svsg -

Spoilers in the entire post



A couple of people have a reading of the film in that Weronika's(the one in Poland) spirit is sort of an angel to Veronique (the one in France) and sort of "guiding" her. Perhaps directly or indirectly.

If you recall, prior to W dying, we see sort of an emotional bond and telepathic or intuitive bond (e.g.; one burns their hand and the other recoils her hand).

And there are other instances in which people have connected the puppets to the two protagonists.



They are two different people, but "doubles."



Let me get back to you on what it is the puppeteer, Alexandre, realized. I only watched the movie once, but will pop in the DVD tomorrow.

As for the whole Alexandre plot. People have read Alexandre to be a metaphor for Kieslowski, or the filmmaker in general and also in the context of this very film.

Another reading is Alexandre is a metaphor for destiny, fate, or chance.

But, on a more basic story level, I think the Alexandre subplot further illustrates W and V and especially V. The intuition and desire for connection on V's part.

Of the movie, Kieslowski said -

“The realm of superstitions, fortune-telling, presentiments, intuition, dreams, all this is the inner life of a human being, and all this is the hardest thing to film.” But he recognized the riskiness of the undertaking: this story, he commented elsewhere, “deals with things you can’t name. If you do, they seem trivial and stupid."

Spoilers in the entire post

That's so crazy TIS because I laughed too and leaned over to my friend and told him "how great the technology was in 1969"

24 fps, Thanks for the explanation.

I forgot to mention, there is an audition scene where a woman sings. Her voice is almost like a musical instrument, very very high pitch. Superb superb stuff. One should watch this movie for all the sound effects at least.

My pleasure, svsg.



And for the images as you earlier noted! One of the most gorgeous movies one can encounter.

If you like the music in Double Life of Veronique, I recommend Kieslowski's Three Colors: Blue, if you haven't seen it yet. Dare I say I like the music better in the latter. The cinematographer is also the same for both films so you know you'll be in for a visual treat.

Plus, it's not as metaphysical or mystical as DLV which might mean a more enjoyable first viewing for some.

I really hope you watch it. It's fantastic.

The Most Dangerous Game (1932) *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

A cabin cruiser is shipwrecked off the coast of a remote island, and its three passengers manage to reach the island safely. The island is owned by a strange and enigmatic count who invites them to stay. But he has an underlying motive for his apparent generosity: Count Zaroff enjoys hunting--and he only hunts the most dangerous game: humans!

Another RKO, Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong classic. Just one year later they'd change cinema history forever with King Kong. I'm really starting to enjoy some of these older 1930's movies more. This is just one example and Leslie Banks as Count Zaroff was awesome!

I second what 24fps says about Trois coleurs: Bleu. Visually wonderful, and the soundtrack (composed, I believe, before editing begun, so Kieslowski cut it to fit the musical piece) is gorgeous.

ZODIAC (2006) - ****1/2

Ladies and gentlemen, let's stand up and applaud for a moment.

With his masterpiece SE7EN, his very great cult classic FIGHT CLUB, his mindfuck funhouse thriller THE GAME, and the well-shot/but/lame scripted PANIC ROOM, David Fincher was the bad-boy autuer with a heavy cinema street cred.

But with ZODIAC, which is so damn very great, I think its time to pop out the champagne, and crown Fincher as a Master Filmmaker. He's earned his colors. His movies are now can't-miss events.

While the 160 minute running-length may frighten some folks away, its totally worth it. Its 1st half is a police procedural in a effortless docu-drama execution that is breathtaking, followed by a second half that succeeds in shorter time than Brian DePalma's THE BLACK DAHLIA wished in its wildest wet dreams.

People have complained that the movie lacks "character depth." Thing is, some people confuse melodrama with depth. Gyllenhall, Downey, Anthony E.R. Edwards, Mark Ruffalo, and the other fine actors give their own subtle depth to their roles which make the characters relatable and as deep as a great movie can be.

You know, ACTING.

But Fincher's mastery is his careful and comprehensive set-up of ZODIAC. When the critical scene within a house happens, when the film turns suddenly from a good mystery into making the audience very nervous and anxious. The fact that Gyllenhall perfectly parlays the viewer's emotions on his face is incredible.

