Vultural

Connell, Brendan - Heqet

Diary, journal, jottings of our narrator: visionary, artiste, street bum.
The repeating arc follows our narrator’s encounters with a timeless enchantress. While these break him from his lethargy, afterward he seems in ruins. Maybe.
He uses, abuses copious amounts of drugs and stimulants, opening his eyes to hitherto invisible dangers, yet blinding him to readily apparent perils.
Throughout, there are a flash of fevered words, concentrated prose poems, leavened with the odd prattle of the deranged street person.
I found our narrator to be unsympathetic and unreliable.
For every stray insight, there are pages where I think his mind is a nest of moldy cobwebs.
Following the novella are stories, fragments, exercises.
“The Sweet Princess Prized” would have made a ripe conte cruel, a hundred years earlier. Spoiled aristocrat sisters, jealousy, envy.
“The Organist” could have come from Huysmans. Holy cathedrals are the battlefields where performers of darkness and light duel in thunderous crescendos.

One of the reasons I bought Heqet was because this collection was hailed as modern decadence.
Curious, I thought. I reside in a time where electorates routinely install liars as representatives and judges.
Where children are massacred weekly in classrooms and citizens no nothing.
What fictions will be transgressive and taboo in an ethically bankrupt society?
Invention pales next to our ugly daily realities. Vitam vivere.

The Lair Of The White Worm - 1988 - 7/10

In rural England, archeologist (Peter Capaldi) unearths a large, mysterious skull.
Afterward, the sleepy village seems to rouse.
Lady Sylvia (a sinuous Amanda Donohoe) returns to Temple House.
Young Lord D’Ampton (Hugh Grant) participates in the village fete and cuts the gigantic snake in two, as did his ancestor.
Disappearances, deaths, and bewitchings.
Ken Russell’s campy horror is massively entertaining, if you are one for wry humor.
Sexy, wicked, blasphemous, laced with innuendo. Steeped, not so much with Stoker, but rather Oscar Wilde.
Almost as much fun, Russell’s commentary.
Ophidiophobics, slither yourselves far away from this one.

Recursion - 2018 - 6/10

Owing to powerful atmospheric disturbance, the Iris cannot land.
Instead, they send down a small beacon ship.
Giving filmmakers the benefit of the doubt, I’d say this SciFi short is an Alien homage.
Right down to the opening fonts. Professional across the board, but unoriginal save for the ending.
Corrected subs = https://subscene.com/subtitles/recursion/english/2846401

The Spook Who Sat By The Door - 1973 - 7/10

Ordered to integrate, the CIA recruits a company of black males and begins training.
All wash out, save one candidate who becomes the token Negro in the Agency.
He learns combat, bomb making, guerrilla tactics, yet after five years he resigns to do social work in Chicago.
Once in the Windy City, he sets out to radicalize the hood, creating a militant commando force. The Cobras!
Wow, what a neat slice of subversion. Part Blaxploitation, total righteous anger.
There are stereotypes, to be sure, as well as conversational debates.
Issues of race, class, money, power are voiced throughout, often using humor or satire.
While B-film limitations are evident, this has a lot of heart and the rage resonates today.
Deemed too inflammatory and yanked soon after its release.
Score by Herbie Hancock, directed by Ivan Dixon of Hogan’s Heroes fame.

Tightrope - 1984 - 7/10

Grim, lesser known Eastwood vehicle, came out just as the Callahan films were getting stale.
Seedy New Orleans locations enhance a rough procedural of detective chasing a serial killer.
Most of the victims work in what is now termed the sex industry.
Eastwood’s detective, a bruised, divorced father, is also drawn to kinky moments in cushioned, satin rooms.

Scenery loaded with eye candy, strip clubs, rough trade, oiled female wrestlers, dwarf referee, the half sandwich combo, handcuffs, vibrators, masks.
Cruelty abounds, however, and several of the slayings are distressing.
Much of the photography is at night or inside sporting houses. VHS viewers used to complain how visually dark this is, but modern resolution screens will handle the blacks easier.

The Age Of Innocence - 1993 - 7/10

Scorsese’s opulent adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel of manners in New York high society of the 1880’s.
Newland Archer’s future seems mapped out, enter the Law, maintain his position, wed May Welland
Enter the Countess Olenska, abused wife, though shunned by the best society.
Archer feels sympathy for her, then a kinship, followed by something more perilous.
This society is one of rules and boundaries, enforced with extraordinary, if quiet, pressure.
Acting is flawless, from leads to secondary players, to the narrator.
Lush visuals, ravishing set design. Oh, how the upper tier lived in the Gilded Age.

Maigret - 2022 - 6/10

After a young girl is found dead, Commissioner Maigret gets involved.
Police procedural all the way. Who was the girl? What did she do? Who were her friends?
Also, rather vague here, was she even murdered?
If so, what was the motive? Who did it and why?
The whole film, set in the early 1950’s, is photographed in a washed out, grimy haze.
The poorly lit affair resembles a TV movie.
Depardieu, overqualified for this, sleepwalks throughout.

The Informant - 2022 - 7/10
AKA - A Besúgó

Of all the luck.
1985. Geri lands a scholarship to the university in Budapest.
On the train, alas, the secret police interrogate and soon blackmail him.
“You want medicine for your ailing brother? You will infiltrate and spy on the pro-Democracy student group.”
Getting accepted by a wary group is one obstacle, dealing with a bullying handler is another.
Short Hungarian series mixes politics with mystery, psychological thriller with history.
Of the latter (history), a few Hungarian reviewers have mentioned that facts are a bit finessed.
Skillful blend of character types, most of whom one would encounter in any college.
Likewise student political activity, back then. Lately, passions and protests have gone to dust.

