Starring Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham-Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto, Edward Norton, Zach Grenier, Richmond Arquette
Director David Fincher
Studio 20TH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Run time 134 mins
Certificate 18
Genres Action/Adventure
Language English
Released DVD: 06 Nov 2000
Rating ***** Thriller
FIGHT CLUB is narrated by (Edward Norton) who finds his only comfort is pretending to be terminally ill and attending disease support groups. Drifting from group to group, he meets another pretender, or tourist, e Marla Singer (Helena Bonham Carter), who immediately gets under his skin. However, while returning from a business trip, he meets a more intriguing character -- Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt). They become fast friends, over a shared dislike for big business consumer-culture hypocrisy. With this, the two start Fight Club, which meets in a bar basement where angry men get to play out their frustrations in brutal, bare-knuckle duals. Fight Club soon becomes the men's only real priority; when the club starts a cross-country expansion, things start to get really crazy.
Like Tyler Durden himself, director David Fincher's FIGHT CLUB, based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk, is startlingly aggressive and mischievous as it attacks the superficiality of American pop culture.Great performances by Norton and Pitt are supported by a razor-sharp script and a plethora of stunning visual effects including computer animation and slick editing. One of the most stand out films of the late 20th century, FIGHT CLUB is a black comedy of un-nerving intensity
Tuesday 27 January 2009
Wednesday 21 January 2009
"Lost in Translation" Makes the Meaning of Life Sound Elusive: by Ed Bagley
Lost in Translation ' 2 Stars (Average)
"Lost in Translation" was written and directed by Sofia Coppola and won enough awards to fill a grocery cart.
The independent film earned Sofia Coppola an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and also had 2003 Oscar nominations for Best Picture (won by "The Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King", bad timing for Sofia), Best Director (won by Peter Jackson for Lord of the Rings) and Bill Murray as Best Actor (won by Sean Penn in "Mystic River").
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" lost the same nomination as Murray. I would have voted for Johnny Depp as Best Actor rather than Sean Penn.
Sofia Coppola's creation also won Golden Globe awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Actor (Bill Murray), and earned nominations for Best Director and Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson).
The Oscar win was among 70 wins and 58 more nominations. To say Sofia Coppola's creation was lauded by the critics would be a huge understatement.
Seeing this film, I would not have guessed it would have won so many awards.
Sofia Coppola wrote the lead role specifically for Bill Murray, and later said that if Murray turned it down, she would have scrapped the project.
She was nothing if not persistent in recruiting Murray for the role. In 1999, Murray apparently replaced his talent agency with a voice mailbox and an 800 number he gives out sparingly.
Coppola reportedly left hundreds of messages before Murray finally called back to discuss her offer to cast him as the star. Coppola apparently knows something about selecting actors who win awards.
Lost in Translation follows Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a fading American film actor with a humdrum marriage, who is in Tokyo to do a Japanese whiskey commercial. He meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a recently college graduate in philosophy and the bored wife of a photographer doing a shoot in Tokyo.
They develop an unlikely friendship when the language barrier, Japanese culture and their own discontent surfaces. When it is time for them to resume their normal lives, leaving becomes difficult.
I give Sofia Coppola a lot of credit for not writing into the script a sexual relationship between the two. In Hollywood this would be like taking the financier's money and not worshipping at his or her feet.
Coppola had it her way because this independent film cost only $4 million to make, was filmed in 27 days and grossed $44.5 million at last count.
The opening of the film has a lingering shot of Scarlett Johansson (as Charlotte) lying in bed sideways in her panties. Johansson was apparently reluctant to film the shot until Sofia Coppola modeled the panties herself. c
Thankfully, this opening was not a precursor to the film, which sought to explore a more important issue: the meaning of life. As two unhappy individuals in their roles, both Murray and Johansson struggle to find real meaning in their current circumstances.
What happens in their exploration is really nothing special. As a viewer I was waiting to see where their relationship was going because they came to no conclusions together, or on their own.
Therein is why I gave this film an average rating rather than a good or excellent rating. I wanted real substance in this film that I could relate to in my everyday life, and I was left wanting.
How odd is it that Bob and Charlotte never introduce themselves to each other despite spending days together contemplating their mutual miserable situations? This makes no sense to me whatsoever, and does not ring true in real life.
Despite winning an Oscar for her original screenplay, Sofia Coppola does not give the substance I expect. Hollywood pours out awards for her effort, and to me it only reflects why Hollywood is called Tinseltown, all show, confusion and stress without real substance.
Ultimately, both characters are seeking meaning in their lives.
One viewer wrote this about the film, "Overall the film is just perfect. The acting, the direction, the soundtrack, plot, themes, humor, visuals . . . what's not to like?"
