A couple days ago, through a string of conversation, one of my friends attempted to insult another friend by saying that he liked the movie 'Clueless.' In response, the other friend said, 'Clueless is like a critically acclaimed movie, like Mean Girls was.' I don't know about 'critically acclaimed,' though it does have an 83% Fresh on Rottentomatoes.com, but what I do know is that the movie is a strong lesson in writing comedy.
Cher Horiwitz, our protagonista of the film, has a very unique perspective of the world around her--she's a pleasant blend of an egocentric personality and naivete to the world around her. Listen how she first describes her Dad:
Daddy's a litigator. Those are the scariest kind of lawyer. Even Lucy, our maid, is terrified of him. And daddy's so good he gets $500 an hour to fight with people. But he fights with me for free because I'm his daughter.
The movie is, if nothing else, a strong mesh of great one-liners. "Searching for a boy in high school is as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie." I'm sure all high school girls would agree, though today I doubt any of them even know who Pauly Shore is.
My favorite part of the movie goes in three phases (like all traditional comedy). When Tai goes over to Cher's house, Cher explains how she tries to learn a new word each day, and it helps to use it in a sentence.
"Sporadic means once in a while. Try using it in a sentence," Cher says to Tai.
That's the setup.
Then, later in that scene, Josh (Paul Rudd) comes in, talks for a beat, and then as he's leaving, he says, "Be seeing you...."
To which Tai responds, "I hope not sporadically."
Hardly a strong grasp of vocabulary, and the awkwardness Tai imposes is the immediate laugh.
But to show how subtle the film is, think about later in the film. Christian comes over to Cher's house to watch movies. Cher tells us, Christian had a thing for Tony Curtis so he brought over "Some Like it Hot" and "Sporadicus."
Sporadicus? Clearly she means 'Spartacus,' but makes a mistake. Her own attempts to become intelligent work against her every once in a while--maybe Cher can't overcome her natural blond lifestyle.
Another interesting thing about the film: Christian is a gay character in the movie, but it is kept hidden as long as possible, ideally to reveal it to us at the same time it's revealed to Cher. And then, in the mall during a scene right after the reveal, Christian is wearing a pink jacket. Odd how he never wore pink before, but now that we know, it's fine.
My only real gripe with the film is in the ending, where Cher and her step-brother Josh get together. Sure, they aren't blood related, but it's still a bit weird. But hey, it's a comedy. Whatever.
11.28.2008
Movies to Study: Clueless
Retrospective: Memoirs of a Geisha
I'm going to introduce a new heading for posts called 'Retrospective.' These posts will typically deal with reevaluating a film, comparing it to other films of the time, or just plain talking about an older movie again. I also know I had a series of 'Movies to Study,' and there is a new post of that kind coming soon--I promise!
Memoirs of a Geisha is not a perfect film. I'm ambivalent toward the introduction of the bombings and how it affects Sayuri (basically, the third act of the film). On the one hand, it takes us completely out of the Geisha world of Japan that we've spent 100 minutes establishing to something completely remote; however, wars are a part of history and the exclusion of them--it could be argued--would discredit the accuracy of the film. But how accurate is it in the first place? That is not the point.
The film is supremely strong for two reasons: The first, and most obvious, is the enormous success of Ziyi Zhang. Not only is she gorgeous (making her a Geisha seems much easier than it would take for some), but consider some of her other roles in films like: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, 2046, and House of Flying Daggers (underrated). If you have seen this movie (or any of those), you will know what I'm talking about.
But the second reason this film is so great is its aesthetic. It won the Oscars for Art Direction, Set Design, and Cinematography. These weren't easy wins, considering cinematography was up against Brokeback Mountain and Emmanuel Lubezki (one of the best cinematographers working today). But to judge cinematography in the simplest way, one must ask: Which film looks the prettiest? Well, that answer is easy.
Two scenes come to mind when I think of this film. If I had to sit down and pick two scenes out, that would be a supreme challenge since the whole movie looks so fantastic--but in memory, these two come out the most vividly.
