The Seventh Seal 1957, Dir. by Ingmar Bergman – A classic movie that seemed way ahead of its time. I found myself writing down quotes left and right from the movie. I loved how it questioned religion. I was talking to a professor about it and how it seemed similar to some of Mallick’s recent work, and he told me that Bergman has influenced Mallick. I found most of that influence in To The Wonder (Bardem’s character). A classic film that was smart, slow, and enthralling. 9/10
Vicky Cristina Barcelona 2008, Dir. by Woody Allen – An interesting tale that explores the intricacies of love and modern relationships. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but I felt it could have been better. I guess it’s want Allen wanted, but I feel the three person relationship should have been different. It’s not a typical relationship by any means, but the whole macho, beautiful, artsy, and passionate man that woos two beautiful women into a relationship seemed a bit unoriginal. Bardem’s character was cool, and not as cliché, but whole relationship would have been cooler and more daring if it were say two women and a man, or two men and women. Even if he wanted to, I doubt the studio would have let him. 7.5/10
The Godfather 1972, Dir. by Francis For Coppola – The classic mafia tale. I finally got around to watching it, and I was impressed. I really appreciate what it’s done for mafia/gangster films, and film in general. Great performances all around. The scene at the restaurant… holy shit my heart was pounding. Maybe I didn’t like it as much as everyone else did, but whatever. 8.5-9/10
Dark Horse 2011, Dir. by Todd Solondz – An incredibly strange film. So unique, and I feel like certain parts really accurately captured the American family. The lead character seems like Josh, from Drake & Josh, grew up and became seriously mentally ill. It kept me thinking during and after it was over. After seeing Solondz’s film about pedophilia amongst other things, called Happiness, I expected it to be weird, but not this weird. I really enjoyed it. 8/10
Wild Stawberries 1957, Dir. by Ingmar Bergman – Another classic by Bergman. I really enjoyed this one, as well. I can’t describe what I liked it about it as well Seventh Seal. The philosophical questions and look at a bitter old man’s life, and how he may have wasted it was really interesting. The three “kids” at the end saying goodbye made me really happy. An awesome film. 9/10
Inherent Vice 2014, Dir. by Paul Thomas Anderson – Rewatch. PTA is one of my favorites. If you saw this movie, didn’t like it, or were super confused, I would suggest watching it again. I got so much more out of it the second time and it felt so much better. It’s hilarious, smart, and captivating. It can be very hard to follow, but I believe that was intentional. Josh Brolin and Joaquin Phoenix are great. 8.5/10
Training Day 2001, Dir. by Antoine Fuqua – A highly entertaining film. Right from the beginning it was fun. The car scene, when the music came on, was awesome. I admit, some parts were very far fetched, but I tried to look past it. It was not what I expected at all. A fun cop/action movie with solid direction. I’m going to need to watch it again to analyze the whole race and morality aspects of the film, because I feel there is more to it than meets the eye. Amazing performances by Denzel and Ethan Hawke. 7.5/10
The Master 2012, Dir. by Paul Thomas Anderson – Rewatch. This movie is beautiful. I feel I could pause this film at any moment and there would be a work of art. I don’t like when people mention things being “snubbed,” but I don’t know how this film wasn’t nominated for best cinematography, best director, best motion picture, best set design, best costume design, and best original score. Phoenix and Hoffman’s performances are tremendous. Johnny Greenwood delivers a terrific score, as always. PTA carefully blocks and directs every scene and the two main actors feed of his direction to create a wonderful work of art. This guy has great range. 9/10
Films I turned off: Giorgio Moroder’s version of Metropolis (why did he have to do that to such a great film), Casa de Mi Padre (I had seen it before and it didn’t seem it was worth my time)
Film of the week: The Seventh Seal