I posted this on my other blog on my birthday in 2009. I hope you don't mind that I poach from my own work. I don't think it's plagiarism, if I was the original author.
===============================================
I can think of several films that are named every year as absolute "must see" films by students. Here they are:
1. Requieum for a Dream
2. American History X
3. Fight Club
4. Shawshank Redemption
I liked the last two very much. Both are very professional films made with great skill. The story, script, direction, acting etc. on Fight Club and Shawshank are first rate. I have given my reasons why I thought Shawshank ultimately was disappointing, but that does not mean I disliked it. My feeling is that it could have been more than it was. But, it was good. Fight Club also was very entertaining and thought-provoking.
Now, the first two are less slick. They are both either actual indie films, or at least have the low budget, down and dirty look of the Indie. Hence, they should be judged on a slightly different basis. After all, money should be able to buy a certain level of professionalism.
It's been years since I saw American History X, but I found it to be rather boring, and I did not watch to the end. I thought Ed Norton, or whatever his name is, had way too many long-winded speeches.
Now, on to Requieum for a Dream. I liked the first half hour very much. I thought the acting, pacing, quirky effects, overall theme, were all done very well. But I thought the film basically fell apart in the last half because it became a melodrama. Melodrama refers to overly sensational plot driven vehicles, where character development is sacrificed to plot. All sorts of horrible things occur because the director decrees that it be so. When Will Munny kills Little Bill in Unforgiven, it is becuase he must do so based upon our intimate understanding of his character. No other action is possible. But when the main character in RfaD injects himself directly into a disgusting festering abscess in his arm, we ask ourselves, "don't you have another arm?"
Thus, a good film descends into melodrama, and fails to convince.
However, I know how difficult it is to make a good movie, and I give it a lot of points for effort. An example is the special effect the director uses to show us the experience of getting high on heroin. A close-up of an eyeball with the iris contracting with psychedelic visions in the background is very clever and unique when we see it the first time. After it is shown the 23rd time, it becomes tiresome. One might argue that that is the point. Heroin addicts have to shoot up constantly. That must be awfully repetitive and tiresome also. My point here is that I thought the director tried something pretty cool, but failed in the end.
But why does this film appeal to 17 year olds so strongly, while it left this 42 year old unmoved? The answer, of course, is that I see things clearly and you youngsters are blind, but you do outnumber me, thus I will entertain the (absurdly remote) possibility that I have missed something.
I'm rambling here a bit, but it's late and I'll go on. Years ago, I used to watch Siskel and Ebert, and I found that if they both raved about a film, it was a good bet. If only one of them went for it, I stayed away. The same may be true with us. I know we're all way up there in the IQ department. But the age differnce is a big gulf. So, if we both really rave about a film, you can bet on it being great.
After class today, Nick stayed behind for a few minutes and commented on how much he liked Unforgiven. His comments echoed my own sentiments to a tee. The subtlety with which Will Munny starts sipping at the whisky bottle. Another director would have had him announce portentously, "Hand me that bottle, Kid." He would have taken an enormous draught as a dramatic musical cresscendo erupted in the background. The other day in class, I mentioned that film analysis is as much about seeing what is NOT present as it is in seeing what is. Nick saw what didn't happen. Anyway, the meeting of the minds between the 17 year old and the 38 year old was gratifying and satisfying. I hope the rest of you enjoyed Unforgiven as much. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it, if you get a chance to write this weekend.
Our next film is one that students almost universally hate.... and I absolutely love. Every year the class tells me that this film is their least favorite. And every year I tell them that they are a bunch of ignorant bozo's who should never have been allowed to leave the circus sideshow.. But this year will be different. You people are not savages. YOu will recognize the greatness of "The Asphalt Jungle."
Oh, apropos of nothing at all, today is my birthday. I was born on April 24th, 1975.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Guns, so far.
"On account of my Schofield model Smith and Wesson revovler."
"I see you still have that Spenser rifle."
"Did you load my Remington?"
"I have a Peacemaker, Bill"
"I'll have that .32, Bob."
"That Walker Colt blew up in his hand."
"If old Corky really had two guns, instead of ..."
"I see you still have that Spenser rifle."
"Did you load my Remington?"
"I have a Peacemaker, Bill"
"I'll have that .32, Bob."
"That Walker Colt blew up in his hand."
