Was listening to Kermode reviewing this in the car this afternoon on the way back on 5 Live, he said it was an excellent film but one that he couldn't love because it's quite distant and cold. I'm def going to watch it as the Coens haven't put a foot wrong, bar their Ladykillers remake and Lebowski which I think is weak and completely overrated, not a good film at all, successful only because of it's cult status.
Currently downloading: - Flight (2012); - Class of 92; and - the Wolf of Wall Street. Already downloaded Grudge Match earlier too
The Big Lebowski is probably my favourite film of all time. Gotta laugh films divide opinion so much. I wouldn't say it's a cold film at all. Set in the Greenwich village folk scene it follows a struggling folk singer who has had some success in an era where pretty much anyone with a guitar can get a record deal. The films main character remains detached and unlikeable very much like the music which is terrible and this is where the film is unique. Don't go out and buy the soundtrack (if there even is one) because the music is lifeless just like the character, there's one song and I can't explain anymore or it would be a spoiler and then the films ending moves us into an era where this music genre bursts into life whether you love it or not. There's humour and as usual John Goodman is fantastic, is this the Coen Brothers finest moment? No but it is their bravest and most complex.
I thought it was a good film with some very moving parts in it. Spoiler alert: [NSFW]The bit where he is starring just to the side of the camera before moving his eyes to look straight at you and holds it for about ten-twelve seconds is a powerful moment IMO[/NSFW]
Totally agree on Sheen's acting ability. Original characters? How about Lucien from Underworld saga? Agree that Lebowski is overrated, but only because of its massive cult status (probably should say 'popularity' as cult usually implies limited, but hardcore, support). I came quite late to the Lebowski phenomenon. My friends made it sound awesome and so I was rather underwhelmed by it when I first viewed it to be honest. Good film, sure, and highly quotable as all good films are ('shut the **** up Donnie!'), but great film? I'd say no, personally (sorry Luv!). I guess the expectations you have for a movie in some way colours the way you view the movie and your subsequent opinion of it. For fairness, all movies should be watched with no expectations from the start. I've had friends in the past who haven't watched Withnail and I (another cult film -- and one which I, personally, love!), they heard myself and others rave about it and subsequently watched it and didn't really like it. Goes to show that films are a highly subjective issue. Which is part of their allure, I guess. O brother, Where Art Thou? was another one. Lots of people recommended it but when I watched it I was more than underwhelmed. I actually disliked it. Liked, but didn't love, Lebowski; didn't like Brother at all. Didn't find it funny, can't remember any lines (so not 'quotable') and thought the plot was uninspired and insipid. Some people tried to convince me the plot was based on Homer's The Odyssey, but being very familiar with the story (one of my favourites, actually!), I don't buy it. The was a one-eyed man (clearly Polyphemus) and a journey, and that's as far you can stretch the comparison without rather tortuous logic. Sometimes it's very hard to see what people see in films. But people like what they like. And that's fine.
TV is really **** since Breaking Bad. Anyone catch that pile of **** Shield? I mean what the hell was that.
Sorry Luv. Just trying to be honest. As I say, I do like Lebowski, just don't rate it as high as most -- and most people love it to be fair -- so I'm definitely in the minority. It's weird, isn't it, how someone disliking a film you like somehow feels like they've insulted your family or something. Ah, l'amour. Also just finished The Sopranos today. Very good. Preferred Breaking Bad and Dexter, though. Also, The Soprano's finished in a f*cked up way. Really annoyed me the finish, if I'm honest. Luckily, as P+M says, Walking Dead back on soon.
More proof that people just see things differently, I thought the Sopranos ending was perfect. We agree on Walking Dead though just going through Season 4 again while waiting for the 2nd part.
Fair enough, matey. It is subjective for sure. That's a good call on re-watching the last episodes of Walking Dead. Might have to start doing that soon.
I've watched the whole lot again as my wife eventually relented and started watching it. Going to watch American Hustle tonight.
