The Underappreciated Film Thread

Nex 0

I am the Senior Editor and Film Critic for my school paper– or, I was... My last article is due in Monday. As such, I have been working on my farewell, and there is a section where I discuss the importance of Roger Ebert, not only to me, but to the craft. Writing that, even after having written a tribute to him back in April, was difficult, and it bummed me out big time. So, to cheer myself up, I read his Dark City review –one of my favorites by him, and one of my favorite films.

Doing so got me thinking about the film; more exactly, how it seems no one I know has ever even heard of it. That of course lead to a whole train of thought about underappreciated films. Of which there are so very many.

And that, naturally, lead to this little idea. I have made a couple of TV show (re)watch threads, (including that generic TV Club, which I haven't forgotten about and will eventually get back around to if I ever have a free day again) so I thought, why not do the same for movies? More specifically, under-appreciated movies; films that the majority of members here aren't likely to have seen.

They can be anything: failed blockbusters, indie flicks, foreign films, cheesy b-movies, documentaries. Just so long as it's a film, and it ain't too broadly known, it fits.

I was thinking we could do a weekly (or biweekly, as that might be easier) film club type deal, where everyone watches the movie, and then we discuss its merits and faults, and we ponder why it is so underappreciated.

Everyone who is interested can nominate 1 movie, and then we'll make a list. Once we get through that initial list, we can start the process over. Hopefully, this will expand all of our horizons, as well as help create some new cinephiles.

As it is only appropriate, I nominate Dark City, The Director's Cut, of course. (To be serious: avoid the theatrical cut: it includes opening narration which kind of gives the whole movie away. The studio wanted it, so it was done. The Director's cut gets rid of that, as well as a few other things, and is so much better for it.)

–Dark City is a sci-fi film noir, created and directed by Alex Proyas. Lem Dobbs and David S. Goyer also helped write the screenplay. For all involved, I consider this to be their best work. It stars Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Keifer Sutherland, and Richard O'Brien.

So, is anyone up for giving this whole thing a try?

–---
THE LIST

[hide]
Dark City (Director's Cut)
The Royal Tenenbaums
El Topo
Barton Fink
Fish Story
3-Iron
Moon
Forbidden Planet
The Man From Earth
The Frighteners
[/hide]

Sano

I would like to nonimate a movie that I recently saw on dvd. The movie is called The Royal Tenebaums.

MiyamotoMusashi

Why not, sounds cool, as long as you don´t expect the participants to have the same kind of expertise you have Nex, i´m in

Wagomu

I would be interested in this. My tastes in film aren't too far out there, but there's always room to improve, haha.

I nominate El Topo. I've given this a watch before and I'm sure there are some Alejandro Jodorowsky fans out there to represent, but it deserves a viewing from the interested and a second take from the initiated.

To describe El Topo is no easy task. It's a bizarre existential western full of surreal imagery, philosophical examination and social commentary. I'm not going to attempt to describe it beyond that at the risk of giving away some of the fun.

Nex 0

@MiyamotoMusashi:

Why not, sounds cool, as long as you don´t expect the participants to have the same kind of expertise you have Nex, i´m in

Psh. I have no expertise. I just like to pretend that I do. It sounds better than saying, "I got lucky." :P

Sano, it has been added to the list!

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Wagomu:

I would be interested in this. My tastes in film aren't too far out there, but there's always room to improve, haha.

I nominate El Topo. I've given this a watch before and I'm sure there are some Alejandro Jodorowsky fans out there to represent, but it deserves a viewing from the interested and a second take from the initiated.

To describe El Topo is no easy task. It's a bizarre existential western full of surreal imagery, philosophical examination and social commentary. I'm not going to attempt to describe it beyond that at the risk of giving away some of the fun.

Oh man does that sound like my kind of movie. Can't believe I haven't even heard of it! Added!

