01.12.2021
Lost Highway by David Lynch
Released in 1997
Viewing number 1
"Dick Laurent is dead."
Lost Highway is a rather relentless film. It's David Lynch pushing his fever dream asthethic to the possible max. It's main goal is to leave you dazed and confused. It won't stop until you are just as lost as that highway. So yeah, it's Lynch at his most confusing. Does that mean it's Lynch at his worst? Absolutely not! Despite being incredibly strange, it manages to leave you completely satisfied by the end. Lynch's eye for visuals and ear for sound design are still present and in top form. The great score from Angelo Badalamenti is paired with an amazing soundtrack which includes David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Lou Reed, Marilyn Manson, Rammstein and others. The cast is also stacked, with great performances from Bill Pullman, Robert Blake and Patricia Arquette. Also, this film finally made me realize how gorgeous Arquette is, so thanks Lynch for that. All in all, it's quite an amazing trip from Lynch.
Cast ratings:
Bill Pullman - 4/5
Patricia Arquette - 4/5
Balthazar Getty - 3.5/5
Robert Blake - 5/5
Robert Loggia - 4/5
92/100
02.12.2021 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Borat by Larry Charles
Released in 2006
Viewing number 2
"Very nice."
Watched this with a friend, and we had a blast! Still holds up amazingly on a second viewing. I have come to realize that there isn't maybe one scene in this film that makes me at least chuckle. The humour does sometimes go for "the more shocking, the better", but it's still so damn hilarious. This is especially because of Cohen's brilliant performance as Borat. He somehow never breaks character, and his improv skills are incredible. The thing that makes Borat stand out from most comedies however, is how well it captures America. This thing slowly peels away America as a whole through it's comedy, eventually painting one of the clearest paintings that's ever been painted of it. This film is just great. It is infact very nice.
Cast ratings:
Sasha Baron Cohen - 4.5/5
83/100
02.12.2021 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Opening Night by John Cassavetes
Released in 1977
Viewing number 1
"We must never forget this is only a play."
Opening Night is John Cassavetes at his most experimental, bold, daring, introspective, themathic, complex and meta, something that makes for a really polarizing film. There's probably a million ways you can read this film. You can read it as a study of aging and it's problems. You can read it as a study of actors and their struggles. You can read it as a love letter to improv and experimentation. You can read it as Cassavetes' taking a look at his own experimentation. You can read it as Cassavetes' trying to paint a self-portrait of himself. You can even read it as all of these readings and more. Of course, all these ideas and themes being thrown around make for a really messy film, but it's held together by an incredible performance by Gena Rowlands. It's a really intriguing, fascinating and beautiful mess for me, and I will probably find myself returning to it.
Cast ratings:
Gena Rowlands - 5/5
95/100
03.12.2021
McCabe And Mrs. Miller by Robert Altman
Released in 1971
Viewing number 1
"That man? That man never killed anybody."
I'm slowly being convinced that Robert Altman may be the greatest filmmaker ever. I haven't watched one film from him that hasn't blown me away. And so far, this might be my favorite. It tells the story of McCabe, a complete fool who hides behind his own cowardice and never meets his expectations. But through Warren Beatty's great performance and Altman's empathetic filmmaking, we manage to symphatize with him. He is after all only a victim of the trap we call "the american dream." This film is Altman at his most cynical. All happiness is temporary in the world of McCabe. The film's visuals are first filled with small beautiful tints of orange, but those tints are slowly turned into an overwhelming brown, and towards the end, it almost looks like the characters are stuck in a photograph. The film's beautiful Autumn landscapes are slowly replaced with snow so deep that McCabe drowns in it by the end. The entire world of this film operates around money and nothing else. It's a perfect reflection of Vietnam-era America. This is a stunning film on every level. Also, this thing has a soundtrack by Leonard Cohen, one of the greatest songwriters of all time. How can it not be great?
Cast ratings:
Warren Beatty - 4/5
Julie Christie - 4.5/5
99/100
04.12.2021
The River by Jean Renoir
Released in 1951
Viewing number 1
"The day ends. The end begins."
If you have no interest for Indian culture, you'll probably not love The River. But if you are intrigued or fascinated by Indian culture, The River might be one of the best films you will ever see. I find Indian culture quite interesting, and I am a big fan of Jean Renoir's work, so I naturally loved this. This film's biggest achievement is the visuals. For those who don't know, Jean Renoir's father was Pierre-August Renoir, who is rightfully considered one of the great painters in French history. He is known for conveying messages through vibrant, lush and colourful visuals. Jean Renoir is also known for conveying messages through his visuals, but as most of his films were black-and-white, he did it through blocking and camera movements. But that changes in The River. It was his first colour film, and he completely nailed it on the head. It's by far Renoir's masterpiece visually. But the thing that makes the cinematography of The River so great is that each shot reflects the themes of life, death and birth, which is ultimately what the film is about. It's just a damn good film. It's a feast for the eyes, and a perfect film for when you just need to relax.
