was very authentic, and while his character was not the most reasonable man, Hudson's heartfelt performance makes him very sympathetic. Overall, Frankenheimer's unconventional foray into the Paranoid Thriller Genre is very memorable, and one of the more honest, deeply compelling films of it's time. The final 20 minutes are harrowing, and the ambient orchestrations by Goldsmith access at perfectly calculated moments. Unconventional in it's approach, moving in it's deeply felt themes, and haunting for it's difficult questions toward's a perhaps superficial, covetous modern society.

They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)

A Period Piece, Far ahead of its time!!

[9/10 · 12 April 2007]

While Pollack's foray into the "Period Piece" genre is without a doubt, a milestone in effective casting and direction, it is in many ways very hard to watch without feeling an occasional wince. The film starts out with a vague vignette of a boy (Robert in youth) witnessing the slaying of a horse. He is a young man that enjoys the simple pleasures in life, like watching the lapping waves of the ocean, and this is precisely how the film commences, with an air of sadness and beauty. Shortly after this monochromatic flashback, we witness a large line of anxious contestants, preparing for the Dance Deby Marathon. It is made extremely apparent by the end of the film, that not one of the contestants is prepared for not only the physical agonies and exhaustion they will face, but how challenging it is to one's fortitude. Although the story is presented from the probing eye of realism, Pollack's seamless direction and compassionate central characters make the film bearable. If not for these, as well as it's artistic merit, the film would come across as austerely depressing. The central Characters Gloria and Robert were played equally well, full of nuance, pathos, and humanity. The chemistry between Sarrzin and Fonda was electrifying.

Although the film garnered many fine performances, Gig Young as Rocky, the calloused, lonely Owner and Proctor of this horrid spectacle won the Academy Award for his exceptional performance. I could go on and on (literally) regarding the quality and subtly of the film, but, I don't plan on writing a book if you know what I mean. Overall, "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is a powerful study of history and human nature, with some very shocking implications and tough questions. Along with the many layers and realistic characters, the underlying message is one of humanity, of how cruel and strange people behave in distress. The fact that the film is based on true events in our history adds to the viscerally disturbing nature of the story. It's message is universal, the performances, exceptional (especially Jane Fonda), and it's images, unforgettable! I give it my strongest and most heartfelt recommendation!

Body Heat (1981)

A great Film!!

[9/10 · 10 January 2007]

Laurence Kasdan's amazing Neo-Noir film is, in my opinion, a wonderfully-crafted psychological Thriller. Although the film has some witty elements, it is also a deeply somber film of the consequences from ignoring Intuition and Conscience, as well as the insufferable damages of a relentlessly greedy woman. The ending of the film is brilliant, leaving a feeling of dread, and an atmosphere of stark psychological anxiety, while still maintaining it's smooth trademark style and photographic beauty. I found myself very disappointed in many of the viewer's comments on the film; people only seeming to remember the Sexual scenes and the scenes of witty dialog. Yes, I understand that a film like this may resemble many of the qualities of the classic Noirs, but in no way is it meant to be a spoof or a remake, it simply pays Homage to them, not mimic them. Yes, many of the elements of the film are similar to the classic Noir's of the 1950's we all may know, but it was obviously not the intention of the director to imitate those films, he was simply using the necessary conventions of the genre to give the film perspective/genre. In other words, all of the obviously desensitized and cynical reviewers can get your feet out of your mouth, and stop depreciating a truly good film as a fascicle. In looking at the film in and of itself, it stands for it's own, carrying it's own weight with grace and true style. How about appreciating the film as a whole!! As has been said, "A film is not necessarily the sum of it's parts, but of a whole."

BUtterfield 8 (1960)

An underrated film!!

[8/10 · 23 June 2006]

When I'd first saw this film, I'd caught the last 30 minutes of it on television, and found it to hold my attention very well. I just recently got the chance to see the film in it's entirety, and I was still hooked.I've seen 6 of Elizabeth Taylor's many films, and out of them all, I found this one featured her greatest performance. She had a demanding presence, and looked beautiful as Gloria, the down and out call girl. The dialogue was sharp and witty in many parts, and held a strong supporting cast. The cinematography was also another good aspect of the film. The color photography was lush, and had a noir-ish, moody, and elegant feeling in some scenes as well, especially the diner scene and the bar scene, amazing!! Despite these great qualities of the film, yes, some parts were rather slow, and a little overwrought, but overall, definitely above average, and elegantly presented, and holds one of Taylor's greatest performances I've ever seen!! If I could place the film in a genre, I would place it under Psychological Drama. A more worthy film than you might think! Overall grade: 7.5/10

Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965)

Amazing!!!

