The 00s Draft: Discussion Thread - Page 3

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Originally Posted by Gabe T 

Yeeeah... that apartheid "background."

 

We could go into a serious, fulfilling conversation about the racial content of District 9. But it does make the familiar problematic decision of featuring a real-life third world region and populating it with cruelly-treated lower class aliens. And who is our hero? The upper class white man who spends most of the movie DESPERATELY trying to avoid becoming an Other. Granted, there's something darkly funny, even Verhoeven-ish about that set-up, and it's the most enjoyable part of the movie for me. But, then, you also have most of the black speaking roles given to the cannibalistic criminals who believe in witchcraft and black magic. The whole thing isn't as smart as it thinks, and it's SUPER problematic once you start parsing through that subtext.

 

I'm certainly not going to argue that subtlety is one of the film's strong suits, that's for sure.  These are all great points, and perhaps some of this thematic material - racism, xenophobia, etc - isn't as profound as Blomkamp & Co. think, and if this were done entirely in documentary format, I might be right there with you.  But once the movie becomes about Wikus and his transformation, this stuff falls into the peripheries, setting up Wikus' arc as well as a pretty interesting buddy relationship between Wikus and Christopher (the more traditional hero).  I'm always surprised at how invested I am in these characters, especially Wikus, who remains kind of a dick up until the bitter end.  

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Originally Posted by Fat Elvis 

I'm of the opinion that another superhero deserved to go first before Bats.

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Originally Posted by Mr_Cellophane 

There are 2 other superhero films I would easily place above TDK. But it's aesthetics, really. TDK's dour tone is not my favorite approach to the genre.

 

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Originally Posted by Justin Clark 

There's only two widely acceptable superhero film choices worthy of showing up before Round 4.

If I may, I'd like to humbly suggest that alluding to eligible titles is almost as disruptive as naming them outright.

As I am not drafting any films I chose last time, I am tickled pink that The Royal Tenenbaums made the first round! Cidade de Deus and Old Boy were givens, but it still stings to see them go. I totally thought District 9 would fall through the cracks. Damn you, fuzzy!!!

Totally. The Coens had a great decade. I hope to see more of them as the draft goes on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diva 

As I am not drafting any films I chose last time, I am tickled pink that The Royal Tenenbaums made the first round! Cidade de Deus and Old Boy were givens, but it still stings to see them go. I totally thought District 9 would fall through the cracks. Damn you, fuzzy!!!

I missed wherever you said you weren't drafting any of your previous films, so I was on edge until you picked Basterds (which is a great pick). Royal Tenenbaums is arguably my favorite movie of all time... if I had one. For very personal reasons. But on top of that it is the best film (IMO) from an immensely talented director. I couldn't let it slip on by.

I mentioned it in the sign up thread. Glad I got under your skin though. That's part of the fun of the game. :p And yeah, Tenenbaums...I can't even express how much I love that film. It also hits me on a personal level as well.

I need to rewatch Tennenbaums. I saw it once back in high school, and was completely not prepared for what was coming. All I knew was that it had Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, so I was expecting something madcap and wacky. Clearly, I did not get what I was expecting.

Also, clearly I need to get off my butt and find a copy of Once. I've been meaning to see that one forever.

My favorite thing about Tenenbaums is Royal.  The character is so memorable; unique, yet somehow instantly familiar. (Kind of like the worlds Wes Anderson creates.)  Hackman knocks it out of the motherfucking park.  Maybe the best comedic performance of the decade.  Who would have thought that would come from Gene Hackman?

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Originally Posted by Gabe T 

I would say there have been eight masterpieces picked in this first round thus far.

That's my count too (care to share?), but I think they've pretty much all been at least very good films.

I'm actually surprised District 9 ended up being more contentious than Memento or The Dark Knight.  

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Originally Posted by Bailey 

My favorite thing about Tenenbaums is Royal.  The character is so memorable; unique, yet somehow instantly familiar. (Kind of like the worlds Wes Anderson creates.)  Hackman knocks it out of the motherfucking park.  Maybe the best comedic performance of the decade.  Who would have thought that would come from Gene Hackman?

You wanna talk some jive? Yeah, Hackman is on fire. But I'd argue that this is an ensemble piece through and through. Everyone holds their own. The film does go into some dark territory, so people who expected a straight up comedy would get thrown for a loop. But I love the roller coaster of the emotional journey, and the catharsis that each member of the family goes through to become more complete people by the end. I mean when Chaz finally opens up to Royal and says "I've had a rough year, dad" it brings tears to my eyes every time. That said, this film is funny. Well, everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't.