What's not to like is this: People who seek true love seldom find it. People who seek the perfect mate never find the perfect mate. People who seek to find the true meaning of life seldom find it.
The reason is simple: you do not bring meaning to your life by seeking meaning in your life, you bring meaning to your life by giving meaning to your life. Life does not come to you, you come to life, or you become an unhappy, dissatisfied person.
When we blame others we give up our ability to change.
Lost in Translation has some great scenes of Tokyo, but like pictures in a photo album, they only reflect the meaning you bring to them.
Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley
About The Author
Ed Bagley's Blog Publishes Original Articles with Analysis and Commentary on 5 Subjects: Sports, Movie Reviews, Lessons in Life, Jobs and Careers, and Internet Marketing. Read my 3-part series on "Secrets Men Don't Want Women to Know". Find my Blog at: http://www.edbagleyblog.com/ http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLife.html
"Lost in Translation" was written and directed by Sofia Coppola and won enough awards to fill a grocery cart.
The independent film earned Sofia Coppola an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay and also had 2003 Oscar nominations for Best Picture (won by "The Lord of the Rings, the Return of the King", bad timing for Sofia), Best Director (won by Peter Jackson for Lord of the Rings) and Bill Murray as Best Actor (won by Sean Penn in "Mystic River").
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" lost the same nomination as Murray. I would have voted for Johnny Depp as Best Actor rather than Sean Penn.
Sofia Coppola's creation also won Golden Globe awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Actor (Bill Murray), and earned nominations for Best Director and Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson).
The Oscar win was among 70 wins and 58 more nominations. To say Sofia Coppola's creation was lauded by the critics would be a huge understatement.
Seeing this film, I would not have guessed it would have won so many awards.
Sofia Coppola wrote the lead role specifically for Bill Murray, and later said that if Murray turned it down, she would have scrapped the project.
She was nothing if not persistent in recruiting Murray for the role. In 1999, Murray apparently replaced his talent agency with a voice mailbox and an 800 number he gives out sparingly.
Coppola reportedly left hundreds of messages before Murray finally called back to discuss her offer to cast him as the star. Coppola apparently knows something about selecting actors who win awards.
Lost in Translation follows Bob Harris (Bill Murray), a fading American film actor with a humdrum marriage, who is in Tokyo to do a Japanese whiskey commercial. He meets Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson), a recently college graduate in philosophy and the bored wife of a photographer doing a shoot in Tokyo.
They develop an unlikely friendship when the language barrier, Japanese culture and their own discontent surfaces. When it is time for them to resume their normal lives, leaving becomes difficult.
I give Sofia Coppola a lot of credit for not writing into the script a sexual relationship between the two. In Hollywood this would be like taking the financier's money and not worshipping at his or her feet.
Coppola had it her way because this independent film cost only $4 million to make, was filmed in 27 days and grossed $44.5 million at last count.
The opening of the film has a lingering shot of Scarlett Johansson (as Charlotte) lying in bed sideways in her panties. Johansson was apparently reluctant to film the shot until Sofia Coppola modeled the panties herself. c
Thankfully, this opening was not a precursor to the film, which sought to explore a more important issue: the meaning of life. As two unhappy individuals in their roles, both Murray and Johansson struggle to find real meaning in their current circumstances.
What happens in their exploration is really nothing special. As a viewer I was waiting to see where their relationship was going because they came to no conclusions together, or on their own.
Therein is why I gave this film an average rating rather than a good or excellent rating. I wanted real substance in this film that I could relate to in my everyday life, and I was left wanting.
How odd is it that Bob and Charlotte never introduce themselves to each other despite spending days together contemplating their mutual miserable situations? This makes no sense to me whatsoever, and does not ring true in real life.
Despite winning an Oscar for her original screenplay, Sofia Coppola does not give the substance I expect. Hollywood pours out awards for her effort, and to me it only reflects why Hollywood is called Tinseltown, all show, confusion and stress without real substance.
Ultimately, both characters are seeking meaning in their lives.
One viewer wrote this about the film, "Overall the film is just perfect. The acting, the direction, the soundtrack, plot, themes, humor, visuals . . . what's not to like?"
What's not to like is this: People who seek true love seldom find it. People who seek the perfect mate never find the perfect mate. People who seek to find the true meaning of life seldom find it.
The reason is simple: you do not bring meaning to your life by seeking meaning in your life, you bring meaning to your life by giving meaning to your life. Life does not come to you, you come to life, or you become an unhappy, dissatisfied person.
When we blame others we give up our ability to change.
