A few months ago, a fellow blogger posted a little known film that moved him deeply. It got me thinking, there are several films out there that have gotten little to no love from the critical world, awards network, or general public that I feel deserve a fair shot. As a Sunday afternoon exercise, I thought I'd post a few of them. My rules are simple but not iron clad. They have to be film's that few people that I know have seen or heard of. They can't have been overly recognized by the academy, the golden globes, or other ridiculous awards committees. Notice, I used the word "overly." My hope with this post is that a few more people will see a few more films that I believe are strong. Here's a list in no particular order.
The Sweet Hereafter (1997):
I know I know. The first thing you may say is that this film had two oscar nominations. Well, my rules are more like guidelines. I don't know one person whose seen this film. I've never been able to discuss it with anyone. I rarely see any film critics referencing it in their blogs. This is a beautiful, tough, and emotionally draining film. I truly had no clue what it was about when I watched it. I encourage you to do the same.
Breach (2007):
This film opened to good reviews and I went and saw it with my dad. He's the only person I've ever heard mention it. Critics seemed to enjoy it but it got no awards recognition and bombed at the box office. Chris Cooper gives a subtle yet dynamic performance. Ryan Phillipe shows that what he lacks in range he makes up for in film selection. I'm not a huge fan of him as an actor, but he chooses good film to associate himself with, with only a few exceptions.
Elephant (2003):
A few very good reviews and a good showing at the Cannes Film Festival, yet not many have seen it. My jaw was close to the floor when it was over. Gus Van Sant knows what the hell he's doing.
Green Street Hooligans (2005):
This film is virtually unnoticed by anyone. I told a few soccer players I know about it and they loved it. Yeah, the fight club inspiration is evident, but this is a strong dramatic feature showing that Elijah Wood can play more than effeminate mythological characters or Huck Finn.
Menace II Society (1993):
A film with several similarities to Boyz n tha Hood but strong none the less. Very tough film but worth the effort.
Rescue Dawn (2006):
Christian Bale stars in this Werner Herzog true story about a pilot shot down in Laos. Herzog directed a documentary about this guy ten years before and thought his story needed to be told in a feature. Solid film.
Shattered Glass (2003):
While incredibly wooden in the Star Wars prequels, Hayden Christensen gives a compelling performance about a journalist who fabricated several stories. True story.
Slacker (1991):
Very influential independent film, yet nobody I know has seen it.
Sunshine (2007):
Danny Boyle's directorial predecessor to Slumdog Millionaire. The ending shows a small lack of focus, but the overall film is a thought provoking sci fi thriller.
Synechdoche, New York (2008):
One of the few films I've seen in which its weaknesses also function as strengths. An imperfect film, but something told me I had just watched something special. Philip Seymour Hoffman is marvelous.
The Way of the Gun (2000):
The writer of the Usual Suspects directorial debut. A few friends in high school were all Usual suspects fanatics, so we rented this one and had a party. I've not met anyone who has seen it since. A modern day western. Like all good westerns, this is a moral tale that disguises itself as action.
Without Limits (1998):
Ok, this film is special because I love to run. This is the Steve Prefontaine film. It didn't even gross 1 million at the box office. It deserves to be seen.
Broken Flowers (2005):
Not a great film, but an interesting Bill Murray performance.
Dancer in the Dark (2000):
Not only does Bjork have an amazing voice, but she can act. This is an emotionally draining film.
Hard Candy (2005):
One of the creepier movies I've ever seen. Ellen Page showed a few years before Juno how well she really can act.
Harsh Times (2005):
Worth it simply for Christian Bale's performance. It is a little derivative of Training Day, same screenwriter, but Bale gives a hell of a performance.
Igby Goes Down (2002):
The Culkin kids can act. This film owes something to Catcher in the Rye. It's the closest thing to Salinger's novel that we are likely to see on screen, seeing as Salinger signed some sort of contract stating that CITR would never be made into a film.
Kalifornia (1993):
Brad Pitt's creepiest performance. An interesting study of American violence.
Millions (2005):
Another Danny Boyle film that needs to be seen. This film transcends any sort of label somebody could place on it.
The Proposition (2005):
If you like westerns, here is a solid one.
Year of the Dog (2007):
Not a huge fan of Molly Shannon the comedian. I thought most of her SNL characters like Mary Catherine Gallagher, the licensed joyologist, and others were annoying. However, she does have dramatic acting skills. She is truly wonderful in this film that deserves to be seen.
