Film The Redcafe Movie review thread

[dumbo]

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20191125-the-100-greatest-films-directed-by-women-poll

The Meetings of Anna and News from Home are def on the wrong end of the list. Lots of really good ones missing like:

Friday Night (Claire Denis)
Girlfriends (Claudia Weill)
Portrait of a Young Girl at the End of the ’60s in Brussels (Chantal Akerman)
The Arch (Tang Shu Shuen)
The Holy Girl (Lucrecia Martel)
The Other Side of the Underneath (Jane Arden)
0.5 mm (Momoko Ando)

Interesting. Never realised some of those were directed by women. Zama is a surprise and it seems extraordinary that The House Is Black was made by a woman. Interesting that Dulac's Madame Beudet (surely one of the quintessential feminist works) isn't in there but Seashell and the Clergyman is. Madame Beudet is a favourite. I'd put all of Lupino over some of those films.

I would say it's a shame to see certain names taking up multiple spots and keeping other out (Bigelow) but looking again it's actually the French who are really crushing it, so I won't say it because I like them. I'm not touching The Matrix.

Hey, lists.

 

[ChrisNelson]

21 Bridges (2019)

Saw this on opening night and enjoyed it. It's a back to basics crime/ action movie - 8 cops are killed in a bungled robbery and the plot is around the efforts to bring the 2 killers to justice.

The opening is one of the more violent you will see but it sets the tone and there are more twists and turns in this film than most that you would see in this genre.

Chadwick Boseman does a good job in the lead role and the support acting is good too, especially Stephan James who plays one of the villains.




I was absolutely desperate to watch The Irishman yesterday but the internet was down in our village and didn't come back on until this morning!!

So that's the plan for tonight and I'll report back tomorrow!

 

[VorZakone]

Not sure which thread to put this in but I just found out they're making a remake of...Jacob's Ladder. Of all the movies to disrespect with a shitty remake, they're gonna shit on Jacob's Ladder?! That's one of my favorite horror movies.

 

[Fingeredmouse]

The appropriation: (just for example) Black or Jewish or female identity/culture/history as depicted in his films.
Punching down: Depictions of the above that could be recieved as negative, or use of the above at the expense of the above.

Such as:
The routine use of racial language and casual use of black iconography and history. Like with the slurs in Resevoir Dogs, True Romance's Sicilians, or Django's everything. (see not mine but Spike Lee's criticisms amongst many others)
Or Jewish barbarity in IB and the reducing of Jewish suffering to alternative history (see not mine but Jonathan Rosenbaum's criticisms).
Or The way women are often portrayed and treated in his films. (See not mine but everybody's criticisms)

And all this "in light of OUATIH" because it feels to me like he objectifies the character of Tate and not just through a lecherous male lens (lingering shot of her ass and legs and later feet). He goes on to situate her adjacent to sadistic violence that plays as an inversion of what she suffered. And for what? To gratify Tarantino's vengeance and by extension the audience's? To reduce real world tragedy to a sanitised fairytale. Because it was bad ass? I'm not sure but It seems it is Tarantino's want to recontextualise history through puerile fantasy and fetishization. Whether that be the Jewish holocaust seen through eyes of an all Jewish death squad, or African slavery retold as heroic Western. And (just perhaps) why even the actions of a predatory, rapist film director buggering a drugged 13 year old can be revised by Quentin Tarantino as her being "down with it".

I don't even want him cancelled, or to smear him as some decadent corrupter of our youth. I don't think he does it because him bad man, he does it because he's Quentin Tarantino - a reflextion of our depravity not the cause. And he is still as talented behind the camera as they come, for whatever that's worth.

I just happen to be over his jizzy adolescent contributions.

Not the fecking Mansons (although Boots Riley had something interesting to say about the depiction of them in the film). And not Bruce Lee either: Although, actually it kind of fits - I certainly wouldn't call buffoonish Bruce a loving depiction of Asian-action's tentpole star. Yes it possibly is an example of Tarantino's flippant appropriation of that which he professes to be devoted to.

Yes, a lot of that makes sense. I've particularly never been comfortable with the historical rewrite revenge fantasy stuff.
His portrayal of women is complex: at times he seems strangely reverential at times and fetishistic and controlling at others. Adolescent seems appropriate.

