CitizenDain Reviews

Home (III) (2006)

Sporadically interesting film with over-present, over-"meditative" narrator

[6/10 · 10 March 2008]

Just saw this film. Some nice photography capturing New York City, but the fact that it was not shot on film is painfully obvious. The writer is too present in the film, as the on-screen narrator. The film would have been more interesting if every interview wasn't inter-cut with shots of the narrator looking into the sunset, trying hard to convey the fact that he is meditating on New York City. Many of the interviewers say cliché things that have been said over and over ("New York City has a pulse, it has a rhythm", etc.), but some of the interviewers, especially Liam Neeson and Frank McCourt, have some really interesting things to say.

Overall, it was interesting if you already really love New York City, but I was thankful it was only 70 minutes long. See "The Cruise" instead.

Juliet of the Spirits (1965)

Unique to the medium

[8/10 · 6 April 2005]

This film by Fellini is basically the female version of 8 1/2. Instead of delving into the mind of a middle-aged Italian man dealing with problems with his wife and trying to figure out who he really is, it is about a middle-aged Italian woman dealing with problems with her cheating husband and trying to figure out who she really is. (I still can't decide who I like more as a lead in a Fellini film... Masina or Mastroianni.) The film is very enjoyable, and is definitely one of the films I would classify as a work of art. The one thing that really stands out to me, however, is this: It could only exist as a film. Most films are adapted from previously written novels, or at the very least can suffer the indignation of a "novelization" without losing the quality of the story. But I cannot fathom any way a writer could capture this film with words. It is very visual, but could not be painted or drawn either. I think this is one of the few films I've seen that is completely unique to the medium of film. Towards the end of the film, there is a scene where she is trying to avoid voices and images around her while hosting a party. It was at this point that I realized how perfectly every shot was set-up, and that there would be no way anyone could capture the feeling or the images with words.

I would be extremely fascinated to see what the shooting script to this film looked like. It's the fifth Fellini film I've seen, and I must say, I think I can call him my favorite director. He's the only director whom I've been enthralled by every single film I've seen of his. He has a perfect record, 1.000% batting average so far with me. I'm going to keep seeing more, and hopefully I won't ever be disappointed.

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

Memorable, campy, and funny

[24 June 2004]

I saw this movie with high expectations and was not disappointed one bit. Bruce Campbell's performance is no less than amazing, and Ossie Davis brings a seriousness to the movie that is out of place and hilarious. All the characters are very, very in character. The scariest part of the movie is not the anus-sucking Bubba Ho-Tep, but the grimness of every day life in the Rest Home. The King is back, baby. I was reminded of Bruce Campbell's knack for great one-liners enough to go out and see all of the Evil Deads again. I'm glad independent cinema is still alive! See this movie, but don't expect a serious horror film, and you'll probably love it.