tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.comments2023-04-30T07:27:54.645-07:00<b>HUNGRY GHOST BLOG</b>David Chutehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comBlogger2664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-12878625341063944602012-10-08T09:01:10.082-07:002012-10-08T09:01:10.082-07:00Christian Lindke has left a new comment on your po...Christian Lindke has left a new comment on your post "OK, how about this?": <br /><br />Tweeted about in August. <br /><br />https://twitter.com/ChristianLindke/status/234120624795168769 David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-29916465107516011952012-10-04T09:25:06.743-07:002012-10-04T09:25:06.743-07:00In a fit of deleting multiple anonymous comments I...In a fit of deleting multiple anonymous comments I accidentally killed this one from FOHG Christiian Lindke:<br /><br />As much respect as I have for Bey Logan as a critic and fan of the Hong Kong scene. I hope the choreography in the final version is more dynamic than in this teaser.<br /><br />Like RISING PHOENIX, the movement appears slow and forced here. It needs to be fluid. I need to say, as I did during THE RAID, "holy 5417! Never...I mean NEVER give that (insert character here) a knife and a tonfa...ever." I'm not seeing that here.<br /><br />It's just a teaser, but I'm more teased by the premise and Logan's involvement than the imagery. <br />David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-92070097680645529312012-10-02T13:16:34.930-07:002012-10-02T13:16:34.930-07:00Nice statement of the strengths and differences of...Nice statement of the strengths and differences of the two mediums. Can't we all just get along?David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-51920480450560248752012-09-28T11:00:13.992-07:002012-09-28T11:00:13.992-07:00"...lower on the chain of being"? Good g..."...lower on the chain of being"? Good grief.<br /><br />Far for wrestling my argument to the ground, as promised, you haven't laid a hand on it. Start by explicating your complaint that "nothing happens" in the first three episodes of Homeland," and we can take it from there.David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-21923213464264649612012-09-27T17:28:42.651-07:002012-09-27T17:28:42.651-07:00Actually, I do think that story matters... but I f...Actually, I do think that story matters... but I find it somewhat lower on the chain of being than others.<br /><br />The relationship of long-form television to narrative is complicated and differs depending on whether you watch weekly or in binges. Having watched most of The Wire or The Sopranos on a weekly basis, I'll admit to friends at least to not really following the story for most of the time -- except on the broadest and stupidest level. I'm not sure anyone can, without multiple viewings, reference to newspaper blogs, or multi-episode binges. <br /><br />What I was watching was basically the actors, the writing, and the setting. And I cared about the actors more than their characters....<br />Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-60455415858902361672012-09-27T11:50:18.725-07:002012-09-27T11:50:18.725-07:00The notion that story doesn't matter seems odd...The notion that story doesn't matter seems odd, coming from a guy who loves long-stemmed TV dramas. What does Tulk think we're enjoying there, the patterns on the drapes? (On "Downton Abbey" maybe yes.) I doubt very much that the notoriously impatient Tulk, who is prone to give up on long stories when too many episodes have passed in which "nothing happens," would be inclined to sit still for a long conversation that wasn't anchored in and leant context by a narrative. It's the strong supporting skeleton of a story rooted in genre conventions that frees Price to let his characters wander off.<br /><br />I love stories more than anything, pretty much, and I also enjoy instances, like this, in which the structure of a story is stretched almost to the breaking point. "Almost" being the key word. Without that underlying melody, all you've got is noiseDavid Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-71061425913466664992012-09-22T09:10:58.654-07:002012-09-22T09:10:58.654-07:00.....the dialogue is so pitch-perfect an urban sym........the dialogue is so pitch-perfect an urban symphony, and so hilarious, that it effortlessly crosses the transom of the utilitarian standard and transcends any rules that would box it out of a novel. Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-23218482206109908392012-09-21T17:48:51.494-07:002012-09-21T17:48:51.494-07:00I don't think that's quite what he's s...I don't think that's quite what he's saying.David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-50065560695131430782012-09-20T11:34:23.631-07:002012-09-20T11:34:23.631-07:00Relevamt quote from the New Yorker Cloud Atlas&quo...Relevamt quote from the New Yorker Cloud Atlas" piece:<br /><br />“ ‘Cloud Atlas’ is a twenty-first-century novel,” Lana said. “It represents a midpoint between the future idea that everything is fragmented and the past idea that there is a beginning, a middle, and an end.”David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-74799937029949832972012-09-19T09:17:41.658-07:002012-09-19T09:17:41.658-07:00http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/made/cover.htmlhttp://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/made/cover.htmlDavid Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-20351976191268303572012-09-18T14:49:02.315-07:002012-09-18T14:49:02.315-07:00The best thing I've ever seen.... Those are p...The best thing I've ever seen.... Those are portions for sharing, right? Probably not when I'm around.Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-56062998387686518002012-09-08T09:14:18.146-07:002012-09-08T09:14:18.146-07:00The opening night crowds for ENDHIRAN were rowdy, ...The opening night crowds for ENDHIRAN were rowdy, but not *this* rowdy. A trip overseas is clearly in order...GoJoenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-26694738540748404212012-08-29T16:50:50.253-07:002012-08-29T16:50:50.253-07:00Turns out if you click through to be a term specif...Turns out if you click through to be a term specific to the study of food, though obviously bulging with metaphorical possibilities. Refers to a survival instinct that helps people avoid getting poisoned.David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-51019416851148295642012-08-29T15:48:38.179-07:002012-08-29T15:48:38.179-07:00The equation "dislikes=fears" requires m...The equation "dislikes=fears" requires more proof than indicated here...<br /><br />Although the introduction in my local ice-cream parlor of Szechwan pepper ice cream may be just the thing. <br /><br />As with most behavioral "studies" the conclusion to the second part of the study -- that you can accustom people to new tastes by introducing those tastes to them in familiar dishes -- seems almost impossible to argue with. Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-49532671879777306602012-08-29T13:20:01.915-07:002012-08-29T13:20:01.915-07:00A Kael favorite, with Alastair Sim as Inspector Co...A Kael favorite, with Alastair Sim as Inspector Cockrill. Directed by Sidney Gilliat, dad of the other New Yorker critic.David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-89473855357090905872012-08-29T10:54:05.541-07:002012-08-29T10:54:05.541-07:00Funny about Constantine... I just saw a reference ...Funny about Constantine... I just saw a reference to him in a piece by Michael Dirda, and remembered that I had completely forgotten about him.<br /><br />I believe you approved at one time, right? I think I tried and found it too dour and literary. Would probably love it now. <br /><br />Woodrell underrated? His name's on everyone's lips. <br /><br />There's a good movie of "Green for Danger". Criterion Collection and everything. Looks like perfect reading in a first edition Penguin. Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-58638061307267244632012-08-07T12:34:13.792-07:002012-08-07T12:34:13.792-07:00You mis-read me, sir. I'm suggesting that the ...You mis-read me, sir. I'm suggesting that the whole notion of compiling a list is stodgy and reactionary, and we should embrace the fact that some of our favorite films, from "The Tall T" to Point Break," will never be so certified.David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-30021027026677409372012-08-06T21:50:40.382-07:002012-08-06T21:50:40.382-07:00"Most of the titles that should be there...&q..."Most of the titles that should be there..."<br /><br />Oh...how you tempt me to make arguments in favor of GREASE 2<br />POINT BREAK<br />PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE<br /><br />The whole point of subjective critics lists is that there shouldn't really be a title that "should" be there. Surprise me. Help me learn something I might have missed. Don't quote from translated copies of French critical journals from the 50s and 60s or Sarris/Kael. Show me your opinion.<br /><br />Don't give me the "It's good because it's old" schlock. Don't tell me that BRINGING UP BABY -- which is wonderful BTW -- is somehow better film making than THE WEDDING CRASHERS or TALLADEGA NIGHTS. It isn't, nor is PHILADELPHIA STORY better film making than THE BREAK UP.<br /><br />To state otherwise is to be a kind of rigid filmic reactionary.Christian Lindkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12381310217234123318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-3622110807053303452012-08-06T14:19:11.796-07:002012-08-06T14:19:11.796-07:00In looking over both complete lists, I find I'...In looking over both complete lists, I find I'm not terribly offended. Most of the titles that should be are there somewhere. No regrets for David Lean, and if anything Peckinpah and Almodovar win additional respect for still being outsider. Likewise the genre termites, from Todd Browning to Budd Boetticher. "We don' need no stinkin' list."David Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-66472718508012046142012-08-06T11:37:11.404-07:002012-08-06T11:37:11.404-07:00Completely leaving out...
