Paul Young
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Just for the fun of it, this is my DVD movie diary.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Raging Bull
Some movies age well, others improve with age. Raging Bull is one of those films on the verge of becoming a classic. One of Scorsese's personal favorites, Raging Bull opened to mixed reviews in 1980. But watching it again on the recently released special edition DVD, it is difficult to find any flaws in this techinically perfect film which possibly contains the best performance of DeNiro's career. In fact, every actor in this film seemed born to play their role. Filmed in stunning black & white, edited with incredible rhythm, staged with amazing period detail, this film is a visual treat as well as an emotional roller coaster ride.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Buena
Vista Social Club
Part documentary, part concert film, part history lesson, this odd collaboration between German filmmaker Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire) and guitarist Ry Cooder strikes a perfect balance. I first saw this film when it opened in 1999. Five years later, it still has not lost its impact. Emotionally involving, many scenes are so honest and potent that they brought chills to my spine. Not just for lovers of Cuban music, this milestone celluloid gem deserves multiple viewings. Also check out the CD of the same name.
Monday, August 15, 2005
A Very
Long Engagement
I've been a big fan of Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Amelie for along time, so obviously I was very much looking forward to seeing his latest epic. And I wasn't disappointed. Visually lush, romantically engaging, and very French in style and attitude. It's a very effective anti-war film coming ata time when we need it most. Audrey Tautou's performance vividly recalls her character in Amelie, in fact so much so this movie could almost be called Amelie 2. The best part is the ending. It took a day or two before I realized the design behind the ending. I have a feeling Jeunet was deliberately seeking the "happiest" of all possible endings. And he wrote exactly that. Recommended.
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