The Big Sleep

#200 Howard Hawks: The Big Sleep (1946)

I found the dialogues in this movie intriguing and entertaining, so much so that I couldn't just pick out a few lines as favourites. Ok like 'Why did you have to go on?' - 'Too many people told me to stop'. I have never read a Raymond Chandler book, but if this script is close enough to it, I'd sure like to start. 

'Bogie and Bacall' were already married by then, and their chemistry is splendid. The whole movie is full of interesting female characters, not so in the niche as the male counterparts. Oh well, i was fun watching it! Even while struggling to catch everything that was going on, such twists and fast talkers - thank god for the repeat-option :)

Whiplash

#1175 Damien Chazelle: Whiplash (2014)

Omg how I love J.K. Simmons. And who is this great new actor who holds his own next to him? I have seen this movie on a plane, I think it was on my way to Bangkok in February last year - I just vaguely remembered hearing about some movie with praised Simmons' performance, with no real clue what it was about; and to be honest, if I've read the synopsis I probably would have picked another movie. BUT. How cool is it to discover greatness bit by bit without previous expectations? Just love it when that happens! One of the best movies of the current decade, of that I am sure.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang

#67 Mervyn LeRoy: I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Back to the 30's...I have watched this some weeks ago, and it is actually the first time I have heard of the 'Pre-Code Hollywood' *blush*. To explain: it refers to the brief era in the American film industry between 1929 (the introduction of sound films) and 1934 (the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code, which censored profanity, sexual innuendo, promiscuity...you get the picture).

It is also my first encounter with Paul Muni of Scarface fame, and was impressed with such a natural presence on screen. In all, the movie shows the broad palette of characters - and the almighty system - who destroy an honest man's life. It has always been an emotional rollercoaster for me to watch people's demise, and this was no exception. In short, worth a watch.

The Piano Teacher / La Pianiste

#1029 Michael Haneke: The Piano Player (La Pianiste) (2001)

Much like recently viewed Persona this has been emotionally grabbing, to that point that my total immersion caused sighs and clinched fists, all because I simply stopped seeing it as a movie and felt inside the story, so immediate and real. Well this is what a movie should do after all, right? I have seen Isabelle Huppert in a few movies in the past, but what I have seen here is beyond any words, at least that I could muster in my limited english (though I struggle in Croatian too). So I'll stop trying, and just say...splendid.

Alphaville: Une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution

#457 Jean-Luc Godard: Alphaville: A Strange Adventure of Lemmy Caution (1965)

This is my 3rd movie by Godard; not sure why I didn't expect much from it, maybe because the previous one ('Contempt') was a bit too abstract for me - not that I don't love abstract movies (after all Alphaville can be describe the same) but I think it can easily slide into absurdity. From by humble point of view of course :)

As it happens I have started this blog with three truly symbolic movies, the ones I have to read up on to realise the subtleties that I've missed, and will require a second viewing for sure. In all I have enjoyed the Godard's take on the future similar to that of 1984, and am now looking forward to discovering more of his work.

Persona

#472 Ingmar Bergman: Persona (1966)

I can freely state that Bergman is one of my favourite directors. I am working slowly through his repertoire, having seen some of his movies while still in school, and only now reaching his masterpiece 'Persona'. His movies are atmospheric and very intimate, the performances some of the best you'll ever see on big screen. The intro was somewhat confusing, and one second of seeing an erected penis out of any context does buffle you, even in this day and age..!

At times you are not sure what you are seeing, if you are missing a meaning...If I am not mistaken, the world's most renowned movie critics also have different takes on the subtext of the story. But one thing is certain, it grabs you and leaves an impression long after you've seen the last take showing the cameraman, well, closing the last take.

L'Age d'Or

#54 Luis Buñuel: L'Age d'Or (1930)

I love movies that are quirky and original, I love Salvador Dali's art, and I love Luis Buñuel's expression: somehow them coming together didn't exhilerate me as much as I hoped. Reading about the movie later on made me realise I have missed on so many references, so I guess it's not a surprise? However I found it very amusing the liberal take on sexuality, and this here is my favourite scene of the main female character suckling on a statue's toe :)