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Moriarty looks at John Sayles' LIMBO, RUN LOLA RUN, WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM, MONKEY BONE, O BROTHER WHERE ARE THOU

Coens by Meat Takeshi	Jun 7th, 1999 04:54:58 AM
Hooray, can't wait for a new piece of escapism Coen style. I'm not hugely au fait with Sayles stuff but Lone Star was an emotional ride and more of that ilk is eagerly awaited. PS, should i be making a big deal about being nearly first?
Masocoenism by Anton_Sirius	Jun 7th, 1999 05:08:07 AM
They don't know when to quit, do they? Hudsucker is the Coens least successful, most critically reviled film, one that nearly destroyed Jennifer Jason Leigh's career, and yet they've come back for a little more of that post-Depression-era cookin'. Good for them- Hudsucker is criminally underappreciated, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? should do just fine with Clooney on the poster. And hopefully it'll get a few more people to rent some Sturges classics- not just Sully, but the Great McGinty, the Lady Eve and a dozen others. I just hope Joel & Ethan cribbed the Pittsburgh line for this one. You know- "It'll never play in Pittsburgh." "Well, what do they know in Pittsburgh?" "They know what they like." "If they knew what they liked, THEY WOULDN'T LIVE IN PITTSBURGH!"
Everett McGill by John Shaft	Jun 7th, 1999 05:54:54 AM
Wasn't he in Twin Peaks? And The People Under The Stairs? And Silver Bullit? And other stuff as well. What gives? You Dig?
Run Lola Run clips by artsnob	Jun 7th, 1999 06:04:29 AM
I've been singing the praises of RUN LOLA RUN (and dying for a second viewing) ever since seeing a showing at the Toronto Film Festival hosted by Tom Tykwer last September. My review is on file here somewhere if you search on "Run Lola Run" (include the quotes). All I want to add to what you say is that the English website for the movie is now up and running at http://www.spe.sony.com/classi cs/runlolarun/runlolarun.html Anyone with a fast web connection and Quicktime 3 or 4 on their machine can see six minutes of the movie spread out over three clips, including the phone conversation at the start and its immediate aftermath. The clips do an excellent job of showing what a fantastic fusion of sight and sound the movie is, and the final one includess one of the many "and then ... " fate-revealing photo sequences that Tykwer uses so effectively throughout the film.
Hudsucker Industries by Martin Blank	Jun 7th, 1999 06:39:13 AM
I can't wait to see all these movies -especially Lola and Brother. It will be interesting to see Fraser in MB. I loved The Hudsucker Proxy and I liked JJL in it.I am a bit worried about Clooney in Brother.His range is limited as an actor although he was good in Out Of Sight but I'm sure the Coens know what they're doing.
Moriarty is off base. by AcidGuru	Jun 7th, 1999 07:09:20 AM
Quite frankly, Moriarity is dead wrong. What is wrong with the film industry today is studio execs, and artists let sites like this give information to the public that should wait until the film is near the end of production. Too many people like Moriarity start hyping a film when it should not be put under the microscope by the public. For chrissakes you are reviewing scripts! Leave that to the people that make the films, not the people that have very limited tastes to what they define "art" to be. Tell me, how could you even review a Henry Selick or Coen Brothers film in script stage? Both are visual directors and what you think is going to happen on screen is probably different than what both Selick and tbe Coen brothers visualize. Would Degas, Picasso, or Pollock want their paintings reviewed before they met the artists final vision? I dont think so. Why do you think Kubrick has been successful? He never let information leak out about his movies during the production phase. This kept him focused and entitled him to meet his vision. When you give away information to joe q. public during the initial stages of the movie, you are bastardizing the filmmaking process. Why dont you just let joe q. make the movies? Ummm... because he cant and wouldnt know where to start. So leave it to the artists that can. Its obvious that Harry and Moriarty are not true artists, they dont understand the process it takes to create and its quite evident in their posts and reviews.
