Willem-Dafoe Movie Reviews
Everything you want in a DVD
Above all expectationsA bite by a rare breed of spiders at the Columbia University science lab gives Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) great vision and a perfect body. He also is also given great agility to jump form large skyscrapers and spin webs from his wrist. Then he assumes the identity of Spider Man to fight off the evil Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe), that terrorizes the city with a glider that drops several bombs at a time. Spider-Man nearly loses his life while saving the life of his girlfriend, people who are being threatened to be killed by the Green Goblin, and many innocent people who he doesn't even know.
Tobey Maguire, with the emotional lead role overcomes the tragic death of his beloved Uncle Ben, growth trauma's, doubts, sorrows, and fear, to save lives and become the city icon. Willem Dafoe's hystericals and split-personality suffered after a lab-experiment gone wrong make him be a friend one minute and the evil Green Goblin the next. Kirsten Dunst fits the role nicely as Peter's love Mary Jane. Even characters with smaller parts like Peter's Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson), and his friend Harry (James Franco) are amazing. Sam Raimi's big-screen version of the Marvel Comic's good-vs-evil Spider-Man comics is portrayed by outstanding acting, eye-popping special effects, great sound and much more. If you are a Spider-Man comic book fan this is a movie you have to see.
It's a Bird! No a Plane! No It's...So my first reaction when Tobey Maquire showed up on the screen was that this was going to be a very tiresome film. While I changed my mind about the film as it went on, I'm still not happy with Maguire's presentation. It feels overplayed to me, and stiffer than even Peter Parker's early shyness would justify. Its not so much bad acting as it is that this Spider-Man doesn't match up to the voice in my head when I was reading the comics.
In contrast, most of the other characters are dead on. Especially the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) and J. Jonah Jameson (J. K. Simmons - who was perfect). At some point, though, the quality of the film overwhelms any quibbles about an individual acting flaw, and the viewer simply forgets that this modern Spidey isn't a perfect reflection of the past. It captures the spirit, and some of the wow factor of becoming and being a superhero while maintaining a near-perfect, comic book atmosphere.
Spidey has always been one of the most human and accessible of the pulp do-gooders. He has problems, makes mistakes, and learns as he goes along. The film emphasizes this in a way that gives Peter Parker and his alter ego a vivid reality the Batman or Superman never quite achieved in their own films. Maguire captures this struggle well, even if he isn't my perfect Spider-Man.
This two DVD package has enough extra stuff to keep you busy for a day or two. Lots of history, outtakes, and interviews at an attractive price. I was very pleased with it, and I'm sure you will be too.
Story of Christ by way of Martin Scorsese
This movie entered my soul...and stayed.
Brilliant, Breathtaking, and Inspiring
Wars Abroad, Wars At HomeFormer CIA analyst Jack Ryan, (Harrison Ford) is asked by his mentor and friend, Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) to take over for him, while he battles cancer. Ryan reluctantly accepts. When a friend of the President's (Donald Moffatt) is killed, Ryan learns that a drug kingpin (Miguel Sandoval) may be responsible, for the crime. As he briefs the President, forces inside the administration, are working to take the cartel out, even without any proof. Ryan must discover the truth, about who is working against him before it's too late
The cast also includes the great Henry Czerny as Ritter, a smarmy guy at the CIA who butts heads with Ryan, Harris Yullin as the National Security Advisor, and Anne Archer returns as Cathy, Jack's wife. Directed by Philip Noyce, who also directed Patriot Games, the film stays within the framework of the book. The movie also is detailed enough to keep fans of the book happy, while at the same time it is nicely paced Ford proves once again why he's so right for roles like this. He wears his hero hat so well. It is Czerny though, that makes things really interesting for Ryan and, he gives the film an extra spark or two.
As part of the reissued "Jack Ryan" series on DVD, Clear And Present Danger, contains a retrospective featurette on how the film was made. It's pretty good and does a decent job taking you back, to what it was like on the set. The standard theatrical trailer tops off the extras. I wish there was a commentary track to go along with the other stuff--or maybe some deleted footage-that would have helped.
Still the DVD is recommended over the "movie only" edition from a few years ago
A smart action thriller
Even the 'minor' actors and their characters were GREATErik North's (a top 1000 reviewer) review is pretty comprehensive in naming the actors, directors, etc. but he left out Benjamin Bratt (of Law & Order and Julia Roberts' Boy Toy fame) as the captain of the insertion team, and Raymondo Cruz as Ding.
