Tag Archives: Arthouse

Kids (1995)

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What’s the difference between kiddy porn and art?
The Lighting.

One of Larry Clark’s many infamous “Kids are Evil Monsters” movies, “Kids” is one of those films I’m proud to admit I despise with every inch of my being. And to this day I’m still trying to forget I ever saw it. In 1995, Larry Clark made the scene of indie and art house film by showing the world, the ecosystem of kids and what they do when adults aren’t looking. And while he was somewhat accurate in that regard concerning their penchant for sex and drinking, he forgot to include one crucial film detail: A narrative.

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Vampyros Lesbos (1971): Special Limited 2 Disc Collector’s Edition (Blu-Ray/DVD)

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 Jess Franco’s vampire film genuinely doesn’t live up to the hype it’s garnered with horror and film buffs over the decades since its release. It’s a tedious and often dull affair that manages to numb the sexuality due to its incessant filler. The filler is ever present from the opening shots, and is used to pad the film’s run time, from performances in front of crowds, right down to dream sequences, much of it is used as a tactic to pad a thinly veiled “Dracula” remake.

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Birdman: Or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

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“Birdman” is by no means a subtle dissection of the life that Michael Keaton has led after his role as the iconic Batman on film. Once a very respected and comedy actor, his role as the dark knight kind of stifled his developing film career, and he unleashes his obvious bitterness and resentment toward the art of acting and the rise of fame over talent with “Birdman.” Alejandro González Iñárritu’s experimental drama is brilliant and absolutely mind blowing In the way it both mocks the superhero movie craze, while also conveying a sense of resentment toward its success. Keaton’s character Riggan Thomson sits in his dressing room before a play he’s gone nearly broke to fund, hearing on the news about Robert Downey Jr garnering millions to play a superhero. There with his own thoughts, Riggan dwells on how ahead of his time he was and how he may never be able to reclaim the ears thanks to his age.

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The Skeleton Twins (2014)

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While Craig Johnson’s “The Skeleton Twins” had every chance to be a self indulgent vehicle for two SNL alumnis, “The Skeleton Twins” ends up being quite fantastic, and compliments the idea that Kristen Wiig is more than a comedian. Co-star Bill Hader also proves he can handle dramatic material with the best of them. Hader’s turn as a self loathing homosexual who is one part of self destructive twins is something of a revelation, and his turn here is Oscar worthy. Maggie is on the verge of committing suicide when she gets a call from a hospital alerting her that her long lost twin brother Milo attempted suicide.

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Wish I Was Here (2014)

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When it isn’t trying to be profound or reaching for metaphor and goofy Spike Jonze style photography, “Wish I Was Here” ends up being a pretty interesting family melodrama. It’s not by any means Braff’s masterpiece. I think we’re a long way from ever seeing one. Here he repeats the same beats of his former indie drama “Garden State,” ad nauseum. He’s either intent on reminding people why the aforementioned was so good, or he’s bereft of offering anything new. There’s Jim Parsons, a fractured relationship with a father figure, the ghost of a dead mother, Braff’s character is an actor, and there be plenty ‘o montages set to indie rock music.

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Under the Skin (2014)

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utsGirl drives. Girls picks up guy. Girl lures guy into black muck. Girl drives. Girls picks up guy. Girl lures guy into black muck. Girl drives. And that’s the gist of “Under the Skin.” I’m not sure if I’d recommend “Under the Skin” to even the most open minded arthouse buff. It’s not to say that “Under the Skin” is awful. It’s just an experience that won’t lend well to repeated viewings. Especially when you consider that much of what occurs is either explicitly stated and or subtly hinted at for ambiguity. For the sake of science fiction, much of “Under the Skin” is obvious, while director Glazer also vies for a gritty realism that’s sorely out of place when we see it.

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Autumn Blood (2014) (DVD)

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There’s nothing worse than sitting through a movie to suddenly realize the director is wasting your time. “Autumn Blood” has a very interesting premise with great potential that oddly enough feels like a premise that could only warrant a one hour movie. So director Markus Blunder literally pads the run time a slew of montages involving picturesque looks at our character’s surroundings and their home life. The attempt is to counteract the horrific violence off of the gorgeous scenic landscapes, except it’s all plainly obvious that the story is paper thin and doesn’t present much moral quandaries.

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