Sayles, Coens, and Acid Guru, oh my by quiscustodiet	Jun 7th, 1999 09:29:55 AM
First, the Coens are brilliant, everytime I watch Hudsucker or Fargo, I am inspired to attempt to create that lush feel of scenic brilliance that only they get (I'm a set designer in theatre). But their brilliance also includes great characters, fascinating story lines, and the destruction of filmic stereotypes and cliches (the "chase" scene in Fargo kills me everytime). Sayles has come a long way since Alligator (as funny as it was in moments) and continues to amaze with his storytelling process, Lone Star is so good that it leaves your mouth hanging open. For the Acid Guru, I believe that what Harry and the gang are doing here helps people understand the process behind creating a film, from script to post. A lot of people have no concept of what it takes to make a film or how many people need to take part in it. Film is not like painting or any individual art (though people insist on comparing it to them, it's like comparing tennis to hockey, they are both sports but the approach of individual to team is much different). By dissecting the process (maybe too deeply, sometimes) they give the "average" (non-artist) person a more knowledgeable way to approach film, not unlike some courses that students take in high school or college. To hold the artist above society, as you seem to be doing, or at least seem to be doing with the process, is to take it away from the people for whom it is created. It keeps art elitist and that is never good!
On "elitism" in art by Serdar Yegulalp	Jun 7th, 1999 10:30:29 AM
I need to post a couple of comments to this thread about art and elitism. First off, elitism is one of those words that's become cheapened by too many people throwing it at everything that they see even vaguely fitting the definition. It wasn't too long ago that people railed against musical notation as being "tyrannical" and "enslaving" (what?!), despite the fact that this cheapened what genuine tyranny and slavery were. If an artist is elitist -- i.e., taking very tight control of their work until its conclusion -- that's probably a good thing, because HE'S THE ONE THAT CAME UP WITH IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. If he chooses to admit other people's opinions, that's up to him. But it is not mandatory. In a world where too many things are cheapened by dilution, by too many cooks in too small a kitchen, allowing people to have total control of their art is a good thing. (Then again, I thought George Lucas could have used the help of a competent screenwriter this time around, but that's just me...)
Elitism by quiscustodiet	Jun 7th, 1999 11:43:48 AM
I believe that elitism has nothing to do with believing in your art, I believe it has to do with believing that you are above others, and it is that sort of elitism that can destroy art. The belief that you don't have to explain your work is borne out of two issues, one that your art should be self-explanatory, in the case of Naturalist or Realists, it's simple, in the case of surrealism or dadaism, it's a little more complex but with a little knowledge (on the part of the viewer), it should be understandable. In some cases artists have far more knowledge of complex art styles and forms and therefore an explanation may be neccesary but they feel they are above explaining it because people should simply understand it, forgeting that it took them years of study to understand the form. This leads to elitism. The second situation is when an artist is not comfortable or unable to explain their piece, sometimes due to lacking the verbal or oral ability to do so or because the piece has no explanation and the artist is basically b.s.ing the public (this happens more than you can imagine). If it is a case of lacking the ability to explain, the artist will sometimes choose to allow someone to put into words for him or her their interpretaion of the piece (again this happens frequently, visual artists come from a different part of the brain than writers). Sometimes they choose to let the piece stand on it's own which may lead to understanding from the public or confusion as to what the artist is attempting. If it is confusing and the artist claims that people should just understand his art and they are crass for not doing so than he is creating a situation of elitism, those who have not wanting to share with those who do not have (in this case, a knowledge of art). If they are b.s.ing the public and hide behind the same defence, then they are creating the worst kind of elitism, a false elitism where one holds oneself above others due to a false sense of importance. Sorry for the long post but this is a topic where I get frustrated by some of my fellow artists who believe themselves above criticism and hide behind the phrase "They just don't understand me!"
