|
|
Post by toshtego on Feb 15, 2021 17:48:21 GMT -5
Just watched "Bottle Shock" on DVD. Good movie. Somewhat true story about a wine tasting/contest in 1976 between California wines and French wines. A California Chardonnay won. Shattered the myth that French wines were the finest. 1970s California Chardonnays were quite good and very different from now. They have never been as good. Vintners made a real statement in oak back then. Now, they pansy foot around their former glory with something they believe to be more "cosmopolitan". |
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 17:51:03 GMT -5
What is a “perfect film”? I’m sure we all have our own ideas about this. Some film-addicts may have many such films, and others are so picky that they have very, very few. I confess to being among the latter group. For me a “perfect” film has to hew to some specific bench-marks. If it is an historical film it has to be accurate to the spirit of the history it deals with, if not the absolute factuality. Alll films must be plausible. They must have a strong and carefully selected cast— no clinkers among them. The script must be impeccable. The direction must be focused, skillful, and virtually invisible. The camera work should fit the narrative seamlessly and be done with faultless expertise. Emotions shown, and elicited, must be sound, unforced, and uncoerced. If it contains a “conclusion” it must not be deus ex machina but follow inexorably from the narrative, characters, and situation as developed. There’s more but that’s a good start. Pretty picky. While I have many “almosts,” I have very few bullseyes. I would submit LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean, 1962) as being at the top of my list. AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (Louis Malle, 1987) next, not necessarily second. So different, but both... perfect. What are the criteria that others use to judge their “perfect” films? I’m curious. I'm not sure I believe in perfect anything, other than Natalie Portman as a female human creature. There are movies I love, and movies I don't love. That's about as far as I can go. I can say I am extremely sensitive to bad writing, quite sensitive to bad acting, and somewhat sensitive to bad editing, but I simply don't know enough about directing to have any notion of whether it's good or bad, barring gross flaws like leaving microphones, etc., in the frame. |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 15, 2021 17:53:49 GMT -5
I don't know about perfect films. That's going to be personal and relative to so many many factors.
Seeing the original Star Wars in the old art deco theater in Santa Fe with only a couple of dozen people was one of the best movie experiences for me. Old Yeller was the most emotional movie experience. I don't think that I am qualified to judge a movie for it's actual merit based on someone else's value system. If a movie makes me feel good and gives me something to think about, that is all I expect. The Hundred Foot Journey was one that I particularly liked.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 15, 2021 18:00:16 GMT -5
What is a “perfect film”? I’m sure we all have our own ideas about this. Some film-addicts may have many such films, and others are so picky that they have very, very few. I confess to being among the latter group. For me a “perfect” film has to hew to some specific bench-marks. If it is an historical film it has to be accurate to the spirit of the history it deals with, if not the absolute factuality. Alll films must be plausible. They must have a strong and carefully selected cast— no clinkers among them. The script must be impeccable. The direction must be focused, skillful, and virtually invisible. The camera work should fit the narrative seamlessly and be done with faultless expertise. Emotions shown, and elicited, must be sound, unforced, and uncoerced. If it contains a “conclusion” it must not be deus ex machina but follow inexorably from the narrative, characters, and situation as developed. There’s more but that’s a good start. Pretty picky. While I have many “almosts,” I have very few bullseyes. I would submit LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean, 1962) as being at the top of my list. AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (Louis Malle, 1987) next, not necessarily second. So different, but both... perfect. What are the criteria that others use to judge their “perfect” films? I’m curious. I'm not sure I believe in perfect anything, other than Natalie Portman as a female human creature. There are movies I love, and movies I don't love. That's about as far as I can go. I can say I am extremely sensitive to bad writing, quite sensitive to bad acting, and somewhat sensitive to bad editing, but I simply don't know enough about directing to have any notion of whether it's good or bad, barring gross flaws like leaving microphones, etc., in the frame. You're thinking that "Your Highness" is the perfect movie, while I like "The Professional". 😜🤠 |
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 15, 2021 18:18:43 GMT -5
Ron saith... “ I don't know about perfect films. That's going to be personal and relative to so many many factors.”
Of course. Subjective about factors. I gave some of mine. Just curious about others.
|
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 18:27:49 GMT -5
I'm not sure I believe in perfect anything, other than Natalie Portman as a female human creature. There are movies I love, and movies I don't love. That's about as far as I can go. I can say I am extremely sensitive to bad writing, quite sensitive to bad acting, and somewhat sensitive to bad editing, but I simply don't know enough about directing to have any notion of whether it's good or bad, barring gross flaws like leaving microphones, etc., in the frame. You're thinking that "Your Highness" is the perfect movie, while I like "The Professional". 😜🤠 Dear god. Don't get me started, Ron. That woman's existence restored my faith in the universe's ability to get something right, at a time when it badly needed restoring. |
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 18:33:55 GMT -5
Ron saith... “ I don't know about perfect films. That's going to be personal and relative to so many many factors.” Of course. Subjective about factors. I gave some of mine. Just curious about others. I've never seen Au Revoir, but LoA has long been a movie I love. While we're on David Lean, Doctor Zhivago is another. But I wouldn't consider either of them perfect, I don't think. A few others that come to mind at the moment: The Sweet Smell of Success The Manchurian Candidate All the President's Men Rear Window |
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 15, 2021 18:39:24 GMT -5
What bars those films from being “perfect”?
