RenOldman

I finally got around to watching Bullet in th Head again. It has been a few years since I viewed it but, since we brought up the whole John Woo and the debate of whether or not he has made a masterpiece, I had to watch it to get my thoughts in order. Anyway, I will try to compare the Windtalkers and Bullet in th Head. Both of these films deal with people in a situation of war; however, what these people are within the film are very different. Firstly, in Windtalkers, we are told that the main character will do anything that will lead to good. However, we are given no story on which to base his actions on. We need to feel a sense of amazement, but we are never given a legitimate connection to Cage's character. In Bullet in the Head we are given a lightning paced introduction to the characters, and then thrown into the conflict in Vietnam. Secondly, in Windtalkers, the action has no impact. Basically, we are told that the main character does not care about anything. How can the audience build a connection when the main character has no emotion? Not the acting, the character itself. In comparison, Bullet in the Head has action that affects us, as the main characters are human, they don't want to die. The characters may ultimately have different reasons to live but, they at least have a reason for their actions. Thirdly, there are some characters that go nowhere in Windtalkers. People may think so what? Trust me, being introduced to characters that have no purpose bogs the audience down and ultimately leads to further disconnnection. Bullet in the Head has a number of characters but, at least they aren't just introduced and tossed away. Lastly, Bullet in the Head reaches its audience by humanizing its characters at the beginning. It shows that the characters care about each other from the beginning and that they grew up together. Windtalkers on the other hand, attempts to create a connection at the end of the film. Basically, Windtalkers is trying to get us to understand the actions of those in war, unless you have been in a war you can't understand it. As someone who has never lived through a war, I can tell you that I probably don't have the right understanding of it. But I can tell you that John Woo attempted to get someone like me - and others who LOVE action movies - to have an appreciation of those that fought. So the film starts off as a dumb action movie, that ultimately leads somewhere. But, if you like action movies you probably want just an escape. Bullet in the Head is similar, but it immediately shows its humanity immediately and we are not tricked into watching. We are shown that war can destroy everything you have, especially friendship. The action is not glorified. The past affects the decisions and feelings of people, just as in real life. Because most of us have never dealt with chaos on a national level, we can still connect because the people are real and the violence is too. That is what makes it a great film. Now, where is a legitimate region 1 DVD of Bullet in the Head? -Eric

Have you ever had damaged packages from companies that sell CDs? I just recently received a package from LALALAND and, to tell you the truth, the CDs did not arrive in mint condition. They were damaged "In Transit" - I mean the cases were cracked and a CD was free in a case. Fortunately nothing was beyond repair, CDs were fine and booklets were too. I guess the main reason for this thread is: have you ever received bad packages from any soundtrack retailer? Do you think saying: "It was damaged in transit" is sufficient? Especially when they don't prepare the CDs in a proper way? I mean say you ordered 10 CDs, do you think it is unreasonable if they sent it in a box of some sort, instead of an envelope? -Eric, who should point that he just started ordering online. But received a package from SAE in good condition and, the Indiana Jones set from Amazon uk.

How is Breakheart Pass? Could you find something within Goldsmith's canon that it is similar to? Since we are talking about this portion of Goldsmith's career, how are the those other Prometheus CDs that have been released? I mean how is The Chairman, High Velocity, Breakout, Contract on Cherry Street, Cassandra Crossing and any other CDs I may have missed from them? You can try and do as before, I find something in his canon, or something similar from a different composer. -Eric

I mean it is a relative masterpiece. If I had to look at only action films, I would say that it is a masterpiece. .... In comparison to films like Ikiru, Ran or Seven Samurai (all Kurosawa) or Early Spring (Ozu) it may be nothing. If we look at all the Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal or Wesley Snipes movies, than I have to say that John Woo stands above his peers. This allows to me say that one or a couple of his films are a masterpiece. Windtalkers was basically a chance for him to get something more serious out there. Unfortunately, the last time he tried that (Bullet in the Head) everybody hated it; so he tried to make something more stylized, it didn't work. Unfortunately, John Woo and serious cinematic fare don't go together very well. But I still think he is a master filmmaker. -Eric

Today I watched John Woo's masterpiece .... The Killer Whenever people talk about John Woo, they usually talk about the violence. Usually, they talk about how cool it is. The action in this movie is cool, but it isn't the only thing that I believe is great. It is the multiple relationships built throughout the movie, it gives the whole movie credible, and moves it past "Just an action flick." To me this is the ultimate John Woo movie. It has the choreographed action, the slight humour that makes all good movies great, an emotional ending; bonds (like brothers) that are formed and reinforced. .... and a Shootout in a Church! .... Some people think that Hard Boiled is his masterpiece; and if you want violence, this is the way to go. In Hard Boiled their is a final confrontation in a hospital (okay it is a coca cola factory but still) and probably the best villian with a conscience (Mad Dog) .... even if we don't know he had a conscience ... Man, John Woo made some fantastic action movies. If you like action, but haven't tried any of his Hong Kong movies take a look. The best place to try is at the beginning with A Better Tomorrow I and II. Even though II was taken over by another director, it is still pretty good. If you can't stand Subtitles, or crappy dubbing, you can try Broken Arrow, Face/Off, or Hard Target. They may not be as good as his Hong Kong era, but they are still well made action movies. Marc, Mr. Breathmask, you should try any of these if you want a guys movie. I don't know if anyone here likes these, but they should be given a chance. Even if you just want to see some great action. To me they are fantastic, but I know people have different standards. John Woo exceeded all my expectations when it came to action movies, so maybe I am not so hard on them as I should be. -Eric

