The Film Thread. - AUFHQ

OtisBDriftwood · 11-28-2008, 06:01 PM

This thread is for all of America's contributions to the world of film and television.
While it's proven that Hollywood is no stranger to making shit movies by landfill proportions, they do make a heck of a lot of world-reknown classics. I hope this thread will focus on the gold rather than the myrrh.

In case you're wondering, this thread wasnt always like this and may look a little uneven for the first 50-odd pages. In an effort to help people find and discuss films easier, the effort of Kobeson and myself have been toi split it up into three excellent threads.

The others being:
Oriental Celluloid
European Cinematography

The replies to this post may look off but dont let that deter you, we have some truely passionate people for films, movies and television. Stick around, watch some movies and let us know your thoughts on them.

kobeson · 11-28-2008, 06:08 PM

yeah, Elephant Man is a classic, and it's not really like Lynch's other films... you can see why Lynch was interested in filming it once you understand him, but The Straight Story is exactly that - his attempt at something completely straight... and it is brilliant!!

you must check out Eraserhead, and lemme know what you think of it... and then move onto Blue Velvet and Mullholland Drive... if you're a fan after them, keep looking... if not, then so be it...

out of those 3, Blue Velvet is probaby the violent one, Eraserhead is just plain awesome, and Mullholland is the mind f*ck

I love Jacob's Ladder tho, and it aint for the gore... it's just an awesome film, once you get to the end... and the imagery is great too of course...

I'm not really a gor fan - although I do enjoy some comedy horror like Evil Dead 2 and Peter Jackson's early films... but I enjoyed Hostel 1 and 2... I like the possibility of reality in the films - the whole "hunting club" thing is completely believable, and I never wanna backpack in europe bacause of them...

not a fan of Saw really tho, the first one was ok, but haven't bothered with the sequels...

OtisBDriftwood · 11-28-2008, 06:15 PM

I think Se7en is in a the same vein as Saw and did a better job of it. Thats another cool movie with a good ending, kinda anti-climatic but good nonetheless.

I got around to watching Evil Dead earlier this year and Evil Dead 2 not long after it. I was busy off messing about on the computer lol from what I saw it beats the first one. The laughing scene is hilarious.

Are you a Tarantino or Rodriguez fan?

kobeson · 11-28-2008, 10:03 PM

I love Se7en - David Fincher has made some cool films, his next one looks good too: Benjamin Button, starrgin Bad Pitt... about a dude who ages backwards... the trailer is out now...

yeah, ED2 is a remake of the first one - it's a genre classic, piss funny, and it made Bruce Campbell a cult hero...

yeah, big QT and Rodriguez fan too - although I didn't care much for Grindhouse... love all of their films previous, every one of them... and of course From Dusk Till Dawn rocked too... have you seen El Mariachi?

Pulp Fiction is coming to Blu-Ray soon - just got released in Europe - looks prett awesome PQ too...

I met this Canadian bloke while I lived in Japan, and me and him became great mates over there... we used to have a running argument over who is the better director: Tarantino or Paul Thomas Anderson... and at that time (2003) PTA was just releasing Punch Drunk Love I think, and Tarantino was releaseing Kill Bill 1... I was winning the argument right up until 2008 when QT released Death Proof and PTA released There Will Be Blood... fukn great film that one... you seen it?

OtisBDriftwood · 11-28-2008, 10:25 PM

Nah havent see There Will be Blood. I started watching Punch Drunk Love at a mates house and its really a movie to watch alone isnt it? Might have to buy it if you think its worth it. I liked Sandler in Reign Over Me and how Click became a little drama-like at the end.

Japan as a country is great, never been but would love to. They have so much dignity and integrity in their culture. The youth makes them look a little bad but thats the same in every country. And they came up with with Western-inspired Silent Hill.

I hired the El Mariachi/Desperado combo last year, didnt watch Mariachi because it was all in spanish lol Loved Desperado. Also a big fan of Once Upon a Time...
Thats more to do with that I like Johnny Depp in his quirky roles.

Watched the Benjamin Button trailer, I HAVE to see it. Found out the composition was by Camille Saint-Saëns. One of my absolute favourite movies is Babe and his symphony in it makes the movie even better. The bit when Hoggart starts singing to Babe brings a smile every time after time. I hope his composition wasnt used just for the trailer. Benjamin Button looks like its a movie that could've been made in the 90s by how good it appears to be.

