Movies that you have to "work at"
03-19-04 | 01:19 PM
#76
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From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia
I gave this thread some thought after reading some posts about what it means to "work hard" when watching a movie.
Well, when watching Schindler's List, I have to work hard not to cry.
When watching Magnolia, I have to work hard to notice things I didn't notice the time before. Really, this thought could be with any movie ever created. However, I think Magnolia is hard work because it is so emotionally exhausting.
I have to work hard to sit through a Stephen Segal flick.
Although not a movie, I would have to work hard to watch DVDs of Friends because, like the Stephen Segal flick, its hard just to remain in front of a TV with Friends playing. In addition, with Friends I have to work hard to laugh. I must be really stupid since I'm provided a laugh track telling me what is funny.
Finally, I have to work hard not to attempt to drown myself in my glass of soda should I try to sit through a viewing of Steel Magnolias.
Well, when watching Schindler's List, I have to work hard not to cry.
When watching Magnolia, I have to work hard to notice things I didn't notice the time before. Really, this thought could be with any movie ever created. However, I think Magnolia is hard work because it is so emotionally exhausting.
I have to work hard to sit through a Stephen Segal flick.
Although not a movie, I would have to work hard to watch DVDs of Friends because, like the Stephen Segal flick, its hard just to remain in front of a TV with Friends playing. In addition, with Friends I have to work hard to laugh. I must be really stupid since I'm provided a laugh track telling me what is funny.
Finally, I have to work hard not to attempt to drown myself in my glass of soda should I try to sit through a viewing of Steel Magnolias.
03-19-04 | 01:36 PM
#77
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From: NJ
Originally posted by divemaster
Well, my understanding of A Tale of Two Sisters was greatly helped by a second viewing and my reading internet discussions. There was more than one "reveal" and it was not easy for me to tie everything together.
Of course, some of the smarties here probably figured out what was what and what was going to happen all of 5 minutes into the movie, so what do I know?
Well, my understanding of A Tale of Two Sisters was greatly helped by a second viewing and my reading internet discussions. There was more than one "reveal" and it was not easy for me to tie everything together.
Of course, some of the smarties here probably figured out what was what and what was going to happen all of 5 minutes into the movie, so what do I know?
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
03-19-04 | 01:55 PM
#78
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally posted by ukywyldcat
I gave this thread some thought after reading some posts about what it means to "work hard" when watching a movie.
Well, when watching Schindler's List, I have to work hard not to cry.
When watching Magnolia, I have to work hard to notice things I didn't notice the time before. Really, this thought could be with any movie ever created. However, I think Magnolia is hard work because it is so emotionally exhausting.
I have to work hard to sit through a Stephen Segal flick.
Although not a movie, I would have to work hard to watch DVDs of Friends because, like the Stephen Segal flick, its hard just to remain in front of a TV with Friends playing. In addition, with Friends I have to work hard to laugh. I must be really stupid since I'm provided a laugh track telling me what is funny.
Finally, I have to work hard not to attempt to drown myself in my glass of soda should I try to sit through a viewing of Steel Magnolias.
I gave this thread some thought after reading some posts about what it means to "work hard" when watching a movie.
Well, when watching Schindler's List, I have to work hard not to cry.
When watching Magnolia, I have to work hard to notice things I didn't notice the time before. Really, this thought could be with any movie ever created. However, I think Magnolia is hard work because it is so emotionally exhausting.
I have to work hard to sit through a Stephen Segal flick.
Although not a movie, I would have to work hard to watch DVDs of Friends because, like the Stephen Segal flick, its hard just to remain in front of a TV with Friends playing. In addition, with Friends I have to work hard to laugh. I must be really stupid since I'm provided a laugh track telling me what is funny.
Finally, I have to work hard not to attempt to drown myself in my glass of soda should I try to sit through a viewing of Steel Magnolias.
03-19-04 | 04:04 PM
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From: You have moved into a dark place. It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
Originally posted by Mike
I read a really interesting theory about SPY GAME that shocked me.
I wasn't crazy about the movie upon first viewing, and haven't seen it since reading the theory, but if it holds up, it's one of the most clever twists in recent memory, since the movie doesn't rely on it in the least.
