Posts Tagged ‘movies’
The Greatest Character In All of Film
4/12/2008 – 11:48 pm
Michael Corleone is the greatest character in all of film. I watched The Godfather Part II this evening, and I contemplated this as I watched.
No single character undergoes as much turmoil (both internal and external) throughout their films as Michael. Originally, Michael rejects the business of his family. He is purely idealistic, so much so, that he leaves the firm who recently hired him to instead serve as a marine during The Second World War. He places a higher value on his country than his family. Upon his discharge, he enters a relationship with a non-Italian woman, and begins a new life separate from his family’s.
However, fate does not allow this to happen. Michael has the family business thrust upon him when it becomes clear that only he can steer the family through the attempted assassination of his father, Don Vito. When Sonny is killed, Michael is the only legitimate candidate for the next Godfather. Despite his, and his father’s wishes, he must carry the burden of overseeing the family. Michael sets asides his desires for an honest living, in order to protect the respect of his family, which he now values above all else.
Unlike his father, this burden always weighs on Michael. He is never able to escape from the feeling that he must sacrifice in order to preserve the lives of those he cares about. Neither is he able to cope with the separation, which is a necessity, between himself and his wife. Eventually Michael is overtaken by his fatal need for vengeance. When need arises, Michael is ruthless, using his supreme intelligence and strategy to destroy all of his adversaries. During these times, Michael’s ideals and actions are in direct opposition with each other. He constantly relies on criminal action in his attempt to legitimize the family. Ultimately, he is never able to reconcile this difference, which is the great tragedy of his narrative.
Michael is a character of seemingly infinite depth. The only rival I could think of would be Rick from Casablanca. However, at least in my book, Michael sits above even the great romantic of Casablanca as the greatest character in all of film.
What are your thoughts?
Bests of 2007
1/24/2008 – 5:39 pm
Alright, I know this is late. Please cut me some slack. However, these are my picks for the best media of 2007.
Music
In years past, I have ordered this category as a top ten list. This year it seemed too difficult to make a distinction. As a result, I chose my three favorite albums, and decided to include honorable mentions for other albums I enjoyed throughout the year.
Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
If I were judging this contest by album titles alone, Spoon would be near the bottom of the list. Fortunately, Brit Daniel is much more talented at writing undeniably catchy songs than naming albums. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga picks up where Gimme Fiction left off, combining indie and pop in a way that makes so much sense. Songs like “The Underdog” and “You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb” showcase the straightforward pop likability, while the lyrics of “Black Like Me” reminds everyone that Spoon can do more than just write catchy songs.
The National - Boxer
I never listened to Alligator. The dark “Fake Empire” served as my introduction to The National… and I hated it. I listened to the song, and decided The National wasn’t for me. About a week later, I found myself craving the dark, driving melody of the song. Now, after digesting the band for most of the year, I can confidently say that this is one of my favorite albums of 2007. The deep bass tones of Matt Berninger, just add such depths to the sound. “Fake Empire” has grown on me, so much so that I would include it in the top five songs I heard this year.
Feist - The Reminder
Leslie Feist can flat out sing. While I had never listened to her solo work, I have been a fan of Broken Social Scene for a couple years now. Then came “1 2 3 4.” You know, that song from the iPod commercial. This song infiltrated pop culture in a way that few advertisements have in a while. Luckily, this inspired me to pick up the album on a trip to Target at some point last fall. With gems like “I Feel It All” and “So Sorry,” The Reminder easily sets itself above just about anything else I listened to this year.
Other Notable Records: The Stage Names by Okkervil River, The Bragg and Cuss by Rocky Votolato, Easy Tiger by Ryan Adams, The Reunion Tour by The Weakerthans, and Help Wanted Nights by The Good Life
Albums I Finally Listened to in 2007: Twin Cinema by The New Pornographers, The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place by Explosions in the Sky, Meadowlands by The Wrens
Movies
No Country For Old Men
I’m not even sure if any other movie should be listed alongside this film. I am still digesting what I saw, more than a month later. No Country For Old Men is the Coen brothers’ masterpiece. The characters and themes are fantastic. The suspense persevered throughout the entire movie. Is their a more ruthless villain than Javier Bardem? I doubt it. That man still haunts my nightmares… and I love it. You can either hunt and die, or give up and live. Which will you choose? If this movie doesn’t clean up come Academy Awards night, I will be amazed. If only some cinema near me would pick up There Will Be Blood, which I cannot wait to see.
