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Reviews
Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975)
Salo ...
I only could stomach the first hour of the film. From what I saw, I was truly repulsed. After researching the rest of the film, it turned out that I had made the right decision by not continuing to watch it because it only got worse. I understand Pasolini's need to make a statement and to make "works so extreme that they become unacceptable even to the broadest minds of the new State" (and congratulations he definitely accomplished that). However, the non stop graphic horrors was too much. The sexual, physical and mental torture was so shocking that the visual images stuck more than the overall theme. It is unnecessary to display these acts in such detail. It also was confusing how Pasolini tried to assert "new-fascism" through depicting old fascism. Overall, I think he was unsuccessful. He succeeded in making a film that is remembered for its disgusting orgies, brutal torture methods and overall repulsive scenes that follow each other one after another. The sensory scenes completely outweigh the obscure theme and for that reason, Salo is unworthy of any critical acclaim or praise.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Expect .. the expectable
Thelma and Louise is a stereotypical action adventure movie that replaces the traditional male outlaws with two women. It has all the "big blockbuster" elements of explosions, shootings and car chases. The plot is simple and intends to portray the fugitives as victims. Thelma and Louise did not leave their homes with the intention of becoming outlaws however after a man attempts to rape Thelma, Louise shoots him. Though rape is a heinous crime, I just couldn't sympathize with their situation and felt that the murder was unjustified. Overall, there was nothing revolutionary in this film. The themes of bored housewives, international fugitives, female companionship and living life to the fullest are nothing new. On a positive note, the acting performances were rather good and convincing. Davis and Sarandon displayed female companionship to the fullest and Brad Pitt's performance was also enjoyable.
Skammen (1968)
No shame in criticizing "Shame"
I tried to enjoy the critically acclaimed Ingmar Bergman film "Skammen" (Shame). However, I was unable to relate to the characters and left the movie feeling indifferent. The film began with the overly emotional Jan and the fearsome and critical Eva. There was no explanation for this behavior yet the characters changed throughout the film. Jan and Eva had a role reversal because of the harsh realities of the war. However, because you could not understand their actions before, you could not relate to them after their transition. Bergman's choice of black and white cinematography was beneficial in creating a bleak and desolate country depraved by war. The camera angles on some of the "war" scenes and the final shot on the boat were also praise worthy. I do not agree with his choice to limit music and sound in the film, especially since Jan and Eva were musicians. If Bergman had used more sound and created understandable characters, my experience with Shame would have been more positive.