Katey moved far far awayShe didn't leave New York exactly but I'm being dramatic about it because we used to live mere blocks away. She's too far away. Getting together has been more difficult so we're experimenting this week with a remote discussion of Antichrist. I was not alone in my difficulty connecting with it... though we both recommend in that 'we're film fanatics and you have to see certain films' kind of way.
It was good to chat movies with Katey again. Have you seen this particular controversy magnet yet, now that it's in theaters and VOD?
*
Posts
8 comments:
I agree with you that some films just need to be seen. This is certainly one, but it's not without its faults. The acting was great, but I had trouble figuring out what Von Trier's message was and that compromised the experience a little bit.
What I loved about this discussion was that I could nod along with the points you guys were making, while still thinking it's rather a brilliant film. So many people who didn't connect with it tend to make sweeping, hysterical statements in response, so it's a pleasure to hear you nailing exactly why the film ISN'T unprecedentedly shocking, why it ISN'T misogynistic, etc, etc.
I would have loved to hear you talk more about how the film speaks to horror cinema, as I think it's so wrapped up in genre tropes on top of Lars's personal issues. It's a much more playful film than it's being given credit for.
By the way, Katey's echo added an (appropriately?) spooky tone to the whole video. But the new haircut is great ;)
I got to see the film about 3 months ago, and reviewed it then:
http://pfangirl.blogspot.com/2009/08/antichrist-reviewed.html
Pretty much I'm with Danny King in that I felt the message of the film was very muddled. This said, however, as confusing as the film became later on I thought it was visually stunning, and the first half (before their arrival at Eden), which dealt specifically with grief, and the anxiety, anger and denial that stems from it, was quite superb.
For all its flaws Antichrist is definitely going on my list of most unforgettable films of 2009.
I finally caught it on VOD and I felt a little frustrated I didn't have the chance to see it on the big screen. It wasn't even in HD so really, I can't talk about the "beautiful" aspect of it. Also, watching it at home, with familiar surroundings and in daylight doesn't compare with a movie theatre experience. If there's any film that should be seen on the big screen, i think this is it.
Regardless, I think it was worth watching it and I'm waiting for the Blu-ray.
Guy... only so much you can fit into 10 minutes. alas.
as to how it speaks to horror cinema. I have to admit that this question haunts me whenever i'm trying to use a critical eye with a film that touches on the horror genre because it's the genre I know the least about. give or take the western... i know them both by reputation far more than by actual experience since i don't seek out films from either genre unless i'm nudged to them for other reasons.
Haha, now i finally know how english-language people pronounce gainsbourg :-).
her name haunts me!
American English-language people, that is! It varies ...
Post a Comment