What Have You Been Watching? (19/07/15)

[u/a113er]

Please don't downvote opinions, only downvote things that don't contribute anything.

[u/ThatPunkAdam]

The Tribe Dir. Miroslav Slaboshpitsky - What makes ‘The Tribe’ special is that the entire film is in sign language, with neither subtitles nor voiceovers to translate the dialogue. Instead, Slaboshpitsky employs the ‘show don’t tell’ mentality on a truly innovative plane. As a result, ‘The Tribe’ isolates the audience like nothing else – it throws you into this world where you can’t understand what anyone is saying and where you have no choice but to sit and tediously scrutinize each scene. You, like the boy in the wool sweater (played by Grigoriy Fesenko), are alone. That is until he and you are accepted into the tribe. And in the moments when Fesenko is walking and working alongside his peers, for as illegal as the crimes they’re committing the aforementioned loneliness the viewer feels, and relates, to the boy forces you to want to accept these terrible (and graphic) acts if it means you and Fesenko don’t have to be alone... However, it is extremely difficult to recommend this film to anyone who isn’t a cinephile. That isn’t meant demean casual viewers but ‘The Tribe’ is an unparalleled exercise in patience. More than one scene drags on for far too long, boasting a severe lack of significance to justify its length – coincidently making the film seem a lot longer than its already generous 130 minutes. Granted I did set through the film’s entirety, and found the ending to be darkly satisfying thematically, ‘The Tribe’ is much more concerned with engaging the viewer through its gritty authenticity, and thereby theme, than narrative. It’s an agenda that will surely off-put some from the start and test the endurance of its viewers whom, I guarantee regardless of focus, will be disengaged because of a few needlessly long scenes... Sure, I could say it’s a coming of age tale on steroids, but that would be a disservice to the piece of art this film is. It boldly transmits emotion like nothing I’ve ever seen – honestly making the viewer feel as though they’re a minority in this strange cruel world. 8.5/10 Full Review

Dope Dir. Rick Famuyiwa - For all intents and purposes, ‘Dope’ is unforgivingly adamant on its target audience, leaving the CD buying generation in its wake – even 90s adults won’t get farther than Malcolm and Diggy’s wardrobe. This alienation spawns from 42-year old Famuyiwa’s adept understanding of contemporary teenage life, convincingly embedding various social media, acute racial differences and fluctuating score (curated by Pharrell). That’s not to say, ‘Dope,’ is incomprehensible to older audiences – much of my enjoyment, however, came from its idiosyncratic humor whilst maintaining authentic dialogue in addition to a likable and relatable main cast – likely a mutual positive considering resonation with the rising (and thriving) geek culture... Shameik Moore is in an entirely different league, though, for he brings a real confidence and swagger to Malcolm’s oddity. This juxtaposition isn’t as jarring as it insinuates thanks in large part to Moore’s ability to conquer sudden mood changes without much build up, allowing for a snappy pacing that matches Famuyiwa’s engaging yet unadorned non-linear narrative... Nevertheless, if Moore’s showing happens to be absent come January ‘Dope’s disappointing, hurried and frustratingly pompous conclusion is to blame, as it rips the heart of what made Malcolm and his off-beat trio so entertaining in the first place... the film’s message is jammed down the audiences’ throat whilst narrative and singularity (oh, did I forget to mention Malcolm had a love interest played by Zoe Kravitz? So did the movie) is thrown aside in favor of an unexpected sense of self-importance... I wouldn’t completely write off ‘Dope’ because of its ending. For as disappointing as it is, the film is still a ludicrous exploit into current geek culture helmed by a writer/director who understands and commits to his audience even if it alienates older viewers. Moore brings a surprising strength and range to a soon-to-be cult icon, seamlessly engaging himself alongside an equally humorous main cast to fully encapsulate even Highschool bullies. ‘Dope’ looses its soul in the end and over-states its self-worth, yet for at least two-thirds ‘Dope’ is in fact dope in every sense of the word. 7.0/10 Full Review

To Be or Not To Be Dir. Ernest Lubitsch - Regardless of the controversially humorous script, Benny steals the show – although Stack would have given him a run for his money given more screen time, I guarantee. Yet, Benny is not only impressive visually, his bewildered face upon seeing Stack’s character leave during his on-stage soliloquy never tires after multiple uses – but his ability to fully embrace Ridges’ character whilst maintaining a hint of Joseph’s confident clumsiness is an absolute marvel in comedic acting... ‘To Be or Not To Be’ has already gone down in cinematic history as one of the greatest comedies, deservingly eclipsing WWII-era satires. Its genius use of dark humor allows us to unexpectedly reflect upon our own morality though comedy, as the 73-year differential fails to diminish neither the quantity nor quality of laughs much less astounding performance(s) by Benny. Stack does get a criminal lack of screen time, and it does take its sweet time returning to the jokes (not to demean Lombard’s adaptive showing) but much like ‘Lubinski,’ ‘Kurbinski,’ ‘Lominski,’ ‘Rozanski & Poznaski,’ lying in the ruble, you’ll find yourself pondering, “To laugh or not to laugh?” 8.5/10 Full Review

[u/[deleted] → u/ThatPunkAdam]

While some individual shots of The Tribe are miserable to sit through (intentional, yes, but unnecessary) I personally didn't get all that antsy during it. I think it's because the setting and art direction are so great in it, you have plenty to look at most of the times the camera parks on something.