Roadracers is one of those brilliant films that hardly anybody knows about. It was made for TV, but don't let that scare you away. Rodriguez once again proves what a genius he really is. The music, the everything... there is no redundancy in this film, every but of dialogue is carefully plotted out. Scenes like the grease on the rollerskating rink should have gone down in histpory with classics like "frankly my dear, i dont give a damn" or the Graduate's leg-angle. Notice the names: Dude and Donna (= boy and girl). The film was most definately inspired by Copela's Ruble Fish. Please, if you haven't yet, see this masterpiece, it's definately worth your while.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Barton Fink
(1991)
A manifestation of writer's block (SPOILERS)
5 May 2000
Warning: Spoilers
I tried to pay very careful attention when I watched Barton Fink last week, and jotted down the following notations about what the HELL was going on...
Barton DOES write his soul into it, as he says. He sells it for HIS GREATEST WORK. The last few scenes are no longer reality--they are in Barton's mind and Goodman--Satan?--shows him the life of the mind.
We see a manifestation of the pain a writer goes through, and he flees into his only, last real source of inspiration--the painting of the girl. And what's in the bag, then? It's barton's mind, his soul. Charlie points at his head when he says it's not his. ah, hell, maybe it is just a goddamn head. It wasn't Charlie's, who kept it in THE HEADOFFICE...
"it's just mosquito bites", remember that? No, it's his soul being removed bit by bit. (tell me if I am digging to deep)
"Charlie, can I come in?" "Lets go to your room..." Why doesn't charlie want Barton to enter? Because in there are the infernal pits of hell. Remember the hellish laughter that caused for Barton to complain about Charlie in the first place?
hey, did Charlie make love to the corpse? I think I heard that same creaking of bedsprings...
"The contents of your head are property of capital pictures..." I dunno what to think of that, I just liked it.
Barton says he feels like he's "losing his mind"
"WE GOTTA KEEP OUR HEADS"
what Charlie basically tries to say is when he gives the package is "here, keep your soul for a bit, and I'll be back for it later..." Maybe he even gave him Audrie's creative soul
okay, I just found something here. Barton opens a Bible and looks at the book of Daniel, in which we see the following: "And the king, Nebuchadnezzar.." Nebuchadnezzar, that was the name of the book by W.P. Mayhew. OKAY, SO I FOUND NOTHING, GIMME A BREAK PEOPLE!
And then he reads his own work, in the bible! what!?
who did "Mundt" kill? lets see, the doctor who made him pay ten bucks. The housewives who laid crap on him. Barton's family... hm...
Charlie/Mundt is the manifestation, the incarnation of Barton's frustration, anger, pity and all other emotions that come with writing. I think that whole HEIL HITLER deal goes back to the anti semetism of the cops.
Why does lipnick hate the script? because Lou read it, and Lou hates Barton because he got him fired... or did he?
thank you.
Barton DOES write his soul into it, as he says. He sells it for HIS GREATEST WORK. The last few scenes are no longer reality--they are in Barton's mind and Goodman--Satan?--shows him the life of the mind.
We see a manifestation of the pain a writer goes through, and he flees into his only, last real source of inspiration--the painting of the girl. And what's in the bag, then? It's barton's mind, his soul. Charlie points at his head when he says it's not his. ah, hell, maybe it is just a goddamn head. It wasn't Charlie's, who kept it in THE HEADOFFICE...
"it's just mosquito bites", remember that? No, it's his soul being removed bit by bit. (tell me if I am digging to deep)
"Charlie, can I come in?" "Lets go to your room..." Why doesn't charlie want Barton to enter? Because in there are the infernal pits of hell. Remember the hellish laughter that caused for Barton to complain about Charlie in the first place?
hey, did Charlie make love to the corpse? I think I heard that same creaking of bedsprings...
"The contents of your head are property of capital pictures..." I dunno what to think of that, I just liked it.
Barton says he feels like he's "losing his mind"
"WE GOTTA KEEP OUR HEADS"
what Charlie basically tries to say is when he gives the package is "here, keep your soul for a bit, and I'll be back for it later..." Maybe he even gave him Audrie's creative soul
okay, I just found something here. Barton opens a Bible and looks at the book of Daniel, in which we see the following: "And the king, Nebuchadnezzar.." Nebuchadnezzar, that was the name of the book by W.P. Mayhew. OKAY, SO I FOUND NOTHING, GIMME A BREAK PEOPLE!
