Last Movie You Watched

[milk]

I just started this but I'm already feeling its charm. I've never been a huge Dylan fan but I've been listening to him more lately. Big stars who live that long usually lose the mythos. Dylan seems to still carry that mystery. Anyway, what's really great is the early early years and the influences of true originals that pop out of American underground while "how much is that doggy in the window" kept everyone in "normal" America none-the-wiser. I'd never heard of Odetta, for example. When you look at what went on in certain back alleys at that time you kind of think a bum from the right street then could tell you much more interesting stories than today's best sellers. It is an Odyssey.

[George]

I just started this but I'm already feeling its charm. I've never been a huge Dylan fan but I've been listening to him more lately. Big stars who live that long usually lose the mythos. Dylan seems to still carry that mystery. Anyway, what's really great is the early early years and the influences of true originals that pop out of American underground while "how much is that doggy in the window" kept everyone in "normal" America none-the-wiser. I'd never heard of Odetta, for example. When you look at what went on in certain back alleys at that time you kind of think a bum from the right street then could tell you much more interesting stories than today's best sellers. It is an Odyssey.

For years, I never "got" Dylan. Then I saw this documentary and everything clicked.

[milk]

For years, I never "got" Dylan. Then I saw this documentary and everything clicked.

it's great so far and it does show you what made this cultural revolution, from New York to London, happen. Dylan's life really does tell a story that's larger than any one being.

[George]

it's great so far and it does show you what made this cultural revolution, from New York to London, happen. Dylan's life really does tell a story that's larger than any one being.

Absolutely. When he plugged in for the first time at Newport 1965, everything changed. And Mike Bloomfield's guitar is on fire!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8yU8wk67gY

[Karl Henning]

I just started this but I'm already feeling its charm. I've never been a huge Dylan fan but I've been listening to him more lately. Big stars who live that long usually lose the mythos. Dylan seems to still carry that mystery. Anyway, what's really great is the early early years and the influences of true originals that pop out of American underground while "how much is that doggy in the window" kept everyone in "normal" America none-the-wiser. I'd never heard of Odetta, for example. When you look at what went on in certain back alleys at that time you kind of think a bum from the right street then could tell you much more interesting stories than today's best sellers. It is an Odyssey.

Love this.

[SimonNZ]

Not essential or original, but I thought much more watchable and enjoyable than the poor reviews would suggest.

[drogulus]

Not essential or original, but I thought much more watchable and enjoyable than the poor reviews would suggest.

     I think she's great in a number of films, for instance Take Shelter, Zero Dark Thirty and Miss Sloane.

[SimonNZ]

     I think she's great in a number of films, for instance Take Shelter, Zero Dark Thirty and Miss Sloane.

Agreed. And thinking about her filmography I remembered she'd been in a film previously to Ava with Colin Farrell, Liv Ullmann's superb filming of Strindberg's play Miss Julie, which I'd now like to see again:

[Todd]

Avengers: Age of Ultron.  I had no intention of ever watching this, but I was forced to watch to accommodate a family member during this merry time of year.  It's so bad that even James Spader is bad.  James Spader!  Try as I might, I can't think of even one redeeming thing about this cinematic craptacular.  Hours I will never get back.

[71 dB]

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's films The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972) and Fear Eats the Souls (1974). I liked both, but Fear Eats the Soul a little bit more. The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is a bit too "stage play" -like what it was originally written as, but even it's very well directed and acted.

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[SurprisedByBeauty]

Parasites.

At long last. Really a very good film. Enjoyed it and won't likely forget it.

[André]

A powerful film indeed. Deserves all the accolades it received.

[Madiel]

Jojo Rabbit

Some of it was touching, some of it was just silly.

