Criticker MOM - June

[epiphany]

There shall be two films this month. One (posted on behalf of radicalohank) is a result of popular demand, the other would serve MOM's purpose more. This shall be an experiment to see which direction is better received.



Swamp Thing (1982)

Directed by Wes Craven
Written by Wes Craven , Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson
Adapted from the DC Comics character, "Swamp Thing" created by Len Wein and Wrightson
Cinematography by Robbie Greenberg
Starring Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, David Hess, Nicholas Worth, Don Knight, Al Ruban and Dick Durock



Criticker
<250 rankings
Collections: Monster (moderated by djross), boobs (moderated by Pickpocket)



Synopsis
After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster.



Awards
Nominated for Best Horror Film - 1983 Saturn Award



Reviews
"Consensus: Unabashedly campy -- often to its detriment -- Swamp Thing is not without its charms, among them Adrienne Barbeau as the damsel in distress."
- Rotten Tomatoes

"One of those movies that fall somewhere between buried treasures and guilty pleasures. "
- Roger Ebert

"Sometimes when im watching this movie, I just close my eyes and for a split second I swear I die and go to heaven... and then when i open my eyes it feels like im staring into the face of god.... That face, ladies and gentlemen, is Swamp Things face and he is my God."
- radicalohank

Where to Obtain
Netflix, Amazon

[epiphany]

Dom za vesanje (1988)
AKA Time of the Gypsies

Directed by Emir Kusturica
Written by Emir Kusturica and Gordan Mihic
Cinematography by Vilko Filac
Original Music by Goran Bregovic
Starring Davor Dujmovic, Bora Todorovic, Ljubica Adzovic, Husnija Hasimovic, Sinolicka Trpkova, Zabit Memedov, Elvira Sali, Suada Karisik



Criticker
<250 rankings
Collections: They Shoot Pictures 1,000 Greatest Films (2008 revision) (moderated by Scottathon), Cannes 1989 Official Selection (moderated by djross), Milan (moderated by Moribunny), Coming Of Age (moderated by Spunkie), Romani / Gypsy (moderated by djross), boobs (moderated by Pickpocket), International Dictionary of Films and Filmmakers (moderated by PeaceAnarchy)



Synopsis
In this luminous tale set in the area around Sarajevo and in Italy, Perhan, an engaging young Romany (gypsy) with telekinetic powers, is seduced by the quick-cash world of petty crime, which threatens to destroy him and those he loves.



Awards
Best Director - 1989 Cannes Film Festival
Best Foreign Film - 1991 Guldbage Awards

Nominated for Best Foreign Film - 1990 Cesar Awards
Nominated for Best Actor (Davor Dujimovic) - 1989 European Film Awards



Reviews
"Ever since I watched Time of the Gypsies I've been trying to put into words inside my head what it is that's so special about it, but the more I try the less I succeed. It's such a perfect mix of absurdity, comedy, tragedy, symbolism and every emotion known to man, that I can honestly say that I've never seen anything else like it."
- Magb

"My God, what a magnificent film. Very few films are as emotional and engaging as this is; Kusturica is a fucking genius with a deep love for the world and it's cultures, and it shows. He takes the best elements of western and eastern cinema and culture to create 'Time of the Gypsies', a truly eternal masterpiece about love, fate, crime, revenge, and so much more... Kusturica takes us on an emotional ride like no other, digging deep into the roots of our souls."
- KGB

"A powerhouse of a film, exploring a world you've never seen before. It should dig its way to every person's emotional core, drawing sympathy towards the main character aswell. Perhan has to learn everything the hard way, being plagued at the same time by the aftermath of leaving the people he loves behind. Truly one of the best characters ever put on film. A hymn to life, "Time of the Gypsies" is one fucking compellling film !!! Mesmerizing music aswell (lol, Borat)..."
- frederic_g54oc

"One of the best movies I have seen ever. Heartwarming and heartbreaking, fascinating, musical and magical, at times gut-bustingly funny. Supported by a remarkable cast of personalities, at the center of which is Perhan. He's the most compelling character I've seen in a long time, and watching him develop throughout the film is a cinematic experience as fulfilling as any other."

- FitFortDanga



Where to Obtain
Karagarga, Amazon

[epiphany]

Feel free to discuss PSIs, production details and anything about these films that do not contain spoilers in this thread. Another thread for spoiler-filled discussion will be set up after a number of people report that they have viewed the films.

[epiphany]

Swamp Thing
My PSI is 33, which is incidentally a tier 3.3 and a "Bad". From the pro-Swamp-Thing propaganda radicalohank has been disseminating, I expect it to be a decent ball of fun. Right now, I am having troubles sourcing for Swamp Thing though. I shall be visiting my video rental shop sometime this week, hopefully I can find it there.

Time of the Gypsies
Well, as this is my choice, let me explain my rationale. In my opinion, Time of the Gypsies is an exhilarating and captivating audience that is a very "fulfilling cinematic experience" as FitFortDanga states. Surprisingly versatile, it brings viewers through a vast range of emotions while exploring themes, cities and even genres with incredible richness and vividness.

Again, in my opinion, Criticker's MOM should promote semi-obscure gems that are not too difficult to obtain and accessible for all kinds of audiences. Time of the Gypsies is exactly this. I think this film is a film that everyone -from stubborn cinephiles to normal moviegoers- will enjoy.

[theficionado]

Sadly, lacking a Karagarga account (and a computer that would allow me to stream it), I don't think I'll be able to join in on this one. But, due to the dual movie decision, at least I can still catch Swamp Thing.

[MrsEmmaPeel]

I'll see what I can do about participating, though I'm notoriously lazy with "planned" movie viewings.

My PSI for Time of the Gypsies is a very high, 91 though... which is encouraging. Even Swamp Thing isn't that bad with a meager 70.

[Pickpocket]

This is gonna be epic. My PSI for Swamp Thing is 21 - looking forward to some trash.

[MmzHrrdb]

Fuck yea! Swamp Thing all day!

[prowler]

great job with the thread, epiphany!

for swamp thing, my PSI is 46 which is about 2 1/2 stars, pretty much a "good" rating. hopefully it'll be way more than that

time of the gypsies has been on my wishlist for ages, PSI 90 so it's a borderline masterpiece, looking forward to seeing it.

gonna get both of them right now

[edkrak]

Edit: Screens moved to first post