I read a really interesting theory about SPY GAME that shocked me.
I wasn't crazy about the movie upon first viewing, and haven't seen it since reading the theory, but if it holds up, it's one of the most clever twists in recent memory, since the movie doesn't rely on it in the least.
03-19-04 | 04:49 PM
#82
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From: Where the sky is always Carolina Blue! (Currently VA - again...)
Another vote for "The Wall". I loved the album, but watching the movie the first time was really kinda weird. It really grows on you.
03-19-04 | 05:13 PM
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From: Peoples Republik of Kalifornia
I love The Wall. Saw Pink Floyd in concert in Indianapolis about 9 years ago. Must have seen The Wall 700 times in the weed smokin' days of my youth...The Wall, Rumble Fish, Blade Runner were all played nonstop during those days.
03-19-04 | 08:42 PM
#85
DVD Talk Special Edition
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this filmmaker or any of his films so far in this thread - but try ANYTHING by Peter Greenaway. Pretty much far and away the most avant-garde filmmaker working in the (relative) mainstream today. Some titles: The Cook, the Thief (et. al.), The Belly of an Architect, A Zed and Two Noughts. Try putting any of these in your pipe and smoking 'em...
Last edited by Sex Fiend; 03-20-04 at 03:46 PM.
03-19-04 | 08:51 PM
#86
DVD Talk Legend
Just about any David Lynch movie.
I count "work at" as movies that make you want to go an do a little "homework" before you view them again to get a better enjoyment. With that in mind, I would say the two Matrix sequels work well in that regard.
FWIW, I think re-reading the LOTR books makes the movies more enjoyable as you start to catch subtle homages to Tolkien's work as part of the background or character's costumes or actions.
Other movies:
Kill Bill
Chinatown
Any Kubrick movie
Naked Lunch
I count "work at" as movies that make you want to go an do a little "homework" before you view them again to get a better enjoyment. With that in mind, I would say the two Matrix sequels work well in that regard.
FWIW, I think re-reading the LOTR books makes the movies more enjoyable as you start to catch subtle homages to Tolkien's work as part of the background or character's costumes or actions.
Other movies:
Kill Bill
Chinatown
Any Kubrick movie
Naked Lunch
03-20-04 | 09:11 AM
#87
DVD Talk Hero
Rules of the Game. I had to watch it twice to understand it. Then I loved it.
Mulholland Dr. Nancy Drew and *hot lesbian sex*.
That Obscure Object of Desire. Two actresses cast to play one character.
El Topo. Mystic gunfighter and lazarus story.
Jacob's Ladder. Was that car driven by a demon?
Naked Lunch. "We're not at the beach."
Abre los Ojos. I haven't seen Vanilla Sky.
Mulholland Dr. Nancy Drew and *hot lesbian sex*.
That Obscure Object of Desire. Two actresses cast to play one character.
El Topo. Mystic gunfighter and lazarus story.
Jacob's Ladder. Was that car driven by a demon?
Naked Lunch. "We're not at the beach."
Abre los Ojos. I haven't seen Vanilla Sky.
03-22-04 | 04:05 AM
#88
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Originally posted by Sex Fiend
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this filmmaker or any of his films so far in this thread - but try ANYTHING by Peter Greenaway. Pretty much far and away the most avant-garde filmmaker working in the (relative) mainstream today. Some titles: The Cook, the Thief (et. al.), The Belly of an Architect, A Zed and Two Noughts. Try putting any of these in your pipe and smoking 'em...
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this filmmaker or any of his films so far in this thread - but try ANYTHING by Peter Greenaway. Pretty much far and away the most avant-garde filmmaker working in the (relative) mainstream today. Some titles: The Cook, the Thief (et. al.), The Belly of an Architect, A Zed and Two Noughts. Try putting any of these in your pipe and smoking 'em...
03-22-04 | 06:59 PM
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From: Not necessarily Formerly known as Solid Snake
Originally posted by Psychlowne
I'm sorry to say but most of these movies listed do not require much thought. They pretty much present themselves to the viewer as nothing more than what they are.
The David Lynch stuff mentioned would be something that I'd agree to, but films like Memento, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club, etc., all pretty much explain the concept/story well enough for most intelligent people to get on their first time around, and with minimal "work" involved.
