Jason - I feel your pain about the lack of responses... Usually people don't respond to mine because I watch weirdo indie movies and documentaries, so it doesn't really bother me because I bring that on myself. ;) I did want to respond to your BLACK SWAN post, but I haven't had time because I have a bunch of homework I have to get done before winter break is over (!). But the short version is that I think we watch movies kind of similarly in general, and not surprisingly I had a very similar reaction to BLACK SWAN that you did. I'm glad to hear I wasn't the only one with the emotional reaction to it. It was kind of hard for me to articulate my feelings about it right after watching it, which is what I tried to do -- I think I wrote my post the same night. But I remember just being like, how can I even write something about this? I was talking to some people about it last week actually, recommending it to them, and I have to say that even now I have trouble articulating why I had such a strong reaction to it. I remember saying that I loved it and at the same time it made me want to puke. Now in hindsight, I just loved it, period. I continue to love it more as time goes by... I'm hankering for a second watch of it actually. I also regret that I didn't get to watch the special features, because I would have liked to have seen those interviews. Maybe soon.
Brandon - I can see what you're saying about the movie not needing the stuff like the mirror scene. This will surprise you considering my NSFL troubles but I actually thought they were totally in place in the movie, I guess maybe because I was empathizing with the character's crazy and I could totally see her picturing those things happening (regardless of whether they did), and I thought it kind of needed to be that scary and gimmicky because things actually can be like that in our heads. (At least in my head.) On a separate note, I thought what you were saying about the people in the theater was interesting (I thought that in the Midnight in Paris discussion too). I totally think that the context of the viewing experience can ruin a movie, or at least totally alter your experience/opinion of it. Especially like you said one that has those moments where you KNOW it's going to be sexual or violent or whatever, and you know the bozos in front of you are going to make another stupid comment. I get a little sensitive about seeing certain movies in theaters (or with certain people) for that reason. It's also kind of why I told the friends I was talking to last week NOT to watch BLACK SWAN with their parents. I actually think the awkwardness of that could just ruin the movie altogether.
Welcome Adrienne! Now I'm not the only girl in film club. :) I don't know if you heard but there used to be a No Girls Allowed sign.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Girl With The Gosling Tattoo
First of all, I love film club too, even though I've been a less-than-active participant lately. Ben thanks for inviting me in, and guys, thanks for taking down the No-Girls-Allowed sign. :)
Now that the Dragon Tattoo debate has died down, I'm ready to throw in my two cents' worth. I really liked it. I haven't seen the Swedish version, and I haven't read the books. I'm not sure why everyone's saying the story is trash. Is it just because it was an airport novel? Or because it was super popular? Or because it's a thriller/mystery? I didn't read the book, so I'm not really understanding that. I haven't seen Breaking Bad, so those comparisons are lost on me. ;)
Anyway, regardless, I thought Fincher was totally the person for this job, and I thought his style was perfect to convey the story - you guys have pretty much covered it all. I am a Fincher fan (although not blindly... to be honest I haven't been able to sit through all of Benjamin Button yet), and while this wasn't my favorite of his, I thought he was back in his element a bit with this one. I loved all the detail and precision and - as you guys have said - obsession. I think it made this the best version of the movie it could be. Although I should say, the thing I liked best about the movie was Mara's performance. She made the movie for me. I think that's a tough role to play, but she had me totally convinced.
I've been getting into a lot of arguments this week with people about the "big" scenes in this movie. People keep saying the scene where she takes her revenge on the social worker is way worse than the one where she gets raped by him. That infuriates me. I pushed the people I talked to on the issue and the consensus has been that it's probably because people are used to seeing women get raped or some semblance of that because of porn and stuff, but when it's a guy getting something shoved up his ass it's shocking. Other people I talked to have said there shouldn't be any of these kinds of scenes in a movie ever because nobody wants to see or think about stuff like that. I understand why they say that, but I think it's good that this is making people so uncomfortable, because sexual assault is like a huge serious issue that's kind of taboo, and I think it's good when movies make us confront those kinds of things that we don't want to think about. (Although I think if someone has been a victim of sexual assault this is one they should skip, because like one of you said, I don't know how you could sit through watching that.) I know there's debate about the motives of Larsson, but since I haven't read it and don't really know anything about him, I can't really say anything. But regardless I thought it was handled well by Fincher. I thought it was as long as it needed to be, and I thought the details like the floor cleaner made the situations that much more real and that much more horrifying. This stuff IS horrifying.
