Joker

Put on a happy face!

Wow! just wow! for a 37 year old man that has read comic books since he was 6 years old, I can definitely tell you we've come a long way since the Joker from the 1940's. Not to mention the on screen versions we've been offered by the film & animation industry throughout the years. I can honestly say, this is the best comic book movie of all time, and I'll tell you why on today's review.

It's no secret that superhero films are making a ton of money, and companies are squeezing the hype as much as they can so that you not only buy the movie ticket, but the home version, apparel, funko Pops!, action figures, soundtracks, underwear, and limited edition dildos. Well, I got some news for ya popcorn girl! Joker is unlike any other comic book movie you've ever seen. In fact, Joker makes every other superhero film look like a Saturday cartoon show from the 80's (a glorified TV ad). 

When they announced the end of the DC Comics Extended Universe, I had already grown tired of the superhero hype, so once the Joker's solo film announcement was out, I didn't give a damn about it. I think I stopped reviewing superhero films by the time Avengers Infinity War came out. Good versus bad, green screen and computer generated graphics where just too much for me. Before I was a fan of superhero films, I was a fan of good film making. Movies that brought human emotions to the table, movies that had you questioning your personal decisions on life, or at least discussing for hours how well depicted was mankind every once in a while in one of a kind films. Joker is that every once in a while kind of movie.

Arthur Fleck.

Family ties.

Todd Phillips didn't have a past directing superhero films. Neither did Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro or the co-writer Scott Silver, and yet their working force gave us a unique film. One that will be discussed, analyzed and dissected for decades to come. One that for sure will be imitated in a short term. 

Is it possible to bring to life the most human depiction of a comic book psychopath? Is it possible even when you didn't based your story or characters in some of the must read comic book stories featuring The Joker?  The answer, as unexpected it may be, is a thunderous yes!. Joaquin Phoenix was born to play this role. Every minute you see him, he owns the character with absolute grace. The intensity of his laughter, his theatrical moves, the suffering, the neverending pain easily make you root for team Joker, despite the fact he is a horrible criminal that is way too far from setting the example as a citizen of the year. In addition, and this is what really sets this film apart from all the other superhero flicks, Arthur Fleck (The Joker's name) is not a chosen one type of character. He isn't going to fulfill a destiny, he doesn't have a mission. In fact, he's got absolutely nothing worth fighting for. His whole existence is subdued to being underpaid, looked over the shoulder, misunderstood and most importantly, he's completely loveless. Add his mental condition to the recipe, and you get not one but, millions of potential Joker characters in real life.  Phillip's Joker is a loner, someone who's nothing but a cipher within hundreds of ciphers, someone who's there, but no one sees. Someone who's speaking, but nobody's listening to. Someone who desperately needs serious help from a society that is probably sicker than he already is. Of course, the "support cast" is there too with great characters and some stunning performances that only add more substance to the already established decadent world where everything takes place. 

Talk show man.

Time to shine!

But where's Batman?

The movie title makes it clear: This film is about the Joker alone. Where he started, how he mutated into the legendary criminal everyone knows, and simply there's no room for other comic book characters. My wife said, she's always been fascinated by the character. Every depiction, from César Romero to Heath Ledger offered a different set of nuances on how this 79 year old villain has evolved along with each decade passing by. I have no doubts, Bob Kane, Bill Finger & Jerry Robinson would be immensely proud of this film. Back in the day they worked with what they had. Resources were limited, and censorship created barriers that granted the kid friendly aspects of the character will be secured for as long as possible. Moreover, Alan Moore & Frank Miller only showed a side of the madness behind the character, but didn't quite explorer it as deep as this film does. Batman wise, and this isn't a spoiler because you see them in the trailers, we do get some scenes with Thomas Wayne and a very young Bruce Wayne but then again, this isn't their movie. 

In the past The Joker was confined to the antagonist boundaries, there was always a Batman to be defeated by. In this film, Arthur Fleck fights against his own life, his dreams, the lies he's been told, and the social and mental abuse. This guy just wants to break free, and in doing so, he will be liberated by violence and murder.

The solution to Gotham's crisis.

The future.