(Lean certainly qualifies as a perfectionist. On RYAN’S DAUGHTER— hardly a perfect film by any measure— he waited weeks for the right weather, the right sky, etc. Can you say “over budget”?)
|
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 18:56:40 GMT -5
What bars those films from being “perfect”? (Lean certainly qualifies as a perfectionist. On RYAN’S DAUGHTER— hardly a perfect film by any measure— he waited weeks for the right weather, the right sky, etc. Can you say “over budget”?) I don't know. I've never sat down and tried to analyze them. Things I do for fun, I generally don't try to analyze. I just let them work on me, however they're trying to do it. Some succeed beautifully, some partially, and some not at all. But I very rarely dig into why. LoA and DZ succeed beautifully. I'm happy to just let them. |
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 15, 2021 19:00:17 GMT -5
What bars those films from being “perfect”? (Lean certainly qualifies as a perfectionist. On RYAN’S DAUGHTER— hardly a perfect film by any measure— he waited weeks for the right weather, the right sky, etc. Can you say “over budget”?) I don't know. I've never sat down and tried to analyze them. Things I do for fun, I generally don't try to analyze. I just let them work on me, however they're trying to do it. Some succeed beautifully, some partially, and some not at all. But I very rarely dig into why. LoA and DZ succeed beautifully. I'm happy to just let them. Good answer. I suppose I’m guilty of over-analysis. PArt of my Jesuit-inspired training I guess.  I should try to do better. PS... intrusive mikes are not the director’s bailiwick. The cameraman needs to call it. Then the boom-guy gets his arse chewed. He’s low man so nobody he can kick. The sound guy might then replace him. Re-take! Now, with digital monitors in everybody’s hands the director is sure to catch it but prolly not before the camera guy yells “Cut!” So MANY ways to screw something up! |
|
calabash
Full Member
Posts: 560
Favorite Pipe: Baki meerschaum, 1972 Dunhill
Favorite Tobacco: C & D Yorktown, Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake, Gawith St James Flake
Location:
|
Post by calabash on Feb 15, 2021 19:02:36 GMT -5
What is a “perfect film”? I’m sure we all have our own ideas about this. Some film-addicts may have many such films, and others are so picky that they have very, very few. I confess to being among the latter group. For me a “perfect” film has to hew to some specific bench-marks. If it is an historical film it has to be accurate to the spirit of the history it deals with, if not the absolute factuality. Alll films must be plausible. They must have a strong and carefully selected cast— no clinkers among them. The script must be impeccable. The direction must be focused, skillful, and virtually invisible. The camera work should fit the narrative seamlessly and be done with faultless expertise. Emotions shown, and elicited, must be sound, unforced, and uncoerced. If it contains a “conclusion” it must not be deus ex machina but follow inexorably from the narrative, characters, and situation as developed. There’s more but that’s a good start. Pretty picky. While I have many “almosts,” I have very few bullseyes. I would submit LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (David Lean, 1962) as being at the top of my list. AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (Louis Malle, 1987) next, not necessarily second. So different, but both... perfect. What are the criteria that others use to judge their “perfect” films? I’m curious. Interesting question. My criteria is simpler than yours, although certainly a function of the bench marks you list.
Does a film still thrill me after repeated viewings?
I've seen over 10,000 films and rated about 30 of those 10/10. The ones I consider "perfect"...
