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Jankp's Politically-Incorrect Cinematic GemsJan 26 '04 (Updated Feb 02 '04) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Thought of another (A Boy And His Dog). I'm sure you can think of more. It may seem obvious, but let’s get primed for this list by defining what ‘politically-incorrect’ means to me. I’ve spent some time thinking about which movies belong on it and why; hopefully my choices and this satire category make some sense to you and you’ll advise me in the comments section if they haven’t. I should first say that I haven’t seen Bowling for Columbine yet and it would be politically-incorrect, but instead I’ve chosen movies that are perhaps less obvious and radical. Some are comedies, others are dramas, and all are critical of some form of establishment or thought. I’ve found them inherently shocking, which is pretty thrilling and provocative in thought. Please note that all the movies are highly recommended for your viewing pleasure, but I’m sure that some will appeal more to you. From the order of their initial release: My Man Godfrey (1936): Gregory La Cava, director; Eric Hatch, novel; Morrie Ryskind, screenplay. Depression era comedy with biting commentary on the upperclass. William Powell is a ‘forgotten man’ who socialite Carole Lombard hires as a butler and falls in love with. He sees how lost their lives are and saves them from ruin through his great compassion and intelligence. Fun, witty movie. The Grand Illusion (1937): Jean Renoir, director and writer. WWI dramedy that follows the surprising journeys of French prisoners-of-war. Renoir shows us a ‘gentleman’s war’ in contrast with what they’ve become. See my full review:http://www.epinions.com/content_120819256964 The Great Dictator (1940): Charles Chaplin, director, writer, actor. Hitler banned Chaplin’s sarcastic aping of him from European theaters. It’s a devilishly fun black-and-white, yet also a cry for justice for the Jewish people that will sober you fast. Chaplin has two speaking roles after being a silent film star and his wife Paulette Goddard (Modern Times) also stars. Network (1976): Sidney Lumet, director; Paddy Chayefsky, writer. Scathing critique of television, its producers and effects on all involved. William Holden, Peter Finch and Faye Dunaway are mesmerizing as they clash and learn there’s only so much they can do on their own. Oscars galore. Dead Man (1995): Jim Jarmusch, director and writer. Disturbing look at how white men cause death. An American Indian (Gary Farmer) named Nobody and a young, wounded man mistaken for the poet William Blake (Johnny Depp) meet up in the late 1880s and journey towards destiny while Depp becomes an outlaw and mass murderer. Some comic elements and Neil Young’s blistering, enigmatic score are greatly appreciated. Cannes Man (1996): Richard Martini, final director; various writers. Ingenuous satire of the film industry and how films get made. Listen to the Director’s and Producer’s Commentaries on the DVD. Francesco Quinn (Platoon) is an aspiring screenwriter who goes to the Cannes Film Festival and lets Seymour Cassell, playing a renowned producer (I think), scam real actors, producers and directors into signing up for a nonexistent movie Quinn supposedly wrote! Johnny Depp, Jim Jarmusch, Rebecca Broussard, Robert Evans, John Malkovich etc. Life Is Beautiful (1997): Roberto Benigni, director, writer, actor. Benigni’s character shows us how love can endure all obstacles, even WWII concentration camps, if we only make the effort and not let ugliness get the best of us. War isn’t supposed to be a game or funny, but Benigni makes it so for his little boy. Brilliant in all aspects. Lawn Dogs (1997): John Duigan, director; Naomi Wallace, screenplay. Cutting expose of the problems with privileged society. Mischa Barton plays a rebellious, rich girl longing to discover the magic of life, who befriends a much older, lawnmowing man (Sam Rockwell) in secret. The movie asks more questions than it resolves as you might expect and is captivating in its naked pain and joy. Three Kings (1999): David O. Russell, director; John Ridley, story. Attack on the need for war. Gulf War soldiers (George Clooney, Mark Wahlburg, Ice Cube, Spike Jonze) seek hidden treasure and uncover their humanity as well in the face of their ’enemy.’ Nonstop energy, a little gore and riveting performances by all. Skins(2002): Chris Eyre, director; Adrian C. Louis, novel; Jennifer D. Lyne, screenplay. Independent film showing the reality of being an American Indian today through the eyes of two brothers (Eric Schweig, Graham Greene). It’s not a pretty sight, but great comedy shines through at times along with sarcasm of the media and America’s ’help’. See my full review:http://www.epinions.com/content_94961372804 Also Recommended: Modern Times (1936): Charles Chaplin, director, writer, actor. Depression satire of industry turning Chaplin into a robot, clown, madman, unwitting hero. Contempt (1963): Jean-Luc Godard, director/writer. Criticizes Hollywood and men/women relations with Brigitte Bardot, Fritz Lang and Michel Piccoli. Full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_128245010052 Brazil (1985): Terry Gilliam, director. Orwellian society that has a bureaucrat try to correct a mistaken arrest, but is branded a terrorist in the process. Express review:http://www.epinions.com/content_114518953604 Lady Chatterley (1992): Ken Russell, director and screenplay; D.H. Lawrence, novel. Critique of interclass relationships, adultery and industry. Racy, but not porn. See my full review: http://www.epinions.com/content_126070394500 Blow (2001): Ted Demme, director. Raw look at 70s’ burgeoning cocaine trade as begun by George Jung (Johnny Depp). True story with no Hollywood trappings. Peter Sellers movies! And so it goes...  |
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