Elephant

Pen Cap Chew said:
That's just a simple list that any ten-year-old kid could come up with. Gus didn't do much with that list. Hmmm, I'll have a mumbling moron stumbling around for two hours, trying to make mac n cheese, hiding out from bandmates, etc. Big deal. The film uncovered squat, it didn't even try. I'll just turn the camera on and see what happens. Nothing did. Therefore, pointless.
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thank you for illustrating my point. some people have yet to develop the required acumen that some art requires.

and why are we talking about Van Sant so much? can't we talk about someone who's work isn't so derivative? i just watched a great documentary on Victor Erice... wish that guy made more films. check out this short he did in 2002... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qq3NcIY2zkQ
 
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"some people have yet to develop the required acumen that some art requires."

LOL I have developed the required ... acumen (please don't use big words with me, isn't "acumen" egg whites or some kind of spice; I need to go to college)! Anyway, you need to decide how you feel about Gus. One moment you praise him (see above quote, where you say not all have developed what is necessary to appreciate his art), then the next you say he's derivative and we should move on, as if Gus isn't worthy of discussion (this is the Elephant thread afterall).

Gus has his moments! It's rare for me to like an entire film of his because he has a habit of losing focus and meandering off into nothingness. Sometimes there is something in his nothingness but often there's nothing and if you think there's ALWAYS something in Gus' nothingness than you are being hoodwinked. I always find something in his films that I like, parts here and there, but it's rare for his films to add up to anything that completely works. But I always look forward to his films. Can't wait to see "Paranoid Park", which was filmed here in Portland.
 
Aloy,

After further thought, I apologize about my post. I didn't mean to offend you. Let me explain what I was trying to say in hopes that you'll realize I wasn't purposefully attacking you (or your wife).

When I said that thing about the French liking Elephant, I was referring to the good-natured ribbing that goes on between the two country's very different views on film. I've been to France many times, and know first hand that they often tear apart our films. What I said pales in comparison to some of the things the French press said about Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette and their attack on it spefically because it was an American point of view.

I made my comment in the same "rivalry" vein as that which exists between New York and Los Angeles filmmakers.

I know that two wrongs don't make a right, but I think the French and American sensibilities are so different that it's only natural they have a strong difference in taste when it comes to films, and I don't mind a little ribbing from them. Nor do I believe they mind a little ribbing from us.

But by no means am I attacking the French people as a whole. I'm actually going there this May to watch the French Open and expect to meet a lot of amazing people.

Best,
Chris
 
It's cool...I definitely overreacted.

I get bent out of shape too easily for my own good.

My problem is that I very rarely find a film, director, or style that I am passionate about within these film discussions. Whenever I see one, I get all excited, and get discouraged when the discussion gets derailed by people who just want to add that they think the film is horrible, and not too much else but hyperbole.

I almost wish there was a separate section for foreign & more obscure films, since those are usually my bread and butter.

Cheers
 
if you have the capacity to enjoy abstract thought, then normally you can appreciate minimalism is art and music (and life!)

its more about psychology/personality than film theory knowledge

I remember I did a video art installation on insects, very minimalist.... most people were indifferent to it, a few hated it, but a few thought it was brilliant

same thing here
 
yes but you cant write off a Bela Tarr shot/sequence so easily and say go watch Scorcese or Tarantino

its give and take my friend
 
c.g._eads said:
In real life, someone doesn't make a snappy remark and then get followed up immediately by an even snappier comeback (a la some Kevin Williamson screenplay).
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They sure do, around *my* office...
 
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