The Film Discussion Thread

[Jay]

Ok, I looked through the threads but I couldn't find one dedicated to the general discussion of films - we have film specific threads, but nothing which really allows you to discuss in detail (or not) older films, classic films, cult films, general whatever the hell you want films without taking another thread off topic (which I would never do :razz: ). And a couple of times, particularly in chats with D.C., I've come across the need for such a thread. So here it is.

The actual question which finally prompted the creation of this possibly redundant thread was 'What is your favourite Hitchcock film?', to which I will answer, in the hope of kickstarting discussion that spirals into a massive, well-worn and well-loved thread :razz:, Vertigo. I saw it is a 17 year old and liked it but didn't love it, but then saw it a few years later (having been through a couple of the things the film actually deals with - blind obsession chief among them) and it was something of a life changing experience. So there you go. Go nuts. Or not. :)

[Conky]

My favourite Hitchcock film is "North by Northwest".

[Jay]

I think in terms of plotting, North By Northwest is his finest achievement. It is the pinnacle of the fifties/sixties spy genre imo, and has a couple of the great set pieces in cinema (Mt Rushmore and the cropduster). The set-up at the start of the film is also classic Hitch - watch it again and count how many times they say Cary Grant's character's name in that opening sequence (Roger Thornhill from memeory). It becomes so key to the film, but you don't even notice it. A more than worthy choice Vin. :)

[D.C.]

Firstly let's just get this straight: I'd take a Kubrick film over a Hitchcock anyday of the week. :P

Although I'm a sucker for the humour and wit of Cary Grant, nothing tops Psycho in my opinion. Having said that, I'm not even a horror buff, but the way Hitch plays the viewer like an organ and really exposes the torment of the human psyche in that film is almost unparalleled.

Notorious would be my follow-up, actually quite underrated in relation to Hitch nowdays, although it's easily one of his finest suspense films.

I've only just recently gotten back into P.T. Anderson love too. Magnolia is the masterpiece, but Boogie Nights and Hard Eight are fantastic as well.

[Marcu]

North by Northwest, Birds and Psycho. Can't really decide my favorite, they're all pretty awesome in their own way.

[shallowdays]

http://media.bestprices.com/content/vhs/40/112342.jpg

I had the wrong idea about this thread.

[The Brett]

So, Jurassic Park.

[pheelics]

movie news: A Good Year has been getting terrible reviews, it seems Russell Crowe is both a bad person and a bad actor. He should stick to fighting people around the world.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/film/critics-not-crowing/2006/11/11/1162661929805.html

[S_Sail]

Can anyone remember what the first movie they saw was? Mine was Hook...

[D.C.]

At the cinemas or in general?

At the cinemas, I actually think it was Hook too...

[S_Sail]

At the cinemas or in general?

At the cinemas, I actually think it was Hook too...

At the cinemas.

[pheelics]

At the cinemas mine was snow white and the seven dwarves...they were showing it for some reason at the randwick ritz and my grandpa took me. Other early one I can remember are James and the Giant Peach, and Jurassic Park (scary)

[S_Sail]

James and the Giant Peach

That shit, from memory, came out in like 1997.

[TAT]

My first ever movie was Bambi, funnily enough.

[shallowdays]

You know, I think mine might've been Bambi also, or Milo and Otis. Can't remember.

[gaselite]

at the cinema, Beauty and the Beast, when I was 3. Apparently I got scared during one scene >_>

[IRS]

Probably the earliest I saw at the cinemas was Home Alone.

Milo and Oatis is the eariest movie I can remember.


Also, I made a thread for this before but nobody really replied, and when they did they failed at the internet so the links were broken. if anyone has a public IMDB account, link it please. My vote history is at

http://www.imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=22610581

[Jay]

Mine was The Rescuers, and I got scared during the entire movie, never mind one scene!

I'm going to agree to disagree with you on the Kubrick v. Hitchcock question D.C., though it's a bloody close thing. Hitchcock is obviously more mainstream in his sensibilities, and as such Kubrick can sometimes feel more visceral and, well, exciting, but as I rate my favourite Hitch (Vertigo ) slightly above my favourite Kubrick (The Shining ) I'm saying Hitch. But it's hard to go wrong with either really.

Oh, and in Kubrick news, Dr Strangelove is currently $12.95 at JBHiFi. Awesome.

@ shallowdays

very good :)

[Readman]

My favourite Hitchcock is Dial M for Murder. The setting of the movie (for those that haven't seen it, virtually all of the film takes place in two rooms and a balcony) combined with the intricate plot gives it an intensely claustrophobic feel.

Vertigo runs a close second.

[Jickle]

Apparently my first film was a Scrooge McDuck movie. Ahhh, Scrooge.

Favourite Hitchcock film? I'm ashamed to say I haven't seen much. In fact, the only one I've actually seen is Rear Window, and- get this!- I didn't like it very much.

[Conky]

My first movie apparently was The Empire Strikes Back.
I don't really remember the experience but apparently I was amazed.

My first really strong cinema memory though was seeing "Octopussy" I still remember the Alpine cigarette commercial that screened before it. From memory I think the only commercials before films were for cigarettes.

[gaselite]

The only one I've seen is also Rear Window, just the other week for film studies course in fact, and I thought it was great >_>

Honestly, I think I like 95% of the movies that I see in some capacity

[TAT]

Honestly, I think I like 95% of the movies that I see in some capacity

Same for me, but that drops to about 50-60% for rented dvds. Just goes to show that I am not willing to spend more than $4 on a movie I'm not sure I'll like :P

[Jickle]

I think it's good to purposely see a shit movie every now and again, though. Because whilst I generally go with the imdb.com Top 250 list/the 'fresh' movies over at Rotten Tomatoes etc., it becomes harder to appreciate great films if you forget that some directors churn some absolute shit out.

[Conky]

On the IMDB top 100 films... what do you own??

DVD

5. Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
8. Shichinin no samurai (1954)
22. Goodfellas (1990)
24. C'era una volta il West (1968 )
32. Fight Club (1999)
48. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
52. Boot, Das (1981)
53. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
62. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
67. Sin City (2005)
91. The Incredibles (2004)

VHS

1. The Godfather (1972)
3. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
9. Pulp Fiction (1994)
10. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
11. Star Wars (1977)
40. Se7en (1995)
56. Alien (1979)
59. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
63. The Shining (1980)
70. Raging Bull (1980)
72. Aliens (1986)
94. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
96. Blade Runner (1982)

[gaselite]

When I see shit movies though I end up loving them because they're usually of the so-bad-it's-good calibre an good fun to watch

[Jickle]

When I see shit movies though I end up loving them because they're usually of the so-bad-it's-good calibre an good fun to watch

True enough. I enjoyed Fantastic 4 almost entirelly because Jessica Alba was in it. :P

[Conky]

I liked Alone in the Dark for its crappiness. Uwe Boll is the king of crappiness.

[TAT]

Alone in the Dark was *****ing unwatchable. As far as 'so-bad-they're-*****ing-awesome' movies go, Snakes on a Plane is the king.

[Char Aznable]

My first ever movie was Bambi, funnily enough.
Oh wow, me too! Twins! :D

Interestingly, as someone mentioned Hook in an above post, I went and saw it with my mother and Captain Hook reminded me so much of my missing father (who's nickname is actually Hook, lol) that I not only did odd jobs around the house so I could see it again, but also won free movie tickets and went to see it a third time.

