Hal Hartley. I don't understand how such a gifted and original filmmaker has sorta been forgotten. Most times, when I mention his movies to other folks, they get that vague look in their eyes, and say, "I remember him. " It's weird phenomenon.
Sherman! honored to have you on the Stack. And repping Hal Hartley no less! It's sad but I hope for his eventual revival. Perhaps it appears too period-specific. But I think that could change. I hope it does.
I love Vanya on 42nd Street -- they make a choice I would never have thought of when Julianne Moore plays every angry/heartbreaking line with that winsome, self-deprecating laugh instead of straightforwardly emoting. Yet somehow it's so memorable and works so well.
And I had the same experience with Inherent Vice, I love the book and was disappointed the first time I saw it (at home) that it was so relatively contained and not a big, splashy, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood style groovy spectacle. Then I saw it again on film with a crowd and I could not believe how perfect it was, how melancholy, and how hilarious.
Mann came off directing 'El Cid' to direct 'Fall of the Roman Empire' (1964), also filmed partly in Spain I think, and much of the same applies - I actually loved the locations, the western-esque vibe, the score, and of course the horses - chariot races (obligatory, after 'Ben-Hur') included. And bonus, its screenplay - by unrepentant blacklisted communist Ben Barzman, I think resident in Paris for obvious reasons - actually showed some acquaintance with Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, which can't be said of its successor Gladiator's.
Saved this for future reference. I'd almost totally forgotten about Hal Hartley, and he used to be one of my favorite American filmmakers. Will introduce his work to my son over the weekend, thank you.
Also, I daresay we should all be on pins'n'needles for S. Craig Zahler's next film, cuz he may match PTA's four film run. JC Chandor was also having a nice streak until KRAVEN THE HUNTER. Tarantino was almost there with DJANGO/BASTERDS/HOLLYWOOD but for that HATEFUL 8 misfire.
This is such a great list and some really wonderful writing. You are actually going to make me watch White Noise, a film I've been avoiding despite the book being one of my favorites and the director being one I've always enjoyed - the bad reviews really got into my head. And now I'm wondering what you thought of Hartley's Amateur - probably my favorite of his films.
I had to comment because Portrait of Jennie is one of my favourite movies and I've barely seen anyone else talk about it! I first saw it as a teenager and it's stuck with me ever since.
An absolute amen, Alice! I've heard tell it's secretly an adaptation of Vineland??? All I know is it's supposedly PTA's highest-budget film ever & DiCaprio is in it!
I knew her well is a top 20 of all time. Sandrelli is perfect.
Truly gorgeous!
I’m grateful for the reminder of my many cinematic blind spots. Not least - I’ve never seen a Hal Hartley film 😬
Plenty of time! Just pick the one with the title that calls to u
Hal Hartley. I don't understand how such a gifted and original filmmaker has sorta been forgotten. Most times, when I mention his movies to other folks, they get that vague look in their eyes, and say, "I remember him. " It's weird phenomenon.
Sherman! honored to have you on the Stack. And repping Hal Hartley no less! It's sad but I hope for his eventual revival. Perhaps it appears too period-specific. But I think that could change. I hope it does.
I hope so, too!
I love Vanya on 42nd Street -- they make a choice I would never have thought of when Julianne Moore plays every angry/heartbreaking line with that winsome, self-deprecating laugh instead of straightforwardly emoting. Yet somehow it's so memorable and works so well.
And I had the same experience with Inherent Vice, I love the book and was disappointed the first time I saw it (at home) that it was so relatively contained and not a big, splashy, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood style groovy spectacle. Then I saw it again on film with a crowd and I could not believe how perfect it was, how melancholy, and how hilarious.
Love to hear this! So glad you shared this Henry
So poetic!
Mann came off directing 'El Cid' to direct 'Fall of the Roman Empire' (1964), also filmed partly in Spain I think, and much of the same applies - I actually loved the locations, the western-esque vibe, the score, and of course the horses - chariot races (obligatory, after 'Ben-Hur') included. And bonus, its screenplay - by unrepentant blacklisted communist Ben Barzman, I think resident in Paris for obvious reasons - actually showed some acquaintance with Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, which can't be said of its successor Gladiator's.
FANTASTIC recommendation Judith I will certainly check it out!
Fall of the Roman Empire is fantastic.
Saved this for future reference. I'd almost totally forgotten about Hal Hartley, and he used to be one of my favorite American filmmakers. Will introduce his work to my son over the weekend, thank you.
Also, I daresay we should all be on pins'n'needles for S. Craig Zahler's next film, cuz he may match PTA's four film run. JC Chandor was also having a nice streak until KRAVEN THE HUNTER. Tarantino was almost there with DJANGO/BASTERDS/HOLLYWOOD but for that HATEFUL 8 misfire.
This is such a great list and some really wonderful writing. You are actually going to make me watch White Noise, a film I've been avoiding despite the book being one of my favorites and the director being one I've always enjoyed - the bad reviews really got into my head. And now I'm wondering what you thought of Hartley's Amateur - probably my favorite of his films.
I had to comment because Portrait of Jennie is one of my favourite movies and I've barely seen anyone else talk about it! I first saw it as a teenager and it's stuck with me ever since.
Such a strange film but so beautiful! Glad it has other fans
There’s no overrating PTA. Thrilled by rumours that his new film is another Pynchon adaptation
An absolute amen, Alice! I've heard tell it's secretly an adaptation of Vineland??? All I know is it's supposedly PTA's highest-budget film ever & DiCaprio is in it!
It's a gorgeous movie