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myzoe66
Reviews
Marie Antoinette (2006)
Trivial
Very disappointing. I was looking forward to this supposed new and fresh look at the making of - or not trying to make - a period piece. Great idea, bad execution. Forget about the historical inaccuracies and the complete disregard for the political context, the screenplay is simply bad. Poorly written dialog, undeveloped characters, all in all a superficial view of a group of people that presented an incredible rich source of material. While Kirstin Dunst did her best, she was miscast for the very young version of MA and Jason Schwartzman is just totally out of place. Yes, I know, King Louis XVI was supposed to have been only interested in food and hunting, rather inhibited and boring and uninterested in his wife and most other things. But as an actor, you need to make an effort in getting these traits across rather than just minimize your engagement and make everybody think you stink.
Qian li zou dan qi (2005)
So foreign to the western ear
"Riding alone for Thousands of Miles" opens to a stark sounding voice, singing, almost screaming words we cannot understand to a tune that is utterly unfamiliar to the western ear. You don't know the meaning or the sentiment of what you hear, nor if it is any good. The song of Chinese Opera is incomprehensible to some when to others it is the representation of high art. The movie comes across much in the same way with the performances moving so closely along culture specific lines foreign to western perception. The personal journey of growth, the emotional turmoil and celebration of unconditional paternal love will be captivating for some and insipid for others. Regardless of you appreciation for a slow pace and stories about small social observations, "Riding alone" is well accomplished within its genre. The performances are impressive, the photography is beautiful and the story is compelling. This is the story: Gou-ichi Takata (Ken Takakura) is a man of few words. Widowed and estranged from his only son Ken-ichi, he receives a letter from his daughter in law Rie (Shinobu Terajima) informing him that his son has fallen ill. Following her plea to make peace, Mr. Takata arrives at the Tokio hospital, hoping for reconciliation but finding only refusal. As a token, Rie offers the old man a video tape of Ken-ichi's last film project and he begins to discover the world his son is drawn to: a devotee to classic Chinese opera, Ken-ichi has been documenting the performances of famed opera singer Li Jiamin. During his last visit to the Chinese Yunnan Province he urged Li Jiamin to perform the song 'Riding alone for Thousands of Miles', but not feeling well the singer declined and promised to be ready for his camera next year. Knowing his son won't ever be able to return to Yunnan, Mr. Takata leaves for China to film the opera performance for his dying son. So Mr. Takata's own 'Thousand Mile' journey begins. Determined, he navigates through the maze of Chinese village life, political institutions and social rule. With the help of translators, some more, some less accomplished, he is unaware of the comedic circumstances he creates but always meeting kindness and support.
Absolute Wilson (2006)
A Pice of American Art History
Chances are you have never heard of Robert Wilson, unless, of course, you followed the Avant-Garde scene of the 60s, 70s and 80s in New York and Europe. Then you'd know that Wilson is probably THE most influential figure of the Experimental Theatre Movement, a creative genius and progressive thinker that brought stage performances into the new era of performance art.
As a highly prolific collaborator with some of America's most notorious underground icons like Philip Glass, Tom Waits or William S. Burroughs, Wilson managed to awe the theater world abroad with spectacles that lasted sometimes as long as a full week. His innovative choreography and completely new approach of visual story telling drew a huge following from places as unlikely as Iran and as far away as Australia. The home front however, stayed surprisingly quiet with respect to commercial success or celebrity although his following is substantial within the scene. Hailed by Europeans as a creative powerhouse for decades now, it comes as no surprise that a German filmmaker took on the task to chronicle Wilson's life and works.
Writer / director Katharina Otto follows the path of young Wilson from his conservative upbringing in Waco, TX, the restricted childhood and family life to his creative evolution and impact on the art scene of his days. Through original footage of his productions inter-cut with interviews of many of his contemporaries and Wilson himself, the composition awakes curiosity even if experimental theater is not your cup of tea. Robert Wilson is fascinating as a human being not just as an artist, reaching way beyond his expected platform.
Otto's documentary is a well orchestrated package with a refined appeal, allowing the viewer to completely focus on the subject as a man rather than an icon. Everything from camera, soundtrack to editing is flawless, highlighting the stark visions Wilson brought to the stage and his way of life. Educational, entertaining and often surprising; a piece of American Art History.
The Puffy Chair (2005)
Nausea
I walked out of this movie and I did this only one time before with the Australian movie Sweetie close to 20 years ago. After about three minutes I felt like killing the camera man and just couldn't believe that this film actually showed anywhere and- guess what - was nominated for two independent Spirit Awards. What???? Regardsless how realistic the dialog might be (I will NEVER use the word "dude" again!) -who wants to listen to these conversations? I don't go to the movies to be annoyed but that's all I got. The only good thing I came away with was the realization that if this movie can make it to Sundance and other festivals, anybody can. Well, wait, that might not be a good thing after all...
The Road to Guantanamo (2006)
required viewing
It did bother me in the beginning that the explanation for going to Afghanistan seemed to be rather flawed. Had they taken a stand as to their political convictions the circumstances would seem a lot more plausible. As their journey continues, though, you can't shake the notion that these are just a couple of boys taking a chance on adventure by changing plans on spring break and ending up in the swamps of the Everglades instead of Daytona. But whatever their motives, what ensues is horrific, shameful and completely unacceptable by the standards America and the rest of the so called civilized world has set as the norm of human treatment. I respect the filmmakers for showing the horrors without sensationalizing the events with gore. The portrayal is almost classical in a sense and therefore so compelling. America and the UK are not bashed but accused which makes it so much more shameful for the viewer. Hopefully the shame will be followed by outrage and demand for change.