I think because of the nature of the characters in this it might be hard for people to connect with them, and the nature of some of the subject material might also put a damper on things for people. And this following the Swedish version I'm sure does not help things. But I did connect with the characters, and the subject material didn't bother me, and I didn't see the Swedish version. And I love a thriller/mystery, as you guys know. So yeah, I really liked it. I really have loved reading all of your opinions on it too, it kind of makes me want to watch the Swedish version now.
Now that the Dragon Tattoo debate has died down, I'm ready to throw in my two cents' worth. I really liked it. I haven't seen the Swedish version, and I haven't read the books. I'm not sure why everyone's saying the story is trash. Is it just because it was an airport novel? Or because it was super popular? Or because it's a thriller/mystery? I didn't read the book, so I'm not really understanding that. I haven't seen Breaking Bad, so those comparisons are lost on me. ;)
Anyway, regardless, I thought Fincher was totally the person for this job, and I thought his style was perfect to convey the story - you guys have pretty much covered it all. I am a Fincher fan (although not blindly... to be honest I haven't been able to sit through all of Benjamin Button yet), and while this wasn't my favorite of his, I thought he was back in his element a bit with this one. I loved all the detail and precision and - as you guys have said - obsession. I think it made this the best version of the movie it could be. Although I should say, the thing I liked best about the movie was Mara's performance. She made the movie for me. I think that's a tough role to play, but she had me totally convinced.
I've been getting into a lot of arguments this week with people about the "big" scenes in this movie. People keep saying the scene where she takes her revenge on the social worker is way worse than the one where she gets raped by him. That infuriates me. I pushed the people I talked to on the issue and the consensus has been that it's probably because people are used to seeing women get raped or some semblance of that because of porn and stuff, but when it's a guy getting something shoved up his ass it's shocking. Other people I talked to have said there shouldn't be any of these kinds of scenes in a movie ever because nobody wants to see or think about stuff like that. I understand why they say that, but I think it's good that this is making people so uncomfortable, because sexual assault is like a huge serious issue that's kind of taboo, and I think it's good when movies make us confront those kinds of things that we don't want to think about. (Although I think if someone has been a victim of sexual assault this is one they should skip, because like one of you said, I don't know how you could sit through watching that.) I know there's debate about the motives of Larsson, but since I haven't read it and don't really know anything about him, I can't really say anything. But regardless I thought it was handled well by Fincher. I thought it was as long as it needed to be, and I thought the details like the floor cleaner made the situations that much more real and that much more horrifying. This stuff IS horrifying.
I think because of the nature of the characters in this it might be hard for people to connect with them, and the nature of some of the subject material might also put a damper on things for people. And this following the Swedish version I'm sure does not help things. But I did connect with the characters, and the subject material didn't bother me, and I didn't see the Swedish version. And I love a thriller/mystery, as you guys know. So yeah, I really liked it. I really have loved reading all of your opinions on it too, it kind of makes me want to watch the Swedish version now.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Her?
Hey guys! I really want to see The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, so I'm excited to read your posts. (I didn't read the books.) Based on Brandon's post, it sounds right up my alley. As you know, I love Fincher, so I'm really excited he's the director of this one. Hopefully I can see it over break.
In the meantime, I watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I don't remember your posts about it, although I do remember that at least someone posted about it. Anyway I liked that it was super stylistic. I haven't read the graphic novel, but I thought the execution of the idea itself was creative and clever and funny. It was totally silly, but for what it was, I was entertained and liked it more than I thought I would. But let's be honest, most of all, I just love seeing George Michael and Ann "Her?" Veal acting together again.
In the meantime, I watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I don't remember your posts about it, although I do remember that at least someone posted about it. Anyway I liked that it was super stylistic. I haven't read the graphic novel, but I thought the execution of the idea itself was creative and clever and funny. It was totally silly, but for what it was, I was entertained and liked it more than I thought I would. But let's be honest, most of all, I just love seeing George Michael and Ann "Her?" Veal acting together again.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lisa On Demand Rises
Yay blog post! I've been reading all of your posts. Apologies for the lack of participation... finals. I also haven't seen really anything you guys have been talking about, so I don't have much to say anyway. But I am now on winter break, so I should be able to post again, at least for a while. Here's what I've seen lately:
-Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Unlike John, I thought the Dark Knight Rises trailer was great. I'm excited to see it. The movie itself was decent -- it was pretty similar to the first Sherlock Holmes movie but not as good. But it was a fun exciting adventure type movie, and it starred Robert Downey Jr., so I liked it. Also, he rode a miniature horse in the movie - that was full of win. (And no, fellow Parks & Rec fans, the horse was not as cute as Li'l Sebastian.)
