Celluloid #33

In Theatres

Donkey Punch (2008) Blackburn - What can I say? It's February and the movie choices in the theater are growing slim, and John and I wanted to watch a trashy film. This one qualifies, but the actual "donkey punch" itself happens pretty early in the movie followed by gory scenes of Boy vs. Girl violence. I thought it was hilarious that out of the 15 or so people in the theater, with the exception of me, John, and two other dudes, everyone in the audience was a middle-aged male sitting by themselves (I was the only girl at all)...I think they may have expected a different kind of movie. I wouldn't necessarily recommend that anyone seek this film out, but if you enjoy Japanese-style gore thrillers (all though this film is British) this one is not without merits...it's pretty-looking and has a decent soundtrack. 3.5/5

In Home

the Burmese Harp (1956) Ichikawa - A Japanese troop is stationed in Burma near the end of WW2. They are aware that Japan has been heavily bombed and seem a little relieved when they are ordered to surrender. Another troop, also stationed in Burma, refuses to throw up the white flag, so a soldier from the original unit is sent to convince them to stop as they are more valuable to rebuild their country alive than to pointlessly continue fighting. That soldier becomes a monk and decides to wander Burma, burying the dead. A really beautiful film that is obviously anti-war without being preachy, instead proclaiming that as humans "our work is to ease suffering in the world." 4.5/5

Casablanca (1943) Curtiz - So I finally got around to seeing this classic...it's romantic, but not in a way that makes me groan or want to puke. During WW2, many Europeans made their way to Morocco to obtain exit visas to escape to America. Bogart plays "Rick", an American that owns a bar when the love of his life reemerges with her husband who are one of those who need visas. 4/5

Dazed and Confused (1993) Linklater - It's the last day of school in 1976. There's some hazing of incoming freshmen, but also the befriending of them. It's a small town, so there's plenty of driving around, drinking, smoking weed, and rock music. Pretty silly, but an interesting look at a day of rituals and transformations. Also, because it's a Linklater film we get the requisite characters with "deep" monologues or dialectical conversations. 3.5/5

Match Point (2006) Allen - A former tennis pro of a poor Irish background, finds himself among the upper classes of London. He marries the daughter of a wealthy businessman, but secretly has a passionate affair with her brother's fiance. She becomes pregnant and wants him to leave his wife. Chris feels trapped and has to juggle a variety of lies. A Hitchcock-style thriller where you can't help but root for people to do bad things. 4/5

WALL-E (2008) Stanton - In the near future, Earth will be full of garbage to the point that humans will abandon the planet to live in a spaceship. WALL-E is a little robot whose job it is to compact and stack blocks of trash. Eve is another robot sent from the humans to detect the presence of organic life. WALL-E falls in love with Eve and returns with her to the ship. A cute selfless love story and apt environmental tale for the youngsters. 4/5

Celluloid #32

In Theatres

Revanche (2008) Spielmann - A few weeks ago, John and I went to see this movie as a part of the Berlin and Beyond Film Festival that was screening at the Castro Theatre. This played on "Austrian night" and also happens to now be in the running for Best Foreign Film in the Academy Awards. Anyway, this is undoubtedly an Austrian film in its style, themes, intensity, and always counted on disturbing factor. A man and his girlfriend decide to rob a bank and flee to the countryside, but the getaway is botched and the girl is shot by a cop. The man stays at his grandfather's farm where he plots his revenge on the cop. The story could have easily become very absurd and even soap opera-like, but instead remains memorable and well-done. I am curious to check out Spielmann's filmography. 4.5/5

Wendy and Lucy (2008) Reichardt - I haven't seen Into the Wild but this film is lazily labelled as the feminine version. A young woman is on her way to Alaska with only her backpack, her dog, and her car. Unfortunately, when she reaches Oregon, everything that could go wrong pretty much does. A minimal plot, but rather an interesting representation of a lot of young women...strong, independent, yet vulnerable. I also enjoyed recognizing the setting of Lombard, Columbia, and Highway 30 in far north Portland. 4/5

