Movies I've watched recently

Since I've been busy doing other things the past few weeks my movie watching has been limited. I've watched several episodes of MST3K and while I've enjoyed them immensely, there's not too much to say. But there have been two noteworthy films I'd like to mention:
Cria Cuervos: This quickly jumped high onto my list of favorite movies about children. It's both dark and sweet and full of little mysteries and miracles. It takes place in Spain in the seventies. Ana Torrent who was in one of my other favorite movies about childhood, The Spirit of the Beehive, is marvelous in this. Check out the trailer.

Young @ Heart
This was awesome! Beth and I saw this last night, it's a documentary about elderly people who sing in a chorus. What is so unique is that they sing songs by The Ramones, Sonic Youth, The Talking Heads, etc. Of course it's really amusing, but it was also quite touching and really inspiring. This goes on my short list of favorite movies about old people (it's a short list only because there really aren't too many movies about the elderly). Beth and I both agreed the quality was not consistent, some parts looked great while some of the footage was amateurish, and the filmaker inserted himself way to much into the film, but regardless it's highly enjoyable and worth watching. Here's the trailer:

demon days

A link to this building blog informed me of the long exposure photographs of Alexy Titarenko. I don't think it's within copyright to post them here, but they're really neat. And creepy.

A mystery house!!

This article and this slideshow are currently the coolest things I've ever seen.

Movies I Watched This Week 6/1/08-6/7/08

Archangel-More gloriously bizarre Guy Maddin fun. This film set in WWI Russia and is full of amnesiac characters. I now have a new favorite intertitle: "Strangled by an intestine!"

21 Up-I'm glad this series is available on Netflix instant viewing; I've been enjoying these films at work. Such an interesting concept to follow people through their lives. I like that in this one the kids are becoming self-reflexive about their roles as the subjects of the films.


Haxan:Witchcraft Through the Ages- I've never seen anything else like this. It's a silent film about witches, evil spirits, the devil and the like. It's part documentary with subtitles acting as a narrator presenting factual information about the folk beliefs about witchcraft (complete with some wonderful old illustrations) accompanied by dramas about supposed witches, their nefarious doings (including partying with Satan and literally kissing his butt!) and the appalling torture that these women were put through to produce a confession of their commitment to the devil. Watching this brought back memories of my Russian Fairy Tales class and what we learned about Russian folk belief. Incredible cinematography, great costumes and special effects, and three cheers for for Criterion for presenting a such a beautiful print.

Julien Donkey-Boy-I've never seen a Harmony Korine film and I've heard horrible things about Gummo, but I decided to give this a shot. It sat on my dvd player for three weeks before I could work up the motivation to watch something that was potentially a disaster. And it was a disaster, but for me it was a watchable mess. I think Werner Herzog's presence helped.

I also rewatched Jaws and now summer has officially begun.

Movies I Watched This Week(s) 5/18-5/31

Ok, this is actually two weeks worth of movies, but I didn't get a chance to post with all the insanity of the past two weeks of holiday weekendness, end of the school year stuff at work and training for my new job, and of course hockey! But here they are, i know you all were dying to know:




Gates of Heaven- The magic of Errol Morris' films are in keeping the camera rolling as people talk and talk until they reveal themselves in a way that wouldn't happen in a interview interrupted by a filmmaker's prodding questions. In this film, (Morris's first) were are introduced to bereaved pet owners and the people in the business of providing funeral and burial services for their dearly departed pets. Some of those involved in this business seemed sincere in their desire to see pets laid to rest while to others it was just a business. Two brothers who worked for their father's pet cemetery seemed to fall into the latter category, electing to talk about their sweet stereo system or self-motivational strategies. A bit mundane at parts but I'm of the opinion that most good films do have mundane moments. Oh, and I'm really pumped to see Morris' new film about the Abu Grhaib photographs, Standard Operating Procedure ,which is playing at Regent Square at the end of this week.



Shadows-John Cassevetes' first film. I love seeing filmmakers's early work. Lots of nonactors and a note at the end of the film says that the film was improvised. Looks at race without being an "issues" movie. I know next to nothing about Cassevetes after seeing this I'm looking forward to watching more of his stuff.

The Letter- I can't get enough of Bette Davis, when she's on the screen she's all there is. I enjoy a good dose of melodrama ever now and then and Bette is my go-to lady. This wasn't her best but certainly enjoyable.

Gangs of New York- I'm not crazy about Scorsese and I saw this because I needed to see more Daniel Day Lewis after There Will Be Blood. He was the best part of the film, but I just didn't dig it too much otherwise, mostly due to Leo and Cameron Diaz, blech!

Diner- I enjoy Barry Levinson's nostalgic films although they always feel like a t.v. miniseries for some reason. This was enjoyable.



Pieces-slasher from the 80s, way too much fun, thank you Tessa!

The Seventh Seal-I can't believe it has taken me so long to see this classic. For some reason it intimidated me since it is lauded as one of the greatest films of all time. I also think that someone told me it was literally a man playing chess with Death for two hours. So not true. This movie is a intense look at death but also a beautiful look at life and filled with some hilarious moments, as well as some sobering ones of course. I was pleasantly surprised, definitely merits a rewatching in the near future.


This still is from one of my favorite scenes of the film in which a young squirrel spontaneously leaped onto the stump of a tree Death had just chopped down (of course there was someone in it). An amazing beautiful moment that speaks loads about life and death.



The Cat Returns-Super fun animated film from Studio Ghibli. I love a good story about parallel worlds and this world is inhabited by cats!

The Bakery Girl of Monceau- The first of Eric Rhomer's Moral Tales. In a way I was hoping I wouldn't like this because this guy has made so many films. But alas, I thoroughly enjoyed it and a have another pile of movies to add to my infinitely long list of films I need to see.


The Heart of the World- some say this six minute short is the best thing Guy Maddin has done. It's as epic as a story under ten minutes can be, loaded with Maddin's humor, melodrama, silent movie style, and utter amazingness!