Slumdog Millionaire- just saw this one yesterday. Mr. Bennett once asked the question of whether or not this film will stand the test of time and will truly be memorable. And my answer is no. Rather clever plot idea, and it had some action (in the form of guns and interrogation torture), a childhood romance, and some humor, but it was nothing amazing. Don't know what all the fuss was about. My reaction after it was over was "aww.... now, where's my calculus hw?"
Citizen Kane- I found this film to be rather dry, like most old films. The whole black and white era seems like its a taste that must be acquired. Not only does it lack color (which kills me because it reminds me that I'm watching a movie. It's hard to feel like you're in the story when the story's world is in greytone), but also the time period is different. Cultural differences between then and now (speech, dress, beliefs, values, architecture, etc...) sometimes don't line up with the present's, and sometimes I feel like a good deal is lost in translation... In that way black and white movies have always seemed distant to me. Anyway, Citizen Kane. I haven't much to say about it. No one will ever know the significance or unsignificance of Rosebud, and it's aggravating, because it makes the movie's meaning ambiguous. Rosebud seemed very out of line with Kane's character, although that's possibly the point. I don't know. I don't understand why someone's actions and feelings would be such polar opposites...
Midnight Cowboy- I've really enjoyed this one so far. It may be ridiculous, but it sure is memorable. The beginning was interesting. I especially like when he first gets to NYC and how no one talks to him. It's especially true. In other parts of the country, it's very customary to greet and speak to total strangers and pass the time with them. I was in New Mexico and Texas just this August and I was often thrown off by how friendly people are. It's very nice. We miss out on a lot of socialization here. The east coast is ridiculously overrated if you ask me.
Alright that's all for now, I'm tired of thinking.
I definitely agree with you about Slumdog Millionaire, I don't think ti will stand the test of time either. You made a good point about the black and white movies, I never thought of it that way before
ReplyDeleteI've also always felt it was harder to get involved in a black and white film because of the lack of color. But that just shows me that whenever I do see a black and white film I like, it must have been REALLY good to get my mind off of the greytone and get it on the story.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Slumdog Millionaire, and I don't think it's fair to guess that a film won't be able to stand the test of time. Because honestly, you can't be sure of that. It's just conjecture. You never know, you may see the film again when you get older and you appreciate it more than you did now. It's impossible to determine now.
Thanks for wrting the kind of post that I asked for today in class. Knowing your talent, I can't imagine it took you all day, and yet it's got a lot of thoughtful commentary and analysis. Hopefully, your classmates will read this and see that one doesn't need to be encyclopedic on order to be articulate. Thanks to Benny and Nick for commenting.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I do agree with you that Slumdog was a good movie, but I do not think that it will last very long. I think it will be remembered mainly for being a "Bollywood" film that won Best Picture but I don't think that the story or anything is outstanding, although it is very good.
ReplyDeleteCitizen Kane, I personally did enjoy but I understand your criticisms. Watching an old and B+W movie is very difficult and when I watch it is very clear that it is a movie, but I try to look past the B+W and get engrossed in the film itself.
I don't feel I can give accurate criticism/praise to Midnight Cowboy yet but the beginning is certainly memorable and you are absolutely right with your comments on tourists and the friendliness of other areas.
Aw. I love watching black and white movies. I feel like they enhance the mood of the movie much more. But you're definitely right, it is an acquired taste.
ReplyDeleteAnd I definitely agree about Slumdog. A really cute, happy movie, but nothing completely breathtaking or unique.
I couldnt agree with you more about your comment on the east coast. I too traveled to other places like California, and it is a bit shocking how nice people can be and that they actually say "thank you" or hold the door for you. By noticing this to oneself, Midnight Cowboy certainly depicts that standpoint very well. Traveling to such a big city can be a very different experience, especially with no money, or no place to go, and i believe this movie is doing an excellent job on showing its audience the troubles one may face.
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