"If old Corky really had two guns, instead of ..."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Production of Seventh Seal
Our film was made in just one month during the summer of 1957. I imagine that gorgous sun filled days like the one at the beginning, and again today, during the so-called "wild strawberry" scene, are rare in Sweden. So, Bergman probably had to shoot fast or lose it. The film was shot on a minimal budget, with his ensemble of actors, all of whom would appear in a number of his films.
Max von Sydow, who plays the knight, went on to become a very successful actor in America. Bergman dropped him from his troupe permanently when he said no to appearing in a film because of his Hollywood commitments.
Gunnar Bjornstrum (sp) who plays the squire, Jons, also was a regular. I'm not sure he ever had a better part than this one. His raw masculinity and physicality jump out at the viewer.. Since I am more inclined to admire feminine beauty than the masculine variety, I am on unfamiliar ground here, but my intuition tells me that a female viewer might find him rather alluring. I defer to my female readers to either confirm or deny my intuition here.
His female leads tended to change more swiftly as he moved from one conquest/romance to the next. Live Ullman was his most famous to Americans, and she became very famous here, but the most beautiful was probably Bibi Andersen, who plays Mia. She is quite dazzling in a very simple and innocent way. One can imagine her being quite amazing should she dress her self up for a sexier role. But, Bergman didn't want that here. She is emblematic of the simple feminine ideal.
I forget the name of the guy who plays death. But, he's a famous Swedish actor in one of his last roles. The audience in Sweden recognized him very well.
Tomorrow, we will see a big fire. All the forest scenes were filmed either on a set, or in the small wooded area adjacent to the studio. Turn camera to left or right and you'd see a parking lot. But Bergman succeeds in creating a dark, primordial forest filled with evil spirits and danger. The fire raged out of control and the fire department arrived. Neighbors were furious since their houses and cars were covered with ash. The actors had to flee and he almost failed to finish shooting the scene.
Max von Sydow, who plays the knight, went on to become a very successful actor in America. Bergman dropped him from his troupe permanently when he said no to appearing in a film because of his Hollywood commitments.
Gunnar Bjornstrum (sp) who plays the squire, Jons, also was a regular. I'm not sure he ever had a better part than this one. His raw masculinity and physicality jump out at the viewer.. Since I am more inclined to admire feminine beauty than the masculine variety, I am on unfamiliar ground here, but my intuition tells me that a female viewer might find him rather alluring. I defer to my female readers to either confirm or deny my intuition here.
His female leads tended to change more swiftly as he moved from one conquest/romance to the next. Live Ullman was his most famous to Americans, and she became very famous here, but the most beautiful was probably Bibi Andersen, who plays Mia. She is quite dazzling in a very simple and innocent way. One can imagine her being quite amazing should she dress her self up for a sexier role. But, Bergman didn't want that here. She is emblematic of the simple feminine ideal.
I forget the name of the guy who plays death. But, he's a famous Swedish actor in one of his last roles. The audience in Sweden recognized him very well.
Tomorrow, we will see a big fire. All the forest scenes were filmed either on a set, or in the small wooded area adjacent to the studio. Turn camera to left or right and you'd see a parking lot. But Bergman succeeds in creating a dark, primordial forest filled with evil spirits and danger. The fire raged out of control and the fire department arrived. Neighbors were furious since their houses and cars were covered with ash. The actors had to flee and he almost failed to finish shooting the scene.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Unstoppable
Was it Victor or Peter who said that Unstoppable was a remake of Runaway Train? Well, whoever it was, he was wrong. I saw it tonight, and it is nothing of the kind. It does involve a runaway train, but there's no prison, or Manichean universe, or Existential meditation. Just an action film with a train. In fact, the way I'd describe the difference is that Runaway Train was not about the train at all. This is not about anything else but the train. I encourage you to see it. It's very exciting, but it reveals quite starkly, the difference between a great work of art, and formula pulp.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Some thoughts on The Seventh Seal
I have always considered it a great privilege to share this film with a class. It has affected me deeply since I first saw it when I was ten years old, or so, on Channel 13, when they showed the entire Janus Film collection of great foreign films over the course of two years or so back in 1970. I may not have understood much of it, but the subject matter, and the sublime imagery captivated me.
