Films/DVD Asylum

• Re: No chance! I don´t like him..... - patrickU 12:54:50 01/09/04 (0)
  In Reply to: I still say if Jerry Lewis had played Frodo, you would have seen it three times by now. (nt posted by dennzio on January 09, 2004 at 12:05:42:

  The last film I saw with him in it..I must have been 12 years old.
  What a strange idea and fixation on all French loving him...
  Anyway it is your problem...
  
  

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• Well, it would have been much more interesting than having that monotonic Wood! (nt) - orejones 12:15:59 01/09/04 (17)
  In Reply to: I still say if Jerry Lewis had played Frodo, you would have seen it three times by now. (nt posted by dennzio on January 09, 2004 at 12:05:42:

  
  
  

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  • Re: Well, it would have been much more interesting than having that monotonic Wood! (nt) - patrickU 13:16:44 01/09/04 (6)
    In Reply to: Well, it would have been much more interesting than having that monotonic Wood! (nt) posted by orejones on January 09, 2004 at 12:15:59:

    He look constipated all the way down.
    
    

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    • "...constipated all the way down." That's the way one might describe ... - Audiophilander 00:48:46 01/10/04 (5)
      In Reply to: Re: Well, it would have been much more interesting than having that monotonic Wood! (nt) posted by patrickU on January 09, 2004 at 13:16:44:

      ...the unfoundeed accusations and anal retentive remarks about JRR Tolkien and Peter Jackson in this thread, if you know what I mean. Now it's down to making inane comments about actor's performances; why not give it a rest guys, okay?

      AuPh
      
      

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      • Re: "...constipated all the way down." That's the way one might describe ... - patrickU 02:22:19 01/10/04 (4)
        In Reply to: "...constipated all the way down." That's the way one might describe ... posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 00:48:46:

        Anal retentive? Have you phobia against homosexuality?
        But you are right..enough is enough.
        
        

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        • As to your query: I'm not prejudiced against your private behavior, just these public displays of disaffection for LoTR. - Audiophilander 05:46:46 01/10/04 (3)
          In Reply to: Re: "...constipated all the way down." That's the way one might describe ... posted by patrickU on January 10, 2004 at 02:22:19:

          ;^)
          
          

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          • Re: No prejudice about my private behavior? - patrickU 05:57:29 01/10/04 (2)
            In Reply to: As to your query: I'm not prejudiced against your private behavior, just these public displays of disaffection for LoTR. posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 05:46:46:

            What is my private behavior first? AND that is none of your buisness second!
            Yes we are on a public place and everyone is here to share his mind about films.
            If you do not like my critics why do you read then?
            I respect you views so should you do for mine too.
            Now let´s move to another film..What did you like lately..Hehe...
            
            

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            • Re: No prejudice about my private behavior? - Audiophilander 07:56:46 01/10/04 (1)
              In Reply to: Re: No prejudice about my private behavior? posted by patrickU on January 10, 2004 at 05:57:29:

              > > > "What is my private behavior first?" < < <

              You asked if I was homophobic after describing imagined homoerotic interaction between certain characters in LoTR. This suggests that you have issues with homosexuality; of course I could be mistaken. What those issues are if present, I have no idea, but I'm not asking and you aren't required to tell. I was simply trying to demonstrate sensitivity; whatever your private behavior, I won't think less of you for it since you're apparently seeking my approval.

              > > > "AND that is none of your business second!" < < <

              Right you are! Let's move on then.

              > > > "If you do not like my critics why do you read them?" < < <

              Because it's an open forum for discussing film and opinions can occasionally be swayed. Also, since both informed and uninformed opinions are present, I share knowledge based on the former to improve the latter in the hope of enriching the film experience of those who either haven't seen the films or haven't made up their minds.

              > > > "I respect you views so should you do for mine to." < < <

              Fine, but when you post conjecture and seek support for your opinions while casting aspersions of racism that are unfounded, correction is definitely in order.

              > > > "Now let's move on to another film." < < <

              Gladly!