Phillips (director) conceived Joker in 2016 and wrote the script with Silver throughout 2017. The two were inspired by 1970s character studies and the films of Martin Scorsese, who was initially attached to the project as a producer. The graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) was the basis for the premise, but Phillips and Silver otherwise did not look to specific comics for inspiration. Phoenix became attached in February 2018 and was cast that July, while the majority of the cast had signed on by August. Principal photography lasted from September to December 2018 and took place in New York City, Jersey City, and Newark. Joker was the first live-action Batman film to receive an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America, due to its violent and disturbing content. 

Disturbing Reality?

Arthur Fleck is the flesh and bone incarnation of a person with a mental disorder. He laughs uncontrollably because it is a condition, not happiness. Besides, he's a special needs person in 1981. Social security isn't doing much to deliver seven different prescriptions that allegedly don't work. Moreover, he's in charge of his ill mother and he barely makes ends meet. If we set aside the fact this is a movie, and that The Joker is a fictional character, we could easily be in front of a universal mental health system critique. Shrinks don't listen, medicine doesn't work, job opportunities are highly limited, and people don't want "freaks" around them. In addition, and this only applies to the country where this film was made, guns are incredibly accessible, even for people that shouldn't have them for security reasons. In a nutshell, I feel the movie is telling its audience societies in general have a shared responsibility with murderers. The lack of prompt action may feed some mentally unstable people, and drive them into killing themselves or those around them. 

Make that change!

Reveal your true self.

The Beauty behind the beast.

Before Arthur Fleck becomes the beast, he's nothing but a hopeful citizen. He dreams to pursue a career in stand up comedy. He tells everyone her mother told him if there was a reason for him to exist, it's because he's here to bring joy and laughter to the world. He sees no evil, he wants his job, he cares about his colleagues, he always takes good care of his mother, and is a huge fan of Murray Franklin's talk show. One day, he'll be a guest there, and make the whole world laugh with his carefully crafted jokes which he keeps in a notebook. What could go wrong?  

For years I thought Sin City (2005) was the best live action movie based upon a comic book. Today, that changes forever. In fact, I'd even say Christopher Nolan's holy Batman trilogy pales next to the Joker in terms of realism. I urge everyone to go see this movie. I would even recommend it to MCU fans, so that they get a chance of seeing a caffeinated good movie. Remember it's R-Rated for a reason, so make sure your kids stay home. 

Todd Phillips directing DeNiro.

Neighbors.

Production wise, the movie costed around $50 million dollars, a modest budget considering how much is spent in the superhero film industry these days. The soundtrack is plain beautiful! classic songs from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and an brand new score by Emmy Award-winning composer Hildur Guðnadóttir (Chernobyl, Sicario: Day of the Soldado), whose composition features the cello as the centerpiece of the score, leading string-based melodies played by a symphony orchestra of 90 musicians. WaterTower Music will release the picture disc and colored vinyl editions of the soundtrack on December 13th. The album is already available on digital format in your streaming platform of choice. 

Now, moving on to more interesting stuff, here's a selection of some of the behind the scenes situations that led Joker to be the fantastic movie it is:

Laughter.

Joaquin Phoenix called perfecting the Joker's laugh the toughest part of playing the character.  He based his laugh on "videos of people suffering from pathological laughter." He also sought to portray a character with which audiences could not identify. 


Who's laughing now.

The joke "When I was a little boy and told people I was going to be comedian, everyone laughed at me. Well no one's laughing now" is inspired by the late British comedian Bob Monkhouse's "People used to laugh at me when I said I wanted to be a comedian. Well they're not laughing now." 

Villain or victim?

Joaquin Phoenix was cagey during interviews at the Venice Film Festival when asked about siding with Arthur. Phoenix told press that any questions they might have about "Joker" will be left up to the audience to decide. "The great joy of the film for the audience is that they get to decide for themselves [what to think about Arthur's transformation]," Phoenix said. "That's what I was attracted to. In most movies, certainly in genre movies where there is a hero and the villain, the motivations of the character are clear. What I like about this is that I was never certain what was motivating him. I have my own opinion. I think I know what it is for me. But I wouldn't want to impose on anyone who hasn't seen the movie."  

