The Shining, The Air I Breathe, Lust, Caution
Shining, The
[ 4 stars out of 4 ]
I saw this film when I was about thirteen years old and I was absolutely horrified. Even though I was scared, I couldn’t help but keep watching because it was so interesting. Seven years later, nothing much has changed. Jack Nicholson was perfectly casted because he has that natural manace and craziness that are both amusing and intimidating. I completely believed with the way his character changed from a somewhat distant father to a murderous ax-swinging psychopath. Even though most people think that the way Shelley Duvall acted was annoying, I thought it was exemplary. I don’t think this film would have been as scary without her constant freak-outs, trembling voice, and maternal instinct. I could tell that she was pushed and did her best. I must also give kudos to Danny Lloyd for playing a kid that is more sensitive to paranormal activities than regular people. At times, I thought he was a little too good and that made it creepier. I think this is one of the greatest Stanley Kubrick films. Like “2001: A Space Odyssey,” this film was made with such focus and intensity, it’s impossible to admire its timelessness. The best part of this masterpiece is the build-up to the climax. He was able to juggle the difference between suspense and horror–every silence, shadow, and empty hall posed a threat. I certainly wouldn’t want to stay at the Overlook Hotel. Without the sense of complete isolation that Kubrick masterfully wielded, I don’t think this picture would have been as effective. After the credits started rolling, I couldn’t help but just sit and think about it all. And then it occured to me: the best horror is the kind that lingers.
Air I Breathe, The
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
I thought this film took just the right steps. More than half of the time, I was really interested in what was going on because the events that were unfolding were multilayered. Although there are four main storylines, characters fuse into other storylines so the film felt more concrete. As for the actors, I haven’t seen Brendan Frasier in anything for a while so it was nice to see him here. Even though his character was supposed to be this tough guy, the audiences come to realize that he’s more complex than that. He’s actually sensitive and he does think a lot about action and their consequences. I didn’t really expect Emile Hirsch to have that big of a role but I was surprised that he managed to shine every time he’s on screen. In fact, he provided the much needed comic relief when things started to get a little too serious. Lastly, I’m glad that Sarah Michelle Gellar isn’t running from a Japanese ghost this time around. Even though her storyline is the weakest because her character is not that deep, I enjoyed watching her because her depression here reminded me of Season 6 of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” I guess it’s just refreshing to see her in something else other than an inferior Japanese horror remake. Overall, about two-thirds of the film worked for me so I am ultimately recommending it. I’m surprised that not a lot of critics liked this movie because I thought it was focused and consistently fascinating.
Lust, Caution
[ 3 stars out of 4 ]
Yes, there is no excuse for this movie to be more than two hours long. It dragged on and on but I must admit that I was glued to the screen. I don’t see a lot of Asian cinema so I was automatically interested. Ang Lee made a beautiful picture but I’m afraid it lacks a big emotional wallop. For a thriller about spies, it lacks tension. In fact, this is more an observant picture than anything else. It takes its time to get to the point. And when it finally did, it’s kind of disappointing most of the time. Nonethless, I think all the actors did a great job because I actually believed their characters to exist in the given time period. Not only that, it made me want to learn more about what was going on in that particular era. The infamous sex scenes are the most memorable part of the film because that’s when things get complex. Many emotions are revealed and it shows that the characters are always playing a game that resembles chess. One wrong move and it’s over. With a little bit more time on the cutting room floor and adding more tension-filled scenes, I think this could’ve turned out to be a totally different picture–a movie that the mainstream would enjoy and love. Unfortunately, Lee decided to take more risks. And for that, I’m giving him kudos. I saw a lot of potential in this film… but only a few of them were realized.
Hi Franz, thought I would check out your site..nice layout! I have to agree with you on The Shining; it’s a great horror movie. And yes that horror that stays with you and plays with your mind is the best kind. It’s probably my favourite Jack Nicholson role outside of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. In a way, he creeped me out from the start…you can nearly sense the potential for madness in him!