Jackhammer's Horror Corner (American, review, quote, Ching)

Sneer · 12-23-2008, 09:34 AM

There seems to be this stupid mindset prevalent throughout the American film industry that Americans just wont understand and/or embrace a foreign film unless its given a glossy, Hollywood makeover. It might, in part, be true. There is a French film called 13 (tzameti), which btw, if you enjoy suspense, this is the ultimate, which is getting made into a Hollywood feature... i dont hold much hope.

jackhammer · 12-23-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu

There seems to be this stupid mindset prevalent throughout the American film industry that Americans just wont understand and/or embrace a foreign film unless its given a glossy, Hollywood makeover. It might, in part, be true. There is a French film called 13 (tzameti), which btw, if you enjoy suspense, this is the ultimate, which is getting made into a Hollywood feature... i dont hold much hope.

Yeah I have seen Tzameti and whilst the setup was exquisite I actually thought that the lack of budget hindered it and I wanted it to be MORE tense! However Hollywood will no doubt balls that up too.

Terrible Lizard · 12-30-2008, 08:29 PM

One of my dreams is to write the next great horror film.

jackhammer · 01-07-2009, 06:40 PM

American Psycho (Dir. Mary Harron) 2000

Based upon the Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name. AM is not what you would consider to be a genre specific Horror movie. In fact it is a black comedy, a satire that works on many levels.

The original novel was classed as unfilmable and misogynistic, a critique of 80's American wealth and corruption. So why not A) Get a Briton to play the American central character and B) have the film directed by a woman! This dynamic adds a little twist and taps into the novels disregard for genre conventions and PC appeasement.

Christain Bale is Patrick Bateman. Physically stunning, morally disgusting who is a city player by day and a murdering psychopath at night but these are almost afterthoughts as we are essentially ripping apart the American ideal of 'Money Is God' for the corrupt beast that it is.

Wonderful set pieces include the 'business card standoff' and the daily cleansing schedule of Bateman that are clearly huge satirical swipes at redundant consumerism. The horror aspect I hear you ask? It is rare and mainly off screen. This is the films masterstroke. Violence and psychotic behaviour is the least of Batemans appalling traits and the films twist ending reinforces this.

A special mention should go to the hilarious yet cringeworthy monologues that pertain to Batemans (very 80's) musical tastes and the verve and genuine love of all things cheesy have to be heard to be believed.

The music monologue and the crazy little dance sum this movie up perfectly:

cardboard adolescent · 01-07-2009, 06:45 PM

FEED ME A STRAY CAT

book and film are awesome

Akira · 01-07-2009, 06:47 PM

Great movie, great dialogue and Huey Lewis FTW!

jackhammer · 01-07-2009, 06:57 PM

I just wish I was more eloquent and insightful with my reviews

Bulldog · 01-07-2009, 07:04 PM

Fantastic film, and one which always finds its way into any top 10 movie list I make. You've also gone and picked one of the best scenes from it with that video too.

Jean: What's that?
Patrick Bateman: Duct tape. I need it for... taping something.

jackhammer · 01-07-2009, 07:06 PM

It's THE scene really. I hope I have done one of your faves a little justice!

Bulldog · 01-07-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

It's THE scene really. I hope I have done one of your faves a little justice!

You have indeed - fine review sir

Now, quit sitting around and post about American Werewolf In London

12-30-2008, 08:29 PM	#83 (permalink)
Terrible Lizard **ER OF HOLES Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Butt**, Nebraska Posts: 1,211	One of my dreams is to write the next great horror film. __________________ “YOU ARE SCUM SLUT.” -John Martyn

01-07-2009, 06:40 PM	#84 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	American Psycho (Dir. Mary Harron) 2000 Based upon the Bret Easton Ellis novel of the same name. AM is not what you would consider to be a genre specific Horror movie. In fact it is a black comedy, a satire that works on many levels. The original novel was classed as unfilmable and misogynistic, a critique of 80's American wealth and corruption. So why not A) Get a Briton to play the American central character and B) have the film directed by a woman! This dynamic adds a little twist and taps into the novels disregard for genre conventions and PC appeasement. Christain Bale is Patrick Bateman. Physically stunning, morally disgusting who is a city player by day and a murdering psychopath at night but these are almost afterthoughts as we are essentially ripping apart the American ideal of 'Money Is God' for the corrupt beast that it is. Wonderful set pieces include the 'business card standoff' and the daily cleansing schedule of Bateman that are clearly huge satirical swipes at redundant consumerism. The horror aspect I hear you ask? It is rare and mainly off screen. This is the films masterstroke. Violence and psychotic behaviour is the least of Batemans appalling traits and the films twist ending reinforces this. A special mention should go to the hilarious yet cringeworthy monologues that pertain to Batemans (very 80's) musical tastes and the verve and genuine love of all things cheesy have to be heard to be believed. The music monologue and the crazy little dance sum this movie up perfectly: __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

01-07-2009, 06:57 PM	#87 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	I just wish I was more eloquent and insightful with my reviews __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

01-07-2009, 07:06 PM	#89 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	It's THE scene really. I hope I have done one of your faves a little justice! __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

12-23-2008, 09:34 AM	#81 (permalink)
Sneer Let it drip Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5,430	There seems to be this stupid mindset prevalent throughout the American film industry that Americans just wont understand and/or embrace a foreign film unless its given a glossy, Hollywood makeover. It might, in part, be true. There is a French film called 13 (tzameti), which btw, if you enjoy suspense, this is the ultimate, which is getting made into a Hollywood feature... i dont hold much hope.

01-07-2009, 06:45 PM	#85 (permalink)
cardboard adolescent ;) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: CA Posts: 3,503	FEED ME A STRAY CAT book and film are awesome

01-07-2009, 07:04 PM	#88 (permalink)
Bulldog why bother? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: UK Posts: 4,840	Fantastic film, and one which always finds its way into any top 10 movie list I make. You've also gone and picked one of the best scenes from it with that video too. Jean: What's that? Patrick Bateman: Duct tape. I need it for... taping something.