Movies You May Have Missed: 10/11/08
Anamaria Marinca in 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
Forget about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, there’s a solid crop of DVDs coming out this week that didn’t quite hog so much attention but deserved to. Needless to say, there isn’t a single flying refrigerator among them.
4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days (2007) **** 1/2
Unfairly pigeonholed as “the Romanian abortion drama,” the 2007 Cannes Palme d’Or winner 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is more of an illustration of the corruption and decay of an authoritarian society. Abortion is used as an extreme example to show life in Eastern Europe before the fall of Communism, but an overt judgment about the controversial subject is never made. People on both sides of the abortion issue will find things to admire and to hate about this film depending on how hard they try. Either way, they’re missing the point.
At its core, 4 Months is a gripping drama, brilliantly executed. It begins incidentally, following Otilia (the amazing Anamaria Marinca) as she carries on about her business dealing with the black market for the necessities of her day-to-day existence as a student living in a dreary school dormitory. For the first 40 minutes or so it’s clear she’s making some kind of preparations for her fuzzy headed roommate Gabita, but the fact she’s arranging for an illegal black market abortion is only slowly revealed.
The film is extremely suspenseful, not in a Hitchcock way but almost in a horror movie way. Using extremely long takes with a hand held (but never annoying) camera or an Easyrig setup, filmmaker Christian Mungiu follows Otilia around, frequently in close-up, with information about her surroundings coming in at the edges of the widescreen frame. There’s a claustrophobia right from the start and a tension that slowly builds into almost unbearable suspense. Before you realize he’s doing it, you’re in it.
Mungiu wisely uses Otilia as the protagonist because Gabita is highly unsympathetic. Ultimately you can’t help but feel for Gabita, and Mungiu is careful to never pass judgment upon her, but she’s selfish, stupid and frustrating. By focusing on the more heroic Otilia, the audience is easily drawn into Mungiu’s world.
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a terrific, harrowing and moving film that, despite its controversial subject matter, is surprisingly subtle and engaging. Because of the unpleasantness of the potentially depressing subject matter, some people will steer clear of this film even on DVD, but they’re denying themselves one of the best films of the last couple of years.
Stuck (2008) ****
I don’t think I know a single person who agreed with my enthusiastic review of Stuart Gordon’s macabre, claustrophobic thriller starring Stephen Rea and Mena Suvari, but I stand by it. It’s not a horror film per se, but it uses many of the same elements to subvert the genre in telling its story largely from the point of view of the monster rather than the victim. At turns creepy, suspenseful, gross and entertaining, Stuck is a lot of fun. What else do you want from a DVD?
Mongol (2008) ***
This film has a number of fans including LiC reader Alexander Coleman, but I found myself a little less enthusiastic. It played like the first part of a great epic about Genghis Khan, but it ended before the payoff. Luckily, it’s the first part of a planned trilogy so perhaps I’ll appreciate it more in its eventual context. It’s a beautiful and entertaining film, but on its own I would’ve either liked more action or more dramatic layering. Nevertheless, I look forward to the continuing story.
And now here’s the part of the program where I toss out a few DVDs of movies I meant to get around to but missed myself.
The Edge of Heaven (2008)
Fatih Akin’s drama about Turkish immigrants in Germany told in three interconnected parts was on my list of things to see, but I never quite got around to it. It pulled an 85 from Metacritic and both Alexander of Coleman’s Corner in Cinema and Daniel of Getafilm gave it good reviews with reservations.
Standard Operating Procedure (2008)
Despite Getafilm’s longstanding enthusiastic review, I never got around to watching this look at the Abu Ghraib scandal from Errol Morris (Gates of Heaven, The Thin Blue Line and The Fog of War). If I ever watch all the DVDs from Netflix that have been gathering dust on top of my TV for the last month, it would be a good time to catch up to this one.
War, Inc. (2008)
John Cusack’s satire got fairly well clobbered by critics when it showed itself at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival (it was already playing in a few Toronto theaters for some reason) and then it landed with a thud in theaters in late May making $580,862 in 77 days. Cusack plays a hitman hired by former vice president Dan Aykroyd to kill the oil minister of the fictional Middle Eastern country of Turaqistan. Hillary Duff plays a spoiled Turaqistani pop star. We need a smart, dark, bitter, in-the-moment satire ala Dr. Strangelove right now, but if the critics are to be believed, this wasn’t it. That’s too bad.
