I'm not much of a movie buff. With the OC away, there are days I don't even turn on the television. But our local movie rental joint keeps wooing me, with phone messages to say they haven't seen me in a while, and they miss me, and if I come in soon they'll have a free rental for me. So, as a big- hearted gesture [wouldn't want them pining away], I went to see what was available last weekend.
Usually the new releases are wiped out. Usually I get in there and suffer instant "deer -in -the headlights" syndrome. Can't recall anything I've read, good, bad, or indifferent, about any of the films. Usually I walk out in desperation with duds, or nothing at all. Not this time though.
I got the last copy on the shelf of The Departed. I was vaguely aware that it was in the running for best Picture at the Oscars. And I got The Illusionist, just because it sounded interesting.
Well.
They won't be calling me to judge the Oscars any time soon. I was appalled to hear that The Departed won best picture. Boo. Hiss. It was horrible. Even if it did have a good story, as my son said. How can you pay attention to the story when you're gasping at the brutality, when people are getting their heads blown off, and you can't hear the dialogue for the gunfire and the cursing?
We get this kind of movie because it's supposedly what the American Public wants. Count me out as a member of the AP then. How can we hope to achieve world peace when violence is our favourite form of entertainment? How can we expect young people to sound civilised when cursing is so glorified? Call me a cantankerous old prune if you like, but I find it dismally depressing, and instead of taking a bow, Martin Scorsese should be ashamed of himself, and slink off into a corner.
The Illusionist, on the other hand, was the best few hours entertainment I've had in ages. I was mesmerised from start to finish. The king's English instead of cursing . Some violence, but so well woven into the story that it didn't make you leap out of your chair in horror. And such a clever, unexpected twist at the end! Add to all that, superb acting, beautiful music, stunning costumes and a little romance. Sigh. At least someone out there is still making movies for us old fashioned types.
11 comments:
Looking at your booklist for a moment- I did enjoy Jonathan Livingstone Seagull. We lived by the sea, & I had been trying to draw seagulls. Along with a very creative & artistic neighbour.
I have not seen the movies so cannot comment.
It is great to see you back!!
OMG I just realised it looks as if I was trying to draw the neighbour!
No. We were both trying to draw seagulls, from our seperate lives, as we walked upon the beach!
I agree with you Molly. Apart from the violence, I tune out every time a gratuitous sex scene is shown. Ugh.
Give me an old fashioned, well written and acted storyline any day.
In fact, it doesn't even need to be old fashioned, just classy.
I don't do movies much either, but I'd heard The Departed was heavy on the gratuitous violence. Some think it only won the Oscar because the Academy wanted to give it to Mr. Scorsese. The Illusionist sounds interesting. I'm trying to badger MB to join Netflix -- saves the bewildered hunting at the rental shop -- so I can have something to occupy my mind while I knit and knit and knit.
I absolutely hate violent movies and was amazed that most of the ones up for oscars were violent. However, rent Little Miss Sunshine! It is the best movie I have seen in ages. It shows a family going from alienation to unity. Also, as one person pointed out, money is an issue. THey are not mega-rich with no need to work. I loved it.
Relax Meggie... Totally got that you and the neighbour were both drawing the seagulls! Although the human figure is also a worthy, if frustratring, subject.
Ditto on your comment Aunty. I don't like having to squirm on my own couch.
Netflix sounds like a plan Liz--but then my friends at the movie gallery would be lonely! I think we'll have to take Joyce's suggestion and rent Little Miss Sunshine when you visit this month. Kelli also raved about it.
I haven't seen either movie, either, but I am now curious to see the Illusionist. I do not enjoy the violence or cursing, either... so, I say cantankerous old prunes unite! ;)Hope you're well, Molly
Where did the nursing post go?
You have such a sweet smile, Molly!
What?? or should I say, pardon me??
Molly, I was reading Meggie's post and mixed you two up. Sadly, I have nothing to blame for this but plain old sleepiness. Another reason I should drink!
I'll bet you do have a nice smile, though!
Not insane, just quirky,
Jess
Hip hooray for old-fashioned types! I can't do violent movies either and will be doing my best to steer my boys away from that sort of 'entertainment'.
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