-The Conspirator. This one was about the trial of Mary Surratt, who was accused of conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln. It was really good I thought. James McAvoy gave a great performance, as usual. Robert Redford directed it, and his style made me feel like I was watching a play, which I really like -- but I could also see some people not liking that. But anyway I would recommend this one if you are into the whole Lincoln assassination story like I am. Also, is it just me or can Kevin Kline play pretty much any character ever?
-The Adjustment Bureau. This one was not exactly what I was expecting. Did anyone else see it? I guess because of the previews and the fact that it starred Matt Damon, I was expecting something a little closer to the Bourne movies, because I think it was advertised that way. But it was actually like a romance/sci-fi movie, based on a story by Phillip K. Dick. I was pretty entertained by it, although it was kind of silly. Every time the adjustment bureau members showed up wearing their hats I was trying not to giggle. (I don't think the movie took itself that seriously though, which I kind of liked.) There was also a big religious theme that I just wasn't expecting. But regardless, it was fun to watch and somehow despite the silliness I found myself getting sucked into the world of the film. (Surprise surprise, right?)
-Deck the Halls. A made-for-TV movie on TNT which was a combination mystery and holiday movie, based on a book written by Mary Higgins Clark and starring the illustrious Kathy Najimy. Absolutely horrible. Even worse than it sounds.
Miss you guys - glad to be back! I'm sure I'll be watching tons of movies over break, woohoooo!
-Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Unlike John, I thought the Dark Knight Rises trailer was great. I'm excited to see it. The movie itself was decent -- it was pretty similar to the first Sherlock Holmes movie but not as good. But it was a fun exciting adventure type movie, and it starred Robert Downey Jr., so I liked it. Also, he rode a miniature horse in the movie - that was full of win. (And no, fellow Parks & Rec fans, the horse was not as cute as Li'l Sebastian.)
-The Conspirator. This one was about the trial of Mary Surratt, who was accused of conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln. It was really good I thought. James McAvoy gave a great performance, as usual. Robert Redford directed it, and his style made me feel like I was watching a play, which I really like -- but I could also see some people not liking that. But anyway I would recommend this one if you are into the whole Lincoln assassination story like I am. Also, is it just me or can Kevin Kline play pretty much any character ever?
-The Adjustment Bureau. This one was not exactly what I was expecting. Did anyone else see it? I guess because of the previews and the fact that it starred Matt Damon, I was expecting something a little closer to the Bourne movies, because I think it was advertised that way. But it was actually like a romance/sci-fi movie, based on a story by Phillip K. Dick. I was pretty entertained by it, although it was kind of silly. Every time the adjustment bureau members showed up wearing their hats I was trying not to giggle. (I don't think the movie took itself that seriously though, which I kind of liked.) There was also a big religious theme that I just wasn't expecting. But regardless, it was fun to watch and somehow despite the silliness I found myself getting sucked into the world of the film. (Surprise surprise, right?)
-Deck the Halls. A made-for-TV movie on TNT which was a combination mystery and holiday movie, based on a book written by Mary Higgins Clark and starring the illustrious Kathy Najimy. Absolutely horrible. Even worse than it sounds.
Miss you guys - glad to be back! I'm sure I'll be watching tons of movies over break, woohoooo!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Gorge.
1) They did come and try to throw me in the gorges, but I was already in there. My PhD program did the job first. ;) I haven't watched ANY movies since Coraline & Beetlejuice. I know. Fail.
2) Obviously I need to see Melancholia immediately.
3) Don't hate on Pooh!
2) Obviously I need to see Melancholia immediately.
3) Don't hate on Pooh!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!
Hey guys! Loving the Halloween posts.
Last night I watched Coraline for the first time. I loved it, it really was a visual treat. I was trying to do work at the same time but couldn't take my eyes off the TV because it was so visually appealing. I missed some of the beginning, so maybe I'll rewatch it at some point to really get the full effect. But I thought it was great. I love those kinds of stories.
As far as Halloween type movies go, I rewatched Beetlejuice last night. I used to watch that movie constantly when I was little. Like, I think my parents should have cut me off. I'm sure it contributed to my NSFL issues. It's great though. Alec Baldwin before 30 Rock, Geena Davis before Thelma & Louise, Catherine O'Hara before Home Alone, and Winona Ryder before that whole shoplifting thing.
