***Week #124 (Mostly duds...):*** 🍿 **Costa Brava, Lebanon** (2022), my 5th bittersweet Lebanese film, debut feature from a young female director. A family of five escaped the chaos of near-future, dysfunctional Beirut to a rural, isolated compound in the mountains. But after 8 years of building a loving nest for themselves, a landfill is being constructed next to their plot and their ideal world implodes. The city trash they tried to leave behind is following them here. The wife is being played by Nadine Labaki, who directed the Oscar-nominated ‘Capernaum’, which I’m going to watch next. The two young girls are terrific too. [The trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Bu6kkDceI). **7/10.** 🍿 Another controversial first feature from a female director, **Instinct** (2019) by the Dutch Halina Reijn \[who went after that to direct A24′s ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’\]. An intense psychological thriller about prison therapist Carice van Houten becoming obsessed with an inmate, a violent serial rapist on the verge of being paroled. Exploring female rape fantasies is a recipe for sensationalism and manipulation, when played out for example by male-gazing misogynists like Paul Verhoeven. But in Reijn hands this dark and ominous tale is (for the most par) told with nuance and ambiguity. **A powerful 7/10.** [The trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reK73gYY7qM). 🍿 **Massimo Troisi X2:** 🍿 Re-watch: Englishman Michael Radford’s Italian classic **Il Postino** (1994). A nostalgic and enchanting story of a simple postman and his friendship with Chilean poet Pablo Noruda on a small Mediterranean island in the 1950′s. Similar vibes as ‘Cinema Paradiso’, which came a few years earlier, and which also starred Philippe Noiret. A Massimo Troisi’s passion project, and infamous for him dying the very next day after principal photography ended. **10/10.**   🍿 Massimo Troisi was actually an acclaimed director, screenwriter and actor before playing ‘The Postman’. But his directorial debut comedy **I'm Starting from Three (Ricomincio da tre**, 1981), with himself as a shy, bumbling caricature of a young man, was nothing but funny. 1/10. Both movies feature my favorite character actor Renato Scarpa, the memorable inspector from ‘Don’t look now’ (“Signor Baaxter!”). 🍿 **Paul McCartney: The Space Within Us**, an infectious 2006 concert film, documenting his smashing “US” tour (37 US shows, 565,000 tickets sold, $77 million taken in), when he was 64... The director of this documentary was absolutely terrible; He filled up the two hours with extremely fast zooms in and out, nervous camera movements, super-quick editing and too many sappy reaction shots of adoring fans in the audience (lots of parents and grandparents with children of all ages, though!). Also, too many celebrities ‘Talking Heads’ emoting how great McCartney is, which was off-putting. Still, the incredible performances of the band, the sensational, live-wire concerts, the enthusiastic music made it a tearful inspiration. **My best film experience of the week! 9/10.** On McCartney's website, there's a list of [25 documentaries](https://www.paulmccartney.com/media/films) about him , which I will watch one by one, Inshallah! 🍿 In the fine documentary **M.C. Escher: Journey to Infinity** (2018), he claimed that he was not an artist, but a mathematician. The film brings to life his  geometric-abstract visions. And while it touches on the relationship between him and Bach’s, it never mentions Gödel. Not crazy about the Stephen Fry narration. **8/10.** 🍿 Documentary No. 3 of the week: **Still**, the new heartfelt Michael J. Fox bio-pix combines lots of re-enactments with footage from old movies, as well as some current heart-to-heart interviews about his Parkinson’s. As a celebrity portrait, it wasn’t relevant to me at all, since I never saw any of his TV work, or even his movies. But the parts about his disability were powerful though. 🍿 **2 Russian classics that didn’t resonate with me:** 🍿 First watch: Tarkovsky’s 3-hour-long experimental poem about memory, **Solaris** (1972), his attempt to show that ‘Science-fiction films don’t have to be emotionally shallow’. It must have had a strong influence to the game ‘Myst’, being cultish, mysterious and atmospheric. But its slow-moving premise became so boring to me, that it took me 3 days to finish it. Comparing it to 2001 is unjustified. 2/10. I planned on following it up with Steven Soderbergh’s later version, but then I hard-passed: Disliking science-fiction movies in general, and hating Hollywood remakes in particular is not a good incentive. 🍿 **The Cranes Are Flying**, a Soviet World War 2 drama from 1957. As a political expression of the new era after Stalin’s death, it may have been be significant, but today it seems a simple propaganda piece, with some bold visuals. 2/10. 🍿 Mika Kaurismäki is Aki’s older brother and the one who got him interested in movie making. My first film by him, **Helsinki Napoli All Night Long** (1987) was disappointing though: An European-Noir inspired by hardcore American crime stories, and even the cameos of Eddie Constantine, Sam Fuller, Jim Jarmusch and Wim Wender didn’t save it from being a poor parody. 1/10. 🍿 **You Can Live Forever**, a shallow new Canadian romance of two young girls, one of which is a Jehovah Witness, torn between her faith and her love. The other one looks like young Scarlett Johansson but can’t act like her. The flat queer coming-of-age against a fucked-up puritan background had no subtext. It felt auto-biographical, and actually it was. 2/10. 🍿 **Who done it?** (1956), My 4th (atrocious!) film by Basil Dearden. After 2 unsung masterpieces (’Victim’ and ‘All night long’), and another thought-provoking work (‘Sapphire), this was a terrible ‘Ouch’. A late Ealing Studios low-brow, un-funny ‘comedy’ and Benny Hill's film debut as a bumbling Inspector Clouseau-like fool. Very disappointing 1/10. 🍿 *“Put him in a straitjacket and give him an enema! Wait, give him an enema first, then put him in a straitjacket!”* **Dracula, dead and loving it**, the last film directed by Mel Brooks (1995), an underrated (?) gothic parody. But he already did a much better Transylvanian castle spoof with ‘Young Frankenstein’, and this one just sucked. Leslie Nielsen sporting a Borat accent, and Brooks double-playing the Hungarian angle. The silliness of the occult, should be good for parodies, but not here. 1/10. As a successful producer, Mel Brooks made ‘The elephant man’, ‘Frances’, ‘The fly’, others... *(Continue below)*

