Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

FAQ / News / Events

Films/DVD Asylum

The Two Families of Ettore Scola

216.158.7.57

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Films/DVD Asylum ] [ FAQ ]

Victor Khomenko

I saw "The Family" for the second time last night (the first time was when it came out). With the names of Vittorio Gassman, Stefania Sandrelli, Fanny Ardant, Philippe Noiret and others one would hardly need a special invitation. What a wonderful way to spend two hours! While the title and its Italian origin strongly imply some connection to La Cosa Nostra, there is not even a hint.
The movie doesn't go to any great philosophical depth, much like the "normal" lives of most "normal" people. And that perhaps makes it most relevant and personal. It is not the first or the only movie the present such family portrait, but it is one of the better ones. A wonderful and welcome retreat from the likes of the "Titanic".
Fos someone who has not seen it yet, my strongest recommendation.
At the other extreme of the spectrum of human nature is the "Down and Dirty". I haven't seen it in years, and will watch it tonight again. My wife has not seen it yet, and I don't know if she will be able to sit through it all - so depressing and obnoxious are the surroundings and the characters. This is one sick panopticon that cries for an atomic bomb to erase it. One is well advised to have a strong stomach and philosophical outlook on life - else the viewing might become tortureous. So Down and so Dirty it is... Do people like that even exist?
So pick the family that better answers your emotional needs.

Follow Ups:

My strongest recommendation for "Down and Dirty" Victor Khomenko 05:49:01 05/02/00 (2)
It is simply incredible with a trully outstanding, unforgettable performance by Nino Manfredi. I can assure you that you will keep returning to his face again and again in your memory.
My fears were misplaced - not only did my wife watch it in its entirety, we were simply riveted to the screen for two hours. I is good that I keep it from her for several years. A definite must for anyone who loves good movies.
Having watched this group for awhile, I know there is going to be a stampede at rental places tonight.
As an added benefit, right when I was ready to rewind the tape, the new movie started to roll. Turned out, there was Visconti's "Bellisima" with Anna Magnani recorder right after that. Talk about two gems for the price of one. Something good to watch tonight.
After the Down and Dirty I turned on the television and was greeted by the Eyes Wide Shut. The contrast was striking. I could not believe how flat, lacking in imagination, even just plain inept that movie looked when next to a *real* cinema work. It was like a race horse with broken back jerking its legs. No sense, to beauty to those motions... I couldn't stand it and switch to some stupid action film for few minutes - that returned the serenity to my brain. It does feel more and more that Kubrick for the most of his heritage, except for the "Paths" and "Barry", was just a Potemkin Village without any foundation. Inflated empty facades that attrach the attention of the inexperienced. It all looks much more natural now. While before the Eyes seemed out of place in his sequence of films, now it makes perfect sense. It is simply more of what he has been all along - a shallow interpretator, more interested in form than in substance. Now the things like the "2001" and "The Shining" don't need to be explained any longer, for they really are what he was. He seems as fake as most American pop artists.
- Do I smell a TROLL? Stephen Hayes 06:56:28 05/02/00 (1)
  Or is the coffee just weak this morning?
  - Starbucks time! late 08:34:23 05/02/00 (0)
    hi,
    Victor might pull your leg; but i can't imagine him trolling.
My strongest recommendation for "Down and Dirty" Victor Khomenko 05:48:53 05/02/00 (0)
It is simply incredible with a trully outstanding, unforgettable performance by Nino Manfredi. I can assure you that you will keep returning to his face again and again in your memory.
My fears were misplaced - not only did my wife watch it in its entirety, we were simply riveted to the screen for two hours. I is good that I keep it from her for several years. A definite must for anyone who loves good movies.
Having watched this group for awhile, I know there is going to be a stampede at rental places tonight.
As an added benefit, right when I was ready to rewind the tape, the new movie started to roll. Turned out, there was Visconti's "Bellisima" with Anna Magnani recorder right after that. Talk about two gems for the price of one. Something good to watch tonight.
After the Down and Dirty I turned on the television and was greeted by the Eyes Wide Shut. The contrast was striking. I could not believe how flat, lacking in imagination, even just plain inept that movie looked when next to a *real* cinema work. It was like a race horse with broken back jerking its legs. No sense, to beauty to those motions... I couldn't stand it and switch to some stupid action film for few minutes - that returned the serenity to my brain. It does feel more and more that Kibrick for the most of his heritage, except for the "Paths" and "Barry", was just a Potemkin Village without any foundation. Inflated empty facades that attrach the attention of the inexperienced. It all looks much more natural now. While before the Eyes seemed out of place in his sequence of films, now it makes perfect sense. It is simply more of what he has been all along - a shallow interpretator, more interested in form than in substance. Now the things like the "2001" and "The Shining" don't need to be explained any longer, for they really are what he was. He seems as fake as most American pop artists.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

You can not post to an archived thread.