The entire movie was shot in evening twilight which is why the cinematography is like nothing else since maybe "Days of Heaven". Just a beautifully shot film.
The Revenant
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Lots of Malick influence. Hard to shoot a film entirely outdoors and not borrow from Malick though; he is probably the best at it.
Probably why I give it the best movie I've seen this year. You certainly have to be very patient watching it but in the end I find it to be a masterpiece.
Spotlight 2nd, Martian 3rd for me.
Hyperbole much? Slurp slurp ... they're wizards and we're mere mortals slurp slurp.
That's because the story is completely meh and the film doesn't connect you with the characters.
Once the shine wears off it'll be seen for what it is. It's a well crafted, freshly polished turd.
Considering this is my life, my passion and what I do for a living then I feel I can say that when it is warranted. I don't dish this kind of praise out very often. Last year it was Jonathan Glazer's Under The Skin that I was enamored with and a film that I think will be revisited for years to come as a master work. If I was just an average bloke that goes to the theater a handful of times a year then yeah it might be hyperbole. Innaritu is one of the most important directors working right now. I am a great admirer of his recent contributions to cinema. And Chivo, I mean come on. The guy is a top 5 DP of all time. That isn't even up for debate.
Most people have never seen nor heard of "Days of Heaven" yet it is pretty much the gold standard in cinematography and talked about by critics and those that love film. Just because Joe Blow might not appreciate it doesn't mean there aren't people that understand and admire well made films.
The Revenant got 12 nominations. That in and of itself puts it in great company and assures it will be remembered. It's not a perfect film but it is a beautifully shot film.
The Revenant got 12 nominations. That in and of itself puts it in great company and assures it will be remembered. It's not a perfect film but it is a beautifully shot film.
Sometimes it takes patience to understand the genius in art. Sometimes it's so genius people don't get it. There is a reason it will win so many awards.
I know why they used them, but it was unnecessary and took away from the grittiness of the film. We don't need to be force fed a back story with slowmo death scenes at the hands of whitey. It's clichéd. The pain of seeing your child gutted is more than enough motivation for retribution.
It's one of only a few complaints of the film. But it's a rather big one that sucks the the life / momentum from the story.
So, pretty much what I said. A beautifully shot movie. A brilliant piece of cinematography. All the while a trite, boring revenge movie with absolutely no character development.
I'm glad you work in the industry. This is an overrated bore. but, but, it's pretty!!! slurp slurp. i work in movies. slurp. i should know. slurp gulp ahhhh
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And sometimes people fall in love with hype and have no idea what good writing and storytelling is. Go watch aerial America, dumbass.
Calling me a dumbass for liking a movie. Guess that's your right. Uncalled for though and getting pretty personal.
Personal? Really?
We were having a back-n-forth argument about a movie. It was meaningless, but you got your feelings hurt. I'll edit my "dumbass".
You're a *****.
We were having a back-n-forth argument about a movie. It was meaningless, but you got your feelings hurt. I'll edit my "dumbass".
You're a *****.
We have clearly struck a nerve with this guy for liking a movie and giving our opinion.
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[roll][laughing]
Dude, those laughy faces are uncalled for and personal, imo.
To be clear, I'm being over the top for the sake of internet fun. I don't actually hate you, cawood.
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I was going to let this go, but then you went back and edited it to make it personal. I don't really understand the animosity but that's your issue not mine. Back to the topic. I'm not sure you understand what character development means so I'm not even going to get into that. But if you are going to use poor character development and boring as a way to dismiss a piece of art then you pretty much make your opinion irrelevant. Man with a movie camera, a film you've probably never heard of, has little to no character development and it's a brilliant and cinematic cornerstone. Indiana Jones, a movie you've probably seen, has no character arc. Indy is the same person at the end as he was at the beginning. Some stories have flat arcs. That doesn't make them bad. Some stories aren't even stories. The Revenant is a situation. A situation doesn't have to have a character arc. It can have an arc but it doesn't require one and it doesn't diminish it if it chooses to keep the arc flat. If you didn't like it that's fine. I don't like the Bicycle Thieves but that doesn't change its impact on the evolution of cinema. You should probably refrain from critiquing things you don't know how to critique.
I'm not sure you know what personal means, but thanks for the book about character development. I can't wait to watch the next movie/play about a situation!!
So the guy's kid is stabbed while he lays in his own grave. What a situation!!
What is everybody's favorite situation by Shakespeare?