Apparently my first film was a Scrooge McDuck movie. Ahhh, Scrooge.
The Ducktales movie? That kicked serious arse. I remember finding the DVD in Target a few years ago and buying it instantly. It's still as good as it was back then. The bad guy's sidekick makes it worth watching.

[Jickle]

Going by the 1990 release date (I was born in 1987), it was probably 'DuckTales: The Movie - Treasure of the Lost Lamp'. I don't remember a thing about it, of course.

[Araenel]

Since it's a general movie thread I figure I'd ask in here :P

How and why does a director have so much impact on a movie?

I hear a lot that "yeah the script sucked but the director was awesome" or conversely "script was great, flat director" and so on.

I haven't exactly looked too deeply on the production of a movie, but considering that (often) the scriptwriter(s) and director are two seperate entities, what does the director do?

[D.C.]

I'm going to agree to disagree with you on the Kubrick v. Hitchcock question D.C., though it's a bloody close thing. Hitchcock is obviously more mainstream in his sensibilities, and as such Kubrick can sometimes feel more visceral and, well, exciting, but as I rate my favourite Hitch (Vertigo ) slightly above my favourite Kubrick (The Shining ) I'm saying Hitch. But it's hard to go wrong with either really.
Yeah, I'll be the first to admit Hitchcock definitely had more 'hits', however when Kubrick made a film, most times he didn't just nail it, he smashed it out of the park.

Oh, and in Kubrick news, Dr Strangelove is currently $12.95 at JBHiFi. Awesome.
I've be waiting for that to drop for ages. Cheers for the info. :)

[Conky]

Since it's a general movie thread I figure I'd ask in here :P

How and why does a director have so much impact on a movie?

I hear a lot that "yeah the script sucked but the director was awesome" or conversely "script was great, flat director" and so on.

I haven't exactly looked too deeply on the production of a movie, but considering that (often) the scriptwriter(s) and director are two seperate entities, what does the director do?

The director is like the captain of the enterprise.

The director is responsible for the interpretation of the script. They can make a simple script seem better then what it is ( most action scripts fall into this category ) They can also make a great script into a pile of dribble by many elements including actors performance, editing and cinematography. The director should be involved with every process and is in the end responisble if each unit doesn't deliver

[D.C.]

They can make a simple script seem better then what it is
That normally only occurs when the director is an auteur.

[Jay]

They can also completely **** up a good script, though this is less common imo.

@ D.C.

True auteur's are few and far between though. Who do you think truly deserves the title? Hitchcock and Kubrick obviously, Woody Allen, Kurasawa, Tarantino, Jacques Tati, Ingmar Bergman, maybe Scorsese, maybe John Waters (whose films leave me mostly cold but they are clearly his films), Von Trier. I'm sure I'm missing heaps - I mean, Tim Burton is distinctive, but I don't know if I'd call him an auteur.

A friend and I once had a big argument about whether or not David Fincher was an auteur - I think his recent output has more than justified my position ('gtfo').

[shallowdays]

Defnitely Scorsese. Also Coppola and the Coen Brothers. But Tarantino? Say Wha?!

Edit: Okay yeah Tarantino can probably be considered one.

Edit edit: Oh oh Michael Mann.

Edit edit edit: Wiki's got a list. They're missing a few but I'll let it slide. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auteur)

[Jickle]

True auteur's are few and far between though. Who do you think truly deserves the title? Hitchcock and Kubrick obviously, Woody Allen, Kurasawa, Tarantino, Jacques Tati, Ingmar Bergman, maybe Scorsese, maybe John Waters (whose films leave me mostly cold but they are clearly his films), Von Trier. I'm sure I'm missing heaps - I mean, Tim Burton is distinctive, but I don't know if I'd call him an auteur.


You missed John Ford, one of the most prominent auteurs there is.

As for directors, I think quality directing tends to shine through in other aspects of the movie. Look at two recent movies, Little Miss Sunshine and The Departed. All the actors churn out amazing performances, and you can tell that it's because of quality direction. Similarly, look at a lot of, say, Al Pacino and DeNiro's latest performances. These guys have appeared in some amazing roles in the past, and it can't be that they've just lost their spark.

Shallow- Tarantino can definitely be considered an auteur. I know because I wrote an essay on the subject. :P

[shallowdays]

Shallow- Tarantino can definitely be considered an auteur. I know because I wrote an essay on the subject. :P
So all I gotta do is write an essay about you being wrong and I'll win right???!? Heh yeah I'm tired leave me alone.

[Jay]

Ah, the Coens! ****! And I thought about John Ford and then forgot to type him in!

And how about Orson Welles?

[D.C.]

Hitchcock, Kubrick, and Lynch are definitely the elite three.

In a category below I'd probably nominate: Mike Leigh, Coen brothers, Paul Thomas Anderson, Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, Billy Wilder, and Todd Field (despite his current lack of films).

I wouldn't call Fincher an auteur, neither Burton, however they could be plently of weight supporting their cases. I'd probably call them the more 'mainstream' auteurs, given the distinction by a lot of people who aren't totally clear on the concept.

EDIT: That list has ******ing Joss Whedon on it. I'm a big fan of his work, but dialogue alone doesn't make him an auteur, otherwise scribes like Kaufman and Shane Black deserve to be (the former who hasn't even directed a film yet).

[shallowdays]

Cronenberg should be near the top of any list of elite auteurs.

[D.C.]

Cronenberg should be near the top of any such list.
He's the equivalent to David Lynch as what Brian De Palma is to Hitchcock. :P

[shallowdays]

Damn you quoting me before I edit! Also I can see Burton as being one but Fincher? Not at all.

[Jay]

I feel ashamed I forgot David Lynch D.C. I'm sorry. :(

@ shallowdays

That is exactly what I said to my friend. Man, one cool film and a decent follow up does not an auteur make. Especially when you go on to make The Game and Panic Room.

[D.C.]

Hey man, Fincher's got street cred! That's the only thing that matters to some people. :P Also could someone please explain why Fight Club is possibly one of the most over analysed films in history? Enough with the postmodern emphasis please. :)

Oh, btw here's another one to the list, Frank Capra.

[Jay]

How about Juenet (and Caro)?

And I'd love to help you out with the Fight Club thing but I don't quite get it myself.

[D.C.]

This list is becoming out of control!

Hal Ashby, Terrance Mallick.

[demeanan]

And I'd love to help you out with the Fight Club thing but I don't quite get it myself.

So do you guys not like the film or do you not know why so many people enjoy it or what?

Fight Club would go down as my favourite movie of all time. Everytime I watch it I pick up on something new. Not just tricks that end up relating to the twist but ways that the movie reflects on different parts of life. Relationships, society, our jobs, the put down of men. Seriously this movie says a lot about the way we live.

I think a man can get a lot more out of it than a woman but I have known a few girls to enjoy it.

Surely I'm not the only person here who feels strongly about Fight Club?

[Nickos]

I showed Dorkify and a friend Fight Club last night. I think they rated it.

The first time I watched it I had to sit down for about 10-20 minutes and figure out what happened.

Durden/Pitt's speech about how our great depression is our lives, and our great war is something-rather was pretty good. Anyway Good movie :p

[D.C.]

So do you guys not like the film or do you not know why so many people enjoy it or what?
I think it's a good film, I just don't know why so many people are claiming it to be such a postmodern phenomenon.

[Jay]

I have similar feelings to D.C. re: Fight Club. I enjoyed it quite a lot, but it's not the post modern messiah some people claim it be.