When I saw ZODIAC, I really dug the hell out of it. But since seeing it 3 days ago, I've thought about it more and more...and its impressing me more and more.

Which me realize this: I had no idea that I've missed Fincher at the movies. Thanks for coming back. Please stay around this time!

ZODIAC is a sure-fire Oscar contender for Best Cinematography. Anyone agree?

As of now sure. But it's WAY too early to start talking Oscars already. It hasn't even been 10 days since Marty's name was announced

-Cocaine Cowboys 2006
Plot:
In the 1980s, ruthless Colombian cocaine barons invaded Miami with a brand of violence unseen in this country since Prohibition-era Chicago - and it put the city on the map. "Cocaine Cowboys" is the true story of how Miami became the drug, murder and cash capital of the United States, told by the people who made it all happen.

Woow! This Documentary really knocked me of my feets. I learned a lot of things i had no idea that cocaine had such an impact on Miami. There is a part in the movie about a "Godmother", a colombian woman, who had a lot of power during the late 70´s and start 80´s, who´s really interessting.
I can only recomend to watch this!!

The Sword of Doom *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

Ryunosuke is a sociopathic samurai without compassion or scruples. When he is scheduled for an exhibition match at his fencing school, the wife of his opponent begs Ryunosuke to throw the match, offering her own virtue in trade. Ryunosuke accepts her offer, but kills her husband in the match. Over time, Ryunosuke is pursued by the brother of the man he killed. The brother trains with the master fencer Shimada. In the meantime, however, Ryunosuke earns the enmity of the band of assassins he runs with, and it becomes a question of who shall face him in final conflict.

A very beautifully shot movie that has me engulfed from the opening frame of Omatsu and her grandfather crossing a mountain pass. I liked the way the movie ended. However, it is very unfortunate Kihachi Okamoto wasn't able to direct more as was planned. But based on this film alone, he put together a fantastic movie. I just wish I had more

The Gravedancers *
(First Viewing)

After a night of drunken exploits, Allison, Harris, and Kira are chased and terrorized by the ghosts of a child pyromaniac, an ax murderer, and a rapist.

The first movie I've been able to see from the After Dark Horrorfest. So far it looks to just be a huge marketing ploy by Lions Gate. It's worked thus far for me because I've seen one and still want to see the other 7. Whether or not they're good is a different story.

The Nativity Story ***
(First Viewing)

A drama that focuses on the period in Mary and Joseph's life where they journeyed to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus.

I had heard this movie did some noise at the box office but don't remember seeing a lot of trailers/advertisements for it. I also thought it was gonna be a cheesy, preachy movie (which I'm glad to say I didn't find that to be the case). The film was well directed and was done by the director or Thirteen, Catherine Hardwicke. Keisha Castle-Hughes did a good job as Mary, Oscar Isaac was good as Joseph, but my personal favorite was Ciarán Hinds was King Herod.

300 ****
(First Viewing)

Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae, where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians; the battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians, and helped usher in the world's first democracy.

Easily my favorite movie of the year thus far and I think the only contender to knock it from its throne will be Grindhouse. Everything I had heard about this film prior to viewing it was DEAD ON! This is most definitely a guys movie. Great battle scenes, humor, sets, CGI, cast, etc. I really loved the sets and CGI work in the film, as I did with Sin City. Visually speaking, both movies are breathtaking. I think this paid a great tribute to Frank Miller as did Sin City and will only help to encourage more Frank Miller graphic novel movies to be made. Worth a second viewing in the theaters. Whatever you do this weekend, see 300!

300

BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR - (granted the first of every year is generally filled with shit that the studios sunk money into only to decide that it wont make it in either the Summer blockbuster season or the Fall award season)

You know what it is about - 300 Spartans the fiercest fighters of Greece defend everything they know against the insurmountable odds that is the entire force of the Persian armies. It is a true story somewhat but this movie which gets it's name from a Frank Miller comic (mini-series or Graphic novel) goes more for Frank's stylistic approach than historical accuracy.

I can not tell you the last time I was more satisfied when I left a movie (and since I see like one a week most weeks of a year - lets just say I've left alot of movies). It is everything that I wanted or expected from it - it looks beautiful every frame every scene. There is no doubt that every frame has computer enhancement but it does not detract or distract in anyway it is one of the times when it really does add to the aesthetic of the movie.

