The Criterion Collection

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

I finished watching The Last Days of Disco. I watched about an hour's worth yesterday, and re-watched that hour + finished the last 50 minutes today.

I loved it yesterday more than I did today. In the end, I ended up liking it but not loving it. I expected more. I guess I should have known that when I opened the pamphlet, originally expecting it to be the standard Criterion booklet.

Anyone interested in buying/trading?

I was interested in seeing this, but I'm not certain....What would others here compare the film to? I've only seen his most recent film, so I'm not sure what to expect from the rest.

[Scottie]

I really enjoyed TLDOD. It was a really fun movie, in my opinion.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by drbikeshorts

I watched Fanny and Alexander in four parts with Mrs Drbikeshorts and we loved it.
Recently I wanted to watch it in one session. I invited over 3 friends who are film buffs to watch it with me.
We had breaks for coffee and a break for lunch halfway through.
Everyone loved it.
Seeing it all in one day is amazing. Highly recommended.

Yeah I am going to try and watch it all at once too. I did over 5 hours straight with Novecento so I should be up for the task.

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I was interested in seeing this, but I'm not certain....What would others here compare the film to? I've only seen his most recent film, so I'm not sure what to expect from the rest.

I don't think I can easily compare it to something that I've seen. I guess you can say that Whit Stillman is like a reverse Wes Anderson. They each have their own style and approach to the scripts they write (or co-write). The difference for me is that Wes Anderson really knows what he's doing (and I enjoy his films more).

I agree with iScottie, it was fun, but it felt more like a 90s movie than it did an early 80s. The clothing especially. Chloe Sevigny was great in it though! I loved Alice! I think she was perfectly cast. And Matt Keeslar's character was underdeveloped, although equally as lovable as Alice. Another loveable character was "Departmental" Dan. He was a sigh of relief among a group of seemingly distant characters.

Kate Beckinsale's character was a bit annoying- or "irritating" as Steinway says. And the music was a bit awkward at times. I feel like they could have chosen better music to represent the last days of disco.

Then the plot went downhill as soon as it started to get complicated (after about an hour and ten minutes). They hurled all these things at you out of nowhere, and they skipped certain events that clearly had some sort of impact in the characters' lives at the time (such as the labor day party that they talk about). And in the end, you don't really get a sense of closure other than disco being dead. The end credits were cool though!

In all, it doesn't have much replay value for me. But I do like it.

[jrsl76]

While I find their movies different, Stillman reminds me in many ways of Woody Allen.

Also, Stillman is very much a love it or hate it proposition.

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by jrsl76

While I find their movies different, Stillman reminds me in many ways of Woody Allen.

Also, Stillman is very much a love it or hate it proposition.

I would say that I agree with that last point, but I'm actually in the middle. Although I lean more towards love it than I do hate it.

But when I think of that... I feel like I'm even more in the middle (if that makes sense).

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by CoopFilm

I was interested in seeing this, but I'm not certain....What would others here compare the film to? I've only seen his most recent film, so I'm not sure what to expect from the rest.

Wow! The more I think about it, the more I realize:

I see myself in both Alice and Charlotte (and bits of Josh and Dan).


Hmm... maybe The Last Days of Disco needs a re-watch and more evaluation from my part.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Lutz

I think 2046 vs In The Mood For Love depends on which you saw first.

I saw 2046 first and was blown away but I've never felt that In The Mood For Love was on par with it.

Exactly, it seems to be the case that the first few WKW films you see tend to stick the most. My first two: Chungking Express and Happy Together, and I happen to think they're his best.

Would love 2046 & the rest on Blu!

[Lutz]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Exactly, it seems to be the case that the first few WKW films you see tend to stick the most. My first two: Chungking Express and Happy Together, and I happen to think they're his best.

Would love 2046 & the rest on Blu!

I like all his movies but 2046 is still my favourite. I don't think any of the others manage to sustain the same energy that one does for the whole picture. I especially like the structure - where other movies would end 2046 decides to push on and then up it's previous conclusion.

2046 is the only WKW that doesn't have a Blu release so I guess it can only be a matter of time...

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

Wow! The more I think about it, the more I realize:

I see myself in both Alice and Charlotte (and bits of Josh and Dan).


Hmm... maybe The Last Days of Disco needs a re-watch and more evaluation from my part.

Honestly, I think many of the characters are despicable or dehumanized. It's about deconstructing the myth of Disco & metropolitan life. Kate Beckinsale is part of the corrupting influence on Chloe Savigney & much of the film she's just as ulikeable as her.

I think it's wholly successful ( warts, continuity errors and all) at exposing this empty vacuous time. The off putting, cold nature of the film may have pushed away the target audience, but it's worth the struggle.

