list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around In the Company of Men on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/In_the_Company_of_Men/110629/default.aspx Title: In the Company of Men
Year: 1997
Director: Neil LaBute
Plot: Two frustrated young executives vent their pent-up rage via a childish prank and end up paying a price in this psychological black comedy, the feature-film debut of writer-director Neil LaBute. Former college buddies Chad (Aaron Eckhart) and Howard (Matt Malloy) are in their early 30s and work in the same company. One day the two encounter each other in the men's executive washroom and begin expressing their mutual frustration regarding their lack of rapid advancement at work and their most recent bad luck with women. In hopes of gaining revenge against the fairer sex and bolstering their battered egos, the two hatch a nasty scheme to be enacted over an upcoming six-week-long business trip: Find a vulnerable young woman to court, slather with affection, and then callously dump. They choose a lovely, hearing-impaired typist named Christine (Stacey Edwards), a woman who hasn't dated in many years. Not realizing that she is about to be the metaphorical mouse between a pair of hungry cats, she laps up the sudden attention, but in no time it becomes apparent that Chad is the man she prefers. When Howard discovers this, it creates escalating tension between the two men who begin playing more psychological games, not only with hapless Christine, but also with each other. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 19
Number of Lists: 7
Number of blog posts: 8
Number of discussion threads: 3
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Tue, 12 May 2009 03:44:26 GMTIn the Company of Men1997Neil LaButeTwo frustrated young executives vent their pent-up rage via a childish prank and end up paying a price in this psychological black comedy, the feature-film debut of writer-director <a href="/players/P___222126/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Neil LaBute</a>. Former college buddies Chad (<a href="/players/P___223098/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Aaron Eckhart</a>) and Howard (Matt Malloy) are in their early 30s and work in the same company. One day the two encounter each other in the men's executive washroom and begin expressing their mutual frustration regarding their lack of rapid advancement at work and their most recent bad luck with women. In hopes of gaining revenge against the fairer sex and bolstering their battered egos, the two hatch a nasty scheme to be enacted over an upcoming six-week-long business trip: Find a vulnerable young woman to court, slather with affection, and then callously dump. They choose a lovely, hearing-impaired typist named Christine (Stacey Edwards), a woman who hasn't dated in many years. Not realizing that she is about to be the metaphorical mouse between a pair of hungry cats, she laps up the sudden attention, but in no time it becomes apparent that Chad is the man she prefers. When Howard discovers this, it creates escalating tension between the two men who begin playing more psychological games, not only with hapless Christine, but also with each other. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide19Tag Target (>10)7833http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t00735vsqwf.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/In_the_Company_of_Men/110629/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2009/3/20/41149.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 3/20/2009 4:01:19 PM
Body: In honor of the 75th anniversary of the New York Film Critics Circle, this year’s New Directors/New Films festival will devote a week of matinees to previous NYFCC Best Director winners, selected and presented by current members of the critics group. The can’t-miss of the lineup looks to be the infamously contrarian Armond White’s presentation of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, which takes place on April 1. The other critics are David Fear, Marshall Fine, Lisa Schwarzbaum and Peter Travers; the other films are Half Nelson, Big Night, Frozen River and In the Company of Men. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:01:19 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com3/20/2009 4:01:19 PMIn honor of the 75th anniversary of the New York Film Critics Circle, this year’s New Directors/New Films festival will devote a week of matinees to previous NYFCC Best Director winners, selected and presented by current members of the critics group. The can’t-miss of the lineup looks to be the infamously contrarian Armond White’s presentation of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, which takes place on April 1. The other critics are David Fear, Marshall Fine, Lisa Schwarzbaum and Peter Travers; the other films are Half Nelson, Big Night, Frozen River and In the Company of Men. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/blogs/karina/archive/2009/3/20/41148.aspx Post By: Karina
Post To: Karina on SpoutBlog
Post Date: 3/20/2009 3:01:03 PM
Body: In honor of the 75th anniversary of the New York Film Critics Circle, this year’s New Directors/New Films festival will devote a week of matinees to previous NYFCC Best Director winners, selected and presented by current members of the critics group. The can’t-miss of the lineup looks to be the infamously contrarian Armond White’s presentation of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, which takes place on April 1. The other critics are David Fear, Marshall Fine, Lisa Schwarzbaum and Peter Travers; the other films are Half Nelson, Big Night, Frozen River and In the Company of Men. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth
