Persephonee · 26-30, F
Forget the 1990s. Actors and actresses aren't what they used to be in the 1950s.
Nor are directors.
I saw the Odyssey the other day (will spare you my review, which is a bit more positive than yours but only because of accidents of history not because it's a good visualisation of Homer, for my own post later), and the next night rewatched Hitchcock's "I Confess" with some friends. The plots are nothing alike at all of course, and some of the cinematography (from 1953) does look quite dated. As a mere filmmaking exercise though it (not considered one of Hitchcock's best by any means) is head and shoulders above even "Inception" (Nolan's peak so far even his fans would probably agree - it's a genuinely excellent film).
For one comment for now about this film, I think you're a tad harsh on Matt Damon. He's a fine actor when he's allowed (he's not Gregory Peck but he probably wouldn't claim to be). Damon wasn't let down by his own abilities...just an utterly, utterly, atrocious script and directorial desire to push the (quite legitimate) PTSD angle to beyond breaking point.
Interesting observations you have though
Nor are directors.
I saw the Odyssey the other day (will spare you my review, which is a bit more positive than yours but only because of accidents of history not because it's a good visualisation of Homer, for my own post later), and the next night rewatched Hitchcock's "I Confess" with some friends. The plots are nothing alike at all of course, and some of the cinematography (from 1953) does look quite dated. As a mere filmmaking exercise though it (not considered one of Hitchcock's best by any means) is head and shoulders above even "Inception" (Nolan's peak so far even his fans would probably agree - it's a genuinely excellent film).
For one comment for now about this film, I think you're a tad harsh on Matt Damon. He's a fine actor when he's allowed (he's not Gregory Peck but he probably wouldn't claim to be). Damon wasn't let down by his own abilities...just an utterly, utterly, atrocious script and directorial desire to push the (quite legitimate) PTSD angle to beyond breaking point.
Interesting observations you have though
CedricH · 22-25, M
@Persephonee I couldn’t agree more with you on the PTSD angle. A less dour take on The Odyssey would’ve been much more promising.
But I’d contend that Dark Knight was Nolan‘s best movie. You‘re right to call Inception the peak because I think his projects went downhill from there.
As for Matt Damon, it’s not just his acting. He and many of his most iconic characters manage to consistently rub me the wrong way. He‘s mediocre but carries himself like a superstar.
He‘s irritating, self-righteous, arrogant and he‘s always trying too hard.
As for older movies… well… they tend to be too stiff and theatrical for my taste and the humor of the 1940s, 50s, 60s doesn’t quite resonate with me.
But I do admire Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman, Peter O’Toole, Richard Harris, Charlton Heston, Tony Curtis, John Wayne, Sidney Poitier, Omar Sharif and Alec Guiness as people and outstanding (timeless) actors.
I‘m a 80s, 90s, 00s aficionado. Politically, culturally and cinematically.
But I’d contend that Dark Knight was Nolan‘s best movie. You‘re right to call Inception the peak because I think his projects went downhill from there.
As for Matt Damon, it’s not just his acting. He and many of his most iconic characters manage to consistently rub me the wrong way. He‘s mediocre but carries himself like a superstar.
He‘s irritating, self-righteous, arrogant and he‘s always trying too hard.
As for older movies… well… they tend to be too stiff and theatrical for my taste and the humor of the 1940s, 50s, 60s doesn’t quite resonate with me.
But I do admire Kirk Douglas, Paul Newman, Peter O’Toole, Richard Harris, Charlton Heston, Tony Curtis, John Wayne, Sidney Poitier, Omar Sharif and Alec Guiness as people and outstanding (timeless) actors.
I‘m a 80s, 90s, 00s aficionado. Politically, culturally and cinematically.
CedricH · 22-25, M
@AthrillatheHunt Exactly, as far as antiquity is concerned. Julius Caesar (2002) is another hidden gem, in case you‘re interested. Starring Christopher Walken, Jeremy Sisto, Richard Harris and Chris Noth. Slightly more historical than the others and a bit less mystical.
