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gossamer-6
Reviews
The Lightship (1985)
Claustrophobic sexuality
There is no art devised by man that does not include sexuality of some sort. The Lighthouse is no exception to this rule. Brandauer sees nothing wrong in stirring bad-guy Duvall's bathwater. Neither does his son seem to mind Arliss Howard's kiss. The claustrophobic atmosphere of this ship is dense with sexuality. It has other qualities as well. That is of course obvious.To my mind it is an excellent thriller. I have always been keen on sea faring vessels. This film is not perfect. But it surprises me each time I watch it. Not maybe the best but surely not the worst. Try watching it with an open mind. It seems to have this not so rare hate or love quality. That is definitely it's forte.
The Matthew Shepard Story (2002)
All you need is love
I have read all the summaries, all 21 of them. What a turnout of a 300 million inhabitants. It seems to me that there are only a handful who care or have the gumption to express an opinion about the film. This makes me sad and tired. In my humble opinion Matthew Shepard died for noting, nothing at all. This otherwise admirable nation is cloven into a myriad of minorities held together by something called America. It is foolish to use this term to judge the innocent lifestyles of others. Matthew is a case in point. Yes he was raped in Morocco but he was bludgeoned to death in America. There are many more intelligent and eloquent people than me who have expressed their views on this site. But do tell me in what civilized society has a person been killed for his or her sexual preference in the last hundred years? America, you have a lot to learn even in warfare which does not seem to go too well lately. I mean no harm. The players were exquisite one and all. There is only so much you can fit into a short TV-film. Looking back on Brokeback Mountain. Isn't it high time that the gay man doesn't either go mad or is brutally killed and maimed. As an admirer of American cinema I long for that. When do you think that will happen. Never I fear.
Shutter Island (2010)
Case in point
I'm at a loss here. Let it suffice to say that this is an excellent piece of movie-making and stellar performances. Thing is, I always knew Leonardo DiCaprio was good. I saw him for the first time in a Western-European venture called 'Total Eclipse'(Please don't mix us with the former Soviet slave countries. They haven't changed much since the fall of communism)where he played the French poet Arthur Rimbaud. He was quite young then but it was obvious that the man had a great talent. I don't believe a word of those who say that he tried to stop its distribution in any way. His co-star David Thewlis(Verlaine)would never have agreed to that. Such cases tend to be counter-productive. Anyway I saw it televised and it was immense in all it's raw intensity and humanity. Something not often seen on television. I was wise enough to tape it, but that's another story. But back to Leonardo DiCaprio. He just does not seem to put a foot wrong. He excels in all his endeavors. On the table beside me I have:'The Aviator','The Departed', 'Blood Diamond', Body of Lies and 'Shutter Island'. In none of these cases does he falter. He marvels at what he does best; acting. I seriously doubt that any contemporary actor has shown such skill in his chosen profession. To cut it short I like the guy tremendously. There is actually nothing about him that irritates me, which is rare with me. Shutter Island is a great movie. Wheather your preference be DVD or Blu-ray doesn't matter. I guarantee you're gonna love this one. Or the beer's on me. A second viewing is even more rewarding, if you get my drift. In any case enjoy, and take a look at Mr. DiCapripo's other work. So let's all love him and have fun with him. He enjoys what he's doing and does so exceedingly well. Greetings from the North-Pole amigos. 'Vinir' in Old Norse. Remember the less you like my review the better the film is. I have that reputation, you see.
Green Zone (2010)
Bourne goes epic
'Bourne goes epic' is the summary on the front of my BD. What is an epic? Epic is a story of heroes of ancient times. It has got nothing to do with Green Zone. Green Zone is about killing, and the more the merrier. Mr. Damon does nothing for this film. I sincerely doubt that anyone could have. It is simply a non starter, a dud. The tireless chasing of a seemingly dangerous Iraqi, killing countless people in the process. One hears about the occasional 'mishap' in Iraq and road bombings where people are killed or maimed. But nothing on this scale. Is this film really built on actual facts or is it the sick drivel of a driven mind. I'm not sure I care to know. Anyway I'm sorry I bought the disc. I will probably give it to charity. What a better way to dispose of this fiasco.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969)
Ignoramous
I don't know the author of the book and I do not know the director's other work. But I have a gut feeling. I saw this film on TV when I was quite young and once on tape years ago. I know that a review should be at least ten lines long. What I remember doesn't take long to describe. This is easily one of the best films I've ever seen. The acting of the two protagonists is breathtaking. I wish the disc was available here. I'd buy it in an instance. If you read this don't hesitate to rent or buy this film. Some reviews have been derogatory I'm sorry to say. My advise is see it for yourself and then judge. There is an unbearable beauty in all its squalor. Give it a chance. It's definitely worth it. Such humanity hasn't been seen on the screen since Women in Love. Add those two to your collection. I feel confident that you will not be disappointed.
