4366 - BEN-HUR (1959)

Hugh Griffith ensinando Ben-Hur

BEN-HUR (USA, 1959) – Clássico dos clássicos, o filme dirigido por William Wyler é uma daquelas obras marcantes em qualquer momento da vida de quem a assiste. Hoje, o destaque vai para Hugh Griffith, o sheik Ilderim, cujos cavalos são guiados por Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) na famosa sequência da corrida de bigas. Griffith foi oficial do exército britânico em Burma, durante a WW2. Ganhou o Oscar de Ator Coadjuvante por Ben-Hur, e ficou conhecido pelo comportamento não muito convencional, como andar nu nos sets de filmagem – inclusive, foi demitido do filme COMO ROUBAR UM MILHÃO DE DÓLARES (1966), exatamente por isso. Classic of the classics, the movie directed by William Wyler is one of those movies that linger in the viewers’ minds. Today the highlight goes to Hugh Griffith, on the role of sheik Ilderim, whose horses are ridden by Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) in the famous chariot race sequence. Griffith was a British official in Burma during WW2. Won the Best Actor in a supporting role Awards for Ben-Hur, and became famous for his not so conventional behavior, as walking naked around the sets – he was fired from HOW TO STEAL A MILLION (1966) because of this. Prime.  

4365 - TEMPO (2022)

TEMPO (OLD, USA, 2021) – Dirigido por M. Night Shyamalan, essa fábula sobre o envelhecimento gera questões importantes durante a narrativa, mas tropeça num desfecho meio corrido e, de certa forma, frustrante. Talvez fosse melhor ter deixado o final aberto, pois isso seria mais condizente com o clima de mistério mantido nesta história na qual um grupo de turistas, presos numa praia distante, começa a envelhecer rapidamente. Os protagonistas, Gael Garcia Bernal e Vicky Krieps (do belo TRAMA FANTASMA) estão corretos. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, this fable about ageing leads to important issues during the narrative, but its ending does not match the mystery atmosphere of the story about a group of tourists that start ageing rapidly on a distant beach. Or maybe it’s just that “Old,” a story of collective bodily breakdown arriving in the midst of a pandemic, builds to an obvious but appreciably stirring note. It acknowledges the reality of just how quickly time passes and how cruelly loved ones can be ripped away. Maybe it’s true that life is too short for bad movies. Or maybe it’s too short not to take what pleasure in them you can.

4364 - UMA NOITE SOBRE A TERRA (1991)

 

UMA NOITE SOBRE A TERRA (NIGHT ON EARTH, 1991) - Jim Jarmusch's "Night on Earth" assembles five moments in time, in taxicabs, in the middle of the night, in five of the world's cities. At the end, we have learned no great lessons and arrived at no thrilling conclusions, but we have shared the community of the night, when people are unbuttoned and vulnerable - readier to speak about what's really on their minds. As the film moves on from Los Angeles, Jarmusch creates a worldwide feeling of kinship; we will hear Spanish, German, French, Italian, Finnish and even a little Latin. Only the venue remains the same: the inside of a taxi in the middle of the night. Many questions are not answered, which is one of Jarmusch’s traits. MUBI.

4363 - A 200 METROS (2020)

1.     

A 200 METROS (200 METERS, Palestina, 2020) – Este filme mostra, em 2020, o começo da tragédia no território ocupado da Palestina, depois do genocídio provocado por Israel este ano. "200 Meters" is an outstanding and deeply moving film that is an absolute must-watch for anyone seeking a compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking cinematic experience. This film beautifully captures the essence of human resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend borders and politics. The story centers around the harrowing experiences of a Palestinian man who finds himself separated from his family due to the complex dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Netflix.

4362 - 8 MM (1999)

8 MM (USA, 1999) – Nicolas Cage é um investigador particular contratado para descobrir a origem de um vídeo no qual uma jovem é morta. A direção segura de Joel Schumacher e o elenco (Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini) fazem deste thriller voyeurístico sobre a capacidade humana para a maldade uma das pérolas cinematográficas da última década do século passado. É uma visão crua do distópico submundo dos films snuff, sob o ponto de vista da investigação sobre os recursos financiadores de tais produtos. Nicolas Cage is a private investigator hired to find the origin of a 8 mm movie in which a young woman is murdered. Joel Schumacher’s firm direction and the cast (Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini) makes this vouyeristic thriller about human’s capacity for evil one of the gems of the 90s.  8mm is a murky, scuzzy passage through the miserable, dystopian criminal world of snuff films, taken on by a private investigator who is dismayed and scarred by what he unearths. It probes the resources of violent exploitation films, but not as a violent exploitation film. 8mm is a conventional studio thriller, but it is a real movie. It is all content and the suitable approach to that content. It is about human's aptitude for malevolence, conjecturing just deep it can go and how little we care to know of it in ourselves. Prime.

