Change Your Image
deanbarnett1966
Reviews
Lost in Translation (2003)
Beautiful film about nothing...
Beautifully lensed film by Sofia Coppola (and DP Lance Accord) Very gentle
story whose strength (lack of action) are also the films weaknesses. Extremely gentle and mature work about the pangs of alienation. Here's a theory--wonder if Lance Accord is the real genius here behind this film?
Whale Rider (2002)
Staggeringly beautiful images.
A breath of fresh air from Down Under. The film works as a piece of exoticism. At times--toouching on pure magic. At others, touching upon borderline sap. Still and all, a mesmerizing work completely out of left field.
Manito (2002)
Involving family drama that refuses to be categorized.
Here is an involving family drama that refuses to be categorized. Is it a Dogme film? Is it an experimental work? Is it an offspring of Cassevettes? Of Scorsese? Of Sidney Lumet? Is it a foreign film shot in America? Is it a piece of verite filmmaking? Or is it more rooted in Documentary?
Set in a Manhattan Latino neighborhood, the story sets out with a very broad canvass, filled with the colors from all aspects of its world. The technique is at first documentary and little by little becomes something that feels more familiar. As if the filmmaker decided to trick you in to the story through some kind of visual artiface afterwhich you are so engrossed, you no longer are concerned with imagery but only for the characters.
The story has no less than ten very memorable scenes. My favorites were the big graduation party that seemed truly captured (and not staged). There is also a scene in a prison that was one of the most emotionally moving moments I've experienced in a long time.
If the film has a flaw, its that the story feels too unremittingly bleak in the end. I'm not suggesting that I wanted a happy ending. But, I did feel like the director was overally hellbent on proving his dark view of the world.
I give this film a 9/10 and highly recommend it to people who enjoy Art films and World Cinema. (If you are a glossy Speilberg, this film is not for you)