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Random Reviews
Jan. 11th, 2005 10:50 amFinished watching the first season of HBO's series Carnivale on DVD. Very impressive historical/occult piece. Unfortunately, it has a very languid pace and by the end of the first twelve episodes the story was only just beginning to unfold . . .
The shows strong points are period authenticity (it is set in 1934 as I remember), a willingness to let the story unfold at a leisurely pace, a strong ensemble cast and a consistent look. Weak points are that almost none of the character are likable, most are bastards in one way or another. But still a fascinating series. Well worth watching for anyone who likes subtle horror and occult intrigue.
Last night, watched Dogville, also set in the 1930s. Been mulling over what to say about this movie since I watched it.
Well, let us start with the facts that it is long (almost three hours) and staged like a minimalist play (most of the set is chalk outline of the buildings with the only props things that will be used in the movie). It starts slow and continues slow. Set in the tiny place of Dogville, CO, with a fugitive coming into the town. The townsfolk agreeing to help her but only if she can win their trust. Standard 'feel good' movie fare, right? Not is this movie. It starts light gray and gets progressively darker throughout (and at three hours, it has a lot of time to get dark).
It is a fascinating set of character studies and how power over another can cause corruption. But not for the faint of heart, it is a dark brutal movie about the black heart of people.
The shows strong points are period authenticity (it is set in 1934 as I remember), a willingness to let the story unfold at a leisurely pace, a strong ensemble cast and a consistent look. Weak points are that almost none of the character are likable, most are bastards in one way or another. But still a fascinating series. Well worth watching for anyone who likes subtle horror and occult intrigue.
Last night, watched Dogville, also set in the 1930s. Been mulling over what to say about this movie since I watched it.
Well, let us start with the facts that it is long (almost three hours) and staged like a minimalist play (most of the set is chalk outline of the buildings with the only props things that will be used in the movie). It starts slow and continues slow. Set in the tiny place of Dogville, CO, with a fugitive coming into the town. The townsfolk agreeing to help her but only if she can win their trust. Standard 'feel good' movie fare, right? Not is this movie. It starts light gray and gets progressively darker throughout (and at three hours, it has a lot of time to get dark).
It is a fascinating set of character studies and how power over another can cause corruption. But not for the faint of heart, it is a dark brutal movie about the black heart of people.