 

[Sweet Square]

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20191125-the-100-greatest-films-directed-by-women-poll

The Meetings of Anna and News from Home are def on the wrong end of the list. Lots of really good ones missing like:

I'm glad The Ascent by Shepitko made it on the list but christ it should be a criminal offence that anyone would think Lost In Translation is somehow better. One film is about how dying for a cause can be both the most transcendental experience a human being can have and at the same time be utterly meaningless(Its might be the most religious atheist film of all time). The other film is two white people moaning while sitting in a Tokyo hotel.

 

[utdalltheway]

Paris is Burning (1990)
Film about the black drag queen culture and LGBT folk in NYC in the late 80s.
Sad how a lot of them were on the edge of society and it’s an interesting window into that world, even though now it’s 30 years ago.

 

[R.N7]

Transit (2018) - I've thought about it alot since I watched it and I might just consider it a masterpiece. It's based on a book from 1942 and the dialogue is lifted from it yet the backdrop is contemporary, which creates a totally ambigous setting. Refugees from Nazi Germany or a neo-fascist Europe? One or the other or both. 'Transit' as in both travelling from one country to another as well as from one time to another, but stuck in migratory purgatory somewhere in between. History repeats iself, like. Petzold co-wrote Phoenix with Harun Farocki yet this feels much more Farocki influenced than that one, like the feature-length narrative film he never made but you always felt that he had in him.

 

[Dirty Schwein]

Crawl
A young woman, while attempting to save her father during a category 5 hurricane, finds herself trapped in a flooding house and must fight for her life against alligators. Thought the premise promised a stupid fun movie but it took itself too seriously and had my pet peeve of characters doing dumb shit just to move the plot along. Disappointed 4/10

The Dead Don't Die
The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves. Slow plodding, not very funny "indie" movie made by a studio. Shame as the cast was great and pulled in good performances. Yawned my way through this utter garbage 3/10

Ready Or Not
A bride's wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game. Surprised how Hugo Weaving produced such a hot daughter. Really fun movie, tense, funny, gore that was earned. Just a really fun movie. Don't want to say much more as it is more fun the less you know about it. Would highly recommend 7.5/10

 

[Grinner]

Yes, a lot of that makes sense. I've particularly never been comfortable with the historical rewrite revenge fantasy stuff.
His portrayal of women is complex: at times he seems strangely reverential at times and fetishistic and controlling at others. Adolescent seems appropriate.

He was an ugly, weird nerd working in a video store. Probably still a virgin till his 20's. Of course he hates women and doesn't understand them.

 

[sullydnl]

Thought Knives Out was a whole lot of fun. Suspect it will end up being a bit of a mainstream hit.

 

[dumbo]

Paris is Burning (1990)
Film about the black drag queen culture and LGBT folk in NYC in the late 80s.
Sad how a lot of them were on the edge of society and it’s an interesting window into that world, even though now it’s 30 years ago.

It's a fascinating bit of film. And talk about appropriation (no please stop they cry), the extent to which a predominantly white hetro pop culture has pilfered from that scene, and often for cynical commercial gain (Madonna amongst others) is pretty outrageous. Not to mention the accusations of exploitation against the filmmaker herself. Still you can't help but love it, no throwing of shade here.

 

[George Owen]

IT part2 was insufferable.

 

[utdalltheway]

It's a fascinating bit of film. And talk about appropriation (no please stop they cry), the extent to which a predominantly white hetro pop culture has pilfered from that scene, and often for cynical commercial gain (Madonna amongst others) is pretty outrageous. Not to mention the accusations of exploitation against the filmmaker herself. Still you can't help but love it, no throwing of shade here.

Yeah, I remember when Madonna came out with her Vogue thing. At the time I didnt know about the “balls” where it began. And yes, “throwing shade”. I didn’t know that expression was so old
The part in the very beginning about straight black males having 2 strikes against them and gay ones having 3. It’s all quite sad.

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

The Lighthouse (2019)

This was an outstanding movie that is debatable best of the year (Parasite is the main challenger IMO). Defoe and Pattinsin both gave Oscar winning performances. The black and white puts in a lot of work on this one effectively complementing the symbolism.
A lot of dark, underrated type comedic moments that would be spoiled were I to mention. These are the types of movies that can be watched and rewatched a dozen times and still offer something powerful unlike all the typical Hollywood garbage affairs.

This is definitely one of the top 2 movies of the year and one that is worth purchasing on DVD to own and rewatch.

 

[Ubik]

Thought Knives Out was a whole lot of fun. Suspect it will end up being a bit of a mainstream hit.

