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Reviews
Neokonchennaya pyesa dlya mekhanicheskogo pianino (1977)
A real treasure
A truly great film. Without cloying sentimentality, Mikhalkov portrays a village teacher and a doctor undergoing various stages of emotional breakdown, in this adaptation of the works by Anton Chekov. A village teacher believes his life has had no intent. Hence he is driven to despair and in effect to torment both himself and his young wife. The film's another protagonist - a doctor hates his patients and his work. The guests staying with a general's wife, are talking about the delights of a simple village life, not really convinced by what they are saying. The classical style chosen by Mikhalkov and the masterful cinematography combine to make this film a real treasure for the lovers of Russian classics. Classical music ( by G. Donizetti, F. Liszt, and S. Rachmaninov ) proliferates throughout, adding to the unforgettable qualities of this captivating drama.
My Own Private Idaho (1991)
The film is watch-able and has some great shots
My Own Private Idaho is flimsy, unconvincing and wildly overrated. Although it is a film worth watching, for River's performance if nothing else, its accredited greatness is no more than a wishfully constructed social myth.
I wish I could say how truly remarkable the film is, but to be honest it lacks substance, it leaves you yearning for something more
I think much of the talent in the film is unexploited to its best potential and the dialogue, in its second half, written in a kind of impromptu, mock Shakespeare, is devoid of any magic.
Overall the film is watch-able and has some great shots, like that at the beginning where the viewer joins Mike (River Phoenix) toward the end of a blow-job he's receiving from a john; when he comes the image of an entire house being dropped onto a desolate highway charges the screen.It's sad and beautiful, and, is a perfect statement on Mike's yearning for a home he never had.
A Kind of Loving (1962)
Yet another one of British Bests
Yet another one of British Bests
A Kind of Loving was John Schlesinger's first feature film, a 'kitchen sink' drama based on a novel by Stan Barstow. Great screenplay (co- written by Keith Waterhouse, no less) and a thoroughly accomplished performance by Alan Bates, as always.
I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone unable to appreciate a healthy doze of reality. No Hollywood glitz and glamour here.
Schlesinger treats the film subject matter (a couple in lust) with warmth, humour - and without a hint of condescension.
THIS FILM IS DEFINITELY WORTH A LOOK.