Forbidden Planet
Alien
...Completely leaving out...<br /><br />Forbidden Planet<br />Alien<br />The Thing<br />Inception<br />The Andromeda Strain<br />Star Wars<br />The Wizard of Oz<br /><br />The critics list included Blade Runner, and I agree that it is wonderful as it was theatrically released. The problem with lists like these, is that they are shaped too much by wanting to "get it right."<br /><br />As Tulk, pointed out these are products of consensus written to fit within a consensus. Who wants to be the person who writes that Wizard of Oz is the greatest film of all time -- which I almost believe. It comes in second to Singin' in the Rain.<br /><br />God save us from a world where people believe Vertigo is better than Suspicion.Christian Lindkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12381310217234123318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-3185446667410000402012-08-06T11:08:01.974-07:002012-08-06T11:08:01.974-07:00Locus on-line, the SF news site, notes hopefully t...Locus on-line, the SF news site, notes hopefully that four of the fifty are SF movies -- 2001, Metropolis, Stalker, and La Jetee....Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-22066684917658815282012-08-06T09:48:24.539-07:002012-08-06T09:48:24.539-07:00Now that I've watched this, I have to find a C...Now that I've watched this, I have to find a Carly Rae Jepsen tip jar, or violate my own ethics.Christian Lindkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12381310217234123318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-69169723322836341482012-08-03T22:57:44.811-07:002012-08-03T22:57:44.811-07:00Let's see...
"Critics"
1) Vertigo -...Let's see...<br /><br />"Critics"<br />1) Vertigo -- Good thing that this and the 7th Voyage of Sinbad don't have the same score...oh wait.<br />2) Citizen Kane -- Can they tell us why? I agree, but it deals with technological and cinematographical advances.<br />3) Tokyo Story -- Glad they were paying attention in their film studies classes. Not like they could have selected the High and the Low.<br />4) Renoir...yawn.<br />5) Sunrise -- Have they really watched this predictable tale of temptation? This is the 5th greatest film of all time? Oh...okay. It's good, but c'mon.<br />6) 2001 -- Higher than Clockwork? Wrong. Anyone's top 10? <br />7) The Searchers -- It's like Red River...only racist and not as good.<br />8)Man with a Movie Camera -- no comment. Need to see first.<br />9) The Passion of Joan of Arc -- okay. This is actually magnificent, and you can see how much so when you compare the recent "remake" with Dustin Hoffman as the inquisitor.<br />10) 8 1/2 -- "Here I am yelling from the rooftops like I'm in a Fellini film" If only for that moment in the wonderful Author! Author! I'll allow this.<br /><br />Directors<br />1) Tokyo Story -- Man, these guys must have all sat in the same Drew Casper class that I did.<br />2) 2001 -- Because...like Star Trek: The Slow Motion Picture it's dull and has overpowering music?<br />3) Citizen Kane -- Again why? I think it's magnificent as I wrote above, but I'd rather watch The Third Man -- the Lorre version.<br />4) 8 1/2 -- Because we all want to be this self-indulgent when making films.<br />5) Taxi Driver -- Have to throw in the nihilistic 70s somewhere right? There is a difference between cool and great.<br />6) Apocalypse Now -- Umm...okay...If only because it inspired Tropic Thunder.<br />7) The Godfather -- Yes. A true work of art.<br />8) Vertigo -- Because no one watches The Lady Vanishes, Stage Fright, or the 39 Steps.<br />9) Mirror -- If we don't select films no one has watched, then this isn't a real list. Besides, we couldn't put The Conversation this high or anything.<br />10) Bicycle Thieves -- If we don't have enough foreign movies, we look narrow and jingoistic. And M wouldn't have counted.Christian Lindkehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12381310217234123318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-60008243013216189492012-08-03T17:04:57.400-07:002012-08-03T17:04:57.400-07:00http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/bes...http://blogs.indiewire.com/thompsononhollywood/best-films-directed-by-womenDavid Chutehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606470667042155559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8896069787782846811.post-59976117784889502292012-08-03T10:52:15.048-07:002012-08-03T10:52:15.048-07:00Thinking about this at greater length, I have real...Thinking about this at greater length, I have realized that the fallacy here is that we're dealing with the hive mind -- and that what counts is consensus and not individual choices. This might seem obvious, but it leads to a couple of important results:<br /><br />1) A lot of recent movies will be on individual lists, but with fewer clear vote magnets.<br /><br />2) Directors without clear masterpieces will be passed over entirely, like Fassbinder or Kieslowski, whose best films may have been television series or trilogies, or Almodovar, who is mostly loved for his work, not any individual movie. <br /><br />3) Some of the snubs are perfectly justified: Cassavetes, Malick, for god's sake.... Tulkinghorn favorite Michael Haneke misses the list for good reason, I'm afraid...Tulkinghornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12380273659057130770noreply@blogger.com