I'd still rank Metropolitan higher

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Lutz

I like all his movies but 2046 is still my favourite. I don't think any of the others manage to sustain the same energy that one does for the whole picture. I especially like the structure - where other movies would end 2046 decides to push on and then up it's previous conclusion.

2046 is the only WKW that doesn't have a Blu release so I guess it can only be a matter of time...

I'm region A.

[jrsl76]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I'd still rank Metropolitan higher

I'd rank the Stillmans like this:

1.) Barcelona
2.) Metropolitan
3.) The Last Days Of Disco
4.) Damsels In Distress

Still, I like them all. I really hope Criterion wrestled Barcelona from Warner in whatever little deal they made.

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

Honestly, I think many of the characters are despicable or dehumanized. It's about deconstructing the myth of Disco & metropolitan life. Kate Beckinsale is part of the corrupting influence on Chloe Savigney & much of the film she's just as ulikeable as her.

I think it's wholly successful ( warts, continuity errors and all) at exposing this empty vacuous time. The off putting, cold nature of the film may have pushed away the target audience, but it's worth the struggle.

I'd still rank Metropolitan higher

I see where you're coming from. I still think it's weird how realistic the characters are, even if they seem unreal because of all of the baggage they carry with them. I'm sure the storyline (well, not the disco aspect obviously) can still be applied to modern times perfectly well.

[hljoo8]

I watched Paths of Glory twice yesterday, and I must say it's now one of my favorites.
Seems to be the spiritual sibling of Dr. Strangelove...
Should I expect anything less from Kubrick.

[octagon]

Annoying, unlikeable twentysomethings with unrealistic baggage leading vaccuous lives in New York.

You know, a couple topical internet references and a few iphones and I'll bet that could be translated to modern times. I wonder if HBO would be interested.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by hljoo8

I watched Paths of Glory twice yesterday, and I must say it's now one of my favorites.
Seems to be the spiritual sibling of Dr. Strangelove...
Should I expect anything less from Kubrick.

Simple Answer, No you should not. Paths is so good. The scene in the pub at the end of the film just leaves you astonished, that scene has always stuck out so much to me.

[RiFiFi1955]

Can anyone solidify the few outstanding reviews and recommendations that I have received lately about Solaris (2002). Quite a few people have mentioned how extraordinary and beautiful the film was to me recently. I never had any desire to see this version as I have never felt and still do feel that it can not compare in any way to Tarkovsky's version. That may be unfair of me to think that while not having seen the film but that is how I feel. Am I way off here though? Should I go seek out the 2002 version, is it a masterpiece in its own right?

[octagon]

Rented it once, thought it was interesting in a 'so what the hell was that anyway' sort of way and can remember very little about it now. I didn't know at the time it was a remake but when I learned that it completely fit because in retrospect it reminds of The American - sort of a glitzier, more polished, high-budget Hollywood approach with a slower, more atmospheric Euro sensibility.

If it were ever released I'd be inclined to give it another look if for no other reason than it did look really good.

[tonylopez]

Originally Posted by RiFiFi1955

Can anyone solidify the few outstanding reviews and recommendations that I have received lately about Solaris (2002). Quite a few people have mentioned how extraordinary and beautiful the film was to me recently. I never had any desire to see this version as I have never felt and still do feel that it can not compare in any way to Tarkovsky's version. That may be unfair of me to think that while not having seen the film but that is how I feel. Am I way off here though? Should I go seek out the 2002 version, is it a masterpiece in its own right?

Well one factor you want to consider is whether or not you're a fan of Steven Soderbergh's films. Do you not mind remakes in general? Solaris (2002) is a film that really doesn't get made in Hollywood anymore. Clooney gives a great performance and it's nice to see Soderbergh on this genre. I think it's a wonderful take on the classic. Masterpiece no, but it is definitely a great movie that doesn't get the recognition it truly deserves . I say check it out.

[RiFiFi1955]

Originally Posted by tonylopez

Well one factor you want to consider is whether or not you're a fan of Steven Soderbergh's films. Do you not mind remakes in general? Solaris (2002) is a film that really doesn't get made in Hollywood anymore. Clooney gives a great performance and it's nice to see Soderbergh on this genre. I think it's a wonderful take on the classic. Masterpiece no, but it is definitely a great movie that doesn't get the recognition it truly deserves . I say check it out.

alright Thanks, yeah I am sure I will check it out. Do you not mind remakes in general? Yeah that's probably the biggest reason that I have had the inclination to pass it by, I really am not the hugest fan of re-makes or re-adaptation of films that have already done it perfectly IMO of course. Every now and then though I find one enjoyable if I just sit back and not try to compare it to its counterpart. But some films I just won't even dare, like the Psycho remake, yeah I am not going anywhere near that one.