And then he reads his own work, in the bible! what!?
who did "Mundt" kill? lets see, the doctor who made him pay ten bucks. The housewives who laid crap on him. Barton's family... hm...
Charlie/Mundt is the manifestation, the incarnation of Barton's frustration, anger, pity and all other emotions that come with writing. I think that whole HEIL HITLER deal goes back to the anti semetism of the cops.
Why does lipnick hate the script? because Lou read it, and Lou hates Barton because he got him fired... or did he?
thank you.
The Hudsucker Proxy
(1994)
Halo
1 February 2000
I am not gonna say that this movie is brilliant, which it clearly is... Cause what do you care what someone else though about it, right? I've wasted enough of yer time already by the blathering I've just done, so lets get to the point.
Symbolism: When Waring jumps out the window, Tim Robbins walks into the joint. It reminded me of something The Stranger said in the Big Lebowski,k about that being the way that's the way that whole darn human perpetuation works, one man dies, the other is born; one man resides the CEO position, the other accepts it...
Resemblance: notice that Waring's Halo is really just like a hula hoop. What's a hula hoop but an overgrown halo? you, know, for kids...
RAISING ARIZONA: Hudsucker Industries is the company where H.I. McDonnough works.
all right, I'm gonna say it anyway, I THINK THIS MOVIE IS BRILLIANT!
Symbolism: When Waring jumps out the window, Tim Robbins walks into the joint. It reminded me of something The Stranger said in the Big Lebowski,k about that being the way that's the way that whole darn human perpetuation works, one man dies, the other is born; one man resides the CEO position, the other accepts it...
Resemblance: notice that Waring's Halo is really just like a hula hoop. What's a hula hoop but an overgrown halo? you, know, for kids...
RAISING ARIZONA: Hudsucker Industries is the company where H.I. McDonnough works.
all right, I'm gonna say it anyway, I THINK THIS MOVIE IS BRILLIANT!
Magnolia
(1999)
I have more news that will also enlighten you
27 January 2000
Warning: Spoilers
LOADS OF SPOILERS!!
Hey, first off: read my first comment "I have some real news that will enlighten you" first, because this is merely supplementary material of what I have discovered upon second viewing of the film and browsing the internet.
Notice that Earl's wife's name is Lilly, Jimmy's wife is named Rose, bit flowers, just like Magnolia (which was the name of the intersection's street, for those who didn't notice).
Notice the less noticeable references to (Exodus) 8:2 or "82":
-Jim's dating phonebox number is 82 -the blackjack dealer provides an 8 instead of a 2 -when the rain stops a busstop lights up reading Exodus 8:2 (I didn't see this, but heard about it) -82 is the number on the firefighter's plane -82 is part of the phone number (this might seem far-fetched, but isn't my own finding either) -When the kid jumps from the roof in the beginning we see a rope spelling 8:2
Notice that the black rapping kid said that he is a prophet (always the last people to be listened to until 'tis too late)
The frog-fall give the people something (a problem?) new to concentrate on and make them forget their own worries. Look at how Mackey visits his stepmother, and how he hates women because his mom died on him when he was just 14 (although my buddy says that this is not true, that there is no reason why he hates women--IT JUST HAPPENED (as the theme of the film is))
Why does Donnie feel it is righteous to steal the money from his boss? Because he wants braces? no... because his parents stole from him, and this is his chance to get back at them!
Jim Kurring speaks of a "twenty-four hour job", used as a metaphor for being a parent or just a cop?
Also, I am beginning to doubt this fact: DID Jimmy die or DID he NOT? Did the frog just trigger the gun, shooting him, or stop him from shooting himself? Help.
Hey, first off: read my first comment "I have some real news that will enlighten you" first, because this is merely supplementary material of what I have discovered upon second viewing of the film and browsing the internet.
Notice that Earl's wife's name is Lilly, Jimmy's wife is named Rose, bit flowers, just like Magnolia (which was the name of the intersection's street, for those who didn't notice).
Notice the less noticeable references to (Exodus) 8:2 or "82":
-Jim's dating phonebox number is 82 -the blackjack dealer provides an 8 instead of a 2 -when the rain stops a busstop lights up reading Exodus 8:2 (I didn't see this, but heard about it) -82 is the number on the firefighter's plane -82 is part of the phone number (this might seem far-fetched, but isn't my own finding either) -When the kid jumps from the roof in the beginning we see a rope spelling 8:2
Notice that the black rapping kid said that he is a prophet (always the last people to be listened to until 'tis too late)
The frog-fall give the people something (a problem?) new to concentrate on and make them forget their own worries. Look at how Mackey visits his stepmother, and how he hates women because his mom died on him when he was just 14 (although my buddy says that this is not true, that there is no reason why he hates women--IT JUST HAPPENED (as the theme of the film is))
Why does Donnie feel it is righteous to steal the money from his boss? Because he wants braces? no... because his parents stole from him, and this is his chance to get back at them!
