Continuing where we left off in part 1. In short: in 2022 I only watched new cinema (movies I haven’t seen before). Reasons were discussed in part 1, while lessons from a year-long experiment will be discussed here at the end. After finishing with movies, I’ll also go through documentaries(10) and TV series(1).
Movies
#35 Ladri di biciclette (1948)
imdb: 8.3
Description: In post-war Italy, a working-class man’s bicycle is stolen, endangering his efforts to find work. He and his son set out to find it.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: imdb top250 member, postponed it for at least a decade and turns out – for a reason. Movie was released in post WW2 Italy, high unemployment, working class hardships. Paints the picture of the time well I suppose, but drama around the stolen bicycle? I could see how everything at a time could be a drama, but watching 70 years later it didn’t resonate resonate. No memorable dialog. All I remember is Bruno, Bruno, Bruno. Actors we convincing, but we definitely have stronger stories today. Not historical context perhaps – yes, but movie in my opinion did not put forward “time in history” as a leading character for that to be a assertive argument.
#36 Ran (1985)
imdb: 8.2
Description: In Medieval Japan, an elderly warlord retires, handing over his empire to his three sons. However, he vastly underestimates how the new-found power will corrupt them and cause them to turn on each other…and him.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Another classic, hole in my cinema education – imdb 250 member, one of Akira Kurosawa top rated films. Story is definitely strong. Epic scale, masterful cinematography, numerous very beautiful shots already revealed in trailer. Honestly I can’t remember what was it that I rated it 7 and not at least 8.
#37 Voyagers (2021)
imdb: 5.4
Description: A crew of astronauts on a multi-generational mission descend into paranoia and madness, not knowing what is real or not.
Rated: 5/10
Opinion: horny teenagers stop drinking horny-suppressants and turn on each other on a multi-decade space mission. Mentally heavy evening demanded something of subpar quality. This is exactly that.
#38 Shape of Water (2017)
imdb: 7.3
Description: At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Rated: 5/10
Opinion: Winner of 4 Oscars, had to check it. I can’t handle fantasy.. Probably up there with musicals in most intolerable genres and what else would direct it if not Guillermo del Toro. For majority of movie I prayed that creature would not fuck a lady… and it did. I you look how to dislike a movie, you’ll find reasons, I found mine easily. I poked holes in how facility security works etc. Seemed movie was designed for a romance thirsty teenagers, but as I mentioned in part 1, don’t let me bias protect you from objectively (imdb) good experience.
#39 Field of Dreams (1989)
imdb: 7.5
Description: Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by a voice he can’t ignore to pursue a dream he can hardly believe. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Ray Liotta died and I wanted to explore his movie history. Kevin is another actor you probably watched a lot in 00’s (Waterworld, Bodyguard, A Perfect World), but he’s one of those that did a lot more. And there they meet in Field of Dreams. Very sweet story, about intuition and doing what the heart says, contrary to mind. The fact, that baseball is frontline should not spoil the experience. Somehow I think men will find this movie more attractive. If you take a leap of faith in the story, excellent time is guaranteed. I probably lacked that final part for a rating I gave.
#40 Top Gun (1986)
imdb: 6.9
Description: As students at the United States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot learns a few things from a civilian instructor that are not taught in the classroom.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: O man, this is macho-overload on two layers: character and US navy. For a person, that does not get a boner looking at guns, this is a 80’s cringe. If I look at this movie as a backstory for Maverick – a necessary stepping stone, maaaybe it could stretch to 7 for me, not more.
#41 Ekskursantė (2013)
imdb: 8.1
Description: The story of a ten year old girl who escapes from a deportee train and goes on a 6000 km long journey back to her homeland.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: I got bashed by friends for not exploring local cinema more, so there I went… Probably more important for westerners to get a picture what our Siberia-train history was like. Great movie for Lithuanian budget/quality scale. Unfortunately had no subtitles and had to listen to russian through most of runtime.
