list aaronBsmith's Recent Activity - Spout http://www.spout.com/ aaronBsmith's Recent Activity - Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg aaronBsmith's Recent Activity - Spout http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 Spout Group:Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here! http://www.spout.com/groups/Spout_Customer_Care/420/default.aspx Group Name: Spout Customer Care - Get answers to your questions here!
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Have a general question? Need help with some thing on the site? Have a bug you would like to report? Well then, you have come to the right place. No matter what you are having trouble with, we would like to help you find a solution. And maybe, through your own experience with the site, you will want to help other users too. That's what communities are all about. 


Created: 8/1/2007
Number of Members: 79
Number of discussion posts: 513
]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:47:00 GMTSpout Customer CareWed, 01 Aug 2007 09:06:04 GMT790513Group Spout Group:HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES http://www.spout.com/groups/HORROR_MOVIES_101/222/default.aspx Group Name: HORROR MOVIES 101 - FOR ALL WHO LOVE HORROR MOVIES
Group Description:    " I bid you welcome...  Enter freely and of your own will..."
Created: 12/17/2006
Number of Members: 414
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:53:17 GMTHORROR MOVIES 101Sun, 17 Dec 2006 01:20:09 GMT41462333Group Spout Group:foureyedmonsters - Talk to Susan & Arin about the movie and those addictive podcasts. http://www.spout.com/groups/foureyedmonsters/338/endorsed.aspx Group Name: foureyedmonsters - Talk to Susan & Arin about the movie and those addictive podcasts.
Created: 6/4/2007
Number of Members: 322
Number of discussion posts: 56
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:42:31 GMTfoureyedmonstersMon, 04 Jun 2007 15:28:43 GMT322056Group Spout Group:Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety" http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/625/default.aspx Group Name: Weekly Theme - "Fighting off boredom with the Iron Fist of Variety"
Created: 6/30/2008
Number of Members: 52
Number of Lists: 12
Number of discussion posts: 701
]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:20:23 GMTWeekly ThemeMon, 30 Jun 2008 15:13:45 GMT5212701Group Spout Group:Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited. http://www.spout.com/groups/Spout_Mavens/366/default.aspx Group Name: Spout Mavens - Spout's best movie reviewers. Membership is limited.
Group Description:

A group of Spout's best reviewers.
Read the requirements.


Created: 6/20/2007
Number of Members: 36
Number of Lists: 9
Number of discussion posts: 451
]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:10:52 GMTSpout MavensWed, 20 Jun 2007 10:13:29 GMT369451Group Spout Group:missing a film - we'll help you find a film http://www.spout.com/groups/missing_a_film/263/default.aspx Group Name: missing a film - we'll help you find a film
Created: 3/5/2007
Number of Members: 131
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 234
]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:05 GMTmissing a filmMon, 05 Mar 2007 16:37:43 GMT1311234Group Spout Group:Friends of Foreign Flicks - Discussions of all films not American. http://www.spout.com/groups/Friends_of_Foreign_Flicks/591/default.aspx Group Name: Friends of Foreign Flicks - Discussions of all films not American.
Group Description:

At some point you just want more than what's right in front of you.


Created: 4/24/2008
Number of Members: 30
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 92
]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:05:26 GMTFriends of Foreign FlicksThu, 24 Apr 2008 11:44:11 GMT30192Group Spout Group:The Documentary - A place to talk about the much overlooked genre of the Documentary. http://www.spout.com/groups/The_Documentary/79/default.aspx Group Name: The Documentary - A place to talk about the much overlooked genre of the Documentary.
Created: 4/2/2006
Number of Members: 49
Number of Lists: 4
Number of discussion posts: 53
]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:05:39 GMTThe DocumentarySun, 02 Apr 2006 00:58:55 GMT49453Group Spout Group:Sound on Sight - Podcasts, movie reviews, interviews, news and more. http://www.spout.com/groups/Sound_on_Sight/529/default.aspx Group Name: Sound on Sight - Podcasts, movie reviews, interviews, news and more.
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Sound on Sight proudly brings you two podcasts each week. Voted best podcast in 2008, these hard working hosts cover everything from mainstream Hollywood films to noir, horror, science fiction, cult cinema, documentary film making and more. Look out for a new show added every Tuesday and Thursday morning.

http://www.soundonsight.org/

 

 


Created: 1/6/2008
Number of Members: 104
Number of discussion posts: 150
]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:03:03 GMTSound on SightSun, 06 Jan 2008 21:24:34 GMT1040150Group Spout Group:Worst Movie Ever - The Group is dedicated to uncovering the bombs, so you don't have too. http://www.spout.com/groups/Worst_Movie_Ever/104/default.aspx Group Name: Worst Movie Ever - The Group is dedicated to uncovering the bombs, so you don't have too.
Created: 5/5/2006
Number of Members: 200
Number of Lists: 10
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]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:43:26 GMTWorst Movie EverFri, 05 May 2006 20:20:45 GMT20010412Group Spout Group:Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/657/default.aspx Group Name: Movie Polls - Vote in weekly polls and discuss
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Each week I will post a new poll.  Please vote in the poll and reply to the discussion thread to discuss the question.  Please do not vote more than once.


