Pre-work schedule is ongoing this week. I try and get up early – sometimes succeeding – and do techy stuff most of the day while trying equally sketchily to stay off the web. Then in the evening a film or two and a few hours of WoW. Did I mention the sheer excellence of ScreenSelect? OK.
Stalker: by your man Tarkovsky is as slow-paced as you might expect, and then some more. And then played at half speed. Patience required then, but the pay-off includes some of the most hauntingly beautiful scenes you’ve seen. One of those films that you seem to appreciate properly days afterward, when it all compresses down in your head and you’re left with the essence of it.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre: alas I added the 2003 version when I wanted the original. The remake is so fucking awful they should be ashamed. Just really predictable slash fare, flaccid and lacking in imagination. The end chase sequence is yet another 20 minutes of the heroine squealing, and despite repeatedly dunking her in water – for bouncy T-shirt effect – manages to be both laughable and dull. I hated it.
Thankfully Spirited Away was a total vision. Like everything good I remember about the Neverending Story, this is a perfect fable with real depth. Dreamlike, subtle, unpredictable and internally consistent. Like in a dream, the reasons for things happening are there to be found but never hammered home. Characters are satisfyingly complex with no goodie/baddie stereotypes. Pacing is also perfect (unlike Laputa or Monomoke, for example). Magical. Make sure you watch Jap sound with subtitles though, unless that stretches your wee brain.
18-May-05 at 1:35 pm | Permalink
Yes! Spirited Away is great. I wanted it to go on forever. I love Studio Ghibli films. They make me want to weep with happiness and sadness and go on adventures.
(P.S. No idea as to the whereabouts of Mr. Moseley’s phone, sorry. Would have texted to tell you that on monday, but as usual, no money in my mobile. Has he found it yet?)
18-May-05 at 3:35 pm | Permalink
I’ve found Screenselect have become slightly slow at the moment. Or maybe it’s just my posty. I’ve had Stalker on my selection for months but never want to see it enough to prioritise it.
If you enjoyed the 2003 version of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre you should try Jeepers Creepers
Has Moseley lost his phone? Can you tell him I am trying to get in touch about le weekend.
20-May-05 at 9:18 am | Permalink
Mr Moseley now has a new phone. I will do him a favour and not post it here, but text me for it etc.