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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 22, 2011 16:37:08 GMT
I absolutely love The Lives of Others. Evidence: Mr. c. and I watched "OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES" recently. I had already seen it after it came out on the big screen. I forgot what a powerful film this is. I imagine it was discussed before somewhere among you but just in case, see it. It's set in Communist Germany and revolves around the lives of one particular couple and their friends at the mercy of the Communist government monitoring their seemingly every move. Chilling,suspenseful,riveting. Won the 2007 Foreign (german) Oscar. And the star of The Lives of Others died last year.... no more films with him. Whew! I am totally knocked out! If you have never seen the movie "The Lives of Others", stop what you are doing right now and watch in. What an incredible piece of movie making, acting, etc. ;D The reason I'm so well-versed in this thread is because I went through this entire thing last night, mining it for viewing suggestions. Thus it was that I finally watched the first episode of Homicide: Life on the Streets, almost a year after the super discussion on it here: anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=movies&action=display&thread=82&page=14All I can say is woweee! I'm totally hooked already. The casting! The pacing! The dialogue! The humor! I can see one huge problem with the series would be if one person in a household watched it & the other didn't. The Homicide fan would probably badger the housemate to distraction, constantly quoting great lines. That is so true what you say about Catfish, Casimira. I'm wondering if I would even have watched it had I read a brief summary of it beforehand. I've only seen Girl, Interrupted dubbed in Spanish, plus I missed the first part. I mainly remember Winona Ryder's part and that A.Jolie was well-cast.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2011 18:18:45 GMT
I actually had no idea that Winona Ryder was even in this movie. I only realized that when it started. There's been much written about A. Jolie playing her role in G.I. so I only knew that she was in it. Whatever happened to Winona Ryder? Last I heard she was convicted of shop lifting and then seemed to disappear...
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2011 23:03:55 GMT
Here I am in front of Flash Forward again, wondering how it can appear to be really interesting when nothing of interest ever happens. Shit!
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Post by lola on Jun 23, 2011 2:04:53 GMT
So I'll tie together the A. Jolie and Lives of Others strands here by noting that The Tourist was director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's second movie. I didn't note much in common, though, and got the impression he was overly smitten with his female lead.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2011 14:33:04 GMT
Oh Bixa,I can't believe you're just getting around to seeing Homicide. Oh God,are you ever going to love i!!!!. It was my first intro to Melissa Leo btw,and I fell positively in love with Andre Braugher.(I was in the International Trade Mart here in NOLA getting my passport stuff in order back in 2000,I had occasion to pass through the lobby of the Hilton and caught a glance of Andre Braugher,and stopped dead in my tracks,he flashed me that big big grin of his,and we both moved on. I was tickled to say the least.) Actually, there isn't an actor in the series that I didn't like. Even Billy Baldwin,who it seems, plays his real life self, is charming. Keep your eyes peeled for some episodes set in and or around New Orleans,they are filmed in Baltimore of course,but the plot is based on some New Orleans stories,one in particular, is quite bone chilling. There is Subdudes music playing in the opening scene.....they used the "dudes in quite a few of their episodes actually. Lola,what a brilliant coincidence. Did you like The Tourist btw??? I have it on my Netflix queue,mainly to see the shots of Venice,and,well.... ,Johnny Depp....
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Post by Deleted on Jun 23, 2011 20:41:11 GMT
I love international series, but they are few and far between. Tonight I am watching Interpol, of which every episode takes place in a different country. As you all know, Interpol headquarters is in Lyon, France, which is why it is a French series (Tonight's episodes take place in London, Cairo & Berlin -- it should be mentioned even though a lot of French series have adapted the 'commercial' format of 52 minutes, the French public wants to watch a show for about 3 hours, so they string the episodes together. Even CSI is shown in clumps of 3 episodes at a time.).
All series have a gimmick character these days, and since they have used up all of the ethnic possibilities, one of the investigators is blind. He smells, hears or feels evidence that the rest of us cannot detect.
In olden times, France had a very interesting copy of "Route 66" called "Les Globetrotters." The two guys were identical (a French guy and an English guy), but they were bumming themselves across Hong Kong and Rio and Tangiers, and it was great. They solved exactly all of the same problems as the guys on Route 66.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 23, 2011 22:58:32 GMT
Oh Bixa,I can't believe you're just getting around to seeing Homicide. I pace myself. It was my first intro to Melissa Leo... Who does not look like ten miles of bad road in the show, as she seems to work on in Treme. and I fell positively in love with Andre Braugher... He is kind of making me crazy because he looks so familiar. However, I looked him up & don't recognize anything in which he played. Actually, there isn't an actor in the series that I didn't like. Even Billy Baldwin,who it seems, plays his real life self, is charming. Is that Billy Baldwin or Daniel Baldwin? How many damned Baldwins are there, anyway? Do they all look alike? ... The Tourist ...I have it on my Netflix queue,mainly to see the shots of Venice,and,well.... ,Johnny Depp.... No way could I bear watching That Person press her waxy flesh against J.Depp. it should be mentioned even though a lot of French series have adapted the 'commercial' format of 52 minutes, the French public wants to watch a show for about 3 hours, so they string the episodes together. That's really interesting. Does that include commercial time? Three hours is longer than an average movie. Does that mean that movies shown on French tv aren't cut to make room for the commercials? Interpol sounds wonderful. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Did anyone watch The Killing? A friend of mine raved about it, but it totally failed to grab me.