[shallowdays]

I feel the same way about Fight Club that I do about Donnie Darko. Sure they were cool on first veiwing but every time I re-watch them they seem a little more shit, kind of like they're trying to be too tricky for their own good. Se7en, on the other hand is near perfection.

[Flaps]

Se7en was pretty fantastic. D.C and Jay are right too, one of my friends believes Fight Club was the best movie ever, and has read the book, joined the fansite etc. I don't think she realises that there are better films out there :S

On track, I saw 'The Hills Have Eyes' on Saturday night. Absolutely hilarious.

[ElPresidente]

Se7en is a very well directed film... that is all I can say for it.

That its appearance in 1995 overshadowed that of The Usual Suspects is one of the great tragedies of modern film.

Anyway in my eyes Fight Club is a much better film than Se7en... a much much better film IMO.

[Jickle]

Anyway in my eyes Fight Club is a much better film than Se7en... a much much better film IMO.

I tend to agree. Massive Fight Club fan, wasn't quite wowed by Se7en. I never knew Fight Club split opinion so much.

As for Donnie Darko, I feel the Director's Cut is vastly superior. A lot of people didn't like that it was a much more clear movie; to me, this makes the movie feel less 'wanky' then it did before.

[Jay]

I had one of those weird experiences with Donnie Darko where a bunch of my friends all told me separately that I should see it as 'it is totally your sort of movie, man', which kind of weirded me out because then when I did see it I spent half the movie wondering what the hell they were trying to say! I liked it, but it did feel to me like it was trying very hard to be off-beat, which always turns me off a little. I haven't seen the director's cut, so I'll give that a go Jickle and see if it improves things. Of course, now when I watch it and that 'Mad World' song comes on I'll just think of 'Gears Of War'!

[woodyagw]

loved fight club, seven was cool (just bought it on DVD) but I like fight club more

I also thought that Donnie Darko tried too hard to be quirky (haven't seen the directors cut either - might have to give it a go)

I think Fight club is so analysed because of all the hype that was around it when it came out.
most of the hype was from people running it down saying it promotes violence etc
If you watch the commentary on it they say something about people saying it was pro-nihilism, but the "nihilists" are so inherently stupid that they can't see how anyone could callit pro-nihilism...

on a completely unrelated note - what do people think of Gary Oldman. ( I was going to post something about the fifth element and how good/funny it is and though of him)
He was great in the fifth element, and I loved his performance in the Professional - has this movie come out on DVD? I can't finds it anywhere...

[Agent Knight]

I absolutely love David Lynch (best film: Lost Highway), Takeshi Kitano (Sonatine), Terrence Malick (The New World), Jim Jarmusch (Down by Law), Vincent Gallo (Buffalo '66), Woody Allen (Deconstructing Harry), Krzysztof Kieslowski (Red), David Cronenberg (Videodrome), Andrei Tarkovsky (Solaris) and Darren Aronofsky (Pi). If anyone wants to discuss the works of these directors, I'll be here!

By the way, don't overanalyse Donnie Darko: it's not the time travel flick that Richard Kelly wants it to be, at its heart it's a tragic love story. Seriously! And Se7en owns Fight Club, but David Fincher is a pretty useless director overall.

[TAT]

There was an article in Empire a few years back which basically made mention that Fight Club is significant because of the stars, director and amount of money put into it despite it's very clear "***** the modern world" ideology.

[IRS]

Takeshi Kitano (Sonatine)


I've only seen a handful of his films, but Brother is amazing...



Also, Donnie Darko is best described as shit.


Fight Club and Se7en are entertaining but overrated.

[D.C.]

That its appearance in 1995 overshadowed that of The Usual Suspects is one of the great tragedies of modern film.
Agreed, although for what it's worth, The Usual Suspects did take home the gold (for best original screenplay).

Any fans of Alexander Payne? Faultless track record in my opinion, and every film he makes keeps getting better all the time - Citizen Ruth > Election > About Schmidt (possibly the only director to tame a Nicholson performance) > Sideways.

[ElPresidente]

I was talking more about what people's mouths were flapping about at the time.

If we are talking Oscars then the I consider the fact that The Hudsucker Proxy didn't get a nomination in its year as one of the great tragedies of modern cinema. :P

[Jay]

Me too. 'Hudsucker' ranks up with their best work, and design wise is probably the best they've done. I think it gets a lot of undeserved crap hung on it.

[Readman]

If we are talking Oscars then the I consider the fact that The Hudsucker Proxy didn't get a nomination in its year as one of the great tragedies of modern cinema. :P

The Oscars are a joke. If you look back over the winners, they are a very poor reflection on the best films that Hollywood has produced.

Who on Earth remembers How Green was my Valley? Yet it beat out Citizen Kane. Or the fact that the snorefest Gone with the Wind managed to win. Or saccharine tripe like Forrest Gump and Philadelphia. The Oscars piss me off.

Frankly, I would be more concerned if a film as great as Hudsucker Proxy did win an academy award.

[TAT]

Oh, come on, Read, Forrest Gump is the best "Movie about nothing" ever.

I'm more pissed off that for every award it got, DiCaprio was overlooked for Best Actor in Titanic. And that Russel didn't get one for A Beautiful Mind.

[Agent Knight]

The Oscars are a joke.
Damn right.

I've only seen a handful of his films, but Brother is amazing...
Personally I thought Brother was one of his lesser films. Sure, the violence was cool, but it lacked any real substance. Go watch Takeshis', it has both the violence and the substance! Definitely my 2nd favourite film by the guy.

[shallowdays]

I'm more pissed off that for every award it got, DiCaprio was overlooked for Best Actor in Titanic. And that Russel didn't get one for A Beautiful Mind.
lol nice one. You were joking right?

[TAT]

lol nice one. You were joking right?

Well, yeah, but you quoted the wrong part...

[shallowdays]

o i c

tenchar

[Jay]

DiCaprio should have won for What's Eating Gilbert Grape. For all the shit he has done since - and he has done some absolute shit - I have to rate him because that performance was amazing. And he was beaten by that ****ing hack Tommy Lee Jones for The Fugitive. Yet another Oscar travesty. Up there with the aforementioned Gump, Titanic and Dances With Wolves really.

[Conky]

Me too. 'Hudsucker' ranks up with their best work, and design wise is probably the best they've done. I think it gets a lot of undeserved crap hung on it.

Because it was a massive Box Office Failure.

Great directors yet to be mentioned...

Sam Raimi ( Evil Dead Trilogy, Spiderman Trilogy, co writer of Hudsucker Proxy )
Luc Besson ( The Professional aka Leon, The Fifth Element )
Satoshi Kon ( Perfect Blue, Millenium Actress )
Sergio Leone ( Man with no Name Trilogy, Once upon a time in the West )
Terry Swigoff ( Crumb, Ghost World, Bad Santa )
Dario Argento ( Tenebrae, Suspiria, Deep Red )
Jackie Chan ( Drunkenmaster 2, Project A, Police Story )
John Woo ( A Better Tommorow, The Killer, Hard Boiled )
Clint Eastwood ( Unforgiven, Flags of Our Fathers, The Gauntlet )

[Jay]

@ Vin

I wasn't aware we were judging films here on their impact at the Box Office. Cause last time I looked at the movie charts it was full of utter shit. And when have the Coens ever been recognised for their genius? Fargo is the only time the mainstream has ever courted them.

[ElPresidente]

Barton Fink certainly got plenty of media coverage when it was released.

