Change Your Image
CompuStrat
Reviews
Elephant (2003)
Interesting, but lacks a point.
This movie can simply be described as the intersecting lives of some high school students as they move through a single day in their lives. That day ends with a killing spree by two students with weapons and explosives.
I didn't mind the movie, and I certainly didn't find it a 'waste' of any portion of my life. I found it realistic [in the vein of "Kids"] in terms of how kids deal with anguish. We are shown who and what they are; and we see that even the evil are capable of some level of contrasting cultural beauty...and that the good are often trod upon. But that's where it all ends. We have nothing explained to us. There is no message of how the killers got the guns or ammunition, as if it wasn't relative to the story. Further, we're never offered any real reason [even glimpse of] that would leave these kids to start shooting things up. And I would be remiss if I didn't question the value of the shower scene? The sound was so bad...and I had to rewind it so many times to hear what they were saying that I began to feel like a pervert. But, ultimately, they say nothing of value or consequence. And, if it were anyone other than Gus Van Sant, I'd suggest it was gratuitous titillation. Anyway, I'd say that this movie was good, and worth watching. I bought it at a "BlockBuster" 3-for-25 bucks sale, so I'm happy to have it in my collection as a decent indie.
Bless the Beasts & Children (1971)
Enjoyed a lot, but can see why it wasn't renowned.
The quality of this acting by these teenagers is award caliber. The story, direction, imagery, cinematography...etc...all wonderful. I especially enjoyed the fact that we were really made to understand the lives of these young men. Be warned that we see a great number of scenes with guys outdoors in their underwear. So many (scenes and boys) in fact...and some almost suggestive...that it's clear [to me] that it was spurned at the time for this risky cinematic approach to telling the story. However, while this 'can' be used to serve more prurient interests, this partial nudity comprehensively conveys the vulnerability of our characters. The contrasting symbolism between their world and the real world is very effectively conveyed. This movie follows these guys throughout their adventure and, by the end, you completely understand every aspect of each person's motivation. Then, the story itself, is poignantly told in a no-holds-barred manner and ending with gritty irony. As you watch the credits, the point will be clear that the movie echoes the true reality of life.