Library Loot
I’m thrilled to report that I actually watched all four movies that I checked out the last time at the library. This is quite a feat since I had a ton of family here last weekend and attended a wedding that included several days of activity. Here are some quick thoughts about the last loot.
Topsy Turvy – I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to. I have yet to find a Mike Leigh movie that I didn’t enjoy, so this shouldn’t have been a huge a surprise. Jim Broadbent was hilarious, and although it ran around 210 minutes, it actually flew by. I was impressed.
Twin Falls Idaho – I enjoyed this movie. I’d probably give it three out of four stars. It’s not really my type of genre, but I was impressed it was a first-time film for Michael Polish who also starred as one of the siamese twin brothers.
The Marriage of Maria Braun - I didn’t expect to really like this film, but it actually blew me away. The fact it’s thirty years old and didn’t seem dated at all was really impressive. But I was also thrilled by the direction style of Fassbinder. I’ll definitely be checking out more of his stuff.
L’avventura – This was definitely my favorite of the bunch. I have a tough time with slow pacing, but I didn’t at all here. This is the first Antonioni film I’ve seen, and I think I may have already become a big fan. I knew I liked the movie, but once I watched my favorite scenes again with the commentary by Gene Youngblood, I was completely hooked. Not to mention Monica Vitti is insanely hot.
Here’s this week’s loot:
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Oh man…BLOW-UP takes me back. I studied photography in college, so that one was required viewing.
That Youngblood commentary is outstanding; it is one of Criterion’s best scholarly tracks, along with Robert Stam’s “Contempt” track and Peter Cowie’s for “The Seventh Seal.” I am glad you enjoyed the film, Blake. Needless to say, if you are infatuated with Vitti, the next stop is “L’Eclisse.”
Today, I did my own version of Library Loot with a few movies mentioned. I always wanted to see Miller’s Crossing and will be interested in hearing what you think about it.