SEVEN SAMURAI CASABLANCA CHINATOWN GREED RAN THE MALTESE FALCON
|
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 19:06:01 GMT -5
I don't know. I've never sat down and tried to analyze them. Things I do for fun, I generally don't try to analyze. I just let them work on me, however they're trying to do it. Some succeed beautifully, some partially, and some not at all. But I very rarely dig into why. LoA and DZ succeed beautifully. I'm happy to just let them. Good answer. I suppose I’m guilty of over-analysis. PArt of my Jesuit-inspired training I guess. I should try to do better. For a lot of people, the analysis is a big part of the fun. If that's you, enjoy it! It's just not me. It makes me largely unhelpful at recommending things. |
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 15, 2021 19:09:09 GMT -5
Good answer. I suppose I’m guilty of over-analysis. PArt of my Jesuit-inspired training I guess. I should try to do better. For a lot of people, the analysis is a big part of the fun. If that's you, enjoy it! It's just not me. It makes me largely unhelpful at recommending things. Nah! You “recommended” Portman. Your immortality is assured. |
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 19:21:21 GMT -5
For a lot of people, the analysis is a big part of the fun. If that's you, enjoy it! It's just not me. It makes me largely unhelpful at recommending things. Nah! You “recommended” Portman. Your immortality is assured. Ha. I'm not sure one can recommend religious figures. |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 15, 2021 21:31:35 GMT -5
You're thinking that "Your Highness" is the perfect movie, while I like "The Professional". 😜🤠 Dear god. Don't get me started, Ron. That woman's existence restored my faith in the universe's ability to get something right, at a time when it badly needed restoring. If you spent enough time around her to get to know her, then you would change your tune. Looks like my first wife. |
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 21:37:20 GMT -5
Dear god. Don't get me started, Ron. That woman's existence restored my faith in the universe's ability to get something right, at a time when it badly needed restoring. If you spent enough time around her to get to know her, then you would change your tune. Looks like my first wife. I'm old enough not to have any starry-eyed illusions, but you sound very sure of that. Do you know her? (Actual question.) |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 15, 2021 21:40:47 GMT -5
When I am feeling like I need an escape, I watch "The Long Kiss Goodnight" with Geena Davis. Hardly a perfect movie, but I always feel better after watching it. The Professional comes in second. The Mechanic is a favorite.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 15, 2021 21:45:41 GMT -5
If you spent enough time around her to get to know her, then you would change your tune. Looks like my first wife. I'm old enough not to have any starry-eyed illusions, but you sound very sure of that. Do you know her? (Actual question.) No, not personally. But I had a slight passing infatuation too and did some Googling. Plus, she looks like my first wife. Let's just say that her interests and opinions are polar opposites of mine. |
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 15, 2021 23:08:33 GMT -5
I'm old enough not to have any starry-eyed illusions, but you sound very sure of that. Do you know her? (Actual question.) No, not personally. But I had a slight passing infatuation too and did some Googling. Plus, she looks like my first wife. Let's just say that her interests and opinions are polar opposites of mine. Fair enough. |
|
calabash
Full Member
Posts: 560
Favorite Pipe: Baki meerschaum, 1972 Dunhill
Favorite Tobacco: C & D Yorktown, Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake, Gawith St James Flake
Location:
|
Post by calabash on Feb 17, 2021 19:02:14 GMT -5
'Breaking News in Yuba County' Nice cast, flimsy plot. 6.5/10
|
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 17, 2021 21:20:53 GMT -5
Watched, again, AU REVOIR last night. Gets me every time.
|
|
|
|
Post by zambini on Feb 18, 2021 14:10:54 GMT -5
When I am feeling like I need an escape, I watch "The Long Kiss Goodnight" with Geena Davis. Hardly a perfect movie, but I always feel better after watching it. The Professional comes in second. The Mechanic is a favorite. Agree with all three. In my opinion, the problem with The Long Kiss Goodnight is that no one seems to have chemistry with anyone else. I still like it though. |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on Feb 20, 2021 22:46:45 GMT -5
Just finished watching Black Butterfly and my head is still twisted. 8/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by urbino on Feb 20, 2021 22:55:12 GMT -5
I watched The Dig last night, following multiple recommendations here. It's good! Ralph Fiennes did a masterful job with the physicality of his role and the accent. (For all I know, that's his normal accent.)
|
|
calabash
Full Member
Posts: 560
Favorite Pipe: Baki meerschaum, 1972 Dunhill
Favorite Tobacco: C & D Yorktown, Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye Flake, Gawith St James Flake
Location:
|
Post by calabash on Feb 22, 2021 10:03:27 GMT -5
'Nomadland' 8.5/10 Best movie I've seen in a while.
Maybe the only good thing about the pandemic is getting to see all new films at home right away.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 22, 2021 17:04:46 GMT -5
I pulled RIO LOBO off the shelf and watched it last night. What a stinker. If not John Wayne’s worst film it is certainly a contender. Maybe he was going thru a mid-life or something, but he had three bimbettes in the film that were atrocious actors with no evidence of talent whatsoever. But I watched it so it’s all my fault. 2/10.
|
|
|
|
Post by toshtego on Feb 22, 2021 19:31:11 GMT -5
I pulled RIO LOBO off the shelf and watched it last night. What a stinker. If not John Wayne’s worst film it is certainly a contender. Maybe he was going thru a mid-life or something, but he had three bimbettes in the film that were atrocious actors with no evidence of talent whatsoever. But I watched it so it’s all my fault. 2/10. I never thought it much although film buffs rave about it. The only Western Director who could a movie out of John Wayne is John Ford. |
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 22, 2021 19:34:11 GMT -5
Are you serious? People rave about it?
|
|
|
|
Post by toshtego on Feb 22, 2021 19:34:17 GMT -5
Working my way through "The Day of the Triffids". A 1962 English picture about the world gone blind and terrorized by carnivorous walking Geraniums. You cannot get more English than that, eh?
|
|
|
|
Post by Plainsman on Feb 22, 2021 19:35:08 GMT -5
New avatar?
|
|
I should try to do better.