              > > > "What did you like lately ..Hehe..." < < <

              Haven't seen any films since viewing LoTR/RoTK, except Cold Mountain and I didn't care for Cold Mountain, with the exception of Rene Zellwigger's performance. I also like the concert video Rush in Rio (DVD of South American concert), but I didn't catch that at the local cinema, even though there was a limited theatrical release.

              AuPh
              
              

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              • Re: No prejudice about my private behavior? - patrickU 08:15:26 01/10/04 (0)
                In Reply to: Re: No prejudice about my private behavior? posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 07:56:46:

                I never ask you such a thing!!! I can speak about everything, with or without affinities!
                I am viewing " Venderdi Soir ".
                I will comment later on.
                
                

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  • Sorry orejones, but I could not disagee with you more! - Audiophilander 12:57:26 01/09/04 (9)
    In Reply to: Well, it would have been much more interesting than having that monotonic Wood! (nt) posted by orejones on January 09, 2004 at 12:15:59:

    The casting of this series was absolutely brilliant, IMO, and all three movies played better than most films I've seen in recent years. I absolutely got lost in the characters and the richness of the story and visuals. This series has become one of my all time favorites. BTW, it should be viewed separately from the books because the cinematic flow of such an epic journey requires some compromise from the broadly detailed, complex literary vision of it's original author in order to reach an audience unfamiliar with the works. Peter Jackson accomplished this and Elijah Wood's portrayal of Frodo conveyed the perfect mental image of a young man or, in this case, young Hobbit caught up in an adventure beyond his comprehension.

    I know that you like Tolkien's books, but perhaps you and Patrick would feel more comfortable at a Jerry Lewis revival (phlem phestival?). ;^)

    AuPh
    
    

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    • Marry them if you so like, buddy! But that´s not going to make them any better... - orejones 02:18:16 01/10/04 (8)
      In Reply to: Sorry orejones, but I could not disagee with you more! posted by Audiophilander on January 09, 2004 at 12:57:26:

      Poor actors + poor direction, + lots of money can easily make garbage gaining the appreciation of the masses.

      McShit and Coke can be classified as the two best known "food" to the majority of US citizens, most of which consider them as essentially American as apple pie..., but they still rank very low (sub-zero) in my personal ranking for palatial pleasures, and very close to that for their nutritional values.

      These films are the filmic equivalent of a MegaBurger soaked in lukewarm Coke.

      Regards

      BF
      
      

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      • Re: Marry them if you so like, buddy! But that´s not going to make them any better... - patrickU 09:16:37 01/10/04 (0)
        In Reply to: Marry them if you so like, buddy! But that´s not going to make them any better... posted by orejones on January 10, 2004 at 02:18:16:

        You are much more descriptive than I am....But I must really laugh---The real tragedy is even we are trying hard they won´t undertsand..must be different worlds...
        
        

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      • The only thing that you left out was "IMHO" which can be shortened to "IMO" for absolute accuracy. - Audiophilander 07:07:03 01/10/04 (6)
        In Reply to: Marry them if you so like, buddy! But that´s not going to make them any better... posted by orejones on January 10, 2004 at 02:18:16:

        Just because a film or film series makes money (i.e., has mass appeal) doesn't mean that it's the cinamatic equivalent of fast food; you're certainly entitled to dislike these films, but one would hope those contemptuous of the series wouldn't find it necessary to ridicule the taste of all who appreciate Peter Jackson's interpretation of Tolkien's epic tale. FTR, I will reiterate that I consider the acting and direction of these films both deserving of high praise.

        The art houses are frequently full of pretensious foreign "message" films, containing faux sophistication and meandering symbolism that I'm sure some here would find nutritionally satisfying. However, I'm of the opinion that not every acquired taste is worth acquiring, whether domestic or not. By way of example, Beluga caviar may hold a mystique for some that makes other's ralph at the thought of it! Does that mean that those who've acquired a taste for expensive imported caviar have superior taste or merely that they'ld make good Fear Factor contestants?

        I make no judgments either way, but if something "tastes good" I'd personally be more inclined to find it tasteful than tasteless and not concern myself with the popularity of it; Peter Jackson's LoTR trilogy falls into this category for me.

