A24 5,155 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Wow, Alex and his clone disagree!Why do you say that, Steef? Me and pubs are nothing alike. Pubs has a strong social-political point of view. That's how he looks at things. I know nothing about that. It's not who I am. I'm only interested in art like music and film (and architecture, photography, ... expressions of beauty).
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Is there in truth no beauty Alex?
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Yes, what do I mean? Should I tell you, or do you want to ponder about it yourself?
A24 5,155 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Yes, what do I mean? Should I tell you, or do you want to ponder about it yourself?Before I do that I want to make sure if I understand you correctly.
publicist 4,650 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 But Alex, for your interest in the art of filmmusic, you sure fail to mention it a lot. At least i seldom see you refer to it more than in a throwaway line in your posts.
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Alex also rarely talks about John Williams.
A24 5,155 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I guess that's because the big blockbuster scores of John Williams don't stimulate, titillate or inspire me and that's all he seems to be doing nowadays. Last week I listened to Stanley And Iris, and boy, do I miss the John Williams that did these smaller films and film scores. I also listened to Family Plot and I found myself enjoying it more than War Horse, Crystal Skull, Tintin, and what have you ...@pubs: You mean I don't talk about film music in general? True, I'm not that into film music. I used to listen to it a lot more. There are still a few composers that I like such as John Willams, Sakamoto (not a very active film composer), and somehow I seem to have no problem with the work of Alexander Desplat (though I feel he's a little too reminiscent of composers that I already know). I also like Jonny Greenwood.You didn't explain yourself, Steef, but I can already tell you I have a problem with your usage of the word "truth".Alex
publicist 4,650 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 @pubs: You mean I don't talk about film music in general? True, I'm not that into film music. I used to listen to it a lot more. There are still a few composers that I like such as John Willams, Sakamoto (not a very active film composer), and somehow I seem to have no problem with the work of Alexander Desplat (though I feel he's a little too reminiscent of composers that I already know). I also like Jonny Greenwood.I'd say you don't have any interest in film scores at all if your posts weren't attached to this very board (not that it matters, i just noticed). I, on the other hand, usually can watch a dud like THE SHADOW and just marvel at Goldsmith's rhythmic invention or a racist bore like MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA for Williams polished sheen. It's sometimes the only reason i watch a film.
crocodile 9,724 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I guess that's because the big blockbuster scores of John Williams don't stimulate, titillate or inspire me and that's all he seems to be doing nowadays. Last week I listened to Stanley And Iris, and boy, do I miss the John Williams that did these smaller films and film scores. I also listened to Family Plot and I found myself enjoying it more than War Horse, Crystal Skull, Tintin, and what have you ...@pubs: You mean I don't talk about film music in general? True, I'm not that into film music. I used to listen to it a lot more. There are still a few composers that I like such as John Willams, Sakamoto (not a very active film composer), and somehow I seem to have no problem with the work of Alexander Desplat (though I feel he's a little too reminiscent of composers that I already know). I also like Jonny Greenwood.You didn't explain yourself, Steef, but I can already tell you I have a problem with your usage of the word "truth".AlexI like Family Plot CD more than the three or four La-La Land Wiliams releases in the past two years. It is something else.Karol
A24 5,155 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Crazy as it sounds, but sometimes Family Plot sounds like the prequel to CE3K.
Incanus 5,890 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Crazy as it sounds, but sometimes Family Plot sound like the prequel to CE3K.Well it contains elements which can be heard in both SW and CEO3K and even later scores quite distinctly developed. And it is a terrific score btw.
JoeinAR 1,957 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I don't think of Warhorse as a blockbuster film or score. That was never it's intention or purpose. I think it's a grand score.Comparing Family Plot to Warhorse is bizarre. they are 36 years apart and two films of completely different genres.
Jay 46,241 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I think a big reason it (Eyes Wide Shut) didn't get as much acclaim as expected is because of the sheer wealth of other terrific movies that came out in 1999.....I find that hard to believe.Really? 1999 was the year of American Beauty, Magnolia, Fight Club, The Insider, The Matrix, The Green Mile, The Iron Giant, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Snow Falling On Cedars, All About My Mother, Being John Malkovich, The CIder House Rules, Election...etc. Great year for cinema. Eyes Wide Shut kinda got lost in the shuffle, I always felt.
