Risselada Blog

Under discussion:

Sunrise  (1927)

This blog entry is part of my "movie recommendation site suggestions".  Read more about that here.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans

This is often argued to be the greatest silent film ever made and sometimes even to be the greatest film ever made altogether (most likely by those who think that silent film is a more pure form of cinema).  The film certainly is impressive in the way it is shot and constructed.  It's hard to think of any silent film that does much better.  But I have a few qualms with the story and characters.

*SPOILERS* At first it is hard to feel sympathetic for an adulterer, especially when there is nothing apparently wrong at home or with his wife.  In fact she seems like a wonderful woman.  Then when he is convinced by his mistress to kill his wife and pretend she has drowned so that they can get married and move to the city, it is shocking to see him accept.  Even though it is clear he is reluctant and this is such a heavy burden, it's very confusing.  Then when he actually begins to approach his wife in the boat to try to throw her overboard and she realizes his intent, it takes her a long time to not be afraid of him and then to actually even start to trust and fall in love with him again.  But for me as a viewer, it takes me even longer than her to trust him.  And then at the end when he attempts to strangle the mistress to death, I'm not sure if he will ever be able to restrain his violence or take responsibility for his own actions.

And also, what the heck was that scene with the pig all about??
*END SPOILER*

Despite these criticisms it still is a must see movie for the striking visuals and construction, especially for a silent film.  I won't go too much into the details of what makes that so good.  It's largely apparent, and if you haven't seen it you should watch it and find out for yourself.

Rating: 8/10

Under discussion:

Day of the Wacko  (2002)

This blog entry is part of my "movie recommendation site suggestions".  Read more about that here.

Dzien swira (Day of the Wacko)

I don't think I would have ever heard of or thought about watching this movie if it hadn't been consistently popping up on the top of the list for Netflix's recommended movies for me.  I can see why it would be recommended.  It depicts a lot of very specific quirks, thoughts, and annoyances that people have.  Well some of the things might seem idiosyncratic, I think a lot of people will find themselves identifying with the main character.  His strange rituals may not be exactly the same as the ones that the viewer has cultivated, but most people have these strange thoughts and ticks that have built throughout their lives.  The strange thing he has to do with his pants every time he sits down is hilarious because many of us have certain things we have to do to be comfortable.  The thoughts he has when riding the train about exactly where he should sit to avoid a plethora of different possible annoying scenarios with other passengers are probably the types of things all of us have thought.  The strange dance that occurs on the bus when one person leaves and everyone switches seats might be a bit exaggerated, but is indicative of a lot of real scenarios.  I'm sure there are lots of things here that would be even more relevant to people familiar with modern Polish society, but for the most part I think it would be quite identifiable to a lot of different modern cultures.

The main reason I could not give this the highest score is because of just how pessimistic it is.  You can identify with the annoyances of modern life, but it's hard to be too sympathetic with the protagonist when it's clear his horrible attitude has a huge bearing on how his life has panned out and how he goes through his day.  Some of the things in the film that seem so invasive into his world could be subjectively viewed a lot less hostile if he had a different attitude or perspective.  To throw my Christian worldview into this again, this is a movie that shows pretty well what the life and mind of someone is like who is trying to live for themselves instead of living in hope through Christ.  It also shows the frustration of seeing people as enemies or annoyances instead of people of worth made in the image of God.

Rating: 8/10

Under discussion:

Okie Noodling  (2001)

Okie Noodling

Another documentary where the filmmakers couldn't help kind of putting themselves into the film and instigating certain events.  But it wasn't as severe as some instances, and luckily the rest of the film plays out rather well.

The subject of this film is "noodling" which is fishing with your hands.  Specifically, fishing for catfish by sticking your fingers in a hole and wiggling them around until the fish bites your hand and you pull the fish out with it's mouth clamped on to your hand.  These fish do have teeth and these guys do get bloody.  If you find this idea interesting, then the film should satisfy your interest.

The main piece of interference by the filmmakers is setting up a noodling contest.  But I do have to admit it leads to an interesting event with many of the people previously visited in the film all coming together.

Even though I watched it on DVD, it looks like the film is free to watch here with a link on Spout.  So click on it now, and you haven't wasted any money or major effort if you decide it's not for you.

Rating: 7/10