A remake of a the film which earned John Wayne his only Academy Award, the Coen Brothers’ True Grit makes the most of modern filmmaking technology while remaining faithful to its western roots. Thanks to excellent performances and fine cinematography, the film takes its predecessor out of the studio and into the real world. Wayne’s original may have been considered a classic at the time it was released but this version shows how badly it has aged badly. Both are based on the same 1968 novel by Charles Portis but it has taken until the Joel and Ethan Coen adapted …
The Men Who Stare at Goats
The Men Who Stare at Goats is an idiotic film. Yet it is one of the most entertaining experiences that I have had at the movies in several months. There may be scenes that border upon absurdity – if not completely embracing the concept – but they suit the theme of the film. Also, is a story about a Psychic unit in the United States Army more absurd than what has actually happened in Iraq? Two U.S. Army contracts open fire on each other spontaneously, injuring a dozen Iraqis. Does this truly differ from how the war has unfolded? Massive collateral …
A Serious Man
When the truth is found to be liesAnd all the joy within you dies When your names become a film typeAnd it’s hard to match all the hype Then you have reached the same paradox that the Coen brothers have found while making A Serious Man. The film is technically tremendous, one of the best directed films that I’ve seen this year. The screenplay is also superb, the audience was entertained for the entire film. But after Fargo and No Country for Old Men, what’s next? This is better than Burn after Reading by far but there is a lingering …
T.I.F.F. 2009, Part II: Leaves of Grass
Leaves of Grass may be the best movie that I have seen out of the 2009 crop to date. On the surface, it is very similar in style to the Coen brothers in that it features average characters who find themselves in dangerous situations which force them to confront their morals, bizarre supporting characters, and black humour including scenes of absurd violence but it is more than that. Tim Blake Nelson wrote an excellent screenplay and directed the film admirably. Edward Norton plays both feature roles, a professor of classical philosophy in Rhode Island and his twin brother who grows …
Burnt After Reading
Several individuals counseled me to avoid the Coen Brothers’ film Burn After Reading on account of poor reviews but I found that these opinions strengthened my resolve. After viewing the black comedy, I did not find myself to be disappointed, nor did the rest of the audience at the Varsity Cinemas. The film lacks the drama and tension of “No Country for Old Men” but provides numerous laughs, thanks to an absurd screenplay and ridiculous performances. Borrowing (or perhaps “adapting) shocking scenes from Pulp Fiction and Fargo, Burn After Reading is fairly violent. I found J.K. Simmons deadpan character to …