Created: 11/25/2008
Number of Members: 66
Number of discussion posts: 414
]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:42:29 GMTMovie PollsTue, 25 Nov 2008 16:54:38 GMT660414Group Spout Group:Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite! http://www.spout.com/groups/Zombie_Obsession/329/default.aspx Group Name: Zombie Obsession - Zombie Lovers, Unite!
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Join us to discuss your favorite or most horrifying Zombie Movies or just your most memorable Zombie Moments.  From Funny to Scary to Gory to Bizarre...

 


Created: 5/28/2007
Number of Members: 104
Number of Lists: 1
Number of discussion posts: 594
]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:29:56 GMTZombie ObsessionMon, 28 May 2007 02:04:45 GMT1041594Group Spout Group:A World of MSTies - Thank You, Won't We? http://www.spout.com/groups/A_World_of_MSTies/590/default.aspx Group Name: A World of MSTies - Thank You, Won't We?
Group Description:

Glorify the best show ever (MST3K) with wit, wisdom and downright wackiness!


Created: 4/23/2008
Number of Members: 10
Number of Lists: 2
Number of discussion posts: 23
]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:25:25 GMTA World of MSTiesWed, 23 Apr 2008 20:21:48 GMT10223Group Spout Group:It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar! - Devoted to everything nominated or snubbed by the Academy of Golden Guys http://www.spout.com/groups/It_s_a_Wonderful_Night_for_Oscar/46/default.aspx Group Name: It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar! - Devoted to everything nominated or snubbed by the Academy of Golden Guys
Group Description: Year after year, movie lovers and non movie lovers alike discuss ad nauseum the fate of films nominated for the utmost honor, the Academy Award. Some people watch it for the fashion. Some people watch for the haute couture. Some people watch for their fill of celebrity sightings. If you are a member of this group, you love everything about the Super Bowl of movies, especially the movies themselves! You love to make predictions, guess at the politics, discuss and dissect who should have been nominated and who should have won...or, you're just an avid movie lover that likes to pay attention. Come join the group!
Created: 3/4/2006
Number of Members: 41
Number of Lists: 58
Number of discussion posts: 226
]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:11:33 GMTIt's a Wonderful Night for Oscar!Sat, 04 Mar 2006 15:24:32 GMT4158226Group Spout Group:Movie Marathons http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Marathons/693/default.aspx Group Name: Movie Marathons
Group Description:

This is a group for members to start and organize movie marathons. Its primary purpose is to get more people exposed to more film. And to watch these films and discuss them as a group.

Anyone can start a marathon and marathons can be organized in many different ways to showcase the films of a director, actor, genre, theme etc...

Check the Guidlines and Suggestions discussion for ideas.