The novel by the same name had Ding as the central character, and I was sorry that Ding had only a supporting role in the movie. However, the movie is GREAT entertainment in its own right.
Raymondo Cruz's Ding was sophisticated and touching. I especially liked his restrained satisfied expression after being selected for a mission that would let him name his own ticket afterwards.
Miguel Sandoval's performance as the ruthless drug lord, but loving family man, was nothing short of WONDERFUL. I especially liked his seamless transition from Spanish to English. Did you know that the production actually blew up that villa in which the drug lords were having a summit? Yes, they below up that nice house for for a few seconds worth of entertainment.
And why no mention of Joachim de Alameda, whose performance as the villain should have boosted his career, but didn't seem to have? His tortured expression just before killing his lover portrayed a depth of character that is a real bonus! The woman who played his lover was perfectly cast and wardrobed: spinster who is delighted and at the same time, frightened by her affair. The way Alameda phrased his lines with a credible Spanish accent was very nuanced -- a great performance.
The interleaving of formal, military funeral rites with the massacre of the insertion team was masterful -- only music and visuals, no dialog. The allusion to formal military honors also being conferred on the soldiers who were mowed down anonymously in the jungle was inspired. Such a cinematic device is more powerful than any narration or mind-numbing 'kill 'em all' sequence can deliver. Compliments to the film editor.
The integrated humor mark a new trend in action movies. Ryan asked his boozey helicopter pilot who was checking the manual and instrumentation of a newly purchasd craft "How much time do you have in this type?" The reply, after consulting his watch, was "9:30."
Donald Moffat's performance as the President could have greater dimension, and it overtly mimmicked Reagan, but that portrayal counters somewhat Clancy's accused conservative bias. A nod toward Hollywood liberalism? The whole movie, while upholding the courage and honor of American armed forces, rivals Oliver Stone in accusing the executive branch, from the president down, of corruption and betrayal. So even Lefties would find something to like about this movie.
The movie's opening sequence promises excellent action with compelling characters: the Coast Guard intercepts a hijacked private yacht and the teen-aged-looking and sounding FEMALE Coast Guard captain was commanding, and was obeyed! This movie engages the viewer on many levels: intellectual, political, visual, human, humorous and does it all entertainingly. Worth several viewings.
Wars Abroad, Wars At HomeFormer CIA analyst Jack Ryan, (Harrison Ford) is asked by his mentor and friend, Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) to take over for him, while he battles cancer. Ryan reluctantly accepts. When a friend of the President's (Donald Moffatt) is killed, Ryan learns that a drug kingpin (Miguel Sandoval) may be responsible, for the crime. As he briefs the President, forces inside the administration, are working to take the cartel out, even without any proof. Ryan must discover the truth, about who is working against him before it's too late
The cast also includes the great Henry Czerny as Ritter, a smarmy guy at the CIA who butts heads with Ryan, Harris Yullin as the National Security Advisor, and Anne Archer returns as Cathy, Jack's wife. Directed by Philip Noyce, who also directed Patriot Games, the film stays within the framework of the book. The movie also is detailed enough to keep fans of the book happy, while at the same time it is nicely paced Ford proves once again why he's so right for roles like this. He wears his hero hat so well. It is Czerny though, that makes things really interesting for Ryan and, he gives the film an extra spark or two.
As part of the reissued "Jack Ryan" series on DVD, Clear And Present Danger, contains a retrospective featurette on how the film was made. It's pretty good and does a decent job taking you back, to what it was like on the set. The standard theatrical trailer tops off the extras. I wish there was a commentary track to go along with the other stuff--or maybe some deleted footage-that would have helped.
Still the DVD is recommended over the "movie only" edition from a few years ago
A smart action thriller
Even the 'minor' actors and their characters were GREATErik North's (a top 1000 reviewer) review is pretty comprehensive in naming the actors, directors, etc. but he left out Benjamin Bratt (of Law & Order and Julia Roberts' Boy Toy fame) as the captain of the insertion team, and Raymondo Cruz as Ding.
The novel by the same name had Ding as the central character, and I was sorry that Ding had only a supporting role in the movie. However, the movie is GREAT entertainment in its own right.
