Jedi Council Forums - The Essentials: Hamlet/Hand of God/Happy Man/Hard Day's Night

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Author	Topic: The Essentials: Hamlet/Hand of God/Happy Man/Hard Day's Night
Zombi_2_1979 Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/1/06 7:25am Subject: RE: The Essentials (Diner; Dinner at Eight; Dinner Party; Dirk Gentley; Dirty Dozen)
	The first half or so is fantastic action comedy with Cassavetes pulling the best material with his lunacy, then the film conforms and becomes a rather blah action yarner. A blockbuster back in the day... during the political upheavals and radicalism of 60s. No wonder.
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 6/1/06 11:54am Subject: RE: The Essentials (Diner; Dinner at Eight; Dinner Party; Dirk Gentley; Dirty Dozen)
	Yes, you're right; when it's on television, I generally stop watching after the war game sequence.
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Zombi_2_1979 Registered: Jul '05	Date Posted: 6/1/06 5:34pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Diner; Dinner at Eight; Dinner Party; Dirk Gentley; Dirty Dozen)
	Exactly, when the film puts it's whole attention on The Mission, the characters and story suffer.
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 6/1/06 8:17pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Diner; Dinner at Eight; Dinner Party; Dirk Gentley; Dirty Dozen)
	TheBoogieMan posted: Rogue1-and-a-half posted: And Spy is almost as good as Octopussy. You mean, it is almost as good as a film where scantily clad women attack mercenaries while Bond flies in on a hot air balloon drenched in the Union Jack? My, that does sound good! ! Dirty Harry (1971) - Don Siegel A series of ill conceived sequels rather tarnish the legacy so it may shock you to see just what a brilliant film this was. Andy Davis turns in one of the most unjustly forgotten villain performances of all time as the psychotic Scorpio. And Eastwood hits ever note perfectly, as we expect him too. The climax is a stunner as is a fantastic sequence in a stadium. The final shot, which really should have precluded any sequels, is a masterpiece, thought provoking and challenging. Not just a cop movie; this is great filmmaking. Disasters of War (1810) - Francisco Goya A series of absolutely shocking and grotesque sketches, this book saw Goya reaching deep for the demons that haunted him. Generally dark, usually grotesque, Goya managed to top himself with this masterpiece, a truly startling and gruesome look at violence and brutality in black and white. Divine Discontent (2002) - Sixpence None the Richer I was caught being cynical on this one. After all the good buzz, I still maintained that the album couldn't be better than their self titled album from 97. Well, it may not be better, but it's every bit as good. Leigh Nash's ethereal voice is always effective and gorgeous and she's showcased to brilliant use here. The low-key minor riff of Melodies of You is brilliant. And the band is on top of their game as well; the album closing Thousand Parachutes is epic, starting small and building to an absolute orgy of sound. The sound here is more varied than usual: Paralyzed is close to punk, while other songs have a simple acoustic vibe. A fantastic album. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) - Philip K. Dick The film version is a great one, but so too is the original novel. A fascinating picture of a fully realized future society (complete with religion, social status and . . . pets). It's a book that is profoundly moving, intensely interesting and, finally, surpremely tragic with it's view of humanity that is losing it's humanity, becoming false and fragmented, unable to tell truth from lies. It's quite simply one of the very finest science fiction books ever written; probably the best. Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1866) - Robert Louis Stevenson It's so entered pop culture by this point that it may shock you to realize that the original novel was a mystery, as a friend of the mild mannered Jekyll tries to uncover the real identity of the mysterious Mr. Hyde and what his connection to Jekyll is. That's by the by, however; Stevenson crafted a story that truly struck the cultural consciousness, tapped into something we all fear. Good as we all try to be, the beast lives in us and we know that. It's been said that the line between good and evil runs through the heart of every person; this story is nothing but an exploration of that very idea and as such it stands as a great novel. Availability: All readily available. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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TheBoogieMan Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 6/1/06 8:41pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	Rogue1-and-a-half posted: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) - Philip K. Dick The film version is a great one, but so too is the original novel. A fascinating picture of a fully realized future society (complete with religion, social status and . . . pets). It's a book that is profoundly moving, intensely interesting and, finally, surpremely tragic with it's view of humanity that is losing it's humanity, becoming false and fragmented, unable to tell truth from lies. It's quite simply one of the very finest science fiction books ever written; probably the best. I have the book sitting on my bedside table right now, but still powering through Great Expectations…
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 6/1/06 8:42pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky - Date Edited: 6/1/06 8:48pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Zaz
	Dirty Harry (1971) - Don Siegel Yes, it's a terrific, iconic film. Disasters of War (1810) - Francisco Goya Goya's my favourite artist, so I certainly agree with this. Divine Discontent (2002) - Sixpence None the Richer Never heard of this one. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (1968) - Philip K. Dick Haven't read this one. Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1866) - Robert Louis Stevenson It's a beautifully written small masterpiece; the parental unit is a huge Stevenson fan.