        Regards,
        AuPh
        
        

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        • Well, enough is enough: let´s call a spade a spade - orejones 09:23:45 01/10/04 (4)
          In Reply to: The only thing that you left out was "IMHO" which can be shortened to "IMO" for absolute accuracy. posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 07:07:03:

          When I say that these films are poorly directed, I am saying that Mr. Jackson has made them by piling scene over scene, losing any sense of continuity, and then his sense of rhythm shines just because it´s absent, and his tempo changes suddenly, from too fast to practically stopping, making these films look like the poor collage they are.

          As an example, just consider how boringly slow, and lacking any minimal tension, is the hobbit´s ascent to Mount Doom: it´s repetitive, and it lacks any sense of progress, with them being now here, an eternity later there, and finally there they are, in what look like the banks of a river of molten lava (which should burn anything at distances much further than where they are, while they don´t even show a single drop of sweat in their faces...). That scene, if properly directed, would have been carrying the viewer towards a climax, in the same way a good conductor would when playing a symphony..., but he doesn´t.

          Telling a story well is not so easy, and requires much more than just a lot of technical equipment, which he had in spades..., but no talent to squeeze the juice that fruity story has.

          If you want to have a clear idea of what I´m saying, just find a copy of Minnelli´s "The Bad and the Beautiful", and look at what happens when Kirk Douglas asks that director to make things happen at a different pace in the film they are doing at that time, and the director tells him that "he needs to hold the pace now, so he can grow better on the final climax"...: then, Douglas fires him, takes the rheins, makes the film, and finally drops it away, because he undrstands that he has made just a piece of shit. Minnelli´s is a very good film, deserving being seen once again, if you already know it.

          And actors are generally bad: Elijah Wood doesn´t fit well as the hobbit who, being full of bonhomie, finds himself entangled in a risky adventure, being shattered to the every marrow of his bones, and then finally transforming himself, through his struggles, into a mature, richer person: that´s what happens in the books, but Mr. Wood is always like a child, always so far from the much better playing the man doing Sam´s role shows every time, so much that he literally wipes him away... Mr. Mortensen is a stiff, wooden Aragorn, showing no greatness at any time; Liv Tyler is one of the worst in her blank inexpressiveness; Gandalf´s eyes show just as much intelligence as Mr. Bush´s reading one of his speechs...

          Well, now I have, without entering in too many details, told you why I consider these films not to be at the height of the original work. And I don´t mind if they are acclaimed by tasteless people as the biggest thing since sliced bread (which I despise too: have you ever had a loaf of good bread, baked in the old style..., or a good baguette? there simply is no contest!), as I am dead sure that, in a couple of years, time will put things in their right place, and they will have been forgotten: Mr. Jackson´s work is at the same height as Rowling´s "Harry Potter" when compared to the sheer height of Tolkien´s books.

          Regards

          BF
          
          

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          • Spades are also great for shallow digs; you certainly shoveled a lot of dirt at fans of Peter Jackson's LoTR films. - Audiophilander 22:46:24 01/10/04 (3)
            In Reply to: Well, enough is enough: let´s call a spade a spade posted by orejones on January 10, 2004 at 09:23:45:

            I differ with almost all of your arguments, but I will admit that the pacing is improved in both of the longer cuts available. The problem you've pointed to has more to do with the weight of the works and trying to accomadate broad storylines that separate and converge in ways that don't lend themselves to cinema. Peter Jackson has performed a remarkable feat and most folks, including many long time fan of Tolkien's original books, are comfortable with the changes and the actor's performances.

            FYI, I had the opportunity to discuss Jackson's films with a Tolkien scholor within the past year (i.e., he knew Tolkien in his lifetime, and understood the man and his works about as well as a biblical scholor understands scripture). He saw the films and books as essentially different forms, but drew comparisons while critiquing Peter Jackson's interpretations; the consensus: the films are excellent in their own rite, taking into account the complexity of Tolkien's work and the challenge of trying to film such a complex epic in any cohesive manner that an audience would be able to grasp.

