The Pianist (2002)

Nominee

This was a very striking and very brutal depiction of the Holocaust, and it is my belief that you can't have enough movies or literature about this genocide because no amount of discussion will ever be enough to atone for the atrocities that occurred during World War II. It was truly one of the greatest sins the human race ever allowed to happen.  That being said although this was a movie worthy of nomination, I could not help to compare to the others that have been made, namely and most notably Schindler's List. I feel it went for a less artist approach, which I think came off as less emotional. That would have been fine but I really felt that disconnect and it almost made some of these deaths come off as shock stunts, brutality for the sake of entertainment, instead of the homage for the suffering of the people involved. Also I hate to say it but toward the middle it got repetitive, these dramatic scenes just weren't pulling anything for me anymore because there wasn't enough variation of shooting. THAT BEING SAID...

I always do a little bit of research before making these posts and I realized I really knew nothing about Roman Polanski. Out of his work I had only seen Chinatown, and the only information I remembered about him was some scandals a couple years ago in the news. So I wandered my way over to Wikipedia, and I was surprised to find that Polanski actually experienced living in the ghetto and then hiding from the Nazis. He was a small child at the time but I think now I understand why he tried to show these events like he did. He, like Spillzman, lived through this event, they were survivors, and that is what he really connected with about this story. So he filmed this through the lens of someone trying to thrive. So I think the emotional disconnect was an attempt to show us that you had to do that in order to come out the other end. You could not let these horrific events effect you every time, you would not make it.

So how do I rectify these two ideas? I think the story and the point of view provide something different than its fellow Holocaust era films, but I think some of the cinematography fell flat, they did not show us something new every time, they did not change the experience, like I said it was repetitive. I think great movies allow the shooting to do some of the talking...the shots did not tell me anything.

Now you may have noticed that I have not actually said anything about a piano yet. That is because surprisingly it is an extremely minor part of this movie. It is still important, his music saves him from time to time. And I like that idea, that it is his music that lets him keep his humanity. Yet don't be surprised that there is limited focus on the musical aspect of this movie.

Also I would be amiss if I did not quickly mention Adrien Brody. He did a respectable job, and I don't know who else was nominated that year but he did win Best Actor. So it is worth watching just for that.

Overall: Watch this film, and appreciate why it is different than the others of its genre. If you get a little bored around the middle just keep at it. Films like these are what makes the industry important to our history, they tell stories that should never be forgotten. Like Spillzman's music, they help us remember our humanity.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

Nominee

Two things:

1.) This movie is extremely entertaining.

2.) At first I wasn't sure if this movie should have been nominated for best picture. However, I think after much consideration that this movie exemplifies the power of pure entertainment; that a movie can be great because it is quite simply enjoyable to watch. Yet if that is going to be the bulk of your content then I think it needs to be accompanied by a deeper understanding of the craft of  film. Which is how you get a blockbuster like this.

I have a soft spot for Kung Fu movies, although my knowledge is limited at best. I find fast paced, high flying battle scenes exhilarating! (Not that it is really a true kung fu movie but Kill Bill Volume 1...so much fun!)  Also I think it speaks testaments to the genre that I do not have a complete cultural understanding of the form, but I still can watch it and appreciate the amount of work and precision that is taken in this style.

Plot-wise I actually thought it never really climaxed. At times it felt like the exposition never ended. I mean it seemed like Li Mui Bai was gearing up to train Jen...but it just never happened. Also the sword, Green Destiny, is stolen and then its put back...I feel like that happened a couple times.  Still there was something about the epic female martial artists through out that made me not really care that there was limited movement in the story arc. Plus my ultra feminine side is showing but I am occasionally a sucker for forbidden love plots. There are two here and although I try to avoid spoilers in general on this blog, lets just say the ending isn't exactly happy. Yay tear jerkers!

Yet before I end I really want to highlight why this movie was really as good as it was. The camera angles and quick fast paced editing is what sets this movie apart from others of its genre. The care and precision that is shown makes the battle scenes cohesive and enjoyable while also being seamless is unparalleled. At times the editing was apparent and stylized and others it was barely noticeable, they created a balance, that takes a lot of work. I applaud their efforts.

Overall: I really enjoyed viewing this movie. I didn't get much out it intellectually but not every movie has to have deep meaningful dialogue in order to be good. Sometimes you just want a really well done sword fight. Just watch and enjoy!  

Mister Roberts (1955)

Nominee

This was a respectable but recognizably forgettable movie. I enjoyed the ending and I liked most of the characterization but I think this movie suffered from pacing issues. And in this context it is tricky. You are trying to emulate the boredom of the sailors that have been out to sea for months, without losing your audience. Well I think they lost us in the first half of the movie. Yet there was redemption in, as I mentioned, the characters and the overall plot that made me stick with it and enjoy a very memorable ending.

This is an all-star cast. James Cagney is as hard hitting as ever as the self serving captain who cares more about his palm tree than his sailors. Henry Fonda as Mister Roberts, gives us a subtle but poignant performance of a man who wants to help his crew as much as he wants to leave. William Powell joined the cast out of retirement in order to play the archetypal doctor that we all know and love. And last but not least, we have the comedic genius that is Jack Lemmon who gives us not only the most jokes of the movie, but also the greatest moment of the entire movie. The ending! Of course, we could not have gotten there without Mister Roberts character, but it is Jack Lemmon that keeps us through the movie.