Filed under: DVD
Tags: 4 Months 3 Weeks and 2 Days, Anamaria Marinca, Christian Mungiu, Errol Morris, Fatih Akin, Hillary Duff, John Cusack, Mena Suvari, Mongol, Standard Operating Procedure, Stephen Rea, Stuart Gordon, Stuck, The Edge of Heaven, War Inc.
Related Posts: - Sight & Sound’s Top 10 Films of 2007
- Village Voice/LA Weekly Poll Strikes Oil
- Weekend Forecast: 1/25/08
- National Society of Film Critics Honors ‘Blood’
- AFI Fest 2007: Day 3
Your fresh thoughts, review and rating for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days are quite wonderful, Craig, and help to make this an even more exciting and effervescent “Movies You May Have Missed” feature than usual.
A comprehensive look at the less commercial DVD releases of the week, as always. No flying refrigerators here, haha…
I believe I’ve cooled a little on Mongol since I saw it, but I would not mind giving it a spin on DVD in the near future. Your criticisms are entirely valid, but may very well be mitigated by the upcoming two sequels.
Have a terrific weekend, everyone. I’ll be in the Mission District of San Francisco tonight for Christian’s protest-ploitation extravaganza!
At this point I am torn between EDGE OF HEAVEN and THE VISITOR as the best film of 2008, and I have made my points relentlessly and continuously on these threads, and have even (most politely and with due respect) made my defense to both Daniel and Alexander. Once again LIC stands alone here as it did with THE VISITOR. EDGE OF HEAVEN has been praised by the the very best of the professional critics and it’s summary concensus is absolutely superlative. As always I am prepared to defend this great film in the proper forum.
I will say nothing further on the masterpiece 4 MONTHS (which I counted as a 2007 film, unlike a few others here), and I haven’t cooled on MONGOL as Alexander has. (and I’ve seen it three times in the theatre as a result of dragging friends along).
I am not the fan of STUCK that Craig is, but I still agree with him that’s it’s entertaining and quite a roller coaster ride.
The biggest DVD release by far this week is the Region 2 of MEMORIES OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT, (1968) Tomas Guitierez Alea’s masterpiece, which just happens to be the GREATEST Cuban film of all time. It’s a probing political/philosophical (existential) trestise, that is searing and brandished into your own memory forever.
New Yorker’s STILL LIFE and the long-awaited Region 1 of Terrence Malick’s THE NEW WORLD (Extended Edition) are also being released.
I know there are just a few people here at LIC who like that film, right?
LOL!!!
Unfairly pigeonholed as “the Romanian abortion drama,”
put like most pigeonholes the movie bloggers/critics ate it up/couldn’t stop using it…
that edge of heaven has better metacritc than head on i think says alot about critics.
you know just make a movie seem more ‘important’ or than can be viewed as such.and get more points instantly.
make mine gegan die wand/head on.
glimmer, that’s too easy. EDGE OF HEAVEN is a far better film than HEAD ON, that’s the reason why it got better reviews.
And check out the names of the critics who gave it tremendous reviews. Rather startling I must say.
4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS, AND 2 DAYS was, bar none, the best movie of last year and I’m glad it’s finally getting a DVD release. While the movie became pretty accessible through IFC VOD, I hope even more people give it a chance now despite its deservedly bleak reputation. Can’t wait until Mungiu’s next effort — this was simultaneously one of the most precise, emotional, and stylistically verite exercises in cinema I’ve ever seen.
I’ve only seen two of the others: MONGOL and STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE, both of which were good but unremarkable. The first is best during its intimate first act, but fails to really manage its epic action in an appropriately epic context. Still, I’m glad it introduced me to Bodrov. The latter is probably the most clear-headed look at the failures of Iraq on documentary-film thus far given it never tries to generalize and merely seeks to understand specific photographs, but it still can’t help but feel lacking because it doesn’t aim for a greater context. Nonetheless, I admire Morris’ attempt even though it essentially exists as paradox.