Raymondo Cruz's Ding was sophisticated and touching. I especially liked his restrained satisfied expression after being selected for a mission that would let him name his own ticket afterwards.
Miguel Sandoval's performance as the ruthless drug lord, but loving family man, was nothing short of WONDERFUL. I especially liked his seamless transition from Spanish to English. Did you know that the production actually blew up that villa in which the drug lords were having a summit? Yes, they below up that nice house for for a few seconds worth of entertainment.
And why no mention of Joachim de Alameda, whose performance as the villain should have boosted his career, but didn't seem to have? His tortured expression just before killing his lover portrayed a depth of character that is a real bonus! The woman who played his lover was perfectly cast and wardrobed: spinster who is delighted and at the same time, frightened by her affair. The way Alameda phrased his lines with a credible Spanish accent was very nuanced -- a great performance.
The interleaving of formal, military funeral rites with the massacre of the insertion team was masterful -- only music and visuals, no dialog. The allusion to formal military honors also being conferred on the soldiers who were mowed down anonymously in the jungle was inspired. Such a cinematic device is more powerful than any narration or mind-numbing 'kill 'em all' sequence can deliver. Compliments to the film editor.
The integrated humor mark a new trend in action movies. Ryan asked his boozey helicopter pilot who was checking the manual and instrumentation of a newly purchasd craft "How much time do you have in this type?" The reply, after consulting his watch, was "9:30."
Donald Moffat's performance as the President could have greater dimension, and it overtly mimmicked Reagan, but that portrayal counters somewhat Clancy's accused conservative bias. A nod toward Hollywood liberalism? The whole movie, while upholding the courage and honor of American armed forces, rivals Oliver Stone in accusing the executive branch, from the president down, of corruption and betrayal. So even Lefties would find something to like about this movie.
The movie's opening sequence promises excellent action with compelling characters: the Coast Guard intercepts a hijacked private yacht and the teen-aged-looking and sounding FEMALE Coast Guard captain was commanding, and was obeyed! This movie engages the viewer on many levels: intellectual, political, visual, human, humorous and does it all entertainingly. Worth several viewings.
Wars Abroad, Wars At HomeFormer CIA analyst Jack Ryan, (Harrison Ford) is asked by his mentor and friend, Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) to take over for him, while he battles cancer. Ryan reluctantly accepts. When a friend of the President's (Donald Moffatt) is killed, Ryan learns that a drug kingpin (Miguel Sandoval) may be responsible, for the crime. As he briefs the President, forces inside the administration, are working to take the cartel out, even without any proof. Ryan must discover the truth, about who is working against him before it's too late
The cast also includes the great Henry Czerny as Ritter, a smarmy guy at the CIA who butts heads with Ryan, Harris Yullin as the National Security Advisor, and Anne Archer returns as Cathy, Jack's wife. Directed by Philip Noyce, who also directed Patriot Games, the film stays within the framework of the book. The movie also is detailed enough to keep fans of the book happy, while at the same time it is nicely paced Ford proves once again why he's so right for roles like this. He wears his hero hat so well. It is Czerny though, that makes things really interesting for Ryan and, he gives the film an extra spark or two.
As part of the reissued "Jack Ryan" series on DVD, Clear And Present Danger, contains a retrospective featurette on how the film was made. It's pretty good and does a decent job taking you back, to what it was like on the set. The standard theatrical trailer tops off the extras. I wish there was a commentary track to go along with the other stuff--or maybe some deleted footage-that would have helped.
Still the DVD is recommended over the "movie only" edition from a few years ago
A smart action thriller
Even the 'minor' actors and their characters were GREATErik North's (a top 1000 reviewer) review is pretty comprehensive in naming the actors, directors, etc. but he left out Benjamin Bratt (of Law & Order and Julia Roberts' Boy Toy fame) as the captain of the insertion team, and Raymondo Cruz as Ding.
The novel by the same name had Ding as the central character, and I was sorry that Ding had only a supporting role in the movie. However, the movie is GREAT entertainment in its own right.
Raymondo Cruz's Ding was sophisticated and touching. I especially liked his restrained satisfied expression after being selected for a mission that would let him name his own ticket afterwards.
Miguel Sandoval's performance as the ruthless drug lord, but loving family man, was nothing short of WONDERFUL. I especially liked his seamless transition from Spanish to English. Did you know that the production actually blew up that villa in which the drug lords were having a summit? Yes, they below up that nice house for for a few seconds worth of entertainment.
