The Great Debate: Savages and Diving Bells

Okay, time to get rid of those reviews I’ve been meaning to do forever for some late 2007 movies, they’re all available on DVD now. Sadly there are no douchebags as of now to be our douchebag of the week, maybe next time :(.

-THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY-(2007 French – PG13)

Dir:Julian Schnabel; Star:Mathieu Amalric, Marie Josee Croze
Stunning, true story of French magazine bigwig Jean Dominique Bauby after he suffers a crippling stroke paralyzing his entire body except for his left eyelid. Director Schnabel and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (of Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan fame) take this opportunity to create one of the most visually creative cinematic experiences in recent memory, filming most of the movie from the confined perspective of Bauby’s left eye, trapped inside his body, on a bed, in a hospital, where his soul most certainly does not want to be. The fact that the filmmakers are able to pull it off so naturally, while being able to simulate disillusion, confusion, yearning, and pain all with the media itself is nothing short of remarkable. This first person perspective is intimately desperate and just as much a view INTO Bauby’s head as it is a window out of it. The true substance lies in Bauby’s life before the stroke and his struggles to live with himself afterwards, his imagination as a means of acceptance, and his growing relationships with those who care for him. It’s only the naturally depressing confines of the body that keep this from being a completely transcendental experience. Then again, these confines are what the movie is about in the first place. What results is an emotionally subtle yet hauntingly moving meditation on the human life we have, the life we could have, and the life we are capable of, delivered in the most original way possible. A brilliantly creative cinematic statement in every sense of the word, an astounding achievement and one of the best films of 2007.
Keywords:
High Creative Impact, Inspirational, Complex, Depressing, Confined, Subtle, Independent, Foreign Film, Fragile, Stylized, Human, Great Music

Here’s a trailer for this film, which is probably one of the best film trailers I have ever seen. Watch it!

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- THE GREAT DEBATERS – (2007 -PG13)

Dir:Denzel Washington;Star:Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Denzel Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker
Strictly-by-the-numbers inspirational fare, following three students at an all-black college and their quest to become great… debaters… led by the enigmatic but demanding debate coach Washington. Along the way we learn of their motives, desires, apprehensions, and relationships, which are interesting enough. Features all the expected cliches inherent in such a movie, of course the racial issue is a large factor, and the plot is quite predictable. What makes this such a winner, however, are the performances. Washington is commanding as always, Whitaker is impressive as the religiously cautious father of Denzel Whitaker (I don’t think they’re related in real life…) who is emotive and enthusiastic himself. Parker and Smollett are magnetic and earnest, helping to add layers of emotional depth to the characters and their relationships. These performances anchor the film in good-heartedness, allowing one to overlook the faults and become absorbed in the inspirational tale within. A winner!
Keywords:
Mainstream, Inspirational, Great Ensemble Cast, Predictable, Interesting

- THE SAVAGES – (2007 – R)

Dir: Tamara Jenkins; Star: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Laura Linney
Two siblings struggling in their own lives must care for their delusional, senile father who they haven’t seen in twenty years due to his abusive personality. A fantastic blend of dramatic character study and dark comedy; the leads are outstanding (is there anything Seymour Hoffman CANT do?). A difficult, complex, movie about difficult, complex emotions that, while sparse, hides rich emotion beneath the surface that often becomes all too visible. It’s on the repressively dark side, but what the siblings gain for themselves and for each other, and what they learn about life and hope on their journey make this a very rewarding film.
Keywords:
Independent, Great ensemble cast, Dark, Sparse, Emotional, Inspirational, Complex, Arguements/Yelliing

Archive Updates:
Occasionally I’ll change one of my reviews, usually the star rating, after more reflection and time, although most changes are only minor. Whenever I do so, I’ll try to note it in the latest entry.
Updated reviews:
Crash, Babel, No End In Sight , Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, August Rush, Sicko, Superbad

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Tags: independent film, inspirational movies

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