 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
4.235.207.152
Since it is about one of the more spectacular crime sprees of the century, one would expect suspense, driving tension, high drama. One then would be disappointed:it absolutely is bloodless.
In splitting screen time among so many characters, we're left with an ensemble piece but with no actor, or more properly, a character, that has any pizazz.
Downey is a downer, though his character was well-acted. He shows depth, intelligence, and a believable meltdown, though whether from "life" or unfulfilled sleuthing is unclear.
Ruffalo doesn't portray driven very well, nor a tortured soul.
Jakie G also is... undynamic though, unlike another viewer, I did notice he aged.
Chloe Sevigny is underutilized as his wife. Yes, like the other actors, she loses her husband with nary a whimper.
Once the murders are gotten out of the way, in a particularly un-dramatic fashion quite quickly, what we're left with is the story of some compulsive guys which don't appear particularly so.
What we get is poor under-writing, leaving no memorable scenes. We have guys whose careers have been earmarked in failure but only act mildly displeased.
If one is going to make a Hollywood type film with lots of close-ups and crescendos leading to climax... it's a good idea to then go all the way and have some histrionics. Here, we get a minimal amount of sizzle and then, an undercooked slab.
It does hold your attention but don't go expecting a pulse-pounding ride.
SPOILER
Hell, even when the murderer takes a young mom and her child for a last ride, it's all filmed like it were a carjacking or less. Why the director eschewed the showing of her escape means he had something in mind besides telling a compelling story.
For the life of me, I don't know what the hell that might have been.
Follow Ups:
" ... Since it is about one of the more spectacular crime sprees of the century, one would expect suspense, driving tension, high drama. One then would be disappointed:it absolutely is bloodless....."I enjoyed it's bloodlessness. I was relieved it wasn't a "Seven" type of film, where the suspense is built upon what they might show you, instead of natural good old suspense.I do admit though, I wasn't really at the edge of my seat.
"....In splitting screen time among so many characters, we're left with an ensemble piece but with no actor, or more properly, a character, that has any pizazz...."Good point and one of the films failings
"...Downey is a downer, though his character was well-acted. He shows depth, intelligence, and a believable meltdown, though whether from "life" or unfulfilled sleuthing is unclear...."
As I said in a previous post - I enjoyed his performance but again I agree with you. I wondered that myself.
"..........Ruffalo doesn't portray driven very well, nor a tortured soul.
Jakie G also is... undynamic though, unlike another viewer, I did notice he aged...."I'm the veiwer who complained of Jakes lack of aging. If I ever see it again I'll double check - but I'd bet a 1,000,000 bucks he didn't age a day.
"............Chloe Sevigny is underutilized as his wife. Yes, like the other actors, she loses her husband with nary a whimper...."
Another good point
"...If one is going to make a Hollywood type film with lots of close-ups and crescendos leading to climax... it's a good idea to then go all the way and have some histrionics. Here, we get a minimal amount of sizzle and then, an undercooked slab.
It does hold your attention but don't go expecting a pulse-pounding ride. ..."What is an example of a film that does this for you that you would apply to "Zodiac"?
"....Hell, even when the murderer takes a young mom and her child for a last ride, it's all filmed like it were a carjacking or less. Why the director eschewed the showing of her escape means he had something in mind besides telling a compelling story.
For the life of me, I don't know what the hell that might have been. ...."For what it's worth, I thought that scene was totally creepy and I was having trouble watching the screen, out of emotional involvement. That rarely happens to a tuff guy of the Film Asylum like me!
to "Se7en" to "Usual Suspects," Alien"... there are many.
Pulse-pounding doesn't mean it's a good film, mind you, merely that it is professionally executed (though all my examples I feel ARE excellent).
As far as serial killer films, alone, that fit the criteria: "Saw," "TCM."
That is part of what I liked about it.
...neatly wrapped resolution since he was never positively identified, I thought they did a terrific job.There were enough interesting characters and plot action as they went through pretty much what really happened to hold my interest for over two and half hours.
They did a particulary good job of capturing the era and feel of the late 1960s and early 1970s in SF.
It's not meant to be a 'pulse-pounder'.
Did it have it?
A nice "He's still out there and might get you right now, there he is under the bed, run!"
.I don't think so??
a
At the time I was pretty well versed on the thing, with all the theories about the code, and locations and times of the killings. I don't recall a mother and child escaping anything.
dfgh
I wait for screeners. Can't stomach aholes talking behind me. Or sneezing, or cell phones going off. Besides, the theaters get mad when I watch in my underwear, which I do at home frequently. Last King of Scotland tonight!!!
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
