Jackhammer's Horror Corner (soundtrack, techno, Atmosphere, Blondie, effects)

Akira · 01-23-2009, 12:26 PM

I liked the start of Funny Games but the most painful thing was the director shooting himself in the foot. It got too self aware all too sudden and totally ruined the feel of the movie. The build-up was great and the actual delivery was ok but then it just got too 'meh' in the end.

The remake? Well that's just a bag of unnecessary fail. No respect for any director who who remake a movie shot for shot (*cough* Gus van Sant) but to do your own?

The remake was only saved complete disgrace by having Watts and Roth in.

jackhammer · 01-23-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ToeAndno

I liked the start of Funny Games but the most painful thing was the director shooting himself in the foot. It got too self aware all too sudden and totally ruined the feel of the movie. The build-up was great and the actual delivery was ok but then it just got too 'meh' in the end.

The remake? Well that's just a bag of unnecessary fail. No respect for any director who who remake a movie shot for shot (*cough* Gus van Sant) but to do your own?

The remake was only saved complete disgrace by having Watts and Roth in.

He wanted to try and direct in America and have total control so that's why it was remade. Basically for those too lazy to check out the original. He hated the experience and has vowed not to work over there again. The film does become too self aware but it's a fantastic dynamic that he creates. Have you seen 'Hidden'. That's another film that messes with your mind.

Molecules · 01-23-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

He wanted to try and direct in America and have total control so that's why it was remade. Basically for those too lazy to check out the original. He hated the experience and has vowed not to work over there again. The film does become too self aware but it's a fantastic dynamic that he creates. Have you seen 'Hidden'. That's another film that messes with your mind.

the French one? For the life of me I can't remember what happens in the end but the build-up was definitely a headf*ck. And Juliette Binoche

jackhammer · 01-23-2009, 12:58 PM

Yeah AKA Cache. That had another famous WTF moments from haneke. I'm with you on Binnoche!

jackhammer · 01-30-2009, 11:10 AM

Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky

Jodorowsky's only horror film (although that is a very loose tag) is a heady blend of surrealism, outrageous violence (although there are only three deaths in the film) and stunning visuals to create a film so unique, it is difficult to compare it to anything else.

The plot is something that I am not going to delve into because although it does follow a linear narrative upon the films climax, whilst watching it seems anything BUT linear. This is where the films power lies. This is art transmorphed into a genre that is generally frowned upon. The film proves that you can throw many fantastic ideas into the mix via imagery and suggestion to dupe you into thinking you are watching a 70's arthouse film with nods to Freud, Jung and Bunell.

This is not to say that just because it is so unique, I should immediately extoll it's virtues. It is usually these trappings that can turn me away from a film. I dislike surrealism and obscure imagery just for the sake of it. However once you begin to watch Santa Sangre you are drawn ionto this world of circus performers, grotesque characters and the films remarkable ability to flash backwards and forwards in time and still remain coherent.

I really do believe that films such as this should be used in film studies as an exercise in bravado and intelligence. once seen, never forgotten.

**Janszoon** · 01-30-2009, 11:13 AM

I've only seen Santa Sangre once, quite a long time ago now, but it is one of those movies that really stick with you. It's amazing, disturbing, beautiful and really unlike any other movie I've ever seen. Nice pick!

Terrible Lizard · 01-30-2009, 05:01 PM

[QUOTE=jackhammer;587869]

Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky

A great film from one of my favorite directors.

Btw, Jack could you review "Don't Look Now'' next? It's my favorite horror film.

jackhammer · 01-30-2009, 05:05 PM

Maybe

Guybrush · 01-30-2009, 05:41 PM

Wow, great thread .. Why haven't I checked out this before? I used to watch so many horror movies back in the days .. before I ended up with my current GF.

Like you, I often I like both the good and bad. Even stuff like the 80s remake of The Blob and Re-Animator 2 (Bride of Re-Animator). Great reviews!

jackhammer · 02-16-2009, 05:25 PM

Near Dark (1987) Dir. Kathryn Bigelow

The best vampire movie you have never seen? Possibly. Definitely one of the most unique and leftfield vampire movies out there. The 80's saw a revival in the vampire movie with both 'The Hunger' and 'The Lost Boys' both putting a new spin on the tried and tested myth. Their downfall? They both look dated in terms of asthetics. This is where Near Dark triumphs. It has barely changed in over 20 years.

Near Dark succeeds on it's admirable lack of uneccessary exposition. The vampire condition is barely hinted at and instead we are exposed to the emotional aspect of vampirism- familial bonds, lack of physical love and isolation. It also succeeds with some oustanding visual effects. These are not neccessarily the effects draped in gore but the purely physical effects of sunlight on their bodies (typical vampire myths such as holy water and garlic are non existent in this film).

The film centers around Mae who, along with her 'family' ( a travelling band of amoral and violent vampires) stop off at a small town in Texas. A local man- Caleb is immediatedly smitten and on the star filled night is bitten by her but not 'bled'. Meaning that he could turn. The family has no choice but to adopt him into their clan and try to make him the character he needs to be in order to survive. His personal morals and his undying love for his family create a rift which has to end somehow.