MiyamotoMusashi

I am gonna go with one of Kim Ki-Duk´s movies since foreign films are allowed, have to decide which one though

Nobodyman

Interesting idea. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm really familiar with any really obscure films that I feel are vastly under-appreciated. Sure, there are a few I really like that I wish got more attention, but I'm not sure they fall into the "unheard of" category. But if any of these meet the qualifications, I'd like to nominate:

-The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
-The Producers (1967)

And I think the most likely qualifier…

-Barton Fink (1991)

Sano

I been trying out watching a lot of different types of movies recently with indies movies and stuff on Netflix. So I'm just trying things out to see if I see if I like it or not.

Nex 0

@Nobodyman:

Interesting idea. To be honest, I'm not sure I'm really familiar with any really obscure films that I feel are vastly under-appreciated. Sure, there are a few I really like that I wish got more attention, but I'm sure they fall into the "unheard of" category. But if any of these meet the qualifications, I'd like to nominate:

-The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
-The Producers (1967)

And I think the most likely qualifier…

-Barton Fink (1991)

Yeah, Barton Fink is the only one that fits the bill. I'm gonna go ahead and add that one to the list. If you change your mind and think of another, let me know. (That goes for everyone, by the way.)

@Sano:

I been trying out watching a lot of different types of movies recently with indies movies and stuff on Netflix. So I'm just trying things out to see if I see if I like it or not.

That's a great mentality to have. It's the only real way to expand your horizons.

Mr. Zoro

I don't really know if this is really under-appreciated or not, but a foreign film called Fish Story is quite good. I might've been popular in Japan? I don't know. I remember a couple of guys (Greg, Robby, etc.) recommending it a couple years back.

And the summary of the film makes it sound stupid. Don't let it hinder your interest.

MiyamotoMusashi

I don´t know if this is the right procedure, if i have to pick one to nominate, just tell me Nex

I would like to nominate a Korea one as first movie, just choose one from these:

Samaritan Girl, 3-Iron, The Isle, The Bow, Bad Guy, Spring Summer… by Kim Ki-Duk

Oasis, Poetry, Secret Sunshine by Lee Chang-Dong

Memories of Murder, Mother by Bong Joon-Ho

Oki´s Movie, The day he arrives by Hong Sang-soo

Nex 0

@MiyamotoMusashi:

I don´t know if this is the right procedure, if i have to pick one to nominate, just tell me Nex

I would like to nominate a Korea one as first movie, just choose one from these:

Samaritan Girl, 3-Iron, The Isle, The Bow, Bad Guy, Spring Summer… by Kim Ki-Duk

Oasis, Poetry, Secret Sunshine by Lee Chang-Dong

Memories of Murder, Mother by Bong Joon-Ho

Oki´s Movie, The day he arrives by Hong Sang-soo

Yeah, we're only going to do one nomination per person for now, that way it's a balanced list with (hopefully) many different kinds of movies.
Since there are so many on that list, and I know none of them (which both saddens and excites me) I don't feel comfortable choosing one. If you don't want to, I'll do it at random.

MiyamotoMusashi

I am gonna go with 3-Iron then, it´s pretty much the most acclaimed one

Foolio

Oh man 3-Iron was definitely an interesting movie. Loved it though. I will nominate Moon if it counts. I know I'd never heard of it before someone mentioned it on IRC.

Davy Jones

The Iron Giant? Or Amadeus?

MiyamotoMusashi

@Davy:

The Iron Giant? Or Amadeus?

As much as i would like to watch Amadeus with everyone and discuss, i don´t think it fits the bill, though Nex is the one to decide of course

Nobodyman

@Davy:

The Iron Giant? Or Amadeus?

Iron Giant's gotten a lot more recognition in recent years. Amadeus is a pretty highly-acclaimed movie (it made AFI's top 100 films list) and it's been reference and parodied in other media. So I don't think either of them qualify.

