Mark Rylance as Cromwell in masterful WOLF ALL.
by Sam Juliano
Spring is here, but the temperatures have still yet to comply with this fact of nature. As we move closer to April, we can only anticipate comfortable weather, but we shall see what we shall see. Otherwise the baseball season will start later this week, and Easter Sunday is coming up next weekend.
The Childhood Films countdown venture is underway with e mails going out and many already engaged in viewing and re-viewing some of the ideal prospects. It is expected that ballots will begin appearing in early May. Any WitD readers not on the chain, but wanting to be just reach me at The Fountain26@aol.com, and I’ll include you.
Lucille, Broadway Bob and I attended the stage work GREAT KILLS on Saturday night. The drama offers a good deal of laughs, and featured three actors – one of them the renowned Joe Pantoliano of Cliffside Park and Fairview upbringing. The famed actor was the sole reason to see this decent play, and meeting him afterwards was a treat. The huble and friendly Pantoliano graduated Cliffside Park High School, and is well-remembered for his roles in The Sopranos, Empire of the Sun, The Goonies, Midnight Run, Memento and La Bamba among others. GREAT KILLS staged at the Theater For The New City on First Avenue. I will run into the second week in April.
With work still continuing in our home, we opted to stay in to watch some DVDs and blu rays on our new flat screen, and much was accomplished. We saw:
WOLF HALL (2015) ***** (Another albeit take on Henry VIII, Anne Bolyn, Cardinal Woolsey, Cromwell in a riveting six-hour presentation. Mark Rylance as Cromwell is extraordinary, but the entire cast delivers, and the production is wholly exquisite. (reviewed by Allan here a few weeks ago).
SCHALCKEN THE PAINTER (2013) *** A ghost story about paying the price for ambition, I wasn’t as enamored as most.
THE STORY OF THE JEWS (2013)**** 1/2 Once again Schama shows his brilliance in an an all-encompassing way in this heady presentation that includes history, archaeology, art, religious tradition, persecution, resilience, and the survival. I never realized that the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492 after being there for a thousand years, nor of the fascinating examination of Freud, Spinoza and Moses Mendelssohn. (the latter two were covered in the first part of Part 3, But Schama is charismatic and riveting as usual. I really loved the incorporation of art and the ancient parchments and the various historical (with the use of maps) upheavals in the Jewish experience, like how they were absorbed into Russia after Prussia disbanded and so on. The early history, which included the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans was engrossing as presented here, and Schama on location appearances added quite a bit in many ways. This was a five-hour series.
PICTURES OF THE OLD WORLD (1972) ***** This 64 minute documentary is powerful, wrenching and unforgettable. (Just released for the first time ever on Second Run) About forgotten people living in small villages leading simple and impoverished lives. So many of the scenes are unforgettable, a cemetery with a woman carrying white crosses, moving gadgetry on the back of an open vehicle; religious figures, people working the fields, and fantastic used of Baroque music. No wonder this is called the greatest Slovak film, it is raw yet poetic, straightforward yet meditative, suffused with the zest of life despite all the misery.
With renowned actor Joe Pantoliano after staging of GREAT KILLS in Manhattan on Saturday night.
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Another busy week, Sam! Not much movie-watching here, although we did see Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013); okay, but not nearly as much fun as Detective Dee: Mystery of the Phantom Flame (2010), which it prequels.
Thanks so much John! I have not seen either of those mystery works, but I have heard of them. Sound like the original is enough then. Have a great holiday week my friend!
Nice weather can’t come soon enough. I saw four 2014 films these last two weeks….
Whiplash *** I didn’t think much of this film to be honest. The plot/script was extremely contrived and mechanical in its design. Why would Simmons sabotage a Carnegie Hall performance (after being fired from another job) just to get back at his former student? Why would our protagonist oversleep during a meeting that has been explained as important and then travel by himself (when its a group/school performance) getting both a flat tire and into an accident?? Not to mention he forgets his drumsticks and is covered in blood (but nobody notices). Second rate indie drama that got elevated due to some decent acting, but weighed down by a hacky script….
The Better Angels ** Wow does this director have no shame. I know that Terrance Malick produced this film, but how can you rip off someone else’s work so shamelessly. Aesthetically, this is a carbon copy of To The Wonder, but amazingly even worse than that underwhelming movie.