The action...I almost wet my pants and ejaculated at the same time - I can't recall the last time I saw violence this good, this visceral. There seems to be trend in Hollywood to shoot action closer and closer as if trying to convey the kinetic fury of it, but all that does is shorten the frame and give a claustrophobic viewpoint almost to where you can't see or "feel" what's going on. Well that is something that this movie doesn't suffer from the action explodes off the screen and you get to see every bloody slash, stab, and hit. The scope manages to be massive and personal but never confined the edges of the frame hinting at more violence but not distracting from the focal point - letting the battlefield breath. Or in other words it kicked ass, lots and lots of ass.

The style and action of this movie alone are enough to see it. Hell it's enough to warrant a second viewing in the theater plus a DVD purchase. (of course I own Bats on DVD so that whole buy on DVD recommendation might not hold that much credibility). The movie is not just style and action...ok it is mostly style and action but for god's sake it's damn good style and great action. Both of which feed off of the characters. In that regard King Leonidas is the movie and Gerard Butler is fantastic. He is totally believable as a Spartan ruler both hardened and passionate, arrogant and well arrogant. This movie depends on his performance and it is all the better because of it.

The queen portrayed by Lena Headey had to seem if not on par with Leonidas at least able to stand with him, which she did. Though not given all that much for or as a part she did great with the scenes she had commanding your attention making you believe in what her character was doing and why. Each soldier's character may seem interchangeable with any other but it is that aspect which make the audience believe in their strength and steel like resolve. You care for these men - knowing the result of the battle you still pull for them hope for them - laugh when they laugh feel saddened when one of them falls. It is not just some hollow force your watching but almost a character itself in the Spartans. The Persians were well the bad guys, and your hero is only as good as his opponent. The Persians in 300 were ominous, vicious, unrelenting, and at times freaky. Xerxes the proclaimed God-King was larger than life in every regard (it took over a hundred men to carry his chair) and represented just about the antithesis to every thing Leonidas stood for. (duh hence the totally awesome battle)

10 - like I said best movie of the year

** upon reading comments on another movie I might have to amend to say MOST ENTERTAINING MOVIE OF THE YEAR - as best would seem to encompass tech. aspects and plot and such. *cough *cough *Fincher *cough

Considering its March, its way way way too early to call a movie the "best" of the year. Even if ZODIAC does kick ass.

Hell, I had all but ordained UNITED 93 last year as the best work of 2006....then THE DEPARTED came out. Then CASINO ROYALE. Then THE FOUNTAIN, and of course my eventual #1 movie of 2006...CHILDREN OF MEN.

All I know is, so far for 2006, ZODIAC will most likely shoot its way into the Top 10.

My only concern with 300 is Zach Snyder. Why? If he fucks up Miller's 300, then he'll drop the ball with Alan Moore's WATCHMEN...and I don't want to see the greatest graphic novel ever penned fucking wasted. Dammit, leave the mediocre wasting to GHOST RIDER!

AMEN to that! Good review suspect

You gotta say this about Ghost Rider - Eva Mendes boobs never looked so good -

AMEN to that too I've heard Nic Cage is pushing for her to be She-Hulk should they make a movie about her. I'm all for Eva in that role!

Damn Coppola men have all the luck.

The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
(First Viewing)

Cousins Bo, Luke and Daisy are sent to Hazzard County, Georgia for the first time to live with their Uncle Jesse. Jesse is a farmer and a moonshiner and is constantly battling his old rival Boss Hogg who is the corrupt city commissioner of the small town. This film is a prequel set before the time period established in the 1979 Hit TV Series.

It's a good thing this movie never came to theaters. A horrible display at a prequel. The original Dukes of Hazzard movie wasn't that great and did not warrant a prequel or sequel. Apparently Warner Bros. likes to throw money away. It's truly a shame that Christopher McDonald was ever attached to this piece of sh*t.