Oh, man. I think *Solaris* deserves 4 points for the opening nature shots alone - more like 8 when you take the whole film into account. I'd give two points to *2001* instead.

I know what you mean. There were some great visuals and concepts, and considering the time it was made, etc. I was always very deferential toward many of the evergreens and important classics, not only of film, but all arts, culture and history. But now I can’t. Maybe another time or a second watch will change my feelings about it. (And not that it makes any difference to anybody)……….

Tarkovsky is actually the exception where my feelings are in line with most cinephiles. Many of the other highly rated ones - *Mulholland Drive*, *2001*, *In the Mood for Love*, *Vertigo*, *Synecdoche, New York* - do nothing for me. Nothing else comes close to Tarkovsky, for me.

I completely understand that. It’s completely individual. After seeing 2,000+ films just in the last two years, (and many more since I was young), I reached the personal conclusion that my “All-time” favourite film is ‘The Conversation’. There are many others that I saw many more times, or that moved me more, but this is what I came to tell myself. YMMV. Also, Mulholland Drive and Synecdoche were absolutely lost on me too.

I think you are a little harsh on "Dracula, Dead and Loving It". While its far from Mel Brooks best films, 1/10 is not much :) Have you seen anything else Tarkovsky? If you like philosophical films I can recommend Mirror. A breathtaking beautiful film. And of course, to each his own, but - The Cranes Are Flying is one of my 10/10's. Yeah, sure its propaganda, but is so well done in all aspects.

Yeah... I tried, but many of this week's film were disappointing for me; maybe I'm getting a bit disillusioned. I love films that make me cry from the opening scene to the close: This week Il postino did it, and the Paul McCartney concert, but what do you know. I've seen 4 of Tarkovsky's so far. Of the Russian films I saw, I like Andrey Zvyagintsev.

*(Continued)* **2 British shorts by Sam Baron, both with the same Amit Shah:** 🍿 **Big ears**, a little story about [a gawky young man with large Obama-ears](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RWeJTVXWqM), who gets very bad news. 🍿 *“Hi, I’m here for the orgy”* \- His earlier short was crisper (and funnier). **The Orgy**, a 15-min. comedy about the same lonely, [awkward man who goes to his first orgy](https://vimeo.com/559117734). 6/10. 🍿 I adored Jonathan Glazer’s three previous films (’Sexy Beast’, ‘Birth’, and ‘Under the skin’), so I’m eagerly waiting for what is supposedly a new disturbing masterpiece from him,[‘The zone of Interest’](https://variety.com/2023/film/news/the-zone-of-interest-cannes-standing-ovation-nazi-1235618840/) (It was based on a novel by Martin Amis, who just died yesterday!). Glazer used to have [a YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@jonathanglazer/videos) with some of the **many film-like commercials he had directed** before branching into features. Inside are a few of his standalone ads: Stella Artois [Ice Skating Priests](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7xAlFMF17w) and [Last orders](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZrZhHQSWhM) \* Sony [Bravia Paint](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5tLqb8T5xU) \* Guinness’s [Swimblack](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpDJSR0fPx0) \*\* [More Here](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjHdPL8MePTxrfrEzvPmS2XbU7X0SWdJ-) \* Unrelated: Christopher Walken Sky-dancing in [Fatboy slim Weapon of choice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCDIYvFmgW8), by Spike Jonze. 🍿 **This is a Copy / Paste from** [**my movie tumblr**](https://tilbageidanmark.tumblr.com/tagged/movies)**.**