            So, what is the bottom line? Well, my take and your's are almost diametrically opposed. That said, I would agree with you as far as the films being imperfect. Nevertheless, any way you look at it they're darn good entertainment and probably the best anyone could've hoped for under the circumstances! Are there pacing problems, such as the crosscuting of events during Frodo's slow ascent of Mount Doom? Yes, I'm of the opinion that the ascent isn't as oppressively slow nor as redundent as you've indicated. The "molten lava should burn everything" issue is certainly worth addressing, but it's easy to overlook the close proximity to this super heated environment since we're dealing with a fantasy realm and have gradually grown of just how unique and tough Hobbits can be when they set their minds to something.

            My take on the acting: Elijah Wood was perfectly cast as Frodo, IMHO, as were the rest of the characters. How anyone could fault the casting is beyond me!

            > > > "And I don't mind if they are acclaimed by tasteless people as the biggest thing since sliced bread..." < < <

            That is a very subjective opinion, my friend. One also might correctly conclude that those who are unfairly critical, tactless and insulting of the tastes of others are guilty of pinching their loaves in public.

            AuPh
            
            

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            • Do you want to see what a perfect casting looks like? - orejones 07:44:58 01/12/04 (2)
              In Reply to: Spades are also great for shallow digs; you certainly shoveled a lot of dirt at fans of Peter Jackson's LoTR films. posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 22:46:24:

              Simply gaze over Ford´s "The Quiet Man", and there you are: each and every one of them fit into their roles as hands in gloves do!

              And then, there´s something about filming to be learned, there..., especially about how to dose things, and how to keep a perfect rhythm, and... had you noticed how well that scene when Sean brings Mary Kate to her brother, is a perfect exercise in filmic rhythm, with that tune named something like "Irish launderer", or so, fitting perfectly to it?

              That´s cinema, man! And no special effects at all, in it!

              Regards

              BF
              
              

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              • Re: The best casting I have ever seen - rico 12:28:46 01/15/04 (0)
                In Reply to: Do you want to see what a perfect casting looks like? posted by orejones on January 12, 2004 at 07:44:58:

                is that of Oliver Stone's "Nixon". Every choice is brilliant, and the acting and direction are first rate. Get the longer version if you can. "Nixon" takes Stone's editing technique truly over the top.
                And while Anthony Hopkins does not try a Rich Little-type Nixon impersonation, within a couple of minutes you totally accept him, something Hopkins also accomplished in last year's "The Human Stain", where he plays a black man.
                
                

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              • LOL! The only thing Ford deserves credit for is finding a non-western role in which John "One-Note" Wayne could act! - Audiophilander 16:27:47 01/13/04 (0)
                In Reply to: Do you want to see what a perfect casting looks like? posted by orejones on January 12, 2004 at 07:44:58:

                No offense, but I was never moved by The Quiet Man; I'm not especially fond of Maureen O'Hara's acting and her faux Irish accent seems somewhat forced here (i.e., my opinion; YMMV). The supporting cast is pretty good, but from my perspective that's all that recommends this old film which, admittedly, some regard as a classic. I'll stand by my earlier post, orejones: The Lord of the Rings trilogy of films are new classics that will stand the test of time! Long after the FX work is dated people will wax poetic about these films because the cast was perfectly suited and the fictional characters are brought to life through their performances.

                AuPh
                
                

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        • Re: The only thing that you left out was "IMHO" which can be shortened to "IMO" for absolute accuracy. - patrickU 09:22:39 01/10/04 (0)
          In Reply to: The only thing that you left out was "IMHO" which can be shortened to "IMO" for absolute accuracy. posted by Audiophilander on January 10, 2004 at 07:07:03:

          You are wrong!
          There is an education for every sense we have be it " arts & foods & drinks & or whatever".
          Only if you have reach out for, you can then appreciate an Hamburger...to his real value.
          On the really top of all senses, where air is thin, very thin, you can set preferences. which may vary from individus to individus*, from taste to taste.

          * Sorry BUT French
          
          

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