Hopefully this will inspire some viewing. Leave me comments if you've seen any of these or if there are ones that I missed.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Nomadic Identity Crisis
Two weeks rarely pass with the haste of these past two. March 16 I found myself in Camden, the live music and punk rock London neighborhood. March 21st I awoke in Monmarte, a popular destination for writers and artists. March 24th a 747 brought me in to Denver International airport. March 25th I walked from Los Angeles International airport to my Uncle's apartment which sits 1 block away from the Pacific.
Seemingly, I could count myself fortunate. London, Paris, Colorado, Manhattan Beach are all places that legions of people spend insane amounts of money to visit. At 26, I'm hitting all of those places in 2 weeks.
Running south on the beach this breezy morning it occurred to me how vastly different the culture of each of these places are. London has a New York City feel to it. Extremely fast paced, everyone dressed to the nines in suits or the latest trendy metro sexual fad, stern looks on their faces, polite but unfriendly demeanor. Paris had couples everywhere. It really is the city of love. Very trendy like London, but a bit more laid back. Everything was expensive, even average tasting meals and wine. The people were more friendly than in London. Manhattan Beach is an 180 degree difference, assuming the scale is a wealthy scale. Everyone is adorned in trendy beach wear. The girls in matching jogging suits, beach skirts, or bathing suits. They are all wearing similar big lens sunglasses. The dudes are all in surf gear, tshirts, sunglasses, and flip flops.
All three of these cultures are trendy in different ways. It must be expensive to keep up the trends. I know this sounds like criticism, and maybe it is, but it is merely an observation. And who am I to judge? My clothing style has adapted to whatever culture I find myself in. One thing that I am realizing is that I don't tend to identify with this kind of wealth. My dad did work in the oil industry for my whole life and I've always had everything I've needed. I did go to a private university and have vacationed in warm climates. Still, my family seemed to live a bit more of a meager lifestyle. My dad was raised in a blue collar family and my mom was raised on a teacher's salary. I identify much better with that culture. The middle class.
I sure as hell don't identify with the poor, as much as my idealistic college self would like to believe I did. I enjoy doing expensive things. Skiing, traveling, drinking wine, going to ballgames are all things that cost money. I enjoy clean bathrooms with nice soaps. I'd gladly pay over 100 bucks for Radiohead tickets. I can't wait to buy new skis even though mine are in fine condition. I'd rather go to Rico's and pay at least a dollar fifty more for coffee than at Pike's Perk or Starbucks because I like the ambiance and the coffee tastes better. I'd never go to a fast food restaurant because of a cheap value menu.
Maybe I understand the colorado springs briargate culture because thats where I became an adult. Thats how I hope to live. I don't need a big house, but I'd like a decent sized one. I'd like my kids to have their own rooms. I'd like to be able to pick up the check most of the time without being stressed about my budget. I don't need a top of the line car, but I'd rather own one thats close to being new.
I use to think it was wrong to desire these things, but I'm starting to think that critics of those desires can piss off. Most agree that we need to have a certain amount of money to survive. The gray area is "how much is too much." Is there too much? John and I had this conversation in England. Some would say middle class is too much. Some would say upper class is too much. Who is right?
Seemingly, I could count myself fortunate. London, Paris, Colorado, Manhattan Beach are all places that legions of people spend insane amounts of money to visit. At 26, I'm hitting all of those places in 2 weeks.
Running south on the beach this breezy morning it occurred to me how vastly different the culture of each of these places are. London has a New York City feel to it. Extremely fast paced, everyone dressed to the nines in suits or the latest trendy metro sexual fad, stern looks on their faces, polite but unfriendly demeanor. Paris had couples everywhere. It really is the city of love. Very trendy like London, but a bit more laid back. Everything was expensive, even average tasting meals and wine. The people were more friendly than in London. Manhattan Beach is an 180 degree difference, assuming the scale is a wealthy scale. Everyone is adorned in trendy beach wear. The girls in matching jogging suits, beach skirts, or bathing suits. They are all wearing similar big lens sunglasses. The dudes are all in surf gear, tshirts, sunglasses, and flip flops.
All three of these cultures are trendy in different ways. It must be expensive to keep up the trends. I know this sounds like criticism, and maybe it is, but it is merely an observation. And who am I to judge? My clothing style has adapted to whatever culture I find myself in. One thing that I am realizing is that I don't tend to identify with this kind of wealth. My dad did work in the oil industry for my whole life and I've always had everything I've needed. I did go to a private university and have vacationed in warm climates. Still, my family seemed to live a bit more of a meager lifestyle. My dad was raised in a blue collar family and my mom was raised on a teacher's salary. I identify much better with that culture. The middle class.