The Art of War 1/2
(First Viewing)

Shaw is an operative for the United Nations' covert dirty-tricks squad, using espionage and quasi-ethical tactics to secure peace and cooperation. When a shipping container full of dead Vietnamese refugees turns up on the docks and China's ambassador is gunned down at a dinner celebrating a new trade agreement with China and the US, Shaw is framed for the murder and must evade the FBI and Triad gangsters to find out what is really going on.

A complicated storyline with a predictable ending doesn't make for a good flick (even if it is a Wesley Snipes action movie). The fight scenes were lame and this wasn't as interesting as I anticipated.

When I said best - I meant so far this year I mean obviously the list gets adjusted as the year goes on and more movies come out.


I mean look at my avatar obviously there is at least one other movie that I'm dying to see...lol

I've got to agree with Irish on ART OF WAR. A very mediocre as hell movie produced on Wesley Snipes' downslide of his career. Now he's a Direct-to-DVD action star, like other washups Seagal and Van Damm.

Better yet, Michael Biehn is wasted. At least Robert Rodriguez included him in his GRINDHOUSE feature.

THE ART OF WAR (2000) - *1/2

The Dreamers ** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The tumultuous political landscape of Paris in 1968 serves as the backdrop for a tale about three young cineastes who are drawn together through their passion for film. Matthew, an American exchange student, pursuing his education abroad in Paris, becomes friends with a French brother and sister duo, named Theo and Isabelle, who share a common love of the cinema. While the May 1968 Paris student riots--which eventually shut down most of the French government--are happening around them, the three friends develop a relationship unlike anything Matthew has ever experienced, or will ever encounter again.

I just rewatched "The List of Adrian Messenger" (for the first time in a long time). If anyone wants to see a good old-fashioned whodunit with a few surprises this is a good choice.

Made in 1963 it stars George C. Scott as a retired intelligence officer investigating the death of a friend. Its a little dry but cameo appearances by Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum and Frank Sinatra add to its appeal. Kirk Douglas rounds out the cast.

Its not shown much on tv (unfortunately) and I don't think its available on DVD but if you can get a VHS copy (library?) you should be happy you did.

I finally saw WORLD TRADE CENTER tonight on demand.

I was reluctant to see it in the movies because I was one of the people that thought it was just too soon for the subject matter. But then I got to thinking about the thread on war movies and it occurred to me that our veterans have watched movies about wars that they've been in, even sooner.

Anyway, I found it to be fair. No better, no worse. I knew going in that it would be anti-climactic because we all knew how it would end. I was moved by some of the little touches, like the pictures of all of the missing up in the hospital. I'd forgotten about those being posted in every hospital and local bar and on every telephone pole imaginable.

The effects were frightening, especially the shaking of the insides of the towers. It wasn't political whatsoever, I'll give Stone credit for that. All in all, a fair movie that was thought provoking at the very least.

12 Angry Men *** 1/2
(First Viewing)

The defence and the prosecution have rested and the jury is filing into the jury room to decide if a young Spanish-American is guilty or innocent of murdering his father. What begins as an open and shut case of murder soon becomes a mini-drama of each of the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other. Based on the play, all of the action takes place on the stage of the jury room.

Henry Fonda did a GREAT job Juror #8/Mr. Davis. Always cool and composed, never having to shout or name call to get his point across. A wonderful script and enjoyable directing by Sidney Lumet. I really liked the many pan shots he'd use in the room. I'd really be surprised if this didn't get a 50th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. Although I thought Tax Driver would have gotten a 30th Anniversary Edition last year and didn't

If you liked World Trade Center then I would endorse a viewing of United 93. I found it to be much better and more moving.

Shawshank Redemption (N+1th time) ****
This is the only movie I like with a 'message'. The message is clearly that of hope and perseverance. Everytime I feel low, I watch this and it makes me feel good.
Brooks lost hope, Andy never lost hope... Red is suspicious and cynical, but eventually finds the truth in Andy's belief. Great contrast in characters. I used to think that the twist at the end is very important, but now I know the ending and I still revisit this movie every now and then. It is not always about clever camera tricks and cool sounds and fancy editing. Sometimes the story and dialogues are so powerful that I couldn't care less if it fits the description of the cinematic medium by the purists on the board. Great great movie.

Not to mention Lee J. Cobb in his second best role (behind "On the Waterfront"). Cobb portrayed the angry father peerlessly and passionately.