Au Hasard Balthazar

I think I expected too much from this film, because it’s generally hailed as Bresson’s finest, and I usually like Bresson.  I did like the movie a lot, it just wasn’t the blow-me-out-of-the-water masterpiece I anticipated.  I should probably watch it again.  It is remarkable how close one feels to Balthazar, and by proxy, the people who surround him.  Bresson strikes me as similar to Ming-liang Tsai… his films contain a minimum of dialogue and emotion, and seem to focus largely on isolation (although Tsai takes it to greater extremes).  Rating: 8

IMDb

Stevie

Another fascinating documentary.  Steve James (director of the excellent Hoop Dreams) tears down the usual wall between filmmaker and subject, an intensely honest and revealing study.  The movie could have used more judicious editing, however, and occasionally feels very repetitive.  Rating: 8

IMDb

Murder on a Sunday Morning

I spent most of the day watching DVD extras, so that put in me a kind of documentary mood.  And this is a good one — absolutely compelling courtroom drama.  If you needed any more proof that cops are corrupt, inept, lying scumbags, here you go.  Patrick McGuinness and the other public defenders are true heroes.  Rating: 8

IMDb

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

Not very distinctive in terms of acting or directing or cinematography, but a solid story that exposes some serious social ills.  The final exchange of dialogue is a real gem.  Rating: 7

IMDb

Pokolenie (A Generation)

I always have problems understanding these Eastern European political movies.  Is this pro-Communist?  It sure felt like it, but the DVD booklet seemed to suggest otherwise.  I’m just not very smart about politics, I suppose.  It was a good flick, though — it engaged my attention, I cared about the characters, and there were some astonishing shots (especially considering this was Wajda’s first feature).  Rating: 7

IMDb

F for Fake

An incredibly original and rewarding study of charlatans of all stripes, while simultaneously laying bare the fakery of its own construction, and of filmmaking in general.  It’s also about art and authorship and experts.  This is a weird (and potentially pretentious) comment to make, but to me it felt a lot like jazz.  Variations on a theme, a dash of this and a burst of that, giving each “musician” (Elmyr, Irving, Hughes, Welles, Oja) a time to shine.  Plus it’s got a jazzy score, which enhances that sensation.  A playful and very fun film.  Rating: 9

IMDb

Wait Until Dark

An unremarkable but passable suspense thriller.  It’s well-plotted with tense moments in all the right places, but beyond its premise (a blind woman fending for herself against criminals) there’s nothing especially unique about it.  So-so acting and an irritating Mancini score.  Rating: 7

IMDb

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse

I liked this a lot more than M, but maybe I just need to see M again.  Good thriller with clever construction and some marvelous photographic techniques.  I ought to have more to say, but unfortunately I can’t think of anything.  Rating: 8

IMDb

I Don’t Know Jack

Boy, the movies are really piling up around here.  Maybe I’ll try to watch some this weekend, although I’m trying not to let myself feel pressured about it.  IDKJ has some funny/interesting stories, but I don’t recommend it unless you’re REALLY interested in Jack Nance.  Rating: 6

IMDb

Le Cercle Rouge

A good French crime drama, though not very dissimilar from other French crime dramas.  In particular, it seems an awful lot like Rififi.  Too long and doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but it’s a decent movie (and it’s fun to spot all the red circles).  Rating: 7

IMDb