Brónach 1,330 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I think a big reason it (Eyes Wide Shut) didn't get as much acclaim as expected is because of the sheer wealth of other terrific movies that came out in 1999.....I find that hard to believe.Really? 1999 was the year of American Beauty, Magnolia, Fight Club, The Insider, The Matrix, The Green Mile, The Iron Giant, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Snow Falling On Cedars, All About My Mother, Being John Malkovich, The CIder House Rules, Election...etc. Great year for cinema. Eyes Wide Shut kinda got lost in the shuffle, I always felt.Toy Story 2, The Sixth Sense, Lola rennt, and more...
A24 5,155 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I think a big reason it (Eyes Wide Shut) didn't get as much acclaim as expected is because of the sheer wealth of other terrific movies that came out in 1999.....I find that hard to believe.Really? 1999 was the year of American Beauty, Magnolia, Fight Club, The Insider, The Matrix, The Green Mile, The Iron Giant, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Snow Falling On Cedars, All About My Mother, Being John Malkovich, The CIder House Rules, Election...etc. Great year for cinema. Eyes Wide Shut kinda got lost in the shuffle, I always felt.But I don't see the logic behind your reasoning. If your theory is true, then it must be true for every one of these movies. A great year for cinema is subjective, BTW. For instance, nobody talks about The Ciderhouse Rules anymore. Snow Falling On Cedars? Really? So, in your opinion, that's one of the films that made critics to less appreciate EWS? I have to be harsh and say it's the film itself that is responsible. EWS isn't the first Kubrick film where people needed more time and more viewings before they could appreciate its true value.Alex
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Did people really miss Eyes Wide Shut because The Iron Giant was playing?Election? All About My Mother? What?
JoeinAR 1,957 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 I think a big reason it (Eyes Wide Shut) didn't get as much acclaim as expected is because of the sheer wealth of other terrific movies that came out in 1999.....I find that hard to believe.Really? 1999 was the year of American Beauty, Magnolia, Fight Club, The Insider, The Matrix, The Green Mile, The Iron Giant, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Snow Falling On Cedars, All About My Mother, Being John Malkovich, The CIder House Rules, Election...etc. Great year for cinema. Eyes Wide Shut kinda got lost in the shuffle, I always felt.American Beauty, overrated but enjoyable, Magnolia, overrated, Fight Club, piece of shit, The Insider, unmemorable, The Matrix, overrated but okay, The Green Mile, underrated, Iron Giant, okay but sweet, The Talented Mr. Ripley, zero rewatchability. Snow Falling on Cedar, would put an insomniac to sleep. All About My Mother, never saw it, Being John Malkaovich, weird, for groupies only. Cider house rules, rules for Portman's score, Election, fun but lite fare.Overall 1999 was okay. Michael Caine won best supporting actor but no one remembers his performance like they do H. Joel Osment
Quintus 6,494 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Have people forgotten that a lot of people and most Star Wars fans still thought The Phantom Menace was great in 1999? The truth of it didn't set in really till well over a year later.
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Honestly 1999 was all Star Wars and The Matrix!
Jay 46,241 Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 How we personally feel about all those movies isn't the point here. Nor is the box office take. The point is that awards could only be given to so many films. For example, the nominees for best director that year were American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, Cider House Rules, The Insider, and The Sixth Sense. If those 5 films had come out in 1998 or 2000 I'm sure Eyes Wide Shut would have earned a spot. The nominees for best supporting actress that year were Angelina Jolie, Catherine Keener, Chloe Sevigny, Toni Collette, Samantha Morton. Nicole Kidman could have grabbed a nom otherwise - etc.
Matt C 605 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Phantom of the Opera (2004)Most of the song-and-dance numbers are entertaining, if inconsistent ("Masquerade" is the showstopper by far, compared to the sedate title song montage). The rest of the film is a slog to get through... Joel Schumacher and Andrew Lloyd Webber should've cut more of the less popular songs and/or streamlined the narrative (like eliminating more of Minnie Driver's Carlotta or the Phantom's backstory). There's no reason this film couldn't be more entertaining in two hours or less... not two hours and 21 minutes.That said, whenever the actors start singing (especially Emmy Rossum) -- the movie gets better. I'd wish they'd had Gerald Butler visit a vocal coach 3-4 months before filming started, because his singing gets amateurish and rough in places. But he's not bad in the role... just needed some more singing lessons.If you loved the Broadway musical, you'll be head-over-heels in love with every minute of it. Everyone else should just skip right to the songs and call it a day.
publicist 4,650 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Michael Caine won best supporting actor but no one remembers his performance like they do H. Joel OsmentMichael Caine could've gotten an Oscar for JAWS - THE REVENGE and it would be OK by me. He deserves every award he gets.Did people really miss Eyes Wide Shut because The Iron Giant was playing?EWS was, at its core, a stilted and superficial exercise. I could not figure out (and in the end, didn't care) what Kubrick wanted to tell me and from what i could gather, many other people had the same reaction. And it wasn't a WTF feeling like with LOST HIGHWAY (2 years earlier?) were some of the cineplex-proles were angered how Lynch pulled one on them but mostly, it clicked with people, they were trying to figure it out - that never happened with EWS.EWS isn't as bad as VANILLA SKY, but it feels as empty.
