This post is my entry for IndieWeb Movie Club #003. This movie is so interesting as I've probably watched it more as clips and references in all other sorts of media than actually sat down to watch it. I think this is the only time I've actually sat down and chosen it to watch, rather than it just playing on TV. I had a hard time not thinking about the plot of Wicked and how all those pieces fit together. It helps to give the Wicked Witch of the West more background as in this film she's just a "bad witch". For me, Wicked is canon. I'm keeping to my same format for this one since it's so late in the month, but I might switch to something different for the next one. First viewing: I remember it was playing on TV and I actually sat down to watch the whole thing in early 2007. Watch count: 2 times all the way through. Hundreds of times if we count every single time I've seen it in parts. Favorite quote: As Coroner I must aver, I thoroughly examined her, and she's not only merely dead, she's really most sincerely dead. Favorite scene: The obvious one is when Dorothy walks out the door in to Oz and the screen just fills with color. Yeah, there's something technologically amazing about this but the thing that stands out to me the most is the complexity of that set. There's so much detail that went in to every piece, prop, and costume. This still happens but in a much more naturalistic way so as to not see the seams. But the seams are good. Prop I wish I had: The Scarecrow's diploma. Just because out of all of the things the Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man get, this one is the silliest to me. Best boy*: Terry who plays Toto. She's my favorite. At close to 100 years, this film is unlike anything else. Yes, there's brilliance on screen but just as important, or even more so, is the horrible conditions and treatment people were subjected to in the making of this film. I don't think the extent of health complications potentially caused by the filming of this can even be documented. Toxic paint, asbestos snow, diets, and drugs is just a few of them and that's just for physical health. The list is extensive and Craig already has discussed some of them so I encourage you to check it out. I also really enjoyed this video essay by Kaz Rowe where they discuss a lot of these topics too. I'd be curious to read more about this era of Hollywood and what all had to go down to get the rules and safeguards to protect all people involved. It's still not perfect as there are several cases in recent years of more people harmed by those in power, but the egregiousness of that time is something I hope has long gone. Still, this movie's legacy will probably go on longer than any of us and audiences that are not even born yet will continue to experience it. One thing I found interesting is that there is a direct yet subtle theme that connects all entries in the IndieWeb Movie Club so far (see #001 and #002). All of these movies have so far contained a message about the importance of friendship and/or found family. Because you don't always have to do things alone.
Watched The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her, 2014 - ★★★★
This review is for this movie and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him. Its hard to rate these separately and rating "Them" seems misleading as I believe watching both is what makes them great. "Him" is a breakup movie without context for us. "Her" feels less structured as you slowly gather the pieces necessary to see more of the story. Not having all the pieces is what makes each of these films more interesting. And while watching both may answer some questions, it is in no way a full picture. I really like not knowing the rest. Prepare for heartbreak.
Watched The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Him, 2014 - ★★★★
This review is for this movie and The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Her. Its hard to rate these separately and rating "Them" seems misleading as I believe watching both is what makes them great. "Him" is a breakup movie without context for us. "Her" feels less structured as you slowly gather the pieces necessary to see more of the story. Not having all the pieces is what makes each of these films more interesting. And while watching both may answer some questions, it is in no way a full picture. I really like not knowing the rest. Prepare for heartbreak.
I enjoyed this story of two friends reconnecting. It also made me feel very optimistic by the fact that a majority of the encounters Harper has are positive and accepting.
Rewatching to prep for 3. I'm very biased but Cable is one of my favorite comic book characters. Also pretty convinced sling bags became a thing because of Cable.
I was prepared to cry. I was expecting it to be about a certain kind of loss but it was much more than that. It is about grief and throughout you grieve with Andrew Scott's character so that eventually, hopefully, there is some acceptance. Perfect use of Always On My Mind - Pet Shop Boys
Watched Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, 2022 - ★★★★
Marcel is such a wonderful character. It's such a lovely story. Minor spoiler below: There's a point where Marcel is reaching out to people for help and instead of helping, they use this as an opportunity to take selfies.Marcel's realization is that "It's still a group of people, but it's an audience. It's not a community."There's a lot of thoughtful observations in this movie but this one stuck with me because of how isolating the internet can still feel even when we're more connected now than we have ever been before.
I wanted this to say a bit more and in terms of documentaries its maybe not as thorough as it could be. Worth checking out the Defunctland Jim Henson videos for a little more insight into the shows and the people involved.
I am torn here because I really liked Kirsten Dunst in it and the scene with Jesse Plemons was real and terrifying. I found myself questioning who the "good guys" were here. I don't think anyone is good.
I only know Willy Wonka from when it gets referenced in other media as I've never fully watched the Gene Wilder or Tim Burton films. If this is what they're like, I get it. I can imagine watching this as a kid and just loving the world and the characters.
There's a specific moment in this that I wish we would've seen more of. It felt like theater. Everyone is amazing in this and Sterling K. Brown cries better than anyone else in the business.
This broke my brain. I didn't know what was happening. Then I thought I did. Then I didn't again. Then there was music. And tears. And then I did. And then I didn't and that's ok.
Watched All Quiet on the Western Front, 2022 - ★★★★