I found an interestingly edited clip on youtube today. I really liked the film, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. If you haven't seen this one, you may not like the ultimate conclusion, and the fact that it is ruining the film. I also know that the music has been used many times before, but I think it is still a well edited clip .... Without further introduction: La Haine I want to say enjoy, but I know someone might be insulted, so click the link if you can handle violence. Checkout the Criterion disc if you are interested .... at least that is the only version I know of in region 1. ****In addition**** The movie (La Haine) itself is extremely powerful, it is so strong on many levels. This is the director's masterpiece. It has elements that make a great, fun movie you can enjoy with your friends. It is also masterfully crafted in showing the story of a young man (Vincent Cassel) who ultimately learns that hatred is not the right way. The person that taught him that is relieved and starts to head home, until a policeman arrives and undoes all the work of a night. The memorable line from the beginning summarizes the film: "Heard about the guy who fell off a skyscraper? On his way down past each floor, he kept saying to reassure himself: So far so good... so far so good... so far so good. But how you fall doesn't matter. It's how you land.." Check out Crimson Rivers by the same director, sure it isn't a masterpiece as this is, but it is still fun. I mean it has Jean Reno, do you need any other reason? :cool: -Eric

I know somebody here will be interested to read this........even if it is mainly about Classical Music. This is an interesting article from Positive Feedback on-line magazine. The article can be found at: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue18/sacddying.htm Any comments. Will it catch on in the future?

Two words: The Rundown I wonder if they said to him: "We couldn't get Hans Zimmer.......could you give us what he would? We'll pay you five percent of what we would have paid him." HGW's response:"What the hell. I have nothing better to do. And I need the money. I'll have it done by tomorrow. I expect to be paid the day after." Producer's response: "Sure why not?........I mean as long as its Zimmerish."

If he does something good this year, he may be on the list next year. OT - How is Constantine?

I am sorry but the Charles Gerhardt (with the NPO) version is the best. - Eric, ducking from chairs hurled in his general direction.

Hey guys! This CD is finally being released May 3, 2005. I can assure you that the second disc (Hitman 2: Silent Assassin) alone is almost worth that price. As it was at one point selling for the price that this set is being sold at. Price: $17.98 For clips check out: http://lalalandrecords.com/hico47hi2sia.html and www.jesperkyd.com At the jesper kyd site click the music icon on the top of the screen and checkout the clips on both "Hitman: Codename 47" and "Hitman 2". Here is the tracklisting: DISC 1: HITMAN: CODENAME 47 Intro (0:51) Main Title (Extended Version) (6:52) Hong Kong Themes (7:34) Jungle Exploration (3:20) Dark Jungle (2:26) Hotel Themes (8:23) Harbor Themes (6:45) Hospital Themes (11:33) Hotel Music (Early Demo) (3:24) Rainforest (Early Demo) (8:08) Atmosphere Demo (1:18) Main Title (Original Slow Version) (6:51) TOTAL TIME DISC ONE: (67:49) DISC 2: HITMAN 2: SILENT ASSASSIN Hitman 2 Main Title (2:08) Waiting For Action (1:54) Action Begins (2:05) 47 Makes A Decision (2:06) The Penthouse (2:01) Japanese Mansion (2:08) Japanese Snow Castle (2:19) Streets Of India (2:03) Mission In India (2:08) 47 In St. Petersburg (1:55) Trouble In Russia (1:54) Desert Sun (2:07) Arabian Dance (1:51) The Setup (2:00) End Boss (2:26) Slow Ambience (2:43) Fast Ambience (2:10) H2 Exploration (4:09) H2 Action (2:02) Dreams Of Instanbul (Bonus Track) (7:42) TOTAL TIME DISC 2: (50:41)

I don't think that'll happen soon.......... Goldsmith fans are still off ticked about it. And you can blame the guy who runs the Brian Tyler site as he bashed Goldsmith's score and praised Brian Tyler's. (That is if I remember correctly....) I like what he has done*, but, he does not do the long cues which I really enjoy. *That is what I have heard.

Yeah, tony that Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture piece is far from being serious. Lets make that the point of this thread: Classical Music that isn't serious. I know its a JW board.....but people do not want to talk about the original poster wanted so.....lets start!!

I guess this sort of thing happens when everybody here is waiting for an album that 75-90% of them have already heard. On a more serious note: How can you appreciate the music you love when you have never seriously listened to anything else, since your love of said music started?

I think that was for his court appearance. Stefancos, I sort of liked his style before.....but how many times can you make fun of people before it gets stale? How long can you complain about the fans you have? How long can you talk about killing/raping women before no one cares what you say? Have you even heard 2Pacs music? I think he was still growing when he died in 1996 and the album "Makaveli: The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory " proves it. Just listen to "Against All Odds" and you will see I am right. Yes I think most rap is crap, but 2Pac was and still is the best rapper ever.