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In Reply to: Apocalypto -- Not recommended, unless, that is... posted by clarkjohnsen on December 10, 2006 at 05:50:27:
I had mixed feelings about seeing Apocolypso, but your review helps to place the intensity of this film in a perspective that makes it sound like a compelling production. I may just have to take a chance on this one while it's showing locally based on your impressions because this sounds like a film that probably works best on the BIG screen rather than as a rental.In fairness, I realize that I've been a bit critical of your occasional posting of Duncan Shepherd's reviews, in particular strongly critical opinions about films that you haven't seen yourself, because you feel that the critic writes great prose. Well, sometimes Mr. Shepherd does write great prose; other times his writing just seems insufferably pretenscious, but that's just one man's take; others may see this critic's reviews differently.
The point I'm trying to make here is that your first hand reviews are far more interesting and informative, IMHO. Now the ball is in the forum reader's court to assess your impressions and make an effort to see this film while it's playing; you've provided a very nice overview.
AuPh
Follow Ups:
Over the last few years I have written up over half the movies I've seen, occasionally being paid. Frequently my views appear here.The thing is, I don't go to crap like Planet of the Apes. And the "art films" that Victor and I (inter alia) enjoy, you excoriate.
As for posting pointers to reviews, I admire certain writers and simply wish to share their work on AA; I've been much more often thanked, than lambasted by such as you and the unspeakable Analog Scott.
Suggestion: Why don't you just not go there, and save us the bandwidth and time? Besides, who needs the negativity?
"I may just have to take a chance on this one." Yeah, for all the good a great review does!
clark
My point about taking "a chance on this one" wasn't meant to minimalize the value of your review. To the contrary, I was only pointing out that your review may have swayed my decision toward seeing this film after all, as other folks I know have came away with either mixed or negative impressions (mostly due to the apparent level of gore, some folks calling it "torture porn").Also, I don't want to leave the impression that your published reviews aren't appreciated. By now I think that most folks around here are well aware that you are a professional, often paid for your reviews and columns; FTR, I have complimented your published work before. We may differ strongly on some things, but I respect excellence when I perceive it as such.
My general dismissal of "grey poupon" films is based on the fact that folks like Victor and patrick routinely push the foreign fare they like while ridiculing what other people like because they have a prejudice against the popularity, genre or scripting of a given film or series of films. Often they make their condescending assessments without even having seen the film or films in question, which is little more than trolling for reactions in my estimation.
All I ask of folks who choose to criticize a film is that they've at least seen the film prior to assessing it and commenting or linking other reviewer's opinions that correspond to what they believe to be the case. I rarely "excoriate" art house films that I've seen unless I dislike the content based on first hand impressions. However, I have no problem defining an entire genre of European art-house films as "grey poupon" when those who wax poetic on the subject turn around and trash films that other's enjoy, especially when they rarely bother to see the films in question.
I hope that this places things in a little better perspective, and in spite of the occasionally heated rhetoric, it isn't personal. I'd rather not be forced into the position of directing condescending comments toward those who appreciate certain types of films or generalize about the value of those films, but when they target popular films that I appreciate, usually with the intent of provoking negative responses, then turnabout is fair play. Other's mileage will vary, of course.
AuPh
But down to the nitty gritty:-- Who are you to do this asking?
-- Inasmuch as I post pointers to reviews that are laudatory as well as critical, are you suggesting that only the latter be removed from this forum?
-- Have you ever considered simply not reading the offending texts?
Also note, I was a huge and early fan of such as Pirates of the Caribbean, and a detractor of LOTR II, which I did bother to see in the director's cut on the big screen. I am far from averse to what I call "matinee movies".
clark
...before making a determination to see a film; just like most folks. Unfortunately, reading selective published reviewers doesn't provide the kind of accurate first hand information that allows one to discuss the film further and with any knowledgeable authority. Such exchanges can make the difference between staying home and watching a DLP projected film or going out to catch an iffy film at one of our local cinemas. Anybody can read a published review and post it as if it should be the last word on the subject (especially if the review becomes the primary topic of discussion and is taken to literally by folks who haven't seen the film in question).No condescension intended, but is that clear enough for you, Clark?
> > > "Inasmuch as I post pointers to reviews that are laudatory as well as critical, are you suggesting that only the latter be removed from this forum?" < < <
I'm not suggesting that anything be removed! If I've done anything it has been to apply common sense consistently and, using poker vernacular, "calling the bluff" of those posting second-hand opinions in order to "keep 'em honest." If you prefer to post cut 'n paste reviews that are critical of films you haven't seen, that's your business, but I won't be the only one proffering challenges to it.