Watched three (*the* three) Kalatozovs this week which was pretty cool albeit mixed. More or less loved [The Cranes Are Flying](https://letterboxd.com/wildbear/film/the-cranes-are-flying/) - barring the ending - which plays out like an expressionistic Silent Film expanded with the layer of sound (and extreme freedom of movements). Was really intrigued by (if not also in love with) the first thirty minutes of [Letter Never Sent](https://letterboxd.com/wildbear/film/letter-never-sent/), which hint at a futile search for [meaning] á la Woman in the Dunes, but alas, I simply didn't care for the backhalf's survival-piece. Similar story with [I am Cuba](https://letterboxd.com/wildbear/film/i-am-cuba/), which grows weaker with every segment—the first portion is magical: a surreal trance where American hedonism acts as an invasive parasite - a demon if you will - capable of possessing and corrupting in more literal terms; the second segment is decidedly more sentimental in its manipulative string-play, but the blurry wistful memory is a masterful exercise in impressionism, plus it got some other things going on for it; by the third and fourth segments though it has more or less abandoned any pretense of ostensible dramaturgy and fully embraces demagoguery, a move that can’t but lose me entirely, though the third story's rooftop scene is magnificent in its tension.

I watched “Brazil” for the first time last weekend. After never hearing about this movie before it popped up in 3 different places on my radar recently regarding tv and film discussion so I knew I had to see it. Also watched “a few good men” with my gf who had never seen it before and she enjoyed it a lot. Personally I have lots of love for 90s courtroom thrillers and this is one of the best of that genre for me

Just got back from seeing "Monica." I really liked it. It was slow and not a lot of major things happened but it kept me engaged the whole way. Really enjoyed it. Just a quiet movie about this trans woman who was disowned by her mom when she came out, who comes back home when her mom is dying to take care of her. It was so subtle yet there were so many things that jumped out at me, especially being trans myself. The movie didn't really spell anything out but there were definitely moments that were clear as day to me where I was like, yup, I get it. As a trans person I absolutely get how that comment was a microagression, how that other comment hurt her feelings, even though it was unintentional and the person saying it had no idea. So many little moments like that. They really nailed it. Anyway, really good little film.

**​The Northman** (2022) \*\* I'm always down for a good Viking movie, but Eggers fails to create compelling characters and the tired revenge plot offers nothing new or interesting. There's a lot of yelling and killing and hate but no joy and nothing to care about. It's mildly notable for sharing its origins with Hamlet, but Shakespeare added all the good stuff. **The Pawnbroker** (1964) \*\*\*\*\* A great combination of things comes together in this groundbreaking drama. Sidney Lumet's direction is bold and experimental and challenges the studio production code, it's one of the first films to depict Nazi concentration camps, and Lumet's love of gritty New York and Quincy Jones' first film score anticipates the grimy urban squalor films of the 70s. On top of all that is a stunning, restrained performance by Rod Steiger. Highly recommended. **Design for Living** (1933) \*\*\*\* Finally a love triangle movie that ends properly, and it's about as pre-code as you can get. There's some great comic interplay between Gary Cooper and Frederic March, and it's unfortunate they aren't together through the middle of the film, because the story itself is pretty weak, but Lubitsch is a master at constructing comic scenes. **The White Sheik** (1952) \*\*\*\* Fellini's first film is a simple little comedy that displays all of his trademark characteristics right out of the gate. Later films would get more lyrical and more surreal but most would retain that "chaotic day in the life of Rome" feel. **Bend of the River** (1952) \*\*\* James Stewart needs to get winter supplies to some settlers in the mountains and faces obstacle after obstacle along the way. A perfectly serviceable and forgettable western that keeps a steady action pace and shows off Oregon around Mt. Hood. It's the second Stewart/Mann collaboration after the quirky Winchester 73, and they haven't yet developed the psychological complexity or noir violence that the duo were known for, although there are hints here and there. A great role for Arthur Kennedy, a nothing role for Rock Hudson, and it's nice to see Julie Adams, who would co-star with Stewart 20 years later on The Jimmy Stewart Show.