No cast ratings, as I was more focused on the visuals and overall tone than the acting. I will say that the cast was pretty decent however. There were some performances that were a bit mediocre, while others were pretty good. Nothing great though.
94/100
05.12.2021
Paris Is Burning by Jennie Livingston
Released in 1990
Viewing number 1
"Some of them say that we're sick, we're crazy. And some of them think that we are the most gorgeous, special things on earth."
First of all, let me clarify that I am a straight white male. Does that stop me from enjoying this film? Absolutely not! I found myself really loving this film. I think it expertly paints a picture of the LGBT underground in the 80's, while also just catching the aura of 1980's New York. Livingston expertly uses this as a jumping off point to explore deeper questions about America's treatment of race, class, gender and sexuality. Of course, at the core of what makes this film so great is not how well it paints a picture of 80's New York or how well it explores it's themes, but that the whole film is really just people being themselves. Paris Is Burning is one of the most joyful films ever made, and has earned it's place in cinema history.
No cast ratings, as this is a documentary.
96/100
06.12.2021
Rear Window by Alfred Hitchcock
Released in 1954
Viewing number 1
"We've become a race of Peeping Toms."
How can filmmaking even be as perfect as this? I have already seen this, but still I was so on the edge of my seat towards the end that I thought I was gonna fall off! Alfred Hitchcock is telling a million stories here, and he is telling them in the most simple but effective way possible. There's the central mystery, which is among the most excellent in cinema history, but there's also the romantic subplot between Jefferies and Lisa, which is told in an excellent heartfeld way. But then there's also the small subplots, which might be my favorite thing about this film. I laugh everytime I see the newlyweds' window is closed, and I laugh even harder when the man opens it only to hear his name screamed back. I smile everytime I see the dog get lowered down in the garden in his basket, and my heart breaks everytime when it is found dead. Miss Torso manages to catch my interest every time she is in frame (for reasons I will not explain), but she is proved to be more than eye-candy when she gets an incredibly heartfelt ending. And don't even make me start on the emotional rollercoasters that are the character arks of the pianist and Miss Lonelyhearts! Alfred Hitchcock somehow made a small neighborhood into one of the most fascinating and alive worlds in cinema history. This is one of the most perfect films ever made, the definition of cinema as thrilling entertainment.
Cast ratings:
James Stewart - 5/5
Grace Kelly - 4.5/5
Thelma Ritter - 4.5/5
Wendell Corey - 3.5/5
Raymond Burr - 4/5
100/100
07.12.2021
A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night by Ana Lily Amirpour
Released in 2014
Viewing number 1
"Sad songs hit the spot, don't they?"
Rarely does a poster catch my attention as much as the poster for A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night. I was just scrolling through possible films to watch, and I saw that poster and was intrigued immediately. The poster is actually the single reason I watched this! The point is that the poster is good. So, is the film good? The answer is a simple yes, as it's an absolute delight. From the poster, I expected a horror film, but instead I got a neo-western vampire horror romance with a feminist message, which was quite the surprise. But even though something like this clearly shouldn't work, I loved the genre-blending in this film. I also loved the gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and the incredible soundtrack. I do think there were some flaws (lack of cohesiveness towards the end, scenes with no reason to exist, etc), but all in all, I loved it. Also, give that cat an Oscar!
Cast ratings:
Sheila Vand - 4/5
Arash Marandi - 4/5
84/100
08.12.2021
My Night At Maud's by Eric Rohmer
Released in 1969
Viewing number 1
"That's past. What's done is done."
Rohmer is one of those great directors I don't know about. Before watching this film, I knew only a few things about him. I knew he was French, I knew his films were dialogue-driven, I knew he was a innovator in improv cinema, etc. And I feel that My Night At Maud's must be the perfect introduction to his work. It's an amazing study of a man's faith and temptation, told to great scenes of dialogue cinema. The dialogue ranges from erotic to philosophic, but it constantly remains interesting. All the characters are incredibly well-written, with Maud herself being among the most fascinating characters I have seen. This film tells a story of great moral dilemmas, but doesn't show any bias, which is the mark of a really great director. Probably going to watch more Rohmer soon.
Cast ratings:
Jean-Louis Trintignant - 4/5
Francoise Fabian - 4/5
Marie-Christine Barrault - 4/5
Antoine Vitez - 3.5/5
93/100
09.12.2021
Mystery Train by Jim Jarmusch
Released in 1989
Viewing number 1
"Was that a gun?"
"Probably. This is America."
Nothing is more american than rock and roll. Think about it: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the United States Of America? It may not be for you, but for me, and a lot of other people, it's rock and roll. Jim Jarmusch has always had a fascination with american mythos and pop culture, and I feel that Mystery Train is the film that is most directly about that. It's really in a way Jarmusch taking you on a trip through rock and roll, deconstructing America along the way. It isn't really a very themathic film though, as it's actually quite laid-back. It's just a really calming film with a really charming sense of humour, and to be honest, I couldn't ask for more.