No DCEU .

This version of Joker exists separately from DCEU movies like Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Justice League--a fact Phillips has been clear about. But at the Toronto International Film Festival recently, the director also insisted that Phoenix's Joker and the upcoming new iteration of Batman played by Robert Pattinson will not collide. "I don't see [Joker] connecting to anything in the future," Phillips said. "This is just a movie." 

Pogo's makeup.

The Joker's make-up is very similar to John Wayne Gacy's, a serial killer who would often entertain children while dressed as Pogo the Clown. This make-up style was shunned by working clowns at the time, as they strictly prohibit "sharp" ends in their make-up, as it scares children. 

Golden Lion Award.

Todd Phillips won the Venice film festival's prize, the Golden Lion, for Best Film. During his acceptance speech, Phillips thanked "Warner Bros. and DC for stepping out of their comfort zone and taking such a bold swing on me and this movie," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Phillips also thanked Phoenix, who joined him on stage. "There is no movie without Joaquin Phoenix. Joaquin is the fiercest and brightest and most open-minded lion I know. Thank you for trusting me with your insane talent," said Phillips. 

-Joaquin Phoenix was good friends with the late Heath Ledger who won an Oscar for his portrayal as The Joker in 2008's The Dark Knight.  

Monster, or...

...helpless victim?

Overall, Joker is the most intense comic book character study film ever made. No other movie will ever come close to what the team behind it delivered here.

Joker, a cautionary tale based upon fictional characters. That's life!

Here's the teaser trailer:

Here's the first trailer:



Here's the second trailer:



here's the third and final trailer:



Here's Joker official Q&A:

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Finally!

Finally! a movie that doesn't involve superheroes or CGI! We interrupt our Animé frenzy to review the ninth film from Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (OUTH from here on). While it is true we didn't quite like his previous film, this new entry succeeds where the other failed: Delivering interesting characters and a cohesive plot. If you've been  a reader of our reviews you know we gave up reviewing superhero films a long time ago because we felt they became derivative and sadly, swallowed all the good films that weren't about superdudes, pushing the industry into a linear cash grab that has audiences simply forgetting about what makes a film, a good film. 

However, OUTH will not be everyone's cup of tea because it simply isn't like all of Tarantino's previous films, and it's not like any modern film either. OUTH is a melancholy, slow burning, comedic love letter to an age of Hollywood that we find ourselves disconnect from nowadays. Moreover, most of the reviews from actual websites with actual experts tend to title their articles with the "a love letter to Hollywood" phrase which I think it's the most accurate way to illustrate the film in a few words.

Rick Dalton, the legend.

Cliff Booth, the stuntman.

The point of this movie isn't to be just like Pulp Fiction and tell stories that have no meaning. In fact, I would argue that Tarantino wants each and every story to have a meaning. Rick Dalton (masterfully played by Leonardo DiCaprio) is a faded action star struggling to hold onto his career and fame. Every scene he was in was enjoyable, as he internally argues with himself to be better than he is. He can't find work except for as a typecast villain, and turns down an offer to go overseas initially because he thinks it's too far a step down from his past career. Dalton's story was not as fun to me as his stunt double, Cliff Booth's (Brad Pitt in his best role to date), but I will get to that in a minute. Dalton's story, some will say, was boring, overdrawn, and pointless. I say it was the most important and interesting storyline in the movie. Rick is an alcoholic, and deals with a lot of anger towards himself, particularly in his trailer (you'll see what I mean), and the long scenes showing him act out his part as the villain in the western are extremely entertaining as DiCaprio does some brilliant work letting us see Dalton as an actor without losing touch with him by slipping into acting of his own. He finally decides to go overseas, but most of that time is spent in a montage. When he returns, he dons a new Italian wife and an entirely new fashion straight from Europe. He doesn't do much towards the end, except for burn a Manson follower alive in his pool, and then he finally becomes friends with his neighbors. I'll also get to that when I talk about Sharon Tate. Rick is representative of Hollywood at the time of 1969, and unless you are familiar with film history, that will be lost on you. In 1969 movies like Easy Rider, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Graduate were changing the face of Cinema by eroding censorship codes and finally getting the studios to hand the reigns to directors, thus entering the age of auterism. Actors like Rick were becoming obsolete in film for a number of reasons, but mainly that they hadn't had to search for work whilst under the studio system, they just signed a contract and found work immediately. Roman Polanski, his neighbor, was one of the directors that was now given a lot of free reign in this age, . Dalton's character expressed the frustration many probably felt at the time, and Tarantino built a character that was beautifully acted by DiCaprio.

