Critics & Current Film 8/8: LORD OF WAR, ELEVATOR

The script for OUaTiM is - how shall I say? - uneven. Johnny Depp and Willem Dafoe were inspired casting, though, and that helps. Depp is very funny, if you like black humor.

I keep meaning to go down to the Spectrum Multiplex (that's the complex in Orange County with the Imax theater) and maybe Monday. I think it is still on.

Not at the Orange County IMAX -- it is dark at the present time. Next up: "2001: A Space Odyssey" in IMAX?

Looks like "Mystic River" is the flick to see -- Clint Eastwood has perhaps outdone himself.

Possible nominations now for the Oscar:

"Seabiscuit"
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (I think this goes without question even though I try to ignore buzz from the industry -- it's just that his one is a BIG film).
"Mystic River"

And I predict a lot of competitive nominations considering what the critics are saying about the actors in the film. They will likely be competing with one another but it just may be Sean's year.

The reviews for "Matrix Revolution" are all over the place -- I suppose the trilogy will find a place in cinema history, science fiction films anyway. I found it was stretched out after the last one. Those who don't read sci fi will find it new and stimulating. I found it a bit dull were it not for the superlative special effects.

truth
Don't mean to change the subject, but I just saw Cold Mountain. It was supposed to be a love story with the structure of Ulysses. But it was clearly an infatuation story, little more. But it does show the power of infatuation. The Greeks called love, the Divine Madness. I disagree. My experiences with love show me that love is a form of profound sanity and realism. Infatuation is a divine madness. We've all felt it and know how crazy it has made us. Thank god it is always temporary, whereas love lasts and grows and feeds itself from reality not fantasy. Back to your fun.

Aw, you helpless romantic. The same director explored the same territory in "The English Patient" which is just a good movie but not one I would really revisit. I would say that there is physical, sexual love and then there is sincere love with a foundation that is built with passion and purpose. Unfortunately, the later is probably not the norm -- it is way too much work for most people. I really don't know many happily married or long time relationship people. That's another subject for another forum, of course. I'm not running to the multiplex to see "Cold Mountain."

I haven't been able to bring myself to see Cold Mountain.

My first exposure to it was a radio clip - Renee Z sounded like she was channeling Ellie Mae Clampett. In fact, I thought it was an ad for DejaVu t.v. at first. I'm having trouble getting past that, and I really wanted to see it - I've heard the location is gorgeous.

Now I need to go post a rant about the film that knocked LOTR out of first spot.

I haven't seen it either, nor have I seen LOTR..(just found out what that abbreviation meant).

and, of course, J.L. is a hopeless romantic, Mr. Wizard. Aren't all philosophers? Even Fresco gets out of the lavatory occasionally.

I was also taken aback by the clips of Renee Zellwigger's Ella Mae Clampett impersonation. I'm still am not sure how much artistic commitment is in the film and how much calculated marketing appeal is contained therein.

I saw Cold Mountain and enjoyed it - though more for the scenery and other visuals than for the acting. It made me want to read the book, as I felt there was definitely more to the story than we see onscreen.

Sooooo - wait for Cold Mountain to come out on DVD - put it on mute, and read the book while occasionally looking up at the scenery on the screen?

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Although...there are some films that I choose to see at the theatre, so as to better appreciate the scenery or special effects. That's why I saw Cold Mountain. Well, that and because it's hard to pass up seeing Jude Law larger than life.

truth
Actually, guys, there is a pornographic scene in Hot Mountain that would give many guys heart attacks. The film also has some of the best war scenes I've ever seen, absolutely gory. One of my problems with the film is that it would have been far more "entertaining" if the hero had not been killed in the end, just when I was beginning to identify with him and his plight. I said to my wife, sardonically, they had to kill him in order to be arty.

Must be some scene for JLN to change it from Cold Mountain to Hot Mountain! :wink:

truth
Oops! What a freudian slip. I guess you're right.

Nah, J.L. a Freudian half slip. Just don't go about wearing one...

Goodnight!

truth
Muy buenas noches, Letty.