What is everybody's favorite situation by Shakespeare?
So guys, what other two hour and 36 minute situations have you watched in theaters recently? I really enjoyed "Honey, Where'd I'd Put Those Damn Keys At Again?" and "This Brand Of Toilet Paper Hurts My Butt Hole."
Nice attempt to bait him with the original title instead of the Americanized bastardization. Well done.... but...
How on earth can you not like that movie? I understand matters of taste but that pretty much is like not liking ice cream? I love the simple earnest uncomplicated stark truth of that film and it goes without saying that it is universally considered one of the greatest movies ever made. You are the first person I've ever met that didn't like it, actually. I understand completely not liking Citizen Kane as I myself don't quite understand the adulation, but disliking such a bittersweet story as Bicycle Thieves is rather interesting.
Have you ever re-watched it to confirm your dislike? Maybe you weren't in the proper mood to view a film of this nature the first time you saw it?
Bicycle Thieves is pretty much why I like foreign films and half my personal top 10 are foreign films. I admire the simplicity and the honesty of them without having to resort to a lot of plot devices, twists, or props to keep things interesting. They really hone in on human drama laser-like and make you feel every disappointment or shame as if it were your own. American movies very rarely ascend to the same heights in general. We need to shout or beat you over the head to keep you interested, it would seem. Look at the criticisms of The Revenant in this thread, alone. They weren't entertained enough by the art thus the art is a failure as if that were the point. Not to see and experience something moving but rather be "thrilled" like they were on a amusement park ride with a big handful of cotton candy.
I love Aerial America. It is beautiful cinematography and the character arc of the state is often revealing, yet, candid at the same time.
I started my period last night. Sorry for being such a meanie, guys. I'm not usually like this.
In a visceral sense. More like the soft underside of a lily pad dampened by cool morning dew. You have to submit to it. Let it take you where it wants. Art is a current. Don't fight it or you miss the beauty. You can't be forced. You have to let it take you
I'm not a young boy, and you are not going to talk me into anal sex. Nice try though.
It is one of the greatest films ever made. I don't dispute that at all. And maybe you are correct. Maybe it was the mood I was in when I watched it. I love a lot of other Italian neorealist directors; Fellini, Rossellini, Visconti. I just couldn't get into it. But I appreciate what the movement did for cinema; shooting on location instead of a studio, using real people or non proffesional actors instead of well known stars, using poor/rural areas as the back drop. I was 19 when I watched it so maybe I should revisit it now that I am much older. I rewatched The Earrings of Madame De a couple months ago and it was completely different experience.
Simple unheralded foreign films like "De eso no se habla" with the impeccable Marcello Mastroianni are great to me. A dwarf girl doesn't know she is different until the circus comes to town and the poetic tragic ending are fine viewing.
Also simple movies like "Jean de Florette" which deal with familiar human failings but somehow still manage to be interesting and provocative are the type of movies I enjoy. Doesn't have to be a blockbuster or a classic. I liken these films to American movies of the late 60's and early 70's which is my favorite era of film by far.
Pretty sad what we have to sift through today to find something decent compared to that.
Also simple movies like "Jean de Florette" which deal with familiar human failings but somehow still manage to be interesting and provocative are the type of movies I enjoy. Doesn't have to be a blockbuster or a classic. I liken these films to American movies of the late 60's and early 70's which is my favorite era of film by far.
Pretty sad what we have to sift through today to find something decent compared to that.
Bresson's Au Hasard Balthazar comes to mind. My favorite era as well. It's much more difficult these days but there are still a lot of good films being made. Especially foreign films. Even here at home though folks are making interesting and provocative features. Tangerine is a film from this past year that's available on Netflix that is worth checking out. The Duke of Burgundy and A Pigeon Sat On Branch Reflecting On Existence are also available on Netflix and worthy of a viewing. You just have to dig, go to festivals, or be fortunate enough to live in a city that appreciates cinema.
You would actually be surprised. http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/a_pigeon_sat_on_a_branch_reflecting_on_existence/
"Culture is the habit of being pleased with the best and knowing why."
I sort of agree with both "takes" in this thread, it was artistically brilliant but I didn't really care for the story and theme really... the whole time I couldn't shake the feeling I was watching The Grey just with some pieces moved.
For me film of the year was the room. Ex machina and the big short I thought were pretty good too, but a down year in Hollywood imo
For me film of the year was the room. Ex machina and the big short I thought were pretty good too, but a down year in Hollywood imo