lislis

Slumdog Millionaire

Music and Movies via Overthinking It

I'm loving this post from Overthinking it about 8 popular songs from  not-so popular movies. Realizing these songs came from  movie soundtracks, as well as seeing the songs in their original context will completely change your perspective on some of these tracks. Also, I can't decide which of these movies I want to see first. How did I not realize so many bad movies came out in the late 70s? I think late 70s is the new 80s 
in terms of movie periods I'm going to netflix the crap out of.

check out the write up here: http://www.overthinkingit.com/2008/07/28/eight-hit-songs-from-obscure-movies/

Stranger Than Fiction

I had mentioned a long long time ago how much I wanted to see the movie Stranger Than Fiction after watching the trailer. After watching it today, let me assure you, it was totally worth it. While it isn't some life changing oscar-winning indie flick set to change how film is seen, it is pretty damn refreshing.

This isn't some chick flick, frat pack comedy, or witty british work. It's a bit harder to place, which is nice. The first thing I thought of while watching this movie was of the Hitchhiker's Guide. Maybe it's the british narrarating (it definately had something to do with it), or the incredible detail in numeric facst and figures (32 teeth, 38xs left to right, 38xs up and down), or even the detail oriented special effects (they're light, often just background additions that kind ofmake me want to rewatch it to catch them all).

In regards to the cast, I know some people (two explictly told me this and continued, even after rave reviews, to refuse to see it) who won't see this movie because of Will Farrell. I understand that, while I do heart Will Farrell, his physical comedy and outlandish ad-libbing can be tiresome when not placed in a 3 minute SNL sketch. This movie IS NOT A WILL FARRELL MOVIE. Seriously, his humor is subdued, his entire manner is subdued and completely fits. The few moments where he is lound are all seen in the trailers running on TV right now. So, whatever, get past the Will factor. This movie shows what Melinda, Melinda tried to do - Will Farrell is more than just a Big Kid.

The rest of the cast is great. My personal fear was that of Queen Latifah, but no fear! She has maybe 3 lines, and really does she have a purpose? (perchance!). Emma Thompson I automatically adore due to my standard rule of always loving British women named Emma Thompson (happens more often than you realize). Dustin Hoffman - Amy and I agreed on the fact that Dustin's role was directly related to the amazingness of his role in I Heart Huckabees. While not as off the wall, he serves as a great..mentor? not quite... but literary expert none the less. Maggie's amazing as well, but obviously.

Anyways, I think the film does a great job of keeping the viewer guessing at what happens next and adding a bit of carpe diem (a la Six Feet Under Style without the overt dark comedy). There were definately moments when it hurt so much to watch some of the scenes, that feeling of hopelessness. Still, there were hilarious parts that just had you laughing out loud. While there is a bit of romance, it's not the driving force of the story - and for that alone this movie is amazing for not following the written out Hollywood standard (Suck it, Paramount).

Finally, kick ass soundtrack (thank you Spoon!) and great use of music throughout. Must look into loving more Spoon. Anyways, my motivation for writing this was mainly because it really sucks having people blow it off for little reasons.

Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus

A Movie I'm excited to see:

for more about Diane Arbus

Her Portfolio

A Washington Post article following up on some of her subjects

The Science of Sleep

The Death of Salvador Dali

Based on actual events, the DEATH OF SALVADOR DALI screenplay won 1st place at the LA Hypefest Screenplay Competition last year and the project was awarded a Panavision grant.

This film chronicles the flamboyant Salvador Dali as he drops into the office and headspace of Sigmund Freud. The unsuspecting doctor is subjected to chaos, madness, and the deceptive schemes of an enigmatic series of visitors.

"The intent behind this glimpse of Salvador Dali was to stay true to the artists spirit. Without attempting to interpret his mind or to comment on his work, the story carefully yet fancifully lets his personality come to life. "

- Mick Schlitzneglitz - Editor

The short film is currently available on itunes for $1.99, its about 18 minutes long. Plus, it looks pretty funny

find out more at: http://www.dalimovie.com/

Sketches of Frank Gehry

So there's a Sydney Pollack Documentary coming out about Frank Gehry called "Sketches of Frank Gehry" The film itself took about 5 years to make, finishing filming in 2000. So while there's no PBL love, I still think every little Case kid who's anti-Gehry should see it. If for no other reason to at least understand what went on behind the making of Gehry's style. Me personally, I'm always a fan of the art/arch blurred world.

check out the trailer here: http://images.apple.com/movies/sony/sketchesoffrankgehry/sketchesoffrankgehry_480p.mov

LoveFilm's Movie Search

Similar to the Virgin Picture, this is LoveFilm's Movie Title Search (they're the UK's NetFlix). The real answers haven't been released yet, I have a sizable list, definately not 100. Please post in the comments anyones you find. Seriously, together we could solve this crazy game!

Brick (2006)

The Matador

So Stentz and I watched this last night. I had no idea what it was about, except that it was "Indie" and that Pierce Brosnan doesn't play a spy, but that was it. I'm not going to say much more about it, except it was hilarious, and actually really good. It was pretty unpredictable, before watching it we watched the trailer, just to get a sense of it. Seriously though, it's good. The characters a funny and complex. It's like a modern day odd couple! I think it's just great because Pierce Brosnan gets type casted so many times as this suave guy, and in this movie he's just so disgustingly shady, with some lovable qualities. Ok! That's all I'm say about it now, but seriously go see it!