[Conky]

@ Vin

I wasn't aware we were judging films here on their impact at the Box Office. Cause last time I looked at the movie charts it was full of utter shit. And when have the Coens ever been recognised for their genius? Fargo is the only time the mainstream has ever courted them.

You asked why so much shit was put on Hudsucker Proxy. The truth is it was a box office disaster.

At $25,000,000 (USD), Hudsucker had the largest budget of any Coen film until Intolerable Cruelty, but it was a box office flop, grossing less than $3,000,000 in the US.

From the Wiki page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudsucker_Proxy)


I'm a big fan of the Coens. This is my Coen collection

VHS

Barton Fink
Big Lebowski
Blood Simple
Fargo
Hudsucker Proxy
Intolerable Cruelty
Millers Crossing
Raising Arizona


DVD

Blood Simple
Crimewave
Lady Killers
O Brother Where art thou
The Man Who Wasn't there.

[Jay]

Oh, I know it was a financial and commercial disaster, but as a film it stands up remarkably well, and I was just saying I didn't think we were judging films on the basis of their economic performance. If we did that then we'd have to rate Titanic, and then I'd have to kill myself. :razz:

BTW, your Coen collection is fantastic! I have Blood Simple, Man Who Wasn't There, Fargo, Hudsucker and Barton Fink (my favourite) on DVD. Been waiting on others.

@ El Prez

Oh, they get the critical attention they so richly deserve, and Barton Fink may have ridden a wave of 'Hot Young Thing' media attention (it was the follow up to the moderately successful Raising Arizona after all), but in terms of true mainstream support they've almost always been a poor second. Intolerable Cruelty got quite a bit on the back of Zeta-Jones and the incomparable George Clooney, but that's more the exception than the rule, imo.

[D.C.]

The Coens really need to stop trying so hard at making the mainstream film (Intolerable Cruelty, The Ladykillers) and simply make another another Indie as brilliant as Fargo. Ironically, quality does have something to do with box-office returns, even if it isn't nearly as significant as it should be.

Maybe it's just me, but a couple of years ago when I watched O Brother, Where Art Thou? I could absolutely not get into it whatsoever. Is it worth a return visit or simply one of those films that you either "get" or not?

Having read the Cormac McCarthy's original text, the Coens should finally return to form with their upcoming adaptation of No Country For Old Men.

[Readman]

Damn right.

Also, Shakespeare in Love. I forgot about that one.

[demeanan]

Maybe it's just me, but a couple of years ago when I watched O Brother, Where Art Thou? I could absolutely not get into it whatsoever. Is it worth a return visit or simply one of those films that you either "get" or not?
[/I].

I say go back and watch it. Maybe you just weren't in the mood for it? I have found that people I know, that fill a diverse range of movie tastes, always enjoy it.

I think the directors that I always get excited about when I hear they are doing a movie are: Wes Anderson, David Lynch, Richard Kelly, Darren Aronofsky, Tim Burton, George Clooney, Quentin Tarantino and Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

Has anyone seen City of God? A friggin amazing movie and if you ever see it at your video store then grab it!

[woodyagw]

I'm ashamed to admit it, but whenever I hear "the Coen brothers" I think of three big black guys - the Farrelly brothers.
for some reason they are linked in my head and I can't help it......

[Vindik8or]

Readman is right. The relationship between the Oscars and Film is perplexing at best. I can't seem to find any correlation between quality and winning. If you want to win an acting Oscar all you need to do is get some make up put on you that makes you uglier.

[ElPresidente]

...and have some form of obvious disability.

[S_Sail]

I'm ashamed to admit it, but whenever I hear "the Coen brothers" I think of three big black guys - the Farrelly brothers.

Don't you mean the Wayan brothers?

[Jay]

...and have some form of obvious disability.

Oh yes, the list in recent times is amazing.

Marlee Matlin, 'Children of a Lesser God' (though at least she actually is deaf)
Dustin Hoffman, 'Rainman'
Holly Hunter, 'The Piano'
Geoffrey Rush, 'Shine'
Daniel Day Lewis, 'My Left Foot'
Tom Hanks, 'Forrest Gump'
Tom Hanks, 'Philadelphia'
Tim Robbins, 'Mystic River'

And that's just a cursory glance at the list. It is, as Kate Winslet says in 'Extras' - and I'm paraphrasing here - an actor's wet dream dream to play a spazzie. Oscar nod for sure.

[Vindik8or]

Jamie Foxx in Ray

[Jay]

Ah yep. Must have been blind not to see that one! :razz:

[shallowdays]

Tim Robbins, 'Mystic River'
Say one bad thing about his performance in Mystic River and I'll punch you in the ovary.

[Jay]

Ha ha *covering ovaries*, I'm not saying anything bad about any of the performances, actually. The only one on the list I truly despise is Gump, and actually I think Hunter, Robbins (who is a genius - The Player is one of my favourite films - which reminds me that Altman should almost be in the auteur list) and Matlin are exceptional performances, and well worthy of the nod. Which is more than you can say for many winners down the line, spazzie or no.

*pats ovaries protectively*

[Jickle]

Did anyone else hear about Ang Lee having a sook when he didn't win Best Picture for Brokeback Mountain? Pretty funny stuff.

[Jay]

Yeah, very Kanye of him, though he had a point. 'Brokeback Mountain' deserved the nod over 'Crash' imho.

[Jickle]

I haven't actually seen it. But it's pretty clear why he thought he would win.

Thinking about the nominees, I remembered how awesome Eric Bana was in Munich. Man, Eric Bana needs to be in...more stuff. He was even good in Hulk, which was just an appalling film.

[Conky]

Maybe it's just me, but a couple of years ago when I watched O Brother, Where Art Thou? I could absolutely not get into it whatsoever. Is it worth a return visit or simply one of those films that you either "get" or not?


As Demeanan says you should give O Brother another go. I was a massive fan after seeing The Big Lebowski and O Brother was the first film I saw of theirs at the cinema. I thought it was OK. I have watched it about 6 times now and Its defenantly my favourite. The Coens are so good at characters and a lot of stuff you don't realise is hilarious until you have seen the films a few times and really understand the individual quirks of each of them.

[Vindik8or]

I haven't actually seen it. But it's pretty clear why he thought he would win.

Thinking about the nominees, I remembered how awesome Eric Bana was in Munich. Man, Eric Bana needs to be in...more stuff. He was even good in Hulk, which was just an appalling film.
No you're an appalling film. :cry:

[TAT]

I haven't actually seen it. But it's pretty clear why he thought he would win.

Reasons he didn't: the movie is too long, the camera that has been used to film the movie makes it look too damn blurry/out of focus, there wasn't enough man sex.

[Vindik8or]

It would be the lenses used in the film. Also, I seriously doubt that's the case, I'll bet it's just that you've seen it in less than optimal conditions (like the projector's lens was out of focus).

[Jickle]

Reasons he didn't: the movie is too long, the camera that has been used to film the movie makes it look too damn blurry/out of focus, there wasn't enough man sex.

It's the Academy Awards; the actual quality of your film techniques doesn't matter. :P

[Jay]

He is an impressive performer, though, in or out of focus. And to think he started out doing Poider.

Okay, I'll pose another question to start a new line of movie related discussion - best 80's film? For me it's 'The Breakfast Club', though 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' rates as well.