Cast ratings:
Youki Kudoh - 4/5
Masatoshi Nagase - 4/5
Screamin' Jay Hawkins - 3.5/5
Clinque Lee - 3/5
Nicoletta Braschi - 4/5
Elizabeth Bracco - 3.5/5
Joe Strummer - 3.5/5
Rick Aviles - 3/5
Steve Buscemi - 3.5/5
94/100
10.12.2021
Eyes Wide Shut by Stanley Kubrick
Released in 1999
Viewing number 1
"Now, ladies, where exactly are we going?"
"Where the rainbow ends."
Eyes Wide Shut is widely considered one of Kubrick's weakest efforts, but I'm here to defend it as the masterpiece it is. Yes, I do consider Kubrick the greatest of all directors, but that isn't why I give Eyes Wide Shut a perfect score. It starts as a really poignant satire of rich people, pushing their gentle asthethic so far that they only seem snobbish and immature. But then, right before my eyes, it slowly morphed into something else. Something that really terrified me. You slowly emmerge into a surrealist ballet of misery and lust, and you only realize that you want to get out when you are in too deep. I have always thought that Kubrick made films that serve as close-ups on humanity, and Eyes Wide Shut is by far the most nihilstic one I have seen from him. The characters in this film are trying to hide their emptiness behind objects and things, and are trying to fill it up with meaningless sex. They are searching for the gold at the end of the rainbow, not knowning that it's impossible to get to the end of the rainbow. The rainbow never ends.
Cast ratings:
Tom Cruise - 4/5
Nicole Kidman - 4.5/5
Sydney Pollack - 4/5
100/100
11.12.2021
Tick, Tick ... Boom! by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"Everything you are about to see is true, except for the parts Jonathan made up."
I never thought a film could capture the grand genius of Jonathan Larson, but I was proved wrong with this one. First of all, the concept of this film is quite genius, telling about Jonathan's life through one of his musicals. Structuraly, I really love this film. The film as a whole is messy, clean, confusing, well-told, cheesy and heartfelt, but that's really all I could have asked for. It never becomes messy really because it is held together so well by Andew Garfield's amazing performance. De Jesus is also really great in this one. It does have one fatal flaw though, and that is that Miranda really isn't the best director. His direction is good, but most of the time he makes choices that really don't translate as well as they should. If this film had been given to a better director, or if Miranda had made some better directorial choices, I imagine I could have given this film something really high. But still, a really great film, one that manages to translate the genius of Larson to a new audience.
Cast ratings:
Andrew Garfield - 4.5/5
Rob De Jesus - 4.5/5
80/100
12.12.2021 (1 out of 2 watched)
The Power Of The Dog by Jane Campion
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"What kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother?"
Best western in years. One of the most gorgeously photographed films of the year, accompanied by the score of the year, creating a strange, sinister atmosphere surronding every single frame of this film. The whole cast is amazing, but it's Benedict Cumberbeatch who steals the show with his best performance in ages. It might be his best ever even. The film itself is a really great study of toxic masculinty, and as Karsten put it, "predation and protection". Jane Campion really nailed it with this one. One of the best films of the year.
Cast ratings:
Benedict Cumberbatch - 4.5/5
Kodi Smit-McPhee - 4/5
Kirsten Dunst - 4/5
Jesse Plemons - 4/5
96/100
12.12.2021 (2 out of 2 watched)
Elf by Jim Favreau
Released in 2003
Viewing number 3
"Son of a nutcracker!"
Jon Favreau's Elf is far from perfect, but the month of December isn't the same without it. Even after 3, maybe even 4 viewings, this thing is still hilarious. Not every joke lands, but those who do really land. I especially love Will Ferrell's delivery of "You sit on a throne of lies". For each viewing, it only becomes more clear how much fun the cast had with this movie. I especially think James Caan gives a performance that shouldn't be as good as it is. Also, Bob Newhart may be the funniest part of the movie for me because of how much he clearly doesn't want to be in the film. So all in all, a great christmas miracle. See you next year, Buddy.
Cast ratings:
Will Ferrell - 3.5/5
James Caan - 3.5/5
Zooey Deschanel - 3.5/5
Bob Newhart - 3/5
Peter Dinklage - 3.5/5
70/100
13.12.2021
Shiva Baby by Emma Seligman
Released in 2010
Viewing number 1
"You look like Gwyneth Paltrow on food stamps!"
When I finished Shiva Baby, I had one question on my mind: Why the hell isn't this considered one of the best films of 2020? This film is exceptionally made. For me, it's a film about the various insecurities, anxieties and expectations a young person in this world faces, making it a film I could really relate to. Big events like family gatherings and parties can be really stressful for me, and it feels like Emma Seligman just perfectly captured that stress. The way this film builds up it's controlled chaos is just incredible. The film may seem completely chaotic, but Emma clearly has everything under complete control. By far one of the best made films of 2020. I also love the amazing performances, the anxiety-inducing score and the dead-pan comedy. Also, this is the funniest film of 2020. I guess it isn't perfect, as I really wish that every character was as interesting as the main character, but still, I love this film.
