It is almost impossible for Germans to discuss their last Empire/ Emperor in a neutral tone. The viewer is constantly reminded of how ridiculous it all was, and that we should be glad that this folly is over. So the slightly badinatory tone also bothered me in this documentary, which otherwise contained interesting footage.
Reviews
6 Reviews
Dial M for Murder
(1954)
My only problem...
16 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I have several keys, but all have a different model. I would immediately notice that the perpetrator was carrying the "wrong" key. Unless in the 60's all keys would be the same model.
In other words, how likely is it that the wrong key has the exact same model?
In other words, how likely is it that the wrong key has the exact same model?
Fascinating
27 April 2021
The second dream scene, against that backdrop of that empty city: you meet old acquaintances, your mother, a moment later you are looking for them, but they are gone, untraceable, like dreams sometimes are. Horrifyingly real...
An elusive and fascinating film, nothing compares. Don't know how many times I've seen it. And then there's Stéphane Audran...
Trying to explain all this doesn't make much sense in my opinion: either you like it or you don't (and I can imagine that you don't). I also wonder sometimes if Buñuel meant it all as deeply as the titles suggest; and if it's not more of a game... no idea.
An elusive and fascinating film, nothing compares. Don't know how many times I've seen it. And then there's Stéphane Audran...
Trying to explain all this doesn't make much sense in my opinion: either you like it or you don't (and I can imagine that you don't). I also wonder sometimes if Buñuel meant it all as deeply as the titles suggest; and if it's not more of a game... no idea.
Moon
(2009)
Poor
5 January 2021
I had hoped for finally a good SF, but it was a bit disappointing (a lot actually).
The similarities with 2001, Soljaris and Blade runner are obvious, but the film lacks the length and tranquility to create the same atmosphere/tension. Some themes (paranoia, loneliness, man versus technology, etc.) often require a certain length/slowness in the film to make the development of characters clearly tangible. If as a viewer you can't bring that peace of mind: just watch Avatar or the latest King Kong version, I'd say.
Also the shots of moon-earth universe are clearly meant like in 2001, but absolutely incomparable, as is the use of classical music. The contrast classical-high tec in 2001 was both desirable and effective, with Moon it's just tucked in without knowing why. In the end Soljaris only had his planetary surface, but all the foregoing gave this a certain threat. Moon remains visually very flat.
The whole thing was somewhat "overacted" and sometimes nonsensical. Suddenly I even had the idea of watching "Midnight cowboy": a movie where by the way is acted very well.
With these actors (and this budget?) you probably can't make a masterpiece like the 3 above mentioned, so don't try it, I mean, this film could easily have taken place somewhere on earth in a kind of Gattaca-like setting (I'll call it something).
Maybe a nice Star Trek or Twilight zone or something like that, but that's all, unfortunately.
Take a look at Microgravity, although very short, but then you'll see that it's still possible. It's just not easy.
The similarities with 2001, Soljaris and Blade runner are obvious, but the film lacks the length and tranquility to create the same atmosphere/tension. Some themes (paranoia, loneliness, man versus technology, etc.) often require a certain length/slowness in the film to make the development of characters clearly tangible. If as a viewer you can't bring that peace of mind: just watch Avatar or the latest King Kong version, I'd say.
Also the shots of moon-earth universe are clearly meant like in 2001, but absolutely incomparable, as is the use of classical music. The contrast classical-high tec in 2001 was both desirable and effective, with Moon it's just tucked in without knowing why. In the end Soljaris only had his planetary surface, but all the foregoing gave this a certain threat. Moon remains visually very flat.
The whole thing was somewhat "overacted" and sometimes nonsensical. Suddenly I even had the idea of watching "Midnight cowboy": a movie where by the way is acted very well.
With these actors (and this budget?) you probably can't make a masterpiece like the 3 above mentioned, so don't try it, I mean, this film could easily have taken place somewhere on earth in a kind of Gattaca-like setting (I'll call it something).
Maybe a nice Star Trek or Twilight zone or something like that, but that's all, unfortunately.
Take a look at Microgravity, although very short, but then you'll see that it's still possible. It's just not easy.
Apollo 11
(I) (2019)
Not what I expected
15 May 2020
I don't want to say that it was disappointing, but for some reason (the high ratings?) I expected more of it. I suspect that if the matter interests you, and you've probably seen a lot already, it doesn't really add much.
I've also watched For all mankind and In the Shadow of the Moon, and I must say that Apollo 11 is the least of the three. FAM and In the Shadow of the Moon tell the same story, but offer much more interesting footage, especially of being on the moon.
I also missed a bit of attention for the philosophical reflections, which inevitably come up when you look at your own planet from the moon. With hindsight I see the added value of this somewhat distant and limited documentary less and less. I know: beautiful images, etc., but they were there before, with something extra.
I've also watched For all mankind and In the Shadow of the Moon, and I must say that Apollo 11 is the least of the three. FAM and In the Shadow of the Moon tell the same story, but offer much more interesting footage, especially of being on the moon.
I also missed a bit of attention for the philosophical reflections, which inevitably come up when you look at your own planet from the moon. With hindsight I see the added value of this somewhat distant and limited documentary less and less. I know: beautiful images, etc., but they were there before, with something extra.
The Prestige
(2006)
The most awful movie ever
25 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In short: one presents a trick that cannot be explained without a double.
Solution: they invent a cloning device (bit á la transporter at Star Trek).
But: at some point it will be swarming with clones! Now what?
Solution: each clone drowns itself in a bowl of water... ready!
A historical drama in Victorian England... which ultimately turns out to be science fiction of the cheapest kind. In fact, the viewer here is just being screwed (at least I felt like that).
How anyone can judge this nonsense positively is a complete mystery to me.
A historical drama in Victorian England... which ultimately turns out to be science fiction of the cheapest kind. In fact, the viewer here is just being screwed (at least I felt like that).
How anyone can judge this nonsense positively is a complete mystery to me.
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