EDIT for clarity: I mean 80's teen films - the John Hughes-esque stylee thing. Fast Times At Ridgemont High is kind of a starting point for it, I guess. Through to maybe Some Kind Of Wonderful, or the more serious St. Elmo's Fire.

[shallowdays]

Okay, I'll pose another question to start a new line of movie related discussion - best 80's film? For me it's 'The Breakfast Club', though 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' rates as well.
For me it's Paris, Texas followed by Die Hard then Aliens.

[Jay]

Ah, I should have framed my question better, sorry. I meant the genre of '80's American Teen' films. If I was going by fave 80's movies across the board I would have to say 'The Empire Strikes Back', which is my favourite movie ever. Sorry, I wasn't clear.

BTW, Paris, Texas is amazing. As are both of the other films you mention. Yipee-Khiyaa, mother****er!

[D.C.]

Okay, I'll pose another question to start a new line of movie related discussion - best 80's film? For me it's 'The Breakfast Club', though 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' rates as well.
Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Followed by:

-- Raging Bull
-- The Empire Strikes Back
-- Full Metal Jacket
-- Rain Man
-- The Shining

EDIT: You ******ing changed the question! Poor form man. :P

[Conky]

Best 80's Teen movie.....


The Goonies

and

Back to the Future

[shallowdays]

Ah, I should have framed my question better, sorry. I meant the genre of '80's American Teen' films. If I was going by fave 80's movies across the board I would have to say 'The Empire Strikes Back', which is my favourite movie ever. Sorry, I wasn't clear.

BTW, Paris, Texas is amazing. As are both of the other films you mention. Yipee-Khiyaa, mother****er!
Paris, Texas changed my life. It's my second favourite film of all time. As for 80's teen movies, I'd have to agree with you, Breakfast Club then Ferris then I'd probably say Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

[TAT]

Well, they aren't really teens, but Stand by Me is a standout for me.

[Jay]

@ shallow

Ah, now I gotta ask. What's your No. 1?

@ Vin

Great movies. Although I recently rewatched The Goonies and I gotta tell ya, those kids scream A LOT. Still great though. And the first BttF is so clearly the best of the trilogy.

[TAT]

And the first BttF is so clearly the best of the trilogy.

I disagree. I think the third is the awesomest.

[shallowdays]

@ shallow

Ah, now I gotta ask. What's your No. 1?
You Can Count On Me. I don't know why the film effects me so much but it does. Every time I watch it I just feel better. It's strange choice for a favourite film I know but I don't care, I love it so much.

[Jay]

@ D.C.

Sorry mate, I realised I wasn't clear first time around!

@ TAT

Three is also very good - although I feel the stuff with his parents in the first film, and those Oedipal misunderstandings, elevate it. I do love the old west stuff though. 'Clint Eastwood!' Gold.

[TAT]

Three is also very good - although I feel the stuff with his parents in the first film, and those Oedipal misunderstandings elevate it. I do love the old west stuff though. 'Clint Eastwood!' Gold.

To be honest I can't remember the original and two is just a bit too 'messy', but yeah, it's the Western theme that does it for me :D

[Jay]

I totally agree with with your feeling on two - that is the perfect word to use to describe it, I reckon. Messy. It suffers from that middle film in the trilogy thing worse than just about any other 'middle-child' film I can think of.

[Jickle]

80s movie has to go to Back to the Future. That movie is impossible to dislike.

[gaselite]

was Ferris Bueller's Day Off 80s or 90s?

edit: ah, 80s, that's my choice then >_>

[Jay]

80's gas (as you have rightly edited), and check this out - my Dad gave me the day off school to take me to see it on the day it came out. I never really realised how cool that was of him at the time, but in retrospect it really was. :)

[gaselite]

That's awesome, did he see it before you so he knew that that was similar to the plot/vibe of the movie? :p

[Jay]

He'd heard about it, and surprised me that morning - he and Mum had separated, but he used to come and pick my brother and I up to drive us to school in the morning as a kind of 'spend time with the boys' thing. And he told me to get changed out of my uniform, and we dropped my brother off at school (he was too young) and went to see it. I loved the film at the time, but didn't really realise how cool it was to have seen it in that way until much later. Cool on my Dad's part, I mean, not mine.

[D.C.]

This is probably worth a seperate thread, but I'm lazy...

Lynch, cow campaign for Oscar

Without cheese, David Lynch wouldn't have made his latest pic, 'Inland Empire.'

HOLLYWOOD -- David Lynch's unorthodox approach to awards campaigning today threatened to stop traffic on Sunset Blvd.

Cars slowed to a crawl, drivers agog at sight of helmer camped out in the parking lot of Tower Records with a large 'for your consideration' banner and a live cow.

"I'm here to promote Laura Dern who I think you'll agree gave an incredible performance that's going to live," Lynch said. "I think the Academy members love showbusiness -- and this is the showbusiness approach."

Alongside Lynch's pitch was a banner with the slogan 'WITHOUT CHEESE THERE WOULDN'T BE AN INLAND EMPIRE.'

Lynch's reasoning was simple: "I ate a lot of cheese during the making of 'Inland Empire.'"

Helmer similarly held court last week in Hollywood on the corner of Sunset and La Brea.

Here's the link, which also has pics and a youtube vid: http://www.variety.com/vstory/VR1117954009.html?categoryId=38&cs=1

******ing hilarous, even if the film turns out shit.

[Jay]

This is probably worth a seperate thread, but I'm lazy...


Which is exactly what this thread is for!

BTW, I hear The Prestige is very good. Nolan continues to impress it seems. Haven't seen it myself but going this next week or so (Gold Class too - la di da!) :)

[Mr Incredible]

CHRISTIAN BAAAAAAALE!

I'm also very intrigued to see the "Prestige".

[D.C.]

BTW, I hear The Prestige is very good. Nolan continues to impress it seems. Haven't seen it myself but going this next week or so (Gold Class too - la di da!) :)
Going to see it tomorrow. Nolan hasn't come close to topping Memento with his last couple of films, but that said he hasn't made anything well below 'good' either.

Also, Bale > Jackman.

[Jay]

Batman Begins was a pretty fine film though. But you're right. Memento is great - a wonderful concept and well executed. But geez BB was good.

Okay, new question. Best actor of the past thirty years. From 1980 let's say. I'm going to nominate Johnny Depp. Doesn't always choose the best projects, but is almost always brilliant in them (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aside, which I found forced).

[Gio]

Planet of the Apes?

[Jay]

Are you suggesting that Depp was in PotA? Cause he wasn't.

[gaselite]

Going to see The Prestige.... RIGHT NOW

[Gio]

Are you suggesting that Depp was in PotA? Cause he wasn't.
No. But it's a good movie. Eheh.

EHEHEHEH

[D.C.]

Okay, new question. Best actor of the past thirty years. From 1980 let's say. I'm going to nominate Johnny Depp. Doesn't always choose the best projects, but is almost always brilliant in them (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory aside, which I found forced).
If you're saying from the past thirty years, i.e. '76 and not 1980 onwards, De Niro easily. Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, etc...

I've always considered Depp to be really overrated.

[Jay]

You don't think he's become a caricarture of himself? I think he's awesome up to about 1990, but he's been hit (Heat) and miss (Meet the ****ing Fockers etc, Analyze whatever) since. But I cannot disagree with you about the films you listed. He's amazing in each and every one, particualrly Raging Bull. Oh my what a performance that is.