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Post by lola on Jun 23, 2011 23:30:01 GMT
Well, they don't seem natural together certainly, but since I don't have any legit claim on Depp's affections I was able to forgive her. Depp's performance seemed odd at first, but grew on me.
I only watched the first 10 min or so of Girl Interup, but got a kick out of recognizing Peggy Olsen's voice as a fellow inmate.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 5:21:41 GMT
it should be mentioned even though a lot of French series have adapted the 'commercial' format of 52 minutes, the French public wants to watch a show for about 3 hours, so they string the episodes together. That's really interesting. Does that include commercial time? Three hours is longer than an average movie. Does that mean that movies shown on French tv aren't cut to make room for the commercials? Interpol sounds wonderful. The public channels have no advertising after 8pm, but in any case there is no interruption during a series or a movie, even earlier in the day. Between episodes, there are 'internal' commercials to tell you what's on tomorrow, for example. Private channels are allowed two commercial breaks -- but never during the news or anything like that. The lack or rarity of commercials takes some getting used to when you come from a country that gave you endless opportunities to dash to the toilet or the kitchen.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2011 15:54:44 GMT
I watched 'The lake house' the other day. I enjoyed the twist in it. It kept my attention to the end.
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Post by thill25 on Jun 24, 2011 19:26:32 GMT
I went heavy and watched "Biutiful" w/ Javier Bardem. Yowza it was long, dark, moody and somewhat depressing. Although, I didn't find the ending to be depressing. K, I believe you saw this film...what did you think of the ending?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2011 16:21:48 GMT
Interpol does sound cool. I love a series along those lines. Bixa,I think you're right about the Baldwin brother in Homicide being Daniel. I get the younger two confused. I believe there are 3 Baldwin brothers who are actors. (They hail from Long Island btw,for what it's worth.) I look forward to more chat on Homicide as you pace yourself. I may go ahead and watch them again at some point. It's been awhile. I guess I will go ahead and scope out The Tourist and see how much I can take of Anjelina touching Johnny...it's gonna be tough. I am looking forward to seeing shots of Venice. My husband is crazy over the series The Killing. I haven't seen enough to know if it would grab me but,the little I've seen is intense and looks good. It's too far along into the season now to catch up with.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2011 16:54:00 GMT
I went heavy and watched "Biutiful" w/ Javier Bardem. Yowza it was long, dark, moody and somewhat depressing. Although, I didn't find the ending to be depressing. K, I believe you saw this film...what did you think of the ending? I thought the whole movie was unbearably depressing, but also extraordinarily well done. ---- Meanwhile, I suddenly hunted up an episode of "Engrenages" on cable -- another grim French police series. This was after seeing an article in British GQ extolling its merits (the English title is "Spiral"), along the lines of "why can't British or American series be this good?" This always intrigues anybody in France, where all we read is "why can't French series be as good as American or British series?" The grass is always greener....
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 26, 2011 17:35:28 GMT
Standing in line at the bank where of course we were all being subjected to the high-mounted tv sets, I fell into conversation with my line neighbor. She pointed out, quite accurately, that there are no quality dramas, police procedurals, etc. on Mexican tv. Because of cable, she was aware of there being such things on US tv. That's a very real comparison.
So here I am reading about the comparisons between American/British/French series while in the midst of watching Homicide: Life on the Street, which is always compared to The Wire. Because I loved The Wire so much, I was keenly aware of "the contest" when I began watching Homicide. In this situation, at least, I think there is no comparison because they're both so excellent in their separate ways.
Guess what I'm trying to say is that good is good and Kerouac is quite right about the grass always seeming greener. Also, to take one particularly good example and hold it up as being typical of a country's television standards isn't very accurate. For every great series we can think of from our respective countries, we can think of something else that makes us cringe.
You are braver than I, Thill. You too, Kerouac. I just didn't think I could deal with Biutiful.
Casimira, I've only watched five (I think) episodes of Homicide so far and am totally, completely hooked. Recently watched the episode Three Men and Adena, which is one of the most remarkable feats of writing and acting I've ever seen, certainly on tv.
