This is not a biopic in the conventional sense in that it deals with just a short period in Truman Capotes life. That is the period leading up to one of his best known books and certainly his most enduring work the non fiction novel 'In Cold Blood,. This details the aftermath of the November 1959 murders of the Clutter family in a quiet Kansas backwater which captured the attention of the American nation and fascinated Capote.
The film is not primarily concerned with the murders concentrating instead on the period leading up to the book. It details how Capote(Phillip Seymour Hoffman) made numerous trips to the area researching 'In Cold Blood' forming a close friendship with one of the killers Perry Smith. The film examines the nature of their relationship and how Capote and his friend and fellow writer Harper Lee(Catherine Keener) won the trust of the entire community. It shows how Capote whilst publicly supporting Smith's innocence went on to betray him for his own ends and for the sake of a bestseller.
Phillip Seymour Hoffman in the title role has never been better, a worthy Oscar winner. The film itself is a fascinating study of a short period in the life of a complex man.
It really is quite poor! I've resisted the (small) temptation to read the book and thought I'd give the film a go instead. Put it this way: watching the film won't make you want to go buy the book!
It seems like a no-lose situation: a steady helmer in Ron Howard, a bankable name in Tom Hanks, the saucy Euro-totty element in Audrey Tautou and a worldwide bestseller for source material.
So how can it feel so very, very flat? I fancied a bit of self-flagellation myself half way through - just to waken my dullened senses!!
I found myself thinking "this is a bit like National Treasure and goddamn it, I'd rather be watching that!!".
Make of that what you will....
Very disappointing (and Audrey looked like she thought so too...)
When this crime thriller was first released it was somewhat overshadowed by Seven released the same year. However, watching the two films now it is Copycat that has stood the test of time. Tough cop M.J Monahan(Holly Hunter) persuades agoraphobic criminal psychologist Helen Hudson(Sigourney Weaver) to assist in the search for a serial killer who is replicating the crimes of famous serial killers. The tension builds throughout leading to a genuinely chilling climax. Hunter and Weaver two of Hollywoods most under-rated actresses clearly relish the opportunity of such meaty roles and not having to play second fiddle to a male lead and are both on top form. This is one of those movies where all the essential elements come together to create something truly memorable. A clever script and first rate direction are backed up by the stars and supporting cast alike. This is a rare movie a thriller that really thrills and lingers long in the memory.
The Coen Brothers have long been favourites of critics and movie fans alike and this excellent box set shows why. Few film-makers have such a varied and impressive CV and the four films here are amongst the brothers best work. Blood Simple(1983) the Coen's first movie is a first rate thriller, a tale of murder full of noirish twists and unforgettable characters and features a fine debut performance from Frances McDormand.
Barton Fink(1991) is a surreal masterpiece. A dark comedy detailing a playwrights struggles to make the transition from stage to screen without selling out. It is also a vicious attack on the Hollywood studio system of the 30s and 40s. John Turturro stars in the title role.
The Hudsucker Proxy(1994) is a wonderful old style screwball comedy that makes a serious point about the nature of big business. Tim Robbins stars and Jennifer Jason Leigh in full on Katherine Hepburn mode shows real star quality.
The Big Lebowski(1997) probably the best known of the four films is a cult classic and one of the funniest films of recent years. Jeff Bridges and John Goodman star in an unlikely tale of mistaken identity and so much more. All four films are beautifully made examples of American independent cinema at its very best.
If you don't want to be the sort of person who insist on quoting comedies left right and centre then this is not for you. The best (in my opinion) British comedy in the past 20 years- Spaced takes us on a surreal but heavily grounded in reality journey through the lives and loves of a group of 20-somethings (and their landlady and dog Colin). The writing is superlative, with more quotable lines than you can shake a big stick at ('You can't dangle the bogus carrot of possible reconciliation in front of my face whilst riding some other donkey.') and there's more nods to cult film and TV than I've ever seen (the homage-ometer on the special features will show you this). Irreverent, totally surreal, belly achingly funny and absolutely essential, this show isn't my favourite for nothing- I don't know anybody who's seen it and hasn't loved it.
Anybody into zombie gorefests or those in possession of a dry sense of humour has no excuse for not owning this fine example of British film making. Several members of the cast (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Peter Serafinowicz and Jessica Stevenson) and the director (Edgar Wright) of the cult comedy Spaced get together to indulge their love of the zombie classics. This film has it all- nods to the walking undead films we all know and love (Fulci's fish restaurant, Foree Electrical...), a cast bursting with some of the best names in British drama (Penelope Wilton and Bill Nighy to name but two) and a script that made me laugh till my eyes watered. If you like this movie, you will not be sated by watching it just the once- and no bad thing; you can join the army of Shaun fans quoting the script at any given opportunity ('Who died and made you f***ing king of the zombies?'), and I'd give it a 99% chance that you will like it. It's a great film- even George Romero says so. And he knows his zombie films.
