Jul 31, 2022·edited Jul 31, 2022Liked by Greg Olear
If you haven't already done so, be sure to also watch the feature-length movie Irma Vep, that Assayas made with Maggie Cheung in the title role. Also available on HBO Max. It is fantastic.
I’d like to recommend “The Hunt for the Wilderpeople” written and directed by Taika Waititi. Set in New Zealand, it’s a journey movie, both through the beautiful New Zealand countryside and through life. And as many Waititi movies are, it’s quirky. Added plus, most of the cast members are Māori. You can find it on Netflix. And for a series, try “ Borgen,” also on Netflix, including the new season, “Borgen Power and Glory.” It’s mostly in Danish and shows the political ins and outs of a multi-party parliamentary system, where women are often in charge.
Jul 31, 2022·edited Jul 31, 2022Liked by Greg Olear
Oh, Greg, I loved Irma Vep, and I came to watch it the same way as you. I was focused on Mira. At first I couldn't understand why Alicia Vikander, who has played rather stoic roles, would do this silly thing. Here are the gems I took away: Mira had been "played" by her love interests, who were attracted to her fame and wealth. Although, because of a same-sex relationship, she was both teased and sought after, she did not define her sexuality by that romance, but rather simply that she fell in love. Her role gave her a taste of super-power and the ability to overhear what her lovers really thought of her. That was liberating for her and helped her regain her "footing" (that metaphor was abundant) and move on to a wonderful new character. Yes, "Rene" was also great. Good call, Greg.
Ha! Please tell your wife that I had the exact same reaction to "The Staircase". I thought it looked interesting so I started watching the first episode and a few minutes in, I turned it off - I couldn't watch anymore of it. Those opening scenes were so disturbing. I stopped watching "blockbuster" movies many years ago. Mostly because of the proliferation of guns/gunfights. Not how I want to spend my time. I will give Irma Vep a chance. Thank you for the recommendation!
I know you said you didn’t want to watch it Greg, though the serial version of Station Eleven was every bit as good as the book. If you liked Irma Vep, you will very much appreciate Station Eleven.
Jul 31, 2022·edited Jul 31, 2022Liked by Greg Olear
I have not seen Irma Vep, nor have I seen The Gray Man. However, barely a day goes by without at least a moment’s reflection about hope vs. despair.
My science fiction, ideal society Story Project is an antidote to the havoc and despair human civilization is wreaking on this world. Anyone, absolutely anyone, can identify and yabber on and on about humanity’s damage and discord. What we need is a whole lot more stories about redemption, joy and hope.
The news, like the superficial and meaningless commercial slop “The Gray Man,” is saturated with doom and gloom because that makes money.
Hence my commitment to producing a story that brings hope and joy, the prospect of a happy world.
It’s not out of the question. A world where we live happily ever after is in the realm of possibility. Humans get attached to a story, and then that story becomes their dream, if not their reality.
So, until my story is complete, picture a world where the population levels drop dramatically to early 20th century levels, and where for-profit capitalism transforms gradually into cooperatives and worker-owned companies.
I firmly believe that humanity has come out of a Kali Yuga cycle and is on the upswing into a new Golden Age. Probably hundreds of years away still, but at the rate of change these days, it could be quicker.
I never watched the Staircase, but I never needed to. I've had co-workers tell me how great it was (I looked up the actors-- yes I like them all) but the true story & the real guy behind the story is atrocious. Then my co-workers proceeded to tell me about the "Owl theory" -- a quack theory that an owl got her on the balcony made up by the accused's neighbor. (Now it's a running joke in my house).
I just had to stop them in their tracks.
An owl attack? It is as implausible as anything I've ever heard in my life. *sigh*
I can't wait to watch Irma Vep. Thanks for the recommendation.
I miss the days when all I did all day, everyday as a youth was try to learn about artists of all kinds.
Our creative people are our most valuable asset as a society and I feel as if one side is trying to assimilate us all into one box.
Agreed; all these never ending action/total destruction movies are grating on the nerves, not at all entertaining & in fact quite boring. They also aren’t very imaginative since we see the real deal on tv everyday. No matter how attractive Gosling is, I may have to pass on more gratuitous violence; but since I love Vikander & your review piqued my interest I will definitely give it a listen.
One hour later: I watched Euphoria by mistake…lol.
Find El Ganzo or Occupying Ed.
If you haven't already done so, be sure to also watch the feature-length movie Irma Vep, that Assayas made with Maggie Cheung in the title role. Also available on HBO Max. It is fantastic.
Thank you! I have HBO Max and I've seen the title when I channel surf through HBO. Now I will watch it!
