"Okay, I've had ENOUGH of this CHRISTOPHER NOLAN TALK"
I done already explained 10 times why TDK was doo doo on a stick, but I'm past that
Let me move on to another beef:
Apparently I'm the only person on earth that understands that the endings to 'Memento', 'The Prestige', and 'Inception' are 100% for the purpose of making you buy another ticket/DVD/ Blue Ray so you can "figure it out?
He's the biggest fucking fraud of our time. He literally just puts shit in so that you'll buy tickets.
Its no different than Michael Bay and his tittays
Probably the worst gimmicky hack in all of film.
Watch those 3 movies without the endings -- the ending does NOTHING for the movie
NOTHING
Doesn't give closure
Doesn't tie shit up
Doesn't solve any lingering conflicts
All it does is make you lemmings post on facebook and go "yoooo omg I gotta see that again."
The ending to 'Inception' was so bad, I literally LAUGHED
1. "remember Insomnia?? REMEMBER INSOMNIA?!?" In response to Reply # 0
he's a filmmaker whose reputation is based on a strong premise (whether that premise be Batman, reverse narrative, magicians + Tesla, or an intricately layered dreamscape).
although I won't totally front -- Prestige was dope and the action sequences in Inception were amazing. I actually didn't think he was capable of doing something that well done (the rotating fight intercut with the truck action sequence).
aside from that, though, his reputation as an auteur is greatly overblown.
36. "RE: remember Insomnia?? REMEMBER INSOMNIA?!?" In response to Reply # 1 Thu Jun-07-12 04:32 PM by Benedict the Moor
>the >action sequences in Inception were amazing. I actually didn't >think he was capable of doing something that well done (the >rotating fight intercut with the truck action sequence). >
My issue with Inception mostly had to do with the gaping holes in the overall logic, which in turn, he used to layer the ENTIRE foundation of the story and sequences like the one you mentioned.
case in point: anti-gravity only effects dreams one level down but not two.
for most people, that shit didn't matter. but for me, the scene was ruined because the whole time i'm thinking to myself "hol' up, why these niggas in the north pole ain't floating too?"
other than that, his characters, dialogue, pace, and overall visual/audio aesthetic are amazingly well crafted.
4. "Memento is the most gimmick driven film I've ever seen" In response to Reply # 0
If you put that film in order it'd be the most BOR-RING film ever. At least if you put Reservoir Dogs together or Annie Hall, the dialogue is great, the characters are developed and the acting is strong. Memento was 100% dependent on that one gimmick and without it it's nothing. CAM was horrible, how was she so good in The Matrix but absolutely talentless in everything else she has done.
after you seen it the first time and know the big reveal, the film becomes pointless and very tedious. like i said in the other post. repeated viewings of his films make them less enjoyable
22. "I mean even if The Usual Suspect is ruined after the first viewing" In response to Reply # 9
I can still enjoy the acting and other aspects of it but Memento unless you didn't get it after the first viewing there's no reason to watch it ever again. Very overrated
5. "Goddamn it, you take the PRESTIGE outta this post right now!!!" In response to Reply # 0
lol
Take that away, and I feel you. I liked INCEPTION, but I feel your point. PRESTIGE though? Nah, playa. I can't get on any side with you on that. That's one of my favorite movies of all time.
27. "no answers" In response to Reply # 24 Wed Jun-06-12 10:38 PM by ternary_star
>Bwahaha Magic don't mean you can just make up dumb >shit you magically dumb ass
so you are actually mad that there was magic in a movie about magicians. do you go to a Fast and the Furious movie and get mad when there's an implausible car chase at the end?
12. "He's perfected the art of the "Dumb Smart" movie" In response to Reply # 0
His films seems really smart and deep until you start thinking about them. He's reasonably talented but his deification by the Harry Knowles crowd is laughable.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Wed Jun-06-12 03:55 PM
13. "I mean, he's no different than your boy Tarantino, really." In response to Reply # 0
Awesome visuals, a telltale "style," generally strong performances... but no one can tell them shit so the flicks end up about twenty minutes or so too long.
At least Tarantino knows that you need to have a whizbang ending, so most of his flicks save something crazy memorable for the end. Inception and TDK had unmemorable endings-- all the memorable stuff happens before the hour 45 mark in these roughly two and a half hour flicks.
