jarosk19 Reviews

A Journey with Paul Cox (1996)

Biography of Paul Cox with Film Clips

[7/10 · 12 September 2005]

I found this film as an extra on Paul Cox's Vincent CD. I have now seen 2 of his films (Innocence the other) and couldn't recommend them highly enough. They are both great, I look forward to seeing as many of his films as I can find available.

This film is a biography of Paul Cox's life based on an interview with Cox himself as well as film clips of many of his films.

Cox comes across as a passionate, independent film maker. He loses me when he blasts more commercial movies and laments the future of the medium. I have heard the same thing repeatedly from Robert Altman (another director who I greatly admire.) Well, I say to each his own. It is possible to enjoy your films and still get a kick out of Robocop. If you want to make great highly individual films, I will support you. But please don't show jealousy that your movies aren't as popular as Star Wars. It's just bad form. And if Bergman were starting out today, he would find a way to find his audience, just like you have.

At no time in history, have there been as many great independent film makers (and some of them have even been able to reach a mass audience). So stop worrying about the future of film and keep up the great work.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Right-Wing Leftist

[7/10 · 13 August 2005]

I gave the Motorcycle Diaries a 7 out of 10. It is a very handsome movie with beautiful scenery, well acted and has a few humorous incidents. What troubled me throughout,as a Ronald Reagan conservative, was that Che Guevara in real life was not a hero. When he reached power he turned into a tyrant. When that wasn't enough for him, he turned to armed terrorism until he was finally stopped.

I decided to read Roger Ebert's review after seeing the movie to see what a leftist would think. Ironically, he was troubled much the same as I was. Except that he dubbed Che a "right-wing" leftist. This is the same mentality that called the communists in the Soviet Union right wingers and the free marketers left wingers.

I have often wondered how the left could possibly view themselves as idealists while vilifying the right. After all, were not Stalin, Mao, Fidel, Pol Pot, etc, etc. all leftists. To me, it is the inevitable result of a total government takeover. More power to the government means less power to the people. People rebel. Government cracks down. Tyranny results.

Anyway, now I know. You just call a communist a right-winger and he automatically becomes the bad guy.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Typical David Lynch

[5/10 · 17 April 2002]

The 1st 2/3 of this movie was excellent. I didn't think David Lynch had it in him anymore. Then the story totally falls apart. I have followed many of the theories regarding this film. My guess is that Lynch started filming without writing an ending. Then he filmed multiple endings and plot twists. Then he threw it all together in editing when he couldn't figure out how to tie it all together. Remember Twin Peaks? Lynch can set up great premises, but he can't finish them. I once again got sucked into a Lynch movie and ended up disappointed.

Clapton Chronicles: The Best of Eric Clapton (1999 Video)

60 Minutes of Music Videos

[5/10 · 5 December 2001]

This DVD contains 60 minutes of music videos and nothing else. There are not even any credits listing the musicians. I would have loved to see some interviews interspersed in between the videos as well. I gave this a 5 out of 10 because of these disappointments. However, if you are able to watch the DVD for free and are a fan of Eric Clapton's as I am, you will give this a much higher rating.

Limelight (1952)

I love Chaplin, I hated this movie.

[5/10 · 30 June 2001]

After 140 minutes of suffering through stilted, often amateurish acting and directing, you will finally see the historic teaming of Chaplin with Buster Keaton in a wonderful comedy skit. Unfortunately, the skit only lasts about five minutes which is just about the same length Chaplin gave himself every time he opens his mouth to speak. I love Chaplin, I hated this movie.