[9/10 · 13 May 2006]

I am absolutely amazed by this film! I never thought it would be so well done, considering that, one, being a major film buff, I'd never heard much of it, and two, it's rating is just above average. I am throughly amazed by this film, I expected so little of it, but when I finally saw it, I was spellbound, and I mean it! Every aspect of the film was frightening and dramatic! The score by Paul Glass is very memorable and heightens the most moving and dramatic scenes, the Cinematography is bold and very smooth. The acting, I can't say enough about it, it's beyond great, Carol Lynley played an extremely likable, intelligent, and captivating as well as moving female lead. The direction by Preminger is seamless, and all of the other performances are of the best I've seen from a supporting Cast in years! The story was pure psychodrama, moving, chilling, gripping! I can't say enough about this film. I just don't know why it's not better known, it's ahead of it time and is, like I've said, spellbinding! Definitely worth a look, without a doubt! 9/10

Last Year at Marienbad (1961)

A finely shot, stylish, and strangely compelling ghost story!

[9/10 · 14 April 2006]

Last year at Marienbad is the second film I've seen by Resnais, and I am very pleased! I'd seen "Hiroshima, Mon Amour" prior to this film, and was not that impressed. I thought "Hiroshima, Mon Amour" was an important Historical/Political comment as well as a personal drama, but had to keep myself awake through it, due to it's vague inconclusiveness.

I found "Last year at Mareinbad" to be much more interesting and it also made more sense for me. The fact that I understood this film surprised me though! I'd read so many reviews of pleased, yet perplexed critics, I was preparing myself for utter confusion. When I finished the film, my understanding of it was as a ghost story. It's obvious, just observe and don't jump to conclusions! The clues are surprisingly apparent; eerie organ music (death/funerals), the atmosphere of meaninglessness, of feeling lost. The repeated actions of the characters (memory/flashback), and the fact that none of the hotel guests acknowledge their presence, as if they didn't exist, and vis-versa for the leads as well. The guests and protagonists also mention how the decor looks like it's from a recent, yet passed time. The narrative is basically about how the man (X) falls in love with the woman (A) and how they are trapped to linger in a type of purgatory within the walls of the hotel because it is where they last died, similar to "The Others" (2001) in this sense, how they can't seem to leave the mansion because they're dead, and they don't know it! Even the beginning dialog and visuals express the characters sense of purgatory/loneliness " Roam these endless corridors, again." The visuals on the painted ceiling of angels and heavens are also a clue to this narrative of death. I think the reason the characters can't remember certain/specific events/meetings is due to the shooting of Character A. Perhaps the memory of her death is either to painful ( so they deny/block it out) or their transcended mind rejects it). It also goes without saying that the Husband and lover (X) are ghosts as well, and probably killed each other after the woman's death, since they three are they only ones that can see/interact with each other. Resnais's film is a masterpiece of stunning visuals (symbolic) (Cinematographer-Sacha Vierny), nuanced performances (Seyrig and Albertazzi) and a brilliant questioning of life-after-death and the transcendence of memory/love.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Predictable, Brash, Unrealishtic, and downright overrated!!!

[3/10 · 14 April 2006]

This film is a bastardization of black/American history. Now, lets start from the beginning, another film about interracial, or prejudicial/bigotry issues between players on a team (played out to death in modern American movies). I can think of countless examples; Coach Carter, School Ties, Radio, Rudy, Varsity Blues, The Program, and...yes, the list of mediocrity continues, but I'll cut it short! You see, I'm not really into sports, but that isn't why I dislike this film so strongly. My reason is that the whole racial issues aspect is a little out-played/out-dated, the acting-lazy, and the film as a whole, rather corny and pretentious, with a lingering air of belligerence and predictability. The little girl (Sheryl) played by Hayden Panettiere as Coach Bill's outspoken daughter was absolutely unrealistic and obnoxious. She was loud, boyish, and downright rude at times. Her father deserved a slap in the face for raising such brash, insensitive little child. She reminded me of a lesbian version of Rhoda from the Bad Seed (1956). The lead character Coach Herman (Denzel Washigton) had no character-development and was at times overly dramatic, rash, and had an exaggerated confidence that destroyed the intended character. I also found the film to be very mediocre, and if that wasn't bad enough, sexist as well. Yes, I know, the film is about men on a football team, but the women characters that were present (rare), like the wives and girl friends, were plain, waif-like and generic. They mostly had one-liner dialog and scenes that lasted literally seconds. So if you appreciate not-so-predictable, fresh and more captivating entertainment and history told as it is without the commercial addition of crude jokes and bad characters, skip this film. Overall, an interesting premise, but horribly executed and poorly acted/directed.

