Behind every great film lies an even better book. These are words that I have learned to live by after many, many cinematic disappointments.
Bliss is set in Eastern Turkey, where rigid old customs cling tightly against the modern world. It’s a story about a how three separate people’s journeys collide with one another, as they each trek across a conflicted country, while silmultaneously search deeply within their equally conflicted souls. Note: simply from a cinematography perspective, the film is visually intoxicating.
For those of you that didn’t get the chance to see this ‘must see’ film, or read the book (which I’ve ordered), Bliss plays at the best art house movie venue in the world, our very own little slice of cinema heaven, The Cinematheque. Show times: Thursday, December 10th at 8:20p and Friday, December 11th at 7:30p.
Mutululuk
Neve Black
I would not call your opinion a snobby one at all. It is a fact that books are rarely captured well on film.
The book and film sound excellent; wish I could be there for the showing. I’ll be with you in spirit.
Craig,
You’re simply a sweetheart. Thank you for saying that I’m not a snob. I feel like one sometimes with my “I won’t see that. And phsssshhh, I couldn’t possibly EVAH go to and see that” ways. I’m just particular at how I choose to spend my time. I’d rather watch a film that makes me think outside of where and who I am, rather than escape into a false reality, like so many of the hollywood movies produce over and painstakingly over; adding a good-looking movie star that really can’t act, but has somehow convinced the mainstream population that he/she can. Argh. Now I’ve pontificated, haven’t? Sorry.
The real talent lies within the author that creates a screenplay, for a film. That’s my dream. I love books, but I think books are meant to be read and screenplays are meant to be well, made into films. Ole’!
Have a great week. Thank you again.
neve..i just can get along with craig and say thta i dont expirience you as snobby at all…and i totally love your liladvices for movies and flicks…you allways find a gem..:-)
Thank you, Danielle. Very sweet.
I have to confess that I have been known to enjoy the fare from Hollywood sometimes, if nothing more, as a backdrop when I’m doing other things. However, I’m really tiring of the fact that so many movies are just regurgitated old ideas: old or foreign movies (which were done much better originally,) comic books, video games, whatever. Reboot this and rehash that.
For the most part, I too like movies that make me think. When I watch movies on TV, probably 90% of the time it’s on IFC or Sundance. I like movies that show real people, real lives. Yes, the heartbeat of a good movie lies in a strong screenplay. And part of the magic of a movie is the collaboration involved; you need a good director, good actors, and a certain magic to bring a great screenplay to life.
So you ain’t the only one who can pontificate, Neve!
I do have the dream that one of the books I write will make it to the screen, and even think I’d like to try my hand at a screenplay someday though I think it would be odd to see how others interpret what I write.
Anyway, at the risk of being repetitive, your being particular, and even demanding is not being snobby.
Cheers!
Yes, Craig, I know you’ve mentioned on past blog posts as well as commented on your own blog about your love for a well, written, directed and acted film.
I get a little parvo-like about my attitude for film sometimes. I do have friends that live in the mainstream world and that includes their taste in movies. They trot off to the local cineplex and watch some movie that they think is mouth watering good, and I’m throwing up inside over its repulsiveness: bad acting, poorly, poorly written, and a plot line a child could follow. Yawn. Boresville.
I know there’s an awful lot of people in this country that prefer to watch some mindless, piece of garbage, because as they say, “I want to escape from my life”. I want to embrace my life and live it, not hide from it, or what the world has to offer. Ole’!
Thanks for adding your feedback. I know I’m not alone in my desire to see films that evoke provocation of the mind, body and soul.