A24 5,155 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 EWS was, at its core, a stilted and superficial exercise. I could not figure out (and in the end, didn't care) what Kubrick wanted to tell me and from what i could gather, many other people had the same reaction. And yet there are countless of interpretations of what the film is about, but I stay away from those because, personally, I love it when certain things remain undefined. I also like it when I get the feeling the director isn't desperately trying to tell me something. It keeps revisiting is more rewarding. In fact, it stimulates me to watch a film more than once. I didn't really like EWS the first couple of times, but the last time I saw it was one of my best film viewing experiences of the last 10 years. I think what changed my position is that during the last time I stopped questioning what it was about, I just 'experienced' it. After that, I got a better sense of some of the themes. The quote below is exactly why I suddenly had such a great 'experience' with the film:A film is - or should be - more like music than like fiction. It should be a progression of moods and feelings. The theme, what's behind the emotion, the meaning, all that comes later. - Stanley KubrickAnd it wasn't a WTF feeling like with LOST HIGHWAY (2 years earlier?) were some of the cineplex-proles were angered how Lynch pulled one on them but mostly, it clicked with people, they were trying to figure it out - that never happened with EWS.That depends on who is watching. In any case, trying to figure things out is a lot more mandatory in Lost Highway or Mulholland Drive than it is in Eyes Wide Shut. Its questions and mysteries reside in the plot and are therefore a lot more prominent.EWS isn't as bad as VANILLA SKY, but it feels as empty.I like Vanilla Sky too but only up to the point where the explainer arrives to explain everything. But still, a far more interesting film than most other Tom Cruise pictures.
publicist 4,650 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 EWS was, at its core, a stilted and superficial exercise. I could not figure out (and in the end, didn't care) what Kubrick wanted to tell me and from what i could gather, many other people had the same reaction. And yet there are countless of interpretations of what the film is about, but I stay away from those because, personally, I love it when certain things remain undefined. I also like it when I get the feeling the director isn't desperately trying to tell me something. It keeps revisiting is more rewarding. In fact, it stimulates me to watch a film more than once. I didn't really like EWS the first couple of times, but the last time I saw it was one of my best film viewing experiences of the last 10 years. That sums up our different approach - i never would watch a film i initially didn't like multiple times again (what for? Because it's Kubrick? Nah...) So you get my initial reaction - an ultimately empty tale, blown up in scope by production values - basically a perfumed smokescreen with fancy flashes coming out. I tried several times with A. I., a film so many found a profound experience, but i remained unconvinced by the same things which bothered me on first viewing.
A24 5,155 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 That sums up our different approach - i never would watch a film i initially didn't like multiple times again (what for? Because it's Kubrick? Nah...) .Some of my favorite movies* were movies that I didn't really understand or connect with during the first viewing: Blade Runner, Empire Of The Sun, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut ... People change, and because of that, movies can change too. I never disliked EWS. There were things that I liked about it, as well as things that I didn't like. But more importantly, it had an intriguing quality that made me come back to it. The same applies to music. Films can be different things on different days, even to the people who make them. - Hampton FancherBTW, yes, even if I was initially disappointed, I would revisit a Kubrick film precisely because it's Kubrick. Of course! The same goes for the films of Paul Thomas Anderson. Their movies are a little more complex than the average Hollywood flick.Alex
Brónach 1,330 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 That sums up our different approach - i never would watch a film i initially didn't like multiple times again (what for? Because it's Kubrick? Nah...) .Some of my favorite movies* were movies that I didn't really understand or connect with during the first viewing: Blade Runner, Empire Of The Sun, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut ... People change, and because of that, movies can change too. I never disliked EWS. There were things that I liked about it, as well as things that I didn't like. But more importantly, it had an intriguing quality that made me come back to it. The same applies to music. Films can be different things on different days, even to the people who make them. - Hampton FancherI can think of many films that I saw again a pair of times because I liked this or that, and started to like then. The New World comes to mind.Funnily enough, these examples you mention I liked instantly.