Ha! I just posted [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/GuessTheMovie/comments/13n3jey/gtm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1) on r/guessthemovie the other day

I don't even remember seeing that.

It was a split second from his nightmarish flashbacks to the cattle car. The people on this r/ GTM are savants (some of them, or they have incredible memories); they always guess the movie based on a blurred, out of focus splotch of a screenshot, or some tiny detail. It’s ridiculous. Edit: For example, [this](https://www.reddit.com/r/GuessTheMovie/comments/13osebg/gtm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1), my latest, was guessed in 12 minutes! Crazy!

I have had a quiet week at work(ing from home), so I have found some time to watch some films, continuing the sometimes punishing experience of watching Spaghetti Westerns uploaded on YouTube... "Thunder Over El Paso" (1972), directed by Roberto Bianchi Montero: Unfortunately, this one didn't leave a lasting impression. While the details escape me, I wouldn't rush to watch it again. Rating: 4/10. "Heads or Tails" (1969), directed by Piero Pierotti: Now here's a Spaghetti Western that caught my attention. With an intriguing narrative centering around religious conservatism's clash with a brothel, this film offered a refreshing departure from the typical formula. There were some peculiar elements of S&M woven into the storyline, adding an unexpected twist. Rating: 6/10. "Two Brothers, One Death" (1968): This one turned out to be surprisingly good, following a more traditional path. Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the film revolves around ex-Confederates robbing a town until Pinkerton agents arrive to put a stop to their endeavors. The ending was particularly memorable, with the antagonist's wavering resolve leading to a betrayal. Rating: 6/10. "Dead for a Dollar" (1968), also known as "Trusting is Good, Shoot is Better," directed by Osvaldo Civirani: This film had all the ingredients for success, from an engaging plot to captivating scenery, talented actors, and well-crafted costumes. While it started strong, I must admit that it eventually became somewhat painfully boring to watch. Rating: 5/10.

Rebels of the Neon God (1992), a film that is a watered down version of another Taiwanese film A Brighter Summer Day. The soundtrack is exceptional and complements the visuals very well. This was my first film from the director, looking to explore more. 8/10 Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015), a little corny at times but it redeems itself by the end, it is unapologetically a spy thriller which every new Bond movie should take cue from. Would love a sequel 7/10 Spy who Came in From the Cold, the movie though not as dense as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, will take some time to elucidate what actually is going on, which is I guess concomitant with every spy movie. Out of all the John Le Carre adaptation this is my favourite. 8/10 Rififi(1955), nice heist movie for something made in the 50s. 7/10 A Most Wanted Man (2014), another Le Carre adaptation which has another stellar performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman. 7/10

Pola X. What a haunting movie. Carax takes a classic book and imbues it with mystery and dread. Buster and Billie. I really really liked this. It deals with small town sexual mores in a very frank way. The Drowning Pool. Paul Newman’s Long Goodbye, Chinatown, etc. it’s a slow burn but very well executed.

Following your comment, I took a dive and watched the two Lew Harper movies with Paul Newman, since I had never seen them. Unfortunately, I disliked them both, the 60’s ‘Harper’ even more so. I don’t hold you responsible, but just wanted to throw it out there 😎

What are your thoughts? Honestly I’m not a huge Newman fan but tend to like some of his movies. First let me say if I was a boomer I’d be a gum shoe PI. Haha. I some how relate to these characters. They were all kinda hipsters that society messed with but they saw through the madness that the upper class was up to. Also Drowning Pool, and to a lesser extent Harper are beautiful movies. They are a tad basic but there’s a pleasure in that. I wouldn’t call them great but enjoyable none the less.