Created: 7/22/2009
Number of Members: 15
Number of discussion posts: 22
]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 16:33:02 GMTMovie MarathonsWed, 22 Jul 2009 01:35:58 GMT15022Group Spout Group:Movies we do not want to see - Try to convince us to see these movies! http://www.spout.com/groups/Movies_we_do_not_want_to_see/70/default.aspx Group Name: Movies we do not want to see - Try to convince us to see these movies!
Group Description: Want to be a member? Send me a message with a list of at least 5 movies that you do not want to see. There are many movies that I do not want to see. I'm not sure if its right of me to decide never to see a movie without seeing it. You know...like when a kid says they hate mushrooms even though they admit never trying them. So maybe this is a good spot for people to display movies they don't think they want to see, and see if anyone can convince us to try them out.
Created: 3/22/2006
Number of Members: 20
Number of Lists: 3
Number of discussion posts: 190
]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:31:56 GMTMovies we do not want to seeWed, 22 Mar 2006 14:27:50 GMT203190Group Spout Post: Why? http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2008/11/3/36890.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 11/3/2008 9:50:52 AM
Body: I usually stick with a movie to the bitter end, but I just couldn't with this one. What was Richard Kelly thinking? But even more important that that, what were his financiers thinking? This movie could have been a marvel and a wonder to behold, but instead, it fails to be that. At least, that's how I feel about it after watching the first hour.
]]>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:50:52 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks11/3/2008 9:50:52 AMI usually stick with a movie to the bitter end, but I just couldn't with this one. What was Richard Kelly thinking? But even more important that that, what were his financiers thinking? This movie could have been a marvel and a wonder to behold, but instead, it fails to be that. At least, that's how I feel about it after watching the first hour. Spout Post: synopsis error http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/12/15/22857.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 12/15/2007 10:30:04 AM
Body: I am pretty confident the synopsis on this page for The Poughkeepsie Tapes is the wrong one.
]]>Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:30:04 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks12/15/2007 10:30:04 AMI am pretty confident the synopsis on this page for The Poughkeepsie Tapes is the wrong one. Spout Post: still http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/8/14/18040.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 8/14/2007 7:39:03 AM
Body: I still have images from this film burned into my brain. Who can forget the phallus with the spiked rotating head, or the girlfriend who is killed by it during an erotic tryst. So much blood, rendered in black and white. The stop motion animation in the film stays with me to. When the movie was over, I said to my friends, "I think this must be what it's like to be Japanese."
]]>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:39:03 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks8/14/2007 7:39:03 AMI still have images from this film burned into my brain. Who can forget the phallus with the spiked rotating head, or the girlfriend who is killed by it during an erotic tryst. So much blood, rendered in black and white. The stop motion animation in the film stays with me to. When the movie was over, I said to my friends, "I think this must be what it's like to be Japanese." Spout Post: exhilarating and blinding http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/6/10/10589.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 6/10/2007 12:41:35 AM
Body: I didn't realize till after watching this film and I was digging around on imdb that this film was directed by the same man who made, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ...And Spring.  I had a sense that there was something connected between the two films - the imagery of houses floating on water, the sights and sounds of a lake throughout the seasons.  I was in a state of denseness that did not allow me to see clearly that this was a work from the same artist. As confounding as it was to me, in terms of its symbolism and allegory, I was spellbound by this film.  It's so beautiful and so carnal.  It's almost as though this film is attempting to capture the moment of ecstasy during sex where you don't know if you can stand how good it feels, to the point where it is excruciating in a way that is exhilarating and blinding.  There are moments in this film like that. You want to hide you eyes, yet you can't look away.  It's all so beautiful.
]]>Sun, 10 Jun 2007 04:41:35 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks6/10/2007 12:41:35 AMI didn't realize till after watching this film and I was digging around on imdb that this film was directed by the same man who made, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter ...And Spring.  I had a sense that there was something connected between the two films - the imagery of houses floating on water, the sights and sounds of a lake throughout the seasons.  I was in a state of denseness that did not allow me to see clearly that this was a work from the same artist. As confounding as it was to me, in terms of its symbolism and allegory, I was spellbound by this film.  It's so beautiful and so carnal.  It's almost as though this film is attempting to capture the moment of ecstasy during sex where you don't know if you can stand how good it feels, to the point where it is excruciating in a way that is exhilarating and blinding.  There are moments in this film like that. You want to hide you eyes, yet you can't look away.  It's all so beautiful. Spout Post: quality french cinema http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/23/7481.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/23/2007 4:29:36 PM
Body: This film did an excellent job of getting you to empathize with the protangonist, so much so that you are willing to watch him ride the same ferry boat over and over again when he detours to china.
]]>Mon, 23 Apr 2007 20:29:36 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/23/2007 4:29:36 PMThis film did an excellent job of getting you to empathize with the protangonist, so much so that you are willing to watch him ride the same ferry boat over and over again when he detours to china. Spout Post: Sad, so sad http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/18/7279.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/18/2007 11:06:19 PM
