jeanxmurphy Reviews

Avalon (2001)

Japan and Poland, unlikely but interesting bed fellows in live action

[7/10 · 24 April 2006]

I had seen Avalon before I found out that the director also directed Ghost in the Shell. It certainly was a big departure from anime, but still holding a distinct Japanese style. Oshii, the director is also a huge Polish cinema fan, so it must have been a dream come true to film there.

This film certainly comes across, in a respectful and accurate way about, Poland and also boasting some top notch Polish acting. It reminded me somewhat of Dark City in places, the dark shades and 1940 style architecture, a film noir style live action film, if you like. I found the plot intriguing and while I'm not much into shoot em ups, I felt that this film was finished with so much style, characterization and mood that it is impossible not to like.

Every Man for Himself (1980)

Jean Luc's interest in Prostitution

[9/10 · 12 April 2006]

The foremost image in this film, which I find difficult to erase from my memory, is that of the 2 prostitutes, 1 john and 1 lackey set up. How original. It made me think of "Vivre sa vie" and then "2 or 3 things I know about her". Granted these are the only Godard films I've seen, but the sex trade theme is definitely prevalent.

In the earlier films, of course, it's toned down but one of the things they all have in common is the coldness of the transaction and the purely business way that they are carried out. It almost seems as though they have not been directed by a man, but a woman.

All in all, I find Jean Luc, one of the more honest and clear thinking directors of not only our generation, but any generation. Can't wait to see more.

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

Absolutely Eerie!!

[7 March 2002]

This movie, was wonderfully shot and used some absolutely astounding use of cinematography with great attention to detail. For example, the use of the moth design in ordinary, arbitrary circumstances, like while Gere is in the police station(after just missing his dead wife!), the design of the police logo/badge on the window looked like a moth and also the electricity masts were in the shape of moths. Extremely eerie.

Personally this movie struck a cord, especially when Bate's character stated that why should these beings explain themselves to us as we are not likely to explain ourselves to cockroaches!

The dream sequences were all too familiar as I'm sure many people have experienced all too realistic dreams where it seems someone or something is trying to communicate with you and saving you from a dying dream.

I can't say I loved the movie but it definitely made me think about the prophecies and if that was the sole reason, then it obtained its objective.

Recommendable!!