I liked Death Proof, nothing great. Kurt Russel was my main draw to it.

YNWA01 · 11-29-2008, 03:43 AM

Can I just interject to say that Se7en is the greatest serial killer thriller of all time. Silence of the Lambs a very close second, but not quote as good.

BTW. I'm a massive Lynch fan too, went to the flicks to see Wild at Heart even when it got a release in the UK. Lost Highway is actually my favourite, MD also awesome tho. LH has an atmosphere I've never experienced in another film. Completely erie.

OtisBDriftwood · 11-29-2008, 09:37 AM

I started this thread so me and Kobeson wouldnt spam up others threads about movies lol Everyone is welcome of coarse, especially when he goes inactive.

I have to watch Silence of the Lambs, I've seen very little of it.

Speaking of UK movies, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a good movie and from what I've seen of Snatch thats a good movie too. Theres a few movies I have to see but never can think of them when I go to buy some. Green Street Hooligans, oh man, my brother has so many similarities with Pete that hit home when he died.

Would Lynch movies be easy to find in shops?

kobeson · 11-29-2008, 10:56 AM

when I watched the Button trailer, I loved the score that was used for it... wasn't aware of who composed it, but loved it - hope it's in the full film like u otis

I'm a fan of Kurt Russel too, and he was the only shining light in Death Proof for me too - some of the action scense were shot well, but the dialogue and the female cast ruined it for me... Planet Terror was better imo

YNWA - I completely agree about Lost Highway, it's an awesome film, and yeah the atmosphere is unforgettable... a discomforting atmosphere is the one thing that Lynch manages to create easily in his films... I simply recommended the other 3 ahead of Lost Highway coz I personally have found the other 3 more accessible - it that is possible with Lynch LOL

Otis - yeah, Lynch will be in most video stores in one form or another, but I wouldn't expect to find Eraserhead... you may have to d/l that one (shhhh) to see it...

YN, have you seen Eraserhead?

Se7en is one of my faves of the genre too, and I find it hard to split it and Lambs actually... both are modern day classics...

Guy Ritchie - I wasn't a big fan of Lock Stock, but I loved Snatch... his latest film looks pretty funny too tho, would like to see it.

oh yeah, Punch Drunk Love - it's defo worth a view, I'd rank PTA's films like this:

1. Boogie Nights
2. There Will Be Blood
3. Magnolia
4. Punch Drunk Love

5. Hard Eight

if you haven't seen them, check out 1-4 of that list - Hard Eight isn't essential viewing, but the others are...

shit Otis, I wish we'd started this conversation a while ago instead of on the cusp of me cutting my forum time to almost zero - whenever I check back, I will start with this thread mate

gor289 · 11-29-2008, 11:02 AM

Fuck yeah otis, Snatch and lock stock are 2 great movies. Also Snatch has an awesome soundtrack which I think is just as important.
I love the comical gangstar genre of those two movies.

Boondock saints is another great movie ..... *:ninja:

Sorry if my posts are a little random but it's Sat morning and I'm a little bored!

YNWA01 · 11-29-2008, 11:06 AM

Well they should be at JB Hi-Fi. Not exactly mainstream but he's very popular given his films are pretty "out there" sometimes. I would think a half decent Blockbuster or Video EZY store would have some, or all, of his movies. I'd go in rough order of release...

Inland Empire (2006)
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
The Straight Story (1999)
Lost Highway (1997)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
Wild at Heart (1990)
Blue Velvet (1986)
Dune (1984)
The Elephant Man (1980)
Eraserhead (1977)

Be careful with Eraserhead though. I watched it for the first time when about 16 and very stoned. It scared the crap outta me, not in a horror way, just coz its freaky as all hell. Dune is a bit of a mess, I'd leave that out of the must see list. I'm yet to see Inland Empire, might rent that later today. Seen all the others over the years.

gor289 · 11-29-2008, 11:28 AM

Ha ha, YN, *I remember really liking Dune.
admitedly I was probably like 8 years old when I seen it and now I don't wnat to see it again because it will ruin the fond chilhood memories I have of it.

Much like Dark Crystal (1982), I loved that movie as a kid but I bet if I saw it again I wouldn't be impressed.

YNWA01 · 11-29-2008, 11:39 AM

My brother took me to the cinema to see Dark Crystal. I remember thinking it was good for a bit then just getting pretty bored by it. Not as bored as the time he took me to see Star Trek: The Motion Picture though.