Anyway, as for my nomination, Barton Fink, I'm a huge fan of the Coen Brothers. Some of their films have gotten a lot of recognition (Fargo, No Country for Old Men, True Grit), but others have mostly fallen under the radar (The Man Who Wasn't There, Miller's Crossing, A Serious Man). But of all their overlooked films, I do think Barton Fink is the best.

The Coens get great performances out of John Turturro and John Goodman, and, honestly, I think it's two of the best roles they've ever done. The film is really atmospheric and really captures the feeling of a struggling writer in 1940's Hollywood. And, not to give too much away, but the film takes some really compelling and captivating dark turns in the second half, which all culminates in a spectacular climax.

If I had one complaint, it's that sometimes the film tries too hard to be "artsy" and it may be a little pretentious. And, granted, this isn't really one of my favorite films of all time, but I do think it's an undeservedly overlooked film that is very much worth a watch, and I think it ranks among the Coen Brothers best films.

Sarfallet

@Wagomu:

I nominate El Topo. I've given this a watch before and I'm sure there are some Alejandro Jodorowsky fans out there to represent, but it deserves a viewing from the interested and a second take from the initiated.

To describe El Topo is no easy task. It's a bizarre existential western full of surreal imagery, philosophical examination and social commentary. I'm not going to attempt to describe it beyond that at the risk of giving away some of the fun.

El Topo is awesome, I prefer The Holy Mountain myself but ya know. :P

Oh, and I'm jumping on this train like some kind of possessed hobo. I've seen some of the nominated films but, hey, they are the sort I can rewatch. Like Dark City oooh man what a great movie! O,O

Anyways I nominate Forbidden Planet! The 50's sci-fi movie that inspired Star Trek.

Keo2309

Seems fun, I'd been down for this. Though I do wonder…. is the Royal Tenenbaums considered underrated? I always thought Wes Anderson garnered hipster appeal the world over.

Also, I loved Moon.

Anyway, I'd recommend Seven Psychopaths, if it counts. Pretty intriguing movie by the same director (and a few actors) as In Bruges. If that doesn't work I'll go with The Man From Earth. One of my favorite movies of all time.

Nex 0

List has been updated!

Now that we have a good size list, (though please continue to nominate films!) I move we decide on a schedule; weekly and bi-weekly are the options, let me know which you think works best! Once that's settled, I'll draw a random order from a hat, and we'll get going.

Here's how it will work. During the week (or two week period) watch the movie at your leisure, and then post your thoughts, any questions you might have, and why you think it is underappreciated. It shouldn't be an essay, just contribute to the ongoing conversation.

I also think it would be a good idea for the person who nominated the movie to kick off the conversation by asking questions about it and/or giving their opinion; that could really help get the ball rolling. But whatever works best for each person is what we'll go with.

@Davy:

The Iron Giant? Or Amadeus?

I went ahead and added Amadeus. Justification: while a critically well received film, I assume (you know what they say…) that for people 25 and younger, it probably is an under-appreciated movie. I know that few of my friends have seen it. I can't even get my fiance to watch it. (She has a strict no movies over 2 and a half hour rule unless I write a paper explaining why she should watch it. No, I am not joking. She instituted it after I made her watch Lawrence of Arabia.)

Since it is your nomination, would you prefer Theatrical or Director's Cut?

@Keo2309:

Seems fun, I'd been down for this. Though I do wonder…. is the Royal Tenenbaums considered underrated? I always thought Wes Anderson garnered hipster appeal the world over.

He's never been a big commercial success though. Moonrise Kingdom (one of my many favorite films of last year) was hardly a commercial hit.

Anyway, I'd recommend Seven Psychopaths, if it counts. Pretty intriguing movie by the same director (and a few actors) as In Bruges. If that doesn't work I'll go with The Man From Earth. One of my favorite movies of all time.

Since Seven Psychopaths hasn't even been out a year yet, and was decently received commercially, I went with The Man From Earth. (I also went with it because I haven't seen it. :P) Next time around nominate it again if you wish and it will certainly be on the list!