Love Akin, but I was in San Diego all summer and THE EDGE OF HEAVEN only played for one week so I missed it. Couldn’t get enough of the trailer, though, so I really look forward to catching up with it.
Can’t wait to see WAR INC. either, despite the bad reviews. I like the entire cast, including Hilary Duff, who I’ve always thought had more of a knack for acting than her films have been able to showcase (yeah, I might be the only one, but it’s good to see Duff tackling more serious stuff recently).
Everyone must see 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days if they haven’t already. Unfairly pigeon-holed is right.
Not having cable, I completely forgot 432 was VOD, but yeah, it’s a must see. I saw it almost a year ago now and it has stayed with me.
432 is very, very good. I have to figure out whether it’s eligible for my top 10 list.
I don’t quite get the 4 MONTHS thing…I saw it on the list of new DVD releases on Box Office Mojo, but it’s been on DVD for months…although exclusively for sale at Borders and for rent at Blockbuster. I’m assuming this is a release everywhere?
I also gave THE EDGE OF HEAVEN a positive review with reservations. I don’t share Sam’s enthusiasm but it’s a solid work.
I liked STUCK as well. Not as much as you did but it’s pulpy fun.
MONGOL is a fairly good historical epic…not a great one but I liked how it avoided some of the typical mistakes of its genre.
I’m really looking forward to finally seeing STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE. I missed the press screening back when it was first released and have been kicking myself ever since…I hope it’s as good as THE FOG OF WAR.
Matthew, your assessment is certainly fair enough for me on both EDGE OF HEAVEN and MONGOL.
Wow, what a solid week. Thanks for that, Craig. The Edge of Heaven has people like me, Matt, and Nick behind it, and then it has people like Sam. Point is, nobody is saying it’s anything less than a great, maybe flawed movie. Danny i’ve only seen one other Akin film (I really want to see Head-On), but if you like his style then you should love this.
SOP is fading somewhat for me, to be honest. Indeed, I did give it a positive review, but that’s more for its production value than its actual substance. You’re not going to get an amateur documentary from Morris, but I think The Fog of War is certainly a superior film in terms of the lasting impression it leaves.
Have people seen 432 multiple times? I fear it would be too disturbing to see again soon.
I’ve only seen 432 the one time, though it’s been nearly a year now and it is perhaps time to revisit.
sam you think edge of heaven is better fine. critics like it more too ??? well critics well stuff i like this year can’t get over 72% on metacritic.so whatever…yep i’m gonna mention that every f***ing chance.
i liked gegen die wand/head on lots more than edge of heaven. and yeah i’ll admit maybe that was just my outsider/messed up people since tingle. *yeah* *ha ha*.
so yeah sam i guess i can respect the visitor (and i’m giving this film extra points since this was jenkins first leading role. wow at that age. i bet he was thinking it was never goona happen…) and edge of heaven. and i guess i can see why uh you and those critics *cough cough* are going crazy. crazy…crazy…
but to me…and i guess it’s just me. but whatever this films i feel i should respect. but am i enthused by them *no*
do they set mew off on mental buzz frenzy. *hmm no*
do i want to see either as a good starting point for a feature of indie (hey you know everyone loves those articles. *ha ha*) do i want to see them in top 10 polls. *no*…
(although i don’t know if i can even put togther a top 10 this year. so maybe i better remember the visitor.*opps*)
do i care about either. no, not really. and that’s why both are going to top of indie this year. yep….
and yes daniel i’m the one that doesn’t think ‘edge’ is a masterpiece. oe even very good. it’s ok. no reason for me to hate it. but the love isn’t flowing..so i definitely know it’s not everlasting. *ha ha* :)
anyway behind the which is better edge or gegen/head on. it really doesn’t matter. really it doesn’t.
may point (and as always even if it was just for me) was that i don’t think a film like gegen/head on has a chance of being taken as seriously or viewed as ‘important’ as uh films like edge/visitor. i feel that most of the time on various days…
and i’m usually out of sync with living c and cp too. e.g.