Fark, dullest film ever... LOL. I think we stayed to the end but it was a severe test of endurance for a 7 or 8 yo'!!!

OtisBDriftwood · 11-29-2008, 12:17 PM

Its alright Gor!! I encourage random input of movies. I cant think of all the movies now can I. *

Something I dont like about new movies is that they use a flavour of the month soundtrack. If its a good movie it will leave a sour taste if I watch it in the future.

EDIT: I had never heard of the Dark Crystal until a friend bought it when I was there. I had a movie like that, C.H.O.M.P.S, I watched that a few months ago and had to import it. Wasnt as great as I remembered. Still a movie I'll watch every few years.

A movie I wanna get is Ernest Scared Stupid. Havent seen that for about 10 years but my PS3 wont be able to play it.

I gotta admit I watched Polar Express and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Snickersma · 11-30-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YNWA01\";p=\&quot

Can I just interject to say that Se7en is the greatest serial killer thriller of all time. Silence of the Lambs a very close second, but not quote as good.

..would have to disagree there.. for me Zodiac pips Se7en (same director).. as good as Se7en is Zodiac is a much deeper film and has some of creepiest bits Ive seen in 10 years or so.. + equisite cinematography and filmed in HD digital (one of the first films ever) so the BD is immaculate - video is basically perfect *

Snickersma · 11-30-2008, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YNWA01\";p=\&quot

Well they should be at JB Hi-Fi. Not exactly mainstream but he's very popular given his films are pretty "out there" sometimes. I would think a half decent Blockbuster or Video EZY store would have some, or all, of his movies. I'd go in rough order of release...

Inland Empire (2006)
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
The Straight Story (1999)
Lost Highway (1997)
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992)
Wild at Heart (1990)
Blue Velvet (1986)
Dune (1984)
The Elephant Man (1980)
Eraserhead (1977)

Be careful with Eraserhead though. I watched it for the first time when about 16 and very stoned. It scared the crap outta me, not in a horror way, just coz its freaky as all hell. Dune is a bit of a mess, I'd leave that out of the must see list. I'm yet to see Inland Empire, might rent that later today. Seen all the others over the years.

Lynch is the master of twisted / impossibly dense narrative - Ive read some interesting articles decyphering Mullholland Drive - if thats actually possible .. love the lezzo scene in that one with Naomi Watts!! (just thought Id through that in there LOL) but the whole box thing... yeah right?!?! *

OtisBDriftwood · 11-30-2008, 10:59 PM

Theres a lez scene in Mullholand Drive? I think thats the first one Im going to watch then haha

Kevin Smith is another director that I like, I like all of his movies apart from one. Hes doing something right for me lol Chasing Amy is really quite a movie.

I was watching T2 the other week and I was noticing it isnt just a brainless action flick. Theres a lot of recurring themes.

YNWA01 · 11-30-2008, 11:09 PM

LOL. Yeah, T2 is a cut above the average action / sci-fi movie Otis. Cameron knows how to turn it on big time, and his movies are serious and make you think, plus he doesn;t hold back in the gore or violence sakes when the film warrants it. The first Terminator may not have had the scope of T2 but it was still a kick-ass movie and streaks ahead of most of the 80s action dross that was around then. I'd put Aliens in the same bracket with it. Another of my all time fav movies that was also a sequel. Lets hope Cameron's "Avatar" will be another awesome flick. Will be fascinating to see how it turns out.

OtisBDriftwood · 11-30-2008, 11:26 PM

Its one of those rare movies where the sequel is just as good or better. Very few can claim that title eg Godfather Part II.

kobeson · 12-08-2008, 03:15 PM

so you tracked down Eraserhead yet Otis?

if not, you could always download a copy (shh) http://www.mininova.org/tor/843721

Lynch.com charges way too much anyway... there is actually a region 4 DVD of it, if you can find a good video store, but I won't tell if you won't

I watched Zack and Miri Make a Porno too btw (speaking of Kevin Smith) and imo it was good, but the Kevin Smith touch ruined it for me... I used to love his films but then one day (I think in between Dogma and J&SB Strike Back) realised how much I hate Smith himself, he annoys me so much... I think he should stick to things more like his role in Die Hard 4.0 rather than make movies...

the only good elements of Z&M are the ones he "borrowed" from Judd Apatow - namely the cast Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks and the awesome Craig Robinson... I seriously love Craig Robinson at the moment, can't get enough of him... he's the big black dude from the trailer who says "What? Han Solo never had no sex with Princess Leia in the Star War". Apart from Judd Apatow's influence on the film, it feels like Clerks 3 to me... (don't get me started on Clerks 2).