With TDKR's ending clearly revolving around some sort of epic destruction of Gotham or something (not a spoiler, just guessing from the trailer), I hold out hope for the Act 3 here though.
By the way, this post will spiral downward into loads of snark and anger aimed in both directions. I'm predicting 200+ replies.
59. "You missed me right around 2008," In response to Reply # 57
My OK posts on Tarantino alone:
-had people offering me jobs to write columns -Had me stalked and borderline threatened by people -had people tell me my posts were ruining their interest in film and that I should stop posting
Naw but seriously son. It really shouldn't make you this mad. I was just watchin Batman Begins the other night while gettin some montserous head from a serious thoroughbread. I still like that one better than TDK if it makes you feel better. Mememto is still his masterpiece tho. Cheerio!
*takes my seat in the second row, center section, cracks open a Guinness, pulls open my bookbag with my cold fried chicken and gluten free pasta salad and WAITS....*
29. "Aw hold up. Post over. " In response to Reply # 21
I could ride with you about everything (PRESTIGE excluded). But I forgot you rolled for Night Dawg. You can't get mad at Nolan if you ride for M. Nizzle... they peas in the same pod... 'cept Nolan gets to use better actors...
He's like the action director of the "fields and palaces". His movies don't always hold up to scrutiny, but I really appreciate that somebody thinks the interior spaces can be big and exciting.
______________________________
"Walleye, a lot of things are going to go wrong in your life that technically aren't your fault. Always remember that this doesn't make you any less of an idiot"
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Thu Jun-07-12 11:53 AM
33. "I think it's the classic "fans are worse than films" scenario." In response to Reply # 23
The rabid nature of the fans who insist if you point out his films fall apart under scrunity that you're wrong or "don't get it" sweeps the obviously awesome stuff Nolan brings to the table, in particular how cinematic in scope his visuals and sounds are, under the rug for the purposes of debate.
Nolan's films look and feel terrific and distinctive. More than you can say for most. It's usually the "best filmmaker working" label that causes nitpicking to give way to full-blown anger.
35. "I'm making a point to try and separate the two" In response to Reply # 33
I don't want to critique a film based on how it's perceived by other people. even subconsciously.
the zealotry from Nolanites (attacking lukewarm reviews of The Dark Knight and Inception...before they even *saw* those films) makes it difficult at times, but I'm trying Ringo. I'm trying real hard.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Thu Jun-07-12 11:38 PM
42. "It's not even that it influences the critique, per se." In response to Reply # 35
>I don't want to critique a film based on how it's perceived >by other people. even subconsciously. > >the zealotry from Nolanites (attacking lukewarm reviews of The >Dark Knight and Inception...before they even *saw* those >films) makes it difficult at times, but I'm trying Ringo. I'm >trying real hard.
Instead, it makes you just need to steel your defense in more detailed evidence than normal. If I say Green Lantern was disappointing, I don't need to elaborate-- people get it. If I say The Dark Knight was disappointing, the bloodbath that would ensue forces me to go back, re-examine the film, and explicate precisely what it is I believe may have disappointed me.
It just creates a necessity for detail, which makes the critiques look harsher than they are. I wrote two paragraphs about the flaws in TDK in my review, which still was a 3-star review with mostly positive things to say... yet folks were mad at me for explaining myself so clearly. There's just no victory.
JAESCOTT777 Member since Feb 18th 2006 28487 posts
Thu Jun-07-12 10:01 AM
32. "I dig him mostly but im really growing tired Of his fanboys " In response to Reply # 0 Thu Jun-07-12 10:03 AM by JAESCOTT777
Some of them just come off like mustache twirling metrosexual reisling sipping douchbags
ESP TDK championers
Most of my contempt comes from TDK and Inception TDK ESP
I think TDK is really good but these niggas act Like its citizen Kane or some shit Like its just so deep etc. It could have used some editing I can think of almost 30 minutes that could have been lost And I dug the ending but did I really need it To be explained to me 56 FUCKING TIMES??
