The challenge is now officially open!!
We're on the downswing of February and I figured it was time to send out the warning for the March Historical Drama/Epic Challenge.
The idea is similar to other challenges. Watch at least 13 qualifying films, preferably with at least 7 first time viewings, then come here and post your opinions/ratings.
There are two qualifiers...
1) The "Historical Drama" Qualification - Films which take place in an accurate historical setting, at least 50 years prior to the date the film was produced. These do not have to be actual, historical stories. Just set in a realistic time period.
or
2) The "Epic" Qualification - Films with a running time of at least 160 minutes.
Examples...
The Magnificent Ambersons - NO, since the primary time period is only 20+ years prior to the production of the film.
Shakespeare in Love - Yes
Titus - NO, under the Historical qualification (not realistic time period) but YES under the Epic qualification.
A Room with a View - Yes.
LOTR movies - Oh, if you have to (under the Epic qualification), but the idea is to branch out.
In the spirit of the Historical Drama concept, I'd like to encourage participants to make a particular effort to seek out literary adaptations and stretch beyond their ordinary viewing habits. Everyone on earth has seen Lawrence of Arabia, so instead, venture into Doctor Zhivago or Ryan's Daughter. Pick a certain author and have a mini festival. You get the idea.
The challenge will run the month of March. Admission is limited (not really), so sign up early, subscribe to this thread and visit often.
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My List - First time viewings in blue. Ratings out of
Perceptions are interesting. I read over and over how this film still glorifies James, though less than previous ones, and what a sleazy scumbag Ford is. To me, James comes across as the charismatic, repugnant individual he most likely was, and the type of person I have learned to avoid like the plague. Little more than a bullying, intimidating punk who not only believes he is entitled to commit the crimes he does, but that others should admire him for them. Ford is just someone who gets pushed around alot and has delusions of grandeur.
I admire the deliberate nature of this film, but in the end I think it is just too long. It really doesn't need almost 160 minutes to get the story and mood across. I also tend to think people take the full film title too literally. I sense more than a slight irony to it.
We're on the downswing of February and I figured it was time to send out the warning for the March Historical Drama/Epic Challenge.
The idea is similar to other challenges. Watch at least 13 qualifying films, preferably with at least 7 first time viewings, then come here and post your opinions/ratings.
There are two qualifiers...
1) The "Historical Drama" Qualification - Films which take place in an accurate historical setting, at least 50 years prior to the date the film was produced. These do not have to be actual, historical stories. Just set in a realistic time period.
or
2) The "Epic" Qualification - Films with a running time of at least 160 minutes.
Examples...
The Magnificent Ambersons - NO, since the primary time period is only 20+ years prior to the production of the film.
Shakespeare in Love - Yes
Titus - NO, under the Historical qualification (not realistic time period) but YES under the Epic qualification.
A Room with a View - Yes.
LOTR movies - Oh, if you have to (under the Epic qualification), but the idea is to branch out.
In the spirit of the Historical Drama concept, I'd like to encourage participants to make a particular effort to seek out literary adaptations and stretch beyond their ordinary viewing habits. Everyone on earth has seen Lawrence of Arabia, so instead, venture into Doctor Zhivago or Ryan's Daughter. Pick a certain author and have a mini festival. You get the idea.
The challenge will run the month of March. Admission is limited (not really), so sign up early, subscribe to this thread and visit often.
__________________________________________________ ___________
My List - First time viewings in blue. Ratings out of
Perceptions are interesting. I read over and over how this film still glorifies James, though less than previous ones, and what a sleazy scumbag Ford is. To me, James comes across as the charismatic, repugnant individual he most likely was, and the type of person I have learned to avoid like the plague. Little more than a bullying, intimidating punk who not only believes he is entitled to commit the crimes he does, but that others should admire him for them. Ford is just someone who gets pushed around alot and has delusions of grandeur.
I admire the deliberate nature of this film, but in the end I think it is just too long. It really doesn't need almost 160 minutes to get the story and mood across. I also tend to think people take the full film title too literally. I sense more than a slight irony to it.