I mean, he continually digs up Jason Mewes (he looks like he's been ill or something in Z&M, doesn't look healthy at all), and in Z&M he has his real-life wife in it (again), like J&SB Strike Back, and she just so happens to be the only chick in the whole film that the lead character hits on... when will Kevin realise his wife is very ordinary...

I dunno, maybe I'm alone here, but everything Smith touches stinks like a nerdy teenager's spank rag if you ask me...

he unearthed Jason Lee (who I used to like, and now am annoyed by) and Jason Mewes (the worst 1 trick pony in cinema history - although his 1 trick is a good one)... Kevin Smith a big fat nerd fanboy, not a film maker... that's my opinion anyway...

rant over lol

OtisBDriftwood · 12-08-2008, 05:09 PM

First time I heard about Z&M lol Dunno if its gonna be worth tracking down by your review

Im making a trip to Sanity on Wednesday for the Dark Knight and Im gonna have a glance at their movies to see if any of Lynch is there. Bit broke at the moment and should stop spending money on movies and games hahaha

Watched a trailer of MD and it gave no indication to what the movie is about and I dont wanna read the plot on wiki.

I didnt think I would come up with such a dud mention of Kevin Smith. Guess we had to find someone who one of us doesnt like eventually. I think I know why you dont like Clerks II. Too much of a fan service and also new-comer attraction at the same time. Chasing Amy is my fave movie of his because it departs from the rest and has a more serious tone and themes. I dont think I like him that much deep down or I would have one of this movies on dvd by now lol *I think Im just that little bit younger than you so Im in the bracket to like stuff like that. Not too far mind you to like the shit fests 'scary' 'epic' 'whatever' movies.

What do you think of the universally loved Shawn of the Dead?

And

Monty Python?

Im interested to know if you like Adam Sandler too.

CheekyChimpanzee · 12-08-2008, 05:53 PM

I quite liked shaun of the dead. *It seemed to have a great balance between slap-stick, comedy script and some ghooooulie action.

While Se7en is a brilliant movie for a serial killer, as is zodiac, if we were to technically call a spade a spade, then contract killers are serial killers of sorts, and thereby, i class the best serial killer movie as "no country for old men". *That is, IMO, the best movie to be released for years in the thriller genre.

Best action movie: TDK. *

Best martial arts film of the past couple of years would be fearless or ong bak. *Very different horses for a loosely combined set of courses.

something that isn't monty python, but is monty python in cast and writing, is "Time Bandits". *I reckon that's one of the best kids movies of all time.

Best shooter... god.. how would you class this? *but i reckon boondock saints is up there. * worth mentioning that it has been elusively hard to get on DVD but is currently advertised at Big W and JB for under 7 bucks. *You beauty!

OtisBDriftwood · 12-08-2008, 06:01 PM

No Country for Old Men deserves every word of praise it gets. I've said it before I'll say it again, the coin toss scene was so bloody suspenseful! Anton could be called a serial killer because he killed a fair few people that had nothing to do with his contract. I was sad Llewellyn was killed yet happy it wasnt at the hands of Anton.

AStiffBreeze · 12-08-2008, 06:03 PM

Boondock Saints? What can you tell me about that movie? I've heard the title and that's about it.

EDIT: As to No Country For Old Men, the ending really pissed me off.

[spoil]The ending scene with the car crash was a prick tease. What purpose did it serve? If your point is to say that evil people can get away with their crimes, then you just end at the scene where he walks out of the house and checks the soles of his shoes. I honestly believe that the final scene is just to fuck with the audience, to offer them some hope that the bad guy is going to pay for his transgressions... but then no, actually he won't, they were just fucking with us. That gives me the shits. As a filmmaker you want to guide the emotions of the audience, but you should never overtly manipulate them. My reaction wasn't "oh you sly dogs", it was "well fuck you assholes". I don't like to have that sort of stuff rammed down my throat. No Country For Old Men was a bleak movie, and should have ended that way. So again I ask, what was the purpose of that final scene? /end rant[/spoil]

Natzke · 12-08-2008, 06:16 PM

Hero with Jet Li is the best Martial Arts movie i've seen.