I sure as hell don't identify with the poor, as much as my idealistic college self would like to believe I did. I enjoy doing expensive things. Skiing, traveling, drinking wine, going to ballgames are all things that cost money. I enjoy clean bathrooms with nice soaps. I'd gladly pay over 100 bucks for Radiohead tickets. I can't wait to buy new skis even though mine are in fine condition. I'd rather go to Rico's and pay at least a dollar fifty more for coffee than at Pike's Perk or Starbucks because I like the ambiance and the coffee tastes better. I'd never go to a fast food restaurant because of a cheap value menu.
Maybe I understand the colorado springs briargate culture because thats where I became an adult. Thats how I hope to live. I don't need a big house, but I'd like a decent sized one. I'd like my kids to have their own rooms. I'd like to be able to pick up the check most of the time without being stressed about my budget. I don't need a top of the line car, but I'd rather own one thats close to being new.
I use to think it was wrong to desire these things, but I'm starting to think that critics of those desires can piss off. Most agree that we need to have a certain amount of money to survive. The gray area is "how much is too much." Is there too much? John and I had this conversation in England. Some would say middle class is too much. Some would say upper class is too much. Who is right?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Western European Observation
It's nice not to be carded upon the purchase of alcohol
Notre Dame is far too touristy to seem special on a saturday
baked beans are a wonderful breakfast side dish
I smile and nod more than a bobble head doll when I don't speak the language
Notre Dame is far too touristy to seem special on a saturday
baked beans are a wonderful breakfast side dish
I smile and nod more than a bobble head doll when I don't speak the language
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Many sights, many nights, just enough sleep
This is the first full day in Paris. A few thoughts so far...
In London, the rumour about fish n chips is true. They do not disappoint.
The pubs are truly magnificent.
London is strikingly similar to New York, or vice versa
Thus far, the stigma of French rudeness is completely false.
Public transportation kicks all sorts of monumental ass.
I'm older than most hostel dwellers
I can easily run ten miles, but walking all day beats the hell out of my feet
The dollar is getting better, but it still sucks balls.
I won't be cool until I get a scarf, ripped jeans, a blazer, and chuck taylor converse
I should have studied abroad in Oxford
Cafe's and pubs are far superior to chains any day of the mutha sucking week!
In London, the rumour about fish n chips is true. They do not disappoint.
The pubs are truly magnificent.
London is strikingly similar to New York, or vice versa
Thus far, the stigma of French rudeness is completely false.
Public transportation kicks all sorts of monumental ass.
I'm older than most hostel dwellers
I can easily run ten miles, but walking all day beats the hell out of my feet
The dollar is getting better, but it still sucks balls.
I won't be cool until I get a scarf, ripped jeans, a blazer, and chuck taylor converse
I should have studied abroad in Oxford
Cafe's and pubs are far superior to chains any day of the mutha sucking week!
Monday, March 16, 2009
1st Day
It's 3:30 in the afternoon in London on Monday. I've not slept since Saturday evening. I've already seen Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Hyde Park, The Princess Diana memorial, and toured Westminster Abbey. I'm pooped. However, I'm excited about this evening's festivities.
Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow.
Happy St. Patrick's Day tomorrow.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
On Adventure's Morning
In only 3 and a half short hours, I'll be boarding a plane en route to Washington DC. Later on this evening, I'll fly across the pond, arriving in London tomorrow morning. It's always tough to focus when filled with anticipation.
This is my second European adventure. The first was an excursion to Germany and Austria over two years ago. Much has changed in life since then. Relationally, professionally, personally, everything is different. I think my expectations are different this time. Chief of which being a lack of specific expectations.
We'll see. I'll do my best to update from hostels over the next 9 days.
This is my second European adventure. The first was an excursion to Germany and Austria over two years ago. Much has changed in life since then. Relationally, professionally, personally, everything is different. I think my expectations are different this time. Chief of which being a lack of specific expectations.
We'll see. I'll do my best to update from hostels over the next 9 days.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Film '08 Volume II
It's impossible to do a year in film justice without mentioning acting performances. I'd like to use this post as an ode to the most memorable performances for me. First, I'm going to do something I've not done before.
Certain scenes from movies sometimes leave more of an impression than the overall film. "Dude, remember when they hide the gun in the bathroom at the restaurant, Pacino goes in and gets it, then comes out and wastes 'em? That was awesome." Or, "I loved it when Spacey walks out of the police station and his limp goes away!" Or, "That was classic when Wayne and Garth sing Bohemian Rhapsody in the Merth Mobile!" People remember sequences. Here is the list of the most memorable sequences for me this year. I'll do my best to not put more than one or two per film.