The first is of young Sayuri running to the wishing well with the money given to her by the Chairman. Sayuri explains that she was given enough money to feed them for a month, but instead she dropped it into the well, wishing that she would someday meet with the Chairman again. She runs to make this wish, and until this point her life has been sullen and miserable--and out of nowhere, after this act of kindness, is an explosion of colors. A still frame, like all of these scenes, does the film no justice. Watch the film (and see the other reasons after the cut).
The second scene--and most memorable--is Sayuri's snow dance. This takes place in the film after Hatsumomo attempts to ruin Sayuri's claims of virginity. Geisha's sell their virginity to the highest bidder, and in order to show how pure she still is, here is the dance Sayuri performs:
Youtube quality severely reduces the effect--on DVD the colors are much more piercing. Can you guess the symbolism of the white and red snow/lights? I hope so, because it's not subtle.
Memoirs of a Geisha is a superb visual treat. Honestly, the plot is strong as well. We see and feel Sayuri's struggles throughout the film, and though it drags at some points (mainly the beginning of act 3), I still want to watch this film again right now--and I watched it yesterday.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm playing with the layout. Most will probably dislike it. But whatever. I like simply, but the last one was too simple.
11.23.2008
Movies I Used to Like (But Now Think Are Gimmicky or Thematically Shallow)
I think we all go through different levels of 'taste.' When I was in High School I was on the bandwagon of cool thrillers and movies that made you 'think.' Movies that were kind of 'indie' yet popular enough to have an audience. A cult audience, for the most part.
Now, I have most definitely moved on from that part of my life. It's interesting, because now when I hear people praise these movies, a part of me can't wait for them to realize what I did.
Here is a list of some such movies -- in no order.
Fight Club
This is a decent movie. I really, truly think David Fincher is a great director, Jim Uhls can write good screenplays, and Chuck Palahniuk can write good novels. There is a real voice in the narration by the Edward Norton character, and Brad Pitt is a very convincing Tyler Durden. The movie starts off strong, but the 'twist,' which I won't spoil, works on a personal level, but when things escalate to blowing up buildings and Project Mayhem, the movie strays from an interesting individual study into the waters of satire -- and those waters are hard to navigate successfully. 'Fight Club' does not do it.
Memento
Another decent movie. The screenplay, told in reverse chronological order, is unique in its suspense and concept. One a first and second viewing, the film functions very well. But after two viewings, the film has absolutely zero re-watch value. None. On the DVD you can view the movie in chronological order. I tried that, and it's like watching paint dry. Great movies have excellent re-watch value. 'Memento' is a one-trick pony.
Reservoir Dogs
Other than maybe Orson Welles and Sam Mendes, few directors get it perfect the first time around. Quentin Tarantino, writer and director of the exceptionally great film 'Pulp Fiction,' got a start in a warehouse with some robbers and one cop. The plot of the film is interesting. It's not exactly unique (this is a big debate among movie trivia hounds, but we won't get into it), but still very captivating. But what removes 'Reservoir Dogs' from the realm of other great crime movies like, I don't know, 'L.A. Confidential,' is that we don't care about the characters. Sure, we get a tiny bit of backstory, but that's it. And yes, the whole premise of the film is we don't know about the characters. I get it. But doesn't that make it a fundamental flaw in the film's design? It doesn't make it right.
More later. Maybe. We'll see.
11.21.2008
Review: Hors de prix ("Priceless")
Priceless was released in 2006, but the DVD became available this Tuesday, so here is a review.
There is a group of individuals who make their living by seducing rich men (or women) and working their way around the social ladder. Though sometimes called 'gold-diggers,' the women seem much less like tramps when every day is a new outfit that costs not a euro less than 2,000. Such is the occupation of Audrey Tautou's character Irene in 'Priceless.'
As Irene explains in the film--beauty can be resisted, but not charm. Tautou is perfect in this role because, while not an Angelina Jolie or Jessica Alba or whoever, she has as a unique disarming quality that makes men fall quickly. She doesn't hide her lifestyle, and often maneuvers from one man to the next before dropping her last one.
The complications come when she mistakes a barman in a hotel named Jean (Gad Elmaleh) as one of these rich men. She sleeps with him because he has money, and he sleeps with her because she's gorgeous -- or is it because she's so good at seduction? What's pleasant about the film is that it does not play on this bland concept through the whole film (like in, say, 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days'), and once she finds out he is in the hotel's employ, begins treating him like she would any other financier. She runs up his credit card, and to please her, he empties his savings on her. He knows what he's doing, but does it anyway.