[IRS]

De Niro only plays one character. He's kinda like Jackie Chan without the awesome Kung Fu

[Jickle]

You don't think he's become a caricarture of himself? I think he's awesome up to about 1990, but he's been hit (Heat) and miss (Meet the ****ing Fockers etc, Analyze whatever) since.

I guess it really depends on if you're considering an actor on some form of averaging system, or purely on their best performances. For instance, I'd quite possibly give Pacino a nod if I forgot the last several years entirelly and focused on the fact that he was in The Godfather.

[Nickos]

Just watched Pulp Fiction.

Absolutely loved it.

"The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the iniquities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother's keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."

GG to that.

Also,
"Fox, as in we're a bunch of foxy chicks. Force, as in we're a force to be reckoned with. Five, as in there's one... two... three... four... five of us. There was a blonde one, Sommerset O'Neal from that show "Baton Rouge", she was the leader. A Japanese one, a black one, a French one and a brunette one, me. We all had special skills. Sommerset had a photographic memory, the Japanese fox was a kung fu master, the black girl was a demolition expert, the French fox's specialty was sex..."


totally a link to Kill Bill, which at the time I picked but didn't say anything due to not wanting to piss off people i was watching it with.

Awesome movie though.

[Jay]

Nickos, is that the first time you've seen it? It's brilliant, just brilliant. I was actually quoting it to someone yesterday and saying how I needed to watch it again, it had been too long.

@ Jickle

I think Pacino is the biggest example of an actor who has become a caricature of himself. So sad to watch The Godfather or Scarface and then some of his later stuff. Oh he's also awesome in Glengary Glenross, and if you haven't seen it I firmly suggest you do. Amazing. David Mamet is a great writer when he wants to be.

[Nickos]

Yeah, I used to work in a video shop so I'm a fan of tarantino's work (Reservoir dogs etc), but I hadn't actually seen it until now.

[Jickle]

Actually, Pacino was pretty decent in The Merchant of Venice. That's fairly recent, isn't it?

Naming a 'best' actor is difficult, especially one whos still around, because for every example you bring up of a great actor other people will have a bunch of examples to shoot you down with. I was watching 'Sin City' today and it occured to me that I had no idea what the general concensus on Bruce Willis is. I stopped and thought "he's pretty excellent in everything I can think of", but no doubt hes been in some shit that I haven't seen too.

[Jay]

Whatever people say about Reservoir Dogs - and it's a great film - Pulp Fiction is a more complex and mature work.

@ Jickle

I haven't seen The Merchant Of Venice - unusual for me as I'm something of a Shakespeare freak. As for Bruce, I think he runs the gamut of being really right for roles and being horribly miscast. I don't think he has much in the way of range. He was amazing in Pulp Fiction - a career rennaissance - and is perfect in Die Hard, but elsewhere (Color Of Night springs to mind) is just awful. About the only I've seen him successfully play against type was The Sixth Sense. Still, when he's good he's good.

[MartyMcFly]

Best Actor: Michael J Fox

Best Movie(s): The Back to the Future Trilogy

:hand:

[Conky]

De Niro only plays one character. He's kinda like Jackie Chan without the awesome Kung Fu

I thought De Niro's character in Jackie Brown was unlike any I had seen him play before.


I don't know about best actor. Most of the goods one always end up in a dud pile of shit. Favourite actor. Jean Reno. He's just cool.

[S_Sail]

Naming a 'best' actor is difficult, especially one whos still around, because for every example you bring up of a great actor other people will have a bunch of examples to shoot you down with. I was watching 'Sin City' today and it occured to me that I had no idea what the general concensus on Bruce Willis is. I stopped and thought "he's pretty excellent in everything I can think of", but no doubt hes been in some shit that I haven't seen too.

Watch "The Kid" and "North".

Best Actor: Michael J Fox

Best Acting Role: The stem cell research commercial

:hand:

Fixed.....

[shallowdays]

As for Bruce, I think he runs the gamut of being really right for roles and being horribly miscast. I don't think he has much in the way of range. He was amazing in Pulp Fiction - a career rennaissance - and is perfect in Die Hard, but elsewhere (Color Of Night springs to mind) is just awful. About the only I've seen him successfully play against type was The Sixth Sense. Still, when he's good he's good.
Unbreakable and 12 Monkeys I'd say are his best performances since Die Hard.

As for best actor I'd vote Pacino. Dog Day Afternoon, The Godfather, Heat, Scarface, Donnie Brasko, Carlito's Way and even some of his more recent work like The Insider and Insomnia has been top notch. I'd also put a vote in for Sean Penn as one of the most diverse actors around.

[D.C.]

I'm a sucker for The Sixth Sense so I probably reckon that was Willis' best performance outside playing the 'Die Hard' character mould.

Changing the question slightly; favourite/best male actor of all time?

Props to the peeps that list Brando, Hoffman, Grant, Steward, Nicholson, De Niro, Pacino, Olivier, Bogart.

[S_Sail]

Grant

Hugh????????

[Jickle]

I've got a soft spot for Toshiro Mifune, myself.

[D.C.]

Hugh????????
Negative. Cary Grant.

[TAT]

Willis was very good in both Hostage and 16 Blocks, despite being typically cast in both movies.

[Jay]

I haven't seen 16 Blocks, though a friend recommended it so I'm keen to give it a run. I actually really like Willis in those types of roles - they seem to be the roles he was meant to play. And I agree with you on 12 Monkeys shallow. Amazing that Pitt was nominated for his cliche ridden 'madman' (though we have covered that ground earlier in this thread) and Willis was completely overlooked for a much more convincing, well-rounded performance.

As for an answer to your expanded question D.C., there are just so many. The ones you listed are awesome, and I'd like to add Guinness, Hopkins, Irons, Malkovich (when he hasn't crawled up his own arse), Denzel Washington, and, for pure entertainment value, particular through the late seventies and early eighties, Harrison Ford.

How about actresses? For me Foster is the pick of her generation, and like any red-blooded male I have been taken by the quality of Scarlett Johannsen's 'work'. As a Hitchcock nutter I also hold Grace Kelly in very high esteem.

[D.C.]

How about actresses? For me Foster is the pick of her generation, and like any red-blooded male I have been taken by the quality of Scarlett Johannsen's 'work'. As a Hitchcock nutter I also hold Grace Kelly in very high esteem.
Given my love of old films at the moment, Audrey Hepburn's totally in a class of her own.

Foster's has had some pretty amazing performances, but I'm not entirely hooked on Johannsen's 'acting' so far.

[OrchidEleven]

Not sure if this has been posted, but looks gnarly.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9408/hp5teaserpostersb0.jpg

Some screenshots:

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0373889/HP5757.JPG

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0373889/y.jpg

http://i.imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0373889/HP557.JPG

[shallowdays]

How about actresses?
Laura Linney is definitely my favourite actor of the female variety. I'd also rate Julianne Moore, Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep.

[TAT]

Add Ellen Burstyn to that list and you have a deal.

[woodyagw]

for hotness - Jennifer love hewitt - as for her acting...........

[D.C.]

for hotness - Jennifer love hewitt - as for her acting...........
Yeah, I'm pretty sure the question wasn't about who looks best in skimpy tops anyway. That said, she wouldn't top that list either. :P

[woodyagw]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure the question wasn't about who looks best in skimpy tops anyway. That said, she wouldn't top that list either. :P

yeah I couldn't think of any decent actresses so I went for decent looking
oohh I found one - Helena Bonham Carter (maybe it's just because I like fight club)
Dame Judi Dench is usually pretty good too

[Dark Wader]

Ingrid Bergman is da shit, as far as the ladies go. Mega hot, and she could act.