Body: This movie broke my heart.  Why did I wait so long to see it?It communicted it's message with so much stylistic constraint.  I love it when a movie does that.  I love it that movies can do that.
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:06:19 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/18/2007 11:06:19 PMThis movie broke my heart.  Why did I wait so long to see it?It communicted it's message with so much stylistic constraint.  I love it when a movie does that.  I love it that movies can do that. Spout Post: Complete http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/18/7277.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/18/2007 11:02:16 PM
Body: I have this sense as well, that something was lacking from this film at least in comparison to Iñárritu's previous little opuses.  Maybe there is nothing lacking.  Maybe these movie is so true to its attempt to convey the disconnect between cultures, language, and lack of language that it cannot be completely understood until we can empathize to some degree with the different cultural and linguistic contexts the characters are in.Maybe until we've herded sheep in Morocco (or wherever they were) or experienced deafness or been an illegal alien we can't really begin to understand Babel.  But is that what Iñárritu intended?  Part of me thinks he wanted to portray characters that we all could relate to in some way, despite their and our differences.  I don't think he pulled this off though.So maybe I am just making excuses for Iñárritu because I don't want to admit that he may have faltered in some way on Babel.  Maybe too much money and big stars was not a good thing.Maybe.
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2007 03:02:16 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/18/2007 11:02:16 PMI have this sense as well, that something was lacking from this film at least in comparison to Iñárritu's previous little opuses.  Maybe there is nothing lacking.  Maybe these movie is so true to its attempt to convey the disconnect between cultures, language, and lack of language that it cannot be completely understood until we can empathize to some degree with the different cultural and linguistic contexts the characters are in.Maybe until we've herded sheep in Morocco (or wherever they were) or experienced deafness or been an illegal alien we can't really begin to understand Babel.  But is that what Iñárritu intended?  Part of me thinks he wanted to portray characters that we all could relate to in some way, despite their and our differences.  I don't think he pulled this off though.So maybe I am just making excuses for Iñárritu because I don't want to admit that he may have faltered in some way on Babel.  Maybe too much money and big stars was not a good thing.Maybe. Spout Post: Then a couple a' guys who were up to no good, started makin' trouble in ma' neighborhood http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/18/7275.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/18/2007 10:50:31 PM
Body: I miss the 80's.I don't miss the fresh prince.Will Smith made me cry in the end. damn him. But something was missing from this film to make it truly amazing.  But what?
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:50:31 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/18/2007 10:50:31 PMI miss the 80's.I don't miss the fresh prince.Will Smith made me cry in the end. damn him. But something was missing from this film to make it truly amazing.  But what? Spout Post: D. Anderson Gave This To Me http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/18/7274.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/18/2007 10:45:00 PM
Body: Ok, yeah, I have actually seen this DVD.  Here's the story: I teach at this little film school in the city I live in, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (It's where Paul Schrader is from, the guy who wrote Taxi Driver and the Last Temptation of Christ adaptation).  At this film school, there is this other teacher, D. Anderson.  D., was at Fry's Electronics in LA this week and he spotted, The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made.  He bought it and brought it home with him. So Today, (wed, April 18) he is telling me about these awesome film history books he found at this book store, and how much these books will help with me with the classes I teach, but he can't remember the names of the books (he is getting kinda old), so that bums me out and I don't really hide very well that I am frustrated that he can't remember and then I feel bad for being dick.  Then, he hands me this DVD.  He says, "I think we can learn from this too." I am intrigued, so I rip it open and start watching. And it's actually pretty interesting.  It moves along quickly with fairly snappy and appropriately cheesy commentary on each of the 50 films.  Between film segments, there is this purposefully cheesy animation of theatre filled with a booing crowd who throw hotdogs, popcorn, soda and other sundries at the screen in protest of the horror just surveyed.  I would list the films out for you, but why ruin it, eh? But here's the funny thing, in the end, I really want to see some of these movies.  So, I may have to being searching for them on Spout.com.   Maybe, just maybe I will start a group around the films listed on this DVD.  In the meantime, other Spouters should get their hands on the DVD and watch it.
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:45:00 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/18/2007 10:45:00 PMOk, yeah, I have actually seen this DVD.  Here's the story: I teach at this little film school in the city I live in, Grand Rapids, Michigan. (It's where Paul Schrader is from, the guy who wrote Taxi Driver and the Last Temptation of Christ adaptation).  At this film school, there is this other teacher, D. Anderson.  D., was at Fry's Electronics in LA this week and he spotted, The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made.  He bought it and brought it home with him. So Today, (wed, April 18) he is telling me about these awesome film history books he found at this book store, and how much these books will help with me with the classes I teach, but he can't remember the names of the books (he is getting kinda old), so that bums me out and I don't really hide very well that I am frustrated that he can't remember and then I feel bad for being dick.  Then, he hands me this DVD.  He says, "I think we can learn from this too." I am intrigued, so I rip it open and start watching. And it's actually pretty interesting.  It moves along quickly with fairly snappy and appropriately cheesy commentary on each of the 50 films.  Between film segments, there is this purposefully cheesy animation of theatre filled with a booing crowd who throw hotdogs, popcorn, soda and other sundries at the screen in protest of the horror just surveyed.  I would list the films out for you, but why ruin it, eh? But here's the funny thing, in the end, I really want to see some of these movies.  So, I may have to being searching for them on Spout.com.   Maybe, just maybe I will start a group around the films listed on this DVD.  In the meantime, other Spouters should get their hands on the DVD and watch it. Spout Post: What is the point? http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/4/18/7272.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 4/18/2007 10:29:53 PM
