This pointless, droning, pretentious, pompous, and incredibly self-indulgent piece of philosophical dribble is that rare indie film that makes me say “Oh, that’s why it was never widely distributed”. Being released in only 17 theatres, the writer and director for this film do a really ingenious thing, throughout the film. There are about fifty cameos from some really good actors. It not only gives the audience something to look at, but when surrounded around people who can really act, the producers attempt to make us forget how much of a one note simply awful actor Bob Dylan is. I mean he’s Bob Dylan, this man is like a bad-ass in my eyes with some incredible music, but come on, did he really need to do this film?
Tag Archives: Arthouse
Liam (2000)
In the reality of “Liam” brought to screen by director Stephen Frears, the peasants of the Irish village owe debts whether they like it or not; they even owe debts to the local Catholic Church which rules over them like a mafia syndicate. In the time of the story told, the Catholic Church ruled over everyone with hypocrisy and cruelty where parishes came around the neighborhood to collect dues while the wives reluctantly gave simply out of guilt. The children are taken to Sunday school simply for shock tactics where they’re taught that if they sin, they would burn in hell. It is terrifying to youngest child, seven year old Liam, who has an odd fascination with the female body after accidentally walking in on his mother (Claire Hackett) in the bathroom.
Pumpkin (2002)
“Pumpkin” accomplishes what it so painstakingly sets out to do straight from the beginning and it does it so well, it inevitably clicked with me and became one of the worst movies ever made. “Pumpkin” is often a very malicious and close-minded film which tells the tale of a popularity queen and sorority sister Carolyn McDuffy who is helping her sorority house gain two new members for the trophy of best sorority. In doing so, they agree to take on a charity helping to train mentally disabled youngsters in training for the special Olympics. The people presented in the film are close-minded as the story is; they call their two new members minority members and they always refer to the only minority in the house with the word “Even” before her name.
Adaptation. (2002)
Winged Migration (Le Peuple Migrateur) (2003)
Though heavily staged, “Winged Migration” gives us a rare and never before seen glimpse into nature and the life cycle and migratory patterns of birds seeking shelter and struggling to survive amidst the common enemy known as Man. Done in a period of four years, “Winged Migration” features a team of incredibly gifted and brilliant Cinematographers that so eloquently capture the essence of the landscapes presented within the hunting and scavenging of these incredible species that it becomes such a thrill to watch.
In the Bedroom (2001)
Matt Fowler (Tom Wilkinson) is a doctor in Maine whose son Frank (Nick Stahl) is home for the summer. While home, he falls for a single mother Natalie (Marisa Tomei). While the two have a lurid affair, the parents don’t approve, especially mom Ruth (Sissy Spacek). But soon a tragedy ensues that will test each of their own spirit and breaking points. The movie has a very calm and unperturbed environment to its story telling devices and never gives the feel of a thriller because it stays grounded down into reality. There’s a feeling of unrest during the film, a feeling almost like a bubble that could be burst in any moment during the story.
My First Mister (2001)
I realized while watching this film that I enjoyed it a lot more when it was called “Ghost World”; Leelee Sobieski is a talented actor, as is Albert Brooks, but when the story is summed up as a whole it’s just a batch of clichés from many other better films meshed into one entire mess. Sobieski as talented an actress as she is fails to strike a chord with her character and actually comes off as a terrible actress, which is not true when analyzing many of her past films. She attempts to pull off the Goth, annoyed teen angst persona with much desperation, which is evident while watching her try with the material she’s given, but it’s hard to enjoy her when her character is so unlikable and detestable. I would have preferred to sympathize with her character’s personality but its hard to when we see her living situation.