There are films. And then there are films.

[Jermainé]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

[1714184211]

1714184211

[1714184211]

1714184211

[1714184211]

1714184211

[1714184211]

1714184211

[1714184211]

1714184211

[payb.tc]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

[FirstAscent]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

[FirstAscent]

At the risk of going OT, I get tired of people saying that the book was better. I doubt that any average Joe has a better imagination than the great directors, DPs, lighting, makeup, talent, etc. Their cumulative efforts are often quite astounding. Sometimes it seems they compress the information of a thousand words into 24 fps.

Actually, here's my take on it. Let's say a film is coming out, and it's based on a much loved book. The following scenarios, among others, present themselves:

1. You haven't read the book, and you're looking forward to seeing the movie. In such a case, watch the movie first, and then read the book if you so wish.

2. You have read the book, loved it, and now you want to see the movie. The movie might disappoint, because you have your expectations of what should be in the movie, and how the characters are. Film is a different medium. It cannot, nor should it, try and be exactly like the book.

I never read the Dragon Tattoo books, but I hear they're good. Instead, I decided I just wanted to enjoy the movies. Nor have I seen the Swedish versions. So I watched Fincher's version with Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. My view of the film is not tainted by the books or the Swedish films. And I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American version of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

there are many restricting factors.

i've read a book called jurassic park, and if someone somewhere in 1991 had decided to make that into a movie, it would probably have been 8 hours long and rated R.

I read the book before the movie came out. I was psyched to see the movie. I saw it on the opening weekend, and was pretty satisfied with it - especially the T-rex attack scene. Over time though, other aspects of the movie have lost their luster, mostly certain characterizations.

[FirstAscent]

Cyclo would be the next movie I'd like to watch from director Tran Anh Hung: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdOPQj8ccPA

I watched his film The Scent of Green Papaya last night: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxuWJ1y1Tww

After I watch Cyclo, I'd like to give The Vertical Ray of the Sun a watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ma2Bt8c1Kc

[Jermainé]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober. 

[FirstAscent]

The fountain
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414993/


Cerebral greatness.

I actually tried it, and couldn't get past about 20 minutes or so. I don't remember why. I'm sure it's worth a second try, as others have recommended it to me as well.

Yeah just watch it sober.  

Those are spare words! Where are the passionate locutions which wax eloquently about your favorite auteurs and their films that have moved you? Surely there are other movies that you have found enthralling. In the meantime, perhaps you could comment on some of the films I have recommended, in place of those you have not chosen to share with us. Which of these might you wish to watch now? Please tell me.

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

So, we have meditations on unrequited love, avant-garde existentialism, a study on family life in post war Japan, reflections on childhood, lost souls, surviving tragedy, and immorality.

Let us throw in Gate of Flesh as a bonus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xWk4_EMx4

Extra bonus! A clip of the beautiful Zhang Ziyi in 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_oTpuUjtX8&feature=relmfu

And I'm really looking forward to seeing Army of Shadows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on38oTESbHU

And I just watched Yi Yi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwNZGrRfF8

[FirstAscent]

So there's only five people in these forums who have a film to discuss, comment on, or share? Really?

I've suggested films. Perhaps even films that others were not aware of. Anyone is free to comment on my above suggestions after watching the trailers. But just as equally, any member is obviously free to discuss some other as of yet unmentioned film with another member. I'm a little bit confused as to the notion that nobody watches movies. If you wish to discuss The Avengers or some other film, then by all means.

[Blind]

I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

[Jermainé]

- 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related
- In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypY9OaKCfRU
- Woman in the Dunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaLl4Y2BAT0
- Late Spring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Ul10BSzRw
- The Mirror: http://mubi.com/films/the-mirror
- Mystery Train: http://www.criterion.com/films/2057-mystery-train
- Three Colors: Blue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVaqLZmMf-k
- Pale Flower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOOr4nuWFqU

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy.  