I think that's all I've got for you now. Except that Qwickster just charged me 17 bucks for not returning I Love You Man after changing my plan to Netflix-only. ;) I'm sure I'm gonna hate it all 17 bucks' worth.
Last night I watched Coraline for the first time. I loved it, it really was a visual treat. I was trying to do work at the same time but couldn't take my eyes off the TV because it was so visually appealing. I missed some of the beginning, so maybe I'll rewatch it at some point to really get the full effect. But I thought it was great. I love those kinds of stories.
As far as Halloween type movies go, I rewatched Beetlejuice last night. I used to watch that movie constantly when I was little. Like, I think my parents should have cut me off. I'm sure it contributed to my NSFL issues. It's great though. Alec Baldwin before 30 Rock, Geena Davis before Thelma & Louise, Catherine O'Hara before Home Alone, and Winona Ryder before that whole shoplifting thing.
I think that's all I've got for you now. Except that Qwickster just charged me 17 bucks for not returning I Love You Man after changing my plan to Netflix-only. ;) I'm sure I'm gonna hate it all 17 bucks' worth.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Film club or PhD?
Hey guys, sorry I've been a total bust lately. The workload is a bit insane right now... but here I am procrastinating on the 12 page paper I have due tomorrow by posting. What can you do? :)
Anyway, I am totally lost on the mumblecore thing. I haven't seen any of the films you've talked about besides The Exploding Girl anyway, so I can't really contribute anything at all. I have Cold Weather in my queue though.
I've actually watched a few movies over the past 2 weeks or so... sadly none of the ones you guys have been discussing:
-I saw Meet Joe Black last night, finally. And cried through the ending. I really like it though, loved the camerawork and the script... and Anthony Hopkins, of course. Brad Pitt also gave a fantastic performance I thought... I really believed he was a different character when he was supposed to be. Anyway, classic romance despite the stretch of a plotline... sad and long, but good. I liked it.
-I started watching The Green Lantern and turned it off. I don't know, I couldn't get into it.
-I also saw Crazy, Stupid Love. I don't know if anyone mentioned having seen it. It was good - your boy Ryan gave a great performance. I love Steve Carell in these kinds of movies, and I'm also a Julianne Moore fan. I expected it to be pretty bad, but it ended up actually being kind of touching and pretty funny in my opinion.
-I finally saw Midnight in Paris!! I don't really know what to think about it. There was a lot I appreciated, and I thought the concept was really cool. But when it ended I was just kind of like... hmm, ok. I didn't really have the problems with it that some of you did (god that feels like forever ago, I don't even remember who said what) about like the literary references and the types and all that, I was on board with what he was doing... but I just kind of felt blah about the whole thing in general, and the ending left me unsatisfied. Oh well. Every Woody Allen movie can't be Manhattan, right?
Miss you all - I promise I'll write more!
Anyway, I am totally lost on the mumblecore thing. I haven't seen any of the films you've talked about besides The Exploding Girl anyway, so I can't really contribute anything at all. I have Cold Weather in my queue though.
I've actually watched a few movies over the past 2 weeks or so... sadly none of the ones you guys have been discussing:
-I saw Meet Joe Black last night, finally. And cried through the ending. I really like it though, loved the camerawork and the script... and Anthony Hopkins, of course. Brad Pitt also gave a fantastic performance I thought... I really believed he was a different character when he was supposed to be. Anyway, classic romance despite the stretch of a plotline... sad and long, but good. I liked it.
-I started watching The Green Lantern and turned it off. I don't know, I couldn't get into it.
-I also saw Crazy, Stupid Love. I don't know if anyone mentioned having seen it. It was good - your boy Ryan gave a great performance. I love Steve Carell in these kinds of movies, and I'm also a Julianne Moore fan. I expected it to be pretty bad, but it ended up actually being kind of touching and pretty funny in my opinion.
-I finally saw Midnight in Paris!! I don't really know what to think about it. There was a lot I appreciated, and I thought the concept was really cool. But when it ended I was just kind of like... hmm, ok. I didn't really have the problems with it that some of you did (god that feels like forever ago, I don't even remember who said what) about like the literary references and the types and all that, I was on board with what he was doing... but I just kind of felt blah about the whole thing in general, and the ending left me unsatisfied. Oh well. Every Woody Allen movie can't be Manhattan, right?
Miss you all - I promise I'll write more!
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