Jim Kurring speaks of a "twenty-four hour job", used as a metaphor for being a parent or just a cop?
Also, I am beginning to doubt this fact: DID Jimmy die or DID he NOT? Did the frog just trigger the gun, shooting him, or stop him from shooting himself? Help.
Magnolia
(1999)
I have some real news that will.. enlighten you!
25 January 2000
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT
Hey, I'm back again, expression my sarcastic feelings to the lame-o's and shallow-o's among us. So, I understand that some of you did not like Magnolia because a) it was weird; 2) it was long; c) the ending was more open than something that's opened really wide. Guess what? Of course it's weird, a reflection of every day life usually is (you'd probably think American Beauty was weird too). But if you can't understand that this film is a masterpiece because it gives the most realistic reflection/portrayal of life as we know it (long, and you never know what'll come next), well, I'm sorry, but then ya might as well die or something.
What about the frogs? Oh yeah, bringin' up the frogs again, eh? Well, here's what i think: The surreal falling of frogs (+ gun) is merely a metafor, meant to symbolize--and in a way, mock--the narrator's "Just because things on TV seem weird to you, doesn't mean they don't happen". Another example of this was the fact that Phillip Baker Hall's character supposedly didn't remember abusing his daughter--just because you don't remember something, doesn't mean it didn't happen. because, as stated under a painting in the film, "But it DID happen". Speaking of paintings, did anyone notice the magnolia paintings in 1) Jimmy's house and 2) behind the pilot's head when he shoots himself in one of the first scenes?
Notice that at the gameshow, someone holds up a sign saying "exodus 8:2", which is taken away by a stagehand. (Exodus 8:2--And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs).
Notice the resemblance between Jimmy Gator and Earl Partridge: Both are estranged from their children. Both are suffering from cancer. Both have cheated on their wives. Both die when the frogs fall. (symbol: the TV--cause of everyone's suffering, or a medium at least--is shot, ending all the bad with the mens' deaths).
Notice how Stanley asks about the weather station to someone on the show.
Notice how the black kid raps about how the Worm (his brother, the black woman's son?) comitted the murder. And how he sais something about the love of god sending forth a vengeancefrom the sky or something similar.
What do the flashcards on the show say on the back? OUR KIDS (...) US did anyone catch the blank?
Notice how Mackey speaks of what society has done to little boys. This referring of course to the killing of innocence.
And which book was it that spoke of the past not being done with us?
Brilliant cinematography, music and direction bring out the best in the ensemble cast. Cruise was great, but no better than the rest--an oscar for him? Give one to the rest too, after all, the only reason they choose to nominate him is because he's made name already. Hall was great again, Reilly is just a big fluffy puppy, Moore is a genius, Blackman gave a helluva breakthrough performance (even better than that Osmond kid), Macy is the biggest loser ever (that's a compliment) and the ever so sensitive and to me most teardrawing Hoffman gives a superb performance opposite Moore and the master Robards. Now if I hear one more person tell me it was weird, I'll suggest they look around--now there's weird for ya.
ps: notice how people constantly say that it's raining cats and dogs... or was it cats and frogs?
Hey, I'm back again, expression my sarcastic feelings to the lame-o's and shallow-o's among us. So, I understand that some of you did not like Magnolia because a) it was weird; 2) it was long; c) the ending was more open than something that's opened really wide. Guess what? Of course it's weird, a reflection of every day life usually is (you'd probably think American Beauty was weird too). But if you can't understand that this film is a masterpiece because it gives the most realistic reflection/portrayal of life as we know it (long, and you never know what'll come next), well, I'm sorry, but then ya might as well die or something.
What about the frogs? Oh yeah, bringin' up the frogs again, eh? Well, here's what i think: The surreal falling of frogs (+ gun) is merely a metafor, meant to symbolize--and in a way, mock--the narrator's "Just because things on TV seem weird to you, doesn't mean they don't happen". Another example of this was the fact that Phillip Baker Hall's character supposedly didn't remember abusing his daughter--just because you don't remember something, doesn't mean it didn't happen. because, as stated under a painting in the film, "But it DID happen". Speaking of paintings, did anyone notice the magnolia paintings in 1) Jimmy's house and 2) behind the pilot's head when he shoots himself in one of the first scenes?
