One of my all time favorites.
In this film, Brian DePalma revisits some of the "experimental" aspects of his film-making that had been somewhat dormant of late (on that note, check out "The Phantom of the Paradise" if you're in the mood for a real trip-fest).
As far as direction and composition, I love what DePalma does with this film. The opening shot is 20 minutes long. Now if you've never examined a typical Hollywood film, this might not mean much to you, but normally a shot that is 1 minute is pretty long by today's standards. This first scene is filmed as an observer watching the main character react to the crucial event. The rest of the movie revisits this event from the perspective of other characters through first-person shots and split screens. It's beautifully done and I don't think the movie got the credit it deserved for this.
Secondly, I appreciate the realization that the main character has when he realizes how he is defined by the world around him. He realizes the persona that is him and decides he wants to change it. As Christians, we can relate as we had to make a similar change in definition of self when we became children of God. I also appreciate that the end of the film shows that such decisions are not filled with ease and happy endings.
It's a great movie and one of the few I never tire of watching.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Chariots of Fire (1981)
If asked what my favorite movie is, I can't really fall on one. But if a gun was put to my head and I had to pick one, this would very likely be it. This is a great, great film. There are so many aspects to it that endear me.
The photography is beautiful. The music by Vangelis sets the perfect tones and atmosphere. The performances are articulate and moving. I love that it deals with the idea of absolute truth and adherence to it. I don't personally believe that one cannot work on the Sabbath (or Sunday), but I do believe that if an individual believes it (as Eric Liddell did) he is obligated to be captive to that weight of conscience.
Liddell's faith is also presented in a very natural and positive manner. He uses the attraction of fans at a race as an opportunity to present the gospel. Many films with gospel presentations insert them in between plot points in a clumsy manner that pulls you out of the movie, not so here.
I love the juxtaposition of Abrahams and Liddell. One cares only to further himself, the other only to further God's glory. One is consumed with himself, the other with God. The exciting thing is to see both win, but to see the difference in how it affects them and what that says about their motivations.
At the end of the film, after Liddell is chastised and ridiculed for holding to his faith, then given a chance to race in an event he is not as familiar with, he reads the note that says "He who honors Me, will be honored". That moment always gets my heart pumping and you just want to see Eric "put his head back". I love this movie, if you haven't seen it, please go check it out!
The photography is beautiful. The music by Vangelis sets the perfect tones and atmosphere. The performances are articulate and moving. I love that it deals with the idea of absolute truth and adherence to it. I don't personally believe that one cannot work on the Sabbath (or Sunday), but I do believe that if an individual believes it (as Eric Liddell did) he is obligated to be captive to that weight of conscience.
Liddell's faith is also presented in a very natural and positive manner. He uses the attraction of fans at a race as an opportunity to present the gospel. Many films with gospel presentations insert them in between plot points in a clumsy manner that pulls you out of the movie, not so here.
I love the juxtaposition of Abrahams and Liddell. One cares only to further himself, the other only to further God's glory. One is consumed with himself, the other with God. The exciting thing is to see both win, but to see the difference in how it affects them and what that says about their motivations.
At the end of the film, after Liddell is chastised and ridiculed for holding to his faith, then given a chance to race in an event he is not as familiar with, he reads the note that says "He who honors Me, will be honored". That moment always gets my heart pumping and you just want to see Eric "put his head back". I love this movie, if you haven't seen it, please go check it out!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Juno (2007)
There are a lot of categories for movies such as drama, comedy, documentary, etc... I feel that there are some movies that consider an issue, formulate a position, then use the movie as a vehicle for that position. There's nothing wrong with that approach, mind you, but it needs to be recognized; some extreme examples would be "The Outlaw Josey Wales" or "Fahrenheit 9/11".
Then there are movies like "Juno". These films approach an issue, and simply present it in the context of a narrative. They don't make overt judgments or proclamations, they just say "here's life, it's complicate, you figure it out". I love it. "Juno" deals with a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant, decides to have an abortion, but ultimately can't go through it and decides to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Most conservatives would say "good for her!" and change the subject. This film examines the next 9 months of this girl's life and what the ramifications of this decision are. I don't want to spoil the ending but... it isn't easy! The right choice isn't always easy, in fact it's normally difficult. It was refreshing to see such a realistic, non-oppressive, and humorous approach to a hot button issue. I could have done without the spattering of explicatives, but such is life.
For another movie that presents life but doesn't try to explain it, check out "The House of Sand and Fog". Be warned, it is an excellently made film, but actually quite depressing.
Then there are movies like "Juno". These films approach an issue, and simply present it in the context of a narrative. They don't make overt judgments or proclamations, they just say "here's life, it's complicate, you figure it out". I love it. "Juno" deals with a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant, decides to have an abortion, but ultimately can't go through it and decides to have the baby and give it up for adoption. Most conservatives would say "good for her!" and change the subject. This film examines the next 9 months of this girl's life and what the ramifications of this decision are. I don't want to spoil the ending but... it isn't easy! The right choice isn't always easy, in fact it's normally difficult. It was refreshing to see such a realistic, non-oppressive, and humorous approach to a hot button issue. I could have done without the spattering of explicatives, but such is life.
For another movie that presents life but doesn't try to explain it, check out "The House of Sand and Fog". Be warned, it is an excellently made film, but actually quite depressing.
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