Juno
I love Oscar Season, if only because all of the good movies come out in a short span. Juno showed up right after No Country For Old Men, and presented another beautiful story. This one had a much more pleasant theme, however the characters were just as intriguing. I have loved Micheal Cera since the first episode of Arrested Development, but Ellen Page was new to me. I love her. She definitely earned her Oscar nomination. After picking such a dark movie for my favorite of the year, it felt good to be able to follow that with such a heartfelt and honest film.
Other films of note: Charlie Wilson’s War, Atonement, Ratatouille, and American Gangster
DVD Commentaries
7/3/2007 – 7:41 pm
I’m currently listening to: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Me and Mia
My newest media obsession (the list keeps getting longer) is the DVD commentary. I recently watched the commentaries for both Pan’s Labyrinth and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Both of these movies are exceptional, and while both commentaries were interesting, I must admit that Guillermo del Toro stole the show with his commentary. From the use of color to the pattern of scenes, his entire thought process was fascinating. Since I basically have three weekends in a row (last weekend, this two day break during the week, and then next weekend), I predict that a good portion of this time will be spent watching movies/commentaries.
I hope you all have wonderful holidays, I wish it was going to be dry enough to go watch fireworks.
Random Updates
2/18/2007 – 11:36 pm
I’m currently listening to: Stars - Set Yourself On Fire - Ageless Beauty
This weekend Andy wasn’t in town, and I was feeling a little tired, so I just chilled around the apartment, and started my membership with the local Family Video, resulting in half price rentals for the next month. I rented two above average movies, Cindarella Man and Cold Mountain. I then capped off this mini-marathon with Memento, one of my all-time favorites. The movie was just so perfectly made, I love it.
Today I went to the Illini Basketball game to watch the Chief in his second to last performance ever. That’s right, the board of the NCAA appears to have finally won. I can now only pray that drunken Irishmen will finally take offense with Notre Dame and Greeks everywhere will be horrified by the mockery Sparty the Spartan makes of their mythology. Then maybe some other schools can know how it feels to fall under the NCAA’s wrath against free expression.
Also, the project I have been working on for Action Images seems like it might be entering its release stage soon. Then you all can finally check out all of the crazy work I have been doing. I think it will be something I can really take pride in; at least I hope so.
Finally, I feel that you should all be aware that pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training this last week. This means that Boston can finally begin the domination they have lacked since the 2004 season. If anyone wants to gawk at how ridiculously talented our pitching rotation is (or point fingers at the Cardinal’s sad attempt at a repeat) you are more than welcome to leave a comment.
Hot Chocolate
12/3/2006 – 9:40 pm
I’m currently listening to: Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde - I Want You
Who has Mexican Hot Chocolate from Moonstruck? That’s right, its me. I owe Andy a huge thanks for this wonderful treat. I might actually be excited to wake up and attend ECE class at 8am tomorrow just to try out my new drink. Aside from this, I have little to report. I went to a Christmas Parade and watched It’s a Wonderful Life with my Covenant Group Saturday night. I had never seen the movie before (I know, its kind of sad), but I enjoyed it a lot. I feel like I am really starting to build friendships and meaningful relationships with the people in the group. This should be further increased by Chili dinner/white elephant gift exchange tomorrow night. Well, I should get back to work, 473 is calling me.
Lazy Day
9/17/2006 – 3:49 pm
I’m currently listening to: Joanna Newsom - The Milk-Eyed Mender - Peach, Plum, Pear
I should be doing homework right now, but I am having a little bit of difficulty concentrating, and I’ve been feeling increasingly guilty for not posting on this blog in a while, so I decided I would rather waste time doing this instead. Andy and I went to see The Last Kiss last night, and it really wasn’t worth subjecting yourself to the amount of inappropriate content. The theme was pretty depressing (all relationships are doomed?) and it just kept feeling like things I had already seen before (Crash, Garden State). We then attended a party where I got crap spilled all over me. Luckily, my white shirt resists stains like a true champion, and it is one again spotless after spending the night in my washer. Aside from that, I’m just trying to get some work done.
Next weekend however, should be a lot of fun. There is a music festival on campus, and I look forward to seeing The City on Film and The Reputation on Friday night. I might also drop in on Of Montreal on Saturday if I am feeling especially bored. It should serve as a nice break from the ordinary. Then, the weekend after that I am back in the STL to celebrate my friend Nina’s birthday. Should be good times.
