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Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975)
yikes
Pasolini's Salo is an absolutely horrifying film. It is not only disturbing, but disgusting and grotesque. There is barely any historical background for the film, only orgies, sex, and torture. The film is full of sickening scenes, such as the eating of s**t and the scalping and tongue-cutting of individuals. It is even more shocking, because these events really took place. The fascists of the republic of Salo were sadistic, but Pasolini's film is just too much. I don't really believe it should have been banned because people do have the right to express themselves. However, Salo is too difficult to watch. No wonder it was so controversial. One can hardly sit through the film. I don't even know what to really say about Salo, accept for that it truly bothered me. It was simply a film of young individuals being tortured in cruel ways. Passolini claims that he hates sexual organs and that no one should be afraid of being used by power and culture. Oddly enough, Passolini overtly uses culture and power to exploit sex and sexuality. I don't believe that Salo should be labeled as pornographic, for it is completely explicit, rather than stimulating or erotic. This film is genuinely repulsive and somewhat pointless in my opinion. Salo is literally "The 120 days of Sodom."
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Spike Lee is wonderful
Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing is a powerful film with a phenomenal cast. Everyone gives a strong performance and causes the viewer to feel engaged in the film's concentrated plot. Every person in the film seems real. I loved the beginning sequence of the film. The girls' dancing was entertaining and a great way illustrate the time period of the film. Do the Right Thing is extremely emotional. The concept and plot is a touchy subject, and Lee clearly casts himself as Mookie to reveal his views on the issues at hand. This is a wise decision, for Lee effectively plays the confused, yet passionate character. Mookie is a very complex character whom one must thoroughly analyze in order to somewhat understand. In addition, the coloring of the film was intense, which added to what was going on on screen.
Although the racial tension was extremely disturbing and strong, it was accurately depicted. It was heartbreaking to watch the cops strangle Radio Raheem. It was if the cop subconsciously knew he was killing the boy, but just could not stop himself. The riot was especially upsetting, for everything went out of control because different ethnic groups could not get along. Spike Lee does a great job of recuperating after the film's wild climax. The viewer feels a huge sense of relief after the horrible and severe fight scene is over, and Lee shows that the community has calmed down as well. Do the Right Thing is a thought-provoking and expressive film that fully deserves all its praise.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
fun and enjoyable
Scott's Thelma and Louise is an entertaining and amusing film regarding the growing friendship of its female leads. Thelma and Louise start off going on an innocent voyage and end up as fugitives. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon are brilliant. The chemistry between these two women is intense and very impressive. They constantly feed off each other's actions and emotions, which is what makes Thelma and Louise so comfortable to watch. Thelma and Louise are depicted as strong and independent women, consequently making all men in the movie seem powerless. These two best friends always dominated the film's men (whether it was killing them or deceiving them), and ultimately escaped them and life altogether. I wouldn't say that Scott's enjoyable film makes the viewer truly feel for his characters, but it makes the viewer contemplate the innocence of Thelma and Louise. Are they really criminals, or are they just helpless victims? In addition, the film's ending is extremely powerful. These women were determined to be free, and the only way they could do so was to die together.
Everything in this film fits together. The acting, cinematography, and directing is superb. The feminist message is evident, but not advocated too passionately. The soundtrack is also excellent. It adds to the whole "go-with-the-flow" feel of the film. Although Thelma and Louise is a particularly long film, it never gets boring. It is a fun and well-written story about the sincere bond between two domineering women.
Les yeux sans visage (1960)
horrific and beautiful depiction
Franju's Les Yeux Sans Visage is a magnificent horror film. It is extremely disturbing at times, but the film has an affecting storyline that makes one feel for certain characters. The doctor is not a stereotypical mad scientist, but one that is trying to give his daughter back the life she once had. We pity Christiane after watching her walk around the house with a blank mask. She can see everything, but cannot show her face to anyone, or even bare to look at her own face. She'd rather be blind or dead than in the condition that she is in. Oddly enough, the doctor commits sins in order to help the one he loves. This causes the viewer to contemplate whether the doctor is really corrupt and unethical.
