geneh Reviews

Slow Burn (2000 Video)

Underrated Flick Obviously Inspired by Forgotten 1899 Classic Novel

[8/10 · 15 July 2002]

Underrated indy film. Solid story and fascinating characters. Many elements obviously borrowed from forgotten Frank Norris classic, McTeague, first published in 1899. The Norris novel was the basis for 1925 silent classic Greed, directed by Erich von Stroheim. Greed is generally considered one of the best films ever though the nine hour original and witnesses are long gone. With respect to Slow Burn, I enjoyed watching one aspect of human nature, namely greed, play out under the blazing sun.

In the Bedroom (2001)

Incredibly Overrated Predictable Drama

[7/10 · 11 April 2002]

After hearing all the hype I was shocked that this paint by numbers predictable drama was nominated for Best Picture over truly brilliant and great films such as Memento, Ghost World, several others. After the opening couple scenes you know exactly where they're going. Wilkinson, though a terrific actor and delivering a solid performance, was obviously miscast. Spacek was OK though how she was nominated for best actress over Thora Birch from Ghost World is criminal. Tomei was a pleasant surprise. Director Field's mania for glacial shots intended to reveal how sooooo real everybody is way up yonder in Maine including the dreary thrift shop clothing and phony looking multi-era interiors was beyond tedious. Even the lobsters weren't all that convincing. 7/10.