Category: Weird Cinema

Certified Weird Cinema

“Alexander Nevsky” (1938) the real Sergei Eisenstein epic

January 18, 2023

Sergei Eisenstein’s unfathomable, awe-inspiring war epic that’s an allegory to the Germans and the Catholic church in pre-revolution Russia. The vision is of the power of the modern Russian citizen, standing up against bourgeois apathy and laziness. An uprising of the people of Novgorod and Russia, led by a handsomely blonde hair flowing General, Alexander Nevsky, that speaks for the people, is reasonable in his logic and exists solely as a symbol for revolution. … More “Alexander Nevsky” (1938) the real Sergei Eisenstein epic

No Man’s Land (2001) the messy, unthinking psychology of war

April 6, 2022

Two soldiers caught in no man’s land – one Bosnian, one Serb, barely keeping the thin veil of civility held together, while the threat of grave violence sits overhead. The pressure comes and goes, as the two soldiers seek a general truce with the understanding that violence could erupt at any time. Danis Tanović understands the psychology of the soldiers, the media covering the absurd event, and the UN soldiers having to take the impossible position of peacekeeper. It paints the situation as the evil and the obscurity of war impacting all interested parties. … More No Man’s Land (2001) the messy, unthinking psychology of war

Weird Cinema: Jacques Tati’s Debut Film Jour de fête (1949)

March 22, 2022

Jacques Tati’s debut film and it’s an absolute banger. Tati, as the unaware mailman, navigates his real home town, sliding and ducking objects, getting thrown in and out of restaurants, and above all, delivering the mail through it all. It’s incredibly funny slapstick with some of Tati’s best gags involved and one of his best characters.  … More Weird Cinema: Jacques Tati’s Debut Film Jour de fête (1949)

Dodes’ka-den (1970) one of Akira Kurosawa’s most endearing films

March 18, 2022

The boy conductor, riding around the junkyard on his imaginary train, is the centerpiece to all the pains, grief, and highs of living in poverty. Kurosawa shows this world in wonderfully vivid colors, painting the unfortunate with humanity and grace, while also showing the dark side. The entire ensemble delivers idiosyncratic performances and helps build the culture and ideologies of this place. One of Kurosawa’s most original and endearing films. … More Dodes’ka-den (1970) one of Akira Kurosawa’s most endearing films