I agree with some of your takes, disagree wildly with others (I think Sinners is a flawed and occasionally clunky masterpiece, a film whose importance and significance will grow with time just because of who made it and how it landed). And while I wasn't as blown away by Bugonia as I wanted to be, the commitment of the actors, including Donny, who's an actual kid on the spectrum, carried it for me. Plus I've seen and enjoyed the original Korean film, Save the Green Planet and think it's the rare worthy English-language remake. But where we most align is on Train Dreams, a beautiful, lyrical yet very accessible art object of a film that felt more like a novel come to life than most movies can ever strive to attain, and I'd 've been shocked if you didn't love it, seeing as it reminded me of the lyricism of your own literary work in some significant ways.
Always look forward to your thoughts on this, Stephen. Sinners is almost certainly a better film than I was able to experience. I hope at some point, filmmakers will realize that most people watch movies at home now, not in theaters, and that's not likely to change. Sinners isn't the first film I found unwatchable in this way, and I'm sure it won't be the last. The current natural lighting fetish can be problematic on TV screens. However, all the other films I wrote about this year were fine on the same TV on which Sinners was so hard to see. As for Donny, I felt the film tried to make comedy out of his differences, which I didn't find funny. And I didn't see his death as clearly motivated or as furthering the story. All that aside, we totally agree on the artistic success of Train Dreams. I just can't think of any other film that has hit me quite like that. And, as a writer, it's an honor to be thought comparable to Denis Johnson in even the slightest sense, so thanks for the kind words! I've read a few of his novels, but not Train Dreams, so add that to the TBR list! Also, gotta reiterate that I could listen to Will Patton narrate just about anything. I've listened to a couple audiobooks read by him, and always find him measured, sonorous, emotional without histrionics, and able to keep me in the dreamworld of the story.
Whatever made you think you're not a film critic? You've simply found no one willing to pay you for it. Mostly, I'd. guess, because you've not looked. Great job.
Thanks for your much anticipated rundown on BPN, Roy :) After Anora won last year, I'd almost given up hope there was still a brain left at the Dolby, but then I saw Hamnet in the theater and was revitalized, faith restored for now. I plan to watch Train Dreams before the event.
Another movie that you didn't mention was Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. I know this movie didn't get good reviews. But I didn't expect to like it, or Jeremy Allen White's portrayal of Springsteen, as much as I did. Tears were shed in this household!
Anyway, I'm sorry you didn't like Sinners. We watched it in the theatre, and not only was the lighting right for that, the sound shook the walls!
I agree with some of your takes, disagree wildly with others (I think Sinners is a flawed and occasionally clunky masterpiece, a film whose importance and significance will grow with time just because of who made it and how it landed). And while I wasn't as blown away by Bugonia as I wanted to be, the commitment of the actors, including Donny, who's an actual kid on the spectrum, carried it for me. Plus I've seen and enjoyed the original Korean film, Save the Green Planet and think it's the rare worthy English-language remake. But where we most align is on Train Dreams, a beautiful, lyrical yet very accessible art object of a film that felt more like a novel come to life than most movies can ever strive to attain, and I'd 've been shocked if you didn't love it, seeing as it reminded me of the lyricism of your own literary work in some significant ways.
Always look forward to your thoughts on this, Stephen. Sinners is almost certainly a better film than I was able to experience. I hope at some point, filmmakers will realize that most people watch movies at home now, not in theaters, and that's not likely to change. Sinners isn't the first film I found unwatchable in this way, and I'm sure it won't be the last. The current natural lighting fetish can be problematic on TV screens. However, all the other films I wrote about this year were fine on the same TV on which Sinners was so hard to see. As for Donny, I felt the film tried to make comedy out of his differences, which I didn't find funny. And I didn't see his death as clearly motivated or as furthering the story. All that aside, we totally agree on the artistic success of Train Dreams. I just can't think of any other film that has hit me quite like that. And, as a writer, it's an honor to be thought comparable to Denis Johnson in even the slightest sense, so thanks for the kind words! I've read a few of his novels, but not Train Dreams, so add that to the TBR list! Also, gotta reiterate that I could listen to Will Patton narrate just about anything. I've listened to a couple audiobooks read by him, and always find him measured, sonorous, emotional without histrionics, and able to keep me in the dreamworld of the story.
Whatever made you think you're not a film critic? You've simply found no one willing to pay you for it. Mostly, I'd. guess, because you've not looked. Great job.
I loved this! You SHOULD be a film critic. THANKS!
Thanks for your much anticipated rundown on BPN, Roy :) After Anora won last year, I'd almost given up hope there was still a brain left at the Dolby, but then I saw Hamnet in the theater and was revitalized, faith restored for now. I plan to watch Train Dreams before the event.
Another movie that you didn't mention was Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. I know this movie didn't get good reviews. But I didn't expect to like it, or Jeremy Allen White's portrayal of Springsteen, as much as I did. Tears were shed in this household!
Anyway, I'm sorry you didn't like Sinners. We watched it in the theatre, and not only was the lighting right for that, the sound shook the walls!
I liked the Springsteen flick, and thought that guy did a fine job. I’d nominate him for Best Actor over the guy from The Secret Agent.