Very good, prime example of ECW
Everyone should welcome more Clooney blockbusters like Oceans 29 (or whatever they are up to now) - because, the spoils from such popcorn fodder means he can do more personal work like this and Syriana.
Whilst not the tour de force that some are claiming it to be, this is very enjoyable, very personal and very one-sided too.
The main focus of attention is on civil liberties in America (always a contentious issue there) and Joseph McCarthy's attempts to stamp out anything with a (often imagined) Communist whiff to it.
Clooney admirably takes a step back to let Strathairn shine - and shine he does with a very mannered performance that seems spot on.
Best of all - cigarettes are officially cool again!!!
A worthy addition to your collection, the only real downside being the rather subjective portrayal of events of the time with very clear 'goodie' and 'baddie' definitions painted for the viewer. ah well, cant have everything...
I have to admit to rarely watching biography films as I find they can rarely hold my attention, however all those preconceptions were to change when I watched Young Mr Lincoln. As a long time admirer of Ford, it was great to see his homourous touches, mastery of story and camera and his deft touch being used to such great effect. It was also great to see Fonda in such an early performance dominate the screen and the proceedings. He even takes slouching to an art form. However its when the court room drama begins that the film really takes off, for not only do we glimpse the man in Lincoln for the first time, but we also feel his empathy and rage at the system and prejudges he has to tackle in this particular event in his life. Consequently we learn more about the man, the culture and the challenges in this rather short period than we would do through the typical chronological biography. The region 1 Criterion is particularly recommended not only for its fabulous extras but a quite superb transfer.
As an avid fan of this quality cop show I snapped up series 1 & 2 of the show only to be forced to wait far too long for this.
I am here to tell you however, it was well worth the wait. Jimmy Smitt's character (Simone) is more fully explored in this season and Dennis Franz is brilliant as the rough, tough, disfunctional Sipowitz.
The 15th squad go from strength to strength as the acting and particularly, the writing are out of the top drawer.
The last few episodes of this series see Simone in a 'no win' situation stuck between the FBI and the 'Rat Squad'! But the series finale is a real dramatic shock as Sipowitcz solves the problem in the most surprising cliff hanger ever.
Now, I can't wait for series 4!
Willy Deville spent the late seventies and early eighties fronting the New Wave new york band Mink Deville. Since the late eighties he's been a solo artist with a very large following on mainland Europe. This DVD, recorded at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on his 2005 Crow Jane Alley tour perfectly captures why people rate this man so highly.
An infectious style combining elements of Rock, soul, blues, funk, latin, jazz and casian. With a voice to die for Willy Deville, leads his band through a varied repertoire that includes a radical re working of Hendrix's Hey Joe and a gentle version of Roxy's Slave to Love. His own material is just as strong from the opening Mexican twang of Chieva to the dirty blues of Steady Driving man.
Do yourself a favour and check out this overlooked gem of an artist.
Season 5 is excellent viewing.Lex and Clark seem to be enemies now,Clark tells Lana everything then has to take it all back,and Lana then takes up with another.Clark is brought back but there is a price to pay a life of one of his loved ones.Someone knows Clarks secret,well actually two people know.Wont spoil it by telling you who.Lana is possessed by a witch and has better powers than Clark!!!Metropolis and The Daily Planet feature a lot in this Season as does Lois Lane,Chloe's Cousin.Theres Also A Superdog !!!Can't Wait To Buy This On Dvd :-)
Only one more thing to say.I cant wait to see Season 6 !!! :-)
This is the film we will most remember Jane Campion for!
The piano is an artistic and evocative adult fairy tale that's famous for its beautiful tone and for Michael Myman's moving score. The film puts an innovative twist on a traditional love story and is beautifully moving. The characters are stubborn and insular, making this rousing tale of erotic obsession even more emotive and sincere.
Set in the mid-19th-century, this film tells the story of Ada, a mute single mother from Scotland who's sent to New Zealand for an arranged marriage. Her chief way of communication is playing her precious piano, but when her new husband sells it to his assistant, she finds herself making an astonishing deal with its new owner to guarantee its return.
This costume drama is infamous for its stunning performances, notably from Actress Holly Hunter, who earned the Best Actress award for her complex role as the emotive Ada - impressive when you take into account that she expressed herself completely without speaking (except for a couple of short voiceovers)!
Verdict
Jane Campion's The Piano is a ravishing masterpiece that has many powerful themes, all which deal with repressed passion. It's a very natural and beautiful motion picture, with slick visuals and a sensitive touch. It's obvious why it's considered one of the best films of the 1990s - well worth a watch!
