The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 1 minute ago, Disco Stu said: Agree with this completely. All of my issues with The Post are with the script. The direction was masterful! Oh, I agree. The difficulties I had with The Post were the tiring script (at least, that's what I thought of it) and the very hard to overlook Oscar-bait cloud. It it was well directed, but it was nothing more than a solid three, three and a half stars in my book. Maybe a second viewing would improve my thoughts. Considering I watched it in succession with Bridge of Spies (literally one night after the other last year), which was remarkably strong in script, story and direction, it was difficult to receive it fairly. My mind automatically pitted them against each other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeH 768 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 3 hours ago, TheUlyssesian said: He has had so many crazy just misses! Kidnapping was ready to go. Apparently even the sets and costumes were done and it fell apart becuase they could not find the kid. Robopocalypse was ready to go but the last minute they thought the script wasn't right. He should just combine a few of the scripts and get to filming. Montezumapocalypse! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheUlyssesian 2,478 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 4 minutes ago, The Illustrious Jerry said: Oh, I agree. The difficulties I had with The Post were the tiring script (at least, that's what I thought of it) and the very hard to overlook Oscar-bait cloud. It it was well directed, but it was nothing more than a solid three, three and a half stars in my book. Maybe a second viewing would improve my thoughts. Considering I watched it in succession with Bridge of Spies (literally one night after the other last year), which was remarkably strong in script, story and direction, it was difficult to receive it fairly. My mind automatically pitted them against each other. Just so people here know, The Post got a meh response in the US, even though it got a Best Picture nomination, however, in Europe and specially in France, they absolutely went ape-shit over it. They think it is a very great masterpiece in France. And while I don't think it is as great as the French seem to think it is, I think the direction is dazzling. Like really really amazing. Of a level you don't often see in Hollywood these days. I have issues with the script too but Speilberg still did a heck of a job with it. The second half is engaging, tense and dramatic as any thriller. It is really top shelf direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 3 minutes ago, Disco Stu said: He’s made two movies this decade that are in my top 10 Spielbergs (Bridge of Spies and Lincoln), so I’m not worried too much about a decline in quality. But certainly BFG and RP1 are not at the quality level he was at earlier in the decade with Tintin. Although I like BFG fine! It was charming in parts ( but boring in others) Bridge of Spies and Lincoln have some of the greatest screenplays of Spielberg's filmography. Kushner is an absolute master writer for adapting such a massively important character to the screen in such a way, and with script in one hand and camera in the other, Spielberg crossed the t's and dotted the i's. With Bridge of Spies, the Coen brothers crafted a very consistent script. It's definitely one of the strongest aspects of the film. I haven't seen BFG, and I don't think I will. Tintin, on the other hand, is extremely rewatchable. Fun, fast-paced, exciting and very clever. Spielberg's unmistakable style runs right through the animation in such a delightful blend of adventure and wittiness. Disco Stu and Bayesian 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 I like when the queen toots Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 That's a far more bearable example of Spielberg's frolicking side than anything that Ready Player One conjured up. Ii2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted May 9, 2019 Share Posted May 9, 2019 I’m watching Bridge of Spies right now. It’s a masterpiece. The Illustrious Jerry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 No. JoeinAR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Yes! JoeinAR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay 37,346 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 What is the problem ya'll have with The Post's script? Jurassic Shark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Everything Spielberg does now puts me to sleep. JoeinAR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disco Stu 15,495 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 10 minutes ago, Jay said: What is the problem ya'll have with The Post's script? I think it’s good! Structure is it’s best aspect, but the dialogue doesn’t come alive the way it does in BoS or Lincoln. Spies in particular is a movie where conversations are like verbal sparring matches or something, just beautiful to follow the text and subtext interplay/back and forth. The Post is just solid, not great, workmanlike for a movie of its genre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Illustrious Jerry 3,356 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Bridge of Spies is awesome! The Post felt a little tired to me, or at least tiring, in its script. Of course, my disdain has a lot to do with circumstance. I saw The Post the day after watching Bridge of Spies for the first time. It was a Wednesday in December and I hit play at 11 pm. So perhaps the script wasn't tired, but I was. It certainly didn't keep me awake, at least not on that occasion. 3 minutes ago, Disco Stu said: Spies in particular is a movie where conversations are like verbal sparring matches or something, just beautiful to follow the text and subtext interplay/back and forth. Tom Hanks has some great lines in that respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 7 minutes ago, Ghostbusters II said: Everything Spielberg does now puts me to sleep. Did you see Big F-ing Giant. The less said is best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I couldn't watch more than 15 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 The effects which SS said were better than those in Avatar were not better but not even quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 3 hours ago, TheUlyssesian said: And while I don't think it is as great as the French seem to think it is, I think the direction is dazzling. Like really really amazing. Of a level you don't often see in Hollywood these days. This! Spielberg remains a cut above the rest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Jay said: What is the problem ya'll have with The Post's script? It's pretty flat with very little nuance, depth, or layers. I've seen people compare it to a TV movie, and I totally understand why. It's all very "This happens, characters react, things change, characters react, " if you understand my meaning. Like Stu said, the dialogue is pretty stale and surface level stuff, which I can understand given it was the lady's first screenplay. There's one scene with Meryl Streep's character where I was thinking, "Ooh, this is getting juicy!", but that was pretty much as far as it went. The direction was very, very well done, it was smooth, fluid, and in most cases subtle, though Spielberg did the 70's thriller thing more hardcore and effectively with Munich. With how little of a music movie it is, I'm impressed with the times Spielberg allows Williams to lead the scene. I saw it with one of my younger brothers who doesn't listen to film scores, and there were a few parts where he muttered to me in theaters, "My boy Johnny!" All in all, I'd have to paraphrase Futurama: Spielberg's spirit was willing, but The Post's flesh was spongy, and bruised. Jay and The Illustrious Jerry 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 The Post was watchable enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I loved it. Meryl was so