Cast ratings:
Rachel Sennott - 4.5/5
92/100
14.12.2021
The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger
Released in 1943
Viewing number 1
"Clive. My English is not very much, but my friendship for you is very much."
The Archers' Colonel Blimp is one of those rare films that restores your faith in humanity. Colonel Blimp is rather infamous for being a film made during World War II about the friendship between a brit and a german. When it was released in 1943, it got extreme backlash for this, but in more recent time, it has gotten the praise it deserves. The pacifist message of Colonel Blimp was clearly quite ahead of it's time. It was quite a risque move from The Archers' to make this film, but I commend how they still released it because of how important the message is. Of course, this isn't everything that makes Colonel Blimp a masterful film. It's a moving piece of filmmaking on every level possible. The acting is amazing, with Roger Livesey giving a brilliant performance. The look of this film is incredibly unique and extravagant. Also, this thing is unexpectedly hilarious. The Archers' filmmaking is some of the best we will ever see, and this is their magic in top form. One of the greatest testaments to the human spirit and the power of filmmaking that will ever be released.
Cast ratings:
Roger Livesey - 5/5
Anton Walbrook - 4.5/5
Deborah Kerr - 4.5/5
100/100
15.12.2021
Black Christmas by Bob Clark
Released in 1974
Viewing number 1
"Oh my god."
OK, listen. I know I gave Colonel Blimp a 100/100 yesterday, a score I should give out rarely, but I really would be lying if I said that Black Christmas wasn't perfect. I really love christmas. It's such a comfortable and joyful time that it's hard to hate it. But Bob Clark did the impossible, making christmas into something extremely ominous. I will seriously never hear "Silent Night" the same way again. The lyrics have just taken on a completely different meaning. The film is incredibly ominous, and the last 30 minutes may be the most horrifying ever put onto the screen, maybe only beaten by The Texas Chainsaw Massacre's last 30 minutes. The horrors of home invasion, madness and manslaughter are mirrored alongside the horrors of misogyny, abortion and domestic abuse. This film is also incredible on a technical level, with some amazing, playful cinematogaphy and some of the most perfect editing in any horror film ever. This film is great on every level. Will probably revisit this next December.
Cast ratings:
Olivia Hussey - 4/5
100/100
16.12.2021
The Hand Of God by Paolo Sorrentino
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"Do you have a story to tell?"
I really didn't think I would have the option to watch this before 2022, but here we are, and let me just say that I am not disappointed with this film. The Hand Of God is the most personal film of the year, retelling the summer that changed Sorrentino's life. This film tricks into thinking it will be a joyful film with it's crude humour and extreme charm, before suddendly pulling it away, exposing the brutal truth. The Hand Of God reminded me another personal autobiographical film, Pedro Almodovar's Pain And Glory. When I first watched Pain And Glory, I was quite underwhelmed. I quickly realized that the problem was that it was my first Almodovar, and Pain And Glory is really a film for Almodovar fans above anyone else. The Hand Of God is the complete opposite. It's my first film by Sorrentino, but I still love it! I already feel like I understand Sorrentino, even though I suspect I will love The Hand Of God even more after seeing some of Sorrentino's other work. All in all, one of the best films of the year. Also, maybe the final shot of the year?
Cast ratings:
Filippo Scotti - 4/5
96/100
17.12.2021
Rebel Without A Cause by Nicolas Ray
Released in 1955
Viewing number 1
"Nobody talks to children."
"No, they just tell them."
I truly think that if every single person in the world saw this film and managed to understand it, the world might be a better place. Why? Well, it's quite simple. No better attempt has ever been made to capture the misconncection between the older generation and the younger generation. Many people call Rebel Without A Cause dated, but I can promise you it's not. I'm a pretty young person, and I have several friends who resemble the characters portrayed in this film. And the parenting this film critiques can still be found today! Rebel Without A Cause really gets it's point across well, with miscommunication killing in the end. This is an exceptionally well-made film that understands that it's talking about. This film isn't important, it's essential.
Cast ratings:
James Dean - 5/5
Nathalie Wood - 4.5/5
Sal Mineo - 5/5
97/100
18.12.2021
Down By Law by Jim Jarmusch
Released in 1986
Viewing number 1
"I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream!"
When I was very young, me and my dad were sitting in the car and discussing what we thought were the most unique voices in music. At one point, my dad said "I am now going to show you the most unique singer in music history". He then played "Downtown Train", and we just vibed for 3 minutes. Since that moment, I have become a big fan of Tom Waits' music. Each song of his manages to transport me to a unique world. The thing I love about Jim Jarmusch's Down By Law starring Tom Waits is that it literally is that world. It's set in America, and thus features images of Americana. Every person in the film is a flawed human being, but you still fall for their charm. It's incredibly funny, finding comedy in absurdist scenes and images. It's also a critique of the American judicial system, with all the characters being put into jail for having done nothing. And did I mention it's effortlessly cool? This is the most Tom Waits thing ever. It even features some songs from his magnum opus Rain Dogs! How am I supposed not to love it? I even got sad when it ended because I was enjoying my stay so much! My favorite Jarmusch so far, and it will probably keep that title forever.
