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Poor Things (2023)
6/10
Poor Things: A Review
22 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, a few words about Greek Weird Wave.

Recent studies called the Greek Weird Wave, a cinema "that reflects on how systems of power manage groups of people (from a family to a population) and the bodies of individuals", and "a cinema equally sensitive to forms of response, to noise, unease, and subversion".

It focuses on key films from the post-2009 'New' or 'Weird Wave' of Greek cinema, proposing the Greek Weird Wave as a paradigmatic cinema movement of biopolitical realism. At once representing, reframing and reimagining the present, the Greek Weird Wave points to a much larger development in World Cinema.

Chapter 'Poor Things'. My point of view.

Among the highly anticipated titles that adorned my watchlist since a long time. Nonetheless, I entered the theater with zero expectations due to the widespread rumors, ambiguous opinions and, in general, all this hustle & bustle about Lanthimos' most recent work till now.

For a start, the film is watchable but probably not re-watchable (at least in the near future). I mean serious plot doesn't even exist and its length is 150 minutes. Just a super-cute, adorable rapunzel carrying her marvelous mane & doing her thing by wandering here and there, learning to stand on her feet and exploring the world.

As a picture it has its energy though. I quite liked the camera work as well as the fairytale-ish sceneries & locales and wasn't bored at any point. Garnished with a few funny notes, bizarre music, some philosophical lines and grotesque humor, a disfigured face and a couple of opened up corpses to make it interesting and draw the attention. I would never call it a high quality piece of cinema but, oh God, what a splendid porn that was. Having been informed about Lanthimos' background and roots & already watched four of his films (The Lobster, Alps, Poor Things and Dogtooth), I respect his ascending career and reputation & admit his novelties, achievements and total contribution in today's moviemaking industry.

Having said that, and when it comes to 'Poor Things', neither I loved it nor hated it. Since I can't call it poetic in any way, I would rather describe it as indifferent. Not mediocre, just indifferent*. Like I didn't felt enough sympathy for the leading roles. Female nature is degraded, too.

*Indifference denotes an absence of feeling or interest; unconcern, an absence of concern or solicitude, a calm or cool indifference in the face of what might be expected to cause uneasiness or apprehension; listlessness, an absence of inclination or interest, a languid indifference to what is going on about one; apathy ...

The picture was obviously made for fun. And for the money. There lies its reputation and imminent box office success. All in all, it's a movie for the masses, aiming at modern audiences -you can call me a boomer- which is not going to be appreciated by the real cinephiles. And as for the critics, they are getting well-paid for what they write. Remember this.

From me it's a generous 6.5 out of 10. (And I have a fetish for women with very long, preferably dark, hair).

Thank you for reading! 😉👍
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8/10
Once Upon A Time In America
16 June 2023
A deeply nostalgic, atmospheric tale of adultness, friendship, love and crime that covers much of the 20th century. Large in scope, in fact the longest film I've seen this far (referring to the uncut version which lasted 250 minutes and took me three days to watch), it lacks Scorsese's sparkle and Coppola's brutality but has a poetic realism equal to the godfather saga and other gangsteric epics. Production design's and art direction's brilliance, De Niro carrying the whole movie and a young, ethereal, innocent Jennifer Connelly fresher than ever make the difference for me. Darlanne Fluegel's (Eve) and Tuesday Weld's (Carol) distinguished elegance and charm are also worth mentioning, while Morricone's divine score still haunts and amazes me. Can't get enough of his music!
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Network (1976)
9/10
Lumet's triumph
29 August 2022
Riveting from start to finish. A mix of "Citizen Kane", "King of comedy", "Casino" and a bit of "Godfather" due to its all-star cast. 'Network' is an important sample of Lumet's filmography (narrative, pacing, photography, style) which includes elements that can be found in other works of the great director. Typical 70s great american cinema. Gripping experience and an intense motion picture with a dark ending. Highly deserved all of its 4 Academy Awards. 2 hours well spent!

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PS. Watched it till the end with undiminished interest, right after The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind!
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The Doors (1991)
6/10
KATA TO DAIMONA EAYTOY
5 August 2022
If one watches the first half of the film, he will think it is a psychedelic epic (e.g. Zabriskie Point, Full Metal Jacket, The Last Temptation of Christ, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now). And it's not far from that. Oliver Stone started it in a rather beautiful and nostalgic way, creating the requisite atmosphere.

However, this motion picture is so long that it lulls you to sleep and makes you want to quit from viewing. Despite of the songs being very good, adequate and well-timed, the plot revolves around personal demons, drugs and eutrapellas during the concerts. More time could be spent on unknown aspects of the band members' lives, moments from the group's tours and its founding. Although I cannot change the ending of the film, I would like it to be presented to the viewer in a smoother way. More movie time should have been devoted to it in order to create a stronger climactic final scene. Anyway, it should have been made more carefully. Pity. Also the disguises of the remarkable-performer Val Kilmer seem to create a vicious cycle and have not a particular order.

In conclusion, it's a movie worth taking a look, but make sure you get some rest before doing so. I choose not to rate the film now, as I do with almost any other title, due to not being quite happy with the overall viewing experience. Maybe I will do so next time I check it out. We all deserve a second chance anyway. Off the record, let's just say I give it a 6.5/10. Till we meet again!
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Efialtis (1961)
8/10
It competes Hitchcock's haunting movies
3 June 2020
*Greek production* A decent psychological thriller - enriched with Hitchcock elements.

Following Alfred's footsteps in 'Vertigo' and 'Psycho'... Here we have a solidly built story; Erricos Andreou, in his directing debut, wrote a pioneering screenplay for the greek standards (back in 60s era). The escalating action deploys in a gothic atmosphere, so the viewer takes part on the lady's nightmare. Fine cinematography by Karydis-Fuchs as well as Mimis Plessas music score. I was satisfied with the leading roles.

An unpopular but important film-noir, which I consider as a hidden gem - a memorable, serious work amongst greek ones from that kind. Overall, well-crafted and successful! Nicely done!
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Raging Bull (1980)
9/10
My favourite fella, Marty!
26 May 2020
A flawless motion picture. A brilliant portrait. A near-masterpiece.
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