Sharon Tate.

Bruce Lee.

Cliff Booth on the other hand, was the most Tarantino character in the movie. I think he'll be the fan favorite, because he requires no historical context or empathy to understand. He's a stunt double who lives much worse than his star, Dalton, and is a no-no sense badass with a muddled past. His scenes were incredibly fun, as Pitt brought a certain energy to each scene that glued you to the screen waiting for his next move. Particularly at the end, when Tex had him at gunpoint and he was tripping on acid. Obviously he had the situation under control, but we as the audience have no idea until he sicks the dog on them. Booth was a character you expect to see in a Tarantino movie. None of his storyline was used for what people will say is "pointless", mainly because he is the most involved with the Manson clan.

Interestingly, the Manson clan is hardly shown in the movie. Charles himself only shows up twice, and only says a few words. I actually like this choice, because it left a lingering thought that perhaps Manson was a danger at all times, and didn't play to the audience the way we thought it would. It wasn't a story about the Manson murders. Manson just happened to be going on at the time Dalton and Booth were having their struggles, and it intersected.

The Manson girls.

Charles Manson.

Which brings me to my last point, and that is of Sharon Tate (gorgeous bombshell Margot Robbie). Her role, while a tad less utilized than I expected, was Central because the real life Tate was murdered by the Manson clan. If you go in as an audience member with that knowledge, you go the whole movie waiting for something to happen to her, and it never does. Tate herself was a happy, blooming actress who spent time with friends and danced (a lot). This carefree manner was underlying a want to be famous, as she tells people who she is and is clearly disappointed when they don't recognize her. Tate plays a role in this story of showing the era of actors now replacing Rick Dalton, and also showing special to Hollywood, the silver screen's allure. As this is essentially a long love letter to Hollywood, Tarantino pens what drew him to the screen through Tate.

With all of its references, obscure or in your face, there is a delicious amount to absorb, especially for connoisseurs. Tarantino has the viewer to sit back, eat up the screen, and imagine we are right there with the characters in a wonderfully painted portrait of a Hollywood long gone. This movie will be misunderstood because of the expectations for the Manson murders, and because audiences nowadays expect action on every corner, which Tarantino's name can be attached to in some capacity. Without any crazy special effects to speak, simply a fantastic script and acting, I think this film will be enjoyed thoroughly by educated audiences, and what I mean by educated is that the more you know about the history of Hollywood & American television, the more fun you will have. Especially, if the late 50's & 60's have room in your heart. I'm a 37 year old loser who loves old movies and old TV shows as much as I like listening to vinyl records on a daily basis. However, some of you may have a connection to this long gone Hollywood through your parents or other family members. In my case, my dad is a huge fan of Westerns, he practically owns every DVD set of every cowboy TV show and has seen, and still does, hundreds of films from those decades and is a big lover of Spaghetti westerns, so thanks to him I felt home when enjoying this film in the theater. No wonder, why many retired people were there too. There's nothing more beautiful than transcending generations through the things you liked and cherished in the good old days.

The original Spider-Man baby!

Shit's about to get real.

Now, a great movie deserves  its trivia section, and we deserve to die (ring any bell?) So here's my list I probably googled before you did it yourself:

Actual Jewelry.

 

Margot Robbie, who portrays Sharon Tate, wears some of Sharon Tate's real jewelry. Sharon Tate's sister, Debra, gave Robbie the jewelry to wear. 

  

Farewell Luke.

 

This is Luke Perry's last film. Perry suffered a massive stroke in late February 2019, and died March 4th. Scott Lancer is a homage to Wayne Maunder and his role in Lancer (1968). Maunder died on November 11, 2018, ten days after filming wrapped on this movie.  

