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Reviews
Pi (1998)
oh, man, this was such a cool movie (a horror film about... math? brilliant!)
I saw this a while back so I really can't give a very concrete review, but there are a few things I'd like to mention- first of all, yes, the math involved here is somewhat absurd... oh, but wait a minute, who goes to a feature film to LEARN ABOUT MATH? I think it's pretty sad that there are people who are so obsessive about scientific accuracy that it prevents them from enjoying a brilliant movie not really about math but about PARANOIA. In fact, this would have been a much lesser movie if the math had made any sense; it would have made Max's quest justifiable and could easily have turned this into a sappy Hollywood film (better living through mathematics/paranoid self-obsession: max figures it all out and makes millions, retires and marries the woman next door, haha, wouldn't that be fun?). Instead, it becomes an impressionistic descent into a half-hallucinated hell, and wow, when you realize what's going on, it is gripping. The grainy black and white provides the perfect palette for the film's remarkable, sometimes very frightening images, and the brilliant techno score by Clint Mansell (formerly of Pop Will Eat Itself) backs up what is certainly one of the most compelling films I've ever seen.
Well, ok, so the editing is a little too "MTV," but what did you expect?
I Shot Andy Warhol (1996)
Better and Worse...
A movie that takes on topics as prone to controversy as the art of Andy Warhol and radical feminism is almost sure to garner itself with with passionate fans and spiteful critics alike. Because it portrays its subject matter with such skill, one's opinion on the film likely says something about one's ideas on those matters, and setting aside these opinions will probably yield a much more moderate take on the film. At least it does for me.
Now: as a presentation of the events that led to Warhol's shooting, this film was brilliant. Its portrayal of Solanas's and Warhol's motivations and ideas is done with compassion and clarity; I particularly enjoyed its characterization of Warhol, which, in my opinion, was quite complimentary, contrary to some other opinions expressed on this board. He approaches things with an endearingly childlike innocence, a willingness to accept anything as beautiful... Well, some people might not find that complimentary... Nonetheless, it is his hangers on who come across as cruel and unpleasant. And of course, Lili Taylor plays the idiosyncratic Solanas marvelously.
Unfortunately, the focus on the context of the events causes the film to suffer as a narrative. Many of the mood generating scenes, while providing considerable insight into the characters, seem directionless and unsure. This would not be a problem had they been more visually or emotionally compelling, but as it is, they are only occasionally composed as anything other than simple, plot-furthering shots. The result is that the film seems digressive and unfocused, and this digression mars what could have been a fascinating film.
In the end, though, this is certainly a film worth watching, if you're willing to pay attention, especially when one of its more striking images comes to the surface.
The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1992)
mmmm...pete
well, what can i say? this is quite possibly my favorite television show ever. it is commonly regarded as a childrens show but i first discovered it when i was 17. the brilliance behind the show and it's characters astounded me and i was instantly hooked. the great stories and the awesome guest appearances (chris elliot, michael stipe, etc.) only added to the coolness of the show. i have nothing bad to say about this show except that it was unfortunately cancelled due to nickelodeon's policy of not carrying a show for more than 3 or so seasons. if you are lucky enough to find some tapes watch them and i am sure you too will realize the magnitude of the brothers pete.
Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993)
A brilliant homage to a great musician
I knew very little about Glenn Gould before I saw this film, yet I have come away with a profound understanding of his personality and musical ideals. I have never seen a film take on philosophical ideas as complex as Gould's and convey them so clearly and skillfully before; though he was very eccentric, it is difficult to walk away from this film without understanding his eccentrecity and its contribution to his achievements.