Film is and will always be.. by -Z-	Jun 7th, 1999 11:58:35 AM
a public medium. Definitions of the word "elitism" aside, film is a medium that employs more than one person in it's creative process. As such there will always be "spies" leaking out info about the film they have worked on. There will always be folks that leak out a copy of the script, there will always be people who go to an advanced screening and talk about it. If this bothers you, then go into your garage and make a film all by yourself. I guarantee, nobody will talk about it that way. I totally agree with the comments about film and other art forms. Like theatre, film is a collaborative art form. It is NOT the deeply personal art form that music, painting, poetry etc.. are. Sometimes, on rare occasions, a director (like john sayles) is able to create a personal film which sticks very closely to his/her vision. NEVER forget, however, that he did not do this alone. So now that is agreed upon. Film is unlike any other medium. It is a combination of every other art form, painting, sculpture, music, photography, prose, poetry... and as such can have an enormous impact on people's thoughts and minds and lives. SO it is only natural that folks will have curiousity and excitement about an upcoming project. Harry K and other people act as gatekeepers for info they find out about films, giving us readers some, but not all the details (like when harry read the script from ep 1). If you feel this hurts the film making process, I could not more strongly disagree. Film is not just about art, because of it's prohibitively expensive costs, it's also about commerce. So, when Corporation X spends millions of dollars on a film, they want it to be successful. I don't know about you, but leaking out bits of info on an upcoming film only heightens my interest. It makes me giddy to know when there are cool projects on the horizon. And it probably makes production companies (lucas film among others) giddy to know that people are building up hype about their film. Yeah kubrick kept his films tightly under wraps, but even if you told me the whole plot of a kubrick film, I would still have not experienced it, my enjoyment would not be lessened by knowing, only my curiousity peaked.
Go Clooney! by Princpl Kahotec	Jun 7th, 1999 12:33:13 PM
First off I'd like to say that I hope Clooney pulls off another good movie, I was sorely dissapointed that Out of Sight didn't get more attention, because both George and the filmed deserved it. So I do hope that Clooney can take on another role that might better establish him as a great Hollywood presence, I like his style and think he has a lot of promise to be one of the best if used properly. Second I am actually very interested in seeing Limbo, especially after seeing Lone Star, because I think Sayles brings a style to pictures that demands the audiences full attention and makes them become more involved. Few directors can do this, so I am hoping Limbo will, thats it out!
-Z- by quiscustodiet	Jun 7th, 1999 01:26:45 PM
I've been looking for a way to say what you just said about films being a combination of art and commerce but have failed each time I tried (I'm way to wordy sometimes). Thank you!
What Planet are you From in my neighboorhood by knute123	Jun 7th, 1999 01:28:23 PM
Hey, I'm a daily visitor to AICN and lo and behold they are filming this movie in Phoenix where I live. I tried to go down and get a look at things, but the set seemed pretty closed off and I'm not brave enough to weasel my way in. I did see John Goodman in Walgreen's but didn't talk to him...seemed to be in a hurry. Anyway, I'm going to keep going down there until they pack up and leave...I'll tell you if anything looks good.
elitism by AcidGuru	Jun 7th, 1999 02:28:30 PM
Whether it is painting, computer programming, photography, cooking, sculpting, or film it is all created by the same process. Film is created by a group instead of by a single hand, however the same process is still used. Now is it fair for the producers, directors, actors, etc. to accept early critiscism by people that have little knowledge of how to perform this complex task-NO! What this site does is very dangerous. It allows people like Moriarty, and Harry to jump in and stir major amounts of hype before the director yells "action". Is this fair? No! And its quite harmful to the process of filmmaking. If a studio exec (another type that knows little about film, yet has the money) hears early public rumblings, you better believe they will run out and change the direction of the film. Want to know why? Because it could mean that millions of dollars is at stake. Right now, we are at one of the all time lows in cinema. In todays world, all that matters is pacifying the audience to something that is a safe bet. Gone are the days when film was an expressive medium. Art is dead in hollywood and it seriously doesnt look like its coming back. However, its just not film. One can look at music, books, and television and point out the same problems. America is on the decline, and quite frankly this is due in part to our acceptance of art that doesnt stimulate, but instead pacifies.
