What have you been watching? Hopefully you’ve been considering watching some of the flicks I’ve been suggesting, I promise you’ll be satisfied. So, we had four films suggested last time, anyone brave any of the suggestions? This week we’ll have another four for your viewing pleasure.
Quick comment. Anyone that might have some suggestions of films to watch, feel free to write a short review and send it to me, maybe you’ll be in the next installment of For Your Consideration.
Also, would anyone be interested in themed selections? For instance, films from different directors or actors, genres, or even films that utilize a specific element or structure. Feel free to throw out some ideas. I am planning on doing a special for October, horror themed suggestions the entire month!!!
Back to business, I did some extensive digging and searches for a few of the films this week, I hope that you queue them up and take a look. So, with out further ramble, here are some films FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
Wendy and Lucy (2008)
Dir: Kelly Reichardt
Starring: Michelle Williams
You can’t deny that many films, with huge amounts of money and A-list actors, have consistently failed at trying to portray reality in film. The many emotions and situations that define us individually are complex and difficult to capture in film. Wendy and Lucy is a small budget film that embodies the greatest wealth of emotions in the portrayal of the realities of life. Many viewers are split on this film due of the leaps of logic and the sympathy one should, or should not feel, for the lead character. But the controversy is also what makes it a great film to watch. Whether you agree or disagree, the brilliance here lives in the straightforward and candid truths being explored.
Restrepo (2010)
Dir: Tim Hetherington, Sebastian Junger
When the film world was still a buzz about The Hurt Locker, I was wondering why people weren’t talking more about Restrepo. This is an amazing documentary. One year, dug in, with the second platoon battling the Taliban, one might assume that the dire situation these soldiers are exposed to on a daily basis would show greater anger or depression. And yes, you do see the tragedy of war and its’ effects on soldiers, but you also see humor and camaraderie and the will and bravery of the soldier. Unfortunately, one of the directors, Tim Hetherington, was killed in Libya covering conflict, RIP.
The Classic Film:
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Dir: Stanley Kubrick
Starring: Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, and William Sylvester.
One can only dream of the kind of films we’d be blessed with if Stanley Kubrick were still alive. The catalog of his films is nothing short of amazing. 2001: A Space Odyssey could be the most underrated and misunderstood film of his catalog, but it is nonetheless one of the best films ever made. This would be a difficult film to make now, and more than likely would be ruined due to focus on the special effects and how many theaters it could play in 3-D, but this film was made in 1968 and is still stunning!! Few films challenge the audience in the manner that this film does. It asks questions of the audience and lets them, at times, find their own path to the answer. The profound journey of the central character is amusing and remarkable. The execution of the film direction and cinematography are genius. This film also boasts one of the greatest cinematic villain’s, however I have heard it called a hero, in the form of the computer HAL 9000. It’s chilling after all this time to see a film that is so utterly fantastic still. For some this film might not be a repeat viewing, however if you call yourself a film fan you owe it to yourself to see this film at least once.
The Monte Favorite:
Videodrome (1983)
Dir: David Cronenberg
Starring: James Woods and Deborah Harry
(Warning: This film explores disturbing and violent subject matter. Be warned, this film is not for everyone.)
David Cronenberg is one of my favorite directors, and Videodrome is one of my favorite films. For those that haven’t seen it, shame on you. For those that have, watch it again. Very few films can mix science fiction, horror, sex, violence, surrealism, and addiction together and make it a great film. Cronenberg has always been cutting edge and ahead of his time, his films have only become more important as time has passed. Cronenberg’s past exploration of the literal “fear of the flesh” and his current fascination with the “fear of self”, are both inventive and imaginative. Film fans should watch this film immediately.
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