Movies are a funny thing. When one listens to the people who make them talking about their production, one hears about an enormous work of organization. People's schedules need to be lined up, the locations have to be set, and so on. Of the hundreds and thousands of movies that get made every year, a few of them are something special. If that merging of forces cold be quantified and bottled, movie producers everywhere would be going to that well constantly.
I think this whenever I watch anything regarding the making of "Spinal Tap." Here is a movie made for very little money, and without even much of a script (much of the film is improvised). But what comes out on the screen is nothing short of genius. It is about all of these people (Rob Reiner, Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and so many others) coming together at a specific time and place and making a truly amazing movie. The first time I saw it, I was at a friend's house 15 or so years ago. The three of us who watched it had all heard of it for years, but had never seen it. Each scene reminded me of the funniest SNL sketch I had ever seen, yet this movie strung together 23 of those sketches in a row.
Why is it amazing? It is the most dead-on satire you will ever hope to find in film. It follows a fictitious rock band as their latest tour (promoting their new album, "Smell the Glove") falls apart. Anyone who knows anything about rock history, or has heard any of the less than glamorous anecdotes about certain rock stars can find something here. David St. Hubbins' girlfriend reminds us of Yoko Ono. Derek Smalls the bass player always seems dim. And Nigel Tufnel reminds us of the self importance of it all, whether he is caressing his precious guitar collection, or losing his cool over David's dalliances with his girlfriend.
It's no big surprise, I suppose, that this movie is special. The people who made it have amazing comedic talent. But how did it come together so well? On a commentary by the filmmakers, they explain how all of them love rock music. The affection for the music comes out, but also the critique of those who make that music. The satire is merciless, but it only stings so much because of the truth in it.
It is also one of the most quotable movies ever made:
"These go to eleven..."
"One of those things the authorities said...best leave it unsolved..."
""HELLO CLEVELAND!!!"
"It's such a fine line between stupid and clever..."
"Dozens of people spontaneously combust every year, it's just not widely reported..."
Just a few choice lines. This movie is a reverse love note to rock music, and every time I watch it, I am blown away by its brilliance. If you have ever cared about a band or followed rock music at all, it's for you. Rock on folks.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ben Hur
This seemed like a good movie for this holiday, since it ends with the Resurrection of Jesus...
I remember watching this movie every year growing up, and I always loved it. Whether you are religious or not, the epic scope of the film and the wonderful story certainly carry the day. The film tells the story of two young men: Judah Ben-Hur, a young Jew from Jerusalem, and his boyhood friend Masala, a loyal Roman soldier who attempts to recruit his old friend in an attempt to bring the Jewish people into allegiance with the Roman Empire. When Judah refuses to turn his back on his faith and his people, Masala casts off any loyalty to his old friend, and allows his to suffer in an almost Job-like manner. Most of the film is Judah's story of how he survives imprisonment to come back and seek his revenge on Masala. All of this takes place at the same time that a young teacher from Nazereth is beginning to gain a following.
The Christ of this film is seen as a powerful moral example. The filmmakers make a decision of never showing his face, only shooting him from the back or from a distance. This is a very effective portrayal of Christ. One of the most powerful scenes in the film is a foreshadowing piece. As Judah is being led off to imprisonment through the desert, he staggers and falls in weakness. There, he is met by Christ, who gives him a miraculously endless supply of water. Judah never forgets this act of kindness, and when he sees this same man who gave him water fall under the weight of a heavy cross near a well in Jerusalem, there is only one thing he can do.
The film preaches the power of Christ's teaching of forgiveness. Judah has to learn what he should do to Masala in the face of horrible injustice. The injustice that has been done to Judah is enormous, and Masala does deserve recompense. The question Judah has to come to grips with as his bitterness increases is what is he to do with the teachings of this young man from Nazereth? Should he hold onto his anger, or should he let it go before it consumes him?
As a Christian myself, it is always wonderful to see elements of my faith brought to the screen well. It seems that many times, elements of the faith are brought to the screen that are far too didactic. In other words, why make a movie when the filmmaker would rather just deliver a lecture? It has been years since I have seen this film, and I noticed that a new Blu-Ray is on its way this fall...maybe it's time to take another look. Happy Easter.
I remember watching this movie every year growing up, and I always loved it. Whether you are religious or not, the epic scope of the film and the wonderful story certainly carry the day. The film tells the story of two young men: Judah Ben-Hur, a young Jew from Jerusalem, and his boyhood friend Masala, a loyal Roman soldier who attempts to recruit his old friend in an attempt to bring the Jewish people into allegiance with the Roman Empire. When Judah refuses to turn his back on his faith and his people, Masala casts off any loyalty to his old friend, and allows his to suffer in an almost Job-like manner. Most of the film is Judah's story of how he survives imprisonment to come back and seek his revenge on Masala. All of this takes place at the same time that a young teacher from Nazereth is beginning to gain a following.
The Christ of this film is seen as a powerful moral example. The filmmakers make a decision of never showing his face, only shooting him from the back or from a distance. This is a very effective portrayal of Christ. One of the most powerful scenes in the film is a foreshadowing piece. As Judah is being led off to imprisonment through the desert, he staggers and falls in weakness. There, he is met by Christ, who gives him a miraculously endless supply of water. Judah never forgets this act of kindness, and when he sees this same man who gave him water fall under the weight of a heavy cross near a well in Jerusalem, there is only one thing he can do.
The film preaches the power of Christ's teaching of forgiveness. Judah has to learn what he should do to Masala in the face of horrible injustice. The injustice that has been done to Judah is enormous, and Masala does deserve recompense. The question Judah has to come to grips with as his bitterness increases is what is he to do with the teachings of this young man from Nazereth? Should he hold onto his anger, or should he let it go before it consumes him?
As a Christian myself, it is always wonderful to see elements of my faith brought to the screen well. It seems that many times, elements of the faith are brought to the screen that are far too didactic. In other words, why make a movie when the filmmaker would rather just deliver a lecture? It has been years since I have seen this film, and I noticed that a new Blu-Ray is on its way this fall...maybe it's time to take another look. Happy Easter.
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