Like Runaway Train, the quotable quotes come fast and furious. Squire Jons get almost all the best lines. Let me think of a few:
1. Our Crusade was so stupid, it could only have been thought up by an idealist.
2. A skull is more interesting than a naked woman.
3. They don't really expect modern people to believe that rubbish.
4. You, with the fat nose, will you continue to pollute the earth for another year?
Better ones come later.
Oh, here's a question for you: How does the film end? Answer in comment below.
Like Runaway Train, the quotable quotes come fast and furious. Squire Jons get almost all the best lines. Let me think of a few:
1. Our Crusade was so stupid, it could only have been thought up by an idealist.
2. A skull is more interesting than a naked woman.
3. They don't really expect modern people to believe that rubbish.
4. You, with the fat nose, will you continue to pollute the earth for another year?
Better ones come later.
Oh, here's a question for you: How does the film end? Answer in comment below.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Win, Lose, what's the difference
I have seen Runaway Train about 30 times, and each time the ending just blows me away. For anyone who is a fan of action films and raves about Speed, or Indiana Jones, or that recent one by the guy who did Titanic. I honestly forget the name of the film, and I refused to see it on principle. Anyway, tell people who rave about mediocre action films to see this one. I don't know any film where the action is more exciting, and yet the characters are as compelling as any serious drama. Add to it a multi-layered existentialist meditation and some of the greatest acting (in parts) of any film, and I'm not certain why this film isn't on virtually everyone's top ten all time great list.
But, all great works of art are flawed in some way. Moby Dick is perhaps the greatest American novel. And yet, it is a mess. But, what book captures the essence of life quite the way Moby Dick does? Whenever I get overly depressed I recall Ishmael's famous caution, "stare not too long into the fire, oh man. There is a wisdom that is woe, but there is a woe that is madness."
For your blogs, you may want to write about whether the film argues that man has freedom of choice in life. Another theme in the film, is sh*t. Think of how many times something scatalogical is mentioned, or worse. In a film like this, there are no "gratuitous" elements. If the characters escape through a sewer, there's a reason. Think of every reference to "it." And then figure out why the writers piled it so high.
Another question: Why all the references to technology? And why is the assistant always eating, drinking, taking pills, etc. And Ruby. What is her role? Thematically, I mean.
But, all great works of art are flawed in some way. Moby Dick is perhaps the greatest American novel. And yet, it is a mess. But, what book captures the essence of life quite the way Moby Dick does? Whenever I get overly depressed I recall Ishmael's famous caution, "stare not too long into the fire, oh man. There is a wisdom that is woe, but there is a woe that is madness."
For your blogs, you may want to write about whether the film argues that man has freedom of choice in life. Another theme in the film, is sh*t. Think of how many times something scatalogical is mentioned, or worse. In a film like this, there are no "gratuitous" elements. If the characters escape through a sewer, there's a reason. Think of every reference to "it." And then figure out why the writers piled it so high.
Another question: Why all the references to technology? And why is the assistant always eating, drinking, taking pills, etc. And Ruby. What is her role? Thematically, I mean.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Letter to myself.
Dear Mr. Bennett:
I'm surprised you're not developing a resentment. After all, you're spending hours commenting on every single blog post written by 34 students, which, if the machine ran well, would mean about 75 comments per week. Meanwhile, when you write a post, you're lucky if one person comments, and that one person is always the same person. The class is certainly treating you shabbily.
But, look at the bright side. The very same lack of consideration that you're experiencing will enable you to continue to crow that your generation was vastly superior to this one, and that you would never have acted so disgracefully "back in the day." So, instead of being annoyed, thank the class for their lack of manners. It is the perfect tonic for your smug self satisfaction, a veritable elixir for that ego you nurture so lovingly.
You are right, of course. You knew it all along, but now you're certain.
Yours truly,
I'm surprised you're not developing a resentment. After all, you're spending hours commenting on every single blog post written by 34 students, which, if the machine ran well, would mean about 75 comments per week. Meanwhile, when you write a post, you're lucky if one person comments, and that one person is always the same person. The class is certainly treating you shabbily.
But, look at the bright side. The very same lack of consideration that you're experiencing will enable you to continue to crow that your generation was vastly superior to this one, and that you would never have acted so disgracefully "back in the day." So, instead of being annoyed, thank the class for their lack of manners. It is the perfect tonic for your smug self satisfaction, a veritable elixir for that ego you nurture so lovingly.
You are right, of course. You knew it all along, but now you're certain.
