Comments for Electric Sheep - Uncompromising Film, DVD & Book reviews

Comment on Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel by Glenn Ward

Glenn Ward — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 20:07:03 +0000

Yet another DVD to add to my ever-expanding wishlist. In a way I suppose this is all part of the current nostalgic fad for old ‘grindhouse’, ‘exploitation’ and ‘B-movies’, but Corman does occupy an interesting place in that history – indeed his story can be seen as part of how the boundaries between mainstream and exploitation have become blurred. In addition to the films James mentions, I would have to add ‘The Man with X-Ray Eyes’ as a classic of its kind – sparkling photography, ‘high concept’ (as it would be called today) and a hilarious turn by Ray Milland. I’m not so sure about these new hybrid monster movies with his name attached (‘Sharktopus’ and the like). His older classics were interventions in and additions to current (rather than past-it) genres – hence Demme’s ‘Caged Heat’ was both an example of and a comment on the then-popular women in prison sexploitation drama. These new monster movies seem to take a parodic approach to something that doesn’t need parodying. At any rate he’s a fascinating figure.

Comment on Harakiri by Murtaza Ali

Murtaza Ali — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 15:02:50 +0000

Ver well written indeed! Harakiri was the movie that, in my personal opinion, presented the dark side of Samurai way of life for the first time on the celluloid. Had I not watched it already, your review would have definitely convinced me to watch it. The movie’s finale sequence is blood-cuddling and it’s sheer power can make a cold-blooded appear jittery. In fact the same can be said about the movie as a whole. You review has helped me get a deeper insight into Harakiri. I look forward to reading more of your reviews.

Also, please do check out my review of Masaki Kobayashi’s Harakiri.

http://www.apotpourriofvestiges.com/2012/06/harakiri-1962-japanese-auteur-masaki.html

Comment on THE HOLY MOUNTAIN by Steve Oneill

Steve Oneill — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 06:34:42 +0000

Comment on Stalker by Murtaza Ali

Murtaza Ali — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 20:36:40 +0000

I myself have been a great fan of Tarkovsky’s oeuvre. I think that you analysis of Stalker does great justice to the movie as well as Tarkovsky’s style of filmmaking.

Also, I had only recently written a review of Stalker for my movie-blog ‘Potpourri of Vestiges’. I would be honored if you could take sometime out to read it and let me know of your opinion:

http://www.apotpourriofvestiges.com/2012/06/stalker-1979-russian-maestro-andrei.html

Comment on Andrei Rublev by Murtaza Ali

Murtaza Ali — Wed, 23 May 2012 20:33:22 +0000

Fantastic Review!!! Tarkovsky was a master of his art and no one could equal him in what he did. He could make cinema attain new heights and depths. A magnificent film that is undoubtedly one of the best arthouse production of all time.

Please do take sometime out to read my review of the movie:

http://www.apotpourriofvestiges.com/2012/05/andrei-rublev-1966-russian-auteur.html

Comment on The Raid by Chris Matthews

Chris Matthews — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:18:55 +0000

Nice review, I too think Uwais got his necessary amount of fibre that morning. I’m afraid that The Raid might just make every other action film before it seem a tad slow. I watched a bit of Raw Deal the other night and the fight scenes were like two John Goodmen trying to pat-a-cake pat-a-cake each other to death.

Comment on Lawrence of Belgravia by Keith Collins

Keith Collins — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:40:54 +0000

I discovered Felt in 1986 – a radical departure from the other genre that I still love – late 70s/early 80s new wave and krautrock – japan, kraftwerk, simple minds, neu.

Felt simply stunned me – their music was beautiful, timeless and everything about them – their image, their album covers, their song titles, their prodigious output of records – captured my attention like no band before or since.

I’m saddened to see that Lawrence is no longer the finest of physical specimens, but it seems to me that being blessed with with all that talent and having produced such a great body of work..and for it to go largely unnoticed by the outside world – I can only imagine how frustrating that must be.

Fortunately, time seems to be proving Lawrence right – he may not be regarded by the wider public but his peers and those who have followed him and been successful – the charlatans, the manics, st etienne – are thankfully singing his praises.

I’d love this film to come out on DVD – I truly believe Lawrence is the greatest songwriter in history – and I know I’m not alone

Comment on Falling: The Allure of the Femme Fatale in the World of David Lynch by Bridgeen

Bridgeen — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:28:03 +0000

Love it! Very nicely done.x

Comment on The Ballad of Narayama by Ian

Ian — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:53:20 +0000

I recently re-watched the film on the Masters of Cinema dual-format release. The previous occasion was 25 years ago at a film society. I thought there was a scene at the outset when a newborn male is flung out of a house at night into the deep winter snow. The DVD only shows later events as its corpse is discovered by Risuke during the thaw. A contemporary film review also referred to ‘tossing out newborn male children’ (NYTimes of 9 April 1984).

Comment on I’m Still Here by John Berra

John Berra — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:26:03 +0000

Hi Julyssa – Thank your for reading. As noted, Phoenix put a lot of effort into getting people to take his hoax seriously, to the point that he was no longer taken seriously professionally. I agree that this is a documentary which rewards repeat viewings as there is more to it than just a media ‘stunt’.

Hi 3guys1movie – Also thanks for reading. Phoenix has a petty good hip hop persona, it is a shame that he does not get to cut loose with more material in the film, although this is part of the point (that nobody really wants to listen). I watched the film on DVD, it has been released in the UK and the USA, but it may also be available for legal streaming.