Poll0001: L. Bangs Really Over-Rates This Film...
Submitted by lbangs on Thu, 02/22/2001 - 02:28
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You all hear me yap enough, here's your chance to talk back. Above is a list of my favorite films, films I am constantly promoting here on Listology. Which one least deserves my high praise?
Please, only vote for a film you have actually seen...
Hmmm...I didn't realize at first that Lawrence of Arabia was on here. I may have chosen that over Maltese Falcon. Other than its surface beauty, what's the big deal with that one?
Also, how can I view your 100 best films list? Your profile only shows 100-91 & 90-81...*sigh*
I've a poor review of Lawrence that at least touches on a bit of what I love about the film, if that helps.
Alas, I never finished that project. In the last two months, I've thought about picking it back up. I'm still thinking...
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Hmmm. The review ain't shabby at all. It touches on some ideas regarding the main character that I hadn't fully considered, so it holds some weight there. Lawrence of Arabia bored me somewhat the only time I've seen it (about a year ago) and it wasn't due to the length (I love long films if they're exceptionally done and worthy of their length). I just recall the film being superficially epic. It alludes to and claims to have this grand scale, but it didn't seem to purvey it nearly as much as it talks about it, and there wasn't enough emotional weight or compelling evolutions in plot to take me along on the vast journey it was pretending to have. O'Toole gives a memorable performance for sure, but his enigmas/idiosynchrocies can't cover for the whole picture, and make it as densely compelling as I would prefer. But alas, I shall see it again and will let you know how that goes when I get around to it.
Re: your top 100 films. I really hope you return to it. I find your reviews very insightful and always an interesting read, even those I disagree with.
Stunned by 2001 getting the most votes. It's wierd how such a beautiful, techinically brilliant, mesmerizing, and imaginative film still garners such division.
I chose Maltese Falcon. It's been about 10 yrs since I saw it so maybe I just need to rewatch, but I recall being very disappointed (even bored, so much so that today I barely remember what happens) and thinking it was one of the most overrated films of all time. But oh well, it's highly acclaimed by practically anyone and everyone, so what the hell do I know?
Hey what happened to your top 100 films list? Bring it back or else!!! ( :
I love the film, but I can understand 2001 collecting lots of votes. It is the type of film which is almost made to make people scratch their heads, take a short nap, or check watches. It is long, not too concerned with explaining itself, and even lacks dialogue for incredibly long patches right at the beginning and the end!
And, did I mention I love it? :)
Try Maltese Falcon again. I adore the movie. Even ignoring the fact that it set much of what the entire film noir movement was about, it is a short, economical thriller with an emotional punch when you least expect it and Bogart in his full glory. Doesn't mean you'll like it, natch, but it might be worth one more game try...
You know what you like and what you don't, and I reckon that's plenty!
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
Yea, I should check it out again. Every time I see it feverishly loved I wonder if there's something I missed. Time to settle this once and for all.
Report back! :)
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
I'm not surprised about 2001, personally. I love the film, but I still think it's overrated, as it's often rated as one of the 5 greatest films of all-time, and I wouldn't put it that high. While there are many beautiful, brilliant, mesmerizing, and imaginative scenes in the film, there are also some dull ones IMHO. Plus, I could see how someone else could be put off by its long running time or abstruse storytelling, even if those things don't bother me.
Well, I rewatched 2001 right after writing that and while it blew me away (for the umpteenth time), it was very easy to recognize what remains so head-scratching about it. I am sure the last 30 minutes especially, throw many people up in arms.
Yeah, I've personally witnessed people falling asleep during it.
Drats!
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs
I hate long films.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs ;)
Don't I know it. No wonder you're always raving about Meshes of the Afternoon.
I'm pretty easy to read that way.
Shalom, y'all!
L. Bangs