DEBATE 2, ROUND 2
SECTION 4, VERSE 1
An yay tho they shall maketh a movie…they shall not know the financial outcome until after the opening weekend. And He said it shall be…so it was.
And if it isto be art, He said, then mae it be art. But ifith it is to be a movie about jarheads or heroin users…then make it an honest one…for the masses can notith withstandith the truth…ith…
Danny Boyle VS Sam Mendes
SECTION 6, VERSE 5
And tho the eye of beauty is unseen to the blind, it is the flash of images quicker than what the normal eye can stand that shall condem thee to hell…if voted out of this round, that is…and ye of the dark subject and dark tone shall force us to shower and scrub after viewing a requiem of one’s dream for it is said that he who…as to hell with this…
Darren Aranofsky VS Baz Luhrmann
An yay tho they shall maketh a movie…they shall not know the financial outcome until after the opening weekend. And He said it shall be…so it was.
And if it isto be art, He said, then mae it be art. But ifith it is to be a movie about jarheads or heroin users…then make it an honest one…for the masses can notith withstandith the truth…ith…
Danny Boyle VS Sam Mendes
SECTION 6, VERSE 5
And tho the eye of beauty is unseen to the blind, it is the flash of images quicker than what the normal eye can stand that shall condem thee to hell…if voted out of this round, that is…and ye of the dark subject and dark tone shall force us to shower and scrub after viewing a requiem of one’s dream for it is said that he who…as to hell with this…
Darren Aranofsky VS Baz Luhrmann
posted by Erin_Echo | 9:48 AM
18 Comments:
Danny Boyle because Trainspotting really turned me on to heroin.
Darren Aronofsky because Requiem for a Dream really turned me on to heroin.
You're such a skag fiend!
Seriously, though, I thouhgt you would have gone for Mendes on this one.
Interesting.
Aronofsky has made two movies- one, in my own angry opinion, was an over rated student thesis project that looks and feels as if it’s been filmed through the wrong end of telescope and another brilliant but slightly confusing movie that is required watching at the Betty Ford Clinic (I’m still not having sex because I made my wife watch it). And despite a really mind blowing psychedelic screen saver, hasn’t made any other projects.
Baz, who has done three very interesting projects with one in the visual category of a Matthew Barney movie, has received loads of praise from the now famous Great Director Debate Blogg and countless other arthouse film critics, will probably never receive the industry respect he deserves. If his next movie is a financial flop, he’s going back to film school with Jan De Bont and Luc Besson, so my vote goes to Aronofsky because I, like all other film geeks, are foaming at the mouth over his next projects.
netflix is shipping 'The Beach' and 'Jarhead' this week. I'll post my choice over Mendes and Boyle at week's end.
This is my first entry, so I hope I don't make a complete ass out of myself. Please keep in mind that since my wife gave birth 20 months ago, I've been out to a movie theater exactly six times. This is quite a switch for a guy who literally used to go see every movie that came out. But here goes...
I've never seen a Darren Aranofsky film. That's right. I said it. I'm not proud of the fact, but I'll admit it. Fortunately for him, any director will kick Baz Luhrman's ass. Why, you ask? First of all, because Moulin Rouge was the biggest piece of crap I think I've ever seen. Visually, it was annoying. Musically, it was lacking. Star power, kudos to Ewan McGregor, but this Kidman chick has got to go. Secondly, I think I speak for all English teachers when I say how offended I was by his version of Romeo and Juliet. Bill Shakespeare, the great Bard himself, shed a tear from his shallow grave, and were he not already dead, after viewing Luhrmann's nightmare, he would surely have stabbed himself just as Juliet did. I admire Luhrmann for trying something new. Breaking the mold, if you will. But in my opinion, he falls way short of a man whose films I've never even seen.
Winner: Aranofsky.
Danny Boyle is good for a limey freak. I'm still haunted by the dead baby crawling on the ceiling in Trainspotting. And thank god he gave zombies the ability to actually move, as opposed to the George Romero "oh no, I might have to walk at a slightly brisk pace to get away from the barely-able-to-stand" zombies. However, Mendes adds an artistic element that I admire. I was the kid back in school that filmed a floating paper bag for ten minutes and thought it was beautiful. Although I never had the little girl from Patriot Games flash her unevenly sized boobs at me through the window. Mendes does a wonderful job of getting the most out of his actors. Road to Perdition was one of my favorite films that year, and I was appauled when it was snubbed by the Oscars. It probably would not have been had it been released in December. Of course, I love any film with Paul Newman (and any salad dressing for that matter). Mendes work makes me think of poetry on celluloid, which is rare is the age of blockbusters and CGI gimmicks. So as much as I enoy Boyle's films...
Winner: Mendes
Joe, Welcome to the Suck!
And finally I have a brother-in-arms in the Anti-Baz Army!!!
WOO HOO!!!
Danny Boyle VS Sam Mendes
Sorry I haven't posted sooner, but I've been out of town. Now what's your excuse?
Joe, you old scoundrel! Your first post and already you want to vanquish one of my favorites, Danny Boyle, to Simon Westville. I take back all the kind things I said about you at your wedding (except when proclaiming to everyone at the reception that I thought your ass was "taut" and "memorable".
