Change Your Image
Raizok
Reviews
Gambling, Gods and LSD (2002)
An ambitious, dull, pretentious attempt at filmmaking.
Having dragged a few good friends of mine to see an "art" film downtown, I expected Gods, Gambling and LSD to be an appropriate representation of the genre. Sadly, it was all too evident over the 3 hours it took to sit through this mess, that my friends will likely stop calling me for things to do when bored.
Initially I came in with a reasonable set of expectations. I've only read one review which gave it 3 1/2 stars and I knew this was to be an experimental movie. But I fail to see any competent artistry in this. I applaud the filmmaker's intention with this particular piece, but I have to say it was executed and edited very poorly. This did not have to be 3 hours long. It could've easily served its purpose at 90 minutes. Some footage was very much unnecessary without even the vaguest semblence of connection to the shot preceding it or even to the overall "theme" of Gods, Gambling and LSD. You'd be looking at concrete pavement one minute and your average industrial building the next. I could get the same kind of mental stimulation walking downtown with my head at an angle.
The idea of making a movie visually arresting to the point of actually inspiring viewers to think and appreciate the interconnectedness of human life and thought, was far too ambitious for this filmmaker to properly do justice. It felt to me like a very personal, self-indulgent film that does little to draw everyone else in. As someone previously noted, it does indeed feel like watching Grandma's vacation footage, except I have had the misfortune of paying for it. And then actually not leaving.
I would say maybe 1/4 of this movie has some truly remarkable imagery on screen, and I appreciated experiencing those. But the movie obviously doesn't take note of an audience that is NOT stoned or affected by any mind-altering substances. Unfortunately this type of project is more suited towards Imax theatres with professional editing, better footage and a more consistent visual narrative. Having it go all over the place capturing what the guy thinks is "cool" just makes this about as pretentious as a male hooker wearing a blond wig and passing himself off as a woman. I can't wait to make a film using my camcorder and haphazardly videotape objects that don't relate to one another and conning people into thinking its a masterpiece.
I've yet to actually leave in the middle of a movie, but Gods, Gambling and LSD seriously tested my self-disclipine. I want my three hours back, it was a sunny day outside, I could've fell asleep at the park instead and have some dreams which would have been better structured and paced than this load of bull.
Too Tired to Die (1998)
really really really.. strange.
This movie is like a moving dartboard. details flash before you and as you aim your attention on a particular target, it quickly goes out of reach.
I just rented this flick among 6 others (saw Wall Street before this one, really good movie) simply because Mira Sorvino is a hottie and the premise of the film (guy gets 12 hours to do whatever he wants) sounded intriguing.
It turned out to be something a hell of a lot different.
From the opening credits I was impressed with the set-design, the actor and the way it was being filmed. Fantastic opening scene gave me the feeling I was going to watch something really unique. And I did.
Unfortunately, I cant quite find the words to describe what I saw. It seemed almost like an improvisation. Characters that didnt quite seem to fit in the story, conversations that didnt seem to hold any relevance, plot-twists that were inconceivable. This isnt your typical hollywood film.
Again, I was taken aback by the style of the movie, and I recommend this for those seeking something "different" to comment on along with their friends. Just like "Lost Highway" had an important message locked somewhere in it's tangled skein.
Oh well. That pretty much sums up my opinion of the movie, sorry I couldn't have done a better job. peace out.