#42 Good Morning Vietnam (1987)
imdb: 7.3
Description: In 1965, an unorthodox and irreverent DJ named Adrian Cronauer begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the U.S. Armed Services radio station in Vietnam.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: We all probably read the title in Robin’s scream in this movie, regardless if you’ve seen the movie. I wanted to get to know this morning greeting. Charismatic Robin, each time I think of or watch his movie I think what a great loss for cinema world his death was. Anyway, this character and his liveliness is essential to boost morale of the troops in Vietnam. Going against senior officers, friendships with troops, local romance, but on top, the very top – a raw talent of Robin. Inspired by true radio host by the way.
#43 The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)
imdb: 7.0
Description: Moviestar Nick Cage is channeling his iconic characters as he’s caught between a superfan and a CIA agent.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Title kinda spoils the plot, a huge minus Nicolas Cage decided to star in what seemed like a parody of this present real-life self. An actor on a downward trajectory, the rest is of course fiction. Easy movie for mentally heavy day. Common example where entertainment trumps quality.
#44 Nomadland (2020)
imdb: 7.3
Description: A woman in her sixties, after losing everything in the Great Recession, embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Sensitive story and likely a very realistic for increasing numbers of Americans. A rare strength of spirit in recently released films. Was very cool to see Frances McDormand in somebody else’s lens, other than her husband (one of Coens). Provides some food for thought as well.
#45 The Father (2020)
imdb: 8.2
Description: A man refuses all assistance from his daughter as he ages. As he tries to make sense of his changing circumstances, he begins to doubt his loved ones, his own mind and even the fabric of his reality.
Rated: 9/10
Opinion: A perfect lens into very wide spread issue of aging, dementia and how it impacts generation taking care of elders. Unique and revealing senior perspective. Wonderful acting by Anthony Hopkins. Seen it within half year after grandparent with soft dementia died, biased towards higher rating, would gladly rewatch after few years.
#46 Control (2007)
imdb: 7.6
Description: A profile of Ian Curtis, the enigmatic singer of Joy Division whose personal, professional, and romantic troubles led him to commit suicide at the age of 23.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Another one my intuition told I would not enjoy and held in watch later list for at least a decade. Said to be one of stronger music biographies, yet I did not enjoy it. England, black and white (tragic story, yes). The period marriage in 18-19, with barely developed personality was as natural as daylight. The movie might serve a cautionary tale goal, but for viewer, conflicts and stress seemed too childish.
#47 Casino (1995)
imdb: 8.2
Description: In Las Vegas, two best friends – a casino executive and a mafia enforcer – compete for a gambling empire and a fast-living, fast-loving socialite.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Another member of imdb top250, at least for me for longest time overshadowed by Goodfellas. Entertaining, another gangster story by Scorsese. A smooth flow around De Niro’s character makes 3 hour runtime a breeze. A little disappointing that Scorsese rides the same pony (I know it’s somewhat old classic, remark on all of directors’ works in general), but if audience applauds, the hell with it.
#48 La Dolce Vita (1960)
imdb: 8.0
Description: A series of stories following a week in the life of a philandering tabloid journalist living in Rome.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Fellini once said “You don’t have to understand a film, you have to feel it”, but for longest time, his art was in my watch list.. I also heard one of my all-time favorites “Le Grande Bellezza” drew inspiration from Fellini, so it was a matter of time before I dug in. Movie opens up with helicopter carrying giant Jesus statue over Italy’s high rises of the day. This was the last thing I expected from 1960’s drama, I was immediately interested. Movie surprises did not end with opening, but let’s not spoil. Cinematography did not disappoint, dialogs vary, but one in particular still rings in my head, food for thought, characters interesting. Italian romance was too much for me at times, but, Italiano… what you gonna do? Would gladly rewatch it after few more years.
#49 Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
imdb: 6.8
Description: In 1950s New York, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette’s Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Edward Norton’s first debut as director, if I’m not mistaked. Wrote, directed and acted. Felt overly extended. Kind of okay’ish story, great actors, sadly did not feel a spark and did not leave an impression I would like to revisit this movie in future.
