#140 - 8 1/2

 

Starting to get a little worried - lately the viewings have been feeling more like work or an unpleasant chore that drives me to my cellphone instead of paying attention.

This (along with Wild Strawberries) are quintessential Art House films - among the top of the genres, by world renown directors - but they're just not holding my attention

I've said before I'm a bit hit or miss with Fellini - this one was  a miss - I appreciate the surrealism but aside from some interesting compositions, the story wasn't there - it's a bit schizophrenic and I guess I wish I just had a straight forward story without 50% flashbacks or dream sequences. - Looking ahead I'm seeing some good stuff so I'll push thru, but the viewing was not the most engaging for me and I watched it over 3 nights struggling to get my attention.

Lots of good special features - maybe a rewatch with the featured commentary will make it a bit better for me

RB 

#139 - Wild Strawberries

 

I'm not 100% sure I'm ever going to get Bergman - I know he's one of the greatest directors of the 20th century, but except for the Seventh Seal, nothing he's done has particularly moved me so far.

This is a story of an old widower reflecting back on his life during a drive to his son's place and University to receive an award.   There are some dream sequences, some reminiscing, and the like.   He starts out as a much worse man than he ends up, and some other folks show up along the way who remind him of what he's lost and found.

I wish it had reached me better - I was watching late at night - nearly fell asleep and basically watched it over 3 viewings - that's not a great way to do this, but it was just very tough to engage - dunno why - absolutely have to stop bringing my cell to viewings.

the Blu-Ray has a lot of special features but none were on the Channel but the movie itself I don't believe - (but I'll doublecheck)

RB