Cast ratings:
Tom Waits - 4/5
Jon Lurie - 4/5
Roberto Benigni - 4/5
97/100
19.12.2021
Out Of The Past by Jacques Tourneur
Released in 1947
Viewing number 1
"That's not the way to win."
"Is there a way to win?"
"There's a way to lose more slowly."
You've heard the story a million times before. A man with a dark past wants to escape it and start a new life, but this proves to be his downfall, as he can't escape his past. But still, Out Of The Past, the film noir to end all film noirs, manages to tell it in a way that feels fresh. As I said, Out Of The Past is the most "film noir" film noir ever made. Every shot in this film is drenched in shadows to an extent few film noirs are, which mirrors the dark and complex plot. Speaking of the plot, Out Of The Past is also one of the most cynical film noirs ever made, right alongside Double Indemnity and Chinatown. Most of the film is made out of conversations between devilishly cool people in coats and fedoras and dangerously beautiful women, but it never becomes boring because of how well written the dialogue is. Speaking of dangerously beautiful women, we also have one of cinema's finest femme fatales, played brilliantly by the beautiful Jane Greer. And of course, we have Robert Mitchum in the lead, which is the final nail in the coffin to wether or not Out Of The Past is the quintessential film noir. It is cliched, but I do think the cliches make the story about not escaping the past even better in a weird way. A great film, and one that has earned it's place in film noir history.
Cast ratings:
Robert Mitchum - 5/5
Jane Greer - 4.5/5
Kirk Douglas - 4/5
93/100
20.12.2021 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Home Alone by Chris Columbus
Released in 1990
Viewing number 2 (Probably more, but at least 2)
"This is my house, I have to defend it."
Watched on last day of school, which was nice. This film about a psychopathic kid who tortures two unfortunate souls who tried to rob the house is one of my personal favorite christmas films. All jokes aside, I always admire how good the concept is and how well it it set up, even though I always question why Kevin just didn't call the police. I guess he just chose violence over peace. I also think the directing is way better than it should be. The camera movement are surprisingly creative and playful. I do think the humour wears itself off after a million viewings, but a surprising amount of the jokes still hit (especially the film noir parody). This is probably due to the cast. It's quite clear that every cast member had a lot of fun with their roles, which is something that really adds to the film. Also, the final act of this is unmatched. This film is silly, but also incredibly heartfelt, which is why it is so great. A classic.
Cast ratings:
Macaulay Culkin - 4/5
Joe Pesci - 4/5
Daniel Stern - 4/5
Catherine O'Hara - 4/5
Roberts Blossom - 4/5
John Candy - 3.5/5
Ralph Foody - 4/5
83/100
20.12.2021 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Perfect Blue by Satoshi Kon
Released in 1997
Viewing number 1
"Excuse me ... Who are you?"
I expected to walk out of Satoshi Kon's Perfect Blue dazed and confused, but more than everything, I walked out scared as hell. I don't ever think disorienting filmmaking has ever scared me as much as this. Perfect Blue is a film about the two personalities we all have: We have the real personality, the one only we ourselves know, and we have the persona, the person we try to be around friends and family, on the internet, and basically whenever we are not by ourselves. What we witness in Perfect Blue is what happens when our persona becomes our real personality, something it shows through it's transitions between Mima's private life and Mima's celebrity life. The transitions start quite brutal, happening so smoothly that you don't even get time to process it. Kon does let you understand where you are towards the beginning though, but that quickly changes. The scenes you think are real are revealed to be fake, and the scenes you think are fake are revealed to be real. From this point, these transitions between the real and the fake become even more brutal, eventually culminating in every scene being either real, fake, both or neither. You really can't trust this movie, and it's incredibly terrifying. You have no control. But the thing that really puts the nail in the coffin to why this film is so terrifying is that it is speakig serious truth about the human condition. It isn't only Mima who is struggling with these two personalities, it's all of us. As long as we are alive, we are both the audience and the performer, and there's nothing we can do about it. As I am writing this review, I am performing. We have been caught in our own trap, and there's something terrifying about that.
No cast ratings, as I wasn't really that focused on the voice acting. I will say the voice acting was good though.
100/100
21.12.2021
Millennium Actress by Satoshi Kon
Released in 2001
Viewing number 1
"When did this become a movie?"
Continuing my Satoshi Kon marathon, I was quite pleased to find that his second film Millennium Actress was basically the optimistic version of his first film Perfect Blue. And since Perfect Blue fucked me up so bad that I questioned reality at points, I kinda needed this film in my system. Both Perfect Blue and Millennium Actress explore the connection between fan and celebrity, but while Perfect Blue portrays this connection as an unhealthy one, Millennium Actress portrays it as an important one, with Genya helping his favorite actress find love at last. Is this Kon contradicting himself? Well, no, he's just showing two sides of the same coin with these two films. It's like how Ozu portrayed marriage with Late Spring and Tokyo Story. Like Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress also blurs the real and the fake. While Perfect Blue blurs reality to show the horrors of slowly losing yourself, Millennium Actress does it to portray the immersive power of cinema. The film is confusing, but you will always find yourself laughing, smiling, upset, crying, etc. There's something really poetic about this love letter to immersive cinema also being a testament to the immersive power of cinema.