]]>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:01:03 GMTKarinaKarina on SpoutBlog3/20/2009 3:01:03 PMIn honor of the 75th anniversary of the New York Film Critics Circle, this year’s New Directors/New Films festival will devote a week of matinees to previous NYFCC Best Director winners, selected and presented by current members of the critics group. The can’t-miss of the lineup looks to be the infamously contrarian Armond White’s presentation of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan, which takes place on April 1. The other critics are David Fear, Marshall Fine, Lisa Schwarzbaum and Peter Travers; the other films are Half Nelson, Big Night, Frozen River and In the Company of Men. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth http://www.spout.com/blogs/karina/archive/2009/1/15/39556.aspx Post By: Karina
Post To: Karina on SpoutBlog
Post Date: 1/15/2009 10:01:24 AM
Body: The Vicious Kind, a love triangle drama starring Adam Scott and Brittany Snow, directed by Lee Toland Krieger and executive produced by Neil LaBute, is described in the always remarkable Sundance catalogue as “a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.” We subjected Krieger to the 4 Questions We Ask Everyone, and he divulged about his unusual choice of film stock and taking cues from Cassavetes, and twice implied seething hatred for Paris Hilton. Tell us about your movie: who did you work with, what did you shoot on, why did you make it? Give us the reductive, 25-word or less, “It’s like [pop culture reference a] meets [pop culture reference b]!” pitch, then explain what the quick and dirty sell leaves out. My film is called The Vicious Kind and it stars Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost and JK Simmons. We shot the film on 35mm—Kodak’s Vision 1, specifically.  It’s something I very proud of.  Maybe the first film on Vision 1 since the eighties. In part, I wanted to make The Vicious Kind because I’ve long been a fan of the transgressive qualities in John Cassavetes’ films, and I wanted to make a film that felt somewhat reckless.  I liked the idea of a story and characters that didn’t necessarily fall under the “indiewood” category, and didn’t pull any punches.  Similar to Cassavetes’ approach in “Faces,” I wanted to make a film that would provide a setting where my lead actors could run a bit wild. I like to sell The Vicious Kind as The Squid & The Whale meets In the Company of Men. What that description doesn’t tell you is that the film is a redemption tale in which the lead, Caleb, played by Adam Scott, is a recluse and somewhat of a misanthrope.  Anyone who’s seen Step Brothers knows Adam can play “the asshole you love to hate” perfectly.   I think for people that see my film they’re going to discover Adam is an phenomenally sophisticated actor who can texture a performance in such a way that he’s menacing and perverse, and at the same time vulnerable and endearing. If you funded your film through a “day job” or through working on projects that were not your own, tell us about that. If not, tell us a story from your past work life, before you became a professional filmmaker. I’ve been lucky to not have too many “real jobs”.  I interned a lot during film school at various production companies.  I spent my time there reading scripts and answering phones, but I was terrible because I was constantly trying to either work on my own material or stealing production books in an effort to educate myself.  I’ve also spent time creating original content for MySpace.  Low points included doing shows on both the Hilton and Kardashian sisters.  Those were days where you go home and try to figure out how to apply to law school. Have you been to Sundance before? If so, tell us your best moment (or worst, which ever is funnier). If you haven’t, what are you most (or least) looking forward to based on your impressions of the festival? I’ve never been to Sundance, and, based on impressions I’ve been given, I’m most looking forward to freezing my ass off as I try to get into screenings/dinners/parties (even my own) and totally striking out.  Then, just as I’m about to give up, Paris Hilton strolls by (through the snow) in a skirt and five-inch stilettos and walks right in without any credentials whatsoever.  At which point I can tell whoever is next to me, “I didn’t need to leave LA to watch Paris Hilton pass the line I’m standing in.” Let’s get hypothetical: You’re on death row. The night of your execution, you’re allowed to watch any two films of your choice. What would you pick for your last-night-on-Earth double feature? This is a brutal question.  The two that come to mind now would be Jules et Jim and then Rushmore—in that order.  Both films are romantic in their own quirky way, and they both make me feel wonderful.  I like the idea of feeling the way those films make me feel before I depart. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth
]]>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:01:24 GMTKarinaKarina on SpoutBlog1/15/2009 10:01:24 AM The Vicious Kind, a love triangle drama starring Adam Scott and Brittany Snow, directed by Lee Toland Krieger and executive produced by Neil LaBute, is described in the always remarkable Sundance catalogue as “a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.” We subjected Krieger to the 4 Questions We Ask Everyone, and he divulged about his unusual choice of film stock and taking cues from Cassavetes, and twice implied seething hatred for Paris Hilton. Tell us about your movie: who did you work with, what did you shoot on, why did you make it? Give us the reductive, 25-word or less, “It’s like [pop culture reference a] meets [pop culture reference b]!” pitch, then explain what the quick and dirty sell leaves out. My film is called The Vicious Kind and it stars Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost and JK Simmons. We shot the film on 35mm—Kodak’s Vision 1, specifically.  It’s something I very proud of.  Maybe the first film on Vision 1 since the eighties. In part, I wanted to make The Vicious Kind because I’ve long been a fan of the transgressive qualities in John Cassavetes’ films, and I wanted to make a film that felt somewhat reckless.  I liked the idea of a story and characters that didn’t necessarily fall under the “indiewood” category, and didn’t pull any punches.  Similar to Cassavetes’ approach in “Faces,” I wanted to make a film that would provide a setting where my lead actors could run a bit wild. I like to sell The Vicious Kind as The Squid & The Whale meets In the Company of Men. What that description doesn’t tell you is that the film is a redemption tale in which the lead, Caleb, played by Adam Scott, is a recluse and somewhat of a misanthrope.  Anyone who’s seen Step Brothers knows Adam can play “the asshole you love to hate” perfectly.   I think for people that see my film they’re going to discover Adam is an phenomenally sophisticated actor who can texture a performance in such a way that he’s menacing and perverse, and at the same time vulnerable and endearing. If you funded your film through a “day job” or through working on projects that were not your own, tell us about that. If not, tell us a story from your past work life, before you became a professional filmmaker. I’ve been lucky to not have too many “real jobs”.  I interned a lot during film school at various production companies.  I spent my time there reading scripts and answering phones, but I was terrible because I was constantly trying to either work on my own material or stealing production books in an effort to educate myself.  I’ve also spent time creating original content for MySpace.  Low points included doing shows on both the Hilton and Kardashian sisters.  Those were days where you go home and try to figure out how to apply to law school. Have you been to Sundance before? If so, tell us your best moment (or worst, which ever is funnier). If you haven’t, what are you most (or least) looking forward to based on your impressions of the festival? I’ve never been to Sundance, and, based on impressions I’ve been given, I’m most looking forward to freezing my ass off as I try to get into screenings/dinners/parties (even my own) and totally striking out.  Then, just as I’m about to give up, Paris Hilton strolls by (through the snow) in a skirt and five-inch stilettos and walks right in without any credentials whatsoever.  At which point I can tell whoever is next to me, “I didn’t need to leave LA to watch Paris Hilton pass the line I’m standing in.” Let’s get hypothetical: You’re on death row. The night of your execution, you’re allowed to watch any two films of your choice. What would you pick for your last-night-on-Earth double feature? This is a brutal question.  The two that come to mind now would be Jules et Jim and then Rushmore—in that order.  Both films are romantic in their own quirky way, and they both make me feel wonderful.  I like the idea of feeling the way those films make me feel before I depart. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog » Karina Longworth http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2009/1/15/39555.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 1/15/2009 10:01:12 AM
Body: The Vicious Kind, a love triangle drama starring Adam Scott and Brittany Snow, directed by Lee Toland Krieger and executive produced by Neil LaBute, is described in the always remarkable Sundance catalogue as “a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.” We subjected Krieger to the 4 Questions We Ask Everyone, and he divulged about his unusual choice of film stock and taking cues from Cassavetes, and twice implied seething hatred for Paris Hilton. Tell us about your movie: who did you work with, what did you shoot on, why did you make it? Give us the reductive, 25-word or less, “It’s like [pop culture reference a] meets [pop culture reference b]!” pitch, then explain what the quick and dirty sell leaves out. My film is called The Vicious Kind and it stars Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost and JK Simmons. We shot the film on 35mm—Kodak’s Vision 1, specifically.  It’s something I very proud of.  Maybe the first film on Vision 1 since the eighties. In part, I wanted to make The Vicious Kind because I’ve long been a fan of the transgressive qualities in John Cassavetes’ films, and I wanted to make a film that felt somewhat reckless.  I liked the idea of a story and characters that didn’t necessarily fall under the “indiewood” category, and didn’t pull any punches.  Similar to Cassavetes’ approach in “Faces,” I wanted to make a film that would provide a setting where my lead actors could run a bit wild. I like to sell The Vicious Kind as The Squid & The Whale meets In the Company of Men. What that description doesn’t tell you is that the film is a redemption tale in which the lead, Caleb, played by Adam Scott, is a recluse and somewhat of a misanthrope.  Anyone who’s seen Step Brothers knows Adam can play “the asshole you love to hate” perfectly.   I think for people that see my film they’re going to discover Adam is an phenomenally sophisticated actor who can texture a performance in such a way that he’s menacing and perverse, and at the same time vulnerable and endearing. If you funded your film through a “day job” or through working on projects that were not your own, tell us about that. If not, tell us a story from your past work life, before you became a professional filmmaker. I’ve been lucky to not have too many “real jobs”.  I interned a lot during film school at various production companies.  