The Overnighters **** Great documentary that offers a surprising twist that I never saw coming. One could argue that the filmmaker is exploiting some of his subjects, and that the prime figure in this movie plays too much for the camera by mugging, but it also stresses the curveballs that life can throw at any one person. Unencumbered by a script, documentaries can start in point A and move literally anywhere.
The Liberator *** Yawn. Utterly pedestrian.
I also rewatched The Panic In Needle Park, Z, and Serpico in these last 2-3 weeks. I’ve always found Z to be somewhat overrated, and that opinion still stands. The same goes for Needle Park. Serpico on the other hand gets better with each subsequent viewing.
Have a great week Sam. And nice beard sported by Joey Pants!!!!
Do you rate on a four or five star system? Just curious, as I’m assuming five based on Whiplash being given 3 stars and your opinion shown to be really underwhelmed.
Anywho, I totally agree. To me, the one point you state, “forgetting drumsticks” is when it just goes to far—it’s like a guitarist leaving behind their guitar on the way to a show. It just would never happen, and if that’s the only way tension can be created within a script perhaps it’s time for another draft. For me one of the films of the year was about the creation of music, one only has to look to Sweden….
While I know Maurizio will come here to respond, I will say in advance that he does indeed use a five-star system, hence the three stars for WHIPLASH is of the underwhelmed variety. Jamie, I am assuming you are referring to WE ARE THE BEST by Lukas Moodyson. Interestingly enough I never myself saw it in the theater, but my netflix arrived yesterday and I will be watching it tonight! Stay tuned. 🙂
Yes, five-star rating system. *** is usually movies I don’t like, but have some very good elements in them (in Whiplash’s case…acting).
I have not seen We Are The Best either Sam. Will check it out.
Can’t speak for either of you, but based on how I know you two I am assuming 4 to 4.5 stars for the both of you. It’s that infectious and authentic a piece on the joy of being young and finding rebellious music for the first time (as you begin to understand the world at large and you place in it). Given that it is done with such a deft, subtle hand, you’ll be wishing that American films were made like this… then, to put the cherry on top, Maurizio will find the music (grrrl punk) to be of his liking (however joyously amateur it is depicted in the film).
Can you tell I’m a fan?! (plus, I love the Swedish hesher group, hit me at 14 a little close to home lol)
It’s streaming on Netflix, so I will watch it before this week ends.
I did see it last night and was hugely impressed. Just irresistible in every sense!!
Maurizio, thanks again for a thorough and insightful report. Needless to say we are on completely different pages with WHIPLASH, which has amazing style, rhythm and visceral power, not to mention superlative performances. The issues you have are fair enough to point out when you are not a fan and want to point up some perceived holes, but I was far too busy having fun with the film I really care or notice. Fabulous in every sense, but I respect your (and Jamie’s) positions. I agree that PANIC is overrated, though I do like Z quite a bit, and was never a big fan of SERPICO. I am in full agreement with you on the superb documentary THE OVERNIGHTERS, and like you was not at all expecting that twist. I have not seen THE LIBERATOR and deliberately steered clear of THE BETTER ANGELS at a time when the prestige releases were breaking. True what you say about the beard being sported by Joey pants! Have a great holiday week my friend!!
Love that photo with Joey Pantoliano, Sam!
Thanks so much Frank. Lucille reminds me that my eyes were closed aagin. Ugh.
Sam – When I see weather forecasts for your neck of the woods, I simply cringe.
Like you, I had no idea — none whatsoever — that Jewish people were outcast from Spain in 1492 after being rooted there for a thousand years. That’s definitely my learning for the day!
The word picture you painted of PICTURES OF THE OLD WORLD has made it a must-see for me. “Powerful, wrenching, and unforgettable” are film ingredients I can’t pass up. Top it off with “meditative and suffused with the zest of life,” and I’m on it!
Have a great week!
Aye Laurie, this past year was just nightmarish, and it has come as no surprise to many that Winter is not going down without a fight! Just unbelievable. There were a number of facts showcased in the remarkable multi-part THE STORY OF THE JEWS that I thought were learning experiences. And yes there is no doubt you’ll be ravished by PICTURES OF THE OLD WORLD for a plethora of reasons. I wish you and Len both a fabulous holiday week. Thank you my friend.
Hello Sam and everyone!