In Home

Beckett on Film (2003) various - Four discs of filmic representations of 19 of Beckett's plays. A different director and set of actors tackles each one. Unfortunately, I tried on multiple occasions to get through these, but so many are shot really stagnant, boring, and flat that they served as a reliable sedative...and I can often sit through some really slow stuff. 2.5/5

Dreamgirls (2006) Condon - Oh man. So, I am in the middle of a ten day fast/cleanse right now...the same one that Beyonce went on to prepare for her role in this movie. John and I figured that we should probably just stay at home this past weekend to conserve energy and distract ourselves from our hunger so we picked up a bunch of movies. The library had slim pickings, and this film did seem apt given our state, even though I pretty much can't stand musicals as a genre. Anyway, it's a musical fictional retelling of the story of Diana Ross ("Deena" played by Beyonce) and the Supremes (or "the Dreams"). It's really polished, some of the songs are pretty bad, and it goes without saying...pretty cheesy, however, I didn't hate it (but maybe that's just the hunger hallucinations speaking) 2.5/5

Even Dwarves Started Small (1971) Herzog - Easily the strangest Herzog film I have seen to date (and that's saying a lot), but also a prime example of Herzog's quote of a need for "adequate images." Very little discernable plot --an entire cast of little people, some of which seem to be staging revolt against some sort of mental institution by laughing and throwing things. Basically, bizarre scene after bizarre scene, including a processional subtituting a monkey for Jesus and an amazing ghostriding sequence. 4/5

Fishing With John (1992) Lurie - Not a film, but released with Criterion, John Lurie parodies cable access fishing shows. For each show he takes a special guest with him to a different location to fish. The cast of characters includes: Jim Jarmusch, Tom Waits, Matt Dillon, Willem Dafoe, and Dennis Hopper. Waits, Dafoe, and Hopper provide the most interesting conversations and Tom Waits even puts a fish in his pants! 4/5

Thank You For Smoking (2006) Reitman - A lobbyist for the tobacco company has to juggle the role of his job, the attacks from an anti-smoking senator, and the relationship with his son. Morality, talk of freedom, and satire abound. Reitman employs that style where there is a lot of narration and freeze frames, and I found the film overall likable, but tiring after some time. 3/5

Year of the Dog (2006) White - A lonely woman's dog dies from accidental poisoning which jumpstarts her downward spiral. Her love life is hopeless, she becomes a vegan, gets really obsessed with PETA, and finally becomes really crazy. This movie flails quite a bit and for a while seems like a film where the community or support network is going to pull together to help an individual out, but then takes a weird turn somewhere. Her actions wouldn't seem out of place for an early twenty-something, but for a character her age she'd have to be incredibly selfish and naive. Sure to be quite forgettable. 3/5

....Obama!

Since I only watched approximately two films this past week (blamed in part on binge-watching of "Twin Peaks" and attempting to be social) I'll just postpone my summary/reviews until next week.

Also, I had a great time watching Obama's inauguration with my students today amidst cheers and chants of "Obama Baby!" ...Yay! New President!

Celluloid #31

In Theatres

The Wrestler (2008) Aronofsky - While we get a glimpse into the world of professional wrestling, primarily this is a story about a has-been. Randy "The Ram" is a lonely loser who isn't cut out for anything besides wrestling. Unfortunately, that leads to the destruction of everything else in his life...his body, his relationships, etc. Mickey Rourke does put in an amazing performance and I like how there isn't a big plot line and I like the ending. My only qualm, and I know it shouldn't be a big deal, but it really bothers me, is how Aronofsky doesn't trust his audience to make the "Christ-figure" connection. I mean, it's a film about a dude with long hair who goes through a bunch of shit...I think anyone could figure it out without Marisa Tomei's little speech about the "Passion of the Christ." 4.5/5

