BRICK or Saved by the Bell Noir

I watched BRICK recently.
First off I am a big big big big big big big big big big fan of the Film Noir genre. I am studing it. I myself have tried to emulate it in some writing(usualley with a humorouse tone) I love it. Therefore I think I liked this film more than most people would. I first really love the concept. It's a concept film and it doesn't forget that. The idea of making a film noir and setting it in a high school is a great one and I am surprised that it hasn't happened sooner. It is also handled well. This movie could have been The Breakfast Club Detective story. Instead it's Maltese Falcon with High schoolers. I think the latter is far more interesting. That being said I think a lot of people are going to hate this movie. They are going to think it is dumb and the characters are ridiculouse and don't make any sense and that's fine. I love that about the movie. It doesn't try to be anything other than Noir and noir even at all its brooding and suspense can be a little ridiculouse and cheesy. I still love it though.
I think it's very funny.
Brendan the main character tells people "You know where I eat lunch" there is a seen with him and a principal that mirrors the scene in all noirs of the private investigator with the police chief. It is really clever.
If you love film noir, i think you will like this.
If you have never seen anything in the genre(which you probably have and don't realize it, Big Lebowski and Blade Runner are all forms of noir) See the movie anyway. You might enjoy. You might also think that it is ridiculouse and stupid but that is ok too.
Laters
Timmy

Catching a few Z's with the Science of Sleep.

I caught the science of sleep last night at the good old Angelika Theatre. My friend persuaded me to put off my homework duties and take advantage of the Angelikas Cheap Date night. (You get a free large coke and popcorn on Monday nights.)
We decided to check out the Science of Sleep.
I am a big fan of Michel Gondry. I always enjoyed his music videos, I think that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a masterpiece and I even dig Human Nature to an extent even though it is one of his, and Charlie Kaufman's, weaker films. I kind of wish I hadn't know all that going in to the theater.
It is a good movie. It is very very good and I highly recommend it to everyone, not even just my artsy fartsy friends. It didn't blow my mind like I was expecting though. That is partly my fault. You shouldn't expect another Eternal Sunshine. Charlie Kaufman is an amazing screenwriter, I would even argue the best working right now in Hollywood. he can tackle some broad complex topics in a wonderful way. Just check out Adaptation and Being John Malkovich.
Gondry however has chosen to focus on a much more simpler story. It is a nice story and apparently according to what I have gathered from various interviews and the such is very autobiographical. But that's it it is just a simple story. If it didn't have Gondry's great artistic vision and amazing acting from the two leads then it would be your run of the mill romantic comedy.
That is what makes the movie stand out though. The device of having Stephan' not be able to separate his fantasy from reality is a great way to tell the story but that is not really what this movie is about. It happens and it happens a lot but it is mainly used to just move the story along between the relationship between the two leads.
The acting is awesome though. I really think that is what really made me love this film. Bernal is fantastic in this role. The character he has created captures you from the beginning and you believe every weird quirky thing he says. Charlotte Gainsbourg is also really great. This is the first time I had ever seen her and I was very impressed. She has a really great natural sense to her. All of the supporting characters are fantastic as well. If anything go see this film for the acting.
Bottom line. It's a good movie. Go see it. Don't expect the next Eternal Sunshine because that's not what it is. Expect a really great romantic quirky comedy from the crazy mind of Michel Gondry.

Also they are showing eight of Pedro Almodavor's films in theatres right now. If you are anywhere near a theatre showing them go and check them out. Talk to Her and Bad Education are really amazing film experiences. I am going to try and check some out that I haven't seen.
Until Then
I'm Out!