Rob Christopher's Blog, page 49

3 things about Jafar Panahi’s NO BEARS

No Bears [2022]

1. He points out that they already have a witness. When they admit the child’s testimony is inadmissible, he counters that nonetheless they’re using it to pressure him.
2. He quickly steps back from the border.
3. Washing the telltale dust off his car.

What can I say? Another masterpiece. When it comes to genuine innovation, it’s stunning how easy Panahi makes it all look. Going to be thinking about the opening and closing shots for a long, long time.

3 things about Brian G. Hutton’s ZEE AND CO.

Zee and Co. [1972]

1. “There’s nothing I hate more than soulful people. She’s always a little out of breath and sees beauty in everything. Especially in shit.”
2. Margaret Leighton’s enormous wig and glasses.
3. Dumping his suitcase on the hood of his car.

3 things about Wendell B. Harris Jr.’s CHAMELON STREET

Chameleon Street [1989]

1. “That afternoon I went to Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast to help get my mind right.”
2. Photo op with the mayor of Detroit.
3. Fake French.

3 things about George Miller’s THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF LONGING

Three Thousand Years of Longing [2022]

1. Bewildered, terrified Einstein.
2. Books disguised as bottles.
3. She packs his things into a new cardboard box and adds it to the shelf in her basement next to an identical cardboard box that contains the detritus of her ex-husband.

3 things about Ralph Nelson’s ONCE A THIEF

Once a Thief [1965]

1. Unrestrained Ann-Margaret.
2. Warped killer’s POV.
3. Senseless: the gun has no bullets left, yet he keeps it in his hand.

A real letdown. Clichéd plotting and dialog just sinks it. A dream cast and striking San Francisco atmosphere can’t save it.

3 things about John McNaughton’s WILD THINGS

Wild Things [1998]

1. Muddy Jeep.
2. “Guidance counselors get to find out all sorts of interesting things.” Panties in his front pocket.
3. Salvaged false teeth.

3 things about Max Barbakow’s PALM SPRINGS

Palm Springs [2022]

1 “What if we get sick of each other?”
“We’re already sick of each other. It’s the best.”
2. Videoconferencing with a quantum physicist.
3. Side by side on pizza slices.

3 things about Joshua Pikovsky & Jordan Tetewsky’s HANNAH HA HA

Hannah Ha Ha [2022]

1. “Well, history repeats itself.”
“No it doesn’t, there’s never been an iPhone before.”
2. Unscrewing the peanut butter, unscrewing the jelly.
3. He ran for mayor as a Leninist.

3 things about Hayao Miyazaki’s HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE

Howl’s Moving Castle [2004]

1. He helps himself to a log.
2. Instant beard.
3. Kissing Turnip-head.

3 things about Bianca Stigter’s THREE MINUTES: A LENGTHENING

Three Minutes: A Lengthening [2021]

1. Linden trees.
2. Deducing the owner of the grocery.
3. Couples dancing to British music on the radio.