Invictus (2009)
Handsome is as handsome does
I just watched Invictus for the second time tonight. From the review I had submitted previously there seemed to be something wildly wrong with my eyes. My review was discarded by all four readers. Should I reconsider my opinion? I thought so. There must have been something I missed. Mr. Nelson Mandela is a human being of great magnitude. So is Mr. Morgan Freeman and Mr. Clint Eastwood. So I decided to give the film another try. I have Video On Demand so it isn't much trouble to find it outside the cinema. I don't even have to buy the disc. Which I will eventually. But all this is beside the point. What the movie left behind was the astonishing Mr. Damon's new physique, showing it all, practically. I could hardly believe my eyes. He has grown from a physically unbelievably attractive Mr. Ripley to The Incredible Hulk. His face is bloated and not at all of any resemblance to the one I used to love . In my humble opinion muscles like that can only be achieved through years of workout, unless steroids are part and parcel of it. I went online to check various facts, because I thought I was somehow terribly wrong. I'm afraid I wasn't. Rugby is not a muscle-bound middle-aged men's game. Believe you me. See The Four Feathers UK (2002). What Invictus amounts to though, in all it's unmistakable excellence, is partly a prelude to a gay skin flick, whatever other qualities it does have. With all due respect. A question: What purpose does Matt Damon's naked torso serve in a picture of a nations' emancipation? I simply cannot get over the gay instructor's showing his class how to build an Invictus body. I wasn't wrong. Something else is. Great as it may be in other areas. My god what a disappointment, and I won't budge. Muscle up some strength and put your computer to good use. There is nothing wrong with an excellent musculature, Greek style. But this is really quite over the top.... Greek style.
There is nothing wrong with being gay. I am comfortably so. But what we have here is a hot potato. God bless Mr. Damon. May he find a new comfort zone and restart from there. I'll buy the disc, and that's a promise my friend. How generous and condescending of me.
Well, with all things considered I still love Mr. Matt Damon. As a demonstration of that I bought a Blu-ray Disc of his new Green Zone as promised. I'll give it an open minded once over some rainy day with a widely open mind. I am also going to watch all three Bourne pictures for the fourth or fifth time. I seem to have wound up owning those on DVD as well as a few others with Matt. Whatever possessed me. Love I'd say, respect and admiration. My 10/10 stands.
Troy (2004)
Bosh
'Modern art is all bosh, isn't it', says young Cordelia to Charles Ryder in 'Brideshead Revisited', to which he agrees. Well, I just finished watching 'Troy' and it's all Bosh. The setting is elaborate and lavish, the battles lively and an abundance of untimely deaths. Just as a good action movie should be. But there it all ends. The only true to the Iliad part of the film is Achilles's heel. A siege that lasted years is all rolled up in a few weeks. There is no doubt in my mind that a person who has actually read the Iliad that Achilles and Patroclus were lovers. Any other interpretation is simply childish or blissfully ignorant. I do not mince my words. Nor do I want to bore readers to defend something so obvious but never hinted at in the film. If the director could find it in himself to cover his one eye, why didn't he cover both of them. This 2 disc widescreen edition will end in the rubbish bin. Flawed as it may be at times I want to end this lesson by trying to interest movie goers in 'Alexander' by Oliver Stone. An infinitely superior production.
