dmaxl Reviews

The Gleaners & I (2000)

A great film maker examines the role of the artist in society

[10/10 · 25 March 2001]

This film is a feast for anyone who loves film, photography or art in general. Agnes Varda takes the viewer along on a very personal exploration about what it means to be an artist. To glean means to gather whatever crops have been left in the field after a harvest and the film is on one level a straight documentary about gleaners in France, exploring the various reasons why they glean - survival, to feed the poor, for fun. But gleaning is revealed to be an apt metaphor for the process of making art, and so, perhaps on a deeper level, Varda is examining her role as a film maker, a "gleaner" of images and life moments. Regardless of why you might watch this film, I recommend it for the playfulness and beauty of the photography, and the complex and personal depth of Varda's narrative.

The Driver's Seat (1974)

Complex, beautiful, funny, and very strange.

[10/10 · 20 July 2000]

Elizabeth Taylor is one of the most beautiful and exciting actresses ever to grace the screen. In this film she exemplifies these qualities, along with her talent for portraying a woman of wild abandon and audaciousness. Her work in this film will remain with the viewer long after the credits roll.

The film is almost impossible to describe. I saw it not long after seeing Luis Bunuel's The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie...and I must say that I sensed some similarities between the two. While Bunuel allows mundane situations to evolve into surreal jokes and absurdities, and injects social commentary, The Driver's Seat portrays surrealism literally, in the form of a psychotic character who appears ridiculous and unintelligible, but in fact mirrors the chaos and violence of the society in which she lives.

Gladiator (2000)

Try an "Our Gang" or "Little Rascals" comedy instead...

[1/10 · 7 May 2000]

This was one of the worst films that I have seen in quite a while. Each of the major characters is almost completely unbelievable, especially Crowe's Maximus. You would get a better history lesson, a higher art, and more entertainment watching Spanky, Alfalfa and "Our Gang" do a rendition of Julius Caesar or something. "Gladiator" was so boring and bad that it did not even elicit any unintentional laughs. But you may groan in agony waiting for it all to end. No surprises, no titillation (something we have a right to expect from the decadence of ancient Rome), no effective moral lessons, no revolutionary film making. Fans of extremely violent video games might get a thrill or two, but that's it. Testosterone addicts who desire to commit violence against others and feel completely justified in doing so might relate to the protagonists in this film. I don't. It stinks. I gave it a "1".

Phenomena (1985)

For Argento fans, a film to treasure...

[9/10 · 5 May 2000]

I have only seen the edited for US video titled "Creepers" but I loved it just the same. I have been a fan of Argento's for years. I saw "Deep Red" on Cable-TV channel 17 out of Philadelphia back in the 1970's, and whatever chopping the distributors do for video release is nothing compared to what used to happen on all-nite cable. Anyway, back to "Phenomena", this is fabulous, I can't wait to see it full-length on DVD. Argento makes us fall completely in love w Connelly. Bugs are nice.

Bad Girls Go to Hell (1965)

Seldom seen, but worth a look...

[7/10 · 20 February 2000]

Filming in glorious and gritty black and white, Ms Wishman offers us the beautiful and talented Gigi Darlene as an everywoman in 1960's urban America suffering the birth-pangs of the sexual revolution. Take a peek at this, if you ever get the opportunity, to see an example of the art that influenced pulp film-makers of the 1960's and 1970's, John Waters, and many musicians and artists active in the Punk scene.

Franchesca Page (1998)

A talented cast, inventive musical numbers and camp humor

[10/10 · 30 October 1999]

Franchesca is an aspiring young musical actress whose career is being orchestrated by her mother (played by the incomparable Varla Jean Merman) and her mother's pals. Riotous humor, inventive musical numbers, and the sheer talent of the cast - especially Varla Jean Merman - make this film entertaining from beginning to end. If you enjoy John Waters, Pedro Almodovar, or inspired lunacy in general, you'll love this one.

Story of a Bad Boy (1999)

A satisfying flick...

[9/10 · 31 July 1999]

This is a well written and very nicely acted film about the confusion and excitement of adolescence. Portrayed comically for the most part, the characters also reveal their fears and uncertainties. If you like coming of age or coming out stories, this satisfying flick will fit the bill.

Blonde Cobra (1963)

bizarre, disjointed, but compelling. A classic of experimental cinema.

[5/10 · 12 June 1999]

A classic of independent experimental '60's cinema, filmed in grainy black and white, with no cohesive narrative. The characters portray psychotic symptoms in their actions, all of which take place within a small filthy apartment, with a bizarre and frightening voice over. The film is disjointed, with extended periods of black screen and voice over only. Fans of the experimental and the avante-garde will feel compelled to watch.