[Conky]

I am lacking any real enthusiasm for the films left to be released this year.

Sure we have Borat and Casino Royale... but not much else seems to perk any interest. So I ask you... what are you excited about? Are any of your favourite film makers on the verge of releasing something new ( if they aint dead of course ).

I found this trailer for a movie called The Messengers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt8AmfeGxEI). It seemed your average horror until I noticed Sam Raimi was presenting it and instantly I though of the horrible Boogeyman film he presented last year. However, at the end I noticed the PANG BROS from THE EYE fame made it. So it might be alright. Who knows.

[shallowdays]

So I ask you... what are you excited about? Are any of your favourite film makers on the verge of releasing something new ( if they aint dead of course ).
marg (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0466893/)aret (http://joblo.com/upcomingmovies/movies.php?id=754) zod (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706/)iac (http://joblo.com/upcomingmovies/movies.php?id=562) babel (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449467/) the (http://www.joblo.com/upcomingmovies/movies.php?id=738) prestige (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482571/)

I'm most looking forward to Margaret, Kenneth Lonergan's follow up to You Can Count On Me.

[D.C.]

Stranger Than Fiction, Little Children, Babel, The Fountain, Deja Vu, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Blood Diamond, Zodiac.

[Vindik8or]

I'm a sucker for The Sixth Sense so I probably reckon that was Willis' best performance outside playing the 'Die Hard' character mould.

Changing the question slightly; favourite/best male actor of all time?

Props to the peeps that list Brando, Hoffman, Grant, Steward, Nicholson, De Niro, Pacino, Olivier, Bogart.
Stop being so predictably film nerdy. You love old films? Give me a break, there's almost nothing from Hollywood before revisionist independent period that isn't comparable to eye surgery.

How about someone like Johnny Depp or, say, Bill Murray, or Elijah Woods?

There are a huge number of brilliant films coming out. Check this out (http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/300/). There's also:
Marie Antoinette (http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/marieantoinette/)
Perfume (http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/perfume/hd/)
Pan's Labyrinth (http://www.apple.com/trailers/picturehouse/panslabyrinth/trailer/)
Fur (http://www.apple.com/trailers/picturehouse/fur/)

Just to name a few.

[Readman]

Did you add Marie Antoinette in there as a joke? It looks awful.

[D.C.]

How about someone like Johnny Depp or, say, Bill Murray, or Elijah Woods?
Yeah, I said earlier I don't mind Depp and I can see why people would consider him their favourite/best actor. But Bill Murray has basically been playing the same character for twenty years, with a varying degree of success.

I've seen Marie Antoinette too. It was a nice idea, but ultimately turned out pretty lousy.

[Gutsman Heavy]

Pans Labyrinth, are we getting it?

[Vindik8or]

Did you add Marie Antoinette in there as a joke? It looks awful.
No you look awful.

[D.C.]

Pans Labyrinth, are we getting it?
Yeah, probably well after its inital release, but why wouldn't we be?

[TAT]

Was anyone else up this morning early enough to see the World Premiere of the teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on the Today Show? It was such a tease.

[Gnomey_g]

I saw the preview for a film called Night at the Museum the other day, which looks like it could be a bit of fun. Basically, everything ni the museum comes to life at night. It features Ben Stiller, Robin Williams and an alive T-rex skeleton. Winning combination right there :D

I'm also quite looking forward to the Tenacious D film.

[twofivefour]

Wait, Das Parfum is now a movie? Oh damn.

[pauljdavidson]

http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html

No Hobbit movie from Peter Jackson. Sad.

[Agent Knight]

I actually have fairly high hopes for Marie Antoinette. Lost in Translation was achingly beautiful (for lack of a less pretentious term) and Virgin Suicides was quite awesome also.

[Readman]

http://www.theonering.net/staticnews/1163993546.html

No Hobbit movie from Peter Jackson. Sad.

However, I wonder if the 'prequel movie' Jackson mentions in passing in his email is Children of Hurin?

[Vindik8or]

Uhh, from my understanding he said it was about the events leading up to LotR, so essentially original material covering some kind of gap between The Hobbit and LotR.

[Readman]

Jackson is quite vague, though, and I believe this is the first that's been heard of it? So, it could be anything. If it actually is new material, then ... well ... I would hope the Tolkien estate would refuse to release the intellectual property because you know it is going to be crap.

[Flaps]

I recommend 'An Inconvenient Truth' to all at this forum, very good movie. Global Warming is a very morbid issue, and if we continue with our current energy usage/consumption trend, violent change will soon beome a reality.

[Vindik8or]

Jackson is quite vague, though, and I believe this is the first that's been heard of it? So, it could be anything. If it actually is new material, then ... well ... I would hope the Tolkien estate would refuse to release the intellectual property because you know it is going to be crap.
Games Workshop have been doing it with their LotR tabletop game. Elaborating on the battle against the Sorcerer (Sauron) that was hinted at in The Hobbit, umm other junk...

[Conky]

I recommend 'An Inconvenient Truth' to all at this forum, very good movie. Global Warming is a very morbid issue, and if we continue with our current energy usage/consumption trend, violent change will soon beome a reality.

SOON????

Last week it was snowing.... today it hit above 40. The planet is ****ed.

[Jay]

SOON????

Last week it was snowing.... today it hit above 40. The planet is ****ed.

Had that exact conversation with a mate today. Absolutely ****ed. Last week I had tickets to go and see Al Gore speak in Melbourne, but I had a timetabling clash so I gave them to a friend's boyfriend. He and a mate went - reports were that it was amazing. Very similar material to the film, but with the added extra of Q&A and a much more (and subsequently embarrassing) Australian focus. Sign the damn protocol already Howard you ****ing international embarrassment!

[Gutsman Heavy]

'An Inconvenient Truth'
is there Manbearpig?

[Flaps]

'An Inconvenient Truth'
is there Manbearpig?

There's Al Gore, so I'm presuming yes.




































































































http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1512/354pxmanbearpigphotori2.jpg
<_<

[pheelics]

I watched An Inconvenient Truth a few months ago, it's still showing? Anyway, it's good, so see it.

And yes, the part where Australia is mentioned as not signing kyoto is highly cringe-worthy, even in a cinema (of what i presumed to be) australians.

EDIT: movie news. http://www.smh.com.au/news/film/beyonce-eva-longoria-to-play-lesbian-lovers/2006/11/13/1163266469125.html

swe eeeeeeee t

[StorminNorman]

R.I.P Robert Altman.

[Zinnwaldite]

Holy shit. How harsh was IGN with their review of Me Myself & Irene!!

http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/035/035469p1.html

I thought it was OK, geez.

[Queenie]

I bought Pirates of the Caribbean today. I watched it for the first time, today ( I had no idea what happens, i didn't get any spoilers, nor watch it in a cinema :( ). WHAT a suspensful movie, all those twists and turns. And the Kraken, well now I have a reason to be afraid of sailing. Even though i always sorta did think there was SOMETHING down there. I know it's fictional. Just... anyway... who woudla' thunk it?

[Jickle]

Bump-ing this excellent thread.

I'm going to the movies tomorrow, I think. But I can't decide between The Prestige and The Descent. Thoughts?

[S_Sail]

Bump-ing this excellent thread.

I'm going to the movies tomorrow, I think. But I can't decide between The Prestige and The Descent. Thoughts?
Definately see the Prestige.