4361 - BOSCH LEGACY - TEMP 2 - 10 EPISÓDIOS (2022)

BOSCH LEGACY – TEMP 2 – 10 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2022) – O problema desta segunda temporada é o menor foco em Bosch (Titus Welliver) e mais na sua filha, Maddie (Madison Lintz), cuja carreira na polícia de Los Angeles enfrenta uma série de complicações. O que compromete é a atuação muito fraca de Lintz. Só quando Bosch entra em cena, o programa volta a ter a dinâmica dramática característica das temporadas anteriores. No mais, belas locações do centro de Los Angeles. The problem with the second season is Bosch (Titus Welliver) getting less screen time than his daughter, Maddie (Madison Lintz), whose LAPD career faces serious setbacks. The real thing is Madison Lintz’s weak performance. Only when Bosch is back that the shows regains its dramatic peak. The beautiful LA downtown locations are worth watching. Prime.

4360 - HOLY SPIDER (2022)

 HOLY SPIDER (Jordânia, 2022) - Uma jornalista investiga o submundo da cidade sagrada iraniana Mashad, em busca de um serial killer de prostitutas. Conhecido como Spider Killer, o assassino acredita estar numa missão espiritual de limpar as ruas do pecado. Holy Spider combines everything I love about film; glimpses of the underground, a distant and diverse land, an underdog protagonist, well-written dialogue, stylish photography and costumes, a fantastic and unconventional story based on a graphic novel, and chilling, hypnotic music. The language of Holy Spider is Persian and it was shot in Jordan. Director Ali Abbasi is Iran-born and Denmark-based. MUBI.

4359 - O EXORCISTA (1973)

 O EXORCISTA (THE EXORCIST, USA, 1973) - The Exorcist is a very slow movie that actually features a full-blown plot, its characters, and their associated arcs. The original ambition of The Exorcist was to scare the world with imagery and concepts never before seen in cinema. Shocking moments that the audience of 1973 could not believe they would ever see on the silver screen (from a major studio, no less.) After 30 years, the movie isn't so shocking because times have changed, and the success of The Exorcist has guaranteed countless imitations in all forms across all boards. However, the Exorcist is still one of the most ambitious horror films ever made, because (are you ready for this?) The Exorcist dares to tell a story.

4358 - ALIVE (2020)

 

ALIVE (Coreia do Sul, 2020) - Alive is a South Korean film by first-time director Il Cho. Going into this film I expected an absolute mess, all I had seen was the horrible title. But I was pleasantly surprised with a pretty interesting take on zombie movies. For the most part. Technically I didn't think this film was anything special. No element of filmmaking was exceptional, and no element was awful. Granted there were some awful moments, like the editing when people are turning into zombies is laughable. And the cinematography during action scenes was also just dreadful. For the most part, though the technical aspects were consistently, fine.

4357 - A MULHER DE PRETO (2012)

A MULHER DE PRETO (THE WOMAN IN BLACK, USA, 2012) - Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), a down-on-his-luck attorney, is asked to travel to a remote village and find out if a recently deceased woman has left any heretofore unknown wills. It's Kipps' last shot at success, his employer sternly warns him. His journey to the village is eerily similar to that undertaken by Jonathan Harker in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Something's not quite right with the town, which clearly doesn't want him around, something to do with children being murdered and people blaming a dead woman. In the end, it is what it is, a suspenseful horror movie that gets the job done. This isn't a genre noted for 'Academy Award' performances. But as suspenseful horror movies go, I was very satisfied with this one, and thought they did have a new approach to an old genre. 

4356 - YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT (USA, 2020)

YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT (USA, 2020) - Kevin Bacon is always interesting to see acting and he does a good job here, carrying most of this film literally on his shoulders. The cinematography is eye-pleasing (yep, Amanda Seyfried is there) and the music and atmosphere are immersive. Together with a sufficient run time that does not get long and tiring, these elements make it a good combo for a film to watch if you have no better alternative. The main issue in this film is the dialogue and a not-so-original script. It’s difficult to say this is a great psychological thriller while its dialogue is a little bit perfunctory. Luckily there is not that much dialogue in the second half of the film, so you can enjoy a bit of the experience of a thriller which is not meant to jump-scare you, but to give you an eerie feeling overall.

