tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post5693397329386534384..comments2018-04-11T23:24:09.949-04:00Comments on Deep Focus Cinema: Apocalypto (2006)Clayton L. Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04012222337304383179noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-20885018142789745292007-10-23T13:26:00.000-04:002007-10-23T13:26:00.000-04:00" wow you might be mildly retarded to give this mo..." wow you might be mildly retarded to give this movie a B+ " I think one could easily make the same claim about a person who reduces this movie to "an hour and a half of a guy running through the woods". <BR/><BR/>"ps - your other reviews sucked too... " - Thanks for reading.Clayton L. Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04012222337304383179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-68749954514433862112007-10-23T13:04:00.000-04:002007-10-23T13:04:00.000-04:00wow you might be mildly retarded to give this movi...wow you might be mildly retarded to give this movie a B+. it was an hour and a half of a guy running through the woods!!!!<BR/><BR/>ps - your other reviews sucked too...you are too biased and opinionated to give an honest review.<BR/><BR/>pss - you try to hard to be "witty" and "smart"...stopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-41747363922279965322007-06-18T14:41:00.000-04:002007-06-18T14:41:00.000-04:00I think The Passion is a bit too cheesy, and redun...I think The Passion is a bit too cheesy, and redundant in its storytelling, I think it preaches to the choir, but I think the overall effect of the film is quite shattering, and the technical aspects, like in Apocalypto, are fantastic.<BR/><BR/>I admire what it took to bring The Passion to the screen, even if it didn't completely succeed.Clayton L. Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04012222337304383179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-80374773313497179432007-06-18T09:24:00.000-04:002007-06-18T09:24:00.000-04:00Gibson's a hell of a formal filmmaker, as this fil...Gibson's a hell of a formal filmmaker, as this film shows. I think he's a poor storyteller because he's relentlessly manipulative and even corny, but this film works because it abandons the hoakiness early on (like maudlin scenes of weepy children) and lets Gibson's talent, namely for action, shine. (Not to mention he's great at mustering a crew; as you point out, the cinematography, costumes, sets, etc. in this film are astounding!)<BR/><BR/>That said, I hated <I>The Passion</I>, but more for theological reasons, although it too was cheaply manipulative and a bit "by the books" in its direction, which I think ultimately hurt it overall. I haven't seen it in years, though, so I can't offer a more detailed analysis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-23257251099656774712007-06-08T03:38:00.000-04:002007-06-08T03:38:00.000-04:00I don't think I am any more lenient to Gibson than...I don't think I am any more lenient to Gibson than any other filmmaker. Let me point out that I do find more and more flaws in his filmmaking with every subsequent viewing of his work.<BR/><BR/>However, if I am to defend my stance on Gibson's talent, I will say that, for me, it all comes down to his "eye," so to speak. Unlike many actors who turn to directing, he has a true personal "style." I have a tendency to be harsh towards some films, but it is apparent to me that Gibson has something special. Does he linger on violence? Definitely, and that is where many of his flaws are, but you can't deny his ambition, and that is what elevates his work in my eyes.<BR/><BR/>I can forgive flaws, I don't expect a perfect film every time I sit down to watch one, but I do expect heart. Flaws are always more forgivable when a filmmaker is baring their soul for an audience. That is why The Passion "worked" for me. It's not perfect, but it is gutsy, and it is deeply personal.<BR/><BR/>I'm not putting Gibson on a pedestal, don't get me wrong. I think it's obvious that the man knows how to make a film, he has yet to make a great one, but he hasn't made a bad one either.<BR/><BR/>I think it's unfair to say that I'm unforgiving, and acceptable flaws are flaws that do not ruin a movie.Clayton L. Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04012222337304383179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7043124009778234162.post-19160407263498931162007-06-07T18:57:00.000-04:002007-06-07T18:57:00.000-04:00Well, we can only hope that those who enjoyed the ...Well, we can only hope that those who enjoyed the violent, vivid and memorable scenes from The Passion, will read this blog and flock to the similar gore and ruthless violence of the Apocalypto. If that does not work, then perhaps the allure of the director with balls of steel who is so bold to extend the violent and graphic shots (similar to the nails across the chalkboard)for extended amounts of time will. <BR/><BR/>I am curious as to your obvious admiration and respect of Gibson as a director. You are ruthlessly critical and request-no, demand proof of one's acclaimed profession before recognizing it. I did not think Gibson would be added to that list Clayton-I was surprised. Not only that, but you even recognize Gibson's film The Passion as flawed. I would love for you to illustrate specifically what flaws those may be-not because I am interested in examining The Passion of the Christ, but because I am interested in what qualifies as acceptable flaws when it comes to directing. <BR/><BR/>I have only known you to be exceedingly critical when it comes to directing/directors. Let us just say that I am surprised that the self proclaimed director Gibson, has received so much wiggle room from a perfectionist who will recognize over sights, short comings, and improvements over looked by the most critical reviewers. <BR/>Perhaps Gibson should share his secret on how he managed to get his nod of approval from an usual unforgiving critic like yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com