Change Your Image
michael-398
Reviews
The Straight Story (1999)
A Slice of America
After seeing this film I feel like I know just a little bit more about the USA. David Lynch is synonymous with shock value and weird for weirdness sake, and indeed these elements are not missing from The Straight Story. However it is in a light that I have not witnessed from Lynch before. We begin with a simple family living a quiet life but end up with an array of absurdly interesting characters with depth in their lives that cannot be apparent from their introduction. Especially moving was the bar scene with two WWII veterans discussing the events of fifty years ago and how it still affected their current lives and emotions. If you are looking for Wild at Heart or Dune, don't look here. But if you are looking for real people with real stories this is the film for you.
Stigmata (1999)
Is this a film or a rock video
Take an abridged version of the gospels, a script aimed at a supposed uninformed public, a Nine Inch Nails Video and you have Stigmata. I had heard the rumour, but after repeatedly walking past the DVD and catching glimpses of the funky poster, I could wait no more. And I wish I had. This film is about as thrilling and thought provoking as any feature starring "Ernest". The audience is treated like they are the uneducated leptons that are the dough within Hollywood's oh so creative hands and that the only way to keep their attention on a potentially serious and interesting subject is to film the subject matter like a John Woo action flick or a Pepsi rock'n'roll advertisement. But I believe the most annoying part of the film are the constant close-up and slow motion sequences of eggs frying, drinks pouring, glass smashing, and pigeons flying. In fact I think these sequences take up about half the feature length. The rumour is true; even Jesus would not use his day of rest to watch Stigmata. One and a half stars
Jaws (1975)
We're gonna need a bigger boat.
This is classic Speilberg prior to diverting to family films. Growing up as a surfer in Australia, this is not the type of film that I would expect to be attracted to. However, the masterful suspense and tension draw me back time and time again. Not only is the mis-en-scene raw and unpolished but it is at the same time slick in only the way directors seem to be able to accomplish in their youth. Under no circumstances watch this film whilst on holidays at the beach or you won't go in the water.