What makes this film truly unique is the turn the story takes. Jean, now broke, and through rather humorous circumstances, ends up doing the same thing Irene does, except for a woman who, it appears, is more wildly rich than any of the men Irene has been with. The woman starts Jean off slowly, but thanks to some tips from Irene and a bit of his own savvy, before long he gets a 30,000 euro watch, among other things. Irene is naturally jealous.
Do Irene and Jean eventually realize that they love each other? Yes. Do they realize that money doesn't matter? Yes. These are all obvious conclusions within the first ten minutes. What makes this movie so enjoyable is how they get there.
The two work together, working their rich lovers, all the while seeing each other--but not in a 'hooking up' way, merely to compare notes and conquests. They put up a front for the whole world, but with each other, it is the harsh truth around the clock. And they do care for each other. Two of the movie's most charming moments are, firstly, after Irene has driven Jean's bank account into the ground, she still thinks to buy him a first class ticket home. Later, when Irene's plans completely collapse, Jean bails her out--and, having learned so much, still covers his tracks.
'Priceless' is about as cute of a romantic comedy as one can get. Yet, since the characters have glaring flaws and seemingly insatiable hunger for money, we see a dark shroud around their good, kind inner core. And those layers are what make movies truly memorable.
Rating: 6.5/7
11.18.2008
i accidentally a coca cola bottle.
If you visit any large forums on the net, I'm sure you're aware of the 'i accidentally a coke bottle. is this bad?' gag.
For a pretty funny example, check out this link. The typical scenario goes like this:
Jon: I accidentally a coke bottle.
Batman: You accidentally what?
Jon: The whole bottle.
Batman: .....
Yes, I brought Batman into this one.
Because I like grammar and enjoy ruining jokes by explaining why they are funny (trust me, this definitely ruins a joke), here is why the scenario is so great.
A sentence is, in its most basic form, a subject and a verb. Those are the two things a sentence must have. In the sentence "I accidentally a coke bottle" there is a subject, and an adverb, but no verb.
This leads people to exclaim, "You WHAT a coke bottle?"
Pretty amusing -- and makes me appreciate verbs.
11.17.2008
Quantum of Solace
Quantum of Solace: What. A. Train. Wreck.
Casino Royale was fantastic. Daniel Craig is a fantastic bond. The movie's script -- not so much. The action sequences also fail miserably.
In Casino Royale, the first real chase was all in and around a construction site, with Bond and the bomb maker, and it was one of the best, most creative chases I've seen in a long time. What does Quantum get? A car chase that looks like the leftover footage from The Fast and the Furious.
And there's a boat chase, and a plane chase. All these action scenes which have been done countless times before in countless other Bond movies (and other movies in general).
The worst part is that the pitiful action sequences aren't the worst part of the film.
The film attempts to be a continuation of Casino Royale -- a sequel, if you will. Why would anyone ever think that's a good idea? One of the greatest things about Bond is he is free from time, and the films are independent. From Sean Connery all the way to Daniel Craig, Bond remains a suave man in his 30s(-ish). The previous storyline was finished. Yes, Bond is heartbroken from Vesper dying, but let us move on.
Who is our primary villain? Dominic Greene. Mathieu Almaric, so good in The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, is not scary. It is that simple. Yes, his weapon is money, but he is ultimately a middleman, and it seems like nothing about him should be feared by Bond -- or us. He looks like a villain who would cry to his mommy if Bond sucker punched him. And who else is there to fear? There are a few other names tossed into the ring, including the Mr. White man from Casino Royale, but none of them do anything important. Then again, neither does Greene.
The 'Bond Girl' is totally useless and ordinary in every way. She's attractive, but barely even succeeds at that. In this role she is so stiff, I think she would have tripped over her own feet if her instructions didn't include how to walk properly. She brings absolutely nothing to the table.