Notice that at the gameshow, someone holds up a sign saying "exodus 8:2", which is taken away by a stagehand. (Exodus 8:2--And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs).
Notice the resemblance between Jimmy Gator and Earl Partridge: Both are estranged from their children. Both are suffering from cancer. Both have cheated on their wives. Both die when the frogs fall. (symbol: the TV--cause of everyone's suffering, or a medium at least--is shot, ending all the bad with the mens' deaths).
Notice how Stanley asks about the weather station to someone on the show.
Notice how the black kid raps about how the Worm (his brother, the black woman's son?) comitted the murder. And how he sais something about the love of god sending forth a vengeancefrom the sky or something similar.
What do the flashcards on the show say on the back? OUR KIDS (...) US did anyone catch the blank?
Notice how Mackey speaks of what society has done to little boys. This referring of course to the killing of innocence.
And which book was it that spoke of the past not being done with us?
Brilliant cinematography, music and direction bring out the best in the ensemble cast. Cruise was great, but no better than the rest--an oscar for him? Give one to the rest too, after all, the only reason they choose to nominate him is because he's made name already. Hall was great again, Reilly is just a big fluffy puppy, Moore is a genius, Blackman gave a helluva breakthrough performance (even better than that Osmond kid), Macy is the biggest loser ever (that's a compliment) and the ever so sensitive and to me most teardrawing Hoffman gives a superb performance opposite Moore and the master Robards. Now if I hear one more person tell me it was weird, I'll suggest they look around--now there's weird for ya.
ps: notice how people constantly say that it's raining cats and dogs... or was it cats and frogs?
End of Days
(1999)
jee, what other movies can we exploit?
26 November 1999
I just figured I'd give it a chance, after all it had a cool preview and starred Gabe Byrne as Satan. It seemed promising. Well, it wasn't. The acting was mediocre, this doesn't mean bad, it just means that they could have gotten more out of it (that means you, Robin Tunney! Arnold we have accepted), with exception of Rod Steiger who gave a strong but very insignificant performance. As for the plot: wow, man, how'd ya come up with that? good vs. evil, that very original. say waht? let arnold kick the devil's ass? this movie will definitely strike the first place... on the planet Sucko. But how can we make it work then, Mike? well, not by ripping off film such as The Usual Suspects ("the greatest trick the devil ever pulled off..."), the recent Stigmata (o, what this exorcist routine is still supposed to shock us?) and The Devil's Advocate ("Let me tell you about God..."). Hyams, who did the direction and cinematography apparently couldn't make up his mind on which he should concentrate the most... I've lost two hours of my life looking at action stuff that has been done and lame humor... O, well, what do you expect from a film called with the tagline (or was it merely a consellation that the movie would end?) "The end is coming"... jee, how long that take you to think up?
Blood Simple
(1984)
I was afraid
25 November 1999
I was very afraid of renting this movie. I am a big Coen Brothers fan, and had seen al of their films, except for Blood Simple that is. I was afraid that if I rented this film I would be disappointed, just like I was when I rented The Evil Dead (I'm a Sam Raimi fan as well). It was after all their first film, it had only two of their regulars (Holly Hunter and Mcdormand) and, moreover, Roger Deakins didn't do the cinematography. But I decided to take a chance and rent it.
In the first thirty minutes I was still afraid, but then came the clever twist, when Dan Hedeya's body is discovered. Ten minutes of silence and Coen-only irony evolves from it. Although they hadn't yet developed the style they hold now, they were on their way.
Very nice, especially Carter Burwell's brilliant score.
COEN POWER!
In the first thirty minutes I was still afraid, but then came the clever twist, when Dan Hedeya's body is discovered. Ten minutes of silence and Coen-only irony evolves from it. Although they hadn't yet developed the style they hold now, they were on their way.
Very nice, especially Carter Burwell's brilliant score.
COEN POWER!
Brazil
(1985)
it's been said
21 November 1999
Okay, I am not touching this one with a ten feet pole. I am however going to pose a question that none of you can answer:
Why the hell is this movie titled "Brazil"? Could it be because of the constant playing of the song onthe soundtrack or is there a deeper meaning.
Hell, I dunno. All has been said, except for this matter.
help me out,
cabweasel@hotmail.com
Why the hell is this movie titled "Brazil"? Could it be because of the constant playing of the song onthe soundtrack or is there a deeper meaning.