In Home

Cautiva (2005) Biraben - A young girl turns 15 and shortly after finds out that her parents aren't really her parents. In the middle of adolescence, her entire identity is called into question. Her biological parents were "disappeared" by the Argentinian government when her mother was pregnant. She is court-ordered by a judge to live with her biological grandmother and begins to conduct her own investigation into what happened to her parents. Shot in a realism style and comprises an impressive debut film. 4/5

Rivers and Tides (2003) Riedelsheimer - This is a documentary about Andy Goldsworthy and his artwork. Goldsworthy is known for ephemeral sculptures made of ice, driftwood, petals, etc. but also pieces like the lightning rods in the Southwest and in this film his work with stone walls. I personally like Goldsworthy's work and he seems like a nice guy, but things get pretty New-Agey at times. 3.5/5

When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (1960) Naruse - A woman works in a geisha bar and wants to open her own establishment. Her independence is looked down upon by her family and several men who all encourage her to remarry. She becomes hesitant to follow through when she sees the hardships facing another woman bar owner and she receives several marriage proposals. It's a pretty film, but nothing fantastic and fairly old-fashioned (not that it should be held against it..) 3.5/5

Celluloid #30

In Home

Blind Chance (1987) Kieslowski - Like a Polish Sliding Doors where we see three vastly different outcomes of a man's life, depending on whether or not he catches the train. Interestingly enough, not one happy ending. Initially banned in Poland. 4/5

the Cincinnati Kid (1965) Jewison -Very much like The Hustler, but substitute poker for billiards and Steve McQueen for Paul Newman. Steve McQueen is pretty cool, as usual, and has two ladies pining after him, but overall a straightforward film. 3.5/5

the Fall (2006) Singh - This is a colorful and imaginative film about a paralyzed man and a young girl in a hospital in the 1920s. The man is suicidal and tells the girl a story in order to manipulate her into getting him morphine. The story is enjoyably melodramatic and has an interesting take on the nature of storytelling. 4/5

Gone Baby Gone (2007) Affleck - A young girl has been kidnapped in Boston and Casey Affleck and his girlfriend have been hired as private detectives to help find her. A much better film than I expected as Ben Affleck isn't too shabby as a director, all though the middle third is a little floppy. A few twists and much in the way of moral conflicts keep things interesting. I appreciate that plenty of realistic-looking people appear on screen. Amy Ryan and Casey Affleck both put in great performances, to the point that Affleck's appearance in this film coupled with his role in the Assassination of Jesse James makes me eagerly anticipate his next project. 3.5/5

the Passenger (1975) Antonioni - A man decides to switch identities with a deceased acquaintance. His own life was dull and not worth living, but the man whose identity he has taken was an illegal arms dealer. Obligatory love story included, all though I still have no idea why the woman wants anything to do with the protagonist. 4/5

Pitfall (1962) Teshigahara - A man gets stabbed to death and as a ghost tries to figure out why. Meanwhile, a woman who witnessed his murder is paid off to say that a miner committed the crime, however, she too finds herself as a ghost before too long. Great discordant music and incredibly beautiful. While I did not enjoy this film as much as Woman in the Dunes or Face of Another, Teshigahara has completely solidified his place as one of my favorite directors. 4/5

the Prestige (2007) Nolan - This is a film about obsession and what a person will sacrifice in order to appease that obsession. Two magicians are connected in their love of magic and bonded by a tragic event which results in the two becoming each other's rivals. 4/5

Straw Dogs (1971) Peckinpah -Funnily enough, the first movie that I found myself comparing this to was Home Alone where someone has to defend their home by creatively violent means. However, this film isn't trying to be funny. Instead we get a giant test of manhood where a normally nerdy and even-tempered guy snaps. That's fine with me. What wasn't really fine was the incredibly chauvinistic angle the film takes---to the point where a rape occurs and is depicted in a way that the woman seems like she is enjoying it. 3/5

Wanda (1971) Loden - Considered one of the first independent films, Wanda features very little dialogue and essentially chronicles a woman so dissatisfied with life that she leaves her husband and kids and begins wandering around. She becomes involved in some criminal activities, but still manages to find controlling men who abuse her. 3.5/5

