What a successful film-watching month April turned out to be, folks! As I type this, I’ve got my Letterboxd diary pulled up, and I can’t help but think, “Not too shabby, Marta.
Firstly, what a month of film-watching. Wow! Secondly, I love all the historical context and specificity you bring to all of these rundowns. It's something thats often missing from film discussions. Thirdly, thanks for the shout out! Very happy that Zerograd hit the surreal dystopian sweet spot for you.
Btw, as a fan of Petri, it's a crime that I haven't seen The Working Class Goes to Heaven and your description has me even more interested now. In terms of the Pasolini, years ago I went through his entire filmography and Teorema is one I keep returning to in my mind. I like how you described the visitor as a reflection! Was not aware of Eyimofe or Short Night of Glass Dolls, but added them to the never-ending watchlist. Also, I did end up watching Long Kiss Goodnight and found it mostly enjoyable trash with tons of WTF moments and ludicrous reveals. Fun in that mid to late 90s "they don't make em like this anymore" vein, but I'd argue another 90's action romp also starring Davis and directed by Harlan, Cutthroat Island, is even wilder. Silly and probably objectively bad, but it looks amazing and the practical stunts are insane. It bankrupted the studio!
Again, enjoy the vacation. The films will be here when you return. :)
Jericho — thank you so much for this thoughtful reply and for reading the whole piece! I know it was a long one, ha. I really appreciate you highlighting the historical context I try to include; it’s something I also find so valuable in film writing, especially when it helps illuminate layers that might not be immediately apparent.
And thank you again for the Zerograd rec — what a standout! As you can tell, it was a month of meaty watches (save for Long Kiss Goodnight, lol), which was exactly what I was after. Definitely let me know what you think of Working Class and the others once you dive in. Since you’re already a Petri fan, I have a feeling you’ll really dig it.
Also, glad you brought up Cutthroat Island! While writing up the review, I came across the sheer lore of it all, and now, if anything, I'm even more curious to check it out when I require some '90s shlock. Cheers :)
Firstly, what a month of film-watching. Wow! Secondly, I love all the historical context and specificity you bring to all of these rundowns. It's something thats often missing from film discussions. Thirdly, thanks for the shout out! Very happy that Zerograd hit the surreal dystopian sweet spot for you.
Btw, as a fan of Petri, it's a crime that I haven't seen The Working Class Goes to Heaven and your description has me even more interested now. In terms of the Pasolini, years ago I went through his entire filmography and Teorema is one I keep returning to in my mind. I like how you described the visitor as a reflection! Was not aware of Eyimofe or Short Night of Glass Dolls, but added them to the never-ending watchlist. Also, I did end up watching Long Kiss Goodnight and found it mostly enjoyable trash with tons of WTF moments and ludicrous reveals. Fun in that mid to late 90s "they don't make em like this anymore" vein, but I'd argue another 90's action romp also starring Davis and directed by Harlan, Cutthroat Island, is even wilder. Silly and probably objectively bad, but it looks amazing and the practical stunts are insane. It bankrupted the studio!
Again, enjoy the vacation. The films will be here when you return. :)
Jericho — thank you so much for this thoughtful reply and for reading the whole piece! I know it was a long one, ha. I really appreciate you highlighting the historical context I try to include; it’s something I also find so valuable in film writing, especially when it helps illuminate layers that might not be immediately apparent.
And thank you again for the Zerograd rec — what a standout! As you can tell, it was a month of meaty watches (save for Long Kiss Goodnight, lol), which was exactly what I was after. Definitely let me know what you think of Working Class and the others once you dive in. Since you’re already a Petri fan, I have a feeling you’ll really dig it.
Also, glad you brought up Cutthroat Island! While writing up the review, I came across the sheer lore of it all, and now, if anything, I'm even more curious to check it out when I require some '90s shlock. Cheers :)