Wagomu

@Sarfallet:

El Topo is awesome, I prefer The Holy Mountain myself but ya know. :P

Oh, and I'm jumping on this train like some kind of possessed hobo. I've seen some of the nominated films but, hey, they are the sort I can rewatch. Like Dark City oooh man what a great movie! O,O

Anyways I nominate Forbidden Planet! The 50's sci-fi movie that inspired Star Trek.

Yeah, but Holy Mountain is the one everyone talks about. It's a fantastic movie and deserves a viewing, too, but in comparison I think El Topo is far more under-appreciated. If anyone wants to nominate Holy Mountain, though, I will not argue its place in the list.

When are we planning on kicking this off and in what order? Are we going by first come, first serve or are we gonna do it randomly to be fair to the latecomers?

Nex 0

@Wagomu:

Yeah, but Holy Mountain is the one everyone talks about. It's a fantastic movie and deserves a viewing, too, but in comparison I think El Topo is far more under-appreciated. If anyone wants to nominate Holy Mountain, though, I will not argue its place in the list.

When are we planning on kicking this off and in what order? Are we going by first come, first serve or are we gonna do it randomly to be fair to the latecomers?

@Nex:

Now that we have a good size list, (though please continue to nominate films!) I move we decide on a schedule; weekly and bi-weekly are the options, let me know which you think works best! Once that's settled, I'll draw a random order from a hat, and we'll get going.

Here's how it will work. During the week (or two week period) watch the movie at your leisure, and then post your thoughts, any questions you might have, and why you think it is underappreciated. It shouldn't be an essay, just contribute to the ongoing conversation.

I also think it would be a good idea for the person who nominated the movie to kick off the conversation by asking questions about it and/or giving their opinion; that could really help get the ball rolling. But whatever works best for each person is what we'll go with.

.

Foolio

@Nex:

I went ahead and added Amadeus. Justification: while a critically well received film, I assume (you know what they say…) that for people 25 and younger, it probably is an under-appreciated movie. I know that few of my friends have seen it. I can't even get my fiance to watch it. (She has a strict no movies over 2 and a half hour rule unless I write a paper explaining why she should watch it. No, I am not joking. She instituted it after I made her watch Lawrence of Arabia.)

I find this a weak justification considering it won a crapload of awards internationally including 8 Oscars. It won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Mixing. It's basically the definition of a properly appreciated film. Sure it's from the mid-80s, but it's not some forgotten or overlooked gem. And by your girlfriend's standards, we could put the whole LotR trilogy on the list!

Also I am not under 25.

Wagomu

@Nex:

.

Fucking ninja YOU'RE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE.

I'm up for bi-weekly, because I'm hardcore like that, but weekly might be more sensible since it will give people time to actually watch the movies, formulate their thoughts and have a discussion.

Nex 0

@Foolio:

I find this a weak justification considering it won a crapload of awards internationally including 8 Oscars. It won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup, and Best Sound Mixing. It's basically the definition of a properly appreciated film. Sure it's from the mid-80s, but it's not some forgotten or overlooked gem. And by your girlfriend's standards, we could put the whole LotR trilogy on the list!

Also I am not under 25.

I guess I should clarify: when I say underappreciated, I'm not talking commercially, not critically: if critical success was an eliminating factor, very few movies would meet the criteria. The only films on our list that aren't a resounding critical success are Dark City, El Topo, and The Man From Earth; but they're all still moderately high critical successes.
And age really is a factor. Amadeus was made in 1984; 7 years before I was born. The only reason I've seen it, is because I'm a cinephile… and I was a film student.

It's not a popular movie among younger people, both due to its subject and length. And yes, long running times are deterrents to the general populace, there are a good handful of exceptions to that rule, but your commercial audience aren't going to be the type of people who just go and sit down for a 160 minute movie.

And m'lady loves the LotR films. But then again, I showed those (extended cuts and all!) to her before Lawrence of Arabia.