4355 - O PIOR VIZINHO DO MUNDO (2022)

 O PIOR VIZINHO DO MUNDO (A MAN CALLED OTTO, USA, 2022) – Versão americana do filme sueco “A man called Ove”, com Tom Hanks no papel principal. E Tom Hanks é obrigatório. O título em português é deplorável e pode levar a uma compreensão equivocada sobre a história de um homem solitário e seu relacionamento com seus vizinhos. Hanks consegue equilibrar as emoções, sem resvalar para a pieguice. American version of the Swedish movie “A man called Ove”, with Tom Hanks, obligatory anytime. The title in Portuguese is lousy and can lead to a misunderstanding view about a lonely man’s story and how he deals with his neighbors. Hanks is able to balance emotions without being corny. Netflix.     

4354 - INTERESTELAR (2014)

INTERESTELAR (INTERSTELLAR, USA, 2014) – Um dos filmes mais lindos já feitos. Poético, profundo, instigante. Não há como não se emocionar com a viagem de Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) e sua conexão com a filha Murph (Jessica Chastain). Mais uma obra de arte de Christopher Nolan. One of the most beautiful movies ever. Poetic, deep, inspiring. One can not help being moved inside by Cooper’s voyage and his connection with his daughter, Murph. A science-fiction masterpiece. Nolan executes a marvelous direction that slowly but efficiently puts in place a dark world creating a necessity to save humanity. Add to that great performances from Nolan and Hathaway plus a great score from Hans Zimmer. The result is on the best science-fiction movies of all time. Prime.

4353 - O MUNDO DEPOIS DE NÓS (2023)

 

O MUNDO DEPOIS DE NÓS (LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND, USA, 2023) – Sam Esmail é o diretor e roteirista deste filme sobre um ataque cibernético, envolvendo uma família em férias (Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke e dois filhos). A boa premissa é comprometida com um desfecho meio críptico, com referências ao seriado FRIENDS e situações inconclusas (qual o motivo da perda dos dentes?). O roteiro se concentra nas reações dos personagens e não no blackout, e isso é um dos acertos de Esmail. Por outro lado, ele abusa dos ângulos inusitados, cansando um pouco a narrativa. Ethan Hawke tem uma atuação irritantemente preguiçosa. O destaque é Mahershala Ali (GREEN BOOK, MOONLIGHT). Sam Esmail is the diretor and writer of this movie about a cyber-attack, involving a family during vacations (Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke and two kids). The good premise is impaired by a cryptic ending with references to FRIENDS and loose ends (what is the reason for the teeth scenes?). The script focuses on the characters more than on the blackout itself, and this is one of Esmail’s assets. Ethan Hawke’s performance is lazy, and the highlight is Mahershala Ali (GREEN BOOK, MOONLIGHT).  Netflix.

4352 - AIR: A HISTÓRIA POR TRÁS DO LOGO (2023)

AIR: A HISTÓRIA POR TRÁS DO LOGO (AIR, USA, 2023) – Se Matt Damon estiver no elenco, não há como um filme dar errado, mesmo com a presença de Ben Affleck, também diretor do filme. Aqui, ele é um diretor da Nike, cuja maior missão é contratar Michael Jordan para alavancar as vendas da empresa. t's 1984, and sports giant Nike is going through a rough patch, and in urgent need of a lift. In desperation, marketing VP Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman) and CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) reach out to sporting coach Sonny Vacaro (Matt Damon) to try and enlist current sensation, eighteen year old Michael Jordan (Damian Delano Young, in a faceless role) to sign for them, even though he's already shown a preference for rival brand Adidas. Travelling out to the Deep South to meet Michael's parents, James (Julius Tennon) and Deloris (Viola Davis), whose conviction that her son share in the profits of the proposed Air Jordan brand forms the legend of one of the greats.

4351 - IRMÃ MORTE (2023)

IRMÃ MORTE (HERMANA MUERTE, Espanha, 2023) - In post-war Spain, Narcisa (Aria Bedmar), a young novice with supernatural powers, arrives at a former convent, now a school for girls, to become a teacher. As the days go by, the strange events and increasingly disturbing situations that torment her will eventually lead her to unravel the terrible skein of secrets that surround the convent and haunt its inhabitants. NETFLIX.