With cut'n pasted reviews of current films there's the very real liklihood of disuading folks who have seen a film from sharing their informed opinions rather than disagree or try to debate with the jaded perspective of a professional newspaper critic who isn't going to provide feedback.
Now if YOU have seen the film too, that's a whole new ball game, because it's entirely reasonable to bolster your own opinion with that of a reviewer you agree with. The rationale there is that you can debate the qualities and/or inperfections of a film intelligently by sharing your own experiences and recommend or discourage a filmgoer based on first hand knowledge.
> > > "Have you ever considered simply not reading the offending texts?" < < <
That isn't the point. If one is trying to find out about a film from fellow filmgoers who've seen it the so-called "offending remarks" (assuming them to be from a second or third hand source) only serves to cloud the issue.
> > > 'Also note, I was a huge and early fan of such as Pirates of the Caribbean, and a detractor of LOTR II, which I did bother to see in the director's cut on the big screen. I am far from averse to what I call "matinee movies".' < < <
And I'm not criticizing your sharing of opinions on either film even though I enthusiastically concur with the former opinion and strongly disaggree with the latter.
FTR, and allow me to reiterate my comment from the earlier post: I do respect your informed opinions and appreciate the quality of your prose.
AuPh
You have set up a straw-man argument, pretending that I discuss things about films I haven't seen; I do not, I simply post pointers, for both good and bad. Geez Luiz! You're so full of yourself.clark
> > > "You have set up a straw-man argument, pretending that I discuss things about films I haven't seen; I do not, I simply post pointers, for both good and bad." < < <Actually, what I've set up is more akin to a "great Oz" argument since you're apparently a humbug. You would like folks to believe that you're a very good man and I would not contest that, but you've proven time and again that you're a very bad Wizard.
Again, I don't believe that anyone has questioned your critiquing films you HAVE seen; that has NEVER been an issue, AFAIC. This is about linking second-hand opinions of those films which you apparently have NOT seen.
You claim that posting a critic's comments provides a sound basis for discussion, but I beg to differ. Posting "pointers" without first-hand knowledge provides no basis for discussing a film's merits, good or bad, and idle speculation makes for a rather flaccid argument.
> > > "You're so full of yourself." < < <
Another example of an uninformed opinion, since you don't actually know me. ;^)
AuPh
I mean, that condescension is still your middle name.As for "full of yourself" I've found some remarks about a certain auctioneer who certainly seems to be!
It's a pity someone has to be so high-handedly dismissive of his betters' attempts to create discussion. Over on Music it's quite common (for those who are ladies and gentlemen) to discuss the posted views of a critic who speaks up on, for instance, performance practice. But you're not having any of that , eh?
clark
> > > "I mean, that condescension is still your middle name." < < <There is no use trying to be polite or appreciative because you'll always interpret complimentary remarks as condescending. Okay, I give up; if you want to be a jerk then far be it from me to stand in your way.
> > > "As for "full of yourself" I've found some remarks about a certain auctioneer who certainly seems to be!" < < <
You probably had to look no farther than your own postings, but some folks might find such self-serving rhetoric suspiciously biased.
> > > " It's a pity someone has to be so high-handedly dismissive of his betters' attempts to create discussion. Over on Music it's quite common (for those who are ladies and gentlemen) to discuss the posted views of a critic who speaks up on, for instance, performance practice. But you're not having any of that, eh?" < < <
"Betters" huh? Okay, I yield to your superior ego. ;^)
As for comparing discussions of music criticism to film criticism, m'thinks it's an apples and oranges analogy due to the inherent nature of marketing of both products. The narrow window of opportunity to see films in a theater provides a much different dynamic for discussion and criticsm. Of course you already knew that because we've covered this turf before at greater length. Unfortunately, you seem disinclined to acknowledge those discussions or perhaps you're just claiming memory loss.
In regard to the "for those who are ladies and gentlemen" insertion, I'd rather ignor that bit of egotistical smarmery and drop it in the rhetorical dust bin along with other misdirected slap-down attempts coming from professor Johnsen's word-wrestling arena. "Betters" indeed! ;^D
Never let it be said that your posts aren't entertaining, Clark!
Kindest regards,
AuPh
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