And why no mention of Joachim de Alameda, whose performance as the villain should have boosted his career, but didn't seem to have? His tortured expression just before killing his lover portrayed a depth of character that is a real bonus! The woman who played his lover was perfectly cast and wardrobed: spinster who is delighted and at the same time, frightened by her affair. The way Alameda phrased his lines with a credible Spanish accent was very nuanced -- a great performance.
The interleaving of formal, military funeral rites with the massacre of the insertion team was masterful -- only music and visuals, no dialog. The allusion to formal military honors also being conferred on the soldiers who were mowed down anonymously in the jungle was inspired. Such a cinematic device is more powerful than any narration or mind-numbing 'kill 'em all' sequence can deliver. Compliments to the film editor.
The integrated humor mark a new trend in action movies. Ryan asked his boozey helicopter pilot who was checking the manual and instrumentation of a newly purchasd craft "How much time do you have in this type?" The reply, after consulting his watch, was "9:30."
Donald Moffat's performance as the President could have greater dimension, and it overtly mimmicked Reagan, but that portrayal counters somewhat Clancy's accused conservative bias. A nod toward Hollywood liberalism? The whole movie, while upholding the courage and honor of American armed forces, rivals Oliver Stone in accusing the executive branch, from the president down, of corruption and betrayal. So even Lefties would find something to like about this movie.
The movie's opening sequence promises excellent action with compelling characters: the Coast Guard intercepts a hijacked private yacht and the teen-aged-looking and sounding FEMALE Coast Guard captain was commanding, and was obeyed! This movie engages the viewer on many levels: intellectual, political, visual, human, humorous and does it all entertainingly. Worth several viewings.
Not totally disappointing but could have been much better...Choosing to fly behind enemy lines and deep into Hanoi to destroy a surface to air missle depot, they accompish the task at the expense of being subjected to the military justice system and a possible court martial for their actions.
Flight of the Intruder happens to be a dismal adaptation from Stephen Coont's book of the same name. Apart from making comparisons, this movie redeems itself in the few aspects of good aerial photography, some decent action scenes of war sequences in the jungle, and slightly above average acting performances by Willem Dafoe, Danny Glover, Tom Sizemore, and Brad Johnson.
The DVD content itself is anorexic to put it mildly. You won't find any extras here beyond the usual fare of a good digital 5.1 soundtrack, widescreen presentation, and subtitles. If you're a fan of war movies, this probably isn't a great addition to a DVD collection but I'd recommend renting it if you like the genre of film.
Excellent Motion Picture/Poor DVDThe reason I gave this DVD only 3 Stars is due to the apparent lack of interest by either the DVD authoring company or the Production Company.
Firstly, the Primary Menu Screen has a glaring error in continuity. They have shoddily created a montage from the Theatre poster and what appears to be a picture from another film entirely(Black Angel I think). It features a Grumman F-14 Tomcat emerging from a large explosion. The time setting for this film, during the Vietnam War, is well before this aircraft was put into service.
Secondly, the subtitles on this DVD are awful. Many times the text is way off from what was said by the actors. Perhaps the persons doing the sub work were hard of hearing or just made assumptions as to what was said due to lack of knowledge of military nomenclature.
Thirdly, I really would like it if they had provided at least a few extras. Trailers, Behind the scenes, Still-shots, etc.
On the whole it's a good film that has not been given it's due by the people who released it onto DVD.
"Listen to the Rhythm of the Traffic Over Saigon..."
Not totally disappointing but could have been much better...Choosing to fly behind enemy lines and deep into Hanoi to destroy a surface to air missle depot, they accompish the task at the expense of being subjected to the military justice system and a possible court martial for their actions.
Flight of the Intruder happens to be a dismal adaptation from Stephen Coont's book of the same name. Apart from making comparisons, this movie redeems itself in the few aspects of good aerial photography, some decent action scenes of war sequences in the jungle, and slightly above average acting performances by Willem Dafoe, Danny Glover, Tom Sizemore, and Brad Johnson.
The DVD content itself is anorexic to put it mildly. You won't find any extras here beyond the usual fare of a good digital 5.1 soundtrack, widescreen presentation, and subtitles. If you're a fan of war movies, this probably isn't a great addition to a DVD collection but I'd recommend renting it if you like the genre of film.
