In Closing ...
Well, I was really worried that Jo was going to completely rip apart 'Apocalypto' - which, in all fairness - he could have. (I think Elisabeth would have agreed with him if he did also)
It really did have its flaws - hence the lack of nominations it had in the Oscars 2007.
Oh! And the 10 minute penis joke. brilliant flawless - right up there with the nakedness of Borat and the fatman ... interesting that the, what, 10 minute (possibly longer) naked fight didn't have you complaining ... does Jo like white Fat Men fighting naked but does not condone any other ethnic cultures crude sense of humour?
I detect racism in Jo's tone.
Oscars 2007
Now, I do have my views on who I think the winners should/shouldn't be but I will have to watch some of the films before hand - namely, 'Babel', 'Notes on a Scandal' and 'Little Miss Sunshine'. Now, 'The Queen' I do want to see, but I doubt I will be able to watch it before the Oscars. A real shame considering the critical acclaim it has recieved.
There is a downloadable 'Oscar Nominees' sheet on the Oscars website and I think I will print it off to see what I will have to watch to get a clear indication on this years nominees. Currently, I have only seen 'the Departed' from the Best Picture nominees and - from all the nominations available - I have only seen the following films:
The Departed
United 93
Notes on a Scandal
Borat
(thats how far I get with the main awards - now we're into Special FX ... its appalling)
Pirates of the Carribbean: Dead Mans Chest
The Prestige
Apocalypto
Binta and the Great idea (Not really, that one was a joke ... I love the title though)
They were all pretty good films - in all fairness, they should be to get nominations.
If anybody reading this who is on Facebook, find the group 'FFF Sweepstake Oscars 2007' - a brilliant production company and annual event the world should take part in.
Bobby
I am in quite the predicament over this film because I really want to see it but because of Oscar Buzz and the lack of this film appearing in the nominations it has put me off. I have rented 'Kinsey' at the moment and, it seems that nobody has heard of it now - which doesn't say much about the credability of the film.
Rocky Balboa
I wanted to rewatch the Rocky films before watching Balboa and I didn't buy the boxset because, if 'Balboa' is the last in the legacy then I will purchse the beast boxset when it arrives and watch the whole thing over a month.
I was pretty sure that 'Balboa' simply introduced his son - to effectively continue the franchise. I am told this is completely incorrect! How mad is that? They should of at least hinted on his son! No doubt, Rocky VII will be the rise of his son... whon knows.
Empire
My god, I hate that magazine .... "Tarantino! Star Wars! Lord of the Rings! Blockbuster Spielberg-involved film! Top 2000 bad scenes in forgotten movies!" ... so lame.
Nevertheless, with that rant out of the way, I am intrieuged by this 'Divisive Movies' thing - but it merely reiterates the fact that the films are on this knife-edge.
As if Empire readers will truly appreciate Romance films? THE TARGET AUDIENCE IS MASCULINE - as stated by the above movies: violent and ... geeky.
Titanic - Romance/Disaster (apparently)
Moulin Rouge - Romance/Musical
Four Weddings and a Funeral - ROMANCE
I can imagine the apparently 'divisive' films will probably be 'films-that-the-narrow-minded-target-audience-don't-like'.... which is anything pre-1977 and doesn't include the word 'fuck'.
Showing posts with label Apocalypto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Apocalypto. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Smokin' Aces and Jo ... again
Smokin' Aces
It's really good and I'll write more about it when I get the chance.
Jo Again
Interestingly enough, Jo had a fair-enough comment in response to my Open Letter. Problem is, he followed it up with another comment and this is in response to that ...
First off, I shall quote Jo;
"I went on IMDB to check where else my dislike for Gibson comes from. I have seen six of his movies and not a single one of them contains a performance that I feel justifies his reputation. And the seventh is Passion."
Right, I also went on IMDB and had a gander because I was sure that Gibson hasn't directed that many films - let alone seven. Turns out he has only directed five projects:
1) The Man without a Face
2) Braveheart
3) The Passion of the Christ
4) Three episodes of 'Complete Savages'
5) Apocalypto
I think I did watch 'The Man without a Face' but I cannot remember much from it so I shall say nothing. 'Braveheart' and 'Passion' I own and have watched a few times - and think they are worthy of reputation. 'Apocalypto' I have recently watched. Funnily enough I did not get the chance to watch any episodes - let alone Gibsons - of 'Complete Savages'.
I have a funny feeling that the 'Gibson' films you have watched are only the ones he has acted in (and 'Passion' being the 'seventh' film of his you watched - Gibson didn't act in that so ... ). Mel Gibsons reputation as an actor is not huge - he has never won an Oscar for acting roles - although he did earn two awards from the AFI (The Australian equivalent to the Oscars) for his acting roles in 'Tim' and 'Gallipolli'. He also earned critical praise when acting in 'Hamlet' in 1990 - but alas, no Bafta of Oscar. I have not seen 'Tim' or 'Gallipolli' so I would not know whether his acting was brilliant in them. Suffice to say, I make no judgement.
Personally, I think Mel Gibson is a high class DIRECTOR, for which this is reflected in Braveheart 'for which he won two Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director'. I thought 'Passion' was well directed and, considering the limited and bias source, it attempted to show the story as 'real' as possible - all whip lashings and thorny crowns included. Again, 'Apocalypto' is yet to earn awards, if it will earn any at all as it has some very strange plot points (As pointed out by Elisabeth, there is absolutely no need for the birth of child at the end. Very shit) and a wealth of inaccurate historic references. But visually and cinematically it is as epic and impressive as the deserts of 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Now, here comes the twisted knife Jo - You have only seen Passion. You may have seen 'The Man without a Face', but if it was as long ago as when I saw it, then I reckon it would be difficult to really form an informed judgement. And 'Complete Savages'? I doubt it.
For one, the whole "I have to confess that I have never been a fan of his work probably because I have seen very few of his films" - you have seen ONE film that was higly criticised across the board, a film that earned no nominations and had a bias box office opening. It might be better to say that you are not a fan of 'Passion' rather than grouping all his directed pieces into one box without viewing them.
You stated yourself that 'I did catch some of Braveheart the other day and it did look motivationally interesting' and this is the film that earned him his initial reputation - and it is that epic scale that he has become famous for directing.
I advise you to watch 'Braveheart' and 'Apocalypto' because they really are worth the watch at least, but the chance of you doubling back on yourself and stating 'Wow, Gibson is a great director' are slim to none because your (un)informed opinion on why you shouldn't/wouldn't watch 'Apocalypto' says alot about how you form a judgement before watching a film.
I reckon the latest edition of 'Heat' probably didn't give 'Apocalypto' the greatest of reviews though - although it may have stated that there are topless guys and girls running around throughout the film - woo hoo! Five Stars. As legitimate as 'Empire'. (Game, set, match)
It's really good and I'll write more about it when I get the chance.
Jo Again
Interestingly enough, Jo had a fair-enough comment in response to my Open Letter. Problem is, he followed it up with another comment and this is in response to that ...
First off, I shall quote Jo;
"I went on IMDB to check where else my dislike for Gibson comes from. I have seen six of his movies and not a single one of them contains a performance that I feel justifies his reputation. And the seventh is Passion."
Right, I also went on IMDB and had a gander because I was sure that Gibson hasn't directed that many films - let alone seven. Turns out he has only directed five projects:
1) The Man without a Face
2) Braveheart
3) The Passion of the Christ
4) Three episodes of 'Complete Savages'
5) Apocalypto
I think I did watch 'The Man without a Face' but I cannot remember much from it so I shall say nothing. 'Braveheart' and 'Passion' I own and have watched a few times - and think they are worthy of reputation. 'Apocalypto' I have recently watched. Funnily enough I did not get the chance to watch any episodes - let alone Gibsons - of 'Complete Savages'.
I have a funny feeling that the 'Gibson' films you have watched are only the ones he has acted in (and 'Passion' being the 'seventh' film of his you watched - Gibson didn't act in that so ... ). Mel Gibsons reputation as an actor is not huge - he has never won an Oscar for acting roles - although he did earn two awards from the AFI (The Australian equivalent to the Oscars) for his acting roles in 'Tim' and 'Gallipolli'. He also earned critical praise when acting in 'Hamlet' in 1990 - but alas, no Bafta of Oscar. I have not seen 'Tim' or 'Gallipolli' so I would not know whether his acting was brilliant in them. Suffice to say, I make no judgement.
Personally, I think Mel Gibson is a high class DIRECTOR, for which this is reflected in Braveheart 'for which he won two Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director'. I thought 'Passion' was well directed and, considering the limited and bias source, it attempted to show the story as 'real' as possible - all whip lashings and thorny crowns included. Again, 'Apocalypto' is yet to earn awards, if it will earn any at all as it has some very strange plot points (As pointed out by Elisabeth, there is absolutely no need for the birth of child at the end. Very shit) and a wealth of inaccurate historic references. But visually and cinematically it is as epic and impressive as the deserts of 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
Now, here comes the twisted knife Jo - You have only seen Passion. You may have seen 'The Man without a Face', but if it was as long ago as when I saw it, then I reckon it would be difficult to really form an informed judgement. And 'Complete Savages'? I doubt it.
For one, the whole "I have to confess that I have never been a fan of his work probably because I have seen very few of his films" - you have seen ONE film that was higly criticised across the board, a film that earned no nominations and had a bias box office opening. It might be better to say that you are not a fan of 'Passion' rather than grouping all his directed pieces into one box without viewing them.
You stated yourself that 'I did catch some of Braveheart the other day and it did look motivationally interesting' and this is the film that earned him his initial reputation - and it is that epic scale that he has become famous for directing.
I advise you to watch 'Braveheart' and 'Apocalypto' because they really are worth the watch at least, but the chance of you doubling back on yourself and stating 'Wow, Gibson is a great director' are slim to none because your (un)informed opinion on why you shouldn't/wouldn't watch 'Apocalypto' says alot about how you form a judgement before watching a film.
I reckon the latest edition of 'Heat' probably didn't give 'Apocalypto' the greatest of reviews though - although it may have stated that there are topless guys and girls running around throughout the film - woo hoo! Five Stars. As legitimate as 'Empire'. (Game, set, match)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
An Open Letter to Jo
Dear Jo
I knew this shit would resurface. First off, I am not a Mel Gibson freak although I was baptized Roman Catholic I have alot of differences with the religion itself also. But, this is an open letter to you Jo about your battering and problems with Gibbers. I think his films are of a high class and he deserved an Oscar for 'Braveheart' - although I personally think that both follow-up films from Braveheart were alot better. I stated that "because of Gibson's anti-semetic views - if indeed they are true?" may deter you from watching the film. I specifically used the word 'view' because it is something that he has strongly denied - and so may - or may no be - true.
Mel Gibson did confess he made Anti-Semetic comments and apologised for those comments because he does not agree with the comments, and his apology was accepted by the Jewish Community. The Rehab he had to attend was because of his drink problems - not because of his Anti-Semetic statements. If you were brought up by a fucked up Father like his - with all the books his Father has written he knows a fair bit of Jew-bashing info - you may state some drunken crap when blasted out of your skull.
Although, on his fathers views, Mel Gibson states that his father views do not amount to Holocaust Denial. Hutton Gibson, according to Wikipedia states "He questions aspects of the Jewish Holocaust, especially the commonly accepted statistic that between five million to seven million Jews were killed, arguing that it would have been impossible for the Nazis to have disposed of so many bodies. He further claims that most of the Holocaust was "fiction," that the thousands of Jews who disappeared from Poland during World War II "got up and left", and that census statistics prove there were more Jews in Europe after World War II than before (a claim that is disputed by historians)."
Personally, I think Hutton Gibson is a loon because he also believes "the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were not carried out by Islamist terrorists aboard the planes, but rather by an unknown party using a "remote control,"." and, furthermore, that "every Pope elected since Pope John XXIII have been illegitimate anti-popes".
Its funny, because Hutton thinks that Jews want to take over the world and have a 'one world religion', which is really, I imagine, what most people - including Traditionalist Catholics such as Hutton - with a conservative, religious stand think.
In conclusion, I think Mel Gibson has had a fucked-up family background and with his Christian belief that stresses "Honour thy Father and Mother", Gibson has a tough cross to bear. This difficult strain to his life will, inevitably, affect his attitude when drunk and his reputation in due course but it is important to remain neutral and respect his films for what they are - and not use money-spinning material on his Father and his personal honest mistakes to be a part of the artistic judgement.
I personally wanted to find out what the big deal was and what specifically was the problems and I think this sums up a fair bit.
From, Simon
I knew this shit would resurface. First off, I am not a Mel Gibson freak although I was baptized Roman Catholic I have alot of differences with the religion itself also. But, this is an open letter to you Jo about your battering and problems with Gibbers. I think his films are of a high class and he deserved an Oscar for 'Braveheart' - although I personally think that both follow-up films from Braveheart were alot better. I stated that "because of Gibson's anti-semetic views - if indeed they are true?" may deter you from watching the film. I specifically used the word 'view' because it is something that he has strongly denied - and so may - or may no be - true.
Mel Gibson did confess he made Anti-Semetic comments and apologised for those comments because he does not agree with the comments, and his apology was accepted by the Jewish Community. The Rehab he had to attend was because of his drink problems - not because of his Anti-Semetic statements. If you were brought up by a fucked up Father like his - with all the books his Father has written he knows a fair bit of Jew-bashing info - you may state some drunken crap when blasted out of your skull.
Although, on his fathers views, Mel Gibson states that his father views do not amount to Holocaust Denial. Hutton Gibson, according to Wikipedia states "He questions aspects of the Jewish Holocaust, especially the commonly accepted statistic that between five million to seven million Jews were killed, arguing that it would have been impossible for the Nazis to have disposed of so many bodies. He further claims that most of the Holocaust was "fiction," that the thousands of Jews who disappeared from Poland during World War II "got up and left", and that census statistics prove there were more Jews in Europe after World War II than before (a claim that is disputed by historians)."
Personally, I think Hutton Gibson is a loon because he also believes "the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were not carried out by Islamist terrorists aboard the planes, but rather by an unknown party using a "remote control,"." and, furthermore, that "every Pope elected since Pope John XXIII have been illegitimate anti-popes".
Its funny, because Hutton thinks that Jews want to take over the world and have a 'one world religion', which is really, I imagine, what most people - including Traditionalist Catholics such as Hutton - with a conservative, religious stand think.
In conclusion, I think Mel Gibson has had a fucked-up family background and with his Christian belief that stresses "Honour thy Father and Mother", Gibson has a tough cross to bear. This difficult strain to his life will, inevitably, affect his attitude when drunk and his reputation in due course but it is important to remain neutral and respect his films for what they are - and not use money-spinning material on his Father and his personal honest mistakes to be a part of the artistic judgement.
I personally wanted to find out what the big deal was and what specifically was the problems and I think this sums up a fair bit.
From, Simon
New Year and New Plans ...
Okay, first off the recent news:
Apocalypto
I watched Apocalypto at the cinema and I really liked it - the obvious comparison with the pride and possible slow-destruction that we may be inflicting on our own society is an interesting idea. visually it is amazing, although I am told they do take liberties with various types of art that are separated by hundreds of years shown in the same place. I think it has to be seen as a 'inspired by true events' type of story to set up an allegory on our own civilisation. I won't go into too much depth though because I can imagine people not watching it because of Gibson's anti-semetic views - if indeed they are true? or the extreme-graphical violence depicted. If you're brave, I think as long as you can sit through the destruction of the little village in the first 20 minutes, you should be okay for the rest of the film. Although I think I am going to change my MSN name to Jaguar Paw - Rudy Youngbloods performance is brilliant!
Rear Window
I had never seen this film and only watched it recently through my 'rental' list. What a great film!! James Stewart is so cocky and Grace Kelly is, indeed, quite beautiful. I think I am going to go through a Hitchcock period - maybe get Vertigo, North by Northwest ... etc etc next. Peter Bogdonavich explained on the documentary his style and technique and how he uses it throughout his own career.
U2
Okay, I do-o-o-o go on a fair bit about U2, but I have been reading the 'U2 by U2' book and I am in awe. Bono explains how alot of people want to take away your dreams when they have given up on theirs. I think that is true - as I head towards my own dream - I can only really agree if I reach it. Larry Mullen Jnr explains how he had the 'Jnr' part added to his name because when they released 'Boy' (The first U2 album) the tax forms were coming through to his house and his Dad would have to explain to the tax office how it wasn't HIS tax, but his Sons. Adam Clayton is a bad ass - he was told it wasn't worth him sticking school out because he was obviously going to fail. He used to set up a coffee canister in his lessons. Edge, on the other hand, nearly left the band - with Bono -after releasing 'Boy' because crazy Christians who Bono, Larry and Edge were praying with were telling them that being in a rock-band and being a christian is not really possible. Crazy fucking Christians may be the worst group of people in the world - they could easily have deprived the world from the best rock band ever. Madness.
Secondly, go to the U2 website and check out both videos to 'Window in the skies' - someone has mixed footage from loads of great musicians - Kurt Cobain, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, etc - to make it look like 6they are singing the song - which i great in itself. The second video just has a really cool 'slide-player' showing loads of pictures from the ol' days when U2 were starting out.
The Future
So, yeah, Pete and Rebeccas wedding coming up, putting together some short-films hopefully, learn Italian, go T-total for a few months and get a job teaching in London. Thats the future. If anyone can help me out with these goals, throw me a 'line'.
It'd be nice to write a script and rewatch Rocky I to V, finish reading John Dickie's 'Cosa Nostra' book and Julian Spaldings 'The Art of Seeing/The Wonder of Art'.
Apocalypto
I watched Apocalypto at the cinema and I really liked it - the obvious comparison with the pride and possible slow-destruction that we may be inflicting on our own society is an interesting idea. visually it is amazing, although I am told they do take liberties with various types of art that are separated by hundreds of years shown in the same place. I think it has to be seen as a 'inspired by true events' type of story to set up an allegory on our own civilisation. I won't go into too much depth though because I can imagine people not watching it because of Gibson's anti-semetic views - if indeed they are true? or the extreme-graphical violence depicted. If you're brave, I think as long as you can sit through the destruction of the little village in the first 20 minutes, you should be okay for the rest of the film. Although I think I am going to change my MSN name to Jaguar Paw - Rudy Youngbloods performance is brilliant!
Rear Window
I had never seen this film and only watched it recently through my 'rental' list. What a great film!! James Stewart is so cocky and Grace Kelly is, indeed, quite beautiful. I think I am going to go through a Hitchcock period - maybe get Vertigo, North by Northwest ... etc etc next. Peter Bogdonavich explained on the documentary his style and technique and how he uses it throughout his own career.
U2
Okay, I do-o-o-o go on a fair bit about U2, but I have been reading the 'U2 by U2' book and I am in awe. Bono explains how alot of people want to take away your dreams when they have given up on theirs. I think that is true - as I head towards my own dream - I can only really agree if I reach it. Larry Mullen Jnr explains how he had the 'Jnr' part added to his name because when they released 'Boy' (The first U2 album) the tax forms were coming through to his house and his Dad would have to explain to the tax office how it wasn't HIS tax, but his Sons. Adam Clayton is a bad ass - he was told it wasn't worth him sticking school out because he was obviously going to fail. He used to set up a coffee canister in his lessons. Edge, on the other hand, nearly left the band - with Bono -after releasing 'Boy' because crazy Christians who Bono, Larry and Edge were praying with were telling them that being in a rock-band and being a christian is not really possible. Crazy fucking Christians may be the worst group of people in the world - they could easily have deprived the world from the best rock band ever. Madness.
Secondly, go to the U2 website and check out both videos to 'Window in the skies' - someone has mixed footage from loads of great musicians - Kurt Cobain, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, etc - to make it look like 6they are singing the song - which i great in itself. The second video just has a really cool 'slide-player' showing loads of pictures from the ol' days when U2 were starting out.
The Future
So, yeah, Pete and Rebeccas wedding coming up, putting together some short-films hopefully, learn Italian, go T-total for a few months and get a job teaching in London. Thats the future. If anyone can help me out with these goals, throw me a 'line'.
It'd be nice to write a script and rewatch Rocky I to V, finish reading John Dickie's 'Cosa Nostra' book and Julian Spaldings 'The Art of Seeing/The Wonder of Art'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)