Tiger Woods Member since Feb 15th 2004 18386 posts
Thu Jun-07-12 04:43 PM
38. "so spot on, but they don't want to hear this" In response to Reply # 37
my senior year of college was the fall after Dark Knight came out. I can't tell you after it dropped on DVD how many kids were like "it's not, like, a superhero movie dude. It's an epic."
no, dude, it's a bloated movie about a man in leather fighting a man who thinks he's a clown and it takes itself far too seriously. It's loaded with plot holes, it's saddled with an inconsistent script with no likable protagonist, and it's no less than 30 minutes too long.
44. "he makes 'smart' movies if youre used to braindead fare" In response to Reply # 0 Fri Jun-08-12 02:14 AM by GumDrops
im surprised more people didnt see inception as just being stupid/daft/laughable
all the people talking about how clever it was for a summer blockbuster - i dont know what they were seeing
nolan takes himself way too seriously, all his films come with this baggage of someone quite pompous and humourless
the dark knight was incredibly dull and leaden
same for inception - even the actors looked like they were wondering wtf it was all about
its the post-lost type of filmmaking (ie like how lost had a few good plotlines but then padded them out for years on years so it ended up a show basically about nothing). people think a few random strands of mystery which add up to absolutely nothing chucked into a standard action thriller mean that its suddenly profound. almost like david lynch-ultra-lite or something.
45. "wouldn't u say there are levels of 'auteur' tho...?" In response to Reply # 44
(work with me here). like there's super mainstream dudes, then somewhat mainstream, then mainstream but with a skoche of class (and at least a cursory ATTEMPT to flex ones intellect), then indie, underground, underrated and unheralded filmmakers etc etc.
anyway my point (and my beef) is that u can probably apply the same kinda criticisms to filmmakers on ALL those levels, to varying degrees. and then im wondering if its just a personal palette issue in the end? cos to a portion of film watchers "Inception" IS rather clever on its own, or clever for what it is.
so wherever Nolan lies in that spectrum, he's good at what he does and his work is as valid as anyone else's (Tommy Wiseu is a master at what he does/did, Michael Bay (despite all the hate) is still recognised on PTP as being pretty fucking good at the kinda films HE does and is known for). i dunno, because i'm with u on the criticisms. im fairly certain any and every piece of film is up for scrutiny, but that didnt change the massive geek boners i sustained for both of Nolan's Batflicks while i was watchin em on the imax screens. same with Inception.
maybe its a form over content thing? im usually first off sucked into the visuals in Nolan's films, which is why i dig Insomnia heaps as well. i think his visuals help dictate the mood and that's usually enough to sustain me. if he manages to tell an interesting enuf story in the process, that's even better.
i think Nolan along with Fincher and I guess Gondry too to a degree, come from the 'style as substance' school and i think if you are an fan of directors with a distinct and well-crafted visual style and their ability to manipulate the context of a scene and also a movie with their style, you would tend to like Nolan and overlook part of his shortcomings as a filmmaker in a traditional sense.
i personally like his movies. i wouldn't go as far as say he's the 'best working director' because i think he hasn't made a movie with a plot that made you fall in love or made you feel the tragedy of the circumstances that the main characters were involved in; aspects to a story that show traditional storytelling skill.
but as far as blockbusters go tho, he might be the best of his era. you might be able to put Spielberg at the same level, but i think Minority Report was his last major blockbuster and that was nearly 10 years ago.
like alot of other posters have said, i think fans of his movies that don't have a deep and extensive knowledge of the history of film would be blown away and rightfully captivated with his movies. i think he's master of the blockbuster, but for him to live up to the name 'best working director', he would have to show more range as a director; like make a movie that was a more traditional character study or with a more traditional plot.
He's kind of like the Nas of directors in that he has a distinctive and highly-skilled style, but he lacks the ability to connect to his audience in emotional terms that the audience naturally relates to.
92. "you hit the nail on the head with this paragraph" In response to Reply # 54
>like alot of other posters have said, i think fans of his >movies that don't have a deep and extensive knowledge of the >history of film would be blown away and rightfully captivated >with his movies. i think he's master of the blockbuster, but >for him to live up to the name 'best working director', he >would have to show more range as a director; like make a movie >that was a more traditional character study or with a more >traditional plot.
Nolan isn't on the level of someone like Scorsese or PTA or Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, a few contemporary directors who infuse a distinctive style in their films, push the technology of filmmaking to new levels and also create a very dramatic and engaging character study at the same time. There has to be an equal level of substance and style - more so of the former - to make those films that stay with you for a long time (i.e. City of God).
