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Reviews
'night, Mother (1986)
This film has haunted me for years
I saw this film when it first came out on video. A friend told me about it and I was so compelled by the story that I rented it. I was mesmerized and haunted by the ending. This film has stuck with me over the years. As an epileptic who suffers from depression, I could really identify with the Jesse character and how she feels like an outcast and a burden to those around her. At times, I felt as if that could be me up there. The film is based on a play so it very much feels like one in that it explores the relationship between two characters through dialog. There isn't much action but the performances are so intense and powerful, that you don't really need it. If depression and suicide are outside your comfort zone, then this film isn't for you but if you're into character studies and theatre this is one you don't want to miss. Bancroft and Spacek play so well off each other that it really pulls you in and leaves you...almost in a state of shock.
Crimes of Passion (1984)
True Twisted Art
Back in the 80's there was a lot of controversy surrounding this film. I remember hearing about a battle with the MPAA regarding the rating. MPAA wanted to give it an X rating so Russell had to edit it down in order to achieve an R rating.
I was sixteen and a friend and I snuck into the theatre to see this. I wanted to know what the buzz was about. I was mesmerized and this film continues to exist in my top ten favorite films of all time (as is Tommy, another Ken Russell masterpiece). Tony Perkins has perfected the art of playing psychotic maniacs and his performance here is no exception. Turner, in her finest performance ever, sizzles up the screen as China Blue, a whore by night, fashion designer by day. She parades around in this satin blue dress in the red light district performing fantasies for kinky clients.
The dialogue is incredibly witty and Turner and Perkins play so perfectly off each other. Perkins with his portable pedestal, bible and doctor bag full of sex toys (there is one in particular that will make your jaw drop).
This is one of those love/hate films. You either love it or you hate it. I attempted to turn so many people onto this film. Some were so offended by the meshing of religion and sex that they couldn't get through the whole thing. Others, like me, loved it and can watch it repeatedly and continue to be amused by the script, the performances, the art direction.
This film is indeed a piece of art. But art is subjective. So enter with an open mind.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Beautiful and Poetic
This film is fantastic and heartwrenching. It's one of those films that sticks with you for days. The score is haunting, the cinematography is engrossing, the acting is stupendous, the script is dynamic. I cannot say enough great things about this film. Maybe Ang Lee is part of the gay mafia, because I was hooked on this film from beginning to end as was everybody in the theater. This is a love story, it transcends beyond the fact that it's between two men. It is that powerful.
As for the freaks commenting on a film they haven't seen solely based on the subject matter. Get a clue, shut up, see the film and then come back and post your opinion.
Wrong Turn (2003)
I'm wondering if some of you took a wrong turn and thought you were going to see Lawrence of Arabia
NEWS FLASH: This is a horror film, it doesn't claim to be any kind of epic masterpiece.
That said, for what it is, it's TONS of fun, very suspenseful and at times, terrifying. Wrong Turn is kind of a throwback to 70s horror films like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, only well-acted and better produced. The director takes a simple premise and does so much in terms of bringing it to life and creating this eerie tone from beginning to end.
If you're expecting a contender for next years Academy Awards, then perhaps you should stay home or wait till the end of the year for the sweeps. But if you're looking for good, solid, scary fun, then this is the film for you!