Direcow's 2 movies in 2 minutes:
1) Irreversible
Review: This movie tries too hard be different or clever. Spinning cameras try to empart the feeling of confusion, with images going by before you can take a second look. However, the lack of focus and reason for spinning other than to purely confuse does wound the movie. The 9.5 minute long rape scene was actually very boring, thought I realise the reason for fixing the camera there: to keep your eye on the "action", however boring it was. Plotwise the story doesn't really work, and fails to be compelling, and in the end you end up being isolated from all the characters except maybe Belluci's (who's still not pretty). As for the movie moving backwards: Memento already did it, and did it way better.
Rating: 2.5/5 (for some of the clever bits)
2) Lost in Translation
This is a little quiet, silent gem. It might not run the same way as most stories, with it never really hitting a climax but rather just simmering around until before you know it, it's done, and you're left there feeling just a little bit alone. It's definately rather pretty all round, but since we all can see where the story is going, the gravitas is perhaps a little lacking. Murray as the dry mid-life crisis dude seems to be acting as himself, the same way Jack Nicholson has been doing the past few movies. Nevertheless, this movie is a great experience, with everybody adding to a final product that a little whimsical and a little sad. It just doesn't blow you away. Pink wigs are fun!
Rating: 4/5
Am left with:
1) The Last Samurai
2) Last Life in the Universe
3) Dogville
4) 21 Grams
5) House of Sand and Fog
6) Mystic River
7) Something's Gotta Give
8) Cold Mountain
9) City of God
American Idols to keep an eye on:
Last year I watched Clay from the beginning, and I was kinda right. This time there's nobody who really stands out but here are some of my picks:
Eric Yoder: This Chris Martin lookalike seems to look like Chris Martin. Good enough for my books.
Erskine Walcott: Reminds me of Outkast, but he has that zing.
John Stevens: Johnny got jazz!
Jon-Peter Lewis: This sleepy dude seems to have the right due to bring him somewhere.
Jonah Moananu: This big guy is just so happy! Haha.
Matt Rogers: Another big guy, sings with just that extra twinkle. Will do well.
What? No girls? Firstly non of this list stands out (my original favourites are gone) and unless Cheerleader girl has changed her look... Maybe Briana Ramirez-Rial for that angst loner schtick. Haha.