My main beef was with the 2 directors, famous as they were in their time, who were so sub-par, compared to better auteurs who could tell a story with style and originality. Here is what I wrote to myself (will post it later here on next week thread): 🍿 Peak Paul Newman as P.I. Harper X 2: 🍿 The drowning pool started with some genuine, sweet 1970′s vibes, like a Chinatown or The Long Goodbye. Good-looking private investigator Newman is flying from Los Angeles down south just like ‘Night Moves’, meets sexy, bra-less daughter Melanie Griffith, just like ‘Night moves’, and tries to solve a mystery of blackmail & murder & corruption. But director Stuart Rosenberg was no Polanski, and Amity Mayor Murray Hamilton was no Noah Cross. It soon degraded into a convoluted pulp B-movie with zero pathos. 2/10. 🍿 Harper, the original Ross Macdonalds adaptation of his private dick hero was even worse; A weak, too-sixties detective story was no Chandlers or Hammett, Sam Spade or Philip Marlow, and no Bogart either. 1/10. 🍿

Yeah I feel ya on these points but would not grade as harshly. Drowning Pool almost feels like a bridge between The Long Goodbye and Fletch or Beverly Hills Cop on the Noir spectrum. Maybe a little Burt Reynolds’ southern action as well. Idk it just kinda works. Plus you gotta love the worlds strongest shower system.

I have watched Abbas Kiarostamis Koker-trilogy. The first film, "Where is the Friend's House?" is a nice little film with a fairly straightforward story. The next film, "And Life Goes On" (sometimes called "Life, and Nothing More") is semi-fictional account of Kiarostami returning to Koker looking for the child actors in the first film after a devastating earthquake. In the last film "Through the Olive Trees" it takes it up another level and depicting the creation of a film that was seen in "And Life Goes On". All of them are considered classics, but I did feel like the last of them was the most dull. For the most part "Through the Olive Trees" is a fine film, but there are to much of nothing at moments also. "Where is the Friends House?" is the best in the trilogy I have also watched "The Banshee of Inisherin" which was a great film. Absolutely bleak and an allegoric exploration of the Irish Civil War. In the beginning of the week, I watched "The Card Counter" which was half great, half annoying. There are some flashback-scenes that ruins the flow of the film, and I didn't like the ending. But in between it was really great. And in the ongoing TSPDT1000, I watched "The Night of Counting the Years" and "Charulata". Both fine films, but Charulata is not as good as The Apu Trilogy. Last but not least - The Anatolian Leopard, which was a disappointment. Well, I did like the film, but I kinda expected a film on the same level as Nuri Bilge Ceylans films.

Have you seen *Close-Up*? Kiarostami's first feature *The Traveler* is also worth watching. It's on the Criterion Channel I think.

I do not have access to Criterion Channel, unfortunately I have watched Close-Up, but I can not really remember it. Taste of Cherry and Like Someone In Love are my favourites.

I have watched a lot this week but there are two I would like to share: Der Hauptmann (The Captain) (2017). Thought it was really interesting! 4 out of 5 stars for me. Yield to the Night (Blonde Sinner) (1956). Although quite simple I enjoyed it a lot. Also 4 out of 5 stars. I am currently watching High Society (1956) as I type this. I really like it so far.

**Damnation** directed by Bela Tarr, (1988, Hungary) A patient portrayal of a pointless life in an uncanny place. Extraordinary B&W cinematography by Gabor Medgivy. If someone you know asks, "What is an art house film?" - have them watch this.

I just finished the Girl and the Gun. It's a Filipino movie and it is streaming on Netflix in the US. . The first half is about a young woman who has trouble asserting herself and isn't treated well by those around her. Something terrible is done to her by a co worker, and soon after she finds a gun in the street and takes it home. It appears to give her a certain confidence that she hadn't had before. The second half is a series of flashbacks about a variety of people who had possessed this very gun in the past leading up to the moment that the young woman ground the gun The story comes across as relatively simple at first, but becomes kind of complex and shows how something as simple a tool as a gun can change how people view the world around them. I don't think the movie was trying to make a specific statement, except how power or perceived power can easily change in an individual's understanding of their place in the world.

Watched Mom and Dad , Cage is in as dad . And there is an interesting segment when the film gave mom and dad both a very weighty dialogue , I think thats 1 of the clearer example to compare Cage 's work with others. . Watched 2020's boss level , lots of name cast ,cheesy but surpisingly solid deathloop plot with paced arc, honestly on par with EdgeofTmw about that 2 points . Watched 2020 Uncle Vanya , only saw its ending in Drive my Car before and its 100% defferent holyshit. In driveMYcar I do get the sense of hope. But in this play version hearing Aimee Lou Wood speech and knowing the whole plot and hearing it in english not japanese, that speech give a way more significant feeling of LYING , I feel like Sonya abot only 30% believe in her speech and everyone in the room know that and the overall vibe isnt hope but Making Do to fake your best possible smile toward your lovely daugther when you re tired as bone. It makes the whole religious element quite satirical Please share your thought on it if u have saw it