No cast ratings, as I wasn't really that focused on the voice acting. I will say the voice acting was good though.
94/100
22.12.2021 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Mary And Max by Adam Elliot
Released in 2009
Viewing number 1
"You're my best friend. You're my only friend."
I haven't been this moved by an animated film since Don Hertzfeld's It's Such A Beautiful Day. If you haven't noticed, we live in a surreal hellscape straight out of a fever dream. Of course, it's a beautiful world we live in too, but waking up everyday and reading about some murder or massacre makes you feel quite ... Well, as Bo Burnham put it, funny. Mary And Max serves as a great reflection on this alienated surreal world we live in through it's darkly surreal visuals and comedy. But unlike most films that do this, Mary And Max also gives you the solution to these problems, with that solution being connection. The relationship between Mary and Max teaches them both that the world would be a far better place if every human could communicate with eachother and embrace their flaws. On first glance, Mary And Max seems like it is strange and nothing else, but trust me when I say that you will be laughing and crying alongside the characters.
Cast ratings:
Philip Seymour Hoffman - 4.5/5
Toni Collette - 4/5
99/100
22.12.2021 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Bad Santa by Terry Zwigoff
Released in 2003
Viewing number 1
"Have you seen that new Santa they just hired?"
"Yeah, he's back there drunk."
Far from perfect, but still damn good. This film is anything but a normal family Christmas movie because of it's extremely vulgar dialogue and morbid sense of humour, but if you have a pitch black sense of humour like I do, you will without any doubt have a good time. I certainly had a blast. I was laughing so loud I thought I was about to get a noise complaint. But I must say, I was surprised by how big this film's heart was. Just because this isn't a family Christmas movie doesn't mean it won't get you into the Christmas spirit. And then we have the cherry on top, Billy Bob Thornton's literally perfect performance. The man put his whole heart and soul into this film. Not only is he devilishly funny, but he also puts massive amounts of depth into his role. As flawed as the last ten minutes is, with the horrible twist villain, emotional manipulation and rushed fairytale ending, Thornton's delivery of "It's Christmas and the kid's gettin' his fuckin' presesent" could make a grown man cry. Also, I was quite surprised that the director of Crumb made this, but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes.
Cast ratings:
Billy Bob Thornton - 5/5
72/100
23.12.2021
Tokyo Godfathers by Satoshi Kon
Released in 2003
Viewing number 1
"This is a Christmas present from God! She's our family!"
On paper, a film about three homeless people trying to find an abandoned baby's family seems like the least Satoshi Kon film possible, and that is correct, while also wrong. Tokyo Godfathers kinda reminds of Martin Scorsese's After Hours in how a simple premise is turned into complete chaos as a result of a series of surreal coincidences. I also admire it's mix of surreal comedy and heartfelt drama. I do have a small problem with this film however. This film focuses on the existence of God and being cast out by society, and it does explore the themes well enough, but it could have explored them even better. And as much as I love the dramedy, the depth does maybe get a bit lost in it. Where the film is a complete success however, both dramatically and thematically, is in it's exploration of family. This film shows that family can be both a blessing and a curse. It also shows that family isn't only those who you are related to, but also those you trust and surround yourself with. It's basically Rina Sawayama's "Chosen Family" made into a full film, and I love it. A great film, and one that might grow on me towards the future.
No cast ratings, as I wasn't really that focused on the voice acting. I will say the voice acting was good though.
88/100
24.12.2021
It's A Wonderful Life by Frank Capra
Released in 1946
Viewing number 2
"My mouth's bleeding, Bert! My mouth's bleeding!"
This movie isn't only a Christmas movie. This movie isn't only an other 1940's film about how wonderful life is. This movie is medicine to the soul. If you ever feel down and like you are better off dead than alive, then this is the movie to watch. Because if this movie will teach you one thing, it's that a world without you wouldn't be a good one. James Stewart running through the streets while screaming "merry christmas" because he is alive and breathing is not only the ultimate definition of the Christmas spirit, but the simple joy of existence. Merry Christmas to everyone, and a happy new year.
Cast ratings:
James Stewart - 5/5
Donna Reed - 4.5/5
Lionel Barrymore - 4.5/5
Henry Travers - 4.5/5
Thomas Mitchell - 4/5
100/100
25.12.2021 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Paprika by Satoshi Kon
Released in 2006
Viewing number 1
"But what about the rest of it?"
What the fuck happened and why did I love it so much?