- American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- Fargo
- Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- The Ghost Writer
- The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- Twelve Monkeys
- Vanila Sky

We have similar taste, have you seen Mr. Nobody?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0485947/

[FirstAscent]

I don't watch many movies, so my pool to pick from is limited (and not as ambitious as some previously mentioned), but here are few that I enjoyed (picked from my media drive that survived digital holocaust, so not complete by any means):

- * American Beauty
- American Psycho
- Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
- Blow
- * Fargo
- * Gran Torino
- He Was a Quiet Man
- In Bruges
- * Million Dollar Baby
- Revolver
- Rock'N'Rolla
- * Sexy Beast
- Strange Days
- The Beach
- * The Ghost Writer
- * The Thirteenth Floor
- Trainspotting
- * Twelve Monkeys
- * Vanilla Sky

I've seen nine of those (asterisked). Interestingly, two on the list which I have not seen still leads me to believe you might like Layer Cake, which is an excellent film. A couple on your list that I haven't seen have caught my eye. Now, about four posts back, I suggested some films. Have you watched the clips? I can't say that you might find any interesting. Actually, I can. I think you'd like all of them, provided you don't have an aversion to subtitles. I used to avoid subtitled movies like the plague. But I took the plunge, and it opened up a whole new world.

Layer Cake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5R4iepdXqo

[FirstAscent]

2046 was amazing. So many elements mixed into one awesome movie. I remember watching it and "What Dreams May Come" in one sitting. I smoked so much that night lol. IDK I cant really explain it... movies with over the top visuals and obsurce non-linear scripts make me feel fuzzy.  

Regarding 2046, it helps if you're aware it's part of a trilogy:

1. Days of Being Wild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cExEkJjyD8
2. In the Mood for Love: http://www.criterion.com/films/198-in-the-mood-for-love
3. 2046: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8rG4plRMZ4&feature=related

Days of Being Wild is on it's way to me in the form of a Blu-ray. In the Mood for Love will be released as a Blu-ray in exactly one week. They can all be watched independently, and to be honest, among the three, I've only seen 2046. However, it's pretty much understood that among the three, Wong Kar-Wai's In the Mood for Love is the masterpiece - and is one of the most beautiful films ever made. However, many do say that 2046 is perhaps the most beautiful film ever made. Factor in the soundtrack, and it's hard to argue.

Consider his other well known films though:

- Chungking Express: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjd7PFf_TFw
- Ashes of Time Redux: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saHxm_md60c
- Fallen Angels: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZda7nWftQI
- Eros (Wong Kar-Wai did the first of three segments): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaSY1pcWDmI
- Grandmasters (not yet released): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CfC_1_Wpmo

All are rather mouthwatering. Among these latter five, I have only seen Chungking Express. These omissions will be rectified. Now, considering the eight trailers/clips above, there are only three scenarios:

1. You've seen the films, and rewatching the trailers is eye candy.
2. You haven't seen the films, in which case watching the trailers is mandatory and not to be missed.
3. You're cheating yourself out of seeing great films.

Question: is there a single word that adequately captures the essence of a Wong Kar-Wai film? Some possibilities:

Sublime. Dreamy. Exotic. Beautiful. Lovely.

[finkleshnorts]

Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

[scribe]

Which reminds me, I need to watch Inland Empire again. That was a real whatthefucker for me.

The first time I saw Inland Empire I was expecting something similar to Lynch's previous stuff, in that it could be discussed, inspected, and ultimately made sense of. I'm a big fan of the rest of is stuff, especially Mulholland Drive and Lost Highway.

But the whole feel of Inland Empire is something different. After reading a few articles on it, I realised it has to be watched "without thought". It definitely helps to watch Mulholland Drive first as it ties into some of the same underlying themes, but really Inland Empire is about how you feel what's going on, rather than how you understand it. There are a couple of points which have me unable to do anything but watch, and yet I have little idea why (plot-wise).


Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

(Oh, also Dr. Strangelove is possibly my favourite film ever.)

[FirstAscent]

Boyle's Trainspotting is really great. The ending is excellent. Rewatched 2001 again tonight with a friend who'd never seen it before. He was blown away.

It makes me happy that someone was introduced to 2001: A Space Odyssey in a way that ensured it was watched it properly, as I'm sure you made sure he got the full experience. Properly, of course, means:

- Pretend it's 1968.
- Make sure you're watching the widescreen 2.35:1 version.
- 1080p if you are able.
- Turn the volume up!
- Sit down and watch it, and soak it in. Don't blink.
- Pause the film if you must go to the refrigerator or bathroom.

Also, following on from the discussion of 2001, I'd definitely recommend both A Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon by Kubrick. Many people seem to assume the former is an unwatchable monstrosity of terror, based on the notion that it was banned, but realise just how subtly clever it is when they watch it. The latter is long and epic, but has some amazing cinematography. Kubrick used a NASA 50mm lens with a f/0.7 aperture to shoot some scenes lit just by candlelight.