CheekyChimpanzee · 12-08-2008, 06:59 PM

yeah - i think my collection is severely missing "no country for old men" it's a must have.

stiffy, i see exactly where you are coming from. *I think the ending served a pretty bleak message that is accurate about life's (un)fairness.

natzke, awesome movie brother... dead set awesome. *But didn't top fearless for me. * And nothing has topped "Ong Bak" for its unbelievable athleticism shown by tony jaa. *that guy is a freak. *jackie chan eat your heart out.

Natzke · 12-08-2008, 07:12 PM

Jackie chan is a show pony compared to Jet Li and Tony Jaa.

Snickersma · 12-08-2008, 07:14 PM

"Born to Fight" and "Ong Bak" with Tony Jaa are insane... that actually DO the stunt stuff - in these films what you see - falling off buildings etc is very very real - they have a massive injury rate... .insane to watch *

OtisBDriftwood · 12-08-2008, 07:32 PM

No Country was based heavily off the novel so its the author you should blame than the Coen Brothers. I havent read the book but I assume it ends the same way.

AStiffBreeze · 12-08-2008, 07:35 PM

Haha, I think I got a bit carried away with my rant on No Country For Old Men! *:wasted:

I haven't seen any Tony Jaa movies, guess I'll have to check them out (starting with Ong Bak).

kobeson · 12-08-2008, 08:04 PM

ok, here goes:

No Country - yeah, was gonna mention that it is adapted from a novel, so you can blame the authors - otis beat me to it

absolutely brilliant film tho, and perfect PQ on the Blu-Ray too :supz:

I'm a massive fan of the Coen's, Lebowski being one of my all-time fave comedies, and Fargo one of my fave crime films ever... No Country is right up there with it now though... you guys big Coen fans?
Oh Brother is classic too, and their first film Blood Simple is also really cool... I have to say I wasn't taken with Miller's Crossing though, and I hated Intolerable Cruelty...
their latest film Burn After Reading was pretty darn great too, not sure if it's quite in the same ballpark as Lebowski/Fargo/Oh Brother/No Country or not yet, but it was pretty cool... bloody stupid tho lol

Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz - I love them both, love the work from Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg... they are piss funny, and their humour is fresh...

I agree about Chasing Amy, in fact it's the only film of Smith's (pre-Z&M) that I like really... I giggle away at J&SB Strike Back, but I find it hard to watch Mallrats these days... Clerks is still great too, but I just dislike the whole Askew Universe... it's the in-jokes and wankyness of his humour that I dislike really... give me Judd Apatow any day of the week... but yeah, you are a bit younger, and 5-10 years ago I was into his films too... I guess maybe I have out grown them, I know he has billions of fans...

don't get me wrong about Z&MMAP by the way, it is better than my negative review makes out, and I enjoyed it way more than Clerks 2... it's just the fact that he had to put his hands in Apatow's pockets to piece together a decent comedy tho, and without the Apatow influence, it was ordinary... I think KS fans will all like Z&M tho...

Adam Sandler - I liked Zohan, and I really loved Punch Drunk Love and Reign Over Me, but apart from that, see above... his humour usually comes off as a bit juvenile to me - not that I am high and mighty, I have just never really liked his humour much... very hit and miss with me, some gags I like, but they are few and far between...

Monty Python - love every single thing all of them have ever worked on... the TV Series + Life of Brian + Fawlty Towers at the top for me, but I love anything those guys have collectively or individually worked on...

The Life of Brian I have on Blu-Ray, ready for the annual Christmas viewing in my household... that plus Elf and Die Hard usually lol

I also love the films from Terry Gilliam (python animator) - in particular Brazil, and also 12 Monkeys + as sly said, Time Bandits is also cool...

films I have laughed the hardest at in the initial viewing would be Being John Malkovich, Anchorman and Borat... not that BJM is a comedy, but those are 3 of my favourite funny movies of all time, along with a few from Monty Python and The Big Lebowski...

apart from Zhang Yimou's Hero and House of Flying Daggers, which I adore... I'm not a massive fan of martial arts, I kinda like Kill Bill and Matrix more than most actual HK Kung-Fu films, or the older period Japanese Samurai films...

I'm gonna be on the forum even less in the near future, I have borrowed a mate's laptop at the moment so have managed some at home browsing, but I think he wants it back...

damn dentist and car bills are killing my wallet, so buying a new computer seems distant... will try to come back here and keep up with this convo as much as possible tho - I have managed to sneak a little net time in at work already, but not for very long at a time...

cheers