Paprika is a sensory overload if there ever was one. The animation stretches the artform to it's possible max, making for an absolute feast for the eyes. The sound design is as odd as the visuals, with music stopping and starting depending on the mood and feelings of the scene. But most of all, Paprika is a feast for the mind. Paprika is as frustrating as it's intriguing. There's a clear story, but it's hid under layers of dreams and reality. Most ambiguous of all however, is the message. What Kon wants to say with this movie, wether it is dreams, the human psyche, the dangers of technology or cinema, is lost in the complexity of the plot. But the thing is, there is a message, and Kon is inviting you to find it. Some will find this frustrating, others will find this intriguing. I am certainly intrigued, which probably means I will be returning to this movie. After watching all of Kon's films, I can say with confidence that he was one of the best to do it.
No cast ratings, as I wasn't really that focused on the voice acting. I will say the voice acting was good though.
94/100
25.12.2021 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Don't Look Up by Adam McKay
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"This is not real. This is not real. This isn't happening. Kate, tell me this isn't really happening."
The year's biggest Oscar bait. A million dollar cast of Oscar and crowd favorites seeming like caricatures of themselves. Leonardo DiCaprio panics and screams a lot. Jennifer Lawrence is quirky and dramatic. Jonah Hill is dumb. Timothee Chalamet is young. Ariana Grande is a diva. Meryl Streep is Meryl Streep. Mark Rylance is ... Actually, what the fuck was Mark Rylance trying to do? What drugs did Adam McKay force him to take?
So, is it funny? Well, I did laugh two times. One was at the opening quote from Jack Handey. The other was when I realized that the film had somehow turned into anti-goverment bullshit. And this means I actually didn't laugh at one original joke for over two hours. It really feels like the whole script was just the line "We are all going to die lol".
I do kinda admire the balls to make a film where the world ends in 2021. Kinda reminded me of what Dr. Strangelove did in 1964. Wait ... Did Adam McKay rip off Dr. Strangelove?
Why are we allowing Adam McKay to make movies?
Also, did the editor have a heart attack while editing this film? It certainly looks like it.
Cast ratings:
Leonardo DiCaprio - 3.5/5
Jennifer Lawrence - 3/5
Meryl Streep - 2.5/5
Cate Blanchett - 3/5
Jonah Hill - 2.5/5
Mark Rylance - 1.5/5
Rob Morgan - 2/5
Tyler Perry - 2.5/5
Timothee Chalamet - 2.5/5
Ariana Grande - 2/5
11/100
26.12.2021 (1 out of 2 films watched)
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou by Wes Anderson
Released in 2004
Viewing number 1
"That's an endangered species at most. What would be the scientific purpose of killing it?"
"Revenge."
This film has:
- Wes Anderson at his most visual
- Set design so good you want to scream
- A sense of humour so quirky and odd it's hard not to smile
- Emotional moments that are unexpectedly poignant
- Bill Murray at his absolute best
- Willem Dafoe speaking in a ridiculous German accent
- A plot that is wonderfully absurd and unpredictable
- The story of a man trying to secure that his legacy isn't forgotten
Was this film made for me? The entire thing even happens at sea! I love the sea!
Thank you Wes Anderson for simply existing.
Cast ratings:
Bill Murray - 5/5
Owen Wilson - 3.5/5
Cate Blanchett - 4/5
Willem Dafoe - 4.5/5
Anjelica Huston - 3/5
Jeff Goldblum - 4/5
Bud Cort - 4/5
96/100
26.12.2021 (2 out of 2 films watched)
East Of Eden by Elia Kazan
Released in 1955
Viewing number 1
"I've been jealous all my life."
I could talk about the brilliantly inventive cinematography, the incredible way Kazan works with his actors, the unrivaled final act, how this is basically a retelling of Abel and Cain but with more emapthy on Cain's side, or how all over the place this film is emotionally and how that reflects the main character in a strange way. But I want to discuss James Dean's performance. His performance in this film is very fascinating to me, as he seems to always pick the wrong choices. An example is the famous breakdown scene after Cal's father rejects his birthday present. Originally, Cal was supposed to react with anger, but instead, Dean makes Cal break down into an emotional mess. It's exactly what any other actor would not do. But the crazy thing is that by picking the wrong choices, he is picking the right choices. He makes Cal into a person who is uncontrolled and all over the place. And if East Of Eden is a reflection of the divide between parent and kid, then this is exactly what Cal should be. James Dean was a brilliant actor, and it is a shame we lost such a talent so fast.
Cast ratings:
James Dean - 5/5
Raymond Massey - 4.5/5
Julie Harris - 3.5/5
Richard Davalos - 4/5
Jo Van Fleet - 4.5/5
Burl Ives - 4/5
89/100
27.12.2021
The Elephant Man by David Lynch
Released in 1955
Viewing number 1
"My life is full because I know I am loved."