Wild at Heart (1990) Lynch - First of all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and it is one of my favorite David Lynch films now. A man with a mysterious past runs away with his lover whose mom has put a hit on him. Equal parts Elvis and metal. Crispin Glover yelling "I'm trying to make my lunch!" Allusions to the Wizard of Oz. Willem Defoe looking creepier than you could even imagine. Absurd, fun, and campy. 5/5

In News

Well, Happy New Year...unfortunately I haven't been paying much attention to the news during my vacation. Instead, here are some films that I am looking forward to seeing this year

*the Wrestler (opens this Friday in the East Bay) - I don't care if it is Oscar bait...

*Otto; or Up With Dead People (Jan. 16) - Germans, gay zombies, subtext

*Wendy and Lucy (Jan. 30) - Looked to me like Into the Wild with a girl, but made so many end of the year lists that my curiousity has been piqued

*Donkey Punch (Feb 5) - Trashy British thriller...I know John will come with me to this one!

*Gomorrah (Feb 13) - Once again, many of my favorite critics put it on their best of 2008 lists...an arty mobster film

*the Brothers Bloom (May 15) - new Rian Johnson film...this time a comedy

*Inglourious Basterds (Aug 21) - Tarantino. It is inevitable that I will go.

*Where the Wild Things Are (10/16) - Spike Jonze's take on a children's classic

*the Fantastic Mr Fox (11/6) - Wes Anderson adapts Roald Dahl..yes!

Celluloid #29

In Theatres

Rachel Getting Married (2008) Demme - Kym is allowed to leave rehab to attend her sister's wedding. The wedding itself is the most multicultural/postracial gathering you will probably ever see, and in a way rings false. Also, this film is trying so hard to be cool. The lead singer of TV on the Radio is the groom, and random musicians are around to play music all throughout the film. That being said, I actually did enjoy this film. I'm a sucker for family drama that rears its head at special occasions, and the two lead performances by both Anne Hathaway and Rosemarie DeWitt are quite good. There isn't a ton of plot, and many scenes are just drawn out observations of wedding activities...dancing, eating, awkward toasting, etc., but nonetheless pretty and was worth my $3. 4/5

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Boyle - A young man from the slums appears on the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" and is one question away from winning the maximum amount. There is controversy over whether he is cheating or not, and the film itself turns a bit gimmicky by showing scenes from his life to demonstrate how he happened to know the answers. Primarily this is a love story. A story about fate and people destined to be together. Not exactly my favorite type of story or portrayal of love, but since you are asked to suspend disbelief fairly early on, I just went with it. The ending gets really sappy, to almost vomit-inducing degree and is salvaged in my mind by the ironic-seeming dance number (I don't think I'm spoiling anything...) I think the praise for this film is a bit extreme, but a fun movie anyway. 3.5/5

Zabriskie Point (1970) Antonioni - Oh man. This out of print film from Antonioni was not very well received upon its release, and its easy to see why. For the most part, it feels like a generic throwaway film from the 1970s...essentially a road movie with bad dialogue. However, there are stand-alone scenes, often that have nothing to do with the plot that remind you that Antonioni is still at the helm. An old cowboy sitting alone at a bar. Sex scenes in the sand. Long takes of alien desert landscapes. Also, this ending is right near the top of this list for most satisfyingly bizarre endings (keeping company with Herzog's Stroszek) 3.5/5

In Home

Encounters at the End of the World (2007) Herzog - Herzog's Antarctica documentary about the scientists who live on that hostile continent. Of the one thousand inhabitants, most seem to come from the United States, and all seem a little off. Herzog is still obsessed with the terror inherent in nature, and still keeps his camera on interviewees for longer than one is comfortable with. It's nothing new in his repertoire. 4/5

4 Little Girls (1997) Lee - A Spike Lee documentary about the civil rights struggle in Birmingham during the early 1960s. The film centers around the events of the 16th Street Baptist Church and a bombing that resulted in the deaths of four girls. 4/5