1. "I'd like to phone a friend" Slumdog Millionaire
2. The opening burglary - The Dark Knight
3. Interrogating the Joker - The Dark Knight
4. Performing Dracula's Lament - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
5. Playing the djembe in the subway - The Visitor
6. Dancing in outer space - WALL*E
7. The diner scene - Pineapple Express
8. The chase through the Mumbai slums - Slumdog Millionaire
9. The final match - The Wrestler
10. Late night phone call - Frost/Nixon
11. Blackmail over the phone - Burn After Reading
12. Ray breaks down - In Bruges
13. The Barbershop - Gran Torino
14. Coming out to Dad - Milk
15. "I'm a broken down piece of meat" - The Wrestler
16. "There is no exit" - W.
17. "Can't smile without you" duet - Hellboy II
18. Prison confrontation - The Visitor
19. "I don't love you" - Revolutionary Road
20. "I am Iron Man" - Iron Man
Here are my favorite performances
Sadly, I've not seen many of the films featuring solid female performances. Maybe that's my fault, or maybe studios are guilty of not offering as many interesting roles for women to play.
Female:
1. Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
2. Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
3. Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
4. Melissa Leo - Frozen River
5. Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
6. Angelina Jolie - Changeling
7. Hiam Abbass - The Visitor
8. Frances McDormand - Burn After Reading
9. Emily Mortimer - Transsiberian
10. Cate Blanchett - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Male:
1. Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
2. Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
3. Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
4. Sean Penn - Milk
5. Colin Farrell - In Bruges
6. James Franco - Pineapple Express
7. Josh Brolin - Milk
8. Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
9. Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
10. Leonardo Dicaprio - Revolutionary Road
11. Brad Pitt - Burn After Reading
12. James Franco - Milk
13. Brendan Gleeson - In Bruges
14. Michael Sheen - Frost/Nixon
15. Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire
16. Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man
17. Tom Cruise - Tropic Thunder
18. Ralph Fiennes - In Bruges
19. Russell Brand - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
20. Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think...
Certain scenes from movies sometimes leave more of an impression than the overall film. "Dude, remember when they hide the gun in the bathroom at the restaurant, Pacino goes in and gets it, then comes out and wastes 'em? That was awesome." Or, "I loved it when Spacey walks out of the police station and his limp goes away!" Or, "That was classic when Wayne and Garth sing Bohemian Rhapsody in the Merth Mobile!" People remember sequences. Here is the list of the most memorable sequences for me this year. I'll do my best to not put more than one or two per film.
1. "I'd like to phone a friend" Slumdog Millionaire
2. The opening burglary - The Dark Knight
3. Interrogating the Joker - The Dark Knight
4. Performing Dracula's Lament - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
5. Playing the djembe in the subway - The Visitor
6. Dancing in outer space - WALL*E
7. The diner scene - Pineapple Express
8. The chase through the Mumbai slums - Slumdog Millionaire
9. The final match - The Wrestler
10. Late night phone call - Frost/Nixon
11. Blackmail over the phone - Burn After Reading
12. Ray breaks down - In Bruges
13. The Barbershop - Gran Torino
14. Coming out to Dad - Milk
15. "I'm a broken down piece of meat" - The Wrestler
16. "There is no exit" - W.
17. "Can't smile without you" duet - Hellboy II
18. Prison confrontation - The Visitor
19. "I don't love you" - Revolutionary Road
20. "I am Iron Man" - Iron Man
Here are my favorite performances
Sadly, I've not seen many of the films featuring solid female performances. Maybe that's my fault, or maybe studios are guilty of not offering as many interesting roles for women to play.
Female:
1. Kate Winslet - Revolutionary Road
2. Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler
3. Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
4. Melissa Leo - Frozen River
5. Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
6. Angelina Jolie - Changeling
7. Hiam Abbass - The Visitor
8. Frances McDormand - Burn After Reading
9. Emily Mortimer - Transsiberian
10. Cate Blanchett - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Male:
1. Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
2. Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler
3. Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
4. Sean Penn - Milk
5. Colin Farrell - In Bruges
6. James Franco - Pineapple Express
7. Josh Brolin - Milk
8. Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
9. Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
10. Leonardo Dicaprio - Revolutionary Road
11. Brad Pitt - Burn After Reading
12. James Franco - Milk
13. Brendan Gleeson - In Bruges
14. Michael Sheen - Frost/Nixon
15. Dev Patel - Slumdog Millionaire
16. Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man
17. Tom Cruise - Tropic Thunder
18. Ralph Fiennes - In Bruges
19. Russell Brand - Forgetting Sarah Marshall
20. Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road
Thanks for reading. Let me know what you think...
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