The plot is simple, you have the captain who is only interested in his own upward mobility. And the other officers who are fighting his self motivating machine. This is interesting but the dialogue is often slow and not particularly attention holding. Also there are long shots of the ocean, which the first few are beautiful but they start to get repetitious. It is, however, in Mister Roberts final act of defiance, and Jack Lemmon's repetition of this act later that make the movie as a whole enjoyable. There is nothing like a good sticking it to the man moment, they always reach the audience.  

Overall: If you have run out of movies to watch and your looking to fill two hours then give it a try. Just don't make an event out of it you will probably be disappointed.  However I assure you if you make it to the end, you will feel triumphant. I kinda feel this review wasn't very helpful so I will end with one closing statement to make it as clear as possible. The beginning is boring, the ending is good, now go ahead and take your chances. 

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

AFI Top 100: #50

Nominee

Two Towers (2002)

Nominee

Return Of the King (2003)

Academy Award Winner

 

 

I am sorry I am compiling these all together, but if I did them all separately it would result in a short novel on each one and my nerd would show hardcore. So in an attempt at self control I will put them together and discuss their merits and shortcomings (yes there are a few...don't stone me...only a few!!) as a series.

The word is epic, this series is the ultimate battle of good versus evil, and no, its not cliche because this story is practically the bible of all the fantasy series that followed.  However, this trilogy could have gone hopelessly astray if a full commitment to every detail was not taken, fortunately it was. Every realm in this world has been developed artistically and musically which helps define thousands of years of history and make this world believable. So, pretty much, here I am giving a major shout out to Howard Shore and everyone on the creative design teams. The attention they paid to the small things, is what allows this story to not be ridiculous but instead something that an audience wants to experience.

Also the shooting of this movie is not only beautiful but at times just down right impressive. The sweeping landscapes, the battle scenes (in case anyone is wondering Helms Deep is my favorite, although the battle of Minas Tirth is pretty good too), and the intimate emotional close-ups they use to bring these characters to life is fantastic.  Not only that but, a lot of impressive cinematography had to happen in order to even make the hobbits look small, yet it is achieved. So to cinematography and Peter Jackson I also tip my hat.

Alright lets bring up the few problems we have here. Acting...whelp...its not wonderful?? I mean I mentioned the close up personal shots earlier...some of them fall a little short and that is not the directors fault. Some people are very good, Ian McKellen is wonderful at playing both the intimate friend and battle leader that is Gandalf.  Andy Serkis, we never really see but his Smeagol/Gollum is actually quite good. Viggo Mortensen is hot...no problems there. BUT Elijah Wood is a little rough. He comes off as whiny and not particularly lovable...I find myself just not caring about Frodo at all. In fact, I really wanted Sam to just push him into Mount Doom in the end. Also Orlando Bloom thanks for being so glamorous but you should never really open your mouth.

Also script writing is very up and down. It is an epic...I can buy into some of the cheesy monologues and pontificating that occurs. We need those inspirational quotable lines. (Samwise nice Two Towers speech...for the win). In addition, they made the characters lovable, I mean the actors did that too, but a lot of the humor that was built into the script is what keeps us watching.   However once again Orlando Bloom should just not speak...ever.

That being said...BACK TO GOOD THINGS!!! The special effects were not only good then, I think at times they still rival today's examples. Some CGI stands out (that squid thing before the Mine of Moria) but overall I find it forgivable, and Gollum still looks great!

Lastly,  as a woman I am obligated to say, Good job Eowyn! Love when she takes out the King of the Nazgul. Also Merry and Pippin, I love you. Samwise, Middle Earth would not exist without you.

Overall: These films are the epic battle movies of our time! No, the script isn't always wonderful and the acting is a little shaky but we love these characters, we love this world. But what I actually love most of all is how they bring everyone together. I love watching these movies with my family and friends. I love saying the lines I know and waiting for my favorite parts. These movies make you believe that there is some good in this world and its worth fighting for. Now go round up your friends and watch these films again if you haven't in awhile, or even if you have, you won't regret it.  :)

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Nominee

I actually feel really awful about this... so I waited until a while after Christmas to post...This movie is...not particularly...good? Okay how about this...I will say what I liked first.

I liked the overall story about a skeptical mother and daughter meeting a man who claims to be Santa and then being persuaded that there is joy in childhood beliefs. There were also some charming moments with Santa, and little Natalie Wood. In addition, to some nice family humor, and of course good Christmas spirit throughout.

However, most of the movie was poor psychiatric analysis tests and a court scene...both of which seemed silly and not fully developed. The court scene especially just seemed ridiculous, just because the post office sent him all those letters doesn't prove his identity...I didn't buy it.

The ending actually upset me a little too. The little girl's belief in Santa is banking on whether she gets a house for Christmas or not? A house is what makes her believe? That is incredibly materialistic...I don't know I think this movie left a sour taste in my mouth because I focused on the wrong things. Your belief in Santa, in childhood dreams in general, should not stem from material or actual proof but from a feeling, a longing for magic in the world. I think this movie actually missed its own point.  That you shouldn't need proof but the idea of Santa is about the act of giving, love and creativity.

Overall: Perhaps I didn't like it because I accidently rented the colorized version, but I still felt that it took to much to the technicality of its plot and should have given more to human connection. I guess I will just stick to It's A Wonderful Life for Christmas. Sorry for being a Scrooge.