I spent my time there reading scripts and answering phones, but I was terrible because I was constantly trying to either work on my own material or stealing production books in an effort to educate myself.  I’ve also spent time creating original content for MySpace.  Low points included doing shows on both the Hilton and Kardashian sisters.  Those were days where you go home and try to figure out how to apply to law school. Have you been to Sundance before? If so, tell us your best moment (or worst, which ever is funnier). If you haven’t, what are you most (or least) looking forward to based on your impressions of the festival? I’ve never been to Sundance, and, based on impressions I’ve been given, I’m most looking forward to freezing my ass off as I try to get into screenings/dinners/parties (even my own) and totally striking out.  Then, just as I’m about to give up, Paris Hilton strolls by (through the snow) in a skirt and five-inch stilettos and walks right in without any credentials whatsoever.  At which point I can tell whoever is next to me, “I didn’t need to leave LA to watch Paris Hilton pass the line I’m standing in.” Let’s get hypothetical: You’re on death row. The night of your execution, you’re allowed to watch any two films of your choice. What would you pick for your last-night-on-Earth double feature? This is a brutal question.  The two that come to mind now would be Jules et Jim and then Rushmore—in that order.  Both films are romantic in their own quirky way, and they both make me feel wonderful.  I like the idea of feeling the way those films make me feel before I depart. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:01:12 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com1/15/2009 10:01:12 AM The Vicious Kind, a love triangle drama starring Adam Scott and Brittany Snow, directed by Lee Toland Krieger and executive produced by Neil LaBute, is described in the always remarkable Sundance catalogue as “a glimpse into the soul of a damaged man whose obstinate defense mechanisms are laid bare by his fractured relationships.” We subjected Krieger to the 4 Questions We Ask Everyone, and he divulged about his unusual choice of film stock and taking cues from Cassavetes, and twice implied seething hatred for Paris Hilton. Tell us about your movie: who did you work with, what did you shoot on, why did you make it? Give us the reductive, 25-word or less, “It’s like [pop culture reference a] meets [pop culture reference b]!” pitch, then explain what the quick and dirty sell leaves out. My film is called The Vicious Kind and it stars Adam Scott, Brittany Snow, Alex Frost and JK Simmons. We shot the film on 35mm—Kodak’s Vision 1, specifically.  It’s something I very proud of.  Maybe the first film on Vision 1 since the eighties. In part, I wanted to make The Vicious Kind because I’ve long been a fan of the transgressive qualities in John Cassavetes’ films, and I wanted to make a film that felt somewhat reckless.  I liked the idea of a story and characters that didn’t necessarily fall under the “indiewood” category, and didn’t pull any punches.  Similar to Cassavetes’ approach in “Faces,” I wanted to make a film that would provide a setting where my lead actors could run a bit wild. I like to sell The Vicious Kind as The Squid & The Whale meets In the Company of Men. What that description doesn’t tell you is that the film is a redemption tale in which the lead, Caleb, played by Adam Scott, is a recluse and somewhat of a misanthrope.  Anyone who’s seen Step Brothers knows Adam can play “the asshole you love to hate” perfectly.   I think for people that see my film they’re going to discover Adam is an phenomenally sophisticated actor who can texture a performance in such a way that he’s menacing and perverse, and at the same time vulnerable and endearing. If you funded your film through a “day job” or through working on projects that were not your own, tell us about that. If not, tell us a story from your past work life, before you became a professional filmmaker. I’ve been lucky to not have too many “real jobs”.  I interned a lot during film school at various production companies.  I spent my time there reading scripts and answering phones, but I was terrible because I was constantly trying to either work on my own material or stealing production books in an effort to educate myself.  I’ve also spent time creating original content for MySpace.  Low points included doing shows on both the Hilton and Kardashian sisters.  Those were days where you go home and try to figure out how to apply to law school. Have you been to Sundance before? If so, tell us your best moment (or worst, which ever is funnier). If you haven’t, what are you most (or least) looking forward to based on your impressions of the festival? I’ve never been to Sundance, and, based on impressions I’ve been given, I’m most looking forward to freezing my ass off as I try to get into screenings/dinners/parties (even my own) and totally striking out.  Then, just as I’m about to give up, Paris Hilton strolls by (through the snow) in a skirt and five-inch stilettos and walks right in without any credentials whatsoever.  At which point I can tell whoever is next to me, “I didn’t need to leave LA to watch Paris Hilton pass the line I’m standing in.” Let’s get hypothetical: You’re on death row. The night of your execution, you’re allowed to watch any two films of your choice. What would you pick for your last-night-on-Earth double feature? This is a brutal question.  The two that come to mind now would be Jules et Jim and then Rushmore—in that order.  Both films are romantic in their own quirky way, and they both make me feel wonderful.  I like the idea of feeling the way those films make me feel before I depart. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_October_6_Revenge/625/36162/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 10/10/2008 6:31:54 PM