 

Party for real.

 

The party sequence at the Playboy Mansion was actually filmed there, Tarantino having been a guest of Hugh Hefner on a number of occasions. 

 

Improvise!

 

Very rare for a Quentin Tarantino film, some scenes contained improvisation, particularly when Rick Dalton forgets his lines in "Lancer" and rants to himself privately in his trailer afterwards. Leonardo DiCaprio had a very difficult time playing Dalton's roles as Dalton would, rather than how he himself would, especially since Dalton is supposed to be an actor of hidden range, so he suggested Dalton forgetting his lines mid-scene to ironically help him stay in character as Dalton. The following scene in the trailer was also unscripted. 

 
The real deal.

 

When Sharon goes to a showing of her movie The Wrecking Crew (1968) the filmmakers chose to use the actual film, rather than recreating the scenes with Robbie. The real Sharon Tate briefly appears onscreen.  

 

From TV hero to zero?

a very expensive Hollywood handshake.

 

Dynamic duo.

 

Leonardo DiCaprio & Brad Pitt got along so well during the production that they confirmed at the film's Cannes premiere that they would love to team up again on another film. 

 
Don't spoil it asshole!

 

Before the film's world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, Quentin Tarantino begged of Cannes crowds to avoid spoilers for later audiences in a statement made on social media; "I love cinema, You love cinema. It's the journey of discovering a story for the first time. I'm thrilled to be here in Cannes to share 'Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood' with the festival audience. The cast and crew have worked so hard to create something original, and I only ask that everyone avoids revealing anything that would prevent later audiences from experiencing the film in the same way. Thank you."  

 

Good ol' TV.

 
On Sunday night, Rick and Cliff sit down to watch "Rick's episode" of The F.B.I. (1965). The audience is later told that the episode is The F.B.I.: All the Streets Are Silent (1965). That is a real episode of the television show, and the ensuing clip is the actual opening to that episode, with one important difference - Rick Dalton has been edited into the place of the guest star villain, "Michael Murtaugh." In reality, the role of Murtaugh in the episode was played by Burt Reynolds (likely explaining why Rick and Cliff refer to the gum chewing as "strong"). Knowing Quentin Tarantino's penchant for making obscure references, it may not have been coincidence that Burt Reynolds was actually set to play the part of George Spahn in the movie, but he unfortunately died before he could take the part, which was then given to Bruce Dern. 

 

What's not to love about her!

♥♥♥.

This is a tribute.

 

The title is an homage to Sergio Leone, who directed both Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) and Once Upon a Time in America (1984). Quentin Tarantino has cited Leone as one of his favorite filmmakers and an influence throughout his career.  

 
Masterpiece.

 

According to Quentin Tarantino, whenever he referred to the project of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, he referred to it as his "Magnum Opus". 

Stuntman & Stuntwoman.

 

The casting of Kurt Russell and Zoe Bell as the man and wife stunt coordinators on The Green Hornet is a double inside joke to Tarantino's films. Russell previously played "Stuntman Mike" in Death Proof, in which Bell, a real-life stunt performer, also appeared playing herself. Zoe Bell served as Uma Thurman's stunt double in the Kill Bill series. 

 

Michael's ride.

 

The Cadillac in this movie belongs to Michael Madsen. It also appeared in Reservoir Dogs written by Quentin Tarantino and driven by Madsen.  

Quentin's multiverse.

One of the Italian films that Rick stars in is directed by Antonio Margheriti; in Inglourious Basterds (2009), "Antonio Margheriti" is the alias used by Donny Donowitz to sneak into the premiere of "Nation's Pride".

 

Everyone's new favorite character.

Everyone's new favorite heroine.

 
Your friendly neighbor. 

 

Actor Nicholas Hammond, who plays Rick's director Sam Wanamaker on his episode of Lancer, played Spider-Man/Peter Parker on the The Amazing Spider-Man television series (1977-1979). 

Italy's tough guy.

 

When Sharon goes to the Bruin theatre to see the film she is in, a poster of "The Mercenary" can be seen. "The Mercenary" starred Franco Nero who sat alongside Jamie Foxx at the bartop in Django Unchained. Franco Nero was the original Django.  