Excellent Motion Picture/Poor DVDThe reason I gave this DVD only 3 Stars is due to the apparent lack of interest by either the DVD authoring company or the Production Company.
Firstly, the Primary Menu Screen has a glaring error in continuity. They have shoddily created a montage from the Theatre poster and what appears to be a picture from another film entirely(Black Angel I think). It features a Grumman F-14 Tomcat emerging from a large explosion. The time setting for this film, during the Vietnam War, is well before this aircraft was put into service.
Secondly, the subtitles on this DVD are awful. Many times the text is way off from what was said by the actors. Perhaps the persons doing the sub work were hard of hearing or just made assumptions as to what was said due to lack of knowledge of military nomenclature.
Thirdly, I really would like it if they had provided at least a few extras. Trailers, Behind the scenes, Still-shots, etc.
On the whole it's a good film that has not been given it's due by the people who released it onto DVD.
"Listen to the Rhythm of the Traffic Over Saigon..."
Catherine Deneuve as VampiressOnce we have the first hour behind us the film becomes more lively: Miriam seduces Sarah...O.K: Sarandon wears panties and nothing else, and Deneuve gives her a kiss on the mouth and on the - are we allowed to mention this part of the body? - breast. The ladies are photographed in pretty poses behind transparent curtains and Deneuve drinks Sarandon's blood and Sarandon drinks Deneuve's blood...Next shot is a bloody steak being cut asunder: Sarah has the hunger, but not for steak. She is surprised to hear that her blood is no longer human, what has Miriam done to her? She confronts Miriam who announces that her hunger will always drive her back. Sarah tries to resist, but she suffers withdrawal symptoms. At this point, Sarandon abandons all restraint, and suffers like Frank Sinatra suffered in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM, or Gene Hackman in FRENCH CONNECTION 2, or Leonardo di Caprio in THE BASKETBALL DIARIES... And prepare for more gore when the army of Miriam's ex-lovers is standing up against her...
This is the film that german television presented to celebrate Deneuve's sixtieth birthday. Apparently BELLE DE JOUR, TRISTANA and THE LAST METRO were not good enough. They even warned that this film is nothing for kiddies, which is just too bad since kiddies are the only audience likely to enjoy it...
Softly, brilliantly crafted, but certainly not for everyoneTHE HUNGER is a very good film, even though, at times, it moves rather slowly. Deneuve plays Miriam, a stone-faced centuries-old vampire who has had a string of lovers of the many years of her life. As the film opens, she and her longtime bloodsucking paramour, John (played by Bowie), are coping with their own mortality. That's right, I said mortality. In THE HUNGER, vampires can die of old age.
Bowie's appearence in the film is somewhat brief, but he makes the most of the time he has with a well-developed character. The makeup used to age him into a shriveled old man is complemented by Bowie's ability to play age well, both physically and emotionally. There is a quiet poignancy to the romance of between Miriam and John, but when scientist Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon) visits the Blaylock mansion one day, Miriam's real romance begins.
As I mentioned, the movie can sometimes feel slow, but it's well worth sitting through as the film is not so much horror and gore (although when it's bloody, it's nicely bloody), but erotic and intellectual. Sarandon and Denueve are both excellently cast and create some rather arousing scenes together. Although there is little action, there are many themes and ideas to be explored in this story. As such, I would say THE HUNGER is definitely for fans of art films, rather than those who are attracted to Hollywood productions.
Sexy and sinful
Catherine Deneuve as VampiressOnce we have the first hour behind us the film becomes more lively: Miriam seduces Sarah...O.K: Sarandon wears panties and nothing else, and Deneuve gives her a kiss on the mouth and on the - are we allowed to mention this part of the body? - breast. The ladies are photographed in pretty poses behind transparent curtains and Deneuve drinks Sarandon's blood and Sarandon drinks Deneuve's blood...Next shot is a bloody steak being cut asunder: Sarah has the hunger, but not for steak. She is surprised to hear that her blood is no longer human, what has Miriam done to her? She confronts Miriam who announces that her hunger will always drive her back. Sarah tries to resist, but she suffers withdrawal symptoms. At this point, Sarandon abandons all restraint, and suffers like Frank Sinatra suffered in THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM, or Gene Hackman in FRENCH CONNECTION 2, or Leonardo di Caprio in THE BASKETBALL DIARIES... And prepare for more gore when the army of Miriam's ex-lovers is standing up against her...