Body: WOW! I didn't realize when I first read the topic of these week's discussion, but after thinking about it and looking at more and more movies. REVENGE IS HUGE IN MOVIES!!! An astronomical number of films I've seen feature revenge prominently! You asked earlier if we find this repulsive. And honestly, seeing how prevalent it is, it DOES make me sick. Here are just a relatively very very small amount of movies I can think of. But pretty much any action, western, ganster, horror, or noir movie is going to feature some kind of revenge. And a lot of dramas and comedies even too. In the Company of Men - revenge on all women The Match Factory Girl - revenge against men Battle Royale - revenge against classmates Death to Smoochy - revenge against nice guys in rhino suits And of course the most iconic revenge movie of them all: Get Carter
]]>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:31:54 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme10/10/2008 6:31:54 PM WOW! I didn't realize when I first read the topic of these week's discussion, but after thinking about it and looking at more and more movies. REVENGE IS HUGE IN MOVIES!!! An astronomical number of films I've seen feature revenge prominently! You asked earlier if we find this repulsive. And honestly, seeing how prevalent it is, it DOES make me sick. Here are just a relatively very very small amount of movies I can think of. But pretty much any action, western, ganster, horror, or noir movie is going to feature some kind of revenge. And a lot of dramas and comedies even too. In the Company of Men - revenge on all women The Match Factory Girl - revenge against men Battle Royale - revenge against classmates Death to Smoochy - revenge against nice guys in rhino suits And of course the most iconic revenge movie of them all: Get Carter http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/New_Movies_Week_of_9_19/216/35149/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: SkyPilot
Post To: Coming Soon
Post Date: 9/15/2008 12:26:39 PM
Body: We are rolling now, look at all of these new movies! Some of the more interesting stuff will only be in limited release this Friday, but some of the films seem worth the wait. WIDE RELEASE 1. Ghost Town -- I think Ricky Gervais is hilarious, but this movie seems like something his character in Extras would be forced to do for money. The poster feels like a parody of ghost movies: The story is that Gervais' character dies for seven minutes, ennabling him to see and communicate with dead souls. What is the best ghost-talk movie out there? I haven't seen Ghost. 2. Igor -- John Cusack provides the voice of Igor in this animated feature (from MGM, not Dreamworks or Pixar). Igor's a lowly lab assistant to a mad scientist, but he apires to win first place at the annual Evil Science Fair. It's supposed to spoof a lot of monster flick cliches, which could be interesting. 3. Lakeview Terrace -- I've never seen Samuel L. Jackson so creepy or anal retentive. To me the trailer makes the movie look very intense and unfulfilling, which would make it the second intense/unfulfilling movie starring Patrick Wilson. Anyone see Hard Candy? Holy crap! So draining I burned about 1000 calories just sitting there watching it, but that's not necessarily a recommendation. However, Lakeview Terrace is directed by Neil LaBute, who despite a recent stinker (the Wicker Man remake) is an interesting filmmaker. What do you guys think, are Nurse Betty and In the Company of Men also unfulfilling? 4. My Best Friend's Girl -- When Dane Cook takes out your ex, he shows her such a horrible time that she comes running back to you. With this movie and Good Luck Chuck, it looks like Cook is carving out his own niche -- romantic comedies in which he's a lucky charm. I'll pass. LIMITED RELEASE 5. Towelhead -- Written by the screenwriter of American Beauty, Towelhead is a coming-of-age story about 13 yr. old Jasira, Arab-American, as she struggles with racism, hypocrisy, and her own raging hormones. Also with Aaron Eckhart and Maria Bello. This looks like a winner to me. 6. The Duchess -- Keira Knightley plays the Duchess of Devonshire, the original "It Girl." 7. Appaloosa -- I'd see any western starring Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris, but even more enticing is that Harris directs. Anyone see his first film, Pollock? It was very sad, but now I don't see how a movie about Jackson Pollock could be happy. That got me thinking...has anyone seen an artist biopic that's more happy than sad? Seems like artists in movies are usually doomed. 8. Hounddog -- I never would have guessed that I'd be interested in a movie starring Dakota Fanning. She plays a southern girl dealing with poverty and an abusive father, but finds inspiration in music, particularly Elvis Presley. 9. Battle in Seattle -- Feature about the 1999 protest against the World Trade Organization. I didn't even know this event happened, so I'm going to look into it. One thing going for the movie is Woody Harrelson, who's very worth watching in his recent rolls. (No Country for Old Men, A Scanner Darkly, Prairie Home Companion Even more in limited release. Anyone excited about these films? A Thousand Years of Good Prayers Whiteout Quilombo Country Talento de Barrio Keith Smother