Body: This movie was a feast for my eyes, but not my mind.  The real drama seemed to lay back home with the battle to convince the Senate to bring more forces against the Persians.  They seemed to ignore this fact in favor of eye popping action sequences and crazy CG sillyness.  Pretty pictures do not a great film make. I wonder if they could have told the story of the battle of Thermopylae with a little handycam like the ones they used to shoot, The Celebration?  Good writing, great acting, and well drawn characters make for better cinema, don't they?  But then, I suppose this was not the point of this latest version of the Battle of Thermopylae.  But if that wasn't the point, then what was?
]]>Thu, 19 Apr 2007 02:29:53 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks4/18/2007 10:29:53 PMThis movie was a feast for my eyes, but not my mind.  The real drama seemed to lay back home with the battle to convince the Senate to bring more forces against the Persians.  They seemed to ignore this fact in favor of eye popping action sequences and crazy CG sillyness.  Pretty pictures do not a great film make. I wonder if they could have told the story of the battle of Thermopylae with a little handycam like the ones they used to shoot, The Celebration?  Good writing, great acting, and well drawn characters make for better cinema, don't they?  But then, I suppose this was not the point of this latest version of the Battle of Thermopylae.  But if that wasn't the point, then what was? Spout Post: i resisted but then gave in http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2007/3/28/6542.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 3/28/2007 12:33:24 AM
Body: Things got off to a bit of a slow start in this film. I think I may have even rolled my eyes once early on. But, I began to fall in love with the characters. By the end, tear or two sprung forth from my beleaguered eyes. i liked it.
]]>Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:33:24 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks3/28/2007 12:33:24 AMThings got off to a bit of a slow start in this film. I think I may have even rolled my eyes once early on. But, I began to fall in love with the characters. By the end, tear or two sprung forth from my beleaguered eyes. i liked it. Spout Post: Saw it At Telluride http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2006/9/12/2929.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 9/12/2006 11:08:00 AM
Body: The Last King of ScotlandAt the center of the Last King of Scotland is Forest Whitaker's performance as the irascible, insane, love-able, paranoid Idi Amin. Seeing the premiere of this film at Telluride was both electrifying and terrifying. Whitaker's transformation into one of the worst madman dictators to rule an African nation (in recent history) was truly breath taking to behold and has oscar nomination written all over it. Who would have guessed, that Whitaker who typically plays the sensitive teddy bear type (even as a Samurai assassin in Ghost Dog) would ever offer up such a potent and frightening performance.But the Last King of Scotland is more than just a vehicle for Whitaker's performance. The film is a powerful demonstration of all the trappings of power. James McAvoy as a young, naive doctor, Nicholas Garrigan who becomes the personal physician to Amin in the film, serves to drive this point home as he is seduced by Amin's charm and his offering of vast amounts of access to his power and ill gotten wealth. What begins as a fun ride for Garrigan into the inner sanctums of Amin's administration takes a turn into the violence and paranoia and destruction that defined his regime. This film is a fantastic turn towards dramatic narrative for director Kevin Macdonald. His direction of the film is solid. His choice to employ a cinema veritae style in some of the most dramatic moments of the film lends a directness and emotional immediacy. He demonstrates that the directorial competency he brought to the historical documentary, One Day in September is transferable to the narrative filmmaking realm.In the Last King of Scotland, the power of the cinema is on full display. There is critical and award buzz written all over this film. It's not to be missed!
]]>Tue, 12 Sep 2006 15:08:00 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks9/12/2006 11:08:00 AMThe Last King of ScotlandAt the center of the Last King of Scotland is Forest Whitaker's performance as the irascible, insane, love-able, paranoid Idi Amin. Seeing the premiere of this film at Telluride was both electrifying and terrifying. Whitaker's transformation into one of the worst madman dictators to rule an African nation (in recent history) was truly breath taking to behold and has oscar nomination written all over it. Who would have guessed, that Whitaker who typically plays the sensitive teddy bear type (even as a Samurai assassin in Ghost Dog) would ever offer up such a potent and frightening performance.But the Last King of Scotland is more than just a vehicle for Whitaker's performance. The film is a powerful demonstration of all the trappings of power. James McAvoy as a young, naive doctor, Nicholas Garrigan who becomes the personal physician to Amin in the film, serves to drive this point home as he is seduced by Amin's charm and his offering of vast amounts of access to his power and ill gotten wealth. What begins as a fun ride for Garrigan into the inner sanctums of Amin's administration takes a turn into the violence and paranoia and destruction that defined his regime. This film is a fantastic turn towards dramatic narrative for director Kevin Macdonald. His direction of the film is solid. His choice to employ a cinema veritae style in some of the most dramatic moments of the film lends a directness and emotional immediacy. He demonstrates that the directorial competency he brought to the historical documentary, One Day in September is transferable to the narrative filmmaking realm.In the Last King of Scotland, the power of the cinema is on full display. There is critical and award buzz written all over this film. It's not to be missed! Spout Post: Films I saw at Telluride http://www.spout.com/groups/Telluride_Film_Festival_2008/Films_I_saw_at_Telluride/144/2917/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: Telluride Film Festival 2008