This is the film that german television presented to celebrate Deneuve's sixtieth birthday. Apparently BELLE DE JOUR, TRISTANA and THE LAST METRO were not good enough. They even warned that this film is nothing for kiddies, which is just too bad since kiddies are the only audience likely to enjoy it...
Softly, brilliantly crafted, but certainly not for everyoneTHE HUNGER is a very good film, even though, at times, it moves rather slowly. Deneuve plays Miriam, a stone-faced centuries-old vampire who has had a string of lovers of the many years of her life. As the film opens, she and her longtime bloodsucking paramour, John (played by Bowie), are coping with their own mortality. That's right, I said mortality. In THE HUNGER, vampires can die of old age.
Bowie's appearence in the film is somewhat brief, but he makes the most of the time he has with a well-developed character. The makeup used to age him into a shriveled old man is complemented by Bowie's ability to play age well, both physically and emotionally. There is a quiet poignancy to the romance of between Miriam and John, but when scientist Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon) visits the Blaylock mansion one day, Miriam's real romance begins.
As I mentioned, the movie can sometimes feel slow, but it's well worth sitting through as the film is not so much horror and gore (although when it's bloody, it's nicely bloody), but erotic and intellectual. Sarandon and Denueve are both excellently cast and create some rather arousing scenes together. Although there is little action, there are many themes and ideas to be explored in this story. As such, I would say THE HUNGER is definitely for fans of art films, rather than those who are attracted to Hollywood productions.
Sexy and sinful
No option for zero stars, unfortunately, for awful drivelJean-Michel Basquiat was a (sadly) drug-addicted and mentally ill 20 year old when he broke into the art scene in the early 80s. Of course, art is in the mind of the beholder, but to my sensibilites he was made much of because of his youth, race and a (false) belief that he was some kind of homeless "savant". (Actually, he was from a middle class background.) Anything interesting in his story has more to do with the pretentiousness of the "New York Art Scene" and how they glom onto something for a season or two, or make much of a sad, mentally ill boy until his life, expectations and whatever talent he did or didn't have is utterly wasted.
The real mystery: how the heck does Schnabel get someone of the talent and stature of Willem Dafoe to do a "walk on" as an electrician or Parker Posey to do a line or two as art dealer Mary Boone? There are also brief appearances by wannabes like Courtney Love, Tatum O'Neal, Dennis Hopper, etc. (Not to mention that the entire Schnabel family sans Papa is listed in the credits.) No less than Gary Oldman portrays Schnabel himself (called Albert Milo here, although I can't imagine why) and shown living like a Renaissance prince in a vast New York loft filled with giant paintings and antiques...I guess so we properly hold him in awe as a successful New York "artiste" and swoon at his affluence.
There is ZERO attempt here to re-create the period and society in place during the time of the events shown (about '79-83) and actors wear clothing contemporary to the later 90s, at least 15 years too modern; ditto for things like cars, music, etc. This is very disorienting -- is Schnabel trying to make the story contemporary or is he cheap, sloppy, unaware? It's impossible to tell.
Since the protagonist is stoned AND mentally ill throughout the film -- he doesn't descend into this state as in some biopics, but starts out this way -- there is a certain amount of pity for him, but it's hard to feel any kind of identification with him. It's also embarassing
Production values and special effects -- the surfer in the sky fantasy -- are not particularly well done by current CGI standards adding to the "home made" overall quality of the film.
A couple of supporting actors pull out the stops to give good performances. David Bowie, who you would not think had it in him acting-wise or appearance-wise, turns in a wonderful, nuanced portrait of the uber-trendy Andy Warhol (just before the artist's death). Michael Wincott, known more for his portrayals of sinister villain types, switches gears radically to portray very gay, very swishy poet/art critic Rene Ricard, who "discovers" Basquiat only to be quickly betrayed as the young artist allys himself with more important and high profile "friends". He's very convincing in the part and I had to check the credits twice to be sure this was the same actor from "The Crow" and "1492".
But other high profile name actors are basically just doing walk-ons...I guess this is the high trendy art equivalent of a home movie. So my first analysis was dead-on.
You won't learn anything about art from watching "Basquiat", except that it's a very bad idea to give an artist a camera and let him make a movie.