Even though this film isn't on the same level as Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive, I really can't deny how moved I was by this film. Lynch manages to capture the horrifying lows of human cruelty, and does so in disturbing fashion, but the real greatness of this film is how well Lynch captures the highs of human kindness and love. There is real beauty and poetry in every frame of this film. John Merrick's gentle soul really is a part of this film. The performances of this film are also incredibly moving, especially John Hurt's incredible performance. Hurt manages to convey emotion through nothing but his eyes and voice. He really became John Merrick for this film. In his 2 out of 4 review, Roger Ebert wrote: "I kept asking myself what the film was trying to say about the human condition as reflected by John Merrick, and I kept drawing blanks." As much as I love and respect Ebert, he was completely wrong here. This film is a perfect reflection of humanity, both the good and the bad.
Cast ratings:
John Hurt - 5/5
Anthony Hopkins - 4.5/5
John Gielgud - 4/5
Freddie Jones - 4/5
Anne Bancroft - 4/5
Wendy Hiller - 4/5
96/100
28.12.2021
The Power Of The Dog by Jane Campion
Released in 2021
Viewing number 2
"Deliver my soul from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog."
It's only been 16 days since I first watched this movie, but there hasn't been one day where I haven't thought about it. The uncomfortable tone and flawed characters have invaded my mind like anthrax to the flesh. It's truly impossible to not get lost in this film's atmosphere. I'm going to make a rather bold claim: This film is the best study of toxic masculinity since Fight Club. I haven't been able to see many films from 2021 this year because releases are always so delayed here in Norway, but of those I have seen, none have made the same impact as this one. I can see myself giving this a 100 in the future.
Cast ratings:
Benedict Cumberbatch - 5/5
Kodi Smit-McPhee - 4.5/5
Kirsten Dunst - 4.5/5
Jesse Plemons - 4/5
97/100
29.12.2021
In Cold Blood by Richard Brooks
Released in 1967
Viewing number 1
"Who would kill four people in cold blood for a radio, a pair of binoculars and 40 dollars in cash?"
"These days? Take your pick on any crowded street."
How on earth can one person kill another person? This is the main question of Richard Brooks' dark and disturbing In Cold Blood, a film that has claimed the title of my favorite true crime movie. This film is a rather desparate attempt to answer this question. Is it trauma? Is it instinct? Is it pressure? At the end of the day, it comes incredibly close to answering this, but surprisingly enough, this isn't even it's greatest achievement. It's greatest achievement is ultimately that it makes you feel empathy for two people who have no empathy. And that's exactly how it answers it's main question. Because isn't empathy and understanding one and the same?
Cast ratings:
Robert Blake - 5/5
Scott Wilson - 4.5/5
97/100
30.12.2021
La Dolce Vita by Federico Fellini
Released in 1960
Viewing number 2
"This party must never end!"
My favorite thing about the films of Federico Fellini is the floating feeling that all of them have. Most of the time, this floating feeling is used to enhance the cinematic magic. There is a reason Fellini is often compared to a magician after all. La Dolce Vita, or The Sweet Life as it famously translates to, may be my favorite Fellini film because it is the film that uses this floating feeling best. At first, La Dolce Vita is just as magical as Fellini's other works. Who couldn't watch Anita Ekberg dance to rock 'n' roll for hours? But the more of La Dolce Vita's illusions of fame and lifestyle are revealed, the looser this floating atmosphere becomes, making you feel lost and directionless. It especially takes a nose dive when Marcello arrives at the famous drunken party. From there, the film turns into a bunch of drunken fools aimlessly wandering around. The film turns into nightmare material once the final party begins. A drunk Marcello wandering around and trying to ensure the party never ends is probably one of the scariest scenes in all of cinema. It doesn't take a mastermind to understand what Fellini is trying to say about this lifestyle. It isn't sweet, but very, very bitter. A mere illusion.
Cast ratings:
Marcello Mastroianni - 5/5
Yvonne Furneaux - 4.5/5
Anita Ekberg - 4/5
Anouk Aimee - 4/5
100/100
31.12.2021
Casablanca by Michael Curtiz
Released in 1942
Viewing number 2
"We'll always have Paris."
Had to end the year with a bang.
For me, watching Casablanca is what I imagine spotting a mythical creature is like. You see it, and all you can do is be in awe of it's existence. Casablanca is perfect in every sense of the word. There isn't one line of dialogue, movement or shot that is wasted. When you watch Casablanca, all you can do is really to stare in awe of it's perfection ... Or cry. I don't trust anyone who doesn't at least get teary-eyed during the airport scene. I know that this film is propaganda, but it's the most beautiful piece of propaganda every put onto the silver screen. The scene where the entire cafe singing overpowers the Nazis' singing makes me feel like a proud American, and I'm a Norwegian!
Casablanca .... "Here's to looking at you, kid."
Cast ratings:
Humphrey Bogart - 5/5
Ingrid Bergman - 5/5
Paul Henreid - 4/5
Claude Rains - 5/5
Conrad Veidt - 4.5/5
Sydney Greenstreet - 4/5
Peter Lorre - 4.5/5
100/100
Amount of films watched: 37
Average monthly score: 5.37/10
(Blame the low score on Don't Look Up)
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