It seems that you had a great time this week with your cultural outings, and I hope they get better and better as the year progresses!
On my end, I just attended some films from a female-centric film festival, and had a fun time in a workshop working with people, here’s what I saw last week:
– Cinderella (2015, Kenneth Branagh) ***1/2 In a way this is maybe the most beautifully art directed and made-up film of 2015, and I don’t think it will be easy to surpass the beauty of the costumes and art direction, that in a precious way fill the screen. And the movie does well in terms of following the pattern of the original fairy tale, but at the same time, it doesn’t bring any innovation or anything that could be remotely called interesting in terms of how this story could be told. The movie moves quickly from point A to B to C in terms of the clichés of the story itself, and at both times we are relieved that it doesn’t take too many liberties that would bring this film to its doom, but at the same time there’s not much else to see here except for an exceptionally well made movie, like a crafty work that fits well in your mind and then you forget that you’re even wearing it.
– Clouds of Sils Maria (2014, Olivier Assayas) **** I decided to make something interesting with the amount of films that I see this week in this festival, in which I partake in due to being selected to participate in a workshop. I said, when this movie started, isn’t the Bechdel test something important for this kind of films above any other? But, instead of saying, hey, let’s give this movie a pass or not, let’s actually see how many scenes of a movie directed by or, supposedly about, women actually follow the premise. So, my review will consist of just the number of scenes that actually follow the Bechdel rules that I decided to apply:
– The scene at least has two women that have been named beforehand, and no men take part in their conversation in any way.
– They must both talk and about something else that is not a man.
So, that means that if a movie has a scene where two women talk about something that is not a man, but the character hasn’t been named YET, it doesn’t count. Same goes that if in the middle of a scene with two women, a man suddenly barges in and asks for something, it instantly destroys the scene.
Number of Scenes that pass the Bechdel test: Thirteen
· Most of these in the second “part” of the film, when the figure of a director and an actor disappear and it’s mostly just Binoche and Stewart.
· Great cinematography.
· And thus ends this little experiment, didn’t watch as many films as planned because life happens, but it was fun to count.
– Coyote (2010, Joel Potrykus) ***1/2 It is still mostly about a guy alone doing stuff that have no interest to the viewer, but its at its most compelling and film-like at those particular instances. Wonderfully shot, still lacks something to make it major. Something that Buzzard also manages to avoid, but comes close.
– Exists (2014, Eduardo Sanchez) *** I will write a short review in spanish for the blog I work for, but in the meantime a couple of notes:
· Where is the guy who made Blair Witch?
· There’s one thing that I don’t like about found footage films, and that’s when people are compelled to keep having a camera in their hands, specially when it’s a bulky one and they can’t help anyone because their hands are full. That’s stupid.
· This sasquatch is actually pretty cool.
– Frozen Fever (2015, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee) *** I hope this is my last approach to this universe.
– People’s Park (2012, Libbie Dina Coh, J.P. Sniadecki) ***1/2 Inspiring to see such a simple movie attract so many good things towards it. Maybe the most honest of the films from this group of splendid people at Harvard, but at the same time it’s also the emptier, and such a wondrous thing that the film that has the most amount of people in any film is also the one that feels emptier. Maybe it was the lack of subtitles that made anything that the characters say have no sense and no importance, so I felt like I was traveling through a ghost park, where this apparitions tried to bring attention to themselves (or not) through various movements, waves, looks and dances, and it felt so… inhumane.
– Respire (2014, Melanie Laurent) **** Number of Scenes that pass the Bechdel test: Thirteen
· Most of these scenes are in the second half of the movie, as the first hour or so has only 2 and they are about tampons and makeup. It’s still, to me, a pretty low number, for a movie that is directed by a woman and about a young girl.
– La tercera orilla (2014, Celina Murga) ***1/2 This movie does NOT pass the Bechdel test
– Tram (2012, Michaela Pavlátová) ***1/2 Objectified pleasure on the other end.
That’s all, have a great week Sam!
. And the movie does well in terms of following the pattern of the original fairy tale, but at the same time, it doesn’t bring any innovation or anything that could be remotely called interesting in terms of how this story could be told. The movie moves quickly from point A to B to C in terms of the clichés of the story itself, and at both times we are relieved that it doesn’t take too many liberties that would bring this film to its doom, but at the same time there’s not much else to see here except for an exceptionally well made movie, like a crafty work that fits well in your mind and then you forget that you’re even wearing it.