She really hated Lawrence of Arabia... :/

--- Update From New Post Merge ---

@Wagomu:

Fucking ninja YOU'RE DOING THIS ON PURPOSE.
I'm up for bi-weekly, because I'm hardcore like that, but weekly might be more sensible since it will give people time to actually watch the movies, formulate their thoughts and have a discussion.

Bold: No comment.

*Note: by bi-weekly, I mean every other week. I should have specified that. The English language really needs to stop using that term to mean two rather different things.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

On the subject of Amadeus: We are going to put it to the majority. If most of the people participating have already seen it, I will pull it; if not, it stays. So please, speak up!

Nobodyman

@Nex:

On the subject of Amadeus: We are going to put it to the majority. If most of the people participating have already seen it, I will pull it; if not, it stays. So please, speak up!

I've seen it, but only once. I wouldn't mind seeing it again and taliking about it, but, then again, I'm not sure how much I'm even going to be participating in this thing.

Foolio

@Nex:

I guess I should clarify: when I say underappreciated, I'm not talking commercially, not critically: if critical success was an eliminating factor, very few movies would meet the criteria. The only films on our list that aren't a resounding critical success are Dark City, El Topo, and The Man From Earth; but they're all still moderately high critical successes.
And age really is a factor. Amadeus was made in 1984; 7 years before I was born. The only reason I've seen it, is because I'm a cinephile… and I was a film student.

It's not a popular movie among younger people, both due to its subject and length. And yes, long running times are deterrents to the general populace, there are a good handful of exceptions to that rule, but your commercial audience aren't going to be the type of people who just go and sit down for a 160 minute movie.

And m'lady loves the LotR films. But then again, I showed those (extended cuts and all!) to her before Lawrence of Arabia.

I understand that critical success is not the same as widespread reach, but it is in the case of Amadeus. The Oscars are ultra-high profile events, and the movie is on various top-100 lists including the AFI's. It grossed over $50m at the box office which is a damn lot back then. If we're going to start making judgment calls on what types of movies aren't popular with young folks these days, then we might as well just make a "good movies" deal and not "under-appreciated" which starts being completely arbitrary and subjective. And what I'm saying is if your target range of consideration is 25-and-under then I'm not in your target range.

Also I think you're totally wrong about commercial audiences and movie length. There are scores of huge blockbusters out there that are 2.5 hours+ especially recently. I'd wager 90% of moviegoers don't even have an idea of the length of a movie when they walk into the theater.

Wagomu

@Nex:

Bold: No comment.

*Note: by bi-weekly, I mean every other week. I should have specified that. The English language really needs to stop using that term to mean two rather different things.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

On the subject of Amadeus: We are going to put it to the majority. If most of the people participating have already seen it, I will pull it; if not, it stays. So please, speak up!

Whoops, no the bi-weekly thing is my bad. I got so excited for two times a week that my mind stopped listening to my mind and instead just rode out that elation.

Don't care so much about the Amadeus matter, I haven't seen it so I would be all right with watching it, though I guess I wouldn't call it underappreciated. The Simpsons parodied it directly.

Foolio

@Wagomu:

The Simpsons parodied it directly.

Haha the gold standard eh? The Simpsons also parodied the movie Beethoven IIRC, though do not be mislead by the fact that both movie titles are the names of famous composers and thus assume they are similar in any way. ;)

I don't mind rewatching Amadeus simply because it is so amazing. I just don't think the list has any sort of consistency if it's on there. Which is why I just suggested a "good movies" list. We can still vote on whether we want to watch it, or have already seen it, regardless.

Davy Jones

@Nex:

List has been updated!

Now that we have a good size list, (though please continue to nominate films!) I move we decide on a schedule; weekly and bi-weekly are the options, let me know which you think works best! Once that's settled, I'll draw a random order from a hat, and we'll get going.

