Reviews Q for the Arrow

[Fettdog]

Arrow, just a quick question. I occasionally get the urge to write reviews for films that aren't currently in your database - do you accept reviews from Schmoes (in which case I'd love to contribute occasionally, as time allows), or do you do all the reviews 'in-house' (i.e. just you!).

Later....

[izombie]

I'd suggest emailing him directly.

[The Arrow]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Fettdog:
Arrow, just a quick question. I occasionally get the urge to write reviews for films that aren't currently in your database - do you accept reviews from Schmoes (in which case I'd love to contribute occasionally, as time allows), or do you do all the reviews 'in-house' (i.e. just you!). Later....</font>

I appreciate the offer dude but I like to do all of my reviews in-house (hence me). Who knows maybe sometime in the future, I might change my mind...

[Jason Voorhees]

well If you ever do change your mind let us know..

[Cyclonus]

Well, you can always post your reviews on the boards! Let me set an example for you; here's one of mine from the video capsules forum. (Note: I write them on the assumption that the viewer is familiar with the film)

Body Double (1984)

Director: Brian DePalma

Cast: Craig Wasson, Melanie Griffith, Gregg Henry, Deborah Shelton

Screenwriters: Robert J. Avrech, Brian DePalma

Producer: Brian DePalma

A Columbia Pictures release


http://www.side6.dk/billeder/RED_1152000_102333AM_Body-Double.jpg


I admit when I rented this movie, I did so just to get some cheap thrills. I was aware of the negative reviews from uptight critics who dismissed it as sleaze, and to be honest, that's what I was in the mood for. Besides, my curiosity was aroused. (No cheap jokes, please!)

To my surprise, this is actually a compelling, well-crafted thriller. Let me take it a step further. It's an improvement over DePalma's effective but overpraised Dressed to Kill. Body Double is actually better-constructed and better-paced. Perhaps the extremes of the film's content turned off some members of the critical community. And keep in mind that many of these people loved Dressed.

However, if you can stomach some of the content (it would certainly warrant an NC-17 in today's climate), there's much to like here. DePalma's approach might be manipulative, but when he does so this effectively, it's hard to complain. Technically, it's a marvel of film technique. Wasson's claustrophobic attacks are effectively conveyed to the viewer. When they hit him, they hit us just as hard. The very ending, which I wouldn't dream of giving away, is a work of pure genius. The infamous drill murder is a terrific setpiece.

One aspect that interested me was its attitude towards porno. So-called "dirty movies" are not condemned, but treated as simply being another side of the film industry. It's not considered right or wrong; it's just there. Such a nonjudgmental outlook is refreshing after hearing the tiresome rants of self-appointed "moral watchdogs." Likewise, there is a loving tribute to B-movies during the opening and closing credits.

Body Double isn't good art by any means, but it's good trash. Watch it, and you will behold DePalma at his sleazy best. He makes no apologies for what he does, nor would we want him to do so.

8/10.


[This message has been edited by Cyclonus (edited 03-30-2002).]

[Fettdog]

No problemo Arrow! I understand where you're coming from. Keep up the good work!

[izombie]

Very nice example Cyclonus.