Deep movie about a shallow art scene.Schnabel has made two films in five years. I'm still wondering why the man hasn't yet been immortalized. Less talented directors have gotten stars on the Walk of Fame for less accomplishment than Schnabel showed with his second film, Before Night Falls, alone. His first, Basquiat, is damned close to being as good, and yet it fell almost completely below the radar of American cinema upon its release, despite a stable of talent so broad it's almost ludicrous.
Schnabel (played in the film by Gary Oldman, incidentally-- and Schnabel's real-life family plays Oldman's family in the film. heh.) gives us the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the brightest lights of New York's avant-garde art movement in the seventies and eighties before his 1988 overdose. Basquiat himself is played by the always-engaging Jeffrey Wright (recently seen giving Sam Jackson trouble in _Shaft_), and while the film never fails to center on Basquiat himself, Wright's brilliantly low-key performance seems almost a backdrop for a slew of A-list actors in minor roles (Willem Dafoe, Christopher Walken, Dennis Hopper, Tatum O'Neal, etc.) and up-and-coming stars who have since gone on to eclipse even Wright (Benecio del Toro, Courtney Love, Vincent Gallo, Linda Larkin, Caire Forlani, Michael Badalucco, et al.). But the show is truly stolen by David Bowie as (a believable, believe it or not) Andy Warhol. Bowie doesn't do a whole lot of acting, but when he does, he's usually wonderful at it (viz. The Hunger, Christiane F., etc.). He takes it to new heights here, and Bowie and Wright give a sense of the friendship between Warhol and Basquiat that does far more in far less screen time than most buddy movies could dream about. Of course, that may be because Schnabel, an artist himself, is a virtuoso at conveying the shallowness of the New York art scene. What's more, he manages to do so without turning Basquiat into a shallow film. Not an easy task, by any means.
Fantastic all the way around. **** 1/2
Instant ClassicJeffrey Wright's performance is spellbinding and is perhaps one of the greatest biographical performances in the history of film. David Bowie is hilarious and extremely on point with his portrayal of Andy Warhol and Michael Wincott is fantastic as poet Rene Ricard. Other stand out characters are Benicio Del Toro as Basquiat's best friend, and Christopher Walken as an interviewer. Look quick for Vincent Gallo and a few other stars in cameos.
Every scene in this movie is beautiful. The film moves forward at a quick pace in a series of vignettes. You can watch this film a thousand times and walk away a little more inspired about art and fame. I only wonder if people outside New York can relate as well to this film. It's a very 'East Village' film, you'll understand if you live here.
STILL WATING FOR THE DAMN DVD COME ON MIRAMAX, COUGH IT UP, ILL EDIT THE THING MYSELF IF YOU DONT WANT TO SPEND MONEY ON IT.
Was it ever.
Before I go further, I'll go over the plot. Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is your average high school dork. On a field trip to Columbia University's science lab, he gets bit by a genetically engineered spider. The bite gives Peter exceptional agility, stamina, and strength, as well as the unique ability to spin webs from his wrists. Originally using his powers for self-gain, he decides to change his ways when his Uncle Ben is killed by a gunman in a carjacking that he could have prevented. Living by Uncle Ben's motto, "With great power comes great responsibility," Peter becomes Spider-Man. His powers come to the ultimate test when New York is terrorized by the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe).
The acting was solid on all counts. Maguire was good both as the nerdy Peter Parker and the wisecracking Spider-Man. Kirsten Dunst, who plays love interest and high school student Mary Jane Watson, wasn't spectacular but had great chemistry with Maguire. Dafoe was over-the-top at times as Green Goblin, but there was one scene in particular involving a mirror that was maybe the finest scene in the movie. Supporting actor J.K. Simmons stoke the show as J. Jonah Jameson, publisher of a newspaper trying to make Spider-Man come out looking like a criminal.
This DVD is loaded with tons of special features and easter eggs (special features not listed on the menu that you have to 'hunt' for). Included is a gallery of Spider-Man artists, the HBO Special "Making of Spider-Man," and various character files. One of my favorite easter eggs was a CGI gag reel. Good luck finding it, though.
Overall, director Sam Raimi has created a comic book movie that's not just for comics fans. Smart, witty, dramatic...Spider-Man has it all, and special feautures that you'll actually watch. I can't recommend it enough.