Here's how it will work. During the week (or two week period) watch the movie at your leisure, and then post your thoughts, any questions you might have, and why you think it is underappreciated. It shouldn't be an essay, just contribute to the ongoing conversation.

I also think it would be a good idea for the person who nominated the movie to kick off the conversation by asking questions about it and/or giving their opinion; that could really help get the ball rolling. But whatever works best for each person is what we'll go with.

I went ahead and added Amadeus. Justification: while a critically well received film, I assume (you know what they say…) that for people 25 and younger, it probably is an under-appreciated movie. I know that few of my friends have seen it. I can't even get my fiance to watch it. (She has a strict no movies over 2 and a half hour rule unless I write a paper explaining why she should watch it. No, I am not joking. She instituted it after I made her watch Lawrence of Arabia.)

Since it is your nomination, would you prefer Theatrical or Director's Cut?

He's never been a big commercial success though. Moonrise Kingdom (one of my many favorite films of last year) was hardly a commercial hit.

I've watched neither; the Nostalgia Critic recommended it.

Nobodyman

@Wagomu:

The Simpsons parodied it directly.

It was also referenced by Family Guy and Teen Titans.

MiyamotoMusashi

Well, like i said on the last page, as much as i would want to watch Amadeus again and discuss about it, i seriously don´t think that it fits the project and i am under 25

Sano

I haven't seen Amadeus in years. And I thought it was a great movie.

Sarfallet

@Wagomu:

Yeah, but Holy Mountain is the one everyone talks about.

"Everyone" must have some sort of exotic meaning over in the states then… ;P But either movie is a great choices for this thread! :)

Anyway, I've also seen Amadeus.
Speaking of films fitting into the "under appreciated" category, a movie that's a pretty well known and appreciated in Sweden can still fit the bill right? (I'm planning ahead.) :V

Wagomu

@Sarfallet:

"Everyone" must have some sort of exotic meaning over in the states then… ;P But either movie is a great choices for this thread! :)

My meaning of everyone is the best one. And by that I mean the one convenient for my purposes.

Still, I have a bunch of friends who wouldn't shut up about Holy Mountain for a while, letting El Topo get none of the love. That is my tragic backstory.

Green_vs_Red

@Nobodyman:

It was also referenced by Family Guy and Teen Titans.

I was starting to think no one was going to mention Family Guy referencing "Amadeus".

MiyamotoMusashi

So, are we gonna vota bout which movies comes first or is Nex just gonna choose Amadeus?

Nex 0

Amadeus has been pulled. The reason I pulled it is that the nominator had not seen it, which goes against the basic principle of the thread. (Sorry.)

@MiyamotoMusashi:

So, are we gonna vota bout which movies comes first or is Nex just gonna choose Amadeus?

@Nex:

Now that we have a good size list, (though please continue to nominate films!) I move we decide on a schedule; weekly and bi-weekly are the options, let me know which you think works best! Once that's settled, I'll draw a random order from a hat, and we'll get going.

MiyamotoMusashi

I am ok with weekly or like Wagomu initially thought, twice a week

CosmicDebris

There are probably other films I should nominate, but for the moment, all I can think of is

The Frighteners.

I think it was the last movie Peter Jackson did before going to LOTR, and also the last film Michael J. Fox starred in.

Kubihige

Would SPEED RACER (2009) fit this list? I'm not gonna ask for it to be on the list because I really wouldn't be able to participate any time soon. I'm just wondering.

Wagomu

So, when are we starting this? I'm still very interested.

Nex 0

Yeah, sorry, things have been crazy busy at work since we finally started the actual production process. I'll have everything squared away tomorrow, including schedule.

We'll be starting on Sunday the 1st, which is kind of perfect if you think about it.

Nex 0

Alright, the list has been made!

Here's a fun video showing the process I went through at 3 this morning. In case you can't tell, I did it very lazy,and I committed a cardinal sin: auto over manual…(I threw a song on so it wouldn't be boring for the 2 of you who watch it.)