David Poland's a hypocrite. He annalyzes the box office all the by paragonian	Jun 7th, 1999 03:35:58 PM
I love what AICN does most of the time. I do think that this information can be seriously abused, but Harry usually doesn't do that. He warns us about spoilers and lets us know what films are in or about to begin production. I don't know many films that are gonna suck at every stage and then miraculously be masterpieces when released. A studio's gonna try to trick the public into seeing their bad movies with a shitload of different devices, Harry warns us about these things and saves us from wasting money on trash which will in turn make the studios make better films. This early information gets people knowledgable about a good film before it comes out and so they can spread good word of mouth. These types of sites are a retaliation for studio trickery which "they" started. This site has already gotten me excited about five movies which won't be out for quite a while and I'm already spreading good word of mouth. David Poland usually has good things to say but he's dead wrong about this issue and box office numbers have been A LOT more destructive than early information.
acid guru by -Z-	Jun 7th, 1999 04:05:34 PM
I apologize in advance for any disrespect, but what you said was whacked! Having been a student of history (art history, film history, american history etc..) the argument you make (about film and art on the decline) has been made by every generation since we've been writing it down. I'm sorry, but artists have ALWAYS had to contend with the commerce aspect of their trade. And yes it is a trade. Some brave, few souls go it on their own, but they are always in the minority. Personally, I think the last 10 years has seen some incredible movies come out. Now I don't know specifically what era you are referring to as the "good old days" but I can guarantee you that as someone who has read about and watched ALOT of old movies, that time period (which ever one you refer to) had more than it's share of crap. I recently heard friends of mine(all 25+in age) waxing poetic about the great films made in the 80's, and how all the movies today are shite. Hehe. As people get older, they inevitably turn to the "they just don't make things like they used to" theory and crumble and stiffen with age under the weight of their own polished turd which is nostalgia. I visit Harry's site daily, and if ANYTHING it has gotten me to see films I may never have watched of my own accord. So if a few artists have to fight a little harder to get their visions made, I think it's worth it for those who are brought greater success by fan sites such as this one.
John Goodman is playing one of the leads in 'O Brother'... by Martin Q Blank	Jun 7th, 1999 10:18:32 PM

Moriarty, how would you like it if someone got hold of your roug by Martin Q Blank	Jun 7th, 1999 10:26:02 PM
That's really what it's like reviewing someone's script for an unfinished film. You are right in saying that film is a collobarative medium, but are you saying that you are collobarating with them? If they wanted your help they'd send them to you. By the way Moriarty, something's really going to your head. We appreciate your writings, but I'd never call it your duty. AICN now seems to be ego-centric, rather then standing aside from the industry and commenting, you all seem to be clawing your way in at any cost.
American Paradoxes by TomTomb	Jun 8th, 1999 01:18:52 AM
This whole debate about being elitist or not as an artist is so typically American, I can't help laughing. Americans live in a paradox of on the one hand being a group oriented and conformist society and hating anybody or anything that stands out and going out of its way to destroy anybody or anything that tries to rise above the general shit stream and being proud of this egalitarism of mediocrity. On the other hand, the people that despite this mentality were able to do what they wanted to do in life, are later recognized and canonized as national icons by the same people that tried to shackle them in mediocrity. Funny thing that. As far as movies go, I agree with -Z- that every older generation complains about how things always used to be better and every time it's crap. Every decade has its pearls, even when they are often thrown before swine, but eventually a consensus forms and we find the gems that were trodden down in the muck.
Anyone got the Jabba Porno? by Gardulla da Slut	Jun 8th, 1999 01:23:15 AM
Allegedly there is a cgi porno out there that features a very horny Jabba the Hut going at it with his Fat Slut of a girlfriend, Gardulla. Anyone know where I can get my hands on one of these?
George Clooney by Skitzee	Jun 8th, 1999 09:19:30 PM
I get so sick of hearing how limited Clooney's talent is! Has anyone watched his performances!?! Sure, some of the vehicles have been less than stimulating, but his abilities are readily evident in a wide variety of charachters. Perhaps this will be the role that silences those unwarrented comments!
Hutt porno? I'm out. by Wolfpack	Jul 30th, 2006 02:06:25 PM

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Moriarty looks at John Sayles' LIMBO, RUN LOLA RUN, WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM, MONKEY BONE, O BROTHER WHERE ARE THOU

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