Post Date: 9/11/2006 10:46:55 AM
Body: At Telluride, I saw:The Last King of ScotlandSeverenceJindabyneCatch a FireDirected by John FordThe ItalianVolverInfamousI would be interesting if anyone out there has seen the original version of Directed by John Ford. It came out in 1971. The version I saw at Telluride was more or less the same, but with more interviews from current filmmakers and actors as well as restored clips from many of John Ford's films.
]]>Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:46:55 GMTaaronBsmithTelluride Film Festival 20089/11/2006 10:46:55 AMAt Telluride, I saw:The Last King of ScotlandSeverenceJindabyneCatch a FireDirected by John FordThe ItalianVolverInfamousI would be interesting if anyone out there has seen the original version of Directed by John Ford. It came out in 1971. The version I saw at Telluride was more or less the same, but with more interviews from current filmmakers and actors as well as restored clips from many of John Ford's films. Spout Post: Jindabyne http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2006/9/8/2880.aspx Post By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 9/8/2006 6:37:00 PM
Body: Jindabyne centers around the marriage of Stewart (Gabriel Byrne) and Claire (Laura Linney). As the film unfolds scene by scene, we discover that Stewart and Claire have unresolved matters in their marriage stemming from Claire's intense postpartum depression after the birth of their son. Claire constantly strives to be the mother she wasn't when her son was born. Stewart finds himself in the middle of his life, wondering where his marriage is and what kind of a man he has become. The film draws us into this domestic life, which seems to be in a kind of stasis. When Stewart goes away on an annual fishing trip with his friends, however, this stasis ends, bringing their wounds to the forefront. An incident followed by a collective decision by the men ignite a crisis for Stewart and his friends, as well as their wives and girlfriends. Ultimately, all of their secrets and deceptions are brought out into the light, along with a piercing question: What kind of men would make such a decision? For Stewart and Claire, this question forces them to face where they are wounded and decide ultimately what they will do and how they will move forward. This story unfolds in the Australian outback in a little town called Jindabyne. The locations for this film are both stunning and haunting. Filmed entirely with natural light, the film has a sensibility to it that reminds the viewer of Malick, but what Ray Lawrence, the director, does with the landscape is wholly original. The vastness of the outback, the desolation of it, the beauty of it, guides the characters in a way. This approach casts the landscape as a kind of character all unto itself. Its secret and sacred places try to warn the characters against the tragedy that awaits them. Some of them can sense this, but other cannot because their lives have caused them to dull their sensitivity to the beauty around them and what it wants to tell them. Each scene of the films unfolds the way it needs to, for how long it needs to. Lawrence doesn't seem to be interested in making sure the audience is "entertained" at all times. Rather, his concern seems to be with the emotional truth of each scene and what that truth means for the characters. Lawrence leads us, and them, towards a conclusion that is utterly profound and moving, while at the same not heavy handed or emotionally manipulative. One of the highlights of watching this film at Telluride was the presence of lead actress, Laura Linney. After the film was screened she answered questions about how it was made and how she created her character, Claire. One of the most interesting things she had to say involved the director's decision to only use natural light for the film. He made this choice, she explained, so that their performances could shine through and be the centerpiece of the story. This decision, while risky, imbued the film with beauty and a sensibility that is not often seen in the cinema.
]]>Fri, 08 Sep 2006 22:37:00 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks9/8/2006 6:37:00 PMJindabyne centers around the marriage of Stewart (Gabriel Byrne) and Claire (Laura Linney). As the film unfolds scene by scene, we discover that Stewart and Claire have unresolved matters in their marriage stemming from Claire's intense postpartum depression after the birth of their son. Claire constantly strives to be the mother she wasn't when her son was born. Stewart finds himself in the middle of his life, wondering where his marriage is and what kind of a man he has become. The film draws us into this domestic life, which seems to be in a kind of stasis. When Stewart goes away on an annual fishing trip with his friends, however, this stasis ends, bringing their wounds to the forefront. An incident followed by a collective decision by the men ignite a crisis for Stewart and his friends, as well as their wives and girlfriends. Ultimately, all of their secrets and deceptions are brought out into the light, along with a piercing question: What kind of men would make such a decision? For Stewart and Claire, this question forces them to face where they are wounded and decide ultimately what they will do and how they will move forward. This story unfolds in the Australian outback in a little town called Jindabyne. The locations for this film are both stunning and haunting. Filmed entirely with natural light, the film has a sensibility to it that reminds the viewer of Malick, but what Ray Lawrence, the director, does with the landscape is wholly original. The vastness of the outback, the desolation of it, the beauty of it, guides the characters in a way. This approach casts the landscape as a kind of character all unto itself. Its secret and sacred places try to warn the characters against the tragedy that awaits them. Some of them can sense this, but other cannot because their lives have caused them to dull their sensitivity to the beauty around them and what it wants to tell them. Each scene of the films unfolds the way it needs to, for how long it needs to. Lawrence doesn't seem to be interested in making sure the audience is "entertained" at all times. Rather, his concern seems to be with the emotional truth of each scene and what that truth means for the characters. Lawrence leads us, and them, towards a conclusion that is utterly profound and moving, while at the same not heavy handed or emotionally manipulative. One of the highlights of watching this film at Telluride was the presence of lead actress, Laura Linney. After the film was screened she answered questions about how it was made and how she created her character, Claire. One of the most interesting things she had to say involved the director's decision to only use natural light for the film. He made this choice, she explained, so that their performances could shine through and be the centerpiece of the story. This decision, while risky, imbued the film with beauty and a sensibility that is not often seen in the cinema. Spout Post: How many http://www.spout.com/blogs/aaronbsmith/archive/2006/5/16/1201.aspxPost By: aaronBsmith
