Had a pretty good week. I'll be doing the "My (number) Directors Name" thing-y, because I've seen other people do it, I like it, and I'm a massive follower!
The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont
My first Darabont
I can't say it's the greatest film of ALL TIME (sorry IMDb), or even amongst the greatest that I've seen. However, I also can't say that I didn't enjoy this film very much, because I did
The film has its fair share of problems, all with its unfortunate amount of "Really?" worthy plot conveniences, lousy acting from side characters, some bothersome wise and explanatory dialogue, and one dimensional villains, which were actually my biggest gripe with the film. I mean given the fact that there's a significant message or theme of second chances, by showing another side of those who've done wrong, from the criminals we follow to Dufresne's wife, and all we get from our main antagonists is "They're Assholes"; That just aggravated me. In the end however, the films strengths vastly overcame its weaknesses.
My taking on of an, almost, immediate liking to the relationship between our two main protagonists, Red & Andy, really helped distract from any issues I had early on. But, perhaps the film's biggest distractor, and its greatest attribute is its, undeniably, moving and inspirational messages of second chances, freedom, and hope; all underlined with the seemingly simple, yet very effective and fitting score.
That may very well be why The Shawshank Redemption has received this, overwhelming, amount of praise. It seems to be a film that can, almost, be universally liked, and I certainly really liked it as well.
7.5/10
Eyes Without a Face directed Georges Franju
My first Franju
Eyes, Eyelids, and Lips Without a Face
Second time around, and my score stays the same. Anyways, aside from the nitpick-y issues already mentioned (there's more though), the carnival like theme that would play throughout, was confusingly misplaced, and the scenes it was accompanying would've been enhanced had a more appropriate piece of music been playing; just hearing it brings Killer Klowns from Outer Space to mind. And secondly, there was a situation involving the police that was very unlikely and just lazily written.
That being said, I really liked this film. I appreciate that the filmmaker showed doubt, fear, regret, and shame in the characters who've done atrocious acts. Giving us more than EVIL allows us to see the character as an actual human, and, while not condoning their actions, helps us understand them; which is simply great.
The simplistic look of the individual with the Eyes Without a Face worked very well; it was strangely cool, and creepy at the same time (I also believe it's influential or has been payed homage to: Face of Another, Goodnight Mommy and The Skin I Live In? Maybe?) and the actor was also able convey their emotions, pretty noticeably, with just their eyes; which is nice. But the main reason this film is known is due to a pretty graphic scene. The interesting story and characters are fine, and play out fairly well, but I believe it's this scene that is the reason for any fame the film has received.
Considering this film was released in the same year as Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960), I'm actually surprised I haven't heard more from it. It's been said that audiences were genuinely terrified at Psycho's shower scene, upon its release; I can imagine them actually getting psychically sick due to fear and disgust at the scene in this film. I, while not scared or shocked, was surprised that they actually went there.
While I can't say it's as great of a film as Psycho, I can definitely say it's more daring, and it's still a pretty good movie.
7/10
Hush directed by Mike Flanagan
My second Flanagan
A quick enjoyable little film. I liked it, but I don't imagine I'll ever see it again, or even remember much of it. The characters actions were pretty rational, which was refreshing, but some of the filmmakers decisions involving the intruder were lazy, in my opinion, and one of those decisions was just so unnecessarily stupid.
This being my second film of director Mike Flanagan, I can say he's improved from the meh Oculus, and I hope he continues to improve. The horror genre needs good Directors. If you'd like to pass time, check this out; it's nothing special, but entertaining.
6/10
Blow Out directed by Brian De Palma
My first De Palma
I'm going to really review this film after a second viewing. Not that this film is a complex art piece that requires two viewings to truly get it, but like The Graduate the ending, or more specifically, the last minute of the film shocked me a bit. Though, unlike The Graduate, wherein the third act I was getting disappointed and the last minute completely redeemed it; the lead up to Blow Out's ending was pretty great. With a suspenseful story, and beautifully composed shots and a fantastic soundtrack (with the exception of two songs that were cheesy) that enhanced it's scenes intensity, I would of left happy with what I got, and what predictable ending I was expecting. But what was an intense crime thriller, sort of changed for me in the ending. I think I really liked it, but want to give it a second watch to make sure.
7.5/10
Film of the Week: The Shawshank Redemption directed by Frank Darabont
It was close, and upon a second viewing I just might like Blow Out more, but for now it's Shawshank.
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