For months I’ve had this DVD on the coffee table. Is tonight the night I watch the movie about blinky guy? Uh…no. Something else, anything, please.
We finally turned it on last night and I warned Ann. “Listen, this is going to make you cry, so I don’t want to hear about it afterwards.”
Yes, it is every bit as emotional as you’d expect, but the big draw here is the way Schnabel and Janusz Kaminski visualize this story. Using old school effects (double exposures, crazy lenses, unique camera placement) we “see” this man’s story from the inside out. It is, as advertised, a wonderful cinematic achievement and if you focus on that aspect (and not the unjust and cruel world we inhabit) this is a must-see.
Julian Schnabel, gigantic douche bag though he be (see the Charlie Rose interview bundled on the DVD wherein he declares a viewing of this film will conquer all mortal fears) is now 3 for 3 with his film resume. I now officially anticipate his work as he is one of the most innovative folks out there. Cruel world indeed.
