Week 14 and 15 in film

Noah (Darren Aronofsky, 2014)
Yes, as a whole disappointing, especially if you consider what Aronofsky is capable of. Nevertheless, this film managed to move me. The last hour is very powerful, whereas the first felt somewhat too bombastic with a lot of effects and Power Rangers in stone. Not a bad film, but it lacks a sharp notion about the modern day world. I would have been impressed if Aronofsky decided too flood the world by melting the poles. 7/10 



The Saint (Phillip Noyce, 1997)
This film begs for a lame statement: Val Kilmer can't disguise this film being bad and very disappointing. 3/10

Tape (Richard Linklater, 2001)
Play adaptations are made by acting performances. The cast may not be that promising, but thanks to tense directing and good performances, especially Ethan Hawke, they pull of a good film. Makes me want to investigate Linklater's oeuvre more. 7.5/10

Ordet (Carl Theodor Dreyer, 1955)
A masterpiece about religion and the difference between the belief and religious conventions and conflicts. The ending would have been corny in 99% of the cases, but this film pulls it off, see for yourself what I mean. Very impressive. 9/10

Killing Zoe (Roger Avary, 1994)
One of many in the bank heist category. Builds up with a lot of stupid behaviour involving drugs and booze, leaving not much to be a surprise. 5/10

Submarine (Richard Ayoade, 2010)
Not sure how to summarize this, Wes Anderson meets Todd Solondz? Anyway, it is funny, original, has some great in-jokes and is very aware of film conventions. The story couldn't really hold my attention, somehow, expected more somehow. 6.5/10

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (Adam McKay, 2013)
Only Steve Carrell's retard character held up, here. I don't think there was any other situation or character that made me laugh. 4/10

Week 12 and 13 in film

Nymphomaniac pt.I & II (Lars von Trier, 2013)
Suffers from lack of subtlety on multiple levels. As a whole not a bad film, since its length never feels problematic, but some parts are simply there to raise controversy. Comparing sex to fly fishing and classical music? Please. Luckily, this time von Trier doesn't try to imitate Tarkovsky but simply borrows Bach's 'The Mirror'-piece and one of Roeblov's icons. Clear enough. 6/10



Batman (Tim Burton, 1989)
Early Burton where he shows his strengths and weaknesses. Great art direction and good type casting. Nicholson is good, comparable to what Heath Ledger did with the Joker. I can't say the same thing about Michael Keaton. He lacks the status and charisma to really present a believable Bruce Wayne. Especially if you can't display chemistry with one of the most beautiful women in film history. 6.5/10

Death and the Maiden (Roman Polanski, 1994)
The paranoid Sigourney Weaver thinks her visiting neighbour is the man who raped and abused her in the past. Polanski has its way with films that are based on a play. I am not sure if I really like this one. The acting, not unimportant in such a setting, is overall not that great (Stuart Wilson). Polanski did make me doubt the guilt or innocence of the antagonist constantly. 6.5/10

The City of Lost Children (Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, 1995)
Disappointing. Some great ideas, beautiful settings and an original script. It's the directing where it goes wrong, no suspense or urgency is created here, at least not for me. What doesn't help is that the most annoying actor in this film is multiplied by 7. 5.5/10

Beyond the Black Rainbow (Panos Cosmatos, 2011)
It's like Only God Forgives in slow-motion. No suspense, a lot of pretentions, really, really boring despite some beautiful photography. Experimental film is called experimental for a reason, it fails at times. 2.5/10

Vampire's Kiss (Robert Bierman, 1988)
Cage-mania. Saw it two years ago and simply rated it on its merits. I was wrong. Cage makes the merits and is  insane and therefore hilarious. Died laughing. 6.5/10