Euro movies do it better, sometimes

February 10, 2010 @ 7:34 pm

European films are more “realist,” static and character-driven than American movies. When the balance is struck between that and the more dynamic–some would say crass and spastic–American style, the results can be exceptional. The film that comes to mind for me is Italian, of course: L’ultimo bacio, a 2001 comedy-drama directed by Gabriele Muccino. “Scrubs” dude Zack Braff subsequently directed an American remake, but I gave up on him after the horribly boring and overrated Garden State.

Europe in general also seems to have much better actors in their films. Hollywood takes anyone, it seems.

No offense to Zack Braff.

Capsule review of "The Futurist: The Life and Films of James Cameron"

January 28, 2010 @ 9:11 pm

I saw the first “Terminator” in 1984 at a sparsely-attended afternoon show at the local mall, before the film became a hit, and I’ve enjoyed every one of James Cameron’s films in the theater ever since. I was surprised to learn that the studio didn’t heavily market T1 because it didn’t think it would do well—one of many tidbits I didn’t know before reading this extremely well written portrait of the most successful writer/director in the history of film. While some biographies can be overly detailed and disorganized—sometimes both at once—Keegan chronicles her subject’s work and unprecedented achievements in a way that’s streamlined, smart and highly accessible. “The Futurist” also has something else that’s often lacking in too many bios: a sharp and objective sense of humor. Even if you’re not a fan of his movies, it’s hard to remain uninspired by Cameron’s extraordinary drive, talent and ingenuity, along with Keegan’s remarkable skill in telling his story.