4350 - A QUEDA! AS ÚLTIMAS HORAS DE HITLER (2004)

 

 A QUEDA! AS ÚLTIMAS HORAS DE  (DER UNTERGANG, Alemanha, 2004) – Cobrindo os últimos dez dias da vida de Adolfo, do seu aniversário de 56 anos, em 20 de abril, até o suicídio em 30 de abril de 1945, A QUEDA usa todos os seus personagens para mostrar o caos de um país despedaçado: os seguidores de Hitler nas ruas de Berlim, os civis lutando e morrendo no enfrentamento com o Exército Vermelho. O filme é baseado no livro de Traudl Junge, secretária do Führer, de 1942 até o fim, observando as questões intestinas da adminstração nazista. No filme, Alexandra Maria Lara faz o papel de Traudl, e o grande Bruno Ganz é um perfeito Adolfo decadente.  Charting the last 10 days of Hitler's life, from his 56th birthday on April 20th, 1945 to his suicide on April 30th, Downfall uses multiple characters to show the chaos of a country coming apart at the seams, from Hitler's henchman under the streets of Berlin, to the soldiers and civilians fighting and dying as the Soviet Army ravaged the city above. Based on the book written by Traudl Junge, private secretary to Adolf Hitler, from 1942 to the very end, observing the intimate workings of the Nazi administration. Alexandra Maria Lara is Traudl in the movie, and the great Bruno Ganz is perfect as a decadent Adolf. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2005.

4349 - O GAROTO (1921)

 

O GAROTO (THE KID, USA, 1921) – Na versão original, O GAROTO tinha 68 minutos. O filme tal como o conhecemos hoje foi reeditado por Chaplin no início dos anos 70, quando ele também compôs a música que intensifica as emoções e a graça dos protagonistas. Apesar da redução para os atuais 50 minutos, o filme demonstra pela primeira vez a capacidade de Chaplin para tirar proveito das nuances emocionais ao longo de uma história. O menino, Jack Coogan, mais tarde seria o tio Fester da Família Addams dos anos 60. In the original version, THE KID has 68 minutes. The movies as we know it today was re-edited by Chaplin in the 70s, when he also wrote the music that intensifies the actors’ emotion. Despite the reduction to the present 50 minutes, the movie displays for the first time Chaplin’s ability to explore the emotional nuances of the story. The kid, Jack Coogan, would be uncle Fester in the Addams Family in the 60s. HBO Max.  

 

4348 - OUTLANDER - TEMP 1 - 16 EPISÓDIOS (2014)

 

OUTLANDER – TEMP 1 – 16 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2015) – A história de Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe), uma enfermeira da WW2l levada misteriosamente para 1743, num mundo repleto de perigos, onde ela casa com um guerreiro escocês, Jamie Fraser. A fotografia é primorosa – por si só já valeria a pena assistir. It follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743, where she is immediately thrown into an unknown world in which her life is threatened. When she is forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic young Scottish warrior, a passionate relationship is ignited that tears Claire's heart between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives. The photography is outstanding, and per se would be worth seeing. Netflix.

4347 - OS SOPRANOS - TEMP 4 - 13 EPISÓDIOS (2002)

 

OS SOPRANOS – TEMP 4 – 13 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2002) - Isolation. Disconnection. Uncertainty. These are the main themes of The Sopranos season 4, a transitional chapter that is intentionally aimless, emotionless, and even plotless. It is simultaneously The Sopranos’ most frustrating and rewarding season — frustrating because of the minimalist aesthetic; and rewarding due to the intricacies that are revealed upon repeated viewing. But that’s all part of series creator David Chase’s master plan: stripping away all pretense from the storyline to reveal the deep-rooted cynicism that has always been at the series’ heart. As a result, we begin to hate the characters we once loved. The definition of “antihero” is pushed to the brink.

4346 - OS SOPRANOS - TEMP 3 -13 EPISÓDIOS (2001)

 

 OS SOPRANOS – TEMP. 3 -13 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2001) - The death of his mother and concerns about his children’s future lead Tony to lose focus as boss of the family. Loyal confidants like Christopher Moltisanti, Paulie Gualtieri and Uncle Junior become disillusioned by Tony’s leadership. Meanwhile, the introduction of violent capo Ralph Cifaretto causes the factions to become even more splintered. Yet for the first time in Sopranos history, the mob storyline doesn’t take precedence. The Sopranos themselves are the main focus of season three, and the familial tensions that build throughout the year are just as explosive as the bursts of ultraviolence seen in every episode. For example, Meadow’s relationship drama is contrasted with the stripper who is brutally killed by Ralph in “University,” one of the series’ most powerful episodes. Elsewhere, AJ’s irresponsibility is compared to the recklessness of Jackie Aprile Jr., who is gunned down by the very gangsters he aspired to be.

