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matt header · Posted: 08.29.2003 5:53 am Post subject: Movies About Violence

Whew. I just got done watching Michael Haneke's "Funny Games," and this is a very initial reaction, but I'm blown away. I wouldn't hesitate in calling it brilliant, subversive, exciting cinema, and it got me thinking: what movies take a very in-depth, analytical look at violence, how it interacts with society, its allure, etc.? I came up with some choices; any others you'd add?

- Funny Games (Haneke, 1997)

- The Conversation (Coppola, 1974)

- Le Samourai (Melville, 1967)

- Taxi Driver (Scorsese, 1976)

- A Clockwork Orange (Kubrick, 1974)

- Bonnie and Clyde (Penn, 1967)

- I Stand Alone (Noe, 1998)

- The Game (Fincher, 1997)

- Hero (Yimou, 2002)

- M (Lang, 1931)

- Macbeth (Polanski, 1971)

- Princess Mononoke (Mayazaki, 1999)

- Rashomon (Kurosawa, 1951)

- Rear Window (Hitchcock, 1954)

- Sling Blade (Thornton, 1997)

- The Wild Bunch (Peckinpah, 1969)

Michael Scrutchin · Posted: 08.29.2003 2:31 pm Post subject:

Here are a few off the top of my head:

the night watchman · Posted: 08.30.2003 9:18 pm Post subject:

Good choices with Polanski's "Macbeth" and Miyazaki's "Princess Mononoke," Matt. Those wouldn't have occured to me.

My list (not including those already mentioned):

Pulp Fiction

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Unforgiven

Open Range

Blue Velvet

Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me

Heavenly Creatures

The Crow

Blood Simple

The Hitcher

Irreversible

Don't Torture a Duckling

I have a question regarding "Last House on the Left." Here was a movie I had put off watching for so long because I was sort of afraid of it, based on its reputation. After I watched it, I was left baffled, specifically by the slapstick cop antics. I had no idea how I was supposed to take those scenes within the context of the rest of the movie. So "Last House" was more of a perplexing than grueling experience for me. Anybody else have the same reaction?
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"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

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Danny Baldwin · Posted: 08.30.2003 10:54 pm Post subject:

beltmann · Posted: 08.31.2003 12:47 am Post subject:

I am also not a fan of Last House, for reasons documented on the former message board. As for the bumbling cops, to me they served only as transition material, as a way for Craven to push the main plotline ahead by having something to cut away to. In my opinion, those passages are embarrassing.

Eric

Michael Scrutchin · Posted: 08.31.2003 1:17 am Post subject:

I agree, of course, about the stupid cops in Last House on the Left (even Craven acknowledges the stupidity of that subplot and many of the film's other flaws). Nevertheless, I think the scenes in the woods are emotionally wrenching and incredibly tough to watch. It's a terribly flawed film, but it's also one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. I wrote a review last year, after seeing it for the first time in years, and it still had quite an impact. I'm in the minority here, I know.
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the night watchman · Posted: 08.31.2003 2:39 am Post subject:

beltmann · Posted: 08.31.2003 6:04 am Post subject:

the night watchman · Posted: 08.31.2003 8:18 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's retrievable, but I'd certainly like to read it; or, if nothing else, a revisit of the discussion, if you two are interested.
_________________
"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

-David Cronenberg

filmsRpriceless · Camera Operator Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 65

The Third M?n · Posted: 09.09.2003 7:38 pm Post subject:

I'd also like to include Fight Club and Psycho.

fcukfear19 · Grip Joined: 18 Sep 2003 Posts: 1

How can Apocalypse not be on any ones list?

Post 1970's movies that constitute my bunch.

1) Apocalypse Now

2) Taxi Driver

3) Reservoir Dogs

4) Mullholland Drive

5) Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels

-Hareesh

Mark Dujsik · Posted: 09.18.2003 4:01 pm Post subject:

Since everyone's already covered the biggies, I'd like to throw in Julie Taymor's Titus. I must watch that movie again soon.
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matt header · Posted: 09.18.2003 4:13 pm Post subject:

Yes!!! "Titus" has its problems, but I love that movie; I've seen it several times and I like it just as much each time.

the night watchman · Posted: 09.18.2003 8:51 pm Post subject:

Yeah, Titus got some pretty poor reviews when it was released, but I thought it was a pretty good movie.
_________________
"If you're talking about censorship, and what things should be shown and what things shouldn't be shown, I've said that as an artist you have no social responsibility whatsoever."

-David Cronenberg