Matthew’s Letterboxd Watchlist
I spent some time in the last week logging films in Letterboxd that I’d seen before 2018. So far I’m up to about 1100. The main reason was to fill out some of the notable lists they advertise, but in doing so I’ve noticed a number of significant movies or pop culture items that I think I’d be expected to watch. Films like Citizen Kane, Rashomon, and Vertigo that I know because of their importance and the number of references to them, but have never seen. I’d like to see them, so I think that will be another way to fill out the 365 films this year.
There are pop culture films that are ‘must see’ but I’m not planning on watching. Singing in the Rain, The Sound of Music, and Shakespeare in Love are films I probably should see, but for one reason or another I find myself lacking the desire to do so. Maybe eventually.
And I’ve noticed this week I’ve seen a number of films with punctuation in the titles. I don’t think it means anything, it just feels like an oddity.
The Cloverfield Paradox
What a treat to wake up on a Monday morning and find a new movie available to watch that hasn’t even been advertised before, and in a genre I’m very fond of. The anthology structure of Cloverfield films is a really interesting take, and I feel like I can’t judge it too much until we’ve had a lot more understanding of what’s going on. So taking this film on its own merits… it’s only okay. There are some interesting things but I’d recommend something like Event Horizon before this. I’m not even sure this is going to be useful as a reference to the wider Cloverfield pieces other than a note about their origin.
War Dogs
I was recommended to this by my friend Dave. The trailer had looked interesting but a little Jonah Hill goes a long way, so I wasn’t sure. I’m glad I did watch it – the story was incredibly well told, with some terrific moments and a good insight into the world of FedBizOpps.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
My reaction when this came out was somewhat muted, I was prepared to love something new in the Star Wars universe and ultimately felt let down by a not great movie. I wanted to watch it again to see if my feelings changed or I could react differently, but sadly not. The film introduces too many new characters and locations too quickly and with not enough detail on motivations and relationships. Some of the plotting of the set pieces is baffling (why do they need to be told the location of the data file and use arms to get it out then take it to another location to transmit it?), as is the use of the Death Star. Probably this means Star Wars films are no longer made for someone like me to enjoy as a one off experience, but for people who want to read info about characters online, see the snippets and other small details on action figures, video games etc.
Power Rangers
Another recommendation, this from Caitlin on Twitter (@caitlingss), having discussed an enjoyment of large mecha and family of choice for Pacific Rim a while back. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the film. It’s not doing anything particularly unexpected, but part of that stems from younger viewers being the target audience for this, so they won’t have the experience with action films of this type. The fights were good, the team bonding was well done, and Elizabeth Banks clearly relishing her opportunity to ham it up as the villain.
Oh Lucy!
I actually saw this at a cinema, as part of the Japan Foundation’s film series in London. What I had expected from the title and blurb was a quirky comedy about a Japanese woman following her English teacher to the USA. What I got was something very dark and almost told with the intention of giving the saddest ending possible. There is probably a lot of truth in the stories told of the titular Lucy, her family, and the other characters, but definitely the film is mistitled at the very least. As much as there was a lot to discuss on our journey home, I find myself unable to recommend this film as it’s so bleak and with no characters to support or root for.
I, Tonya
Another cinema trip, I got a free ticket to a preview as part of the Sky VIP programme. And wow was this a good film. The way the story was built up as it went on was so clever, working towards ‘the incident’ and laying the groundwork for what is to come through the early movements. But more than that the performances were incredible – I’m a big fan of Allison Janney anyway, and Sebastian Stan almost disappeared entirely in his role – and the way the movie was shot and delivered was magnificent. The cinematography through the skating routines was just sublime and felt personal, really in Tonya’s POV, but the way we had interviews, fourth wall breaks, contradicting descriptions, and sequences showing the passage of time just blew me away.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Like with Rogue One, I wanted to watch this to gauge my feelings. When I first saw this film it was on a wave of excess hype and high critical praise. I was sad that I didn’t enjoy it as much as everyone else seemed to, so I wondered if I could appreciate it more now. But I’m still sad. The sequences of action and chasing are exquisite, and beautifully moving with a score that changes the way the images are presented. I really enjoy the drama between some of the characters (Michelle Yeoh and Chow Yun Fat in particular), but largely everything else in between them leaves me cold.
Captain Fantastic
Another film I wanted to watch because of critical acclaim. An interesting film, with some good content worthy of discussion and analysis, it seems to be the idea of what if one parenting technique was taken to absolute extremes. There was enough in here that was joyful and heartwarming to make it an enjoyable watch, if somewhat difficult and at times on the cusp of being shocking.
Citizen Kane
As I said before, this was a film I hadn’t seen but was incredibly familiar with, to the extent I knew the reveal of rosebud from an episode of Columbo. Still, sometimes you need to see the origin of something, and this did not disappoint. The style of the film, its combining of genre and technique, as well as the way the central character never actually performs in the story we’re being told in the ‘now’ of the film all delighted me. It’s an incredibly confident piece, which deserves its place in the history of cinema. If I’d come to this before other films I consider favourites (2001, The Godfather) Citizen Kane might be the one I rave about.
Spotlight
I had wanted to watch Spotlight for a while but not had the time to give it proper attention. I’m glad I waited until I could, since the film is so engaging and really benefits from seeing how the story is developed. I had to keep reminding myself it was based on a true story, as I was expecting more revelations or obstacles as it went on. The true strength here is showing how low key everyone, including initially the Spotlight team, treated the allegations and potential cover up until they saw the ramifications. A tremendous watch and deserving of the plaudits it got.
Recommendation
We have a really tricky situation for recommendation this week. On the one hand, Citizen Kane – potentially the greatest film ever made, the spark from which most other great films draw inspiration in some form, but something everyone knows really well. On the other hand, I, Tonya – a newer film that I want to recommend to make sure everyone sees it and can relish the quality of the performances and the production.
I think I have to go I, Tonya, because I want everyone to know it should be seen. I might even go see it a second time because of how much I enjoyed it, and that’s pretty much the best recommendation I can give.