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gedhead
Reviews
Il mio viaggio in Italia (1999)
I'll go to the movies with Marty anyday!
I have watched this documentary on SBS television, which broke the film up into a five part series. My initial curiosity to see a respected and innovative director speak about some of his favorite films has turned into an amazing fascination and unexpected, delightful education in Italian cinema! Scorsese's commentary makes all the difference - humorous (loved the story about going to the barber!), insightful, passionate, and at times overwhelming intimate. Sometimes I could swear he's sitting on the other couch, pointing out significant and personal moments in the film clips for me. I certainly am inspired to rent some of these films from our local library, as well as revisit some of Scorsese's own works to compare the influence. No self respecting film fan should miss this opportunity to learn from one of the greatest film makers (and film fanatic in his own right) of our time. When are we going to the movies again, Marty? I'll buy the popcorn!!
Micallef Tonight (2003)
Unlucky 13
Only 13 episodes and this show was unfairly, unceremoniously canned. It is evident from the support it gets from fans posting to the Internet that Micallef has a loyal following and deservedly so. He is truly the funniest man in Australia, and possibly the funniest in the world (but I have not seen the comedic talents of the Nepalese or Madagasgarians, so I could be jumping to conclusions here). Either way, the show had brilliant moments, but to try and balance satire and the genuine article is a difficult mix. I think Micallef was restrained by the conventional expectations of what he "should" do on a talk show, but was at his best when he just did what he wanted to do. I think it is clear he did not have complete creative control over this show, nor a budget to do it justice. Shaun, please don't stay away from Aussie telly for too long. You are too good and too loved!!!
Woman Wanted (1999)
Poorly paced
I was pretty surprised to find this in the video store as it seemed like it might be an obscure film. I read Kiefer Sutherland has since removed his name from the director credits, replaced by infamous Alan Smithee, and after watching this, I can see why. "Woman Wanted" is full of promise but suffers from poor emotional pacing, and poor editing. It takes a moment to sometimes realize the scene you are watching takes place some time after the previous scene, giving no indication to the amount of time passage as the characters grow to know each other. As a result, emotional developments seem awkward and at times, unmotivated, or just plain unbelievable. Holly Hunter just seemed flat the whole film through, and Kiefer Sutherland, seemly to have miscast himself, plays Wendell like he is six years old. What is with the Christopher Robin look? I think if more screen time had been allowed to show the emotional attachments develop, and better editing cues to herald the passage of time, the emotions the actors portrayed would have seemed more believable. I would love to see Kiefer to continue honing his directorial skills, but he still has some learning to do...consider this effort one of his film school kindergarten projects.