  

Like mother, like daughter.

 

Maya Hawke's mother, Uma Thurman, has starred in three movies directed by Quentin Tarantino: Pulp Fiction (1994), Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), and Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004). 

 

Surrender the city to Tarantino.

 

In an unprecedented film production move, a section of L.A.'s Hollywood Freeway (US-101) was completely shut down from 12pm to 2pm for a sequence populated with period cars. No VFX were used to create this sequence.  

The bandit.

Burt Reynolds was originally cast as George Spahn, the ranch owner, but he died before he was scheduled to shoot his scenes. Bruce Dern replaced him in the role.

The teaser.

The heroine.

Before we close our review with the usual video section, let me go back to what I said in the first paragraph. OUTH comes with a variety of characters that are both equally interesting and connected to the main plot. While The Hateful Eight (2015) took 168 minutes to state its point, it failed to offer a connection between the viewer and the 10 or 12 characters that movie had. Sure, there were plenty of quality dialogs and the usual graphic violence at the very end but, did we care about the plot?, the bounty hunter? his prey? or any of the remaining characters? No, we didn't, and I'm sure Tarantino learned the lesson and went for a more less is more approach that works wonders this time.

Music wise, and curated by Tarantino himself, the soundtrack’s a love letter to the music of 1960s-era Hollywood, and features everyone from Paul Revere & The Raiders, to Deep Purple, to Simon and Garfunkel, to Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. It’s a wild ride, alright. Also included are a number of jingles that should send you straight back into the picture. By the way, the album was released today in digital & CD. The vinyl is coming later this fall. However, some very limited edition vinyl will be on sale at Amoeba Records & Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema along with several indie vinyl stores.

Once Upon a Time in… Hollywood Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Tracklist:
01. Roy Head & The Traits – “Treat Her Right”
02. The Bob Seger System – “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man”
Boss Radio feat. Humble Harve:
03. Deep Purple – “Hush”
04. Mug Root Beer Advertisement
05. The Village Callers – “Hector”
06. Buchanan Brothers – “Son of a Lovin’ Man”
07. Chad & Jeremy – “Paxton Quigley’s Had the Course” (from the MGM film Three in the Attic)
08. Tanya Tanning Butter Advertisement
09. Paul Revere & The Raiders – “Good Thing”
10. Paul Revere & the Raiders – “Hungry”
11. The Box Tops – “Choo Choo Train”
12. Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels – “Jenny Take a Ride”
13. Deep Purple – “Kentucky Woman”
14. Buffy Sainte-Marie – “The Circle Game”
Boss Radio feat. The Real Don Steele:
15. Simon & Garfunkel – “Mrs. Robinson”
16. Numero Uno Advertisement
17. Los Bravos – “Bring a Little Lovin’”
18. Suddenly / Heaven Sent Advertisement
19. Vagabond High School Reunion
20. KHJ Los Angeles Weather Report
21. The Illustrated Man Advertisement / Ready For Action
22. Dee Clark – “Hey Little Girl”
23. Summer Blonde Advertisement
24. Neil Diamond – “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show”
25. Robert Corff – “Don’t Chase Me Around” (from the MGM film GAS-S-S-S)
26. Paul Revere & the Raiders (feat. Mark Lindsay) – “Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon”
27. Jose Feliciano – “California Dreamin’”
28. I Cantori Moderni di Alessandroni – “Dinamite Jim (English Version)”
29. Vanilla Fudge – “You Keep Me Hangin’ On (Quentin Tarantino Edit)”
30. Maurice Jarre – “Miss Lily Langtry (cue from The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean)”
31. KHJ Batman Promotion.

  

The soundtrack album cover art.

"I'm not falling for that shit kiddo".