#50 Spirited Away (2001)
imdb: 8.6
Description: During her family’s move to the suburbs, a sullen 10-year-old girl wanders into a world ruled by gods, witches and spirits, a world where humans are changed into beasts.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Saw a third of the movie long time ago and left the stone unturned for a long time. imdb top 250 member, top rated movie my Miyazaki. Serious applicant to watch stoned, because most communication from director feels is made on subconscious. I’m not afraid to confidently admit – I’m too dumb and still uneducated to grasp the symbols and all the subtexts that are clearly there. Take your chance if you haven’t already!
#51 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
imdb: 8.1
Description: When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Another famous Miyazaki picture, still in imdb top250, but ~100 places behind Spirite Away. Through his films, director may be talking to different age children. That’s the theory I came up just now, based on characters portrayed. If that’s the case, it would be easier to explain why I would find it more difficult to connect with. Sweet creature, cautious child exploration, barely remember the ending at this point.
#52 Hasta La Vista (2011)
imdb: 7.3
Description: Three guys in their twenties love wine and women but they are still virgins. Under the guise of a wine tour they embark on a journey to Spain hoping to have their first sexual experience. Jozef is blind, Philip is paralyzed from the neck down and Lars is in a wheelchair with a brain tumor, but they’re not going to let anything stand in their way…
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: If you liked Untouchables (original French version of course), you would most likely enjoy this one too. Sensitive story, individual character evolution, fun and engaging relationship with their care-taker and most importantly – lesson, that these guys ultimately did not seek what they thought they were after. Will leave viewers heart filled with warmth.
#53 Locke (2013)
imdb: 7.1
Description: Ivan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, receives a phone call on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Never knew Tom Hardy outside of Nolan’s secondary roles. Here – there’s only him and he delivers. A mono spectacle, thriller on a single car ride. Will definitely be rewatching after some time. If I remember correctly, even broke some tears out. One of most memorable and unexpected discoveries of the year.
#54 I Robot (2004)
imdb: 7.1
Description: In 2035, a technophobic cop investigates a crime that may have been perpetrated by a robot, which leads to a larger threat to humanity.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Another hole in my film catalog. Although topic is receptive and has a lot of potential, theme was overshadowed by action content. In my opinion narrative substance lacked depth. Entertaining watch, but definitely not collection item. But… don’t underestimate entertainment value.
#55 Piligrimai (2021)
imdb: 5.9
Description: Indre and Paulius travel to the small town where a gruesome crime was committed and they learn it is not as easy as expected to revisit the past.
Rated: 5/10
Opinion: Another exploration of local cinema, but left disappointed this time. Heard an interview on local radio with director, heard of some awards, decided to check. Acting was not convincing, story seemed not to evolve. I would understand this being a point, a grief gripping and disturbing to move on, but on film that did not feel pleasant, if that was even intended.
#56 Cell (2000)
imdb: 6.4
Description: An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Visual miracle. And definitely not because of Jennifer Lopez, believe me. Oscar nomination for best make-up. There are elements of horror, another genre I’m not keen on, but those elements are gore crime most of the time. Absolutely worth a watch purely for visually rich frames and their evolution. One of better depictions of dream sequences. Story is original, romance layer wasn’t necessary.
#57 Fantastic Planet (1973)
imdb: 7.7
Description: On a faraway planet where blue giants rule, oppressed humanoids rebel against their machine-like leaders.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: I followed “white rabbit” in Matrix terms. J.Lo in Cell watches this movie. Friend suggested it was interesting as well. Movie is a nice mental exercise: what if humans were pets to a higher, more powerful consciousness? I don’t remember any other such film exploring this theme. A remote shot into that direction would be “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. Anyways. Execution, animation were not pleasant to experience at least for me. Kept checking timeline when will it end. Memorable solely for idea.
#58 C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)
imdb: 7.8
Description: A young French Canadian, one of five boys in a conservative family in the 1960s and 1970s, struggles to reconcile his emerging identity with his father’s values.
Rated: 9/10
Opinion: First 9 rating in part 2. Director Jean-Marc Vallée had by vote after I was introduced to Cafe de Flore years ago. And in this one, another of my loves – Pink Floyd is prominently, and very suitably featured. Conservative father and a son, growing with brothers, attempts to discover his sexuality. Strong story, characters, Sound. One of those movies, that takes its time to lead us from main characters’ childhood to adulthood, giving viewer time to soak up his experiences and connect through the screen. Added to collection.