]]>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:26:39 GMTSkyPilotComing Soon9/15/2008 12:26:39 PMWe are rolling now, look at all of these new movies! Some of the more interesting stuff will only be in limited release this Friday, but some of the films seem worth the wait. WIDE RELEASE 1. Ghost Town -- I think Ricky Gervais is hilarious, but this movie seems like something his character in Extras would be forced to do for money. The poster feels like a parody of ghost movies: The story is that Gervais' character dies for seven minutes, ennabling him to see and communicate with dead souls. What is the best ghost-talk movie out there? I haven't seen Ghost. 2. Igor -- John Cusack provides the voice of Igor in this animated feature (from MGM, not Dreamworks or Pixar). Igor's a lowly lab assistant to a mad scientist, but he apires to win first place at the annual Evil Science Fair. It's supposed to spoof a lot of monster flick cliches, which could be interesting. 3. Lakeview Terrace -- I've never seen Samuel L. Jackson so creepy or anal retentive. To me the trailer makes the movie look very intense and unfulfilling, which would make it the second intense/unfulfilling movie starring Patrick Wilson. Anyone see Hard Candy? Holy crap! So draining I burned about 1000 calories just sitting there watching it, but that's not necessarily a recommendation. However, Lakeview Terrace is directed by Neil LaBute, who despite a recent stinker (the Wicker Man remake) is an interesting filmmaker. What do you guys think, are Nurse Betty and In the Company of Men also unfulfilling? 4. My Best Friend's Girl -- When Dane Cook takes out your ex, he shows her such a horrible time that she comes running back to you. With this movie and Good Luck Chuck, it looks like Cook is carving out his own niche -- romantic comedies in which he's a lucky charm. I'll pass. LIMITED RELEASE 5. Towelhead -- Written by the screenwriter of American Beauty, Towelhead is a coming-of-age story about 13 yr. old Jasira, Arab-American, as she struggles with racism, hypocrisy, and her own raging hormones. Also with Aaron Eckhart and Maria Bello. This looks like a winner to me. 6. The Duchess -- Keira Knightley plays the Duchess of Devonshire, the original "It Girl." 7. Appaloosa -- I'd see any western starring Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris, but even more enticing is that Harris directs. Anyone see his first film, Pollock? It was very sad, but now I don't see how a movie about Jackson Pollock could be happy. That got me thinking...has anyone seen an artist biopic that's more happy than sad? Seems like artists in movies are usually doomed. 8. Hounddog -- I never would have guessed that I'd be interested in a movie starring Dakota Fanning. She plays a southern girl dealing with poverty and an abusive father, but finds inspiration in music, particularly Elvis Presley. 9. Battle in Seattle -- Feature about the 1999 protest against the World Trade Organization. I didn't even know this event happened, so I'm going to look into it. One thing going for the movie is Woody Harrelson, who's very worth watching in his recent rolls. (No Country for Old Men, A Scanner Darkly, Prairie Home Companion Even more in limited release. Anyone excited about these films? A Thousand Years of Good Prayers Whiteout Quilombo Country Talento de Barrio Keith Smother http://www.spout.com/blogs/minerwerks/archive/2008/8/24/34308.aspx Post By: minerwerks
Post To: minerwerks Blog
Post Date: 8/24/2008 1:23:55 AM
Body: At long last, I sat down today to watch the documentary 'Reel Paradise' which chronicles the final month of John Pierson's adventure running a movie theater in Fiji. As a long standing admirer of Mr. Pierson, I was excited when I first heard about this film, but since I couldn't find one in a store locally, I unfortunately put off viewing for a couple years. The film was certainly worth the wait, succeeding as a celebration of film and a travelogue of a Western family living among the natives of the island. The experience of watching the film was quite enlightening and helped me reconnect with my enthusiasm for the movies. I can also honestly say that I had one of the most pleasant and surprising experiences ever watching a film. About three-quarters of the way into the film, John Pierson's son Wyatt is practicing a speech he will give to the audience at the evening's screening. Proud Papa John is listening from the very back of the theater, as seen below. Why would I be surprised by this? Because I made that shirt. Not like, "I designed that and a company printed it," I mean I really made that shirt. I created the art, printed it to a shirt and sent it to John Pierson personally about a decade ago. The whole thing started in 1997 at the Florida Film Festival. Pierson was a judge and I was working for the Fest. I happened to be working while Pierson was viewing a film. I overheard that he had needed transporation to meet his family at Universal Studios and it somehow hadn't been scheduled. I stepped in and offered to make the drive personally. On the way, we talked about some current films and some in the festival. He alerted me to 'In the Company of Men,' which I then saw and was mightily impressed. I had been to Pierson's presentation a couple days earlier and been enthusiastic over a clip from a show called 'Fishing With John' featuring musician and actor John Lurie. At the time, the show had appeared on cable but was not available on video. Amazingly, Pierson offered to loan me a tape of some episodes. In case you hadn't guessed, I was inspired. During one episode where Lurie and Willem Dafoe were ice fishing, the perfectly dry narrator intoned, "These are real men, doing real things." I wanted this slogan on a shirt, so I made one myself. You won't see the slogan in the film, however, because it's on the back of the shirt. There are only four of those shirts in existence. Eventually, I was asked to make one of these for John Lurie himself, which was mighty cool. One is in my dresser and evidently John Pierson is still wearing his, and it makes me happy.