One of the great things about Bond is how he travels across the world and visits exotic locations. Casino Royale was also great for those reasons (I love the shot at the end of CR before Mr. White is shot). Here, not only is our location in the middle of a desert (scenery cannot be more bland than that), but the few times we see something nice to look at, it's so poorly framed that I wait for a boom mic to bob down on screen.
Marc Forster is a very capable director. On the one hand, you have Finding Neverland, Monster's Ball, and Stranger Than Fiction. But, sadly, there is also Stay, and The Kite Runner. I'm afraid Quantum of Solace will be lumped with the latter two.
Rating: 4/7
11.13.2008
Immaturity At Its Finest
In the classes I teach, the kids are required to pick a book that they want to read, and by the end of the semester give a presentation on it. A few kids have finished early, and in order to prevent them for putting the presentation off until January and forgetting everything, they can do it whenever they want.
Today one of my kids finished his book and did his report. When he finished talking about it, his classmates did not have questions pertaining to the text, but made comments basically saying the kid is a dork, a loser, and uncool because he reads in his spare time.
How completely ridiculous is that? Declaring that you "don't like books," or "don't read," does not make you look cool. It makes you look ignorant and immature. Reading is so important for so many reasons, and someone who decides to read in their spare time instead of playing video games or partying or whatever should be admired, not criticized.
Hopefully some day these kids will realize how important reading is, and that it's not something that they 'have to do,' but something that can give them such a huge advantage in life.
Top Chef NY Premiere
The 5th season of Top Chef premiered last night. This time around the show takes place in NYC. Based on the challenge and what I've seen of the contestants so far, the season looks like it will be a good one. Also, did I ever mention that I'm going to marry Padma? No? Oh, well now you know.
11.09.2008
'Role Models' is Funny
I don't feel like writing a whole review, but I did go and see Role Models. It was very funny. Go see it.
11.08.2008
A New 'Top 10 Comedies'
Back in May, 2006, I listed my top 10 comedies, ranked in order. The list was as follows:
1. A Shot in the Dark
2. Some Like It Hot
3. The Producers
4. Annie Hall
5. The Graduate
6. Clue
7. Dr. Strangelove
8. Ghostbusters
9. Blazing Saddles
10. Clerks
Needless to say, that list is a bit dated. Both in terms of when the movies came out, as well as my taste in comedies. Yet, all ten of those are hilarious movies. Yet, I feel I must update. So here it is:
10. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The obligatory 'hip new movies.' But yes, this is a great comedy. I know it will stand up as time goes on, whereas similar Judd Apatow films like 'Knocked Up' and 'Superbad' have already faded into obscurity. Comedy is a tough field to crack into (successfully), but Jason Segel has made it happen--not only with his acting in the film, but the fact that he wrote it himself. Quite the accomplishment.
9 more after the jump.
9. Clue
A slight drop for this slapstick of a good time, but it still holds a special place in my movie heart. The complete absurdity of the movie and how implausible it all is only adds to the humor. While there are moments of blunt humor, the film also has subtle notes that I pick up on more every viewing. That is what makes a great film.
8. Bridget Jones's Diary
Oh yes I did. If there is one thing that pushes a comedy from the 'funny' category to the 'endearing' category, it is a lovable main character. It worked for Juno, and it works here. Bridget Jones, who has more faults than most, is impossible to not love by the end of the film. Sure, this is a 'rom-com,' but that doesn't mean it's not funny.
7. City Lights
How was there no Chaplin on my list before? What an enormous error. City Lights is a triumph not only in pure comedy of our protagonist, but in the goodness it shows and the sappy ending (that gets me every time). I rarely say this, but this is a film everyone should see.
6. The Producers
I haven't watched this film in a while, yet still laugh when thinking of some of the lines from it. Sure, line-for-line Blazing Saddles may be the funnier film, but the mere concept of The Producers alone makes it a supreme laughfest. A producer and an accountant who try to find a play they know will flop so they can score big? Springtime for Hitler? So brilliant.
5. This Is Spinal Tap
Borat was funny. The mockumentary is a great film concept. And it all started with the fictional band Spinal Tap. Yet, they have a song on Guitar Hero, so they're sort of a real band. Why this film works so well is because all of the actors play their own music and really convince us of the band. And they are completely clueless. The characters, not the actors. And clueless people, when done right, are a home run. Like in the movie 'Clueless.' And, here, as well.