Post To: The Savant Speaks
Post Date: 5/16/2006 11:59:00 AM
Body: So I was "spouting" today for like and hour and a half, trying to indentify movies I have seen. I was using Bill HR's list as a spring board of sorts to let me browse through a big huge list. There was at least one movie on more on every page of his list that I had seen.I wonder how many films I have seen? I wonder if I have watched a 1000 films? 2000? Could it be possible? Only time will tell. And who knows if I will ever indentify all the films I have seen so far in my short life. I will just have to keep on "spouting" to find out.
]]>Tue, 16 May 2006 15:59:00 GMTaaronBsmithThe Savant Speaks5/16/2006 11:59:00 AMSo I was "spouting" today for like and hour and a half, trying to indentify movies I have seen. I was using Bill HR's list as a spring board of sorts to let me browse through a big huge list. There was at least one movie on more on every page of his list that I had seen.I wonder how many films I have seen? I wonder if I have watched a 1000 films? 2000? Could it be possible? Only time will tell. And who knows if I will ever indentify all the films I have seen so far in my short life. I will just have to keep on "spouting" to find out. Spout Post: The New World http://www.spout.com/blogs/a_great_film-18/archive/2006/2/19/226.aspxPost By: aaronBsmith
Post To: A Great Film
Post Date: 2/19/2006 10:35:38 AM
Body: Has anyone seen Terrance Mallick's The New World? If so, what did you think? Is it genius or is it overwrought, ponderous tripe?
]]>Sun, 19 Feb 2006 15:35:38 GMTaaronBsmithA Great Film2/19/2006 10:35:38 AMHas anyone seen Terrance Mallick's The New World? If so, what did you think? Is it genius or is it overwrought, ponderous tripe? Spout Member:The_MOW - Mickey Micklon http://www.spout.com/members/148616/default.aspx Identity: The_MOW
Name: Mickey Micklon
Interests: movies, sci-fi, professional wrestling
Occupation: Unemployed
Location: Salem, NH
Films listed: 369
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Blog post views: 11337
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTThe_MOWMickey Micklon369Uberlister (>100)Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:50:30 GMTMember Spout Member:horror http://www.spout.com/members/144661/default.aspx Identity: horror
Films listed: 1
Number of lists: 4
Member since: 1/17/2009
Last login: 1/17/2009
]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMThorror1Beginner (<10)Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:27:41 GMTMember Spout Member:butterknife http://www.spout.com/members/127080/default.aspx Identity: butterknife
Films listed: 1
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTbutterknife1Beginner (<10)Wed, 02 Apr 2008 03:18:37 GMTMember Spout Member:rnt2630 http://www.spout.com/members/95208/default.aspx Identity: rnt2630
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTrnt26300Beginner (<10)Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:16:00 GMTMember Spout Member:dsalaski http://www.spout.com/members/94482/default.aspx Identity: dsalaski
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTdsalaski0Beginner (<10)Mon, 10 Sep 2007 16:47:53 GMTMember Spout Member:jennkp http://www.spout.com/members/94443/default.aspx Identity: jennkp
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTjennkp0Beginner (<10)Mon, 10 Sep 2007 13:45:31 GMTMember Spout Member:Don0262 http://www.spout.com/members/94195/default.aspx Identity: Don0262
Films listed: 2
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTDon02622Beginner (<10)Sun, 09 Sep 2007 15:33:14 GMTMember Spout Member:martinluthar http://www.spout.com/members/93901/default.aspx Identity: martinluthar
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTmartinluthar0Beginner (<10)Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:58:58 GMTMember Spout Member:clwoolfe http://www.spout.com/members/93885/default.aspx Identity: clwoolfe
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTclwoolfe0Beginner (<10)Sat, 08 Sep 2007 15:09:50 GMTMember Spout Member:XtreamDenny http://www.spout.com/members/93661/default.aspx Identity: XtreamDenny
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTXtreamDenny0Beginner (<10)Fri, 07 Sep 2007 18:49:41 GMTMember Spout Member:bofo http://www.spout.com/members/93627/default.aspx Identity: bofo
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTbofo0Beginner (<10)Fri, 07 Sep 2007 16:57:17 GMTMember Spout Member:seanjoneswrexham http://www.spout.com/members/93570/default.aspx Identity: seanjoneswrexham
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTseanjoneswrexham0Beginner (<10)Fri, 07 Sep 2007 14:31:57 GMTMember Spout Member:nny921 http://www.spout.com/members/92277/default.aspx Identity: nny921
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTnny9210Beginner (<10)Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:27:22 GMTMember Spout Member:mr_lol http://www.spout.com/members/92275/default.aspx Identity: mr_lol
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTmr_lol0Beginner (<10)Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:25:57 GMTMember Spout Member:fire1311 http://www.spout.com/members/91742/default.aspx Identity: fire1311
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTfire13110Beginner (<10)Sat, 01 Sep 2007 21:48:24 GMTMember Spout Member:Argueta http://www.spout.com/members/91469/default.aspx Identity: Argueta
Number of lists: 4
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]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMTArgueta0Beginner (<10)Fri, 31 Aug 2007 20:52:15 GMTMember Film:Funny Games http://www.spout.com/films/Funny_Games/288707/default.aspx Title: Funny Games
Year: 2007
Director: Michael Haneke
Times Tagged: 27
Number of Lists: 24
Number of blog posts: 14
Number of discussion threads: 8
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2009 12:47:00 GMTFunny Games2007Michael Haneke27Tag Target (>10)241483http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s288707.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Funny_Games/288707/default.aspxFilm Film:The Dark Knight http://www.spout.com/films/The_Dark_Knight/288704/default.aspx Title: The Dark Knight