]]>Sun, 24 Aug 2008 05:23:55 GMTminerwerksminerwerks Blog8/24/2008 1:23:55 AMAt long last, I sat down today to watch the documentary 'Reel Paradise' which chronicles the final month of John Pierson's adventure running a movie theater in Fiji. As a long standing admirer of Mr. Pierson, I was excited when I first heard about this film, but since I couldn't find one in a store locally, I unfortunately put off viewing for a couple years. The film was certainly worth the wait, succeeding as a celebration of film and a travelogue of a Western family living among the natives of the island. The experience of watching the film was quite enlightening and helped me reconnect with my enthusiasm for the movies. I can also honestly say that I had one of the most pleasant and surprising experiences ever watching a film. About three-quarters of the way into the film, John Pierson's son Wyatt is practicing a speech he will give to the audience at the evening's screening. Proud Papa John is listening from the very back of the theater, as seen below. Why would I be surprised by this? Because I made that shirt. Not like, "I designed that and a company printed it," I mean I really made that shirt. I created the art, printed it to a shirt and sent it to John Pierson personally about a decade ago. The whole thing started in 1997 at the Florida Film Festival. Pierson was a judge and I was working for the Fest. I happened to be working while Pierson was viewing a film. I overheard that he had needed transporation to meet his family at Universal Studios and it somehow hadn't been scheduled. I stepped in and offered to make the drive personally. On the way, we talked about some current films and some in the festival. He alerted me to 'In the Company of Men,' which I then saw and was mightily impressed. I had been to Pierson's presentation a couple days earlier and been enthusiastic over a clip from a show called 'Fishing With John' featuring musician and actor John Lurie. At the time, the show had appeared on cable but was not available on video. Amazingly, Pierson offered to loan me a tape of some episodes. In case you hadn't guessed, I was inspired. During one episode where Lurie and Willem Dafoe were ice fishing, the perfectly dry narrator intoned, "These are real men, doing real things." I wanted this slogan on a shirt, so I made one myself. You won't see the slogan in the film, however, because it's on the back of the shirt. There are only four of those shirts in existence. Eventually, I was asked to make one of these for John Lurie himself, which was mighty cool. One is in my dresser and evidently John Pierson is still wearing his, and it makes me happy. http://www.spout.com/blogs/risselada/archive/2007/7/25/16109.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Risselada Blog
Post Date: 7/25/2007 1:27:00 PM
Body: This blog entry is part of my “movie year countdown”. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.In the Company of MenThe trailer of the movie says this: The most talked about film this year has no graphic sex, no physical violence, no natural disasters, nothing but harmless conversation.I'm not really sure if it was the most talked about movie that year, but as I had heard before seeing the movie, it does manage to give you that uncomfortable cringe factor. And there is no sex actually shown, virtually no physical violence, and obviously no natural disasters unless you consider Fort Wayne, Indiana worthy of that description.Neil LaBute was previous to making this film, and still is I believe, a playwright and involved in the theatre. This movie could have very well been a play but considering the style and technique made a worthy film too. The locations are simple but effective. There's a wonderful kind of focus and atmosphere.I read another review on Spout saying that the dialogue is not realistic. Well while watching this movie I was immediately reminded of some of my other favorite directors like Hal Hatley and Whit Stillman. The dialogue in these movies is not always realistic in that it is what most people would actually say. But that is because people in real life often censor themselves or are not able to put their feeling and ideas succinctly. I think LaBute and these other directors are able to take the truth of what a character is really feeling and put into their mouths what they would say if they could say it. And to me that feels more realistic than real life if you get what I mean.Matt Malloy who plays one of the leads has actually been in many Hal Hartley movies, and I guess I just had not happened to see any of the ones he was in previous to this. But LaBute mentions in the commentary he watched many of Hartley's movies to see Malloy's performance. I saw Suriving Desire subsequent to this and realized how perfect he was for this.Aaron Eckhart is fantastic here. You will see many comments on this movie that he may be the most evil character ever in a movie. It's amazing to me that he can elicit that kind of response. I find him evil yet strangely compelling. Even likeable at times? You can see how he got the role for Thank You for Smoking which I don't consider as good of a movie. And after seeing this movie you will be able to tell exactly why he was cast as Two-Face in the upcoming Batman movie. He's already proven that he can play two-faced. Actually he a lot more than two faces. He has quite a few faces in this film.Something about the ending to me and that wild jazz music was just about perfect too.Rating: 9/10
