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Post by vegalyra on Jun 9, 2017 15:49:59 GMT
To all classic film fans:
I need a recommendation. Is the subject film worth watching? I've always been intrigued by the era regardless if it is set in the USA or Europe. Particularly the aspects of Communism/Fascism, etc. I've heard mixed reviews of the film, especially with regards to Donald Sutherland's character and above all, the length. I don't have a problem with lengthy films, unless there is a big reason why a lot of material should have been left on the cutting room floor.
Can anyone give me some pros/cons or why I should absolutely see (or not see) this film? I'd be blind buying it as I can't find any (legal) ways to stream the film (unless someone has a suggestion).
Thanks in advance.
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Post by teleadm on Jun 9, 2017 16:17:49 GMT
In my humble oppinion, it's a movie that should at least be seen once, no matter what pollitical views one have, it's visual delight that offcourse with the length has it's lulls. It also depends on how much one can stand dubbing, the version I have was the Italian, when Burt Lancaster, Sterling Hayden, Robert De Niro and Donald Sutherland is heard with voices (dubbing) that don't even reminice their actual voices, but that part was actually more easy to come over than I thought.
Francesca Bertini who plays Sister Desolata, this was her last movie, once a superstar of the old silent movie Italian Spectaculars.
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Post by london777 on Jun 9, 2017 20:06:44 GMT
I was very disappointed. But then I had very high expectations. If you are interested because of the politics, there is no serious discussion of political theory or issues whatever. The communists are automatically communists because they are downtrodden workers and the fascist is a fascist because he is a bully and opportunist with a chip on his shoulder. No-one goes into it any deeper than that. Bertolucci is a communist, but his sympathies seem purely instinctive or sentimental here. No Marxist theory is in evidence.
My three main criticisms are:
1) The central character, De Niro, is cast as an apathetic or disinterested observer. That is a hard role to pull off and inspire interest in the viewer and he does not manage it. The central character of another Bertolucci film, The Conformist, is somewhat similar, but in that case that is the main point of the movie, not something which slows the narrative flow as here.
2) I find the character played by Dominique Sanda unbelievably affected and irritating. I wanted my friend Aki Kaurismäki to wander onto the set and give her a smack in the mouth, especially during the embarrassing "blind" scene.
3) Donald Sutherland is a bit of a cartoon character. Miscast, I think.
Everyone should give it the respect of seeing it at least once, though, and making up their own minds. It is certainly ambitious. I did not find the dubbing offensive.
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Post by OldAussie on Jun 10, 2017 0:43:49 GMT
I've seen the 5 hour+ version 3 times - beware of shorter versions.
Some thoughts -
1. It's definitely worth seeing at least once.
2. As london777 noted, having one of the main characters being a passive observer in such a long film makes for some tedium.
3. Despite the dubbing, the English speaking actors are using their real voices, so no problem.
4. It's definitely an "adult" film so it's not suitable for young children.
5. The closest comparison I can think of is "Heaven's Gate" which also has similar epic qualities and left wing political views. If you like Cimino's film you may well enjoy this one.
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Post by jeffersoncody on Jun 10, 2017 6:54:05 GMT
To all classic film fans: I need a recommendation. Is the subject film worth watching? I've always been intrigued by the era regardless if it is set in the USA or Europe. Particularly the aspects of Communism/Fascism, etc. I've heard mixed reviews of the film, especially with regards to Donald Sutherland's character and above all, the length. I don't have a problem with lengthy films, unless there is a big reason why a lot of material should have been left on the cutting room floor. Can anyone give me some pros/cons or why I should absolutely see (or not see) this film? I'd be blind buying it as I can't find any (legal) ways to stream the film (unless someone has a suggestion). Thanks in advance. I loved it. Definitely give it a watch. I saw the full five hour version on the big screen back in the day. and own it on DVD. It's a keeper. |
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Post by vegalyra on Jun 12, 2017 12:48:35 GMT
Thanks for all the comments. I think I'll pick it up and give it a chance. London: your comment about Sutherland is what I have heard from other sources. I heard that was one of the bigger drawbacks to the film (almost a cartoon character). Does anyone know if the Olive Bluray is a the "full" version? That's the one I have my eye on. I also have a laserdisc player if there is a more complete version in that format (sometimes that is the case, RE: John Wayne's The Alamo).
Interesting about the lack of depth regarding the politics. I would have thought there would have been more to it.
Thanks again.
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