“Jean de Florette” 1986
As I had written a few weeks ago, I bought the Criterion 4K double movie pack of “Jean de Florette” and “Manon des sources”. I watched the first of the two movies yesterday.
I had never seen these movies; so it was kind of a blind buy. Well, I am very glad I bought them!
“Jean de Florette” is a glorious film! The story is great. Watching Yves Montand play the ruthless father to Daniel Auteuil’s somewhat dimwitted son is fantastic. Depardieu is a standout as the sympathetic dreamer, who is trying to make a good life for his family.
The gray zones are wonderful. I won’t spoil it for anyone who has not seen it, but the developing relationship between Auteuil’s and Depardieu’s characters is perfectly nuanced, and bittersweet. The little girl Manon, who has her suspicions, is also wonderful without saying many words.
Great scenery and cinematography as well. This is a must see movie!
Watched the whole French trilogy over the last couple of weekends. Excellent thrillers with plenty of chase sequences. 9/10.
Finally caught “Conclave”.
I honestly cannot decide if it was a great movie or a pretty average movie but with outstanding performances. Sort of leaning towards the latter. When I just lay out the narrative in my head, it’s nothing special.
But a few people gave just incredible performances.
We watched this a couple of nights ago - over two nights in fact as it’s so long. Very gripping, beautifully shot and performed. A hard watch in places, with an ending that almost seemed like answer to the question - quick, we’ve got to end the film, how do we do it? It’s great to see a film that’s so thought provoking, a nice change from more run of the mill stuff.
If you get the chance read the book. So much was left out in the film.
Midsommar
This is intense. Well made and acted. But gosh, this is really not for people easily triggered. There are some scenes in there you sort of see coming a mile off and 20 minutes later when they arrive you still aren’t ready.
[addendum] I’ve now found out there’s a three hour long unrated director’s cut that failed to get certified for theatrical release. Morbid fascination might get the better of me.
Dead Presidents
It’s not sure whether it wants to be Platoon, Goodfellas, or Boyz In The Hood. And while it’s not as good as any of those, it’s still pretty good. Some great dialogue and superb performances. But maybe too many themes in one movie.
Significantly better than I thought it may be.
Though I had gone through a couple of G&T’s…
I do have a craving for some PG Tips this morning and am now a dab hand at playing the upright piano by ear.
It should have been a fine comedy with those two but it really never gets going.
Dinklage,broke college director,reaches an arrangement to live in Shirley’s mansion and inherit it when she dies.
The contrivance,of course,is to overcome the many obstacles that come between hope and reality.
Prime. If granny is staying over she might enjoy it.
Wonderful to see the young Maclane face sometimes appear from that old body.
Great soundtrack to it thou…
Back on track tonight.
Bettany,McDowell,Thewlis.
Paul Bradshaw in the Guardian… A scorcher,violent,sinister with a strange undertow of melodrama and self loathing.
A blood proof apron might be a suitable garment for viewing.
Excellent.
In Vitro.
Just a superb little independent film set in the not to distant future.
Just a wonderful story that looks basic and just a paint by numbers movie, but is actually very gripping and emotionally involving.
PIG.
Somebody has stolen Cagies truffle pig. Like most I expected the next hour and a quarter filled with spiteful retribution for the culprits.
But no, We are taken on a far more philosophical route to the truth.
Nicholas seems to enjoy portraying this strange complicated man.
The Oregon forest and Portland are lovingly captured and the pig makes a fine mate.
Sadly I can’t find a U.K. streaming source.
I had to rent it on iTunes.
Was a cheap rate, not sure the UK price, but mine was AUD$6.99.
Perhaps Amazon Prime has it for rent ?
It will most likely drop on one of the Streaming platforms soon’ish I’d say, as it usually drops on iTunes / Amazon Prime right after a cinema run for a little bit first.
Downsizing - starts off pretty good and interesting idea, but after 45 mins is a load of boring, stupid trash.
I do remember being utterly shocked by how bad the movie was. I don’'t know where to even begin with the plot holes.
