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Reviews
Timecode (2000)
Interesting...
"Timecode 2000" is an interesting and innovative experiment. The themes are subtly woven into the improvisation of the actors, however I found myself wanting more explanation and more of a story. It is an uneven experience, but a dazzlingly stylish one that will set a new trend for modern directors. ***
Les enfants du marais (1999)
Wonderfully unpretentious
The Children of the Marshland is a beautifully made, rich, warm, funny and moving film. An air of nostalgia floats through it, reminiscing of an era gone by. The themes are deep and thoughtful, and as the seasons change time naturally stands still. The screenplay is a little bumpy, but this is a French film well worth your time. 3.5 stars.
I Dreamed of Africa (2000)
Awkward but strangely compelling
I Dreamed of Africa plays a like a series of inconsistent vignettes. At first this approach seems awful (!), and the structure is that of a telemovie, however there is something strangely compelling about this film. Kim Basinger is dreadfully wooden, but the locations and beauty of the atmosphere lend a certain charm and thoughtful nature to this film. I give it 2.5 stars.
American Beauty (1999)
If this is not the best.....
American Beauty is a stunning, haunting film. Its script, direction, acting, music, editing and cinematography all form an unforgettable package. It leaves you thinking about life and what it holds and as well as commenting on everyday life it explores the possibilities that are really out there. All in all, if American Beauty is not one of the most amazing achievements ever in film then the word masterpiece does not exist.
The Green Mile (1999)
Beautifully made.....
The Green Mile is a superbly acted, beautifully made film. Its interesting themes, strong ideas on capital punishment and excellent, subtle direction build up to what eventually becomes a haunting, solid achievement. Even though it is sensationalist at times and ocassionally not convincing, it creates enough of a lasting impact to leave you feeling good as you leave the cinema. An uplifting experience - 4/5.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Beauty found in dark death....
Despite its ocassional flashes of syrupy sentimentality and boring patches, The Sixth Sense is an intense character study, generating good scares, excellent music, editing and cinematography, brilliant performances from Haley Joel Osment and Toni Collette and a lingering quality in its atmosphere. Even though it is about death in dark places, there is a lot of beauty to be found in this, particularly the way in which it is written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan - what a debut. It isn't a great film, but an interesting one none the less. 3.5/5
La fille sur le pont (1999)
Modern slice of French cinema dazzles....
The cinematography is groundbreaking, the images so rich, the sound haunting and the editing precise. You'd think black and white would limit a film like this, but it only enhances the evocative, sexual nature of the film. Vanessa Paradis and Daniel Autueil dazzle as a knife thrower in the circus and his new prop he uses for throwing his knives. This is a modern slice of French cinema well worth seeing, and although not entirely convincing it certainly does impress. ****