Films

watched Aftersun (on iplayer atm) last night and was blown away. Incredible movie. Probably made more impactful by how it echoes elements of my relationship with my own dad. Would recommend.

As a fan of weird, dark comic films I was really excited to watch Poor Things last night.

But found it pretty boring, the odd titter but no real laughs.

Set design, acting etc top notch though.

We laughed our knackers off! Oh well.

This. Found it hilarious.

Best film I've seen in a while, no contest.

I loved Poor Things. Accents were fucking appalling, but it weirdly added to the stuck-together, steampunk charm of the thing. Emma Stone is such a great foil for Yorgos Lanthimos - is there anything more powerful in Hollywood than a deeply weird auteur building a long term working relationship with 100% A Lister film stars?

We were on the Peter Lorre season this weekend, and watched M on Saturday and The Man Who Knew Too Much on Sunday. M is one of the best films I've ever seen and Lorre's performance is haunting. I absolutely loved it.

Found Man Who Knew Too Much oddly disappointing after it. I think I will make a lot of excuses for a film which is made in the 1930s - I can take a lot of sexism, disjointed themes, etc, and it wasn't even super bad for that - but I had to make absolutely no such excuses for M.

I think sometimes watching good films is like upgrading the whiskey you drink. It's great at the time until you get used to it, and any time you can't get the absolutely great stuff, you really resent it.

I think I'm on my own here... Fan of his other films though.

Interested to know what the big laughs were if you've got a couple of bits?

It was indeed weird and dark..

I think the absurdity was eclipsed by sheer audacity which makes compelling cinematography..

I loved it..

You’d have to be dead inside not to guffaw at an asylum-residing Mark Ruffalo farting mid sentence

100%.

His regression to child as a juxtaposition to Bella's journey is the comedic foil throughout. There are a couple of other bit part characters that have good lines but he's hilarious in basically every scene.

New one should be great
https://youtu.be/TIxzAf3ring?si=kQdFHMmq1vDf3qjR

Just based on the trailer I'm in!

100%

https://youtu.be/P9PTCT-gyTY?si=pQVx6dq0U0J3EBeI

Going to see this next Saturday.. finally.. much anticipated..

Anatomy of a fall - Very underwhelming & took too long to get there. Thought there would be much more to it.

Tried to watch poor things..meh

Just couldn’t beyond the “here are some actors doing an act”. My belief failed to suspend. I spent my time imagining the rehearsals. Maybe I don’t like Yorgos Lanthimos films, I was excited to see The Favourite as well, but it just fucked me off.
Both films remind me of the book The Master and the Margarita…sort of self-satisfied. “Look sir I done some sums, aren’t I clever” . Perhaps I’m not clever enough.

Perhaps I’m not clever enough.

Probably this.

How far did you get into the film ?
There are 3 or 4 acts/parts which might make a difference?

Almost definitely, but I can immerse in a play with a nothing but a wooden box a scenery. There’s something Jarring in the tone of those films

It's almost like not everything is for everyone, but that can't be it, you must just be thick.

The Master and Margarita is one of my favourite books and Poor Things is one of my favourite films of recent years. Different strokes for different folks I suppose!

Poor things and the favourite were both written by Tony McNamara, and I found them quite similar m’self. Out of interest have you watched any of his (yorgos’) other films?

Poor Things ran out of steam. Interesting ideas which didn't go anywhere. Dogtooth was much better.

Fuck I just wacked a spd pedal offa bare shinbone this is my wail

Totally agree, it dragged so painfully. Literally nothing happens for at least 45 mins at the start

The Book of Clarence

I see now why this has had a quiet release, there are plenty of references related today speaking many truths, whilst challenging perceptions.

It’ll be a cult movie fo’sure, solid performances led by LaKeith Stanfield, great storyline, soundtrack with stand out moments. Matera, Italy also a great location for AD33 Jerusalem

Epic, bold, compelling are easy references. I rarely see films more than once on the big screen, I need to watch this again, because there is a lot to unpack. Original soundtrack bought.. I reckon this could be a phenomenal stage production too

• Second screening Monday 22nd April Stratford

• Third screening Saturday 27th April - Shoreditch House

https://youtu.be/clalhlGH-pk?si=usL59Me_SfNamwGC