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Bugbite Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 6/2/06 4:21am Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	'Do Androids Dream ...' was a very interesting read. I wouldn't go so far as to call it the best sci-fi novel (I'm very fond of 'The Demolished Man' by Alfred Bester), but it's not far off. I've been meaning to read 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' for some time.
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Jaden-Skywalker Registered: Mar '04	Date Posted: 6/2/06 5:56am Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	Zaz posted: Dirty Harry (1971) - Don Siegel I've recently watched Dead Pool and have to say that it's a very good Eastwood film. The one thing that sticks out the most is the harpoon killing at the end and the car chase with the remote-controlled bomb -----signature----- PHASED PLASMA PULSE RIFLE
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 6/2/06 9:06pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	Doctor Zhivago (1965) - Maurice Jarre The film was seriously flawed, but the music was not. There was perhaps one flaw and that only a byproduct of genius. Lara's Theme, beautiful for the first two weeks, begins to grate on your nerves after it's been stuck in your head for three weeks, if you catch my drift. Jarre has done better, much in fact, but still a fantastic score. Document (1987) - R.E.M. The marriage of diversity was never more obvious than on some of the songs here. The sound is that of a fifties band cooking, the lyrics that of an eighties band unsure of their message. At times, they reach a synthesis of near perfection (the pop culture bop of End of the World, for example, or the dismissive cynicism of The One I Love, for another). And there are moments of pure joy: Exhuming McCarthy is one of the bands most overtly political songs, but the thing you'll never forget is how the typewriter sets up the rhythm at the beginning. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) - Sidney Lumet A painful film of brilliant intensity. Pacino and Durning are both brilliant, which is not a surprise. It's more of a surprise to see Chris Sarandon as Pacino's lover turn in a performance of such subtletly and evocative nuance that you forget who the actor is. Their phone conversation goes on far, far too long by any technical standard, but is absolutely transfixing. And lest we forget, the great loss of John Cazale, after only five films, is felt again after seeing his low key but solid supporting performance as Pacino's partner in crime. A great film. Doge's Palace (1309) - Unknown One of the great examples of Italian architecture. The front of the building is a masterpiece of repitition and the Bridge of Sighs is perhaps Venice's most beautiful landmark. Dogma (1999) - Kevin Smith Affleck is a puzzle; most places he is less than brilliant, but somehow, under Smith's direction he comes to life. Here, perfectly paired with Matt Damon, he is brilliant. The cast is rounded out by the always phenomenal Jason Lee, the hilarious Chris Rock, our favorite drug dealers and, in a true masterstroke, the brilliant, brilliant Alan Rickman as the Metatron, Voice of God. A hilariously funny film, more thought provoking than offensive, if one is truly spiritual and not simply religious, this manages to poke fun at organized religion and open avenues of debate about faith and spirituality. While some found offense, I find it to be one of the best modern explorations of faith and life; the closing scene with God and Bethany's aching question, "Why?" is one of the great moments of spiritual cinema. The board room scene, the parking garage rant, the climactic blood bath . . . these are moments of pure cinema. Smith's finest work to date. Availability: All readily available. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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TheBoogieMan Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 6/2/06 9:10pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	Dr Zhivago, the best film not on your list. I think it is still my second favourite film. The score is definitely beautiful, though, if somewhat repetitive in the film. But yes, one of my favourites. I saw Dogma years ago, and didn't enjoy it at all. I just didn't find it funny. Maybe I should see it again.
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 6/2/06 9:21pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Disc. La Dolce Vita; Dona Nobis Pacem; Don Giovanni; Donnie Brasco; The Door in - Date Edited: 6/3/06 9:37pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Zaz
	Yeah, I've justified (or tried to anyway) my dislike of the Zhivago film ad nauseum and made some people kind of mad in doing so. Suffice it to say that Sharif is emasculated and a ninny, Christie is beautiful but shallow and non-engaging and Steiger is fine grade ham. Courtenay, Richardson and especially Guiness do great work, but when your main three characters are weak, it's hard to stick with a movie. My opinion and I'll watch it again someday and maybe change my mind. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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TheBoogieMan Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 6/2/06 9:30pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	I have to say I always feel a bit silly arguing for what is essentially a 'chick flick', so I might leave it there for once.
