Finally, my copy of Vahilla Rising arrived. A visceral film by acclaimed director Nicolas Winding Refn, Vahilla Rising is hard to tag with the usual cinematic labels because there are many things this epic tale is not. What it is though, unquestionable and resolutely, is outside the box. This film is no cookie-cutter imitation/feel-good formula script.
I am not a fan of violent movies. Clockwork Orange and the like generally do not rate on my radar, but I am fascinated by a good imagination and originality. Refn delivers both. Following his career I’ve seen some remarkable work and while I wouldn’t attempt to pin my own label on this filmmaker, it’s generally safe to say the weak of stomach shouldn’t plan a post-movie lunch.
The ending moved me. I sat digesting the haunting man vs. nature imagery and it struck me that this is what is so great about independent films. Independent films tell unique stories. It’s as simple as that.
Art must out whether it appeals to a niche market or the masses. Perhaps this film will play in mainstream theaters but I doubt it. As I said, this one does not fit the formula the big guys tend to like. It is, however, a cinematic composition of unusual savagery and beauty that I never would have experienced without the unconquerable spirit that drives independent films.
A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. At least it seems to be when I watch movies these days and find myself making mental notes on apparent editing skills or lack thereof.
Take Bogart films for example. His films are classics and I own a good many because I just love Bogart. He is still king. As far as I am concerned only one actor compares with Bogey and he doesn’t need a plug here.
So, the other night I decided to watch To Have and Have Not again. Bogey is a fishing boat captain in this movie and there’s a scene where his customer is trying to land a big one. Now, as a fisherwoman (fisherperson?), I have long known that someone confused the clips between when the marlin is supposedly running free and when he is struggling with the line. That one is obvious. This time around I noticed something else and nearly fell out of my chair laughing when Bacall lit Bogey’s cigarette in a shared sultry moment. Man that was one intense match!
Of course, Bogart films were made in the days before everyone and his brother went to film school. Nonetheless, missed editing opportunities are apparent in today’s films and when I find myself focusing on the boom above a major star’s head it is hard to get back into the story.
Mistakes happen, certainly but it’s absolutely true that the final product depends on skillful editing. I can’t think of a better example of the old adage “the film that was shot was not what I got” than the chatter concerning Louis Leterrier’s Clash of the Titans. By all reports, the final cut differed significantly from the original script; so much so, in fact, that some zealous fans want to petition for a director’s cut. Not likely to happen but it would be interesting to see.
It’s arguably easy to armchair quarterback a film editor but what I do know is that editing a film is serious work. The end result makes all the difference. One of my old professors used to say that the best mistakes to learn from were mistakes made by others. As long as there are plenty of those around, why make them yourself?
Get dirty with RIFF Saturday night as we screen two documentaries focusing on the environment.
Come join us for the opening of our 2010 season with the following films:
Garbage Dreams follows three boys born into the trash trade in Cairo, Egypt. This film shows a culture at a crossroads and weaves personal fears, family tensions, and political action into an engaging film.
Dirt! “tells the story of Earth’s most valuable and under appreciated source of fertility—from its miraculous beginning to its crippling degradation.”
March 20, 7- 9 pm, Fredericksburg Atheneaum, 109 Amelia St.
email with any questions.
admission is free – donations accepted at the door.
The Rappahannock Independent Film Festival will host a special screening of David Modigliani’s CRAWFORD, a documentary about the impact of President Bush’s relocation to the small town of Crawford, Texas, shortly after announcing his candidacy for president.
When: Friday, January 16, 2009 7:30pm (Doors) 8pm (Screening)
Where: Central Rappahannock Regional Library Theater, 1201 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Cost: $5 donation, purchased in advance (link below)
Why: To benefit the Fredericksburg Athenaeum and RIFF ’09.
When: Friday, January 16, 2009 7:30pm (Doors) 8pm (Screening)