THE ARTIST (2011)

Catching up on some recent 1001 listings
(Film 12 of 12)

I think it's safe to assume that I will not nearly be finished going through all of the 1001+ film listings by the time the next edition comes out. I also think it's safe to assume The Artist will be in the next edtion so its pretty safe to list it here.

I thought it was remarkable that a black and white silent film could not only get made in this jaded day and age, but also gather enough critical momentum to win the 2011 Best Picture.

I agree with the critic that said that the film received so many accolades, that there seemed to be a bit of a backlash against it. Some began calling it pretentious or gimmicky. That's too bad, really. Removing all the awards and accolades it received and judging it by its own merits, it's creative, enjoyable and you gotta love that dog! It will be a welcome addition to the next edition of the book.

(If for some reason the editiors of 1001 Films You Must See Before You Die decide not to include The Artist, you need to give my a call.)

THE WHITE RIBBON (2009, GERMANY)

Catching up on some recent 1001 listings
(Film 11 of 12)

What can one say about a dark, black and white German drama that raises many questions, but answers few and is very well done but is also at times very frustrating?

How about: The White Ribbon is a dark, black and white German drama that raises many questions, but answers few and is very well done but is also at times very frustrating.

IN THE LOOP (2009), OF GODS AND MEN (2010, FRANCE)

Catching up on some recent 1001 listings
(Films 9 & 10 of 12)

In the Loop (2009) & Of Gods and Men (2010)-It’s interesting when you go down the 1001 Movie list how you really have to shift gears as you jump from film to film. I didn’t know a lot about either of these films before viewing and they almost couldn’t have been more different from one another in tone and pacing. In the Loop is an extremely fast paced story of the British and American government officials preparing for a war. But it’s a comedy! And a pretty funny one, too. West Wing on steroids with more than a hint of Monty Python thrown in. I watched it twice just to try to catch some of the dialogue that I missed.

I then watched Of Gods and Men, a story about a group of Christian monks in Algeria and their attempts to cope with the realities and dangers of life outside their monastery. Compared to In The Loop, this film seems so slow! That’s not necessarily a bad thing, you can’t rush the scenes with monks praying, after all. Of Gods and Men just paints it canvas with a more subtle brush. A much subtler brush. One thing both of these films do have in common is that they seem stronger with repeated viewings. At least a second viewing, anyway. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get emotionally prepared for my 1001 movies double feature viewing of Pink Flamingos
and The Sound of Music.

THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007)

Catching up on some recent 1001 listings
(Film 8 of 12)
There Will Be Blood

"I drink your milkshake!”

The story of an obsessed and totally unlikable oil man in the early part of the 20th century would have been my choice over No Country for Old Men as the Best Picture of 2007.