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Zaz Title: Manager, The Ampitheatre Registered: Oct '98	Date Posted: 6/3/06 7:58am Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dirty Harry; Disasters of War; Divine Discontent; Do Androids Dream; Doctor Jeky
	Doctor Zhivago (1965) - Maurice Jarre On this one, I side with Rogue, though there are some extraordinary images, the film doesn't hold together. Those shots are especially the shot of Zhivago's mother's coffin from the inside, and the ice-encrusted house. The music? Well I remember a review that described it as 'atwitter with balalaikas' and as usual, words prove more memorable for me than music (though I am working on that...) Document (1987) - R.E.M. Ze list. Dog Day Afternoon (1975) - Sidney Lumet Actor's banquet. Doge's Palace (1309) - Unknown Renaissance architectural drawings are extraordinarially beautiful. Dogma (1999) - Kevin Smith Ze list.
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 6/3/06 9:29pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dr. Zhivago; Document; Dog Day Afternoon; Doge's Palace; Dogma
	La Dolce Vita (1960) - Federico Fellini One of my personal top ten, this is the film that truly elevates Mastroianni to a status of perhaps the greatest actor who has ever lived. It’s sprawling in it’s own particular way, the story of a cheap jack entertainment journalist (who chums with a sleazy photographer named, get this, Papparazo . . .yes, that’s where our term comes from). Mastroianni makes the search for meaning in life somehow resonate. At points, the film is beyond low key, at others there’s an almost shattering beauty and melancholy. The fountain scene, the folk singer at the party, the ghost hunt, the Bach recital . . .these are moments of such profound and incredible beauty and tragedy that they must be seen to be believed. And finally all is emptiness . . . Mastroianni’s acting in the final two scenes is beyond incredible; to hit either of the extreme dynamics required in those scenes would be beyond most actors. He does them both, flawlessly. Absolute essential. Dona Nobis Pacem (1936) - Ralph Vaughan Williams A work of brilliant choral and orchestral splendor from a composer who was rarely truly great. This fantastic work takes words from sources as diverse as the Bible and Walt Whitman and weaves it together with a fascinating musical tapestry to create the greatest musical plea for peace ever written. The horrors of war and the tragedy of death have rarely been felt so strongly through classical music. The climax is transcendent and never fails to move me to tears. Brilliance. Don Giovanni (1787) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Picking a best Mozart work is like picking, well, it’s harder than just about any other choice you’ll ever have to make. This is the closest I can come; it’s an opera of incredible emotional resonance. The climax alone, as Giovanni is visited by the Commendatore and final judgment and justice, is one of the most staggering and horrifying moments of opera (you may recall the snippet of this scene in Amadeus). Deeply and profoundly moving. Donnie Brasco (1997) - Mike Newell It's the meeting of greatness as Johnny Depp plays the titular character, a fictitious mobster invented to allow his federal agent character to infiltrate the mob. He comes under the tutelage of an aging, weary mobster played to perfection by Al Pacino. It's in the conflict that grows from that relationship that the heart of the movie finds its real emotional resonance. As Depp struggles to justify his betrayal of a man who he continues to think of as more and more of a friend, we see the pyschological trauma visited by something as simple (or as complex) as a lie. Kudos also to Anne Heche, an actress I've never really liked, who gave such a brilliant performance that I didn't even recognize her. The Door in the Dragon's Throat (1985) - Frank Peretti The first book in the Cooper series, a series previously visited in this thread with The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey, this is the most spiritually based of the series, perhaps the only that could truly be classed a supernatural thriller. It's a little rough on the edges, but the hallmarks are here; Peretti's prose is fine, clean and at a fine edge, particularly in the edge of your seat climax. Availability: All readily available in their respective formats. The classical works have both been recorded numerous times. The definitive Dona Nobis Pacem can be found on a 94 CD release with several other Williams works. It's conducted by Matthew Best and features the Corydon Orchestra. The best version of Don Giovanni is a three CD release with the London Philharmonic conducted by Bernard Haitank and featuring the fantastic Thomas Allen as Giovanni. The moment of final justice is bonechilling when you here Allen perform it. It's no 'opera scream' that he delivers . . . it's a real, dynamic, gut wrenching scream of pure terror and agony. Brilliance. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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TheBoogieMan Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 6/3/06 9:47pm Subject: RE: The Essentials (Dr. Zhivago; Document; Dog Day Afternoon; Doge's Palace; Dogma
	0 out of 5 for me.
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