#59 Grain (2017)
imdb: 6.1
Description: This film was inspired by a chapter from the Noble Quran. It is a post-apocalyptic story set in a world where those that survive, are divided between the remnants of cities and agricultural zones. Both of these factions are ruled by corporations and populated by elites.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: I was told it was inspired by Tarkovsky’s Stalker. Yeah, could feel it. There were definitely very beautiful frames, but story wise it was rather plain. Several interesting thoughts here and there. Snobby, black and white (not a complaint by any means).
#60 Sleep Dealer (2008)
imdb: 6.0
Description: The near future. Like tomorrow. In a world marked by closed borders, corporate warriors, and a global computer network, three strangers risk their lives to connect, break through the barriers of technology, and unseal their fates.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Mexican sci-fi. Not too fancy, interesting how Mexican director views not only US-Mexico relationship but that relationship in future (at least that’s my side kick out of movie). Movie depicts interesting take how semi-autonomous future still relies on “cheaper humans”. Can’t remember several other “oh, interesting take” moments throughout the film.
#61 8½ (1963)
imdb: 8.0
Description: A harried movie director retreats into his memories and fantasies.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: Second work of Fellini for me was much more difficult. Same actor, same expressions, same Italian romances on the side. I heard Fellini had a hard time fighting creativity against high expectations from public and critics, that have been raised after La Dolce Vita and he channeled this frustration into 8½’s main character. For me, just did not resonate and I doubt there would be much difference if I saw 8½ first.
#62 Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
imdb: 8.3
Description: After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: There’s this theory, that Maverick dies in the beginning of the movie, flying that new thing in space-like altitude at ~10Machs. He relivs past life and fixes his regrets about his wingman’s death in part 1. See? That’s mere openness to interpretation adds whole two points in imdb and a separate feel to viewer. Obviously way stronger movie that its predecessor. Cocky boys getting their egos destroyed by competence – always a pleasure on screen. Both entertaining and will likely collect a tear or two in the end.
#63 King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
imdb: 6.7
Description: Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy – whether he likes it or not.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: I loved how Guy Ritchie described the meta story of this movie on Joe Rogan clip. Watched this movie out of respect for Guy, but knowing my “love” for flying dragons, outcome was expected. I don’t trust greatness of such movies anymore, every stuff is digital, actors probably act on green screens. Soulless tale. Jude Law is a fitting villain, by the way.
#64 The Hand of God (2021)
imdb: 7.3
Description: In 1980s Naples, young Fabietto pursues his love for football as family tragedy strikes, shaping his uncertain but promising future as a filmmaker.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Sorrentino’s new work. Has that flying perspective. Story takes time. Aesthetic plays a huge role. After this film I definitely discovered common theme in his art, but will leave that to the viewer. Leaves plenty of space to think for yourself, which I highly appreciate in movies. Paolo does not fear exposing uncomfortable details to carry on a story. Contains some very odd and super beautiful frames: for example shinning giant chandelier on a floor in dark room.
#65 Ghost In The Shell (1995)
imdb: 7.2
Description: A cyborg policewoman and her partner hunt a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Japan has a really rich anime culture and I feel we in the west had been fed Simpsons, South Park, later Disney too much. While movies like Ghost Shell were an essential building block for giants like Matrix. Movie gave interesting ideas on multiple occasions, not only about simulation, but life in general. Will definitely be rewatching for at least the second time.
This my list of first-time watches for feature films. Next – 10 documentaries.
Documentaries
#1 Fantastic Fungi (2019)
imdb: 7.4
Description: Fantastic Fungi is a descriptive time-lapse journey about the magical, mysterious and medicinal world of fungi and their power to heal, sustain and contribute to the regeneration of life on Earth that began 3.5 billion years ago.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Who other that Paul Stamets to talk about mushrooms and fungi. Wouldn’t say I learned anything new. The fact that mycellium is everywhere and is a connecting tissue in soil, even nervous system of forests you could say. But movie has great visuals and I had no idea how diverse and beautiful some mushrooms could be. A good third of movie is of course dedicated to psychedelic aspects. Expected. If you are new and a guy at a party mentioned shrooms, this movie might be a soft introduction from biological standpoint.