amazing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Meryl was good. It was a top 30 performance for her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 With Mamma Mia containing her best performance, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 12 minutes ago, Stefancos said: I loved it. Meryl was so amazing. As far as I know, this was the first performance of hers I've seen in full. I loved the moment when she decides to publish the Papers; she _owned_ this movie. Jurassic Shark 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 2 hours ago, Jay said: What is the problem ya'll have with The Post's script? Good question. Suddenly everybody have become script doctors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 It's no secret that Spielberg is very much a director whose films' ultimate quality relies heavily on the screenplay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 And there's nothing wrong about that of The Post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 24 minutes ago, Stefancos said: With Mamma Mia containing her best performance, right? No. Her performance in Sophie's Choice is unparalleled. Perhaps the greatest performance by an actress ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 25 minutes ago, Nick Parker said: As far as I know, this was the first performance of hers I've seen in full. I loved the moment when she decides to publish the Papers; she _owned_ this movie. I recommend that you see Out of Africa. The Illustrious Jerry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Her performance as The Blue Fairy in Spielberg's masterpiece A.I. is unparalleled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 15 minutes ago, Jurassic Shark said: And there's nothing wrong about that of The Post. Genuine curiosity: what did you like about it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 19 minutes ago, Nick Parker said: It's no secret that Spielberg is very much a director whose films' ultimate quality relies heavily on the screenplay. No, I don't think so really. Screenplays are incredibly important of course. But his direction is the most important part of his films. Thats why he rarely writes scripts. JoeinAR 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 9 minutes ago, Ghostbusters II said: Her performance as The Blue Fairy in Spielberg's masterpiece A.I. is unparalleled. Oh snap, that was her!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 2 minutes ago, Nick Parker said: Genuine curiosity: what did you like about it? I liked the whole package, and especially the suspense they managed to conjure up for what could easily have become a rather dry story. My only caveat that I can remember is that Hanks' performance occasionally was on the verge of becoming a caricature. Nick Parker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 16 minutes ago, Stefancos said: No, I don't think so really. Screenplays are incredibly important of course. But his direction is the most important part of his films. Thats why he rarely writes scripts. I don't think I've ever seen an overall poorly directed film of his, but I've seen some bad films directed by him, know what I mean? And whenever the quality of a Spielberg film is questioned, whether explicitly or not, it almost always seems to be the screenwriting that's being discussed. For me, the biggest dichotomy between this is War of the Worlds. As far as the directing, it's one of my favorite Spielberg films. He was on his _game_ for that movie. So many haunting, memorable shots, ones that speak so poignantly. It's a visual storytelling--dare I say it--masterpiece! But ultimately it's on the lesser end of Spielberg films in my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 SS won for SPR and i may remember wrong that is when he gave the we must pay more attention to the script speech. What a bad and in retrospect embarrassing speech. Gruesome Son of a Bitch 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 War of the Worlds was a bad story to begin with, as exemplified by the 50s movie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gruesome Son of a Bitch 6,488 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 It was a huge disappointment especially after a superior alien invasion movie like ID4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,782 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 The 1953 movie and the 1988 TV series are the best iterations of WotW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Just now, Jurassic Shark said: War of the Worlds was a bad story to begin with, as exemplified by the 50s movie. War of the Worlds is a timeless classic novel and the 50's film is a cinematic classic. Your comment criticizes it is comical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpy 4,145 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I like the POV aspect of Spielberg's War of the Worlds through Cruise's character and kids vs. Independence Day's all-out scale. I think where War of the Worlds falls apart is in the last act and resolution. Once 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 1 minute ago, JoeinAR said: War of the Worlds is a timeless classic novel and the 50's film is a cinematic classic. Never saw the movie but I agree about the novel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeinAR 1,949 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Just now, Nick Parker said: Never saw the movie but I agree about the novel. You have humungous gaps you need to fill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 6 minutes ago, Nick Parker said: Never saw the movie Save your time and don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 3 minutes ago, Arpy said: I like the POV aspect of Spielberg's War of the Worlds through Cruise's character and kids vs. Independence Day's all-out scale. I think where War of the Worlds falls apart is in the last act and resolution. Again on the note of the whole visual storytelling thing, one of my favorite moments is when the film goes soooooo close to _that_ scene, the modern blockbuster human vs alien invader war we've seen so many times since the mid-90's. There's that tall hill where over the side you can see all kinds of explosions and gung ho soldiers running over to join the fight, but you never see the whole thing. Combine that with Williams' score, and you know exactly where Spielberg's focus was for the whole film. (Which apparently disappointed or surprised people in the day?) Arpy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpy 4,145 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Oh yes, that's spectacular imagery, plus the score! Now I need to buy it! C'mon Schwartz... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unlucky Bastard 7,782 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 I hated that shithead son of his and that squealing kid. I wanted them to die so Tom could spend the rest of the movie doing cool stunts. Nick Parker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 10 minutes ago, Arpy said: Oh yes, that's spectacular imagery, plus the score! Now I need to buy it! C'mon Schwartz... Are you saying you don't own the album? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jurassic Shark 12,054 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 Ban him! ...not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arpy 4,145 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 23 minutes ago, Nick Parker said: Are you saying you don't own the album? I don't, I wasn't interested when it came out, and don't want to buy it in case an expanded album ever happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Parker 3,040 Posted May 10, 2019 Share Posted May 10, 2019 1 minute ago, Arpy said: I don't, I wasn't interested when it came out, and don't want to buy it if an expanded album ever happens. 1:47 on Man, that is the _juice_! War of the Worlds is one of my favorite Williams scores. Arpy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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