Yours truly,
Runaway Train
This film is among my all time favorites. One of the things I like about it is that it isn't overly polished. 1985 was the end of an era in Hollywood. After this time, even the most mediocre film enjoyed the most elegant production values. I like it that this film isn't so glitzy. It's raw, just like the topic.
You should know that I am absolutely dying to stop the film every two seconds to point something out. Ilya saw one of the things I was going to pause on. Have you noticed the physical similarity between Rankin and Manny? How about Rankin's line, "I know this guy, he'd do the same thing I'd do." There is a link between these to characters. One represents good, one evil. One is the law, the other an outlaw. But, which one is which?
So, why does Manny suddenly become decisive about which train to jump on? At first, he tells Buck that they need to take care because, "I don't wanna go to a parking lot." Then, he sees a train and says, "I want it." What is that all about? I'll give you a hint. Read all seven of the ideas of Existentialism on the sheet I gave you. Ask yourself which one directly applies to Manny's decision with regard to the train. Post in a comment below.
You should know that I am absolutely dying to stop the film every two seconds to point something out. Ilya saw one of the things I was going to pause on. Have you noticed the physical similarity between Rankin and Manny? How about Rankin's line, "I know this guy, he'd do the same thing I'd do." There is a link between these to characters. One represents good, one evil. One is the law, the other an outlaw. But, which one is which?
So, why does Manny suddenly become decisive about which train to jump on? At first, he tells Buck that they need to take care because, "I don't wanna go to a parking lot." Then, he sees a train and says, "I want it." What is that all about? I'll give you a hint. Read all seven of the ideas of Existentialism on the sheet I gave you. Ask yourself which one directly applies to Manny's decision with regard to the train. Post in a comment below.
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Comedy
A juvenile, yet amusing little comedy that I have indulged in many times over the years goes as follows:
Scene: 2nd period class.
Me: This class is so intelligent! You people really are very superior. I really love this class so much. In fact, it is my favorite class of the day, maybe my favorite class ever. Such a contrast to my 6th period class. Those guys are a little, well, how shall I put it... um, well, let's say they're missing something. Just not up to my rigorous standards. But, pleeeeease. Don't tell them I said this. They get discouraged easily. I have to treat them with kid gloves.
Class: Every face beams with delight.
Act II:
Setting: 6th Period class.
Me: This class is so intelligent! You people really are very superior. I really love this class so much. In fact, it is my favorite class of the day, maybe my favorite class ever. Such a contrast to my 2nd period class. Those guys are a little, well, how shall I put it... um, well, let's say they're missing something. Just not up to my rigorous standards. But, pleeeeease. Don't tell them I said this. They get discouraged easily. I have to treat them with kid gloves.
Class: Every face, but one, beams with delight
Kid in back: Hey, that's what you told the 2nd period class! You told them we were stupid!
Me: That is ridiculous. First of all, I would never make such a disparaging remark about my students. But, I did tell them I liked them better than you guys. But it was a white lie. I actually like you people much much better. That class is really sort of a grind for me. This class has a certain joie de vivre that is irresistable. Can't you just feel the love? This class is my favorite. Discussion over. But, please. Don't say anything to 2nd period. They're very sensitive.
Act III:
Setting: 2nd Period class.
Class: (in tones of outrage) You lied to us! You told the 6th period class that you loved them more than us. You better explain yourself very quickly or we're going to be very upset with you.
Me: It's true. I told them that. But I had to. One of you little squealing tattle-tales had to go and tell them that I said you were my favorite. They were justifiably annoyed. I had to cover up. So I told them that I really loved them more but I had told you guys that so you wouldn't feel bad about being so pathetic. In reality, it is they who are the pathetic ones. This class is truly exceptional. Can't you just feel the love?
Class: (Scratching their heads).
Act IV:
Setting: 6th period class
Class: You are the lowest form of life on earth! How can you stab us in the back like this? You hate us and you love them? You have exactly 10 seconds to explain yourself before we begin ripping your worthless carcass into little pieces.
Me. Now now, my little cabbages, how can you have such little faith in me? One of you little rascals had to go and compare notes with the earlier class. Their feelings were hurt. I had to cover up. But, remember! This is my very favorite class of all!
Class: But, you said the same thing to them. How can we tell who you're lying to and to whom you are telling the truth?
Me: Easy. I am lying to them. I am telling you the truth. Surely you believe me.