One more thing before I go, there has also been some criticism towards the depiction of Bruce Lee in this film. The thing is, with every Tarantino movie, you need to look under water before saying he made a mistake. While I won't spoil what happens specifically, When Cliff Booth meets Bruce Lee, he refers to Lee as a dancer. This is probably a reference to the fact that in addition to his martial arts prowess, Bruce Lee was an accomplished dancer, and was the Cha Cha champion of Hong Kong in 1958. So, once again the internet has got it wrong by thinking "Tarantino mocked the martial arts legend". The internet can do a lot of good, just make sure you use it before giving your misinformed opinion.Nevertheless, Shannon Lee, daughter of legend Bruce Lee, was most disappointed with the way her father was portrayed by actor Mike Moh under Quentin Tarantino's direction. She felt he was sorely misrepresented as an arrogant blowhard who was full of hot air. To each his own.

Overall, a unique film in times where disposable is the new trend.

Here's the teaser trailer:

Here's the first trailer:

Here's the second trailer:

Here's the international trailer:

a full interview with the cast & director:

 Quentin Tarantino on "mocking" Bruce Lee:

 

天使のたまご / Angel's Egg

Blu Ray art by Yoshitaka Amano.

How many times do people rate movies based on the quality of the plot? Most of the time? all the time? Well, whatever the answer, I'm sure as long as you enjoy the movie, then we can agree we're in front of something worth revisiting. Still, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and today's OVA in review is clearly one I heard was underrated. If the earlier entry (MADOX-01) felt like a "shut down your brain & enjoy" experience, today's entry has been described as a surreal, vivid, creepy, terrifying, amazing, astounding, memorable work of art. So, turn on your brain and enter: 天使のたまご  AKA,  Angel's Egg.

“When it comes down to it, I think the director doesn’t know everything about the movie. Everyone always thinks if you want to know something, talk to the director. I don’t think that’s true. I think the answer lies inside every single viewer.” - Mamoru Oshii

As cliche as it is, I’ll say it regardless: this OVA is not for everyone. By the end you’ll most likely be calling your parents, asking them to get you out from their basement and have you in their bed one more time, despite the fact you're 40 years old and smell like cheap beer. Angel’s Egg is a 70 minute joyride through the enigmatic mind of none other than the legendary Mamoru Oshii that has more Christian symbolism and allegories than one might care to see in their lifetime. On top of that, the movie is incredibly slow paced (not really a joyride is it...) and has the bare minimum amount of dialogue to keep the story progressing. Which might I add, calling it a story is either the greatest insult or greatest compliment to the film and is something each individual must answer themselves. The film was released by Tokuma Shoten on the 22nd of December, 1985. popular artist Yoshitaka Amano helped co-write the story along with Oshii who directed it. 

Boy.

Girl.

As mentioned above, each viewer will decide for themselves however deep or shallow the story and its message is. As such, I’m not going to analyze the story and its many symbols because while it may mean X to me, it most likely means A-Z for the next 25 people and this is where Oshii’s words speak volumes. It’s an interpretive story. However much (or however little) you want to search for the films meaning, you aren’t necessarily wrong. There is no conclusive answer. I consider it to be a surreal and highly thought provoking piece of interpretive art. But one man’s interpretive art is another man's garbage. It’s understandable why people don’t like the movie and why it failed when it was initially released. It is highly Christianic themed and is often considered as an interpretation of Oshii’s early life when he was studying to become a priest. With this in mind, the film may come off as pretentious and overbearing, but perhaps it is just a roundabout autobiography of Oshii’s early life. The true intentions of this piece will most likely never be known.

The story is meticulous, slow and every scene deliberate and full of detail. While on the surface it may not mean much, it may mean a great deal underneath in its ever so mystifying allegories. As such, the film requires a great deal of attention and open mindedness. The elongated scenes, to me are some of the most vivid cinematic experiences I've witnessed in any film. This technique will most likely make you remember these scenes, even long after the movie is over. Regardless of if you liked the scenes or not they contain a lot of meaning and detail. At the same time I can understand how they may deter viewers, adding to the list of why this movie isn't for everyone. Aside from these deliberate and almost painfully slow scenes, the film progresses slowly and the world and its characters are spectacularly developed as the movie progresses.

a mysterious demon like machine.

But why is it here?