A24 5,155 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 The New World? Malick? I liked that one from the first frame that appeared on the screen. I didn't really like Tree Of Life (again, some things I liked, some things I didn't like) but I'm definitely going back to it.Sadly, many films that I do love from the get-go often disappoint upon revisiting. Same applies to music.
publicist 4,650 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Some of my favorite movies* were movies that I didn't really understand or connect with during the first viewing: Blade Runner, Empire Of The Sun, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut ... People change, and because of that, movies can change too. I never disliked EWS. There were things that I liked about it, as well as things that I didn't like. But more importantly, it had an intriguing quality that made me come back to it. The same applies to musicYou said it - if there are things you like about it, you try again.If you find the whole concept silly, i'd wager there is no chance that your outlook on life and your philosophy changes that much - or you're schizo. I found some of John Barry's melodies boring when i was younger but now i quite cherish them - but i didn't roll my eyes at them on first listening, they just weren't of much interest.
Brónach 1,330 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 The New World? Malick? I liked that one from the first frame that appeared on the screen. I didn't really like Tree Of Life but I'm definitely going back to it.Sadly, many films that I do love from the get-go often disappoint upon revisiting. Same applies to music.I loved it until it appeared to suddenly loose momentum for me when Rolfe appears. I wonder what would have happened if Malick had ditched the legend of Smith and the girl to make Rolfe fit better. Or something. I dunno. The film manages to have a good ending though, which surprised me. I always though that it was a story that ended inevitably being disappointing and anticlimatic.And yes, the reverse happens as well.
A24 5,155 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 I can't tell you how many times I was initially disappointed with a John Williams album. I mean, really disappointed. John Williams always needs to grow on me somehow. On the other hand, Desplat writes instantly likable music but it somehow disappoints afterwards. The faster loves comes, the faster it goes. Very complicated.Funnily enough, these examples you mention I liked instantly.They left me in dubio, now I don't like them, I love them!Alex
Koray Savas 2,260 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Without a doubt our tastes change when we get older. If they didn't, I'd still be listening to Nelly and 50 Cent.
Brónach 1,330 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Reading that made me realize how fucking slowly my tastes change.
Jilal 681 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 In Time, Andrew Niccol, 2011The concept was very interesting; time to live as a currency. The actors were intermediate, and the film became a bit boring at the end. It certainly isn't a bad film, but it starts good, and degrades as... time flies by .I didn't really like Armstrong's score. Too electronic for me... But not so bad that i would give it a 1/5. I give it a 2,5/5 because the main theme (if there is one, though) has more than one note. Bravo Craig!The visual effects were superb. It all felt real. This is an example of when i really like special effects.Film: 7,5/10Score: 5/10Visual effects: 10/10
Wojo 2,458 Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Hatfields and McCoysRather well made for the History Channel's first successfully completed mini-series, and a refreshing change from all the pawn, junk, and Cajun shows. I'm not sure I'm in a hurry to watch it again, but it was very edutational.
Matt C 605 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Snow White & The HuntsmanRupert Sanders has a lot of promise as a commercial director, and his major directing debut isn't bad at all. There's some story problems (not surprising since half a dozen screenwriters worked on it), but the result is a beautifully-made and entertaining popcorn flick. Charlize Theron is the standout and chews the scenery, but also some depth and sadness to her evil queen. Chris Hemsworth gives a nice, understated turn as the Huntsman, while Kristen Stewart is okay in the titular role. The real standout here is the sumptuous 65mm cinematography by Greig Fraser (Let Me In), and surprisingly, James Newton Howard's score.I wasn't a fan of the soundtrack samples, but hearing the score in full (and in context of the movie), it's wonderful. There's not a lot of Zimmer's influence percolating here and what is there is balanced with better orchestrations.
Wojo 2,458 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 I can't for the life of me figure out why someone as plain-looking and depressingly dull as Kristen Stewart was cast as someone who's supposed to be the fairest in the land. Gimme that fairy tale land's evil queen any night of the week.
Matt C 605 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 I can't for the life of me figure out why someone as plain-looking and depressingly dull as Kristen Stewart was cast as someone who's supposed to be the fairest in the land. Gimme that fairy tale land's evil queen any night of the week.The movie explains that. It has to do with inner beauty, or something to that effect.
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Geez could they not just have hired a hotter actress?
Quintus 6,494 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Stewart is classically attractive, but miserable as fuck. She's like an emo's wet dream I suppose. She always looks like she's in mourning.
#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 12,384 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 I'd have breakfast with Miss Theron over her anyday.
Koray Savas 2,260 Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Megan Fox?The film is its own adaptation. It'd be like making a deal over Kingpin being black in Daredevil when he was white in the comics.
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