This film was well designed, produced and implemented...
The actors playing all the characters were well selected and did a magnificent job in this movie...
This film may seem ordinary and living in a fantasy to the western world but it is quite factual..
Working for the Takhur is common and fearing him is even more true...
The film displays corruption as it is happening in India, it is very visible, everybody knows who is getting bribed, why they are getting bribed and who is bribing who... ...this is quite different from the western world, were bribes are issued but are rarely seen...
This film touches on a hard subject rape and I would say paedophilia... This film makes you wanna sit up and pay close attention without moving a muscle.
Om Puri or takhur, tries to justify the act of rape his sons have commited by saying the whore never gave them any and because the were intoxicated they could not tell the difference between a 9 or 90 year old. Rape has no excuses!
There are some issues of how Sanjay Dutt really managed to kill all those people but I'm content ignoring that... it is a Bollywood movie after all.
Superb performances and great delivery and end product. Well done!
Long before hitting the mainstream with "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and "King Kong", New Zealand director Peter Jackson had taken the world of cult horror movies by storm with this, his debut film.
Bad Taste is essentially a low budget, and exceptionally gory, horror film with heaps of dark humour thrown in, as aliens go on the rampage in a small New Zealand town and turn the inhabitants into their favourite brand of fast food.
A top secret government unit is sent to find out what's going on and all hell breaks loose, culminating in a huge gun battle with the alien foe.
If you're not familar with Peter Jacksons earlier works, your in for a bit of a shock with this one, which features blood by the bucket load, cannibalism, violent shoot outs, exploding heads and even exploding sheep!!!!
Terrific stuff, which proves to be as hilariously funny as it is gory. This is a must see!
This contemporary film noir is one of the best thrillers of recent years and is finally given the DVD special edition it deserves. Bridget Gregory(Linda Fiorentino) persuades husband Clay(Bill Pullman) to pull off a $700,000 drug deal to pay off their debts only to double cross him leaving him to face the music. Set up in a new town with a new identity Bridget learns that Clay and the loan sharks are closing in on her. She quickly holes up with local nobody Mike(Peter Berg) who becomes a pawn in her ever more ruthless and desperate schemes. This is classic noir full of clever dialogue, plot twists and memorable characters. Despite originating as a TV movie this is a beautifully made film boasting a quality script and first rate cinematography. While the three stars all shine it is Fiorentino playing one of modern cinemas most unforgettable femme fatales who steals the show with the performance of a lifetime. Highly recommended.
Meet Stewie Griffin, the youngest of the Griffin family at the tender age of one, but don't be fooled by his age he's hell bent on World Domination and will stop at nothing to get it, even killing his own mother Lois (well, actually a favourite past time of his).
Here we see Stewie travelling cross-country to find his real father (he couldn't possibly be related to "The Fat Guy"). Pep-pills, alcohol, sex-changes, porn, romance and Stewie's gay teddy bear Rupert, what more could you want from a Family guy DVD?
A rare insight into the sick and twisted life of Stewie with guest appearances from Bono, Drew Barrymore and Condoleezza Rice! (is that REALLY how you spell her name!?).
Enjoy!
If Carlsberg were to make a rock gig......This would be it!
Depp has the difficult position of creating a new Mr.Wonka which Gene Wilder made his own. The film is original and it is unfair to compare it to the original as the re make will still entertain and delight film watchers.
An unexpected and understated modern British gem.
Bleak documentary-style camera work and grey urban backdrops of the concrete hell that is "The Resort", lead the viewer to expect a similarly bleak storyline and conclusion. The mocking irony of 'holding' bereft refugees in what is a seaside pleasure beach - all be it a decayed shell of its former self - cannot be ignored.
However, despite the main characters - a refugee mother and son - undergoing depressing experiences, this is surprisingly a touching and somewhat uplifting little film. An uncomplicated and innocent love affair that develops between the mother and the local hard-bitten arcade owner proves that love can grow even where there is no light.
On one level the film is a simple human micro-story and yet on another, it is a stark commentary on the ludicrous British asylum bureaucracy that can actually 'trap' people in this country and render them helpless. The film certainly raises the question of just who would want to put themselves through such a de-humanising process, if at all, they had any other choices?
The story inherently acknowledges that far from all asylum seekers are in genuine fear for their lives. However, it also recognises - through the actions of its main characters - the aspirations and dignity of some refugees who would certainly not choose to idly subsist on state handouts.
Whatever, your political viewpoint on the asylum question, this film is worth a watch, depicting a more rational view of an issue that the press has often depicted as a modern-day bogeyman.
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