4345 - OS SOPRANOS - TEMP. 2 - 13 EPISÓDIOS

 

OS SOPRANOS – TEMP. 2 – 13 EPISÓDIOS (USA, 2000) - Tony’s toxic influence is perfectly exemplified in the season’s beautiful closing montage — his influence is as damaging as it is far-reaching. From foreigners selling counterfeit calling cards on the streets to the ominous waves crashing down on the shore, Tony has indirectly affected them all. Despite the standalone nature of most of the episodes, season two comprises one larger whole, from the opening montage to the closing. As a singular work of art, it stands as another impressively woven tapestry from series creator David Chase. The story occurs during a relatively easygoing and carefree era of the Soprano regime, still in the throes of “the good times” that Tony alluded to at the end of season one. The laughs come hard and the stakes are low. 

4344 - O CONTADOR (2016)

 

Ben Affleck - até parado é ruim

O CONTADOR (THE ACCOUNTANT, USA, 2016) – Já foi dito (por mim, inclusive) que esse talvez tenha sido o papel mais adequado para Ben Affleck: um autista. No entanto, nem assim ele convence. Aqui, ele é um contador capaz de fazer qualquer maquiagem em contas de empresas – é um gênio nos números, cujas habilidades também incluem artes marciais e e perfil de matador. Muitos bons atores no elenco: JK Simmons, John Litgow e Anna Kendrick. É sempre bom ver um filme dando um inesperado destaque a Pollock. É aí o maior defeito do roteiro: ele foi treinado pelo pai militar. It had been said that this is maybe the most suitable role for Ben Affleck: an autist. Nevertheless, he is not convicible as an accountant able to embezzle any fraudulent operation – he is a math genius, whose abilities also include martial arts and a killer profile. This is is biggest flaw in the script: he was trained by his father, a military. The cast is outstanding: JK Simmons, John Litgow and Anna Kendrick. It is always good to watch a movie that gives an unexpected importance to Pollock. Amazon Prime.    

4343 - THE GREAT BUSTER KEATON (2018)

 

THE GREAT BUSTER KEATON, A CELEBRATION (USA, 2018) – Documentário sobre Buster Keaton, narrado por Peter Bogdanovich, cobrindo sua carreira e vida pessoal acidentada, desde os show de vaudeville até o estrelato em Hollywood.. Wonderful documentary on the inimitable comedic icon and filmmaker, Buster Keaton, compiled and narrated by fellow director Peter Bogdanovich who traces the comic's career and troubled life, from vaudeville child star to landmark Hollywood star and eventual global phenomenon with vintage clips of jaw-dropping sequences from Keaton's filmography of his epic death-defying stunts and daredevil display of acrobatics the likes not haven't been matched in generations. Super fans included are Richard Lewis, Mel Brooks, James Karen, Johnny Knoxville, Bill Hader, Werner Herzog, Carl Reiner, Cybill Shepherd, Nick Kroll, Quentin Tarantino, French Stewart and Jon Watts. A must for film buffs. Amazon Prime.

4342 - MEU AMIGO EXTRAORDINÁRIO (2023)

 

 MEU AMIGO EXTRAORDINÁRIO (JULES, USA, 2023) – O roteiro de Gavin Stickler consegue misturar comédia, drama e ficção científica, costurando temas universais como mortalidade, solidão, comunicação (ou a falta dela) e a necessidade permanente de empatia, uma tarefa sempre complexa. O filme é sobre Milton (Ben Kingsley), um morador de uma pequena cidade na Pennsylvania, cuja vida se transforma quando acha um ET no seu quintal, com quem desenvolve uma amizade improvável.  The movie follows Milton (Ben Kingsley) who lives a quiet life of routine in a small western Pennsylvania town, but finds his day upended when a UFO and its extra-terrestrial passenger crash land in his backyard. Before long, Milton develops a close relationship with the extra-terrestrial he calls "Jules." Blending comedy, drama, and sci-fi, Gavin Stickler’s script also weaves together universal themes like loneliness, mortality, communication (and the lack of it), and the permanent need of empathy, a real tall order. Netflix.  

