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Reviews
The Machinist (2004)
A hypnotic, dark, film with an amazing performance by Bale
I expected the worst after reading review after negative review. All the critics seemed to totally miss the story and focus actor Christian Bale's dramatic weight loss for the part he was playing. Sure it should be mentioned, but to go at lengths about his physicality instead of the story? I do not agree with that. The story is dreamlike. The washed out cinematography gives off a disorienting affect. The story deal with Trevor Reznik, a machinist at a factory who has not sleep in a year and continues to loose weight. Strange things start to happen to him: a mysterious, bald mad that he befriends, Post-it-Note hang-man games on his refrigerator, bloody leaking from his 'fridge, and an ever growing sense of paranoia. The acting is top notch and I hope it finds its audience on DVD. The music is very reminiscent of Bernnard Herrmann that shows that director Brad Anderson was aiming for a Hitchcockian approach to this film. Scott Kosar's script is quite good, and make you forget about his work on the terrible Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake. If you like this film, I also recommend checking out Brad Anderson's first film SESSION 9, a subtle and suspenseful flick.
La decima vittima (1965)
A Futuristic, sci-fi, dark comedy
In the future an organization sets up a game show that show people hunting each other. Two people are chosen: the Hunter and the Victim. Anything goes as the Victim flees for the designated time period. Marcello Mastorianni plays the most successful killer and then his number comes up as a victim. The hunters and victims have know knowledge of one another and Marcello must always be on guard. The hunter after him is the beautiful Ursula Andress, always dressed in knock-out fashions. Marcello's as cool as ever, always dressed in black, wearing sunglasses. The production design is fantastic. The colourful comic book architecture is the height of retro cool. For fan of Italian '60s pop art science fiction, this is one to check out.
Blastfighter (1984)
a blast for fans of Italian genre fans
Next to DEMONS this is probably director Lamberto Bava's best film. Having just been released from prison for a crime he didn't commit, leading man Michael Sopkiw just wants peace and quiet in the wilderness. But wouldn't you know it, as soon as he pulls into the town trouble arises in the forms of lowlifes with manners and tact all but absent. They give Michael static and while he tries not to fight back you just know that something is going to make him snap and get even with these small town hooligans and their sadistic ways.(Check out Michael's super tricked out futuristic(?) rifle. This is just a very entertaining film to watch, especially with friends. The soundtrack is amazing as well containing a driving instrumental and a warbles country & western tune.