#2 T(ERROR) (2015)
imdb: 7.5
Description: (T)ERROR is the first documentary to place filmmakers on the ground during an active FBI counterterrorism sting operation. Through the perspective of “Shariff”, a 63-year-old Black revolutionary turned informant, viewers get an unfettered glimpse of the government’s counterterrorism tactics and the murky justifications behind them. Taut, stark and controversial, (T)ERROR illuminates the fragile relationships between individual and surveillance state in modern America, and asks who is watching the watchers.
Rated: 6/10
Opinion: A scale of FBI informants after 9/11 attacks have increased hundredfold (can’t remember exact figures). FBI doesn’t care about informants, only about information they provide, while risks are real. This was a fascinating story about FBI pinning a guy, without material evidence on guy’s involvement into terrorism, essentially ruining a life.
#3 The Tinder Swindler (2022)
imdb: 7.1
Description: Posing as a wealthy, jet-setting diamond mogul, he wooed women online, then conned them out of millions of dollars. Now some victims plan for payback.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Interesting fella, poor girls. Description and trailer reveals a lot, not much else to it.
#4 Meru (2015)
imdb: 7.7
Description: Three elite climbers struggle to find their way through obsession and loss as they attempt to climb Mount Meru, one of the most coveted prizes in the high stakes game of Himalayan big wall climbing.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Would cal it a must-see for mountain lovers. Hit x3 as hard seeing highest peaks in planet out the window at the time of watching. A story of crazies, that have their minds set and will not let ever let go of that, no matter the consequences. Stunning views, unbelievable people and humbling strength.
#5 Tony Hawk: Until the Wheels Fall Off (2022)
imdb: 8.0
Description: Follows famous skater Tony Hawk’s personal life, career and relationship with skateboarding, including never-before-seen footage and unprecedented access to Hawk, along with interviews with figures from the skateboarding world.
Rated: 9/10
Opinion: Hands down the best documentary I’ve seen in years. What a gift is to know your gift. Documentary works because director it does not limit it to skating. Tony’s evolution as a human through skating is the thing that’s really nice to observe. Of course, mind-boggling training, skating evolution as sport. And a collection of like-minded nutheads in their 50s-60s sharing their love for sport and Tony. Amazing film, can’t recommend enough. I also admired and listened several podcasts with Rodney Mullen after – he has a very gentle, philosophical look on not only skating, but life in general.
#6 How to Kill a Cloud (2021)
imdb: 6.1
Description: How to Kill a Cloud is a documentary of a Finnish female scientist trying to create rain in the United Arab Emirates desert. Can ambition be measured in rain?
Rated: 5/10
Opinion: Here’s another interesting way Saudis spending their pile of cash – in an attempt to manufacture rain in the desert. Didn’t know that, I knew weather control experiments were a thing on major powers as potential war tool, but movie was boring.
#7 Apocalypse: The Second World War (2009)
imdb: 9.0
Description: This six-part series traces the Second World War, from the rise of the Nazis to the surrender of the Japanese, with detailed portraits of key figures.
Rated: 9/10
Opinion: Detailed historic accounts from WW2 and very detailed, rare original footage. Put me in trenches better than Band of Brothers or Saving Private Ryan. Must watch for history nerds.
#8 Burden of Dreams (1982)
imdb: 7.9
Description: A documentary following German auteur Werner Herzog as he deals with difficult actors, bad weather and getting a boat over a mountain, all in an effort to make his film Fitzcarraldo (1982).
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Fitzcarraldo you already seen in part 1 of this list, Burden of Dreams is, how trailer describes I product of fear, to document the very likely failure of Fitzcarraldo. I especially liked Werner Herzog reflections on brutal Amazon nature. Film helps grasp the effort and scale of filming the feature. I wouldn’t suggest watching documentary first.
#9 The Spider’s Web: Britain’s Second Empire (2017)
imdb: 7.7
Description: How Britain transformed from an imperial power to a financial power.