Lost in Translation has some great scenes of Tokyo, but like pictures in a photo album, they only reflect the meaning you bring to them.
Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley
About The Author
Ed Bagley's Blog Publishes Original Articles with Analysis and Commentary on 5 Subjects: Sports, Movie Reviews, Lessons in Life, Jobs and Careers, and Internet Marketing. Read my 3-part series on "Secrets Men Don't Want Women to Know". Find my Blog at: http://www.edbagleyblog.com/ http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLife.html
Friday 16 January 2009
Lovefilm: An excelent home movie rental & retail site!
My own 5 Star rating for service, & choice: Highly recommended
I have been waiting to write about Lovefilm which is really good with 1000"s of film titles to pick from, you"re really spoilt for choice. I"ve been a member now for 6 weeks & I must say I"m very impressed. For less than 9 pounds 99p per month for instance [which it is now with the new VAT rate] you can hire as many films as you like as long as you have just one DVD at a time. There"s no worries about late returns because it"s self regulating: you don"t get sent a new movie until you"ve sent back the the one that you last watched. The DVD"s come in small dvd pouches so you don"t have to worry about a bulky packet fitting through your letterbox & you return it with the attached pre-paid envelope. You can also buy or download films as well.
To choose DVD"s to rent, it"s really simple: you just click on the films you want & they appear on your rental list & you just choose high medium or low priority " Lovefilm will send the highest priority films first. The service is very quick: by return of post so it"s possible to rent two films a week if you watch them strait away. I"m never that quick so I haven"t had that many out just yet. After you"ve watched them you can rate them 1 to 5 stars or even write a review.
PS: All the films & TV series reviewed on this page are available from Lovefilm
Article by Tony Dunn @Copyright 2009
I have been waiting to write about Lovefilm which is really good with 1000"s of film titles to pick from, you"re really spoilt for choice. I"ve been a member now for 6 weeks & I must say I"m very impressed. For less than 9 pounds 99p per month for instance [which it is now with the new VAT rate] you can hire as many films as you like as long as you have just one DVD at a time. There"s no worries about late returns because it"s self regulating: you don"t get sent a new movie until you"ve sent back the the one that you last watched. The DVD"s come in small dvd pouches so you don"t have to worry about a bulky packet fitting through your letterbox & you return it with the attached pre-paid envelope. You can also buy or download films as well.
To choose DVD"s to rent, it"s really simple: you just click on the films you want & they appear on your rental list & you just choose high medium or low priority " Lovefilm will send the highest priority films first. The service is very quick: by return of post so it"s possible to rent two films a week if you watch them strait away. I"m never that quick so I haven"t had that many out just yet. After you"ve watched them you can rate them 1 to 5 stars or even write a review.
PS: All the films & TV series reviewed on this page are available from Lovefilm
Article by Tony Dunn @Copyright 2009
"The Departed" Is Best Mob Film Since Mario Puzo's "The Godfather" in 1972
The Departed – 4 Stars (Excellent)
Let me get to the most important thing first: Director Martin Scorsese won an Oscar for "The Departed".
Scorsese, one of the most accomplished directors of our era, has been nominated for 7 Oscars-5 for Best Director and 2 for Best Screenplay-before winning with The Departed.
He had also received 7 Golden Globe nominations-6 for Best Director and 1 for Best Screenplay-and won for Gangs of New York before winning again for The Departed this year (2007).
The Departed is simply the best mob film since Mario Puzo's original Godfather in 1972.
Besides Scorsese, The Departed won for Best Picture, Best Screenplay (William Monahan) and Best Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker), giving The Departed 4 Oscar wins to The Godfather's 3 (Marlon Brando for Best Actor, Best Picture and Best Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola).
Mark Wahlberg was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor as Sgt. Sean Dignam.
The Departed also picked up 45 more wins and another 45 nominations, including another win for Scorsese (Best Director) and nominations for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg) at the Golden Globes.
In short, The Departed brought home more hardware than a Home Depot shopping spree.
The icing on the cake for Scorsese was his best box-office opening ever ($26 million), his highest grossing film ever with $132 million nationally and $288 million worldwide through March 2007, and $48 million more in VHS rentals. The film's budget was $90 million.
The all-star cast of DiCaprio (Billy Costigan), Matt Damon (Sgt. Colin Sullivan), Jack Nicholson (Frank Costello), Wahlberg (Sgt. Sean Dignam), Martin Sheen (Capt. Oliver Queenan) and Alec Baldwin (Capt. George Ellerby) did not hurt a lick.
The story takes place in Boston where Irish Mob boss Frank Costello (Nicholson) embeds Colin Sullivan (Damon) as an informant with the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, the State Police assign Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello's crew.