4341 - O ASSASSINO EM MIM (2010)

 O ASSASSINO EM MIM (THE KILLER INSIDE ME, USA, 2010) – Com um roteiro recheado de sadismo e masoquismo, sob o verniz de vingança, esse noir ultraviolento precisava mesmo de um quase não ator como protagonista – assim, Casey Affleck está perfeito no papel de um xerife psicopata numa cidade petrolífera no Texas, na década de 50, onde uma série de assassinatos vão pontuando uma história cujas raízes levam a um perfil sociopata. Jessica Alba e Kate Hudson no elenco. With a script fraught with sadism and masochism beneath a venner of revenge, this extreme noir requires an actor like Casey Affleck as a psychopathic deputy sheriff in an oil town in Texas in the 50s, where many murders indicate a story whose roots lead to a sociopath profile. HBO Max.

4340 - A ESTRADA DA VIDA (1954)

 

O almirante Nelson olhando para a esposa de Fellini

A ESTRADA DA VIDA (LA STRADA, Itália, 1954) – Ganhador do primeiro Oscar para filme estrangeiro, La Strada fez de Fellini um nome mundialmente conhecido. É um clássico por todos os motivos: por Fellini, pelo elenco, fotografia, trilha sonora de Nino Rota e uma equipe capaz de transformar as vidas de personagens simples em um olhar sensível e solidário sobre a humanidade. O filme pode ser entendido como uma versão de a Bela e a Fera, com foco em um homem que ganha consciência por causa do amor. Com Giulietta Massina e Anthony Quinn, mas a surpresa no elenco é a presença de Richard Basehart, o almirante Nelson de Viagem ao Fundo do Mar. The movie won the first-ever Academy Awards for the best foreign language film and made Fellini internationally known. Many things made it a classic: because Fellini, his cast, and his crew all working together to turn the lives of some very ordinary human beings into a worthwhile and sympathetic look at humanity. The movie can be seen as a version of The Beauty and The Beast, focusing on a man who gains insight and awareness because of love. With Giulietta Massina and Anthony Quinn, but the great surprise of the cast is the presence of Richard Basehart, the admiral Nelson of VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA. YouTube.

4339 - I AM ALFRED HITCHCOCK (2021)

I AM ALFRED HITCHCOCK (Canadá, 2021) – Excelente documentário sobre a vida e obra de AH. No entanto, faltou um personagem marcante: Bernard Hermann, a alma musical de tantos sucessos, como PSICOSE. Born in 1899, Sir Alfred Hitchcock KBE directed over 50 feature films, becoming as well-known as his actors. His work received 46 Academy Awards, including five for best director. He won two Golden Globes and five-lifetime achievement awards. Oscar nominated five times for Best Director, he is among a few British directors with a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is a study of Alfred Hitchcock’s work, illustrated with clips chosen with tremendous insight and connoisseurship – and supposedly narrated from beyond the grave by Hitchcock himself, pointing out techniques, resonances, images, meanings and occasionally breaking off to check something. With great elan, Hitchcock/Cousins breaks the movies down to six themes: escape desire, loneliness, time, fulfillment, and height. You see characters escaping from danger or unhappiness, desiring pleasure or sex (the escape impulse running the opposite way) in an infinitely deferred consummation, declaimed in ecstatic closeups, which is shrewdly called chaste-arousal.HBO Max.

4338 - BEAU TEM MEDO (2023)

 

BEAU TEM MEDO (BEAU IS AFRAID, USA, 2023) - This movie spends its entire time inside the mind of a man who clearly suffers from extreme anxiety, but it's hard to pin down what exactly it is that he's afraid of. And unlike movies like David Cronenberg's Naked Lunch, we're offered no obvious reason why Beau is seeing some of the weird things he sees. Is he schizophrenic? Maybe. Ari Aster does not want to answer that question, he wants you to ponder on multiple possibilities. And like most art that leans on the abstract side of the spectrum, each viewer is likely to reflect differently on it, and come up with their own answers (if any at all). From what I could tell, there were many clues in the movie that seem to imply that his anxiety disorder is caused by something sexual. A sexual trauma, perhaps. From graphic graffiti at in the earlier sequences, scenes where he is attracted to a girl his age but believes he will die if he has sex with her, and a creature his mother calls "his father" locked in an attic that is basically a monster made out of male genitalia, the movie is riddled with disturbing sexual references. (Not unlike something Cronenberg would do.)

4337 - PARALISIA (2023)

PARALISIA (LOCKED IN, USA, 2023) - The premise of a woman who can't communicate after an accident but still finds a way to let her nurse know that someone tried to kill her starts off interesting. But what comes is a letdown, including bad acting and lost characters. The characters are annoying and make the dumbest decisions possible every single time. Famke Janssen is almost unrecognizable.