I’d like to recommend “The Hunt for the Wilderpeople” written and directed by Taika Waititi. Set in New Zealand, it’s a journey movie, both through the beautiful New Zealand countryside and through life. And as many Waititi movies are, it’s quirky. Added plus, most of the cast members are Māori. You can find it on Netflix. And for a series, try “ Borgen,” also on Netflix, including the new season, “Borgen Power and Glory.” It’s mostly in Danish and shows the political ins and outs of a multi-party parliamentary system, where women are often in charge.
Oh, Greg, I loved Irma Vep, and I came to watch it the same way as you. I was focused on Mira. At first I couldn't understand why Alicia Vikander, who has played rather stoic roles, would do this silly thing. Here are the gems I took away: Mira had been "played" by her love interests, who were attracted to her fame and wealth. Although, because of a same-sex relationship, she was both teased and sought after, she did not define her sexuality by that romance, but rather simply that she fell in love. Her role gave her a taste of super-power and the ability to overhear what her lovers really thought of her. That was liberating for her and helped her regain her "footing" (that metaphor was abundant) and move on to a wonderful new character. Yes, "Rene" was also great. Good call, Greg.
Ha! Please tell your wife that I had the exact same reaction to "The Staircase". I thought it looked interesting so I started watching the first episode and a few minutes in, I turned it off - I couldn't watch anymore of it. Those opening scenes were so disturbing. I stopped watching "blockbuster" movies many years ago. Mostly because of the proliferation of guns/gunfights. Not how I want to spend my time. I will give Irma Vep a chance. Thank you for the recommendation!
Vet. Sorry. Too layered and fragmented. Gray Man. Outstanding Y Chromosome filled.
Excellent recommendation, Greg. Thank you. Will start watching tonight.
Back at you, the multi-national collaboration detective noir: The Pleasure Principle
One of the best tv detective series of all time, ... in my rarely humble opinion ...
Great script, dialogue, direction, superb camera. Tick all the boxes.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678042/reference/
I know you said you didn’t want to watch it Greg, though the serial version of Station Eleven was every bit as good as the book. If you liked Irma Vep, you will very much appreciate Station Eleven.
I have not seen Irma Vep, nor have I seen The Gray Man. However, barely a day goes by without at least a moment’s reflection about hope vs. despair.
My science fiction, ideal society Story Project is an antidote to the havoc and despair human civilization is wreaking on this world. Anyone, absolutely anyone, can identify and yabber on and on about humanity’s damage and discord. What we need is a whole lot more stories about redemption, joy and hope.
The news, like the superficial and meaningless commercial slop “The Gray Man,” is saturated with doom and gloom because that makes money.
Hence my commitment to producing a story that brings hope and joy, the prospect of a happy world.
It’s not out of the question. A world where we live happily ever after is in the realm of possibility. Humans get attached to a story, and then that story becomes their dream, if not their reality.
So, until my story is complete, picture a world where the population levels drop dramatically to early 20th century levels, and where for-profit capitalism transforms gradually into cooperatives and worker-owned companies.
I firmly believe that humanity has come out of a Kali Yuga cycle and is on the upswing into a new Golden Age. Probably hundreds of years away still, but at the rate of change these days, it could be quicker.
Are these on VHS? I have a tape player.
The coat hanger antenna in my RV doesn't
pull in much out here in the desert.
I never watched the Staircase, but I never needed to. I've had co-workers tell me how great it was (I looked up the actors-- yes I like them all) but the true story & the real guy behind the story is atrocious. Then my co-workers proceeded to tell me about the "Owl theory" -- a quack theory that an owl got her on the balcony made up by the accused's neighbor. (Now it's a running joke in my house).
I just had to stop them in their tracks.
An owl attack? It is as implausible as anything I've ever heard in my life. *sigh*
I can't wait to watch Irma Vep. Thanks for the recommendation.
I miss the days when all I did all day, everyday as a youth was try to learn about artists of all kinds.
Our creative people are our most valuable asset as a society and I feel as if one side is trying to assimilate us all into one box.
Agreed; all these never ending action/total destruction movies are grating on the nerves, not at all entertaining & in fact quite boring. They also aren’t very imaginative since we see the real deal on tv everyday. No matter how attractive Gosling is, I may have to pass on more gratuitous violence; but since I love Vikander & your review piqued my interest I will definitely give it a listen.
One hour later: I watched Euphoria by mistake…lol.
I'll have to wait for the DVD. I haven't turned my TV on in 54 months. I quit watching it altogether as i seldom watched it anyway.
Besides i heard Walter Winchell died.
Thank you, headed for this soon. As I appreciate every word you write, I will love Irma Vep