Year: 2008
Director: Christopher Nolan
Times Tagged: 149
Number of Lists: 98
Number of blog posts: 156
Number of discussion threads: 55
SpoutRating: 4
]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:13:34 GMTThe Dark Knight2008Christopher Nolan149Tag Target (>10)98156554http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s288704.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Dark_Knight/288704/default.aspxFilm Film:H2 http://www.spout.com/films/H2/397884/default.aspx Title: H2
Year: 2009
Director: Rob Zombie
Number of Lists: 1
Number of blog posts: 1
SpoutRating: 1
]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:45:58 GMTH22009Rob Zombie111http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s397884.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/H2/397884/default.aspxFilm Film:Eleanor: First Lady of the World http://www.spout.com/films/Eleanor_First_Lady_of_the_World/10331/default.aspx Title: Eleanor: First Lady of the World
Year: 1982
Director: John Erman
Number of blog posts: 1
]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:47:51 GMTEleanor: First Lady of the World1982John Erman1http://www.spout.com/images/no_image.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Eleanor_First_Lady_of_the_World/10331/default.aspxFilm Film:Black Test Car http://www.spout.com/films/Black_Test_Car/328181/default.aspx Title: Black Test Car
Year: 1962
Number of Lists: 2
SpoutRating: 4
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 23:01:54 GMTBlack Test Car196224http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u37747stl5z.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Black_Test_Car/328181/default.aspxFilm Film:Dumpster Baby http://www.spout.com/films/Dumpster_Baby/273527/default.aspx Title: Dumpster Baby
Director: James Bickert
Number of Lists: 1
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:53:10 GMTDumpster BabyJames Bickert1http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t76920jjhow.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Dumpster_Baby/273527/default.aspxFilm Film:Rick http://www.spout.com/films/Rick/235722/default.aspx Title: Rick
Year: 2002
Director: Curtiss Clayton
Times Tagged: 1
Number of Lists: 1
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:32:48 GMTRick2002Curtiss Clayton1Slightly Tagged (1-5)12http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t51978e8qnf.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Rick/235722/default.aspxFilm Film:Speed Racer http://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer/297765/default.aspx Title: Speed Racer
Year: 2008
Director: Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski
Times Tagged: 90
Number of Lists: 16
Number of blog posts: 41
Number of discussion threads: 16
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:21:45 GMTSpeed Racer2008Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski90Tag Target (>10)1641163http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s297765.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer/297765/default.aspxFilm Film:Speed Racer [Anime Series] http://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer_Anime_Series/32330/default.aspx Title: Speed Racer [Anime Series]
Year: 1967
Number of Lists: 1
Number of blog posts: 1
Number of discussion threads: 1
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:20:43 GMTSpeed Racer [Anime Series]19671113http://www.spout.com/images/no_image.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Speed_Racer_Anime_Series/32330/default.aspxFilm Film:The Raven http://www.spout.com/films/The_Raven/317289/default.aspx Title: The Raven
Year: 2007
Director: Ulli Lommel
Number of blog posts: 2
SpoutRating: 1
]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:13:53 GMTThe Raven2007Ulli Lommel21http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u08974fjkcg.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Raven/317289/default.aspxFilm Film:The Ballad of the Sad Cafe http://www.spout.com/films/The_Ballad_of_the_Sad_Cafe/2239/default.aspx Title: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe
Year: 1991
Director: Simon Callow
Number of blog posts: 2
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:25:24 GMTThe Ballad of the Sad Cafe1991Simon Callow22http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t54643em1b1.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Ballad_of_the_Sad_Cafe/2239/default.aspxFilm Film:New York, New York http://www.spout.com/films/New_York_New_York/24524/default.aspx Title: New York, New York
Year: 1977
Director: Martin Scorsese
Times Tagged: 23
Number of Lists: 12
Number of blog posts: 57
Number of discussion threads: 2
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:22:40 GMTNew York, New York1977Martin Scorsese23Tag Target (>10)125722http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/u47828gvtpe.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/New_York_New_York/24524/default.aspxFilm Film:St. Nick http://www.spout.com/films/St_Nick/402616/default.aspx Title: St. Nick
Year: 2009
Director: David Lowery
Times Tagged: 3
Number of Lists: 2
Number of blog posts: 5
SpoutRating: 5
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:01:06 GMTSt. Nick2009David Lowery3Slightly Tagged (1-5)255http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s402616.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/St_Nick/402616/default.aspxFilm Film:We Are the Strange http://www.spout.com/films/We_Are_the_Strange/314016/default.aspx Title: We Are the Strange
Year: 2007
Director: M dot Strange
Number of Lists: 3
Number of blog posts: 3
SpoutRating: 4
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:25:52 GMTWe Are the Strange2007M dot Strange334http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s314016.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/We_Are_the_Strange/314016/default.aspxFilm Film:The Sadist http://www.spout.com/films/The_Sadist/29811/default.aspx Title: The Sadist
Year: 1963
Director: James Landis
Number of Lists: 4
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:08:29 GMTThe Sadist1963James Landis43http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t27402rl1sl.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Sadist/29811/default.aspxFilm Film:The Alligator People http://www.spout.com/films/The_Alligator_People/50507/default.aspx Title: The Alligator People
Year: 1959
Director: Roy Del Ruth
Number of Lists: 2
Number of blog posts: 1
SpoutRating: 2
]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:04:19 GMTThe Alligator People1959Roy Del Ruth212http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t46806zj8ua.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/The_Alligator_People/50507/default.aspxFilm