The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie

The 20th century is rife with artistic movements of all kinds, but undoubtedly one of the most popular is Surrealism. It has seeped into a plethora of mediums: Fine art, movies, even video games. As such, it's part of our culture, of our meta-mind, whether you like it or not. It deals with our dreams, desires and the unconscious, which often leads to a severe break with the classic narrative style. This is why surrealist films are so "artsy".  One of the greatest and well known directors of this style was Luis Buñel. The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie showcases many of his talents as an artist and as a director. Unfortunately, it left me feeling empty.

Let's start off with what works here: Form. Buñel's film is set up as a loose narrative of the lives of six aristocratic men and woman. When I use the term loose, I really mean it. The movie is best seen as a collection of vignettes tied together by the regular cast or one-shot characters. As the movie goes along it all becomes more and more...ungrounded. You feel less sure of anything. To the point that maybe you're not sure of anything being real at all. And yes... that's the good part, and no... I'm not being sardonic. Surrealism is meant to upend your sense of contentment, and Discreet Charm does that in spades, by constantly having you question what's a dream and what isn't. By showing ridiculous situations as regular or unsurprising happenstance.

What doesn't work well is most everything else. The characters aren't likable, and that's okay, but they're barely unlikeable either. They're not really there. Absolutely shallow. That may be the point, true... but even the characters that aren't part of the elite can't be classified as human. They're just symbols: guilt, fear and pleading sadness. But none of it is explored, not even on an unconscious level. The problem I see with this film is that it doesn't go far enough. Buñel shows us the stuff hidden behind our heads and those inside of our society's (or at least that of the 1970s) but gives no emotional depth to it. These small stories leave nothing in me. He touched many of these same themes in his seminal Un Chien Andalou by completely getting rid of narrative and truly hitting the emotional edge of the human conscious. I was left with images from that movie for a long time and can still recall many of them. With Discreet Charm I'm already starting to forget it.

This is not to say that I can't see why this film is so approved by critics. It tries to balance the absurd witha semi-narrative in what many would say is a success. It's also often funny, like when one of the characters takes that last bit of ham. There's quite a bit of symbolism involved in that. In the end though, it doesn't amount to much. If you want to watch great work inspired by this movie, you'll have to watch David Lynch's films. He saw the merits of this film and ran with them to their true artistic ends. I have a lot to be thankful from this film, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

- piecar 

Tropic Thunder

It seems a bit odd for me to start reviewing a movie that isn't that old, but isn't that new either. Also, it's probably a movie you've already seen. But... I guess let's trudge through that mire and hopefully we'll find that LZ we've been searching for on this damn map. Tropic Thunder is a comedy movie directed by Ben Stiller, with Ben Stiller as Benn Stiller. Basically. It has an all star cast of Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, that dorky dude when they need a dorky dude (Jay Baruchel), Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. Wait..what? Tom Cruise? More on that in a bit.

The overall storyline is that there are these actors that are making a movie and are quite uptight and by a turn of fate they find themselves embroiled in the 'shit', in Vietnam...or Laos...or somewhere. It doesn't matter. Everyone in the story evolves and changes for the better. Except for the dick. As all comedies are apt to do. So the real question here is... Did You Laugh? Well, yes. But I often make the odd decision to watch comedies by myself, so I didn't laugh as hard as i thought I would. So I can't exactly give this film a standing ovation. I often smiled and grinned. But I gave no hearty guffaws. But... I will say this. The funniest guy here? Tom Cruise. He's not even a comedian. Why isn't he in more comedies. Apparently, he's crazy good at being a Jewish movie producer type. (yeah, pun sorta intended). He stole the show, and not just because his character is supposed to, he's truly the funniest guy in the room. Honestly, just watch the movie cause of him.

Writing a review for a comedy is always a bit strange. Which may be why they often get overlooked. It really just comes down to did you laugh or not. I told you what the best was. If you don't think you'd find Tom Cruise being an asshole funny, don't watch it. Otherwise, yes! Give the movie a chance. See it with someone who loved it. Or with people who will like a Ben Stiller style comedy. You'll grab some miles off of it that way. C+

 - piecar

Tom Jones

For my first post, I'm going to start on a very specific sub-sub-genre. Now, I am not familiar with this topic and kind of only fell onto it by accident. Why yes, I am talking about Classic British Comedy. I'm fairly certain there are other movies of this ilk. But as it stands, this is the only one I know about. And it seems that it won best picture, director and adapted screenplay for that year.

Tom Jones follows the story/antics of it's titular character through ill-luck, discovery and sex-romp. Tom Jones is played by Albert Finney (completely different looking, if I may add. To think he was a heartbreaker...) magnificently. Good enough for an Oscar nod. Rarely does a comedic part get such acclaim, and it's readily deserved.  The man is so charming you can't help but like him.  He's always there to help men in trouble and women in distress. Especially helping them out (and in) to their clothes. Tom Jones conquers so many women it would put James Bond to shame.

Susannah York's (as the leading lady, Sophie) acting is so effortless and natural you also can't help rooting for her. I have no doubt that she had wrested the hearts of many a British teen. The chemistry between the two actors never falters and is played for laughs at every turn. I even found the idyllic scenes of them comical, although that may be more of an ironic thing. Although, I wouldn't put it pass the director, Tony Richardson, to have come upon that on purpose.

I found the film to be pretty humorous, but I can imagine that many wouldn't think it was so. There are a lot of winks at the camera and some good quips that are new to me. I wouldn't say it's an uproarious comedy, but it IS charming. I would recommend this movie for those who are fans of old school British humor a lá Benny Hill. Over all, one of the better comedies, although it may not hold up too well on some parts. But it's still worth a gander.

 -piecar