‘tell no one’. ok i’ll tell no one to watch this movie. yes think i’m the first to use that see it from the rocks joke(yes i love cliches/and dolby digital delays too…)
i hate to unofficialy take lc/cp position as grouchy recluse that hates 80 % of everything. but maybe someone should take this position.
so often what everyone is raving about doesn’t work when sent through the geek space/my filters/me.
not at all.
i think good use of a visitor/edge is maybe this would be a cool intro to ‘indie’ and once they’re there hit’em with other stuff. that’s not juno *ha ha ha ha*
but most non indie fans that like either of these may not bite. you know everyone hates anything ‘different. give’em trad films indie. yay…. :(
glim, you are the light of my life, precious.
CP would be an exceptionally cold dark place without your supreme generosity and idiosyncratic wit.
We DO agree on a lot of stuff, honey bear (Jessica Alba, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, PRICELESS - the list goes on and on…) and I think we agree far more than we disagree.
Completely…
I agree with Miranda, “glim” in celebrating your ‘idiosyncratic wit’ and good-hearted spirit.
I say whatever floats your boat.
I will continue to promote the films that really worked for me and at the point of 2008 with only 10 weeks or so left, these are the sacred ten for me:
1. The Visitor
2. Edge of Heaven
3. The Pool
4. Man on Wire
5. Up The Yangtze
6. The Last Mistress
7. Rachel Getting Married
8. WALL-E
9. Happy-Go-lucky
10.My Blueberry Nights
I also love Alexandre, Reprise, The Dutchess of Langlaise, Boy A, Ballast, Encounters at the End of the World, The Dutchess, and a few others, all of which could still make the list, depending on what mood I’m in………
I know, I’m spoling the fun here. But I have no patience. LOL!
I like how Glimmer makes places he visits more Glimmerier.
Sam, I predict a knock-down drag-out Top Ten between us at the end of the year :) Should be fun!
Seriously though we agree on more than we disagree.
So sad, I’ve seen on three of Sam’s top 10 films of 2008, and none of his others listed. Must move out of Arkansas (I’m tryin’, actually).
Jenny Bee, you would receive the red carpet treatment here in NYC! And I bet you’ll see most of these before December 31st.
Craig, believe me there are days when I think MAN ON WIRE is #1. My mind is all screwed up!
Glimmer is a lovable guy!
I’ve seen 6 of Sam’s 10. HAPPY-GO-LUCKY is at the top of the agenda, whereas I just haven’t caught up with THE POOL, EDGE OF HEAVEN, and UP THE YANGTZE on DVD yet…
It’s amazing to think there’s only 10 weeks left. Personally, I hope that only three of my current top ten for the year remain on the list. Usually about 80% come from November/December for me, though, so I assume the trend will remain the same.
Jeez, I haven’t even really begun to put it together. There are still a number of films I have high hopes for…like Alison I want Benjamin Button to be great and next weekend is Synecdoche New York….
Very good points there Daniel. This year though may buck the trend, I’m not sure what to think.
I too have seen six of Sam’s Top Ten but I must soon view The Last Mistress (which I never made it to see, despite wanting to… when does this arrive on DVD?), Rachel Getting Married, The Pool and Happy-Go-Lucky. Rachel and Happy have not given me opportunities to see them yet, though they will very soon. I plan on seeing The Pool soon on DVD.
If I had to play the game of what Craig Kennedy would pick now if someone held a gun to his head I’d say he would go with:
1. Man on Wire
and then any order between:
Ballast
My Bluberry Nights
Rachel Getting Married
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Up The Yangtze
maybe The Duchess too, and Trouble The Water.
after that his sentiments are unbeknownst to me.
Despite his four star reviews for both BURN AFTER READING and THE DARK KNIGHT, I think (rightfully) they have fallen from contention on Craig’s list.
It’s been such a strong year, I’m tempted to do a separate list for docs, but I probably won’t.
I always feel like there should be a separate list for docs, but then I’m a docs nerd. It never feels fair to the poor little fictitious features to have to be put up against things like Born into Brothels or Darwin’s Nightmare or something like No End in Sight, pics with more overt relevance and power to transform our real world.