What's the last movie you've seen?

[Michael Z]

Network

Very good. Quite prophetic in the way it foresaw the corporate takeover of America, specifically its media outlets, and the way that influenced news coverage. Very funny, too.

[Michael Z]

The Rutles: All You Need is Cash

Quite funny, if a bit inconsistent, and the musical numbers did go on for a bit too long. But all in all a very good pastiche. I also like the fact that George Harrison was enough of a sport to accept a cameo in this film.

[Michael Z]

Audition

A modern classic, as they say. F***ing blew me away the first time I saw it and am glad to say that it still hasn't lost any of its chutzpah.

[Michael Z]

No that was Dumplings, and I think it was Korean or something.

Chinese. And yeah, that film is quite sick... I actually should've added it to the list in that thread about disturbing movies back then. It's definitely up there.

As for Audition, "visceral"'s the world. What can I say, I'm a sucker for intense films. Besides, it's my theory that the final third only takes place in his head.

[Michael Z]

Ghostwatch.

Not a movie per se, more of a TV drama/docu-drama pastiche, but still... one of the creepiest things I've seen in ages.

http://www.stomptokyo.com/badmoviereport/reviews/G/ghostwatch.html

[Michael Z]

Paprika

I'm absolutely f***ing gobsmacked by this movie.

[Michael Z]

CSA - Confederate States of America

It's a mockumentary. Interesting how the United States enters into a Cold War with Canada, which definitely is portrayed as the more advanced of the two countries in the film (much of what is African-American influenced American culture becomes Canadian, etc.).

Yeah, I was just watching it a few days ago as well. Quite disturbing viewing, but then it's meant to be.

[Michael Z]

Fantastic Planet

French cartoon from the early 70s. Very psychedelic and original.

[Michael Z]

No Country For Old Men

Yes, I can definitely see what all the fuss is about. Great film.

[Michael Z]

I saw Vantage Point over the weekend.  It wasn't bad.  It was very different.

It's just a modern-day rip-off of Rashomon from what I've heard. Mind you, I haven't seen it yet so I'm gonna reserve judgement.

[Michael Z]

Ah yes! I have heard of Blackmail as I am sure someone has told me or I've read about the bit at the British Museum!

That's what I love about Rear Window; he's playing with the audience's voyeurism just as much as his own. For me James Stewart's character is an on screen representation of the viewer. Are you familiar with the series of interviews conducted by Truffaut? I bought a copy of it a few weeks ago. I haven't read the whole thing but I've read a fair few segments including the one relating to Rear Window and it is truly insightful. I strongly recommend it.

Yes, I got the book, it's an absolute must-read for any self-confessed cinephile.

One thing I love about Rear Window is that the whole movie takes place in one setting. Just the guy's room, the back yard, and that's it. It's a sign of Hitchcock's ability as a film-maker and a storyteller that he can tell a narrative which is rather limited in scope and still grasp the audience. Of course, he did it before with Rope, which took place in the same apartment, but that had its flaws and seemed more like an extended theatre piece than a genuine cinematic experience.

[Michael Z]

Nostalgia.

A masterpiece, like all of Tarkovsky's films.

[Michael Z]

Three Times

Very good Taiwanese film. It's fairly obvious that Asia has now taken Europe's mantle as the mecca of great art cinema.