The characters are fantastic. Both the boy and the girl have a mysterious air to them and many questions are left unanswered about both them and their pasts. They don’t really understand who they are or why they’re here. The lack of answers doesn't detract from the film, in fact quite the opposite, their recondite nature draws the viewer in. The greatest strength of the characters is that their interactions are genuine and realistic. The girl is innocent and timid. She emanates warmth and even acts childish around the boy at some points adding a rather heartwarming feel to an overly bleak atmosphere.Their subtle gestures and actions are used masterfully in the stead of dialogue, creating a very unique experience. 

Helen McCarthy (British author of Anime reference books) called it "an early masterpiece of symbolic film-making", stating that "its surreal beauty and slow pace created a Zen-like atmosphere, unlike any other anime". In his book Horror and Science Fiction Film IV, Donald C Willis described the film as "a haunting, poetic melancholic science-fantasy film, and–for non-Japanese-speaking viewers at least–a very cryptic one."

In an article in Senses of Cinema on Oshii, Richard Suchenski stated that the film was Oshii's "purest distillation of both Oshii’s visual mythology and his formal style". The review noted that "Patlabor 2 is more sophisticated, Ghost in the Shell is more important, and Avalon is more mythically complex but the low-tech, hand-drawn Angel's Egg remains Oshii’s most personal film." 

Faceless soldiers.

Faceless fishermen.

The orchestral score serves to further encapsulate the dark atmosphere of the film and is often foreboding at times, creating a sense of suspense for the viewer. It is serene, emphasizing the beauty and fragility of this poor innocent girl whilst it is equally melancholic highlighting the dark undertones of the dystopian world. The score wholeheartedly compliments and dramatizes the film.

The art is nothing short of amazing. The attention to every minute detail in each individual frame and background is truly something to behold. Not only is the art visually rewarding to look at because of this, but the combination of its dark color palette and entrancing cityscapes, skeletons, machinery and everything in between goes above and beyond in staging such an eerie and mystifying atmosphere that consumes this dystopian world. The characters are equally well designed and given as much detail and attention as the scenery. Amano Yoshitaka’s art truly makes Angel’s Egg what it is.

If only fish could fly.

Abandonment.

Angel’s Egg presents its viewers with an obscure message, enveloped in equally obscure symbolism and allegories. It indubitably blurs the line between the understandable and the incomprehensible. And as such, what each individual takes from this movie is subjective and is no more right or wrong than the next person’s interpretation. As Oshii said, the answer lies inside every viewer. On that reason alone, this movie will certainly fall short for some, and it’s absolutely understandable. But perhaps solace should be taken in the coalescence of the film’s breathtaking art and its mesmerizing music score. Perhaps, above all else, Angel’s Egg is a paragon of visual art.

Mandatory ratings of "story" and "character" seem constricting, implying that anime must be a narrative art.. Animation especially seems to have the potential to release visuals from these constructs and to become a poetic association of images or a musical rhapsody of color and movement, which engage us on a subconscious aesthetic level.. Not to imply that Angel's Egg is a non-narrative work of art— it isn't— or that it has no characters— it does, and effectively uses them as emotional vehicles. However, the existence of these implies that in art we are looking for an engaging story and psychologically relatable, entertaining, or in some way likable characters. For most, Angel's Egg is not going to present those things, but I do not consider that to its detriment.
 

Another empty day.

Hold on.

Overall, Angel's Egg leaves me with the impression of a world abandoned by God, where, left with empty meanings, only suggestions of happiness and reality are contained elsewhere, a world haunted by promises and vague suggestions of fulfillment, yet left in the dark and alone. The score embodies this impression, alternating between beautiful melodies, waltz-like rhythms, and dissonant dissolution; it feels like a transient dream always on the edge of being real and graspable, yet ultimately transient and unattainable in its distant beauty.

Rather than talk about how I choose to interpret every image in the film, I think it's best to leave it at that, as every viewer will have a different reaction and interpretation. Obviously this film moved me deeply. Maybe it won't move you at all. That doesn't make one of us right and the other wrong. This movie's images tapped into the subconscious reservoir of my fears and desires, maybe the images will mean nothing to another. It's an expressionistic work, that however exquisitely crafted, will fall flat for some people. What it means for others, however, has nothing to do with what it means for me. 

Here's the movie trailer:

the haunting soundtrack:

Piano Prelude: