Eric's DVD watching.

[Jon]

OMG! I watched it last night too!  I'd been looking forward to seeing it again and planned to since the marathon started.

As you might expect, I will be writing a review, so probably better I get stuck in there. But suffice to say, this is film at it's most artistic, enigmatic and perhaps abstract. Daniel Day Lewis' performance is nothing short of magnificent. It bears more than a passing resemblance with Citizen Kane and I find it just... stunning.

[Touti]

I agree with you on Lewis' performance although I was a bit bothered now and then by a little physical resemblance with his character in "Gangs of New York".  It's true that it's beautiful from an artistic point of view but it has no pace. I think 2h38m is way too long for a slow movie.

Not sure why but I feel compelled to compare it with "The assassination of Jesse James by the coward Robert Ford" which I think overall is better because although it is slow it's got a bit more "hmmphf" here and there.

[Jon]

Hmmm... pace is in the eye of the beholder, clearly, because I was absolutely engrossed. The comparison with The Assassination of Jesse James (etc!) is not a lazy one, Eric. I think it's very encouraging that cinema had a place for both films, plus No Country For Old Men in recent years.

[Touti]

The comparison with The Assassination of Jesse James (etc!) is not a lazy one....

Not sure what you mean by that Jon.

Obviously it's a matter of taste and yes, pace is in the eye of the beholder.  There will be blood is not an exception for me, I never really like movies that are so slow.  Do you remember me posting "Does that freakin' movie ever ends" while I was watching The curious case of Benjamin Button ?

[Jon]

That's true! And I absolutely agree. That was over-long because it was so far up it's own backside it couldn't find a way out.

You said you wasn't sure why you were thinking of Assassination and There Will Be Blood together; I simply meant you being perceptive and there was a lot to link them. It's interesting actually, that I was going to suggest that fans of one should try the other (and No Country For Old Men) as they would probably like it.

I'll think a bit more on that idea! 

[Antares]

Eric, I'm in shock! But this is the sort of 70s movie I like. I think I can safely send you in the direction of The French Connection and The Yakuza.

The French Connection is also notable for it's use of sound. I think nerdy film term "diegetic" is apt at this point...

Also try The Seven-Ups, The Friends of Eddie Coyle and The Taking of Pelham 123. 

[Touti]

All 3 added to my wish list with my online rental service.  BTW, it's "Pelham one two three", "Pelham 1 2 3" seems to be a 2009 remake   Thanks for the suggestions, I noticed that Roy Scheider plays in The Seven-ups, I always liked him as an actor, too bad we didn't see more of him after Jaws.

Jon I haven't seen No country for old men yet, I'll give it a try and see how it copes with me in comparison with Jesse James and The will be blood.

[Jon]

It's definitely faster paced, Eric. It's a drama disguised as a thriller, but it has a fascinating perspective on life and a walking enigma in the central villain.

Oh, and good spot on Pelham! Antares, that could have been nasty! The original is one of my favourite films. That might sound like saying "I like breathing", but honestly, in my top personal faves, easily.

[Antares]

That was me being typing lazy. 

[Antares]

Just remembered another good 70's film in that vein...Charley Varrick

[Touti]

Thanks

[Achim]

Just remembered another good 70's film in that vein...Charley Varrick

Ah, yes, I remember it. Good stuff. Don Siegel directing Walter Matthau...

[Antares]

Oh...and mustn't forget Vanishing Point

[Jon]

I reviewed Vanishing Pointfor my car movie marathon. Great film. 

[Antares]

One more while we're on the subject...

The Sugarland Express, Spielberg's best film, next to Duel, in my opinion.


OK...two then.