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Post by thill25 on Jun 27, 2011 1:14:12 GMT
I went heavy and watched "Biutiful" w/ Javier Bardem. Yowza it was long, dark, moody and somewhat depressing. Although, I didn't find the ending to be depressing. K, I believe you saw this film...what did you think of the ending? .... but also extraordinarily well done. Agreed...wasn't bummed that I used 2 1/2 hours of my life to watch it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2011 16:45:32 GMT
That particular episode of Homicide will haunt and haunt...A brilliant piece. It actually sold me on Kyle Secor's character which initially, I found to be a bit wishy washy. I will say no more. I am so curious as to any feedback on a series on Spanish speaking network at present. La Reina del Sur. It was dubbed in the piece on NPR as being a cross between the series 24 and Weeds. The piece is about it's popularity and positioning for a prime time Emmy. (which doesn't necessarily hold any stock as we all well know) Do you know it Bixa? www.npr.org/2011/06/24/137383783/spanish-language-network-makes-daytime-emmy-bidI'm still waiting on the Ken Burn's documentary on Frank Lloyd Wright to arrive via Netflix. Grrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by lola on Jun 27, 2011 17:00:21 GMT
Briefly about A. Jolie/The Tourist, and then the defense rests: 1. She doesn't touch Depp all that much; in fact for most of the first hour they appear to be in different movies entirely. 2. I am sure the director told her to walk that way in that one scene. 3. Jolie and Pitt gave $500,000 to help Joplin MO after recent tornado devastation.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2011 17:35:23 GMT
How about 4. Depp, Jolie & Pitt are all trying to raise their children in France.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2011 20:06:35 GMT
Jeez, tonight I found myself watching John Ford's last film, 7 Women out of curiosity.
Legendary director John Ford's final film involving seven dedicated missionary women in China circa 1935 trying to protect themselves from the advances of a Mongolian barbaric warlord and his cut-throat gang of warriors.
What a bunch of hoo haw crap! A 42 year old woman is pregnant and is told that she faces almost certain death, particularly as she is at the "change of life." The woman doctor is spurned since she rejects the missionary mumbo jumbo and (horrors!) smokes. The barbarian warlord is clearly mentally retarded, because he drinks poison with not the slightest suspicion.
As he falls dead on the floor,
THE END
Stars Anne Bancroft, Margaret Leighton, Sue Lyon.
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Post by lola on Jun 27, 2011 22:29:04 GMT
We forgive you for revealing the surprise ending.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 28, 2011 0:01:58 GMT
Sue Lyon, huh? So she went on to a distinguished career after Lolita, I see.
Casimira, as I was trying to look up that Spanish-language show and having a hissy fit because I though my internet connection was bad, the computer crashed and burned .................... literally.
Yep, the fan accelerated, then the computer turned off & there was a burning smell. %&$!¿ aaaarrrrrggghhhhh. I´m writing this at an interenet cafe & already having twitches as my tech guy can´t see me until Wednesday afternoon.
That means no Homicide!!! Oh well -- if anyone wants to watch it in re-runs & start a special thread, I´m only up to episode 7.
Farewell, little computer pals. Y'all don't have too much fun without me!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2011 10:09:54 GMT
How about 4. Depp, Jolie & Pitt are all trying to raise their children in France. At least Depp is married to a French woman and is raising his children almost primarily in France. The Jolie-Pitts have umpteen places of residence all over the globe,NOLA being just one of them,where they cart the children. So sorry Bixa!!! I hope you get it sorted out soon.!!! I may start ordering Homicide videos via Netflix. It would be cool to do a thread on them yes!!!
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Post by lola on Jun 28, 2011 15:53:59 GMT
Waaah, Bixa. Hurry back.
A similar thing happened to our late lamented Imac a few weeks ago.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2011 17:06:05 GMT
I know that Bixa will be lured back to a cybercafé before the repairman comes.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jun 29, 2011 17:14:43 GMT
>blush< How well you know me!
Yes, Casimira, a Homicide thread would be fantastic, especially since we have to wait until next year to even think about reviving the Mad Men thread.
I heard that The Big C has started back up.
Thanks, Lola. I will be there in the mornin if I live. I will be there in the mornin if I don't get killed.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 8, 2011 2:10:44 GMT
Okay ~~ I just finished watching Episode Two of the second season of Homide: Life on the Street.
If anyone else in interested in watching it together, I'll wait for everyone to get caught up so we can have a thread.
Please let me know, as I'm addicted & can't stay away too long!
Sincerely,
Bixa "I love Det. Munch" Orellana
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2011 2:38:40 GMT
OK, I'm game!! But, I need to order from Netflix which I will do tonight so....if you can wait the 2 to 3 days I'm in. (I have already seen them all but,it's been a couple of years...). I had just mentioned to T. tonight that I wanted to watch them again and got a smirk...he knows how addicted I was to that series. Det.Munch is cool yes.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 8, 2011 3:08:50 GMT
Yaaaay!! Sure, I'll be happy to wait. That will also give anyone else who wants to join in the Homicide thread time to obtain discs, tapes, memory scans, or whatever it is they need to watch the show. Thanks!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2011 10:23:04 GMT
I have ordered as many as allowed from Netflix,episodes of Homicide. Hang tight. I sure do hope some others join in. If I remember correctly, Jazz was a big fan as well. Hopefully,we can lure her into a thread on this series. She has great insight and is so eloquent.
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Post by bixaorellana on Jul 10, 2011 15:20:40 GMT
I'm a-waitin' Yes, the more the merrier. Shows such as this are even more enjoyable when they can be discussed in depth with other aficionados. Also, a dedicated thread means no accidentally springing spoilers on the unwary in the regular tv thread. Then, too, I want to be honed for the Mad Men thread if & when it finally starts back up. We'll need a cheat sheet to remember who the players are, by that time.
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