1. Grizzly Man (2005): This has to be one of the best documentary films I've seen; which i guess, isn't saying alot since I haven't seen that many. Timothy Treadwell was fucking insane...okay, that's harsh...he was eccentric. There are many that believe he deserved what he got (this isn't a spoiler); I just thought it was a beautiful film and Herzog handled it beautifully (although his narration was beyond corny). I also choose to reject that corny ass poster above me. The wack CGI bear and the ridiculous tagline does not do the film justice. 8/10
If You Like This, You Want to See:
Into the Wild (2007) Sean Penn/Emile Hirsch. Once again, a true story in which a fool hardy "crazy white boy" decides to go into the wilderness and try to do the impossible. I think both Penn and Herzog handle the subject so respectfully and try their best not to take sides in the perpetual debate between these guys are stupid and these guys were epic/amazing/thoughtful. I consider Emile's performance an apology for Alpha Dog. I don't think I've forgiven him for Speed Racer though.
The King of Kong: Fistful of Quarters (2007) The only other documentary I've seen that has immediately stood out, that's probably because it views like fiction. The director clearly takes sides and portrays a pretty clear-cut villain and hero (DAMN YOU BILLY!).
In America (2004): I don't really get it. I love me some Samantha Morton and Djimon Honsou but to me, the film overall was just OK. I did like how it felt like it was made in the 90's despite it being a relatively recent film. I think that atmosphere derives from my disbelief in the locale. Alot of the story comes from the building the family lives in but I don't believe such things have existed for more than 10 years. Any New Yorker that views it may be able to articulate it better but it just seemed unreal..so much so, that it was distracting. GREAT performances by Morton and Honsou though. I'm kinda beginning to get a straight girl crush on Samantha Morton, I've never seen anything she's done in which she doesn't shine. 6/10
If You Like This, You Want to See:
1. The Visitor (2007): For some reason the films resonate similarly. Richard Jenkins, who was that actor that did that thing one time, was surprisingly nominated for an Oscar for this. He's a great actor, it just seemed out of the blue. worth renting, not buying.
2. Mister Lonely (2007): Diego Luna, Samantha Morton, Directed by Harmony Korine (KIDS! i also suggest you look up an interview with him). The movie isn't outstanding but once again, Morton blows me away. SEE ALSO: CODE 46, MINORITY REPORT.
Taking Woodstock (2009): I got this because I had a major film crush on Emile Hirsch after Into the Wild. I was following production and was really looking forward to it. It's directed by Ang Lee, stars Demetri Martin (who i actually hadn't heard of before this). Both Martin and Hirsch stand out the most in a film. I think it was OK, it wasn't great but it was definitely good. My biggest accolade has to go to Imelda Staunton (plays Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter), she has the uncanny ability to play a huge bitch but I think she brought some great complexities to the character. 7/10 (because of Staunton).
If You Like This, You Want to See:
1. Almost Famous (2000): I realize this is a semi-easy connection but if you haven't seen it, you must!
2. Lords of Dogtown (2005): This didn't get great reviews but I thought it was pretty awesome. It was written by Stacy Peralta (if you don't know who he is...you need to and the movie is the best way to find out!), directed by Catherine Hardwicke (I think we should all forgive her for Twilight) and stars John Robinson (Elephant), Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk (Raising Victor Vargas), and Heath Ledger (doing a pretty damn good job!). It's about skateboarders in the 70's but it has a similar "let's all get together and do something amazing" vibe.
Holy Smoke! (1999): I once heard an excerpt from a Kate Winslet interview in which she regaled us on her audition process with Harvey Keitel. Keitel told her to act as if she lost her dog...and he played the dog. I'm thinking this is the film the audition was for and the audition process while bizarre, is pretty fitting considering Holy Smoke! Keitel's character is beyond bizarre as he goes through a transition that is hard to examine if you're not looking to closely. He goes from a professional to wearing a dress and rolling around on the floor. You know...it happens. Winslet plays an Australian who was brought back home after a stint in India joining a "religious cult" hilarity and the bizarre ensue. BTW: directed by the Jane Campion. 6/10
1. An Angel At My Table (1990): This was my first Campion film. I absolutely loved it. It's fairly long but if you can get through it, its well worth it. It's somewhat of a biopic about Janet Frame, who was a writer with some "psychiatric" issues. Kerry Fox gives a performance that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I followed this with some of her other films and I have to say, this and In the Cut are the only ones that amazed me (An Angel... much more so).
2. Heavenly Creatures (1994): Another early Winslet film, directed by Peter Jackson (!) and more rewarding than Holy Smoke! Creepy yet incredible.
I AM SORRY THAT THIS IS SO LONG (IF ANYBODY EVER READS THIS). I'LL BE FOLLOWING THIS WITH ANOTHER LONG POST. I'M JUST TRYING TO CATCH UP WITH THE FILMS I'VE SEEN SO FAR AND THEN BE ABLE TO DO ONE POST A DAY).