I'd say a good portion of Ingmar Bergman's work takes some "work" -- though I don't like using that term. Instead, I would say that there are times you don't understand a movie completely and must think about after and/or during a reviewing to fully grasp the concepts. This makes more sense. If I am misinterpreting you, please let me know. Judging by the movie responses, I don't think I am.
I'm sorry to say but most of these movies listed do not require much thought. They pretty much present themselves to the viewer as nothing more than what they are.
The David Lynch stuff mentioned would be something that I'd agree to, but films like Memento, The Usual Suspects, Fight Club, etc., all pretty much explain the concept/story well enough for most intelligent people to get on their first time around, and with minimal "work" involved.
I'd say a good portion of Ingmar Bergman's work takes some "work" -- though I don't like using that term. Instead, I would say that there are times you don't understand a movie completely and must think about after and/or during a reviewing to fully grasp the concepts. This makes more sense. If I am misinterpreting you, please let me know. Judging by the movie responses, I don't think I am.
03-22-04 | 07:00 PM
#91
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From: Not necessarily Formerly known as Solid Snake
What's the Spy Game theory? That they are actually the same person? That Redford shot first? That Brad Pitt is a lesbian?
03-22-04 | 11:20 PM
#92
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Originally posted by Abob Teff
I had Usual Suspects figured out before the opening credits were half way done.
I had Usual Suspects figured out before the opening credits were half way done.
03-22-04 | 11:45 PM
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From: The Illustrious State of Fugue
suggest some Mamoru Oshii live action stuff.
Talking Head was very tough (with his stuff it's really the mood you happen to be in), but I ended up buying Red Spectacles and Avalon.
Still gotta rent Stray Dog and see if I wanna complete the Jin Roh trilogy.
adding after a smoke and some thought:I really liked Demonlover. Cool allegory for the fluid nature of power along with some neat William Gibson style corporate politics.
Speaking of Gibson, New Rose Hotel was a movie (considered "slow" by most) that, given thought, was a pretty damn bitchin' story (with equally bitchin' acting). It was more emotion and betrayal in a sci fi setting without the obvious dressing.
Talking Head was very tough (with his stuff it's really the mood you happen to be in), but I ended up buying Red Spectacles and Avalon.
Still gotta rent Stray Dog and see if I wanna complete the Jin Roh trilogy.
adding after a smoke and some thought:I really liked Demonlover. Cool allegory for the fluid nature of power along with some neat William Gibson style corporate politics.
Speaking of Gibson, New Rose Hotel was a movie (considered "slow" by most) that, given thought, was a pretty damn bitchin' story (with equally bitchin' acting). It was more emotion and betrayal in a sci fi setting without the obvious dressing.
Last edited by Kudama; 03-23-04 at 12:10 AM.
03-23-04 | 12:41 AM
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From: You have moved into a dark place. It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
Originally posted by FinkPish
That's impressive considering there was nothing on screen before the opening credits. What did you have to go on exactly?
That's impressive considering there was nothing on screen before the opening credits. What did you have to go on exactly?
"Oh, man, Baskerville Roman. I know who Keyser Soze is now, even though they haven't uttered the name yet!"
03-23-04 | 04:29 PM
#96
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Films I did not understand at all when I first saw them except to know they were works of genius:
8 1/2: At age 15, in film class, in a Jesuit college. I had to see it at least 17 times after that to get all the characters right.
The Lady From Shanghai: In a repertory cinema at age 17. I had to see it again several times to make sense of the plot. Whithout understanding it, the film has an undeniably nightmarish quality that it looses with too much exposition.
8 1/2: At age 15, in film class, in a Jesuit college. I had to see it at least 17 times after that to get all the characters right.
The Lady From Shanghai: In a repertory cinema at age 17. I had to see it again several times to make sense of the plot. Whithout understanding it, the film has an undeniably nightmarish quality that it looses with too much exposition.
Last edited by baracine; 11-10-05 at 03:51 PM.
11-10-05 | 07:27 AM
#98
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Originally Posted by pro-bassoonist
Sex and Lucia
I'd add to this list The Seventh Seal and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie.
11-10-05 | 08:21 AM
#100
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Primer