As for Alexander, the movie got somewhat tedious after the Battle of Gaugamela and his stay in Babylon.
[media=https://youtu.be/7CcnOQJ3D20]
[media=https://youtu.be/Mb8Cuqh3jPU]
[media=https://youtu.be/e1q2qF_msYc]
[media=https://youtu.be/wEWKkdudNgo]
[media=https://youtu.be/E5HfZm9R8MU]
As for Alexander, the movie got somewhat tedious after the Battle of Gaugamela and his stay in Babylon.
[media=https://youtu.be/7CcnOQJ3D20]
[media=https://youtu.be/Mb8Cuqh3jPU]
[media=https://youtu.be/e1q2qF_msYc]
[media=https://youtu.be/wEWKkdudNgo]
[media=https://youtu.be/E5HfZm9R8MU]
MarkPaul · 26-30, M
What??? Christopher Nolan didn't use CGI for any (ANY) of the major scenes in the Odyssey. It's why the set has been described as unusually grueling and the outcome as colossally amazing and life-like. As far as your armchair casting, I suspect your "real" preoccupation is something other than what you present as actors who you deem not manly enough to carry the load.
There is certainly much to enjoy about the movies of yesteryear. It's interesting to watch the new style of moviemaker with critics who only wish things would never change.
There is certainly much to enjoy about the movies of yesteryear. It's interesting to watch the new style of moviemaker with critics who only wish things would never change.
View 3 more replies »
MarkPaul · 26-30, M
@CedricH I've been crystal clear, but let me break it down for you in finer simplification:
1. In dispute of your subjectivity, the Odyssey movie is a stunning example of NOT using CGI.
2. In dispute of your armchair casting I am casting doubt you really know what a "real man" is.
3. I am questioning the genuine motivation behind your fact-free rant and giving you an opportunity to embrace and favour honesty over masking what your real hang-up is.
1. In dispute of your subjectivity, the Odyssey movie is a stunning example of NOT using CGI.
2. In dispute of your armchair casting I am casting doubt you really know what a "real man" is.
3. I am questioning the genuine motivation behind your fact-free rant and giving you an opportunity to embrace and favour honesty over masking what your real hang-up is.
Carysoflife · F
CedricH · 22-25, M
@Carysoflife I disagree. Scotland lost in the end but it was a rather pro-Scottish manifesto with lots of creative liberties.
Carysoflife · F
@CedricH it makes it like the Scot lived in house made out of horse shit and fought in kilts . And the movie made Robert look like a traitor
CedricH · 22-25, M
@Carysoflife It’s the typical noble savage theme. As for Robert the Bruce, you’re right but his depiction in the movie could be seen as a metaphor for all the Scottish lords and noblemen who did indeed collaborate with the English crown over the course of the centuries.
voidkitty · 22-25, F
I didn't like the Odyssey for some of the reasons you list but it is definitely not a CGI heavy film and if there's a single thing that makes me not loathe Nolan as a director is he'd always much rather use practical effects. The end result was 1/10 what it could have been but it's not because of that.
CedricH · 22-25, M
@voidkitty Ya, that was my mistake. I took a look at these giant mythical creatures in their ridiculous armor and thought I saw CGI.
So to specify, I simply didn’t like the visuals of the movie but not because of an overuse of CGI (which is a real problem in many other modern historical epics).
Nolan is a phenomenal director. But some of his movies were duds, like Dunkirk and The Odyssey.
So to specify, I simply didn’t like the visuals of the movie but not because of an overuse of CGI (which is a real problem in many other modern historical epics).
Nolan is a phenomenal director. But some of his movies were duds, like Dunkirk and The Odyssey.
ViciDraco · 41-45, M
Is this a satire post or an honest assessment? It's at the level that I feel it's sarcastically absurd but I can't be positive...