[Conky]

Bump-ing this excellent thread.

I'm going to the movies tomorrow, I think. But I can't decide between The Prestige and The Descent. Thoughts?

See both. Two of the best films of the year. Although, if I were to have to choose one of the two to see in an actual cinema I would go with The Descent. If you like Horror you really shouldn't miss it because there ain't been a horror that comes close to it for a long time..... hmmmmm.... I can't think of any. Is that enough hype for ya'll???

[D.C.]

The Prestige for the win, although you've probably already made your choice. :P

[_Daniel]

Oh man who saw Crank how awesome was it?

The new Texas Chainsaw Massacre prequel was also totally sweet, much better than expected. People got chainsawed!

[Jickle]

Man, it's been exciting how all these great movies suddenly came out. It was looking like we were going to have a shit year for movies for a while, then BAM. Exciting.

[Jay]

I saw The Prestige in Hoyts' Director's Suite the other night (tickets courtesy of my play cast for my writing/directing work - sweet!) and very much enjoyed it, though I thought the 'supernatural' elements were a little bit of a cop out - I wanted it to be an actual magic trick! Still, as always Nolan knows how to create stylish environs (the light globes in the field moment is great). I also really loved the way timelines folded over each other, and the section where the two magicians were reading letters/diaries from one another and it was skipping around in time was brilliant, structurally at least. Oh, and how much does Bowie look like a slightly fat Tom Skerritt in that moustache?

Going to go and see Charlotte's Web this weekend because my Dad's shop was used as one of the shops in the main street, and one of our friends used as a featured extra. Plus I'm a sucker for that story.

And Casino Royale is the first Bond film since Goldeneye to pique my interest at all, so I might check that out if I have time too. Might not. It will be a busy Wii-kend after all... :)

[Araenel]

Man, it's been exciting how all these great movies suddenly came out. It was looking like we were going to have a shit year for movies for a while, then BAM. Exciting.

That can't be more true. I've gone to more movies in the past few weeks than I have for the whole year.

[First]

Mary Poppins Remake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T5_0AGdFic)

Hey, this actually looks good :)

[Joel]

I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread where we can just discuss movies in general, as most film discussion seems to be limited to What You Just Bought/Watched threads. Anyway, I've been buying and watching.... a lot of films recently and I've come to the conclusion that I'm in love with Paul Thomas Anderson. I'm a huge fan of the Coen bros, but really, There Will Be Blood is flat out amazing, wheres No Country is really just a simple thriller made somewhat confusing and with a guy that kills people with a cow gun. It's still a very entertaining film, but has nothing on TWBB. Anyway, discuss.

[D.C.]

Nice thread, Joel. :)

Fargo > No Country. Both great films, but Fargo was funnier and more complex.

And yes, Paul Thomas Anderson is just about the greatest director alive today. The guy can do it all. I've watched Magnolia more times than I can remember, 'Blood is Citizen Kane for the twenty-first century, Punch Drunk the most delightful 'romantic comedy' I've ever seen, and Hard Eight a throw-back to vintage film noir.

And Boogie Nights wasn't bad either. ;)

[D.C.]

Hey ho...

http://www.hyper.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=7951&highlight=General+Movie+Discussion+Thread
Should we revive that, or let it die with some grace? :p

[Jay]

Just sayin' is all... :p

[Blue]

Oh man who saw Crank how awesome was it?Yes, it is indeed awesome. Incredibly so.

[Lyson]

I didn't care for it.

[Lazlow]

Paul Thomas Anderson is just about the greatest director alive today.

Damn straight, Mortal Kombat was awesome!

[D.C.]

Damn straight, Mortal Kombat was awesome!
You're thinking Paul W.S Anderson. Hack. :p

P.S. Feel free to lock this one then Jay.

[Jay]

I'll merge them.

EDIT: There - merged. I'll change the name to Joel's thread name.

[Joel]

:embaressed:

Yeah, so I've been watching a lot of Robert Altman films lately, and Nashville is easily one of my fav movies now. Brilliance.

[D.C.]

Short Cuts is my personal favourite of his, but Nashville is great too. :)

Also, The Player is the kind of masterful Hollywood insider piece that Entourage could only dream of becoming.

[Allick]

Has anyone seen Eagle vs Shark? It's a really odd New Zealand film staring Jermaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords. It's surprisingly good, and if you get the chance you should definately watch it.

[Slasher]

Came out 3 days ago:
Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1350498/
)
Trailer:
Fa7ck5mcd1o

[Allick]

Came out 3 days ago:


Jesus Christ monkey balls...

That's the most epic thing i've ever seen

[Halt, Hammerzeit]

Saw Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince. Didn't flow well, no real story progression and the ending just made me feel like I'd wasted two hours of my life. I didn't mind that there wasn't as much action in it as other HP movies, but if you're going to do that, at least have a decent fricking story. 4/10.

[Jay]

Apparently when The Sound of Music was released in Korea it had all the songs and all the references to music edited out by the censors.

I hope they renamed it 'The Of'.

[Spudzilla]

The whole movie was one long censor tone with moving images

[Australian Ninja]

Damn right.


Personally I thought Brother was one of his lesser films. Sure, the violence was cool, but it lacked any real substance. Go watch Takeshis', it has both the violence and the substance! Definitely my 2nd favourite film by the guy.

I really enjoyed Takeshis, so which of his films is your favourite then?

'What is your favourite Hitchcock film?')

Only seen a handful of his fifty-plus films, but my favourite (so far) is Rear Window, followed by Psycho. Determined to watch some more of his better films this year.

Has anyone seen Eagle vs Shark? It's a really odd New Zealand film staring Jermaine Clement of Flight of the Conchords. It's surprisingly good, and if you get the chance you should definately watch it.

Yes, I own -and quite enjoyed - that one. After watching FOTConchords multiple times I looked up the actors/writes to see what else they had been involved in, and found out about Eagle vs Shark.

FYI - Jemaine Clement is also in "Gentlemen Broncos" directed by Jared Hess of Napoleon Dynamite fame. I'll be buying it off ebay soonish, but it's (possibly) due out on local rental in the next month or two. Check out the trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdpFpfIBkXc), it's nuttier than a fruit cake baked by a nut.

[Ninjalada]

Apparently when The Sound of Music was released in Korea it had all the songs and all the references to music edited out by the censors.

I hope they renamed it 'The Of'.

Was that North Korea? There's an important distinction.:)

[Araenel]

The whole movie was one long censor tone with moving images

I'd probably enjoy it more than the original.

[Australian Ninja]

I saw The Prestige in Hoyts' Director's Suite the other night (tickets courtesy of my play cast for my writing/directing work - sweet!) and very much enjoyed it, though I thought the 'supernatural' elements were a little bit of a cop out - I wanted it to be an actual magic trick! Still, as always Nolan knows how to create stylish environs (the light globes in the field moment is great). I also really loved the way timelines folded over each other, and the section where the two magicians were reading letters/diaries from one another and it was skipping around in time was brilliant, structurally at least. Oh, and how much does Bowie look like a slightly fat Tom Skerritt in that moustache?



The film uses (made up) technology to produce the trick that Hugh and Bale's characters learn from David Bowie's Teslar. Does that not make it more along the lines of science fiction than the supernatural?


There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who like The Prestige, and those who don't.
This is how I feel when someone says they don't like it.....................

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a88/Jonny9999/sonatine_beat.jpg