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Reviews
Antitrust (2001)
Technical thriller mostly free of fingernails on blackboards.
After seeing "You Got Served" I needed a transitional title before continuing the quest for cinematic art. This move jumped out since it occupied the beginning of the Thriller section at Video Central and I had seen two out of the three titles in the numeric subsection that came before 'A.'
This movie was actually somewhat enjoyable and not completely transparent with its twists and turns. Most people will at least be pleasantly surprised with the storyline and the actors aren't completely horrible. Tim Robbins kinda stands out as the big name applied to a big character, but there are other supporting roles with familiar and (cute?) faces.
The part that makes this film really good is that much like "Wargames" you can actually watch this as a technologically-minded person along side normal people without incident. The IP addresses actually apply unlike the crack-smoking insanity we saw in "The Net." There is actual code on the screen and various aspects of the information security model Milo has to contend with are truly legitimate.
Antitrust keeps this technical detail in the background for the most part allowing the sane to enjoy the movie as a thriller while the geeks get to see the details mostly painted in. It is unusual for someone to go to the trouble and apply such finesse much less pull it off. There is some rhetoric about open source that can be somewhat annoying to anyone involved in the movement, but at least they keep the comments on track and carry the main message of open source. Freedom.
I wonder if Tim Robbins has a Linux server tucked away in his house?
The Trigger Effect (1996)
aptly placed in the "thriller" section (minor spoilers)
I decided to rent this movie in light of recent events and history with the U.S. power grid. This movie holds no promise of showing how civilization anywhere would actually react to these trying circumstances. That being said. I think it is still a good picture as long as you relax and enjoy the thrill.
The characters exist in an intermingled web of society and circumstance that takes us beyond their surface existence and into the dark side when the lights go out. We begin to see dark relationships and divisions that exist in a supposedly mundane life. Bad repair jobs turn into robbers, neighbors into murders and love into.. ..well you'll just have to watch and see.
Not a picture of high art, but not suffering from the lack of any true technical consideration in the plot. It probably will make you very frustrated if you are a HAM radio operator, so don't watch it if you fall into that criteria. Everyone else should enjoy this movie; very tense edge-of-your-seat stuff.
P.S. You DO get to see Lizzy's breasts, as usual.
La chiave (1983)
Cover art betrays a masterpiece
This DVD had been calling out to me from the cult section of my local video store for about two months before I rented it. The cover art of Stefania projects an allure that is only the begining of a very profound experience. Brass manages to create a film that doesn't make some epic statement of love, society and relationships. Instead he presents a rather odd and erotic situation that makes you think and feel (in various ways) the gravity of the characters situations. The film is also not afraid to come accross as a little silly at times.
Don't be mistaken, this is first and foremost and erotic movie, but it manages something masterful in that genre. Tinto Brass has constructed a very nice platform for sensual expression in this film. I wouldn't advise seeing it with your local bible study group, but it isn't frat boy tissue party material either. If you are open to nudity and sensuality this could be just the movie to share with your partner on a night alone together. The sets and the actors are well done, but you still get to see plenty of sex. Tinto's Key is the perfect movie to potentially unlock those who are "one the fence" when it comes to erotic cinema.
Mâdadayo (1993)
Grace in living
This movie illustrates a grace in living that seems so hard in everyday affairs, but shines through clearly when observed in others. Kurosawa understands that movies show us things rather than actually tell us something, and this film makes no exception to the form. Visual paintings are assembled on a canvas of film using the pigments of light in a way that only Kurosawa will ever know. The result is that you are shown grace and joy in a life that is as real and believable as your own. It still amazes me how we as humans can create such wonderful and beautiful things as this movie. Try watching it with the subtitles off, even if you don't speak Japanese. Forget that there aren't any aliens, car chases or supermodels posing as girl-next-door love interests and just take in the sheer imagery of life. You won't be disappointed with this movie.
Pay special attention to the passing of the seasons outside the shed towards the middle of the picture. The use of color to convey the feelings of each season is brilliantly universal.