[Todd]

Mank.  David Fincher's latest, a production of one of his father's screenplays, here about the role of Herman Mankiewicz, the old Hollywood writer, and his role in inking Citizen Kane.  A too old Gary Oldman plays Mank, and though his accent wavers, he does engaging work.  Charles Dance, though his accent wavers, does equally engaging work as William Randolph Hearst.  Amanda Seyfried, who does a mean Brooklyn accent, does splendid work as Marion Davies.  The dialogue seems more or less chronistic, the pacing keeps things moving along nicely, and though told in the now overused discontiguous timeline manner, the plot sort of hums along.  Apparently, the story takes liberties with historical facts, but since the story is about how another loosely based in fact fictional yarn was made, that's probably part of the point.

As is always the case with Fincher, the sheer craft takes priority.  Though contemporary, it is shot in black and white, and Fincher has fun with that.  He and Erik Messerschmidt often emphasize shadow in many compositions, but part of that is to bring special attention to some of the surrounding lighting.  It's not uncommon for artificial light sources to appear comparatively overexposed, or for lighting to emphasize part of the set (physical or digital) such as blinds.  Some of the starburst lighting, some obviously digital, really make some shots stick out, and the daylight shots will sometimes be bathed in light.  Typically, I don't really care about movies about making movies, but here one can't help but notice how much Fincher relishes showing how things were and are done.  The digital recreation of old time matte paintings in a couple scenes are splendid, the use of moving (digital) backgrounds against static cars with fan-blown wind are lovingly done, and Fincher goes so far as to include digital cue marks, harking right back to Fight Club.  Whatever shortcomings may exist with the story and acting - and there are precious few things to do more than kvetch about - are more than made up for in some of the sleekest craft in the business.  In some ways, I've always thought of Fincher as an even sleeker Ridley Scott, and not just because he made an Alien flick.  While his use of black and white is well done, and very purposeful, Alfonso Cuarón was able to deliver even more compositional goodness in Roma, but they are two different films with two different purposes.  This is the best new film I've seen in a while.

[SurprisedByBeauty]

Blue is the Warmest Color

It's got some juicy scenes in it that, unflinchingly prolonged, make this questionable watching in some households... but the film itself is wonderful. Daring and nuanced in taking time to linger on seemingly unrelated shots (trees, waving in the wind above the protagonists' heads; intermittent facial expressions that are not directly leading to or following any action et al.). It's about nothing except the feeling of coming of age, heartbreak, growing confidence and the onset of adulthood. The lesbian subtheme is basically incidental. Wonderfully edited, too, with a whole new school of cuts: The subtle smash cut. Mood-vignettes, that are strewn in. Very moving.

[Brahmsian]

Blue is the Warmest Color

It's got some juicy scenes in it that, unflinchingly prolonged, make this questionable watching in some households... but the film itself is wonderful. Daring and nuanced in taking time to linger on seemingly unrelated shots (trees, waving in the wind above the protagonists' heads; intermittent facial expressions that are not directly leading to or following any action et al.). It's about nothing except the feeling of coming of age, heartbreak, growing confidence and the onset of adulthood. The lesbian subtheme is basically incidental. Wonderfully edited, too, with a whole new school of cuts: The subtle smash cut. Mood-vignettes, that are strewn in. Very moving.

A wonderful, poignant film!

[SonicMan46]

Concerto: A Beethoven Journey (2015) - synopsis below; Leif Ove Andsnes is a congenial and articulate host for this journey - I really enjoyed; Susan a little bored - recommended.  Dave

Filmed over four years, Concerto - A Beethoven Journey follows world-class pianist Leif Ove Andsnes as he attempts to understand and interpret one of the greatest sets of works for piano ever written: Beethoven's five piano concertos. Considered one of the top pianists of his age, Leif Ove Andsnes offers rare insights into the mind of a leading pianist and access to his personal and professional life. Against the background of Leif Ove playing these pieces, the film peels back the many myths of Beethoven's life. Perhaps above all it is the fresh new biography of Beethoven that is most revealing.