I wish Barry Lyndon would get the Criterion treatment. As usual, Kubrick was always pushing the envelope. Remember that there were often hundreds of candles in those scenes lit just by candlelight. Factor in the fact that Kubrick was notorious for liking to do about 80 takes per shot to get just the right performance. Think about that style of filmmaking combined with hundreds of candles.

[finkleshnorts]

And no lights on!!

[FirstAscent]

And no lights on!!

Of course!

Criterion just released a 'Three Reasons' video for In the Mood for Love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC4BfRhsh-c&feature=youtu.be

I'm picking up the Blu-ray when it's released on Tuesday if there's a promotional sale price on it.

[Jermainé]

It makes me happy that someone was introduced to 2001: A Space Odyssey in a way that ensured it was watched it properly, as I'm sure you made sure he got the full experience. Properly, of course, means:
- Pretend it's 1968.
- Make sure you're watching the widescreen 2.35:1 version.
- 1080p if you are able.
- Turn the volume up!
- Sit down and watch it, and soak it in. Don't blink.
- Pause the film if you must go to the refrigerator or bathroom.

I can watch 2001 all day one of the absolute best movies I've ever seen. After that I was never the same, I stopped watching block busters unless I was very familar with the director. Most films lack the ambition...

With that said I made the ultimate list   This may need its own thread.



The Professional (1994) Action, Drama
Wicked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcsirofJrlM


Deconstructing Harry (1997) Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
Classic Woody Allen. Extremely hallarious.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXOol3hRUg


Cube (1997) Horror, Sci-Fi
For you die hard sci-fi fans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY5PkidV1cM


Sky Blue (2003) Action, Sci-fi, Animation
Hands down the best visual animation I’ve ever seen. Akira (1988) Karas (2005) after that
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kuSBLYfwco


The Man From Earth (2007) Drama, Sci-Fi
Ahh.. the perfect example of excellent story with virtually no budget turned into a great film.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z9WFruP1wA


Primer (2004) Drama, Sci-fi
Great, intuitive film that shows a little hard work and dedication could be life changing. Shit I wish I had friends as creative as these guys. Actually, I wish I had friends that create anything. lol anyways, this movie will trip you the hell out backwards. Watch twice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqx32xkATrY


Barry Lyndon (1975) Adventure, Romance, Drama
The wont notice the time go by... It just that awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHCKrusk5SQ



Enter The Void (2009) Fantasy, Drama,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJkPLYmUyzg
If there was a most innovated/trippy movie award, then Enter the Void wins hands down. I even cried a few time  


The house of Flying Daggers (2004) Action, Romance
Yo when I seen the china man shoot 4 arrows way down field (through a deep forrest with trees everywhere) to hit 4 different dudes at the same time, I knew this one was special.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0H5jekD61k


Tombstone (1994)
Action, Western
Kurt Russell slaps up Billy bob thorthen. Hahahaha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTWYKf5hXIg


City of God (2002) Action, Drama, Crime
Gritty, brutal and adventure all mixed in one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJdW1TevoyA


Enter Sunshine of the spotless mind (2004) Romance, Drama, Sci-fi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GiLxkDK8sI
They don't make em like this anymore...

Mr. Nobody (2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzXH-MIPzZQ

Timescrimes (2007)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS8G8Ntms8Q


The Fall (2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeAyIQ_OT_I
Geographic masterpiece. One of the few films that rely on real locations rather then a bunch of CGI.


The Fountain (2006) Sci-fi, Drama
Still my favorite movie of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAuxryJ6pv8

[FirstAscent]

With that said I made the ultimate list   This may need its own thread.

Please post your list here. Also, have you checked out the trailers to the following Wong Kar-Wai films: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1221467#msg1221467

As for the recent films you listed, I've seen Cube, Barry Lyndon, Tombstone, City of God, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. All good movies. House of Flying Daggers is on my soon to watch list. Cube was interesting, but I think it could have benefited from slightly better acting. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind definitely requires multiple viewings to sort it all out.

[Jermainé]

Please post your list here. Also, have you checked out the trailers to the following Wong Kar-Wai films: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=109868.msg1221467#msg1221467

i seen all Wong Kar-Wai films 2046 being the best. His other work all seems like the same movie done over and over again. lol