Legends of the Fall (1994)
Handsome is ans handsome does
I have read a number of reviews of this particular film. What strikes me as odd is that so far no one has mentioned the beauty of Brad Pitt. His looks aren't just ordinary, they are extraordinary. Tristan, a beautiful name, suits him well. But looks alone do not make a good actor, he is one. Without further ado I want to point out that the cast is extraordinary. Hopkins's drawing out of his gun from out of his bear-skin coat to defend his son must move every hardened heart, as did Alfred his brother. I am not in favor of every-man's rifle-bearing, but in this particular instance I could not see another end to this dilemma. I, the pacifist craved for this conclusion (the American word escapes me). At this point I must admit that I am a particular fan of Mr.Pitts. Many may disagree with me but there is no compare. He has an amiable smile, wet lips and never, never, tries to be anything but himself. But I was going to to review the film. Actually there isn't much to say apart from it's excellence as a piece of cinematographic work. The story is Tristan who outlives everybody who loves him despite all odds. I find it heart-rending. For native English speakers I apologize for my shortcomings of my English language. But then, we cannot all be perfect. Can we.
Avatar (2009)
Blown away
I rated this picture ten out of ten. Firstly because I am a Sigourney Weaver fan and she never gets less than eight from these quarters. But the big news is Sam Worthington who puts all the usual waxed muscle-bound boys to shame with his arresting yet unobtrusive good looks. It is easy to identify with him which is essential if one wants to get into groove with this spectacular film. Thank you Mr. Cameron for excellent entertainment and food for thought, environmentally I mean. In any case a great picture, much better than The Hurt Locker which was at best boring. I bought the disc so hopefully some of the royalties will go into making another great picture for us mortals to enjoy.
Maurice (1987)
Hard to be equaled
It is touching to see all these wonderful reviews of Maurice (1987) people have felt in their hearts to share with us others. I am of the same persuasion. This Merchant/Ivory production is without compare. I taped it when it was broadcast here in otherwise dull Iceland. Of course I had seen it a number of times in the theater, but that did not stop me. I would watch this film every time I felt out of sorts and it always improved my mood. In fact I am hooked on it. If I understand correctly this film was a debut for Wilby, Grant and Rupert Graves. These characters grow on you and they seem to become lifetime friends. I am especially partial to the all too seldom a truly happy ending. So friends out there lets rejoice.
There is, however, a novel that has not caught the attention of the movie-makers. This is The Charioteer by the late Mary Renault. That book has given me even more comfort than Maurice has ever done. Why that is so can only be in the mind of the perspective reader. I fear that in our oh so sterile western societies where smoking and heavy drinking are frowned upon, to say the least that this particular book would not appeal to the general public, but from the kind words afforded by you on Maurice I wager that you would love to see The Charioteer in your favorite theater or in the privacy of your home. The Charioteer takes us back to World War II to a military hospital. To make a long story short the book portrays the love of a particular wounded soldier for two different young men and the soul-wrestling that tortures him, one of the beloved being a Quaker, the other someone he used to know and admire from school. The Oliver Stone film Alexander was mainly based on Ms.Renault trilogy, Fire From Heaven, The Persian Boy and Funeral Games. So without boring you further I suggest that if any person of consequence in the film business reads these words and takes a close look at this particular book, and think twice. The cast would of course have to be British but don't we all love the Brits anyway? Wouldn't Emma Thompson be the ideal producer? I'm all for it and Branagh the director?
Cry-Baby (1990)
Some like it hot
Enough has been said about the otherwise quite good cast of Cry Baby. I read all the reviews a few weeks ago and seem to remember a few mentions of the homo-erotic content of the film. I may be wrong but this has mysteriously disappeared from the site. The fact remains, however, that the homo-erotic content is unmistakable. What about the eminently desirable slim hipped male players. Johnny Depp has a universal appeal. All the world seems to be in love with him, male or female. Only a handful of actors seem to have this attribute. To my mind the females were a bit of the fleshy type and strangely devoid of sex appeal. Grimaced or very pregnant. I have no intention of seeming nasty but in my opinion this film would be nothing without the adorable Mr. Depp. Sorry folks.
