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arcan27
Reviews
I Love You, I Love You Not (1996)
Good. Good. Bad. Bad.
I had to watch this movies twice. The first viewing left me a bit off kilter, a bit confused - as to how I felt about the film (the performances etc..) and the story. What I have decided after watching it over: This story is unique, nice. I felt the 3 main roles where well given. Claire Danes is the classic thoughtful and misunderstood child [My so called Life leading the way for teenage 'angst' series; Juliet - in Romeo and Juliet]. She pulls off the dreamy look. Jude Law, a fitting choice for Daisy's shy affections as her 'perfect' guy. The rest of the cast? Gone. Scratch all of them. I felt James Van Der Beek was totally unconvincing as a taunter/verbal bully (?). There were definitely angles in the film that needed work - particularly Ethan's character, and his interaction with his friends. If you try and come to some conclusion about them - you draw a blank. An intended one? I don't know. As well as Daisy's home life needed work. I can't decide whether it is left out on purpose or not.
The directing, for me, was what ultimately let the story down rather than enhancing it. No lingering shots, no closeups where there should have been, particularly during Ethan and Daisy's interaction. It's hard to explain, but the shot's didn't work. Didn't create the feeling the movie needed to work.
And this is a story that deserves to work.
The Virgin Suicides (1999)
As true and true can be.
First I saw the movie. Then I read the book. Then I saw the movie again. Well done Sofia Coppola. The adaption of book to screen is outstanding, the best I have ever seen. The casting, the sound-track, the narration, the setting. It is all just, just right. The book is brilliant. The movie is brilliant. The Virgin Suicides of a story highly worth telling. I am glad is was done so well.