Hell, I dunno. All has been said, except for this matter.
help me out,
cabweasel@hotmail.com
A Simple Plan
(1998)
book was beter
15 August 1999
i'm reading the book momentarilly and must say that it is far better that the film, which i very much enjoyed. It was good to see Sam Raimi direct in a different way that just flinging low angles all over the place, like in his Evil Dead trilogy. Cole's appearance was short, but it was good seeing him perform again (loved him in Raimi's "American Gothic"). i feel that Scott Smith, the writer was forced to end the film like this, for in the book, Jacob died earlier and far colder than FORCING his brother ro kill him. And after reading the book, i feel the film wat too hollywood. so my recommendation is to read first, then watch. but i give it a 8.0 out of 10... way to go, Sam! way to go, Billy Bob and Bill and Brigit, way to go!
Lost Highway
(1997)
everything has been said but...
12 August 1999
well, guess everything has already been said about Dave's masterpiece, right? wrong! every now and again i heard somebody say something about Mystery Man being the devil incarnate, but what i didn't hear, and however WANTED to hear was why they thought that. well, here's one answer for ya: the camera! he keeps taping everyone with his little (one of the first) camcorder. and according to some cultures, Camera's can capture people's souls! there ya have it, that's why Madison ran off when he pointed the damn thing at him. "And you? What the f**k's your name?" another thing on the Mystery Man: he IS Renee. well, don't you think it's obvious? everytime she disappears, he appears, she even wore his face in bed, damn it! and Renee, or Alison, or whatever only exist in Pete's world. as soon as Pete turns back into Fred, one of the chicks (the blonde) disappears and the brunette remains. the same with mister Eddy and Laurant. and here's another theory to support your DUALITY OF MAN theory: the difference between renee and Alison is black (hair, clothes, fingernails) and White (same), as in the symbol of D.O.M. -; The Yin Yan! there ya go, a brilliant plot in a nutshell, or whatever.
did anybody notice that all the TV screens are black and white? what is that about? and the old cars and cameras? i'm lost...
did anybody notice that all the TV screens are black and white? what is that about? and the old cars and cameras? i'm lost...
The Sixth Sense
(1999)
You people are all so lame!
9 August 1999
how can you all be so shallow and lame? giving this poor excuse for a movie an 8.8 altogether. do you really think that a terrific > ending can make up for a very slow and boring movie with cheap scare effects? yeah, you heard me: CHEAP, C-H-E-A-P! sure, put in some silense and then POOF! there ya go a scare effect... Bruce Willis might be one cool dude, but this character isn't supposed to be cool, he's supposed to be a psychiatrist, damn you! Bruce can't seem to get rid of his "cool stare", get Nic Cage for this part and ya got my blessing... but i have to confess to one thing:
after watching the movie, and thinking about it, everything adds up, it was well plotted, but it didn't have the "whammies" a movie needs to keep you nailed to your seat. "Raiders Of The Last Ark" is a good Whammie exapmple. first ya got a great action sequence, followed by a boring lecture... but at least they have your attention. well, altogether i give Sense #6 a 6.0, that's what it deserves (perhaps after watching it it deserves more, but i am still pissed off at the fact that i was bored during the first hour)... that'll take down yer average, lamers!
after watching the movie, and thinking about it, everything adds up, it was well plotted, but it didn't have the "whammies" a movie needs to keep you nailed to your seat. "Raiders Of The Last Ark" is a good Whammie exapmple. first ya got a great action sequence, followed by a boring lecture... but at least they have your attention. well, altogether i give Sense #6 a 6.0, that's what it deserves (perhaps after watching it it deserves more, but i am still pissed off at the fact that i was bored during the first hour)... that'll take down yer average, lamers!
Apocalypse Now
(1979)
out there
14 May 1999
All right. here's my interpretation of Apocalypse. It's about being pure...about going back to nature, about living purely by instinct. Take Kurtz (Brando) for instance, did any of you notice that he was blind? Well, guess I was the only one then. Check where Sheen looks into his books. What kinda books? Braille. When watching the flick you actually know what that war must have been like...you don't get it. Too confusing...well, that about does it. Except for these quotes:
"and when all of this is over, are they gonna say he was a kind man? YOU!" - Hopper -
"and that's when it struck me in the forehead like a diamond bullet."
he, David!!!
"and when all of this is over, are they gonna say he was a kind man? YOU!" - Hopper -
"and that's when it struck me in the forehead like a diamond bullet."
he, David!!!
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