When both sides figure out the situation, it is left to Sullivan and Costigan to discover each other's identity.
Along the way, 22 people get whacked (this is a Mob flick), the "f" word is used 237 times (about 235 times too many), and we get a study in relationship psychology as the only real love interest-Madolyn Madden-is a criminal psychiatrist who is wooed by both rivals.
The Departed kept my attention riveted for 151 minutes. The three main characters (Costello, Sullivan and Costigan) all show their anguish in balancing survival, winning and conquering the moment.
There are apparently two versions of this film. I saw the longer version that is rated R for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, and some strong sexual content and drug material.
This film is not for children or young adults, not that young adults do not hear the same "f" word dozens a time a day at high schools all over the country, but who needs the "f" word 237 times in 2.5 hours? Nobody.
I managed to tune out the cussing and concentrate on the story, acting and presentation that were excellent for an action flick with Mob presence.
Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley
About The Author
Ed Bagley's Blog Publishes Original Articles on Current and Past Events with Analysis and Commentary on Movie Reviews, Sports, Lessons in Life, Movies, Sports, Jobs and Careers and Internet Marketing intended to Delight, Inform, Educate and Motivate You the Reader. Find Ed's Blog at:
http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/MovieReviewArticles.html
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLifeArticles.html
Let me get to the most important thing first: Director Martin Scorsese won an Oscar for "The Departed".
Scorsese, one of the most accomplished directors of our era, has been nominated for 7 Oscars-5 for Best Director and 2 for Best Screenplay-before winning with The Departed.
He had also received 7 Golden Globe nominations-6 for Best Director and 1 for Best Screenplay-and won for Gangs of New York before winning again for The Departed this year (2007).
The Departed is simply the best mob film since Mario Puzo's original Godfather in 1972.
Besides Scorsese, The Departed won for Best Picture, Best Screenplay (William Monahan) and Best Editing (Thelma Schoonmaker), giving The Departed 4 Oscar wins to The Godfather's 3 (Marlon Brando for Best Actor, Best Picture and Best Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola).
Mark Wahlberg was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor as Sgt. Sean Dignam.
The Departed also picked up 45 more wins and another 45 nominations, including another win for Scorsese (Best Director) and nominations for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Actor (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Best Supporting Actor (Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg) at the Golden Globes.
In short, The Departed brought home more hardware than a Home Depot shopping spree.
The icing on the cake for Scorsese was his best box-office opening ever ($26 million), his highest grossing film ever with $132 million nationally and $288 million worldwide through March 2007, and $48 million more in VHS rentals. The film's budget was $90 million.
The all-star cast of DiCaprio (Billy Costigan), Matt Damon (Sgt. Colin Sullivan), Jack Nicholson (Frank Costello), Wahlberg (Sgt. Sean Dignam), Martin Sheen (Capt. Oliver Queenan) and Alec Baldwin (Capt. George Ellerby) did not hurt a lick.
The story takes place in Boston where Irish Mob boss Frank Costello (Nicholson) embeds Colin Sullivan (Damon) as an informant with the Massachusetts State Police. Simultaneously, the State Police assign Billy Costigan (DiCaprio) to infiltrate Costello's crew.
When both sides figure out the situation, it is left to Sullivan and Costigan to discover each other's identity.
Along the way, 22 people get whacked (this is a Mob flick), the "f" word is used 237 times (about 235 times too many), and we get a study in relationship psychology as the only real love interest-Madolyn Madden-is a criminal psychiatrist who is wooed by both rivals.
The Departed kept my attention riveted for 151 minutes. The three main characters (Costello, Sullivan and Costigan) all show their anguish in balancing survival, winning and conquering the moment.
There are apparently two versions of this film. I saw the longer version that is rated R for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, and some strong sexual content and drug material.
This film is not for children or young adults, not that young adults do not hear the same "f" word dozens a time a day at high schools all over the country, but who needs the "f" word 237 times in 2.5 hours? Nobody.
I managed to tune out the cussing and concentrate on the story, acting and presentation that were excellent for an action flick with Mob presence.
Copyright © 2007 Ed Bagley
About The Author
Ed Bagley's Blog Publishes Original Articles on Current and Past Events with Analysis and Commentary on Movie Reviews, Sports, Lessons in Life, Movies, Sports, Jobs and Careers and Internet Marketing intended to Delight, Inform, Educate and Motivate You the Reader. Find Ed's Blog at:
http://www.edbagleyblog.com
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/MovieReviewArticles.html
http://www.edbagleyblog.com/LessonsinLifeArticles.html
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