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The Toughest Man in the World (1984)
Mr. T *is* the Toughest Man in the World
Hokey tv-movie has Mr. T sticking up for some inner-city kids. His name might be "Bruise" but the action is fairly tepid. It's worth seeing just for the rap Monsieur T does over the opening credits. The video was available on Cabin Fever, in case you're trying to locate it.
Khane-ye doust kodjast? (1987)
worst-case Kiarostami
Everyone who's ever complained about Kiarostami's films being dull just might have their case in point with this early film of his. Though I've found "Close Up," "Taste of Cherry" and "The Wind Will Carry Us" fascinating, this film contained limited rewards, offering little of the philosophical subtext Kiarostami is renowned for.
The Big Bang (1989)
mildly interesting
In an 80 minutes film with 18 interviewees, it's impossible for Toback to go more than skin deep with his philosophical inquiries. In fact, the content is one of the least interesting aspects of the film. More intriguing is how he managed to edit together 18 people's stories into one seamless dialogue, and how he played around with the lighting and composition of each of his subjects (many are cast in drastic shadows or glowing angelic hues).
Raw Deal (1948)
Visually striking, but otherwise average film noir.
Raw Deal is a movie where the hero is only less evil than the villains. Anthony Mann's film is downbeat, dark, and low-budget. The bare-bones plot is strictly a means to visually represent a loser who's trying to "crawl out from under a pile of rocks" society has buried him. Chiaroscuro is fully employed here, with lots of shadowy bars falling across our hero to tell us that even though he escaped jail he is still doomed and imprisoned. Nothing happens that you wouldn't already have figured out, so just relax and soak in the dreary atmosphere - especially sodden in the later parts of the film.
Fingers (1978)
Keitel's best performance.
It doesn't appear that many people have seen this little gem. "Fingers" is James Toback's first (and still best) film and contains an edgy vivacious performance from Harvey Keitel. The on-location filming in New York City adds to the desperation of the struggling wannabe pianist played by Keitel. Fascinating character study.
Nosferatu - Phantom der Nacht (1979)
Beautiful, dispassionate...
Herzog's remake of "Nosferatu" is a slow-paced spectacle. It's gorgeously photographed with an anemic glow. The music is memorable as well. Unfortunately, the acting is either soporific (Kinski), melodramatic (Adjani) or annoying (Roland Topor as Renfield). There are definitely more rats in this film than any other adaption of Stoker's novel.