Hey folks, Harry here... Well, it seems that ol Roman Polanski has made a great one again! With filmmakers as talented at Roman, you know it just a matter of time till they get their hands on the right material, have the right budget and right actors and the people that will leave him alone to make the type of movies he's able to make. From REPULSION to ROSEMARY'S BABY to CHINATOWN to one of my faves FRANTIC, I have had faith that we would see more to add to this list. THE PIANIST... Can't wait to see this one! Here's NoZeanderthal with comments on that and others...
K. This is a mega- review. A 4 in 1. Its a deal you can't refuse. Two biopics, a confusing mess of a comedy, and a classic that should be seen by all. So get ready little buckaroos, here we go.
The Pianist
Forget the 9th Gate, this is actually a good movie. Polanski's style is perfect for a holocaust drama. I can't stress the beauty of this film, but at the same time it is rough. the 1st hour is a tough journey through the warsaw ghetto, in a frightening style that at times makes you think you are watching a horror film. Which is perfect, because that is exactly what the holocaust was, a real life horror film.
But this is not just a holocaust film. Its so much more. It is the semi-life story of the Polish pianist (hence the title... cool huh?), Wladyslaw Szpilman. he is played by adrian brodie. brodie's acting is wonderful which is great because he spends a huge part of his life locked up alone in apartments hiding from the germans.
The most haunting, yet beautiful scene is were Wladyslaw is hiding in an abandoned apartment. noone knows hes there so he cant make any noise. however, he lives with a piano and cant help playing it. we hear the music and we see his reactions to the emotions coming from it, but then we see his hands and they are dancing lightly upon the keys never pressing them down. its a beautiful scene.
in short. see this film. its gorgeous, well acted, well directed, and just plain good.
Chiawaseon: Strokes of Fire
The second biopic. This won is about the legendary korean painter, Owihon (I believe...spelling is probably wrong). This is a Korean film, so i dont know how it will be distributed in the states, but it is good. The acting was solid. Wait, that doesnt even come close to giving it credit. The acting was real. I saw this in the presence of the actors and director and when it was over it was hard for me to look at the lead actor. His presence on the screen was so real so impressive. his transformation, physically and spiritually was perfect.
the painter was a drunken womanizer. the film follows his life (loosely, as in time wise) from childhood to his disaperence. As a child he was discovered by a noble and taken in. he travled from master to master learning the art of painting until he surpassed them all. finally becoming a master himself, he looses everythign during the chinese revolution.
the ending is weak, and the film suffers from waht most biopics do. it didnt get to the root of his passion. why he was the way he was. it jsut the story of his life. but damn if it wasnt a fine story. check this out if at all possible.
Punchdrunk Love
Uh. Ok. I laughed. I was entertained. But I am forced to ask...why the hell should I care? P.T has been making films that get progressively more and more... well. im hestitant to say... pointless.
Sandler gives a toned down performance. that is until he becomes a raging psycho with serious anger issues. the beginning is sloooooow, but after about 15 minutes it really picks up. the music was great and the humor top notch. phillip seymore hoffman, great as always. the film is good. im not saying dont see it. but be ready to walk out and ask... uh.... ok.... why?
Singin In the Rain
I was blessed enough to see this remastered on the big screen. I dont know the plans for distribution, but i hope this gets out there. this movie is magical. i dont think anyone can deny that. gene kelly, donald o'connor, and debbie reynolds. wow. jean hagen as lina lamont and millard mitchell, delightful. the print was crystal clear and the sound was amazing. there is really nothing i can say about this that hasnt been said, but i just thought you should know it might be coming your way real soon. and if it doesnt. buy the DVD. watch this movie if you havent. this is how they used to be made and damn if it isnt exquisite. truly a treat.
well, the magical land of cannes is coming to a close. im on my way to the closing ceremonies and And Now...Ladies and Gentlemen. Unfortunately, i wont have internet access until i get back to the states so my review will be slightly delayed. i hope that ive enlighted some of you on some great films. look foward to catchin you all state side.
I am NoZeanderthal. And I'm out.
