Purple Noon (1960). Where other flicks merely take a stab at creating a psycho-thriller Purple Noon succeeds admirably. No gratuitous violence, chase scenes, explosions and such are needed, but instead attention to the actual unraveling of the story. It doesn't even know that it is such a thriller. Of course, much of its success can be attributed to Alain Delon. His cool-headed and calculating performance is belied by his incredible good looks. Attractive people, so the minds conjures, are simply not capable of nefarious deeds. And yet all the makings of a sociopath determinedly focused on some naughty business are there for all to see, character and audience alike. In fact, it is the incongruity with perceived reality that lures us into cheering for Delon's Mr. Ripley, even though his intentions are clearly far from good. Without Delon this piece might not have succeeded so. Of course, the supporting cast was magnificent from top to bottom. Even minor players turned out compelling pieces. The directorial impress of Rene Clement can be no more evident than in Purple Noon; everything works through ostensible simplicity that belies the complexities of such a sublime creation. The cinematography here was no less biting or breathtaking, with the sailboat scene about as harrowing a piece as has ever been done. The minimalist score was simply perfect, leaving me with something to whistle my way back to reality whence this fine cinematic triumph had found its dock. Merci beaucoup.
Genruk

Requiem for a Vampire (1971)

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A pretty unusual ending! It was really rare to find such a kindhearted vampire in those days.:D

>>: C+

Lynch Mob (2009)

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Italian mobsters vs a pedophile lunatic in a cursed town where its cannibal residents just can't die so easily! :D

An interesting plot for an Indie effort but executed kinda poorly.

>>: C+

Ex Drummer (2007). Initiated through an exercise of irritation, this entry merely sets the mood for the viewer to best take in a film of the dregs of Belgian society, what could have been the circus freaks of yesteryear, such that we can tolerate the barrage of insults, violence and obscenities that permeates the collective filth that accumulates at the bottom of society's garbage pail. Add to this a highfalutin character whose agenda seems only to find amusement at the expense of even more suffering and we have the premise of Ex Drummer, a film that is likely to find short company in the ring where the heavy weights are scaled in their capacity to offend. What seems merely some glorious effort to be obnoxious slowly and surely reveals that no other means could have expressed this story with authenticity, to be other than derelict punk rock would be to compromise, a maneuver that would be quickly sniffed out by the true cinephile. As the story finds its way, it seamlessly flirts with multiple genres, from mocumentary to horror to fantasy to god knows what else. The initial insults to the viewer become requisite metaphors, a symbolic euphemism to define a class of mankind best left to the other side of the tracks. The acting was superb, each and every discomfiting character doing his and her utmost to revel in social disgust all to the horror of the audience. The direction was initially over-the-top insane, but as stated, no other means could have been true to form. The effects upon one's composure by the end are nigh palpable. The camera work is to be lauded. Every scene captures the mood perfectly, from vicious cruelty, abject despair, lurid sexuality, to the capricious outbursts that are to be expected from the urban peasants that are the real stars of the film. Even the protagonist is captured perfectly, a cold and calculating character that is captured by a cold and calculating lens. A reprieve for the soul is occasionally offered by way of the soundtrack. In between the apropos thrashiness, an almost melodic medley oozes out to help the viewer collect himself, to realize that no exercise in cruel futility is being played upon him. This film is not joke where the punch line is only to be enjoyed by its creators, but instead a savage look at two elements of life that rarely find company and for good reason.
Genruk

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Black Swan


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Wow. Just - Wow.

The words "stunning" and "mesmerizing" barely do this film justice. I had heard that this movie was getting rave reviews, but my raised hopes did not even meet how phenomenal this movie is.

To tell you the truth, I was torn about Darren Aronofsky prior to seeing this movie - I found Requiem for a Dream to be incredibly bleak, but a piece of art in its own right. Pi I found interesting, The Fountain I couldn't stand, and The Wrestler was incredibly disappointing for me. But something that I can grant Aronofsky is that he is definitely a director with a distinct point of view, and every film has its own directorial style...

Black Swan is no different - An incredibly intense slow-burner, this character-driven psychological thriller is completely different from Aronofsky's previous works, this time taking a page from Hitchcock. Black Swan is dark, deeply disturbing and passionate, truly a film that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Coupled with the striking backdrop of Swan Lake, this character piece is at times horrifying and breath taking. Quite frankly, I haven't seen Natalie Portman this astute. Ever. Hands down, this is the best movie of 2010.

Best Movie
Best Director
Best Actress

Hands down. Loved it. Go see it. Immediately.

5/5.

I had no idea Black Swan was out already! I friggin' love Aronofsky!

There is nary a word other than exrtaordinary in the reviews of Black Swan. Cannot wait to see it.
g

On my must-see list for awhile now...still hasn't released over here yet.



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An underrated and overlooked comedy masterpiece. See it now, if you haven't already.

* * * *

Motel Hell (1980)

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>>: B+

Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Billy Wilder's treatment on Agatha Christie's story in a Hitchcockian fashion!! Along with a magnificent cast, it was splendid to watch Charles Laughton's brilliant performance in this suspense packed courtroom thriller.

>>: A

Deadfall Trail (2009)

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>>: C

Doghouse (2009). Doghouse is schlock horror that works on two levels. Of course the first enjoys a base level of masculinity where 30 somethings that are stuck in puberty are thrown into a horrorfest that just begs for some misogynist hat tricks. Doghouse delivers here without flinching, but it surprisingly does so without being too offensive. Don't get me wrong, leave the girlfriend at home unless this is part of your insidious plans to break it off with her. On another level, whether conscious or not, Doghouse captures some truths of the incongruity of men and women, at least in terms of the male perception of women and his inherent fears of feminine stereotypes. Jung might have had a say in the creation of these feminine archetypes and the deep seated fears that fester in our emotionally retarded gender. Jake West stays true to form given some enhanced production value and Doghouse never pretends to be anything more than a horror comedy, comedy that works for the most part. The premise gives birth to many avenues of misogynist exploitation, and these roads are explored with the verve of a schoolboy looking through his first smutty rag. The acting was enjoyable, with notables Danny Dyer leading the fray and the ever enjoyable Emily Booth threatening to snip away our manhood. The gore-o-meter readings should be sufficient to satisfy most gore hounds. And though the ending was a bit of a letdown, the fun beginning and spoofs that follow more than make this a stupid good time for any testicular laden biped. Merci beaucoup.
d