56. "Definitely overrated, but Batman Begins and Insomnia remake" In response to Reply # 0
are good. Yep...I liked his Insomnia remake, and I have seen the original (which is better, but I still liked the remake).
I haven't seen Memento in awhile but you're probably right that it sucks without the gimmick. Dark Knight sucked, and it looks like this last one is going to suck as well.
The Prestige is pretty entertaining other than the awful ending.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Sun Jun-10-12 06:30 PM
67. "I wouldn't say terrible. I'd just say lazy." In response to Reply # 56
>Inception is a terrible film...bad bad bad.
Or maybe poorly conceived, because it hinges on a device that needs to be explained nonstop for 2.5 hours. But it's pretty enough that I can leave it on mute in the background and look up and think "Ah, that's nice" when I emerge.
58. "this shit is ultimately about people's insecurity" In response to Reply # 0
anyone who on a serious level, gets MAD at someone else for shitting on or not loving a movie like THEY did needs help.
I liked spiderman 3 better than 2
x-2 wasn't my favorite of the three
i fucking loved dark knight
MANY MANY MANY people vehemently disagree. do i give a flying fuck or care to curse their existence? NOPE
do i have personal allegiance to the director to vigorously protect him/her from such attacks? FOH they still rich, fuck they need my help for?
that's the beauty of art. all subjective. some people take it personally though when someone attacks something THEY LOVED as if it somehow lessons their value.
62. "nigga you the mad one up in here" In response to Reply # 60
> >Niggas didn't ask for your life story, B. > >If you like awful movies that's obviously >your right. Nolan got you screaming from the mountaintops cause people like his shit.
63. "Honestly, though, you post like you need a hug" In response to Reply # 62
You post like a nigga who hasn't even had solid dap in 3 months
Like you're just bereft of some real connectios or some shit
>my point is why the fuck you care so much?
Its a message board, my guy
Ima pop shit because I'm a free black man with a good job, bad bitches and knowledge of self
Nigga tried to get all sensitive on some "what is the nature of human opinions"
Bwahahahahha
I could take the explanatory "we're a social animal" route but I'd rather just call you mad as shit for saying that your favorite director is doo doo on stick
78. "if only you read more instead of bloviated" In response to Reply # 63 Mon Jun-11-12 10:27 PM by Beamer6178
i don't HAVE a favorite director. not a nolan head, never said i was one. your vagina is filled with sand that nolan has loyal fans. in typical fashion, you shit on several movies, even those that are good, to make your chafed vaginal point.
no hugs needed here fam, just worried about your blood pressure. this is your dr. phil couch son, vent away, we won't judge
> >You post like a nigga who hasn't even had >solid dap in 3 months > >Like you're just bereft of some real connectios >or some shit > >>my point is why the fuck you care so much? > >Its a message board, my guy > >Ima pop shit because I'm a free black man with a >good job, bad bitches and knowledge of self > >Nigga tried to get all sensitive on some "what >is the nature of human opinions" > >Bwahahahahha > >I could take the explanatory "we're a social animal" >route but I'd rather just call you mad as shit for >saying that your favorite director is doo doo on >stick > >
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >You mad. > > >---------------------------- > >Young Broadway Star Urgently Needs a Bone Marrow Donor. Is it >you? http://MatchShannon.com/ > > > > > > > >O_E: "Acts like an asshole and posts with imperial disdain" > > > > >"I ORBITs the solar system, listenin..." > >(C)Keith Murray, "
79. "RE: this dude said he likes Spidey 3 more than 2" In response to Reply # 77
>favorite movie is probably Rugrats go to Paris opening fight scene in plain clothes and final fight scene ten times better in 3. while i like both, only thing 2 really did better was the train fight. but my brain is independent so not expecting the citizens of groupthink to deviate.
94. "He's a great idea man" In response to Reply # 0
I think him and his brother create his great/ interesting ideas that don't always coming through in the end. yeah Dark Knight is 30 minutes too long or the ending of Inceptions feels rushed and kind of like a cheat, but the topics/ideas/concepts seem fresh to me which makes me what to seek out new stuff. Nolan's films spark conversation and lead me to other works which is what art is suppose to do. I rather do that than watch some mindless thing like Battleship and forget that I saw in two weeks.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.-Tyler Durden
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