The 'family' is superbly realised and Bill Paxton (Aliens) is simply superb as the psychotic Severen and some of his lines are classics. The bar massacre at 40.00 minutes onwards is a tour de force of jet black comedy and genuine menace.

Many other aspects make this film head and shoulders above many of it's ilk. The superb score by Tangerine Dream. The cinematography and Kathryn Bigelow's direction, which adds a little tenderness and pathos to the proceedings.

There is not a lot of gore in this film as it works on atmosphere and menace. It is all the more better for it. A classic film that has a little sweet centre running through it. Here is the (dated) trailer. I have the soundtrack too if anyone is interested

01-23-2009, 12:58 PM	#114 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Yeah AKA Cache. That had another famous WTF moments from haneke. I'm with you on Binnoche! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

01-30-2009, 11:10 AM	#115 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky Jodorowsky's only horror film (although that is a very loose tag) is a heady blend of surrealism, outrageous violence (although there are only three deaths in the film) and stunning visuals to create a film so unique, it is difficult to compare it to anything else. The plot is something that I am not going to delve into because although it does follow a linear narrative upon the films climax, whilst watching it seems anything BUT linear. This is where the films power lies. This is art transmorphed into a genre that is generally frowned upon. The film proves that you can throw many fantastic ideas into the mix via imagery and suggestion to dupe you into thinking you are watching a 70's arthouse film with nods to Freud, Jung and Bunell. This is not to say that just because it is so unique, I should immediately extoll it's virtues. It is usually these trappings that can turn me away from a film. I dislike surrealism and obscure imagery just for the sake of it. However once you begin to watch Santa Sangre you are drawn ionto this world of circus performers, grotesque characters and the films remarkable ability to flash backwards and forwards in time and still remain coherent. I really do believe that films such as this should be used in film studies as an exercise in bravado and intelligence. once seen, never forgotten. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

01-30-2009, 11:13 AM	#116 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	I've only seen Santa Sangre once, quite a long time ago now, but it is one of those movies that really stick with you. It's amazing, disturbing, beautiful and really unlike any other movie I've ever seen. Nice pick! __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm

01-30-2009, 05:01 PM	#117 (permalink)
Terrible Lizard **ER OF HOLES Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Butt**, Nebraska Posts: 1,211	[QUOTE=jackhammer;587869] Santa Sangre 1989 Dir. Alejandro Jodorowsky A great film from one of my favorite directors. Btw, Jack could you review "Don't Look Now'' next? It's my favorite horror film. __________________ “YOU ARE SCUM SLUT.” -John Martyn

01-30-2009, 05:05 PM	#118 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Maybe __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

01-30-2009, 05:41 PM	#119 (permalink)
Guybrush Juicious Maximus III Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Scabb Island Posts: 6,525	Wow, great thread .. Why haven't I checked out this before? I used to watch so many horror movies back in the days .. before I ended up with my current GF. Like you, I often I like both the good and bad. Even stuff like the 80s remake of The Blob and Re-Animator 2 (Bride of Re-Animator). Great reviews! __________________ Something Completely Different

02-16-2009, 05:25 PM	#120 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	Near Dark (1987) Dir. Kathryn Bigelow The best vampire movie you have never seen? Possibly. Definitely one of the most unique and leftfield vampire movies out there. The 80's saw a revival in the vampire movie with both 'The Hunger' and 'The Lost Boys' both putting a new spin on the tried and tested myth. Their downfall? They both look dated in terms of asthetics. This is where Near Dark triumphs. It has barely changed in over 20 years. Near Dark succeeds on it's admirable lack of uneccessary exposition. The vampire condition is barely hinted at and instead we are exposed to the emotional aspect of vampirism- familial bonds, lack of physical love and isolation. It also succeeds with some oustanding visual effects. These are not neccessarily the effects draped in gore but the purely physical effects of sunlight on their bodies (typical vampire myths such as holy water and garlic are non existent in this film). The film centers around Mae who, along with her 'family' ( a travelling band of amoral and violent vampires) stop off at a small town in Texas. A local man- Caleb is immediatedly smitten and on the star filled night is bitten by her but not 'bled'. Meaning that he could turn. The family has no choice but to adopt him into their clan and try to make him the character he needs to be in order to survive. His personal morals and his undying love for his family create a rift which has to end somehow. The 'family' is superbly realised and Bill Paxton (Aliens) is simply superb as the psychotic Severen and some of his lines are classics. The bar massacre at 40.00 minutes onwards is a tour de force of jet black comedy and genuine menace. Many other aspects make this film head and shoulders above many of it's ilk. The superb score by Tangerine Dream. The cinematography and Kathryn Bigelow's direction, which adds a little tenderness and pathos to the proceedings. There is not a lot of gore in this film as it works on atmosphere and menace. It is all the more better for it. A classic film that has a little sweet centre running through it. Here is the (dated) trailer. I have the soundtrack too if anyone is interested __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”