[SonicMan46]

Over the last few days, we watched 3 films, the first two streamed and the last a BD replacement for an old DVD:

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020) w/ Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther fame; just died from colon cancer) - well done atmospheric re-creation of 1920s Chicago - Davis & Boseman are excellent; short synopsis quoted below - based on the August Wilson play, so somewhat different than I expected (not having seen or read the play) but enjoyed - recommended.

Mank (2020) w/ Gary Oldman as Herman J. Mankiewicz, the screenwriter (and grandfather of Ben Mankiewicz) - Todd has already provided an excellent review a few posts above, so take a look; also much more HERE - the B&W filming is superb and agree w/ Todd that Oldman looked too old for the character who was in his early 40s or so when writing the script for Citizen Kane - he did share an Oscar w/ Wells for that effort - streamed from Netflix and recommended (although could have been 20+ minutes shorter for us).

The Harvey Girls (1946) w/ Judy Garland, John Hodiak, Angela Lansbury, Ray Bolger, and others.  Musical western based on the historic Harvey Hotels & Restaurants - short summary below (check link for much more) - BD replaces my old DVD w/ superb 4K video restoration and excellent sound.  Ray Bolger's (the scarecrow in W of Oz) dancing not to be missed - highly recommended to fans of Judy and old Hollywood musicals.  Dave

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is a 2020 American drama film directed by George C. Wolfe and written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, based on the play of the same name by August Wilson. Produced by Denzel Washington et al, the film stars Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman (in his final film appearance), with Glynn Turman, Colman Domingo, and Michael Potts in supporting roles. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom began a limited theatrical release before streaming on Netflix in December. The film was acclaimed by critics, who lauded the performances of Davis and Boseman, as well as the costumes and production design. (edited - Source)

One of Hollywood's best western musicals comes to Blu-ray boasting an eye-popping 4K restoration that brings it to life like never before. The Harvey Girls salutes a courageous corps of winsome waitresses who helped tame and civilize the Old West, and contains one of Judy Garland's most appealing performances. Fueled by robust action, plenty of humor, and a top-notch Johnny Mercer-Harry Warren score that includes the Oscar-winning "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe," The Harvey Girls remains highly entertaining, and Warner Archive's stunning transfer, excellent audio, and array of rare supplemental material make this long-awaited Blu-ray release a total joy. (Source)

   

[Madiel]

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because I'd just finished the book.

I'd heard this was supposed to be one of the better films. I can't say it did much for me.

[SonicMan46]

Well, time to watch a few 'holiday movies' - own a lot of classics but do not watch every year - last two nights, several BDs, one a DVD replacement:

The Shop Around the Corner (1940) w/ Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, & Frank Morgan (the Wizard of Oz) - short synopsis below; favorite of mine (have gone from VHS > DVD > BD which was just released); excellent AV & Audio restoration (review HERE) - highly recommended, especially for the interaction of the two stars, and Jimmie showing off his comedic skills.

Remember the Night (1940) w/ Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, and Beulah Bondi - MacMurray a NYC DA takes jewelry thief Stanwyck home to Indiana for the Christmas holiday rather than her spending the time in jail; she is introduced to a heart-warming family with Bondi as the caring mother; the two stars gradually far in love - this may be a tear-jerker for some - recommended.  Dave

The Shop Around the Corner is a 1940 American romantic comedy film produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart and Frank Morgan. The screenplay was based on the 1937 Hungarian play Parfumerie by Miklós László.  Eschewing regional politics in the years leading up to World War II, the film is about two employees at a leather goods shop in Budapest who can barely stand each other, not realizing they are falling in love as anonymous correspondents through their letters. The film is ranked #28 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions, and is listed in Time's All-Time 100 Movies. In 1999, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." (edited, Source)

Remember the Night is a 1940 American Christmas romantic comedy trial film directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. The film was written by Preston Sturges, the last of his scripts shot by another director, as Sturges began his own directorial career the same year with The Great McGinty. (Source)