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Joakunz
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The Big Kahuna (1999)
Every line is a
As always, I review a movie on its own premise. Is this the most interesting point in the lives of these people? Probably not. Is it the most interesting point for the viewer? Depending on your proclivities, maybe not. But in terms on chemistry, interaction and development, for me, this is circling perfection.
It's hard how to describe this film. An ensemble of three manages to keep your attention for 90 minutes, enduring an existence seemingly entirely focused around industrial lubricants. You would think that was impossible, till you see DeVito dance character-circles around a heavy weight like Kevin Spacy, and see relative new-comer Peter Facinelli go toe-to-toe with both of them, like it was the easiest thing in the world.
This is a showcase of acting ability, more than anything else. This is skill versus the emptiness of the premise. Danny DeVito, Kevin Spacey and Peter Facinelli puts in mind- and trouser-blowingly good performances, that will make any actor think twice before they take on this script (it being based on Hospitality Suite, by Roger Rueff).
And speaking of which, you will not often see Kevin Spacey be out- acted by anyone, but DeVito puts in a performance that would shake gods to their foundations (fittingly, as you may come to understand). The emotions and timing at display here, are far, far beyond what you might expect from a small movie - but Spaceys production undoubtedly allowed for just that (including his own).
As a story-teller, I often view a scene or two from this, at random, just to soak in a bit of the glorious performances, and brilliant matter-of-factness there seems to be to this entire, spectacular celebration of an art form.
Kontroll (2003)
Tile and Steel
Kontroll is a movie that will definitely split the crowd. It is entirely shot underground, to great effect, and features a small, but relentlessly focused cast. From the downplayed, heartbreakingly charming Bulcsú (Sándor Csányi), to the unreasonably cute and forceful Szofi (Eszter Balla), this film is brimming with lively characters, who even at their most ignorant and frustrating, are all human and relatable. There are no real villains or heroes, in this odd story of perception, but there are definitely characters!
I will say as little as I can about the plot, because I believe it needs to experienced in-and-of itself.
I will barely ever give a movie a perfect 10, but within its premise, Kontroll is probably as close to a perfect movie as anything can be, for me, that is. It is packed tight with strong, intimate performances, and with a production that really allows room for the characters to breathe.
Small moments between actors are given exactly the space and time they need to convey how weird this entire universe is. It's not reliant on effects or a complicated plot, but the strange interactions of people seemingly removed from the surface world.
The cinematography plays a huge part as well, as we explore the vast, seemingly never-ending catacombs of Budapests underground metro system. A tiny notice of a man welding something, is enough to inspire an otherworldly dread, as director Nimrôd Antal explores a claustrophobic, yet un-ending network of tunnels. In this regard, the Budapest metro functions as much as a character, as the actors involved.
But possibly more than any of this, a peculiar sense of imagination seems to be at work here, that I can truly appreciate. Shifts in tone tears you out of your comfortable viewing experience with a calm, but focused, pace, and the plot slowly, but crucially, takes over from less needed character development, and the cast you've come to know now have to deal with a much more psychological challenge. The plot stumbles a little bit towards the end of the 3rd act, but on a second viewing, you may very well recognize why it was needed.
It's a character study, a love story, a social commentary and a great, big grin on my face, and it's definitely worth a view, even if it isn't quite your cup of tea. There are some issues with pacing along the way, but they are funneled into the background by amazing characterizations and great camera work. To me, this is always the movie I go back to, when I need to regain my sense of intimacy in story- telling.