I'm afraid I can't do that.
I've always been a movie buff, an indulgence I attribute to the fact that my father's side of the family have been in movie production in the 60-80's of Lollywood. I've always grew up with I guess an intrinsic fascination of this art form which hasn't subsided with age.
I critiqued his productions (which in great relief where actually pretty good considering the context of the Pakistan industry) and that by in large trickled to analysing other films.
It wasn't long til I landed up seeing Godfather (I and II), Apocalypse Now, Memento, On the Waterfront, Se7en, ReQ of a Dream, and Amadeus to name a few. I had a drug addict's sudden sense of euphoria.
However, because all this exposure was at a relatively young age, the sheer magnitude of excellence made me revel all these films far more than what they actually deserved (subjectively of course). I would regard Godfather II the epitome of perfection and Fight Club wickedly intelligent. Rear Window infallible and Apocalypse Now the crowning masterpiece of mainstream Hollywood.
In retrospect I don't regret my youthful exuberance at all. But it was just that; youthful and impetuous. Now, after an underlining of college exposure and acquired taste, there is far more litmus in perception. That is why all the aforementioned and many more have lost some of the fascination.
However, then you stumble upon Kubrick. Now granted some of his movies are a tad superfluous and self-important (Eyes Wide Shut and Clockwork Orange), but then there are moments of absolute genius in "Dr. Strangelove: Or How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" or "2001: A Space Odyssey". One is a satirical adaption of modern warfare which has a timeless quality to it, the other is an abstract, terrifying adaption of man's progression/regression in societal advancement.
However, what I think I admire most about these two movies more than any other films is the allowance the director has given us in subjective interpretation. Like a complex poem or a metaphorical novel, these two masterpieces have the ability to take you on a different plane of intellectualism.
If you haven't seen 2001 or Dr. Strangelove, stop wasting time here and go see it.
posted by Sarem at
11:41 PM
6 Comments:
fight club's just about every 15-17 year old's favourite movie with its serenading of anarchist ideals. good movie, but afforded far too much intellectual weightage.
dr. strangelove is an absolute masterpiece. and somehow, within all its contextual ideas and commentary, it also manages to be unbelievably funny.
as yet, i haven't found 2001: A Space Odyssey to be anything more than kubrick dabbling in more of technological, "lets make it pretty with multiple objects floating in space for half a minute" prettiness exercise. That's not to say that there isn't any substance in the movie, for the movie's introduction clearly states there IS more.
unfortunately, after being disappointed with having to sit through those space scenes (which are admittedly gorgeous), i could find nothing worthwhile along the lines of "an abstract, terrifying adaption of man's progression/regression in societal advancement" except that it hinted at it.
seems like i have to watch it again i guess.
Well, to NOT spoil away the abstract art that is 2001; I'd say the film essentially taclkles with:
1) Creation: The monolith is indicative of the transcendence of space and time (which precludes to a evolutionary level of human intelligence). One can say Kubrick intended the monolith to be indicative of God. Its interesting to note that the monolith somewhat resembles a door (a pathway) and hence in allegorical sense; a new gate of cognition by divine intervention.
2) Mind: Hal. The implicit confict of stagnant computation and variable intelligence. Science/Ignorance. The ability of HAL to discern the implications of the two scientist's decision to shut him down is the manifestation of a machine to "Think" on its own accord. However, his knowledge was without wisdom and was HAL's ultimate undoing.
3) Man.
Well, admittedly I think I went a tad overboard. I do strongly believe that to see this film, you have to see it as an abstract movie and forgive Kubrick's indulgence in marvelling at the new tecnological advances of mankind.
Oh and the soundtrack to this movie is right up there with "Passion".
sarem, imma gonna kck you :( where are yoouuuu :(
star wars ROCKS.
end of story.
:P
hmm nice post.. :)
I think I should see those then :)
I, however, don't understand how your title goes with the body of the post?
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