4. Dr. Strangelove
I feel like anything I explain about this film would be an insult to its greatness. This film is so brilliant in every single aspect that even stating its brilliance is an understatement. Why is it so brilliant? Peter Sellers' multiple roles is certainly a factor, but we cannot overlook George C. Scott and Stanley Kubrick, also two of cinemas greatest treasures. Name-dropping is not enough, because what these three people have created (with the help of others, obviously, but...) is a timeless comedy that is funny and satirical all the way through, until the very last moment of the film, in the War Room, where the greatest last line of any movie is delivered. If you have not seen it, there is no way I am ruining it for you.
3. A Shot in the Dark
As I said above, when a character is portrayed as clueless and it is done effectively, it is very funny. Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau is a model for such characters. He is so bad at his job he can barely walk around his apartment without tripping over himself. Yet, he thinks he is the most brilliant Inspector in all of France, and insists on frequently giving advice. The scene where he plays a game of billiards with Ballon is the funniest scene of any film. It is pure brilliance, and most of the film is pretty close to this standard. A definite good laugh.
2. Annie Hall
I would have no trouble filling up this whole list with Woody Allen films, but I have restricted myself to only one. Manhattan is a great film, but that shall be on another list someday. Annie Hall is a jumbled story of Alvy Singer and Annie Hall, told in every way imaginable--flashbacks, stage plays, cartoons, breaking the fourth wall, voice over, subtitles revealing what the characters 'really' think, and on and on. Woody Allen, here, has decided to satisfy all of his whims, and when all of these elements mix with some of his traditional stand-up and one-liners, it's quite exhilarating.
1. Some Like It Hot
I feel like such a tool listing this as my number one, because AFI did as well. But, alas, here I am. What can I say that I have not already on this blog? Everything about the film is pitch-perfect, especially Tony Curtis' Junior. I think that's my favorite part. Or Marilyn Monroe. Or the mere concept of men forced to cross-dress to escape being murdered. All of those jokes that, if told today, would not be nearly as funny or clean as they were back in 1950. This film is one that always makes me feel a little bit better, and I will always enjoy, and will always stop whatever I'm doing to watch if it is on. It's certainly one of the greatest.
11.06.2008
Role Models Opens Tomorrow
I love me some Paul Rudd. And Seann William Scott. But mainly Paul Rudd. Here's a trailer for a new comedy, 'Role Models,' which opens tomorrow. Should be quite funny. See it so we can talk about it!
(first = theatrical, second = red band [a lot funnier])
11.04.2008
And the Winner Is....
Barack Obama.
Today my students constantly asked me who I voted for. I'm hesitant to talk about these issues in the classroom environment because I think people should decide for themselves who to vote for, not throw away their vote in mimicry of someone they look up to (teacher, parent, etc.). Though, often, the people you look up to have the same ideals as you, so voting along those lines would make perfect sense.
I did ask a couple people who they voted for, and always followed up with, "Why?" The "why" is important.
One student said they "voted for McCain because Sarah Palin is hot."
Another student said they "voted for Obama because he's black."
Neither of these are good reasons. Obviously.
As I try to tell people when the subject comes up: I do not personally care, or judge, based on who you vote for. I judge you based on how well you can defend your reasons. If you think McCain was the better candidate because of his policies, and can identify which ones you agree with, good for you. Same with Obama. Be informed!
America made the right decision today.
More commentary after the cut.
Who you vote for should be based on what you value the most. I think McCain is better in almost all military affairs, but I think our economy, energy sources, and diplomacy are more important. Electing Barack Obama shows progression. Electing John McCain would have shown repetition. And had McCain been elected, America would have shown repetition.
A few people I know have said that the economy is going to fail now. Sorry, but the economy is already failing. Yes, it could get worse. But the policies that have been around are what brought us here, and if it's broke, I'm definitely going to try to fix it.
As a person, I almost like McCain. Almost. Sure, he's only a mediocre public speaker (and a horrible debater), but he means well. Unfortunately he had a huge handicap in Sarah Palin. I've made a couple posts about her before, so I'll refrain. I'll just say that she was the incorrect choice as a running mate.