Birth (2004)

A very intimate, emotional picture of love crossing into the unknown!!

[9/10 · 1 May 2005]

I first heard of birth when I was walking through the halls, displaying a poster for it in the theater months before it came out. I saw the poster and from then on I was out to seek the film. I went home and looked on IMDb for the plot summary and I was intrigued simply by the description! When it finally was released, very few people I asked had ever heard of this film, and I only recall a few previews for it on television. The critics gave it mixed reviews, at an average of a C+, by why in the world?? In all honesty, this is one of the best recent films I've seen in nearly over three years. It truly is so much different than most of the hehe, haha, thoughtless films released this year, and unlike most modern films, has a thinking, breathing, female lead, that's refreshing! Nicole Kidman did superbly as Anna, a hopeful, sensitive widow, trying to forget the tragic past of her husbands death, but when a ten year old boy, played by Cameron Bright approaches her, he strongly claims to remember her as his past-life bride, whom he loved very much. She then slowly begins to become more and more emotional, due to the longing memories of her unraveling past, and begins to believe the child, while of course, her friends and family begin to get angry and confused, causing chaos, arguments, and other personal issues. Played out mostly as a drama, but tied together with underpinnings of suspense and psychology, brilliantly executed, thought-provoking, and sensitive, "Birth," is absolutely amazing!!! One of the better films of the year!

Mademoiselle (1966)

A forgotten masterpiece!

[18 September 2004]

I just recently saw this film, and I was spellbound. On it's initial release it received high reviews by the top critics, but began to fade almost completely, and is rarely ever heard of, except in film Chronicles, but never hardly anywhere else. I wonder why it has become so forgotten, it really is an exceptional film, featuring beautiful cinematography, intriguing plot, and rich performances, especially by the lead, Moreau. The beginning of the film is shocking, some of the crimes that "Mademoiselle" commits are horribly disturbing and emotionally shaking, especially the scenes where she cruses the eggs and poisoned the animals, oh my, she is evil indeed. Even her more petty crimes seem horrifying, probably due to the wicked expression on Moreau's face, and the emotional consequences on the logger and his son. To me, the film is quite harrowing for it's time, the ending is absolutely devastating. Overall, a superb film, I would place it in with the Psychodramas, classics, art-house or suspense. Brilliantly Executed, Need I say more, just do yourself the favor and watch this exquisite film, it's well worth it! You won't soon forget it!

Don't Look Now (1973)

An extremely overlooked film!!

[16 April 2004]

I had just recently heard of this film from an internet recommendation off of IMDB, and had never heard of it prior to that and now that I've seen this film, I don't know why? The cinematography is superb, the music is beautiful, but haunting at the same time. The acting is also another one of the great features of this film, Julie Christie is fine as the young, anxious, hopeful, but grieving wife, and Donald Sutherland, played the hardworking, ambitious, but heartbroken and confused husband, Bravo!! I also really liked the fact that D.L.N. was shot in Venice, Italy, the scenery was breathtaking, and, depending on the scene, downright eerie. I have seen many other horror films that have been considered classics, and were said to be really scary or suspenseful, but many, even some of the critically acclaimed ones pale in suspense to this frightening, moving film of grief, confusion, longing, and horror. The only downsides of this film was the ending which seemed to be missing something, and was rather absurd and a little gory, and the "erotic" scene between Christie and Sutherland, it was a little dry, it was missing a little more emotion and was at times, a bit too revealing. Overall, "Don't Look Now," seems to be a rather forgotten film, and is a film I have definitely decided to add to my personal DVD collection without a second thought, the score was excellent, the acting, and once again the cinematography!! If you like suspense you will surely enjoy Don't Look Now."