I hate that Danny Boyle is not a simple shoe-in for everyone, but I guess there has to be some debatin' goin' on 'round here. Again, most of you didn't get the chance to see 'Millions', which I'm certain would sway some opinions. And his next film, 'Sunshine', looks like Danny Boyle in space. I can't wait!
Sam makes beautiful movies, and I find it hard to say anything negative about him, so I won't. But I will stick with me mate this round.
WINNER: DANNY BOYLE
Danny Boyle VS Sam Mendes
At first this was a tough choice (I have great respect for both of these guys and still think that Mendes’ American Beauty is a classic commentary on American suburbs).
I took the time out this weekend to see both of their most recent features (Jarhead and Millions) in hopes of determining a winner… well, we have a winner.
Jarhead simply didn’t deliver. When any of the major characters had a big emotional outburst, I kept thinking I missed something- aren’t I supposed to emphasis with these characters?
Like his previous movies, it was an expensive, glossy set of images that didn’t really have the emotional impact that a better director would have extracted from the script. Unfortunately it suffers the same problems that ‘Road to Perdition’ had, beautifully haunting images with emotionally shallow performances. Maybe the material is the problem, and a more obvious sarcastic and allegorical script is best suited for him. Either way, the results were somewhat flat.
Millions on the other hand was a fantastic fairytale that never went where it shouldn’t, always retained its childlike wonder despite rather complex story points (Euro vs. Sterling conversion) and leaves you with a gigantic smile (though I swear I saw Angelina Jolie in the background in the final scene). This time I agree with Justin, it is required watching.
So Boyle’s done an exotic adventure thriller, an urban zombie flick, a children’s fairytale and soon a big budget sci-fi action movie. Is there anything this guy can’t do?
Vote goes to Danny boy.
Oh, for those of you who thought 'Road to Perdition' was this great visual treat- go see almost any of the Cohen Bros historical romps-'Oh Brother', 'Barton Fink' and the underrated 'Miller's Crossing'. They usually did it better and most of the time used the look and setting to greater effect.
Damn, Pete. You nailed it! The Coen Bros. (in partnership with Roger Deakins) make movies that are both purty and engaging.
I couldn't agree with you more re: 'Jarhead' and I'm glad you took the time to check out 'Millions'. Danny also as a keen ear for music and its place in each of his pics. Okay, I've kissed Danny's boil (ewww) enough for one day.
Justin,
Just because we're holding hands on this subject doesn't mean we'll be taking warm showers together until the wee hours of the morning, you bastard!
Dare we dream?
Aranofsky
Justin I saw "Millions". Wasn't real impressed. You might have talked it up to much. I was expecting somthing on the level of "In America", it didn't come close for me. "Millions" makes it real easy to vote for Mendes.
Not 'Angela's Ashes' enough for you, huh? But I don't think I ever described it to be anything like 'In America'. Just because the kids had funny accents, geez. Why don't you compare 'Mary Poppins' to 'My Left Foot' while you're at it.
Personally I think you're taking Mendes because:
a) Pete likes Danny Boyle
b) You favor any director who features Jake Gyllenhaal with his slacks around his knees; i.e. Ang Lee, Richard Kelly, etc.
Wow, so much weird love going on around here…
OK, I’m gonna make this quick so we can move on cos this is boring the shit out of me…
Aranofsky VS Luhrman
See my previous post in the round 1 debate (Rob Marshall VS Baz Luhrman) re: my feelings for the Luhrman. The man is a disciple in the Church of Strobe Light Editing. Hell to this guy is the movie ‘Rope’ where Hitchcock does cut away from the scene for 10 minute intervals. Go to hell, Baz. Go…to…hell…
I may feel icky after seeing his films, but Aranofsky gets my vote.
Mendes VS Boyle.
I’ve enjoyed all of Mendes’ movies – but haven’t seen anything of his I’d like to add to the ‘movie soundtrack of my life’. American Beauty was good but a little over-hyped in my opinion. Road To Perdition was really good, great performances and a beautiful looking film (I believe Conrad Hall’s last work as a director of photography – check out this guys resume http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005734/) and I think Jarhead is a great study of some of the realities of war we never get to see on film. But all in all, nothing I’d want to go back and revisit..
However, Boyle’s made a few movies I have no problem revisiting. Trainspotting is one of the best movies of the 90’s. Shallow Grave and 28 Day Later make for great thrillers. Millions is a kid’s movie done from a different perspective. I can do without The Beach and A Life Less Ordinary (although it has a kick ass soundtrack), but hey…nobody’s perfect.
Boyle wins this one for me.
Darren Aranofsky VS Baz Luhrmann
Much like art imitating life imitating...oh, who really gives a shit.
WINNER: DARREN ARONOFSKY
Who's that guy screaming in the back of the room? Oh... its Baz! I guess he's pissed. Last round he received unconditional praise and love and this round he loses to a guy who makes eye candy for heroin addicts and fringe fans of David Cronenberg movies.
Darren, better hope 'The Fountain' comes out fast.
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