KATTmandu Blog

Under discussion:

The Bourne Supremacy  (2004)

The Bourne Ultimatum  (2007)

As I settled into my chair at the movie theatre last night, I was overflowing with anticipation for what I was about to see. The film began and there was the hero, Jason Bourne. Unfortunately for me, The Bourne Ultimatum did not live up to the hype machine that surrounded it. While I thoroughly enjoyed the film, it was my least favorite of the Bourne series. This film flowed solely on action sequences and chase scenes. Okay, we get it, Jason Bourne is can not be caught or defeated, but what's the point? In the first film, Jason Bourne was responsible for himself and a woman, both who he had to protect. In the Bourne Supremacy, Bourne was out to avenge the death of that woman. So what is the point in Ultimatum? Jason Bourne wants to know who he is. That's it?! Without giving away the film, it doesn't matter if Bourne was or wasn't satsified with what he found out, because I wasn't! The film was still thrilling and creative, but it seemed like a poor extension of the first and second. I recommend seeing this film, but do not go in with higher expectations than the first two films.

Under discussion:

Breathless  (1960)

While typically I do not enjoy foreign films simply because I am too lazy to read the subtitles, Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless changes the way I look at foreign film. Skeptical at first, I thoroughly enjoyed this film. I think the main reason it appeas to me is Jean-Paul Belmondo's charismatic personality. I could not help but be entertained by almost everything Belmondo's character Michel did. My favorite scene is appears towards the beginning of the film when Belmondo races through the countryside in a stolen vehicle. Combinded with Godard's famous jump cuts and Michel's voice over, I became enthralled in the scene.

    Another thing that makes the film so fascinating is Godard's ability to separate the audience from the characters. While Michel appealed to me as a likeable character, I was not disappointed when he was killed in the somewhat anti-climatic end. Overall, Breathless is a French New Wave classic that changes the way we watch film today.

Under discussion:

Four Eyed Monsters  (2005)

So last week I was finally able to see the Spout "hype machine" known as Four Eyed Monsters. To be honest, it was better than I anticipated. While I liked the film, I felt a few minor improvements would make it great. The unique concept of their relationship really makes the film. As they go on wondering when they will start talking, the viewer does the same.

    I really enjoyed the mix of montage, voice over, and drawn art. My favorite part of the film was the beginning montage of the couple with Arin's voice over describing what a "four eyed monster" is; such a unique idea. I just wished the film would have ended in similar fashion. I understand that the base idea is supposed to be one that will continue long after the film, but some closure to the Four Eyed Monsters, similar to the beginning montage, would have worked really well to leave the viewer completely satisfied and inspired.