Lorna's Silence - wonderful - probably their best (this after i placed 2 of their films in my Top 10 (at 4 and 10) for my recent Top 100).
Lorna clearly cites Bresson's
L'argent, with added commentaries on gender and immigration/(global)citizenship, while offering a damning critique of capitalism/money fetishizing - all without feeling like they are trying to make a statement. Lorna has the standard feel of other Dardennes films - non-steady camera work with frequent close-ups, naturalistic acting, a limited diagetic soundtrack, and a generally gritty texture - which, as always, perfectly accentuates the settings and content. however, the final few minutes have a different feel than typical for their work and i think it was pulled off to amazing effect.
I need to go back and find pix's critique, which stopped me from going to this a few days ago, and might have been a little blessing as i went in with lowered expectations.
the AMC i went to had the film mis-framed, so i missed the first 2ish minutes of subtitles - CINECAST!ers!
Elephant - damn, i wish i would have revisited this for my 100. the atmospheric quality of the film is what i was searching for to have represented on my list. i love the sound design, minimalism, and the way the film simmers with the impending finale looming. van sant is horrifically under-rated
Rome, Open City (Roberto Rossellini, 1945)
This is so great. It would've totally been a candidate for my top 100 had I seen it in time....
B+ (Right at the top end of the B+, so nearly an A-)
If B+ films are likely candidates for your Top 100 films of all-time, it's probably time to revise your grading system again. Even if you claim not to have seen that many films, etc. etc. I mean, I was totally shocked (but pleased) to see Black Orpheus on your list after you only rated it just a B+ a couple months back.
Hi, roujin.
pixote
been meaning to visit
Rome for quite some time now, hopefully this kicks my pants.
Black Orpheus is another that just missed my 100, it was one of the final few traded out