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2003 |
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12 March 2003
Mistral asked me to pass this on to you……
"I've seen a few films lately and thought that it was time to share my thoughts
on the philosophical import of the issues raised therein." Harry Potter
& the Chamber of Secrets
There was little contextual analysis to apply to
this extravaganza but it was most enjoyable. For those who (dare I say it)
found the first Harry Potter film a tad pedestrian, this one more than makes
up for it. Mistral felt that the nature of evil was not explored beyond a
rather superficial level but of course, all true aficionados of HP know that
the later books in the series move beyond such simplistic notions. Mistral
hopes that the films do the same. Horse quotient - nil The Two Towers Being
associated with at least two Tolkien 'anoraks' Mistral is aware that the
storyline of this film deviates more than a bit from the novel in ways that
Tolkien surely would not have approved. Whilst agreeing that changes are
required to turn a great book into a great film, he submits that the
alterations in this instance were excessive - Aragorn falling off a cliff
indeed! (to name only one of the more blatant examples). That said the
experience was exhilarating, and scarcely seemed to last the three hours or
so that it did. Most enjoyable, and anything that introduces Tolkien to a
wider audience has got to be a GOOD THING. Horse quotient - loads. Shadowfax
was fantastic. As usual, however, the filmmakers had horses neighing at
inappropriate times during the narrative as any equestrian could tell you. Chicago Whilst Mistral doesn't normally enjoy musicals
(music disrupts the philosophical process) he feels that this film was an
honourable exception, with its excellent juxtaposition of the 'real' story
and the glittering musical numbers. Moreover it had a sense of humour - the
'dummy' scene being particularly chortle worthy - something noticeably absent
from many films. Although philosophers prefer to wallow in doom and gloom
whilst formulating their theories, even Mistral likes to cheer up once in a
while, and this film effects that with ease! Horse quotient - none. Solaris Prime stomping ground for philosophers - too
much so for some viewers who resorted to throwing sweets at Mistral's
companions. Whilst they certainly appreciate any sweetmeats offered to them
it was commonly agreed that this was a bit Too Much. Not being one to hearken
back to the Good Old Days, Mistral will remain silent on the subject of young
people today whilst noting only that he would never have got away with such
behaviour. Anyway on to the film................Whilst in no way admitting
that he didn't understand what was going on, Mistral believes that this film
is open to multiple interpretations. Tackling such 'big' questions as the
nature of reality and our own flawed perceptions of the people we claim to
love, this film was never going to be a light 'LCD' extravaganza. Mistral
found it curiously inspiring and found himself thinking about many of the
topics encountered long after he left the cinema. He also appreciated the
subtle visual effects and rather strange ambience. And the fact that George
Clooney looked extremely attractive had nothing to do with it, honest! Horse
quotient - none, but who knows what Solaris would create if Mistral were
around? |
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