This article doesn't delve very deep, and doesn't necessarily ask intriguing questions, but this back and forth on slow versus boring cinema is a worthwhile read for film fans at any level. Scott gets the best of this article, but I do disagree on one point:
I don’t feel guilty about not caring for “Last Year at Marienbad“ or persisting in my skepticism that the films of Pedro Costa are as transcendent as some of my colleagues believe. But until I can argue my case, the benefit of the doubt goes to Mr. Costa and the burden of proof rests on me.I would think it would be the opposite, with the directors and the fans having to prove themselves while the unmoved critic has nothing to prove. Thoughts?
"Netflix Envelope Doodles". Netflix art.
I wouldn't think to do this, but I'm not much of a doodler. (H/T Unplggd)
"(Almost) 20 Questions With Miranda July." A questionnaire by the folks at the Walker.
On Friday, July 8th, Miranda July comes to town to present her second feature, The Future. In anticipation of this event, the Walker posted an interview with the director on their blog. Her first film, Me And You And Everyone We Know, was a fun, light-hearted affair, and I'm certainly interested to see what she has in store this time, some six years later.
Maybe he meant the benefit of the doubt goes to Mr. Costa because the critical consensus tends to support him and A.O. Scott is just one dissenter? I have no idea who Costa is, but that's how I read it - not that directors in general are assumed to be geniuses until someone can prove otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI see what you're saying Erik, and it's a good point.
ReplyDeleteI guess I just feel that you shouldn't have to plead your case if you're unmoved by both the film and the arguments being made in favor of the film (arguments I assume Scott's well aware of).
As for Costa, I know they just showed his most recent film "Ne Change Rien" at Trylon recently in their Premiere Tuesdays series. I enjoyed his "Colossal Youth," but I'm unable to recommend it, if you know what I mean...