The film's shadows, lighting, and sound design are immaculate. There is a lot of intense shadowing that adds to the eerie storyline. There is often one object or individual that is lit, while the rest of the environment is left in the dark. This also adds to creepy feel of the film. I noticed that when Louise, the doctors sidekick is about to kidnap another girl, there is a distinct musical theme that always plays in the background. It is an evil and sinister tune that lets the viewer know that this woman is doing an immoral deed. Les Yeux Sans Visage is a frightening film with a great storyline that keeps the viewer permanently engaged in the action.
Maria Full of Grace (2004)
wonderful film
Maria Full of Grace is an original and powerful film. Catalina Sandino Moreno, the film's star, effectively engulfs the audience into her world. She portrays Maria as helpless but driven, so that the viewer is even further drawn into the film. All scenes in the film were compelling. Every image made you feel for the characters and understand their pain. I began to cringe when Maria swallowed the heroin pellets. There was much tension in the audience while we watched Maria put her life at risk for money. Nevertheless, she is extremely strong and driven, and will do what it takes to be happy. She wants a good life and is determined to attain it.
I enjoyed Maria Full of Grace's unique storyline and realistic circumstances. Its cinematography was excellent. Each scenario was essential and added to the film's heartbreaking story. Director Joshua Marston presents this film in a way that the viewer is not judgmental towards the characters' lifestyles or actions. His techniques cause the reader to understand why Maria transports drugs to New York, and empathize with her throughout her journey. Maria Full of Grace touches the lives of many.
Myra Breckinridge (1970)
the novel was MUCH better
Myra Breckinridge, taken from Gore Vidal's controversial novel can be classified as a "loathsome" film. It reflected the sexual revolution that was occurring at the time it was being formulated and filmed. Vidal's masterpiece was an extremely well-written, intriguing, and outlandish novel. Sarne's film was not nearly as impressive. Nonetheless, the casting was quite good. Raquel Welch played Myra with conviction and wit. Mae West was a very entertaining Leticia, who played a bigger part in the film than I would have expected. Although I wasn't in agreement with all of Sarne's choices of where to incorporate Myron, I generally liked his vision. I thought it was an interesting decision and enjoyed seeing a version of Myra Breckinridge depicted with Myron actually present.
Much of the film's juxtapositions and edits were effective. I specifically loved the scene where Myra revealed herself to Buck and Flager as Myron. This was a low angle shot in which the men were looking up at her while she was exposed. She then throws her underwear at Uncle Buck and engages in a dominant and powerful laugh. It's a wonderful scene.
Although I thought Mae West was a great addition to the cast, I would have liked to see more of Rusty and MaryAnn as the book had illustrated. I feel that they were a crucial part of the storyline, rather than Leticia, who was just there as an amusing addition. I also did not think the random flashes from other movies had to be included. They were unnecessary and insignificant. I loved Vidal's unique novel, but was not very fond of the Sarne's film.
Skammen (1968)
shame
Ingmar Bergman's moderate attempts of displaying the psychological effects of war are depicted in Shame. Although he presents emotional and deep characters, Bergman's unique film is a bit hard to follow at times. The beginning moves slowly, which takes away from the intentional dramatic impact. However, I enjoyed the complex personalities of Jan and Eva, and anticipated how they would deal with the war and each other. Bergman's ending leaves the viewer uncertain and confused, but is also extremely symbolic of the couples' sentiments and intimacy.
I specifically noticed the remarkable camera angles Bergman used to illustrate his points. He often shows the back of Jan's head which suggests that his wife is the more dominant of the two. There are also intense close-ups and effective over the shoulder shots. Shame is an impressive film overall.
Roger & Me (1989)
Funny and effective
Although Michael Moore's depiction of Flint, Michigan seems extreme, he successfully justifies his argument. Several critics have properly accused Moore of misrepresenting specific details and timing of events. Nevertheless, Moore convinces the viewer that Flint was undoubtedly deteriorating. He reveals how it really felt to be in Flint at the time. Scenes such as the woman selling rabbit meat as well as residents being evicted helped to further illustrate Moore's point. After presenting satisfied citizens, Moore would cut right to individuals who were angry or depressed with the given circumstances. These transitions initially seem sudden and unusual, but prove to be effective when demonstrating the chaotic atmosphere of Flint.
Moore takes a serious issue and makes it downright amusing. Does it really take outlandish humor to make us realize the truth? This may seem immoral and unethical, but Moore does an excellent job using this technique in order to verify his position. Roger and Me is a comical, political, and affecting documentary criticizing big business while letting us laugh simultaneously.