And again....

Sept 13

I still have only seen 10 films this whole year! Yeah, I'm slacking... but I should pick it up this week. Update of what I'm anticipating:

1. My Blueberry Nights

Comfortably holding its ridiculously large margin. Its subject breathes youthful pop culture vibes and a strong sense of longing and freedom. Also by far, the most interesting cast and crew of any film this year. Although it may not be the workings of a masterpiece, it has a far more appealing subject matter than most generic studio pictures this year (which appear even more generic, with the long list of terrorist/political/war films coming out, than in previous years). Also, films like Eastern Promises seems too blatantly reliant on its typical "personal auteur style" to come out as really groundbreaking material.

2. Lust, Caution

The trailer was not spectacular, but one of the better trailers of the year. Despite the possibility of seeing an unfocused and bloated epic, this film's appearance suggests a strong sense of sexuality, elegance, and nostalgia. Tony Leung/Ang Lee could potentially be the strongest and most talked about duo this entire year and Tang Wei elicits strong newcomer star status and audience curiosities.

3. Summer Palace

Don't know too much about this film. My anticipation is strictly from its appealing subject matter. Also, I love my romances, especially idealized romances backdropped by time and youth, such as the premise of its college setting.

4. The Darjeeling Limited

The trailer is ho-hum and the actors are too redundantly used in Wes's previous pictures. Yet, this could very well be one of the most entertaining and brilliantly witty films of the year.

5. The Kingdom

Exciting trailer, has Mann influence + potential to be greatly entertaining. This Saturday, hopefully

6. Interview

Has the appearance of intimacy and bond, and Sienna Miller looks pretty good in it. Scheduled to see it next Wednesday.

7. I'm Not There

While still not drawn by its subject matter, the overall hype and its artistic allure is hard to avoid. In addition, I grossly admire Todd Haynes.

8. La Voyage du Ballon Rouge

Gradually losing anticipation. I'm predicting a cute a piece of foreign fluff, a film that Hou is just looking to "make" rather than "explore." In any case, it can't top his previous efforts this decade, as it seems Hou is taking a lighter approach to filmmaking.

9. The Age of Tattoo

Until I get more information about its subject material, my anticipation remains solid, but not strong. Assuming the title is consistent with the film, it seems like an exotic exploration of a bygone time period. Usually fascinating material.

10. Cassandra's Dream

Will be a typical Allen, but.... I can't say no to a Woody Allen film, especially having even seen Scoop in theaters.