So good. I want sequels.

 

[Rooney in Paris]

The Lighthouse (2019)

This was an outstanding movie that is debatable best of the year (Parasite is the main challenger IMO). Defoe and Pattinsin both gave Oscar winning performances. The black and white puts in a lot of work on this one effectively complementing the symbolism.
A lot of dark, underrated type comedic moments that would be spoiled were I to mention. These are the types of movies that can be watched and rewatched a dozen times and still offer something powerful unlike all the typical Hollywood garbage affairs.

This is definitely one of the top 2 movies of the year and one that is worth purchasing on DVD to own and rewatch.

Have high expectations for this one, can't wait to see it!

 

[SteveJ]

My Cousin Rachel (2017)

Not as good as the Fifties original.

7/10

 

[sullydnl]

So good. I want sequels.

He's said he might do some with Craig's character if it's a success and I don't see any reason it wouldn't be. It's the type of film that should have fairly broad appeal.

 

[SteveJ]

Casino (1995)

Still great, although the dialogue was often overwhelmed by the constant music.

8.5/10

 

[Nialler]

Ready Or Not
A bride's wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game. Surprised how Hugo Weaving produced such a hot daughter. Really fun movie, tense, funny, gore that was earned. Just a really fun movie. Don't want to say much more as it is more fun the less you know about it. Would highly recommend 7.5/10

Great fun !!!

 

[Massive Spanner]

Yeah, really enjoyed Ready or Not. Just a funny, gorey blast of 90 minutes.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Casino (1995)

Still great, although the dialogue was often overwhelmed by the constant music.

8.5/10

Great movie. Great cast. Think De Niro and Pesci have brilliant chemistry on screen.

 

[LARulz]

Thought Knives Out was a whole lot of fun. Suspect it will end up being a bit of a mainstream hit.

Saw it yesterday and thought it was fantastic. It almost felt like an Arrested Development show at its peak. A bit over the top, written well, smart little running gags and about a mental family.

The cast is absolutely stacked and could tell they had fun with it, especially Daniel Craig obviously.

I loved the running gag about them all telling her they wanted her at the funeral but we're outvoted and not knowing where she came from.

The whole part in the middle where she is his Watson and tries to tamper with the evidence, the gran in the window and the will reading were brilliant. Loved the line about a will reading being a 'community production of a tax return' and Michael Shannon screaming "I will not eat an iota of shit"

 

[AaronRedDevil]

I've 20 movies to watch and I've watched about 17 of them so far. Has anyone seen Citizen Kane and eternal sunshine of the spotless mind and are they good?

 

[sullydnl]

Saw it yesterday and thought it was fantastic. It almost felt like an Arrested Development show at its peak. A bit over the top, written well, smart little running gags and about a mental family.

The cast is absolutely stacked and could tell they had fun with it, especially Daniel Craig obviously.

I loved the running gag about them all telling her they wanted her at the funeral but we're outvoted and not knowing where she came from.

The whole part in the middle where she is his Watson and tries to tamper with the evidence, the gran in the window and the will reading were brilliant. Loved the line about a will reading being a 'community production of a tax return' and Michael Shannon screaming "I will not eat an iota of shit"

Hadn't thought of the Arrested Development comparison but it fits.

Spoiler

I think that whole middle section you mentioned is the key to the film. He's kept the set up and reveal of the usual murder mystery structure but swapped the middle part (where the detective gathers clues that will make sense later) for a more exciting crime thriller where someone is trying to get away with the crime. Works really well, I think.

 

[Bestietom]

The Irishman is a good film. About the Bufalino crime family.

 

[SteveJ]

I've 20 movies to watch and I've watched about 17 of them so far. Has anyone seen Citizen Kane and eternal sunshine of the spotless mind and are they good?

I'm fascinated by Welles but even I don't think Kane's life is enthralling enough. In fairness, maybe that's because press barons don't interest me very much.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

The Irishman is a good film. About the Bufalino crime family.

One is the best fims I have ever seen. Thoroughly enjoyed. Thought they were all amazing especially Al Pacino.

 

[Spoony]

I've 20 movies to watch and I've watched about 17 of them so far. Has anyone seen Citizen Kane and eternal sunshine of the spotless mind and are they good?

Yeah they're good. Citizen Kane is not as effective as it would've been a few decades ago though. What other films are you planning to watch?

