Well, I wasn't sure if you'd be interested in this but... I got to see a (non press) screening of Saving Private Ryan today, and I thought you/we might want some advance word. It ran 2 hours, 40 minutes, and was one of the most throughly gripping films I have ever seen. Period. I'm sure we all know the plot by now, so I won't bore...but I will say the first 30 minutes (the landing at Omaha) will take your breath, make you cry, squirm, and downright feel uncomfortable. The sheer brutal force of this segment almost clouded the rest of the film for me--and it should, given the context.
Janusz Kaminski does an incredible job with the photography, especially the in-and-out of water scenes on the beach.
Overall, I think we may be looking at the next Best Picture, but I'm concerned that audiences may turn away, given the graphic nature of the movie. It's definitely not for the kiddies, no matter how much they play up Matt Damon (who does just fine, as does the rest of the cast).
Harry, this movie is still bothering me--I can't shake its imagery, nor its final, lasting shots. This is Spielberg, but a different kind of Spielberg. Not Schindler, not Raiders, and definitely not Empire of the Sun, but some other kind...he's really outdone himself...and brought something stark, raw, and jaw dropping to the screen--perhaps THE anti-war movie of the last 30 years. Better than Platoon, and almost as disturbing as Full Metal Jacket...I just can't shake it off. I'm just curious as to the critical reviews that will come out...and the audience reaction. Sorry for rambling, but its sort of cathartic.
Anyway, if this gets anywhere, please call me "fly boy" [jobs and stuff, ya know?] Thanks for listening, and thanks, THANKS for ain't-it-cool!