And, the schedule:

[hide]

Barton Fink (9/1)
Fish Story (9/8)
The Man From Earth (9/15)
Dark City (Director's Cut) (9/22)
The Royal Tenenbaums (9/29)
El Topo (10/6)
Moon (10/13)
Forbidden Planet (10/20)
The Frighteners (10/27)
3-Iron (11/3)

[/hide]

The date corresponds to the fist day of the discussion week for that particular film. So, starting on the first we will be discussing "Barton Fink." On the eighth we begin our "Fist Story" discussion. And so on.

Now, most of these are not available on Netflix streaming. Your local library will probably have most. Then, thee is always the internet. If you need help finding them…via less savory means, pm me.

Sarfallet

@Nex:

Alright, the list has been made!

Here's a fun video showing the process I went through at 3 this morning.

So pro man, so pro! :) Wait, I'm at the bottom! OUTRAGEOUTRAGEOUTRAGE! I demand a re-trial!

Nex 0

@Sarfallet:

So pro man, so pro! :) Wait, I'm at the bottom! OUTRAGEOUTRAGEOUTRAGE! I demand a re-trial!

Pro… I didn't even know where my focus was at. :P I swear when I'm working on Community, I'm much more on my game!

Such is the way of fate, my good sir. At least you aren't at the very bottom. When it comes to round 2, may the odds be ever in your favor.

Sarfallet

@Nex:

Pro…

Yeah pro! I was totally aroused! :silly:

Nobodyman

Cool. My movie goes first.

Honestly, it hasn't been that long since I first saw this film, but I'll try to watch it again some time this week and see how well it fairs on a second viewing.

Wagomu

I demand my choice to be every single choice. Ever.

Cool beans, though. Barton Fink has been on my 'to watch' list for a while. It's actually one of the few things I've had on my instant queue on netflix. By the way, the movie is on netflix for those of you that have access.

Wagomu

I just watched through the movie. My thoughts:

[hide]I had heard of this movie before, but honestly I went in with no expectations.

I think this was definitely a great movie to start off with, because it's themed around writing and, to an extent, the appreciation thereof.

First off, I have to draw this parallel. The presentation of Fink's character, especially on the movie's poster, reminds me so much of Henry from Eraserhead. It's mostly the way his hair hangs and the nervous demeanor with which he carries himself. The similarities end there, but they were enough for my mind to make the connection.

You can tell this movie is Coen Bros. down to its core. The way they portray things is very characteristic. It's almost starting to feel too consistent, but it's good enough that I don't mind. Things like that confrontation towards the end, though, are like the signature the brothers put on their work.

The film was really beautifully directed. That stuff is what's first coming to mind when I think about it. There were three scenes that just stood out in particular for how well shot they were. The moment where Barton Fink is watching those wrestling film shots, the shot that focuses slowly on a blank page until it's mercilessly beaten by the typewriter and John Goodman's character trying to enter his burning room at the end. Those scenes were just perfectly done in my mind. Also, more directing kudos to the portrayal of Fink's room over the course of the movie. The way it falls apart throughout the movie was really well shown.

Story-wise, it feels like the Bros. must have been pissed when writing this. It's a big slap in the face to the whole industry: the producers, the writers and the audience. I loved that since I love my movies brimming with vinegar. Apparently the movie was written amidst frustrations with Miller's Crossing, so it would seem that that's the case. Everyone's a phony is about the size of it, and particular scorn is reserved for the writers. That scene with Fink and the USO dance is the center of that (of course Mundt's rant at the end states it more directly, but the dance let's you see it all on display). The dance is such a Coen Bros. scene in how it's removed from the story, but at the heart.

The anger of the movie is probably why it didn't do so well. It's a movie that hates you no matter who you are. It's the sort of movie that you'll love if you get it. It speaks for anyone who has hit that level of irritation with the game of society and tells everyone, including those people, to fuck off. If it had gotten popular, that would mean it did something wrong.[/hide]