 

[AaronRedDevil]

Yeah they're good. Citizen Kane is not as effective as it would've been a few decades ago though. What other films are you planning to watch?

Those 2, momento and Casino

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Those 2, momento and Casino

Would highly really recommend those 2 to anyone. Casino is one of my all time favourites. Never heard of Memento until my father recommended it to me and I first watched it about 5 years ago but well worth the wait and watch. Great movie.

 

[AaronRedDevil]

Would highly really recommend those 2 to anyone. Casino is one of my all time favourites. Never heard of Memento until my father recommended it to me and I first watched it about 5 years ago but well worth the wait and watch. Great movie.

Looking forward to watching them.

 

[Spoony]

Those 2, momento and Casino

Memento is good. Watch The Following and all.

 

[Redplane]

I've 20 movies to watch and I've watched about 17 of them so far. Has anyone seen Citizen Kane and eternal sunshine of the spotless mind and are they good?

Citizen Kane just simply is a must watch for the massive importance it had to the film industry alone. Maybe read up on that topic after you watch it and you ll probably appreciate a lot of it more than you maybe did without it.

Sunshine is an experience. Very haunting movie - not a movie to watch when you re dozing off because it requires you to be somewhat alert to things happening in it.

 

[Dirty Schwein]

The Irishman
Absolutely loved it. Felt like the wind-down chapter of the best gangster actors in cinematic history. It was a more thoughtful, reminiscent film as opposed to the likes of Goodfellas or Scarface. RDN was fantastic in his subtle, passenger-like role. Showed great restraint. Al was allowed to be his over-the-top self, which I loved. But my star of the show was Joe Pesci. Ice cold badass of the highest order. Yes, it was a little long, but I don't mind that in a film that I'm watching at home (Netflix). I paused it halfway, made some food, had a piss then reconvened. The de-age thing only bugged me at the start but soon, it became seamless. This is the kind of thing you pay your Netflix subscription for 8.5/10

Green Book
A working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South. Great cast, well acted, paced brilliantly. Was a touching story about two people bringing the best out of each other with some Oscar-bait racism thrown in there but the characters never felt like stereotypes. They had depth, which is why this worked so well 8/10

 

[oneniltothearsenal]

Have high expectations for this one, can't wait to see it!

Have you seen Parasite? Going to see that tonight so I'll leave a review for that tomorrow

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Crawl
A young woman, while attempting to save her father during a category 5 hurricane, finds herself trapped in a flooding house and must fight for her life against alligators. Thought the premise promised a stupid fun movie but it took itself too seriously and had my pet peeve of characters doing dumb shit just to move the plot along. Disappointed 4/10

The Dead Don't Die
The peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves. Slow plodding, not very funny "indie" movie made by a studio. Shame as the cast was great and pulled in good performances. Yawned my way through this utter garbage 3/10

Ready Or Not
A bride's wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game. Surprised how Hugo Weaving produced such a hot daughter. Really fun movie, tense, funny, gore that was earned. Just a really fun movie. Don't want to say much more as it is more fun the less you know about it. Would highly recommend 7.5/10

Never heard of Ready or Not. Just read write-up online and sounds very good. Going to watch now. Thanks for mentioning

 

[Dirty Schwein]

Never heard of Ready or Not. Just read write-up online and sounds very good. Going to watch now. Thanks for mentioning

Enjoy it buddy

 

[dumbo]

The Irishman. First half was a slog. Just a bunch of characters I didn't know about and then realised I didn't care about. If this stuff hadn't previously been mined so succesfully by Scorsese - and then as a result the Sopranos - then it probably wouldn't have seemed so tired. I wanted it to stop.

Then second half some tension is introduced and the film begins to soar. The way the old guys start bumping up against each other is beautiful to see, and the late wistful indulgence felt earned, if not for the Irishman itself then as a tribute to the careers of these olds. The way the denouement is choreographed is wonderful. I wanted it to go on and on.

So not such a great film but a worthwhile curtain call, and some pwoper Cinema thrown in. Now make some more boring religious films instead, just for me Martin.

The seams show a little on the effects but whatever. And if anything De Niro's stoop and gingerly step seemed fairly accurate of a typical working man's ailment - if slightly odd in a big studio film.

 

[Eric's Seagull]

Enjoy it buddy

Just finished watching it. Very good movie. even better than I expected. Interesting and quite unique. Some funny scenes. Great use of gore. Thoroughly enjoyable movie without saying anymore. 7/10 Thanks