I love this framing Jaimie! You really hit the nail on the head here in every sense, good, bad or indifferent. And I must appreciated your scene-specific sizing up all the other films, none of which I have yet seen. I am a big fan of Assayas, and have that film on my must-see list. Sounds like RESPIRE is the one to see especially of the lot. Yet another week you’ve maximized all the possibilities, and I salute you for that. Have a great holiday week, my friend!
My life is full of PT and Doctor’s appointments these days after my 4th fall in 2 years. I can not drive or do stairs at all YET and am making progress in sitting times and getting back to my routines. We have been thinking about selling our house, 3 stories , and being able to retire. Not finding any place to move which would meet out needs….I have been listening to books on tape so that I can rest my back and read.
I am liking being off the computer more, and I am having to call folks for a ride to PT with no driving and I am learning lots of new things about my friend’s lives and thinking these days. If I could get downstairs I could watch DVDs How wonderful for you to have a new TV for all your viewing pleasure.
I am with Laurie on your recommendations this week. Those sound wonderful to me also; I did already know about the Jewish migrations from all over Europe and the protection of the Jewish faith in Hungary. Interesting histories we people have – good to share stories
Have a great week and warmer days ahead.
Patricia, I am so sorry to hear this lamentable news. You have had an incredibly difficult time the last few years, and never seem to catch a break. The audio book option is certainly a good one for you, all things considered. As far as selling, as long as this is what you want to do, well then work to make sure it works out. Thanks for the kind words about the flat screen. Yes it is always a good idea to take a break from the PC, which is too often addictive. I have indeed noticed you’ll pulled back, and I say good for you. Happy to hear you appreciate the films I mentioned, especially PICTURES, which is enthralling. And I am also a history buff. Hope you feel much better this week my friend, and I wish you a great holiday week! 🙂
Sam,
Quick check-in as the week has been a quick one, as the girls finished up school and are on spring break now. Wishing you and all the others here at WiTD a fabulous Easter! I didn’t watch much this week, but did catch Knight Without Armor (Bulgarian film 1966) for the Childhood countdown. Spectacular film that surely deserves a spot on the list and it’s terrifically funny and charming. I have a few more to catch up on, namely Ponette and Celia, which are on my short list of things to see soon. I did see discussion of a War Polling, which I’m assuming would come sometime after the Childhood Polling? Or were you thinking of moving up the War countdown? Have a great weekend!
Aye Jon, the spring break is with us as of today. I’m assuming your girls have a half day for “Holy Thursday” and will be off session until the 13th. Hence I extend to you and your lovely family a wonderful holiday respite, and hope you get around to doing what you have planned. I also like KNIGHT WITHOUT ARMOUR, which Allan turned me on to years back, though my rating for it isn’t as high as it would be for you guys. I am 4 of 5 on it. CELIA is one its way to me on DVD, so we should be comparing notes soon. I respect PONETTE, but was never passionate on it.
As to your question, no the War Countdown has NOT been moved up. The childhood project is underway, and the war will come after that. Thanks as always my friend. Have a terrific week!
Sam, hoping this finds you and your family enjoying a wonderful Easter! I certainly enjoyed mine, the highlight being a brunch with 27! members of my wife’s family.
I was interested to read your thoughts on WOLF HALL, THE STORY OF THE JEWS and PICTURES OF THE OLD WORLD. All three I am hearing about for the first time but are now firmly going on my radar moving forward.
This week I was able to catch up with a couple of American indies – SHORT TERM 12 and MUSEUM HOURS. I was really happy to run them down as I had heard very positive things about both films and my time with them did not disappoint.
Thanks, Sam! To a great week ahead.
Jeffrey, we all did have a wonderful Easter, eating out at a quality buffet brunch restaurant with our cousins. I see you did the same!! Nice! But wow, 27 members there! That is fantastic! Yes, I did have very high regard for WOLF HALL, THE STORY OF THE JEWS and PICTURES OF THE OLD WORLD, and admit it was high time I get to them, though the latter documentary was just released on a Second Run region 2 DVD. I have not yet seen MUSEUM HOURS, but am a huge fan of SHORT TERM 12!!! Great to hear they both worked for you. Again I am deeply appreciative for your amazing support and friendship, and salute you! Have a great week!