Back in Urbana
9/5/2006 – 12:48 pm
I’m currently listening to: The Ataris - Blue Skies, Broken Hearts… Next 12 Exits - 1-15-96
As the title states, I am back in the fine city of Urbana, IL. Currently it is raining, and the mud on the sidewalks outside of my apartment is quite annoying. However, I only have one more reason to leave the apartment today– and it isn’t until five, so I’m not too worried.
In other news, I had a good time this weekend. I got to spend a ton of time with my sister, and watch a lot of Lost. That show is seriously as addicting as heroin. I just can’t stop watching. I also got to hang with Pat, Jen, Ross, and Nina at various times during the weekend. Its always good to see all of them. We saw The Illusionist on Saturday. I must admit it was pretty disappointing. A mediocre performance by Ed Norton and the always pathetic Jessica Biel, coupled with a predictable plot and dreary setting, really drained this movie of any potential it might have had. Oh well, it was still a good break from work/school.
Great Movies in the History of Cinema
5/30/2006 – 1:19 am
I’m currently listening to: Rilo Kiley - Takeoffs and Landings - Pictures of Success
The other day we watched Capote, which was a decent movie. Afterwards, I went to check the IMDB page for the movie (as I do for almost anything I watch), and I stumbled across a thread titled: “5 most memorable scenes in movie history.” I browsed through it for a while and tried to think of the moments I remember the most. I make no claims that these are the “greatest,” but they are all scenes which I will never forget.
The Godfather - The Christening Scene (”Micheal Francis Rizzo, do you renounce Satan?”)
Casablanca - The Ending (”You’re going to get on that plane…”/”Here’s looking at you kid.”)
The Usual Suspects - Kevin Spacey regains his normal walk as he leaves the police station to disappear forever.
Shawshank Redemption - Andy standing in the rain immediately after he escapes.
To Kill a Mockingbird - “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passing.”
Braveheart - “FREEDOM!”/Speech when everyone wants to leave the battleground.
Raiders of the Last Arc - Running from the stone.
Saving Private Ryan - D-Day Assault
Citizen Kane - Rosebud.
Psycho - The Shower Scene.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - “You said, ’so go.’” (The last memory)
Schindler’s List - Girl in Red Dress Returns/Schindler cries realizing how many more he could have saved.
Fight Club - When he figures out he is Tyler Durden
American History X - The very end in the bathroom.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Moon River
Finding Neverland - When they take Kate Winslet to Neverland.
Big Fish - “In telling the story of my father’s life, it’s impossible to separate fact from fiction, the man from the myth. The best I can do is to tell it the way he told me. It doesn’t always make sense and most of it never happened… but that’s what kind of story this is. ”
A River Runs Through It - (After Paul catches the huge trout) “And I knew just as surely, just as clearly, that life is not a work of art, and that the moment could not last. ”
Memento - The way the entire movie was put together.
The Sandlot - Benny Pickle’s the Beast
Blazing Saddles - The Clan March
Lady and the Tramp - The Spaghetti Date
Garden State - Sitting by the fireplace/Screaming into the Abyss
Crash - The little girl runs in front of her dad, thinking she has her “magic vest” on
Star Wars - “Luke, I am your father.”
Good Will Hunting - “Let me tell you what I do know. Every day I come by to pick you up. And we go out we have a few drinks and a few laughs, and it’s great. But you know what the best part of my day is? It’s for about ten seconds from when I pull up to the curb to when I get to your door. Because I think maybe I’ll get up there and I’ll knock on the door and you won’t be there. No goodbye, no see you later, no nothin’. Just left. I don’t know much, but I know that.”
These are just the ones I could think of as I sat here tonight. Just thought I might share them with you all, and inspire you to watch a few more movies over this break. You can leave the ones you think I missed in my comments.
-JD
Nothing Like Being Sick on Spring Break
3/26/2006 – 9:51 pm
I’m currently listening to: At the Drive-In - In/Casino/Out - Napoleon Solo
The title pretty much sums it all up… I was sick, from Tuesday to present, pretty much destroying all of my fun plans for Spring Break. Instead I sat around and watched movies, the only new one being Elizabethtown (although I did see She’s the Man before getting sick). I must say, I enjoyed that movie a lot. Other than that I watched multiple movies from Harry Potter and Star Wars and one from Lord of the Rings. I also watched a fair amount of the NCAA tournament, which I frankly cannot explain. If anyone had George Mason, LSU, Florida, and UCLA as their final four, they are pretty much my retarded and should be given no credit for their picks (which had to have been made purely on luck). With Villanova losing tonight, I am officially out of the tournament. I guess I’m going to finish unpacking now.
John