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Originally Posted by fuzzy dunlop 

I'm actually surprised District 9 ended up being more contentious than Memento or The Dark Knight.  

Memento is a much better film. The Dark Knight was a much more popular film. Not surprised at all.

Leonard, you absolute motherfucker.   

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Originally Posted by Ratty 

Leonard, you absolute motherfucker.   

Translation: Welcome to the draft Leonard. Nice pick.

I think nobody has to hang their head for Round 1. I'm excited for what's still left on the board as well. Tomorrow's going to be a bloodbath for some lists.

IN THE LOOP was my first rounder.   Sumbitch.

Still my favorite comedy of the decade. 

(For those of you that missed it; I'm RathBandu, posting under a new name. Just in case some of you were wondering where to post your hate mail to.)

I mention this every time "In The Loop" pops up, but Gandalfini punching numbers into the kiddie computer absolutely kills me. Such a great scene.

I'm also a little surprised there wasn't a little more discussion about TDK. I consider myself a huge fan of that film, but even so I don't think it would've been a 1st round pick for me. I love the performances, but it really is too long and overstuffed.

Fuck. The funniest movie of the decade, snatched.

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Originally Posted by Bailey Maybe the best comedic performance of the decade.  Who would have thought that would come from Gene Hackman?

What's strange about that? Hackman is one of our finest actors. Don't forget he's responsible for arguably the funniest scene in all of Young Frankenstein.

As far as I'm concerned, this was his "retirement film" I know he did some other movie afterward with Raymond... Something to do with a port for shipping moose. (Oh, come on! Fuck you right in the nose if you draft that.)

But anyway, I'm still lamenting that Hackman has said good-bye to acting. Royal Tanenbaum is possibly his greatest role. And we're talking about a career littered with fantastic performances.

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Originally Posted by fuzzy dunlop 

I'm actually surprised District 9 ended up being more contentious than Memento or The Dark Knight.  

I'm surprised The Dark Knight didn't get shit on more. I'm a big fan, don't get me wrong. But populist picks tend to get abused by the intelligentsia. Memento is a fantastic movie. So it would have been wrong to argue its inclusion.

I'm kind of indifferent on District 9. It's a movie I like a lot. And I'd say Christopher Johnson is one of the great film characters of the decade. But, if the first round is supposed to include BIG DEALS, I guess it kind of falls short in that regard.

In any case, I don't really make a fuss over drafting order. I'm pretty sure my pick tomorrow will be seen as "lesser" but I don't care. It's one of my favorite films. And I want to get at least one of those in here before someone takes it from me.

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Originally Posted by Erix 

What's strange about that? Hackman is one of our finest actors. Don't forget he's responsible for arguably the funniest scene in all of Young Frankenstein.

 

What's strange about it?  Nothing.  What's surprising about it?  That he doesn't do a ton of comedy compared to other actors.  Which is why you have to go back to a 37 year old cameo to find the previous funniest thing he did.

(He was quite good in Get Shorty, though.)

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Originally Posted by Bailey 

 

(He was quite good in Get Shorty, though.)

He was hilarious in Get Shorty. I find that movie overrated. But he is the best thing in it. When he tries to act tough with Dennis Farina and gets his ass kicked... Golden.

I suppose you have a point about him not doing comedy that often. But, whenever he's done it, he's been brilliant. That was my point.

Likewise, he can bring a sly touch to a dramatic role. Like Mississippi Burning or Crimson Tide.

You could also point to Lex Luthor as a genial bit of comedic acting.

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Originally Posted by Erix 

I'm kind of indifferent on District 9. It's a movie I like a lot. And I'd say Christopher Johnson is one of the great film characters of the decade. But, if the first round is supposed to include BIG DEALS, I guess it kind of falls short in that regard.

First round is supposed to be whatever you want it to be. This isn't a "best of" list.

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Originally Posted by Diva 

 

First round is supposed to be whatever you want it to be. This isn't a "best of" list.

I agree with you. I've never really understood why there's that whole "that's not a first round pick" attitude. I was simply trying to find the reasoning behind why District 9 was seen as more contentious than the other two films.

PIck what you want.  Who cares.  It's not like there's some sort of monetary prize for coming up with the best list.

Oh, don't be a puss.

Make good picks, or we'll mock you. Non-stop.

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Originally Posted by Erix 

I agree with you. I've never really understood why there's that whole "that's not a first round pick" attitude.

Particularly with the amount of people drafting. With 32 people in a snake draft, if you're picking early you're talking about 60 picks until your next selection. You take the film you want because it doesn't matter if it would be taken 5th or 50th, you're still not getting it if you pass it up.