Class: How can we tell, though? Maybe you're lying to us.
Me. You have to trust your intuition. Look around the class. Look at all the wonderful people in this class. Now, how can I not love you best of all? It is not possible. Is it? Look around and tell me?
Class: (looking around the room, nodding their heads. A look of smug satisfaction comes over each and every face."
Me: Now let's not have any more of this nonsense. I have a class to teach.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You might be interested, dear readers, to know that I never participate in that little game if I do actually have a preference, which, by the way, is exceedingly rare. All the classes are lovable in their own way. And since I enjoy the experience of being with a class immensely, the fact is that the one that's in front of me is always my favorite. I guess that doesn't say much for my loyalty, but one loves a group in a different way than one loves an individual.. Thus, all my declarations of undying devotion were true at the moment I uttered them. And let me say right now that you are my very favorite reader of this blog. I love you! Mwah.
Scene: 2nd period class.
Me: This class is so intelligent! You people really are very superior. I really love this class so much. In fact, it is my favorite class of the day, maybe my favorite class ever. Such a contrast to my 6th period class. Those guys are a little, well, how shall I put it... um, well, let's say they're missing something. Just not up to my rigorous standards. But, pleeeeease. Don't tell them I said this. They get discouraged easily. I have to treat them with kid gloves.
Class: Every face beams with delight.
Act II:
Setting: 6th Period class.
Me: This class is so intelligent! You people really are very superior. I really love this class so much. In fact, it is my favorite class of the day, maybe my favorite class ever. Such a contrast to my 2nd period class. Those guys are a little, well, how shall I put it... um, well, let's say they're missing something. Just not up to my rigorous standards. But, pleeeeease. Don't tell them I said this. They get discouraged easily. I have to treat them with kid gloves.
Class: Every face, but one, beams with delight
Kid in back: Hey, that's what you told the 2nd period class! You told them we were stupid!
Me: That is ridiculous. First of all, I would never make such a disparaging remark about my students. But, I did tell them I liked them better than you guys. But it was a white lie. I actually like you people much much better. That class is really sort of a grind for me. This class has a certain joie de vivre that is irresistable. Can't you just feel the love? This class is my favorite. Discussion over. But, please. Don't say anything to 2nd period. They're very sensitive.
Act III:
Setting: 2nd Period class.
Class: (in tones of outrage) You lied to us! You told the 6th period class that you loved them more than us. You better explain yourself very quickly or we're going to be very upset with you.
Me: It's true. I told them that. But I had to. One of you little squealing tattle-tales had to go and tell them that I said you were my favorite. They were justifiably annoyed. I had to cover up. So I told them that I really loved them more but I had told you guys that so you wouldn't feel bad about being so pathetic. In reality, it is they who are the pathetic ones. This class is truly exceptional. Can't you just feel the love?
Class: (Scratching their heads).
Act IV:
Setting: 6th period class
Class: You are the lowest form of life on earth! How can you stab us in the back like this? You hate us and you love them? You have exactly 10 seconds to explain yourself before we begin ripping your worthless carcass into little pieces.
Me. Now now, my little cabbages, how can you have such little faith in me? One of you little rascals had to go and compare notes with the earlier class. Their feelings were hurt. I had to cover up. But, remember! This is my very favorite class of all!
Class: But, you said the same thing to them. How can we tell who you're lying to and to whom you are telling the truth?
Me: Easy. I am lying to them. I am telling you the truth. Surely you believe me.
Class: How can we tell, though? Maybe you're lying to us.
Me. You have to trust your intuition. Look around the class. Look at all the wonderful people in this class. Now, how can I not love you best of all? It is not possible. Is it? Look around and tell me?
Class: (looking around the room, nodding their heads. A look of smug satisfaction comes over each and every face."
Me: Now let's not have any more of this nonsense. I have a class to teach.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You might be interested, dear readers, to know that I never participate in that little game if I do actually have a preference, which, by the way, is exceedingly rare. All the classes are lovable in their own way. And since I enjoy the experience of being with a class immensely, the fact is that the one that's in front of me is always my favorite. I guess that doesn't say much for my loyalty, but one loves a group in a different way than one loves an individual.. Thus, all my declarations of undying devotion were true at the moment I uttered them. And let me say right now that you are my very favorite reader of this blog. I love you! Mwah.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)