Rated: 8/10
Opinion: Got lured by youtube’s suggestions. Wanted to do a thread, but decided it would look childish accusations without evidence work. Fascinating story of London;s birth as financial hub. Never imagined, that judicially London City and rest of London are two separate entities. Much more interesting and dark facts. A little conspiratorial spell, but hey, it scratches close to the very top, the Seychelles and the Caymans of our world… Sad and true, the way life drama often is.
#10 The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez (2021)
imdb: 8.1
Description: Gerry Lopez aka Mr. Pipeline is an American surfer, shaper, journalist, and film actor. Lopez and friends began to migrate out to Oahu’s North Shore, where they watched surfers like Butch Van Artsdalen and Jock Sutherland ride.
Rated: 7/10
Opinion: Dorsey’s recommendation, caught my eye. Has a lot of similarities with Tony Hawk’s story. How a master in his craft came to be, a craft, that at the level of hero can rightly be called an art. Spiritual side, family. Can’t remember, Gerry said something very interesting about relationship with his wife. Believe me or not, I’ve added this movie to youtube watch list again just to hunt down that thought. It seemed very novel at the time I heard it. Beautiful landscapes, original footage and fascinating dedication.
These were the first-time documentaries of 2022. Next a very short list of TV series
TV Series (1) – True Detective (S01) (2014)
imdb: 8.9 (avg. 9.2 for S01)
Description: Anthology series in which police investigations unearth the personal and professional secrets of those involved, both within and outside the law.
Rated: 10/10
Impressions on True Detective
First off, I’ve got to make something clear: I’ve only watched Season 1 with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, now – twice already. I desperately wanted to see if my one-sitting 8 hour session that ended near 3 in the morning was biased, or did I really observe peak cinema? Admittedly, impression second time was little softer, but I won’t make exceptions for rating adjustments.
Reasons to Admire
Story takes place over three decades. Matthew takes method acting to a new level with Cole’s role. He changes everything in-between these decade depictions. Appearance, mannerisms, how he relates to others. That’s fascinating to observe and adds to much to overall quality of season.
Dynamic between two partners is both fun and evolving. Switching subtexts. Calm outter and loud inner world meets polar opposite. Really well crafted season on multiple layers. The fact, that investigations take place over span of 3 decades also hint you at thriller on the True Detective’s “main stage”.
Episode “Who Goes There”, top rated for series builds such a magnetic energy I can recollect the feeling vividly right now. It deserved those two Emmys (Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series and Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.) Here’s from trivia:
The final six-minute sequence, which follows Rust Cohle through the housing project, consists of only one very long take. Hundreds of staff were required to film the scene, including hidden make-up artists who had to apply make-up in seconds while the camera was focused elsewhere.
Ending was revealing in how main characters think of good and evil and a very beautiful allegory of night sky was used to illustrate that.
Not planning on watching rest of the seasons any time soon. Can’t imagine quality of characters and magic between actors can be matched anywhere anytime.
Conclusions from year-long Experiment
So that’s it. A whole new at the time 2022 year with only movies that were new to me. This is discomfort. You probably all can resonate with this:
you spent a long weekend with friends, return home a still a bit hangover perhaps and under-slept and want a time-proven classic that will definitely not disappoint - Gladiator, Se7en, Pearl Harbor.. A movie, that you know delivers to You. Fix huge hot cup of tea, some chocolate on the side and experience all the things you wanted OR even more - because you probably chose not only entertainment, but a piece of art, that keeps on revealing itself.
In an unlikely case this does not sound familiar at all – try it, it’s wonderful. Now to continue with my point – in 2022 this comfort – when I needed it the most – was gone.
With new things, there’s always a risk of disappointment and you have clearly read into that in some of my short opinions, fortunately – Pareto principle applies here as well.
You filter through enough bullshit you are bound to find your gems that speak to you or invoke a feelings you regard dear. I’m very pleased I filled some of my holes in cinema education and history. Especially glad for those movies that stopped me in daily tracks, involved into a multi-hour trip or even were the reason for novel thoughts.
A year of discovery, for sure. Hopefully this reflection added one or two new movies to your watch list as well. If it pays out – it was worth it. See you around.
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