I don't know that I'll do any trash talking, but if I do, know it's meant in a good-natured way.

Yeah, it's all in fun, but backing up a pick should be seen as part of the draft. What fun is a list without discussion?

Not that there's anything wrong with trash talking. For instance: Akira Kurosawa's Ran.

Ran... and Runaway Train.  I am surprised you didn't take Running On Empty too, you bastard.  Was Patrick Demspey's Run not eligible??

No Country is probably my favorite pick of the day if we're going by sheer quality, but District 9 if we're going by, "Hmm, what to pop in tonight..."

To be fair, I was defintely aiming for Eternal Sunshine or the Fountain.  District 9 was next on my list.  And I still stand by that pick.

Leonard, you know I love you, but you are an F-star-star-star cunt.

That pick stings me more than you know. But it's a damn DAMN good pick, and yes, one of the best farces ever put on film. 

Well today cut my top choices list in half. Thanks guys!

Especially mcnooj (TWBB is easily my favorite film of the decade), Justin (I'm with you. Amazing pick), and Diva (I knew I wouldn't get it, but It was my third choice). Buncha jerks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabe T 

Yeeeah... that apartheid "background."

 

We could go into a serious, fulfilling conversation about the racial content of District 9. But it does make the familiar problematic decision of featuring a real-life third world region and populating it with cruelly-treated lower class aliens. And who is our hero? The upper class white man who spends most of the movie DESPERATELY trying to avoid becoming an Other. Granted, there's something darkly funny, even Verhoeven-ish about that set-up, and it's the most enjoyable part of the movie for me. But, then, you also have most of the black speaking roles given to the cannibalistic criminals who believe in witchcraft and black magic. The whole thing isn't as smart as it thinks, and it's SUPER problematic once you start parsing through that subtext.

 

I'll go to bat for the film being drafted. The action sings, it reminded me, in some ways, of early Spielberg. And come on, you've got exo-suits, lasers and aliens - how could I NOT think that's awesome? But it's a troubling film at heart, and I don't think it should get points for being "political" when it's also being a tad "dumb."

I think there's a lovely bit of almost insider commentary with the choice of villain in D9. It's commenting specifically on the way Nigeria is viewed by other African states and fits into the overall theme of the film perfectly.

Day #1 was fun. Goodbye top 4 picks. Goodbye 11 films from my A list. Goodbye Royal. Goodnight Moon.

That was a good pick Mr_Cellophane. You too Fat Elvis. Group 1 kicked ass this 1st Round. Let's keep it up!

On D9: My opinion is that Whites are the most dangerous aliens in Africa. For that I blame Richard Stanley.

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Originally Posted by Arjen Rudd 
 Career best work from Stiller too, in my opinion. Such a graceful film.

That very poignant moment in the ambulance with him and Hackman is one of my favorite movie moments of the last 15 years.

I've got two masterpieces on my radar this morning. We'll see if either survive the first four.

Although it's a good film, I wouldn't say No Country For Old Men is a masterpiece. There Will Be Blood definitely is.

But I guess, ultimately, it's semantics.

Apocalypse Now is definitely a masterpiece. It's also a deeply flawed work.

There Will Be Blood is a masterpiece that grabs you by the lapels and throws you around the room screaming, "I AM A MASTERPIECE!"

No Country for Old Men is a masterpiece that taps you on the shoulder when it's over and says, "I was pretty great, by the way."

Time will tell if it's a masterpiece, but I think Shaun fits the "perfect" bill for me. The script is near-'bout flawless, the direction is supremely confidant and great, and it's just fun as hell. Probably my favorite comedy and zombie film of the decade, and also probably my most-watched movie of the decade. It hasn't lost a touch of it's greatness over all those views.

Is it okay to call Shaun of the Dead this decade's Big Lebowski? I think that's fair.

Adaptation is one of the great films and the first pick that really terrifies me. In the sense that I wasn't expecting it this early and I fear my "obscure" picks may be in danger.

Very nice start to round 2!

Charlie Kaufman is another one of those people whose work deserves to be a rash all over this draft, like the Coens. Adaptation going this early gives me hope that will be the case.

See, I was pretty sure that starting in Day 2, none of the films that were picked in Day 1 would have been available to me, so I didn't even list them.   Except for Royal Tennebaums.  I love that movie.

Aww, shit, ADAPTATION was my hoped for Round 2. Great film. Charlie Kaufman's screenplay is brilliant and Spike Jonze direction is surefire great, but it's the dual Nic Cage performance that made me dig it the most. 

And who doesn't like SHAUN OF THE DEAD? 

Yeah, the goods keep coming. Neither were on my go-to list, but happy to see them chosen.