Seabiscuit

I thought the racing scenes were exceptional. But even though the actors were solid (especially Chris Cooper, the best performer in Hollywood today imho), I felt the characters were too boldly marked as archetypes: the grieving father, the troubled and angry jockey, the mysteriously quiet trainer.

I would have liked a more relaxed, even Godardian feel to the scenes, even some improvisation; it would have made the moments of emotion seem more organic, not like stock screenplay events. It's a true story, which means when it really happened, the people involved had no clue of what would happen next. They should behave that way in the film, with the confused passion people display when they can't prognosticate. (The one scene I thought caught that feeling was when the three main characters spied on War Admiral's stable; there was a good old-fashioned American wheeling-n-dealing feel to those shots.)

I'm afraid that Gary Ross made a great story into a merely good movie by Merchant-Ivorying the thing up.

Your thoughts, Josiah?

incidentally, part of the score from requiem was used in a Lord Of The Rings preview about six monthes ago. Of course, it was re-worked for an orchestra...hans brimmer or whoever. That was far wierder. And i too, was impressed with the punch it packed. Infact, the punch packing was so strong and on target (In LOTR) that i could hardly believe the punch was first packed in requiem.

Also, i congratulate you on shamelessly tearing away from the critically informed culture and giving Seabiscuit a positive review. It's very telling in so far as your personal character is concerned. It shows you have integrity and an indepedent eye. You don't care what everyone else thinks. You're above the pretentiousness of the critics and cynics who are only intrested in innovations, shock factor sensationalism and arty nonsense. Also, two of the most glaring things it reveals about you is that you're either insane or stupid. ...and that goes for the whole lot of ya! suckas!!!!!!

I like arty nonsense. I also enjoyed Seabiscuit, although not as much as I enjoyed Forrest Gump. Chew on that, Critically Informed Boy!

Seriously, where lies this splendid nirvana of critically informed culture? If it is not in the New York Times, the Village Voice, the New Yorker, Salon, or the fine writings of David Edelstein (all of whom gave Seabiscuit mixed to positive reviews, not outright pans) where might it be hiding? Perhaps Dave Eggers and Pitchfork Media have begun writing film criticism. Or perhaps this nexus of taste is located backstage of a Flaming Lips concert, hiding within one of the animal costumes. Or under the brim of a mesh trucker hat, waiting until the winds of public opinion will allow it to emerge into the open.

Follow your great feline heart, sweet Lowen, and do not be swayed by the SoHo merchants of cool. They do not love you.

you win

You dont have to be a Flaming Lips fan to realize that Seabiscuit was a flawed movie. Sometimes you have to look beyond the good actors and ask yourself, what stands out about this film? Well, I think the way the horseracing scenes were pulled off definitely stand out, but not much else. Overall, yeah, I really enjoyed it, although I almost fell asleep in the first 45 minutes. It packed a genuine emotional punch but its borderline forgettable.

No real argument there.

And Lowen, know that my teasing is good-natured. (I like the Flaming Lips too.)

Ya ya ya, kiss the new trendy "in" folks posteriors Mesh. Just 'cause our time is past, doesn't mean we need to grovel. It's like Sinatra trying to pull a duet with Elvis.

Forget it. We'll do our comback in a few years. Older. Classier. You're Jewish so you get to be Sammy Davis Jr.

What will happen to those infamous dancing rabbit suits? Oh so popular these days. Two words: The Strip. That's right. Vegas baby, except they'll all put on about 75 pounds and wear sequin (sp?) bunny suits.

Staying Power. That's what its all about.

I'm not groveling, Franky. I just don't want to be mean to the hipsters. They have fragile souls behind their critically informed facades.

Can I be Dean Martin? He got to drink all the time.

Ya sure. You're not short enough to be Sammy Davis. Maybe Lang can be Jr. As long as we get to call him Jr.

I kinda wanted to be Dean though, not that I don't like Ol' Blue Eyes, its just, well, I'm not worthy!

You will be. Someday. After two more martinis.

Thanks! I was always wondering which was the song that plays in Requiem... and Seabiscuit. I found it here! thanks!!!! ;o)