A Home at the End of the World (2004)
A wonderful moving film
I ask myself if I really have the right to review a film that I have already given full marks. However, I think a few words won't harm, especially to those who have yet to see it. It is not really a prerequisite to have read the book bearing the same title. In fact I recommend that future readers and viewers see the film first. There are differences that can be a little disconcerting if the book is taken a bit too literally. I will not go into details though. That would be unfair to those of you who are at least mildly interested. I do, however, want to state categorically that the cast is excellent, and the twists and turns of the plot positively delightful. Having read the book first, myself, I was in for a few surprises. But those were pleasant ones. Mr. Cunningham has made a few changes from the book I wager will appeal to a wider audience. I feel it unnecessary to describe the plot in any detail. All I want to add is that the film is destined to be liked by all who think you can dance to anything - even Mozart.
John Silver's Return to Treasure Island (1986)
Years later you still can hear roar of the cannons
I was thirty-odd years old when I watched this mini-series. Despite my age I enjoyed them passionately. This production had an exceptional cast with British actors, which was befitting. I didn't tape the episodes at the time, much to my chagrin. I have often-times caught myself yearning to revisit this great adventure once again, which is I find in now way inferior to the original Treasure Island, now only fragments in my memory. But the sequel has lived with me for a long time. Now I have learned, however, from a previous comment that the series is out on DVD region 2. Which is basically Europe proper. I shall rush out tomorrow morning, first thing, and order this 3 disc set. Thanks for keeping me abreast of things. We're, most of us, children at heart, I find.
Making Love (1982)
A Thoroughly Beautiful Film
I was going through some forgotten tapes in some boxes down in my cellar when I found a long forgotten tape of Making Love. I took it with me upstairs. Over twenty years ago I would curl down and watch this film almost every night. I was recently out but I found the film just beautiful to watch and the protagonists so beautiful. Especially Michael Ontkean (But some would name Mr. Hamlin, I'm sure), his beauty is just as I remembered it breathtaking. But on to the film. I'm writing this from Iceland, as possible readers have guessed. Being gay hasn't been an issue in my country for over twenty years. We also have an openly gay Prime Minister. In 2009 we have gained all civil rights straight people have. This has been a struggle we gays won. Well I decided to give the film a chance so I sat down in the autumn night dark stillness and watched the film again after so many years. What surprised me while watching how claustrophobic the film appears at times. I became a little shy watching it. It was as I were peaking through a key-hole. I never noticed that before and Mr. Hamlin was not quite so into this atmosphere. Mr. Ontkean rendered his performance admirably, so did Ms. Kate Jackson. As to the impact of this film considering that it was screened in 1982 it was a remarkable breakthrough. I remember watching it at a cinema in down-town Reykjavik in 1983,if memory serves me. It might have been a year later than that. I don't remember anybody standing up to leave the cinema, but there was quite a buzz when the two men kissed for the first time. To me the film is a period classic. And a brave one too. Kudos to the actors and the director. I don't really know what else there is to say except I urge you to find a copy of this film and give it a try. I can promise you will not be disappointed I know I wasn't. I'll give give it a year and I will put it on my screen and enjoy it perhaps even more this time. It's a 147 minutes of pure pleasure.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
The Umpteenth Time
I'm sitting here at half-past five in the morning-darkness of the arctic circle in mid-winter; the only light coming from the television set and a shaded lamp. I'm watching: yes you've got it right. 'Brokeback Mountain' for the umpteenth time. I don't think that any other film has had such an influence on me before. When I saw it for the first time on the silver screen I was slightly confused as what to think of it. If anything I was sort of numb but in a good way, and very,very,happy,and at the same time very sad because of the ending. The film was like a dream come true except for Jake's tragic death. And why kill one of the protagonists? Is that what gay life is all about, not existing anywhere in real life, but just a nice idea? I wonder. However, thank you all for a great film.
The Tudors (2007)
Genuinely surprised
I've just been watching the 4th. episode of 'The Tudors' and it really surprised me. The first two episodes did not bode well as to what was to come.
Much to my surprise this mini-series seems to grow better and better, and it has its own kind of humor no one seems to have noticed. Just look at Henry jump over a ditch with a flagpole only to splash head first into the water and getting stuck there and having had to be rescued by his fellows.
Sam Neill can never go wrong but contrary to so many viewers I like Jonathan Rhys Meyers's Henry the VIII immensely. Quite simply he is the handsomest guy on the set. Utterly believable.