In a Year with 13 Moons (1978) Fassbinder - A very personal film for Fassbinder about a man who undergoes a sex change to attract the attention of the man he loves. There are some terrifying scenes in a slaughterhouse, one involving auto-erotic asphyxiation, and plenty to emphasize a profound sense of loneliness. 3.5/5

2008 Highlights

Films Released this Year

A Christmas Tale (Desplechin)

Let the Right One In (Alfredson)

Man on Wire (Marsh)

Milk (Van Sant)

My Winnipeg (Maddin)

Synechdoche, New York (Kaufman)

Films New to Me This Year

After the Wedding (Bier/2007)

the Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Dominik/2007)

Devils on the Doorstep (Jiang/2002)

Double Life of Veronique (Kieslowski/1991)

the Face of Another (Teshigahara/1966)

La Strada (Fellini/1954)

Le Samourai (Melville/1967)

Mean Streets (Scorsese/1973)

Rififi (Dassin/1955)

Shadows (Cassavetes/1959)

the Silence (Bergman/1963)

Woman in the Dunes (Teshigahara/1964)

A Woman is a Woman (Godard/1961)

Art Garfunkel Memorial Reading List (July - December 2008)

With only about a week left in the year, it's time for another summary of the books I have completed in the last six months (which worked out nicely symmetrical: 35 books for each half-year)

1. the Quick and the Dead - Joy Williams (July 4)

2. the Collected Stories - Amy Hempel (July 6)

3. Labyrinths - Jorge Luis Borges (July 16)

4. Other People's Children - Lisa Delpit (July 15)

5. Midnight Movies - Jim Hoberman (July 18)

6. American Pastoral - Philip Roth (July 27)

7. the Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (July 24)

8. Snows of Kilimanjaro - Ernest Hemingway (July 28)

9. the Killer Inside Me - Jim Thompson (Aug 3)

10. the Talented Mr Ripley - Patricia Highsmith (Aug 11)

11. My Sister's Hand in Mine (Collected Works) - Jane Bowles (Aug 12)

12. Pick-Up - Charles Willeford (Aug 16)

13. Down There - David Goodis (Aug 24)

14. the Real Cool Killers - Chester Himes (Aug 27)

15. the Beautyful Ones are Not Yet Born - Ayi Kwei Armah (Aug 27)

16. Jakob von Gunten - Robert Walser (Sep 3)

17. Zazie in the Metro - Raymond Queneau (Sep 11)

18. Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin (Sep 17)

19. Hopscotch - Julio Cortazar (Sep 28)

20. the Widow - George Simenon (Sep 28)

21. In Youth is Pleasure - Denton Welch (Oct 5)

22. In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - Delmore Schwartz (Oct 7)

23. Wonderful Wonderful Times - Elfriede Jelinek (Oct 12)

24. Franny and Zooey - JD Salinger (Oct 19)

25. the Ruined Map - Kobo Abe (Oct 23)

26. Amok - Stefan Zweig (Oct 26)
27. Up Above the World - Paul Bowles (Oct 29)
28. Housekeeping - Marilynne Robinson (Nov 9)
29. Best African American Essays: 2009 (Nov 15)
30. Tidewater Tales - John Barth (Nov 19)
31. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters & Seymour: an Introduction - JD Salinger (Nov 28)
32. 2666 - Roberto Bolano (Dec 14)
33. Whatever It Takes - Paul Tough (Dec 14)
34. Nine Stories - JD Salinger (Dec 20)
35. the Glass Bees - Ernst Junger (pending)

Highlights for the year: Raise High the Roof Beam... (Salinger), If on a winter's night a traveler (Calvino), Snows in Kilimanjaro (Hemingway), Zazie in the Metro (Queneau), the Sheltering Sky(Bowles), the Killer Inside Me (Thompson)
Favorite Nonfiction: Against Interpretation - Susan Sontag; Women, Race, and Class - Angela Davis
Total Books read in 2008: 70; approx. 216,000 pages