xx_deleted_xx Reviews

Thomas est amoureux (2000)

Amazing viewing experience, a true original!

[4 March 2003]

***caution: may contains SPOILERS***

"Thomas in Love" is an obscure, offbeat, but truly amazing and original film. There's probably a few reasons why it's so obscure; it's from Belgium (which isn't really famous for its films), it was released by a tiny independent company in North America, and it was unfairly handed an NC-17 rating. The main character, Thomas, is an agoraphobe who hasn't left his house or had anyone inside of his house for 8 years. The film is all about his day-to-day interaction through his "visiophone", including mother/son interaction, dating clubs, insurance agents, psychologists, and even an online prostitute service and cybersex! First of all, the film is told entirely from the first person point of view. We never see the main character, Thomas, at all. We only hear his voice. Since Thomas is agoraphobic, this unique narrative really lets us become his character and feel his illness, and all of the isolation, loneliness and heartache he is going through. The idea that the film takes place entirely from images on Thomas' "visiophone" (basically a futuristic combination of a computer, telephone and webcam) may sound a bit boring to some.. but the director keeps things interesting by giving us tons of unique visuals, snarky dialogue and a number of unpredictably interesting situations for us to follow. One interesting touch in particular is the video feedback of the people that Thomas communicates with; the video quality of each person's visiophone basically indicates their financial status, which I thought was a nice touch. The film is very evenly paced; the director opts to keep things short and sweet rather than dragging things out and going for excess. This keeps the film engrossing and ensures that there will not be any boring moments. He leaves a lot of things (especially the ending) wide open for us to think about. This film serves as many things... it's about a mental illness, but it is also a piece of social commentary about how the internet can possibly change the way we communicate even further than it already has.... not to mention, the possibilitlies it has for reclusive people. In a way, too, it is also like a futuristic sci-fi movie. Is this what the future will be like, with visiophones and cybersex suits and online prostitutes? It's a very thought-provoking film, probably best seen with a group of people as it will make for great discussion afterwards. If you are tired of the typical mental illness films (ie - ones that are overly dramatic, sentimental, completely with a supposedly "award calibre" performance complete with weird facial movements and fluttering speech) then you should really give "Thomas in Love" a rental. Don't be misled by the NC-17 rating and the beginning of the film; this is not a pornographic cartoon, and the "Sextoon" thing is only a small part in the overall film. The ratings board should be slapped hard in the face for giving this film that rating; it is quite bad that this quite innocent film has a harsher rating than films like "8MM" and "Hannibal". But, considering that Americans are afraid of sex, it's not surprising. Anyway, if you're looking for a truly unique and original film-going experience, I would highly recommend this film to you. It is a beautiful film that deserves to become a cult favorite.

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever (2002)

Unbelievably dull, one of the worst films of 2002

[20 February 2003]

Oh my. Where do I start with this one. Let me just say, this is the film that turned me off from Hollywood action films for good. Swayed by the cool poster and sweet tv ads, I actually paid $10 to see this at the cinema. Boy, was I a fool. I was expecting to see a fun, enjoyable action flick, but that isn't what I got. This excuse for an action film has to be the most boring and dull excuses for a movie I've ever seen. Don't listen to those who tell you it's a fun, mindless action film... it's not. Sure, there are lots of explosions, guns, martial arts and what not... but it has nothing to back it up. The script is flat, the actors are terrible and the story is full of plotholes. Sure, Lucy Liu beats up a lot of people... but her character is so boring and emotionless that she doesn't come off as cool as she should have. I mean, she barely says a word throughout the whole movie. Yes, lines DO matter in an action film. It all plays out like a video game... and I can see why; it was intended to be one. They should'nt have made a movie out of it though. Avoid this one at all costs, unless you're too easily pleased.

The Rules of Attraction (2002)

Marvelous, misunderstood, under-rated.

[20 February 2003]

*caution: may contain spoilers*

The Rules of Attraction was one of my top 10 favorite films this year, yet it was overlooked during its theatre run and trashed by most critics and fans. I think alot of people just didn't get it. They were too put off by the subject matter. The mundane attitude about sex was enough for the MPAA to initally brand this with their NC-17 rating. Unfortunately, they didn't realize that people like the characters in the film really DO exist in real life. Yes, they are not that likeable... but they are there, and in a way, they are the product of the Baby Boomer generation. The scary thing is... I recently graduated high school, and I can see many of my classmates going on to be just like the characters in "Rules of Attraction". The lives of the people in ROA revolve around partying, drugs, sex and basically everything but schoolwork and studying. Even the teachers join in on some of the parties. Each of the parties in the film has a name... the edge of the world party, end of the world party, dressed to get screwed party. The ending leaves things open (which I think is good) and we get the feeling that all of these characters will eventually get to a point where they realize that they've done diddily squat with the last 4-5 years of their lives. The film has some nifty camera tricks, including backwards motion to showcase multiple points of view in a certain scene, and split-screen cinematography that works quite well. Roger Avary (the director and screenwriter) could've easily watered this material down for a mainstream audience, but he decided to stay close to the book, and he succeeded. As I mentioned earlier, many will be put off by the subject matter in this film. There is lots of blunt sexual dialogue and situations, as well as drug use... and of course, the infamous suicide scene which involves a girl slitting her wrists in the bath tub. The suicide scene isn't as graphic as you've heard, but it's quite disturbing. It's one of the most powerful scenes i've seen in awhile. "Rules of Attraction" is a film that will evoke a love-hate reaction. Many will love it, many will violently hate it.. but nobody will call it "average". Either way, it will have an effect on you, be it positive or negative. The film is a very real and blunt look at the lives of what is supposed to be "america's future". All of the sex and drugs is about to get to them eventually.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Gets better with each viewing

[20 February 2003]

I have to admit, I never really "got" Pulp Fiction the first time I saw it. I thought it was just pointless trendy pap. However, once I got older, and more into this kind of film... I viewed again and realized what I missed before. This film is a modern classic in every way, shape and form. The dialogue is untouchable... so many memorable lines, Tarantino actually makes profanity sound like poetry. I'm sure everybody knows the plot of the film by now, so I won't get into that. It's just one of those genuine, unique original pieces of cinema that will never be forgotten. I just have to say, if you haven't seen "Pulp Fiction", go and see it, now! You won't regret it. There is lots of profanity, but come on people... it's just words, and it sounds beautiful. The violence isn't quite as bad as its sometimes made out to be. Highly reccomended for anyone, even the kiddies!