]]>Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:27:00 GMTRisseladaRisselada Blog7/25/2007 1:27:00 PMThis blog entry is part of my &ldquo;movie year countdown&rdquo;. To read more about that check out my first Spout filmblog entry.In the Company of MenThe trailer of the movie says this: The most talked about film this year has no graphic sex, no physical violence, no natural disasters, nothing but harmless conversation.I&#39;m not really sure if it was the most talked about movie that year, but as I had heard before seeing the movie, it does manage to give you that uncomfortable cringe factor. And there is no sex actually shown, virtually no physical violence, and obviously no natural disasters unless you consider Fort Wayne, Indiana worthy of that description.Neil LaBute was previous to making this film, and still is I believe, a playwright and involved in the theatre. This movie could have very well been a play but considering the style and technique made a worthy film too. The locations are simple but effective. There&#39;s a wonderful kind of focus and atmosphere.I read another review on Spout saying that the dialogue is not realistic. Well while watching this movie I was immediately reminded of some of my other favorite directors like Hal Hatley and Whit Stillman. The dialogue in these movies is not always realistic in that it is what most people would actually say. But that is because people in real life often censor themselves or are not able to put their feeling and ideas succinctly. I think LaBute and these other directors are able to take the truth of what a character is really feeling and put into their mouths what they would say if they could say it. And to me that feels more realistic than real life if you get what I mean.Matt Malloy who plays one of the leads has actually been in many Hal Hartley movies, and I guess I just had not happened to see any of the ones he was in previous to this. But LaBute mentions in the commentary he watched many of Hartley&#39;s movies to see Malloy&#39;s performance. I saw Suriving Desire subsequent to this and realized how perfect he was for this.Aaron Eckhart is fantastic here. You will see many comments on this movie that he may be the most evil character ever in a movie. It&#39;s amazing to me that he can elicit that kind of response. I find him evil yet strangely compelling. Even likeable at times? You can see how he got the role for Thank You for Smoking which I don&#39;t consider as good of a movie. And after seeing this movie you will be able to tell exactly why he was cast as Two-Face in the upcoming Batman movie. He&#39;s already proven that he can play two-faced. Actually he a lot more than two faces. He has quite a few faces in this film.Something about the ending to me and that wild jazz music was just about perfect too.Rating: 9/10 http://www.spout.com/blogs/totoro/archive/2007/6/1/9902.aspx Post By: totoro
Post To: totoro Blog
Post Date: 6/1/2007 10:53:54 AM
Body: There were so many things that were supposed to offend me about this movie. What I did not expect was to be most offended by the poorly written dialogue. Apparently, I am in the minority, because it seems to be accepted wisdom that this film features some of the world's greatest writing.Yes, the premise is quite interesting and I appreciate the investigation into the darker realms of humanity. But I cannot be the only person who feels that the dialogue was EXTREMELY unnatural and wooden.The discussions were so overloaded with exposition that they no longer sounded like two people talking to each other, but rather sounded like the screenwriter giving us a lecture about his ideas. Maybe this would have made a good book, but as a movie it fell flat for me. I never accepted the two main characters as anything but a mouthpiece for Labute to express some ideas. They never became living and breathing characters to me, and for that reason the film failed me.I realize that other people love this film, but whatever other people saw in it, I did not.
]]>Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:53:54 GMTtotorototoro Blog6/1/2007 10:53:54 AMThere were so many things that were supposed to offend me about this movie. What I did not expect was to be most offended by the poorly written dialogue. Apparently, I am in the minority, because it seems to be accepted wisdom that this film features some of the world&#39;s greatest writing.Yes, the premise is quite interesting and I appreciate the investigation into the darker realms of humanity. But I cannot be the only person who feels that the dialogue was EXTREMELY unnatural and wooden.The discussions were so overloaded with exposition that they no longer sounded like two people talking to each other, but rather sounded like the screenwriter giving us a lecture about his ideas. Maybe this would have made a good book, but as a movie it fell flat for me. I never accepted the two main characters as anything but a mouthpiece for Labute to express some ideas. They never became living and breathing characters to me, and for that reason the film failed me.I realize that other people love this film, but whatever other people saw in it, I did not. http://www.spout.com/groups/Philosophy_of_Film/Re_Deception/281/6724/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Philosophy of Film
Post Date: 4/4/2007 3:55:58 PM
Body: I certainly think what you seem to be suggesting is appropriate here.No I have not seen The Shape of Things, but after just seeing In the Company of Men recently I don't doubt that LaBute could explore that subject quite well.And of course there is the question as to whether belief and truth are a complete dualism. I propose they aren't. Especially in storytelling and art.
]]>Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:55:58 GMTRisseladaPhilosophy of Film4/4/2007 3:55:58 PMI certainly think what you seem to be suggesting is appropriate here.No I have not seen The Shape of Things, but after just seeing In the Company of Men recently I don&#39;t doubt that LaBute could explore that subject quite well.And of course there is the question as to whether belief and truth are a complete dualism. I propose they aren&#39;t. Especially in storytelling and art. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/brilliant/MemberTagFilms.aspxbrilliant
Number of films tagged: 179

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