300

[rectal_area]

oh shit he just went postmodern on you!

Films can still be unique and special, if only because of the advent of new technology (once people start using CGI more intelligently). Old stories can still be told in new ways, and honestly the whole "well what do we do now" thing is nothing more than an excuse to retread old territory. I think Eternal Sunshine is a good example, because it took a very strange script, utilized new technology (for the dream sequences) but grounded it in reality to make for a very interesting movie experience. Just because studios don't try very hard doesn't mean that you can excuse the lack of creativity in moviemaking (ie remakes).

[Drewbacca]

I saw this earlier today on mention from a 300 fan friend. Looks awesome, day one. This and Grindhouse look so good.

lol no

Over the last 7 years? fuck man, thats a big question.

Brick, Weatherman, Sin City, Life Aquatic, Mysterious skin, Kill bill, Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Oldboy, Y Tu Mama Tambien, Collaterall, About a million others...

I don't think I'd put Life Aquatic (still awesome though) or Weatherman on there, but Adaptation is really really good, same with Eternal Sunshine. The point stands though, Meach needs to broaden his horizons.

[The_Meach]

I forgot to mention Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later. I don't know if either meets my (admittedly steep) definition of "special" but both are really, really good.

I rented "Why We Fight" tonight. Looks interesting.

Broaden my horizons, huh? If only my argument could be so easily dismissed by the "omgsimpleton!" accusation.

I'm not the first to make this obvious...uh...observation. Others have made similar points.

Mark Cuban has a somewhat different take on this. And I agree with him. Filmmakers should be all about challenging themselves AND us, the audience. I think the artists in film are listening.

[Frogacuda]

I forgot to mention Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later. I don't know if either meets my (admittedly steep) definition of "special" but both are really, really good.

Your definition isn't steep at all. You just watch bad movies. If you had seen the movies people are pointing out and didn't think they were special, then fine, but you haven't. And Dawn of the Dead was completely average manufactured remake cheese.

I think Eternal Sunshine is a good example, because it took a very strange script, utilized new technology (for the dream sequences) but grounded it in reality to make for a very interesting movie experience. Just because studios don't try very hard doesn't mean that you can excuse the lack of creativity in moviemaking (ie remakes).

Actually, many of the "effects" in Eternal Sunshine weren't technology based at all. It was a lot of forced perspectives, distorted sets, trapdoors in sets, actors running behind the camera and other slight of hand. The digital effects were used pretty sparingly. You'd be surprised. The direction is very ingenious and the fact that it's done without much CGI really helps sell it, too (CGI never looks quite real).

[The_Meach]

You just watch bad movies.

Right. Haven't seen Brick, which I saw for the first time in my local Hollywood Video tonight and Eternal Sunshine. OMGhowDAREI!!!! My points lack any merit!!111one

I've seen everything else mentioned in this thread. My opinion is that films like Life Aquatic are not special. Clearly I'm way out of line.

[arjue]

You're intitled to your opinion, It just irritates me when a guy has agent smith in his avatar and is complaining that the last 5 years or so of film making has been shit, and trumps a hollywood inferior remake of a classic horror movie over something truly unique and masterfully created like Mysterious Skin or Eternal Sunshine.

[APC]

I think The Royal The Departed is one of the best thrillers I've seen in years, Lost in Translation is a great, Shaun of the Dead for horror fans, The Ring will be talked about for years, desptie it being a remake.

the departed is a remake also.

i'd like to recommend me and you and everyone we know. best film i've seen in the last two years.

[luek]

You're intitled to your opinion, It just irritates me when a guy has agent smith in his avatar and is complaining that the last 5 years or so of film making has been shit, and trumps a hollywood inferior remake of a classic horror movie over something truly unique and masterfully created like Mysterious Skin or Eternal Sunshine.

it bears repeating that sunshine absolutely flattened me. such a great movie, and wasn't like anything i'd seen for a while.

anyone who hasn't seen it should really get out there.

[Brand X]

I can't believe with all this talk of "special" movies no one has mentioned Requiem for a Dream. Easily the most emotionally draining movie to come out in the past 4-5 years.

edit: I just noticed Frog mentioned it. And for good fucking reason! I would also mention O Brother Where Art Thou, this movie just oozes style and is a rediculously original retelling of a classic story.

[Frogacuda]

Right. Haven't seen Brick, which I saw for the first time in my local Hollywood Video tonight and Eternal Sunshine. OMGhowDAREI!!!! My points lack any merit!!111one

I've seen everything else mentioned in this thread. My opinion is that films like Life Aquatic are not special. Clearly I'm way out of line.

So you didn't think Sin City was a really different and daring movie? Requiem for a Dream didn't hit you? Adaptation was just another movie? Amelie was average?

But fucking DAWN OF THE DEAD was great?

Come on, man.