I don't want to get overly political on the blog, so if you want more details on what I agree/disagree with from the candidates, ask me in person.
11.02.2008
Christina Aguilera Keeps Gettin'... Better?
I love Christina Aguilera.
There. I said it.
Her music is great (for the most part--Stripped is one of my favorite albums ever), she seems to have her life together (compared to lots of other celebrities these days), and hey, she's hot (I think we can all at least agree on this one).
On Nov. 11th a 'greatest hits' album comes out. Here is the track listing, via Target:
Genie in a Bottle; What a Girl Wants; I Turn to You; Come on Over (All I Want is You); Dirrty; Fighter; Beautiful; Ain’t No Other Man; Candyman; Hurt; Genie 2.0; Keeps Gettin’ Better; Dynamite; You are What You are (Beautiful)
The album is titled Keeps Gettin' Better and has a couple new songs, one of which is--you guessed it--Keeps Gettin' Better. You can hear the new single on her MySpace, on youtube, or on your radio 374 times a day.
However, like many artists who claim something about their work, the title is inaccurate. I've listened to the new single a dozen or so times, and I just can't like it. I try to like it. I really do. Back to Basics had some good songs on it, but it looks like Christina has a flop this time around. And by 'flop,' I mean it will still get countless plays because it's still better than most other pop music that comes out these days.
With that said, the album will be available ("exclusively") at Target on the 11th, or through your favorite pirated music source a few days before then.
11.01.2008
A Thing About Great Performances
I hope there are at least a few people out there who value my opinion, as well as a few who value my opinion on movies. I've seen many, know quite a lot about them, and keep up with all sorts of trivia, upcoming releases, and reviews. And, as any intelligent person can, can defend my thoughts with examples. Like I always tell the students in my classes: What you think is important, but never, ever forget the why.
With that said, I would like the state that a single great performance does not make a movie great. Let me give some examples:
The other day I watched the film 'My Left Foot.' This is a very good film. Daniel Day-Lewis is one of the best actors there is, and his performance in this film was one of the best I've ever seen. The film itself, though, I felt was only 'good.' Therefore, I will not give this film a 10/10, or even a 9.5/10 strictly based on how great DD-L was. I can think of quite a few people who would.
More examples....
Meryl Streep in 'Sophie's Choice.' I don't think anyone loves Meryl Streep more than I do, except maybe her husband. She's had so many great roles--the best of which was as the concentration camp survivor Sophie. Off the top of my head, this is the best female performance I can think up. But the movie itself? Good, not great. Yes, the scenes with Sophie are emotionally extreme, but the other actors, a bit of the writing, and some pacing issues prevent the film from being great.
Let's go with an example in the opposite direction.
Take Peter Lorre's role in the classic, 'M.' 'M' is undoubtedly a great film. If I was hard-pressed to create a list of the ten best films out there, 'M' would be a close contender. The film is driven by not only Peter Lorre's phenomenal performance (compare his work here to, say, 'The Maltese Falcon'), but by the shadows and corridors, the whistling tune, the script, the direction, and all of the other actors. A film is an ensemble. One must not overlook that.
Also, take Bette Davis as Margo Channing in 'All About Eve.' Again, one of the best acting jobs of all time. No one's gonna deny that. But how tricky that after each viewing, I find myself more and more fascinated by Anne Baxter's Eve. Or the immensely articulate, perfectly paced Addison DeWitt. Or even the small Marilyn Monroe cameo. And that's just the acting. The script is sensational, mixing a buffet of highbrow allusions with blunt banter that strikes to the core. Joe Mankiewicz was a genius. This is a great film.
I shall end with one more example.
Jamie Foxx in 'Ray.' Now, who doesn't love Ray Charles? No doubt Jamie Foxx did a fantastic job in the role. But watch this film and 'Walk the Line' in the same day. Notice the almost identical storyline, sans blindness. Now, that's not the writer or director's fault, because these are based on true events. But the plot of 'Ray' borders on cliche, and even though Jamie Foxx was great, the movie is far from.
With these things and this philosophy in mind, if I ever give a movie a 10/10 simply because of one performance, you have my permission to slap me.
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