Xala - 1975 - 6/10

El Hadji prepares to marry wife number three, which wives number one and two are not thrilled about.
A small time official, as corrupt as any, Hadji steals, embezzles, short-changes.
Wedding night, calamity! His tool refuses to rise to the occasion.
He decides an impotence curse (xala) is the cause. But who cursed him.
Senegal film was problematic for me.
Despite an introduction by the curator (historical background and context), I was still out of my depth, not understanding Senegalese history, the recent independence from France, and rampant official misdeeds.
Also, marked as a comedy, I never got it. Never laughed once.
And the spitting.

Blind Date - 2015 - 6/10
AKA - Un Peu Beaucoup Aveuglément

Rather old-fashioned French romantic comedy.
Two individuals share an apartment floor, separated by non-insulated, thin wall.
They can easily hear each other, whether in the kitchen or in the shower.
Attraction grows, yet they have established boundaries, such as no physical contact.
Apparently, each has been burned one too many times in real relationships.
Set construction seem stagebound, and the basic plot is gauze thin.
Neither character is a social network slave, and both use their phones sparingly.
That strikes me as old-fashioned.
Second date movie.

Amélie - 2001 - 8/10
AKA - Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain

The happiness fairy, busy trying to repair others’ sorrows, she neglects her own needs.
Amélie waitresses at a small cafe filled with an assortment of characters.
She is an especially astute observer, drawn to small mysteries and things out of the ordinary.
Elements of mystery, romance, comedy combine in a visual feast.
The color palette is extraordinary. Lushly stylish, without being overwhelming.
Beginning to end, you feel like you are wandering in a dream.
The filmmaker’s attention never lapses, either, from major events to insignificant details.
Wonderful film, perfect date movie.

Swerve - 2011 - 6/10

Man driving through Australian oblivion witnesses a spectacular car smash.
One driver is injured, the other is pieces parts. There is also a briefcase, crammed with money.

Boyscout to the core, our man hands the cash over to authorities in Neverest.
Turns out several parties are interested in those banknotes. The body count begins to rise.
Neo Noir under blinding sun has double crosses, femme fatale, missing characters, slippery histories.
Oh, and a mini-convention of local police marching bands. Twists vie with formula.
SPOILER – During one sequence by midnight pool, I predicted, “Prepare for nude swimming.”
Prediction was correct. - END SPOILER
Acceptable thriller if one does not dwell on a couple unexplained mysteries.

The Lord Of The Rings - 1978 - 6/10

Frodo, Gandalf, and company set forth on a pony ride in May.
I first saw this, or tried to see it, at the drive-in.
(My date, hoping this was similar to Fritz The Cat, thought Lord a waste of time.)
I found it disappointing at the time, especially following Bakshi’s previous Wizards (1977).
Rewatching reminds me how Disneyish the animation was, especially compared with Japanese anime.
The roto-scoping, which I had not seen before, was eerie and held my attention completely.
The conclusion is abrupt, terribly abrupt. It feels like a cliffhanger, but it also feels like funds ran out.
Worth a watch, despite the pisspoor conclusion, and the heavy condensation.

Von Biela, Lisa - Ash And Bone

Eileen, ex jailbird, chances upon the remote coastal hamlet of Cromwell.
She finds a hotel for sale, abandoned but in suitable condition.
An investment of sorts, and Cromwell is a perfect place to lay low.
The story follows a traditional route of a building with a history.
Midway, gears shift. Actually, characters shift. Eileen disappears from the narrative, replaced by newsman Frank, passing through, looking for a night’s rest.
He senses a mystery and roots around, although nothing shattering emerges.
Frank is an inept reporter, and the buried secrets you will pick up quicker than he did.
The book has some interesting elements, but overall it reminds one of the “movie of the week” installment.
Predictable, fills a hole, then done.

Angel Face - 1952 - 7/10

A near death strikes the posh household.
The wealthy family takes a shine to ambulance driver Frank, hires him as chauffeur, gives him his own room.
And Fortune takes notice of the fool.
Twenty year old daughter, Diane, “sees something” in Frank and flirts shamelessly.
After Diane’s parents perish in a automobile accident, she and Frank quickly marry.
That way, neither can testify against the other.
Top Noir benefits from Mitchum’s charisma, and Jean Simmons is hypnotic as the innocent looking femme fatale.
Crisply photographed, perfectly paced, one of the best.

Gaza Surf Club - 2016 - 7/10

Forget the woody, and leave the big gun board in granddad’s garage.
This doc follows the tiny (30 members) surf community in the Gaza Strip.
Between bombing runs, shellings, ceasefires and full on contact, the group tries to make time to hit the waves.
More than average surf porn, this is about the locals, how they live, what their environment looks like.
Shoreline is blown up rubble and shipwrecks. The city is blasted buildings, burnt out cars.
The men are optimistic, though realistic to barriers, restrictions, and a limited future.
Beautiful, sometimes harrowing surfing scenes, and a look at the very, very few females in the waves.
This should pair well with another third world surf doc, On The Wave (2013).

Mr. Holmes - 2015 - 6/10

Character study of the consulting detective played by the peerless Ian McKellen.
Holmes has survived friends and family, as well as WWI and WWII, which I find hard to swallow.
The brilliant mind, now into its 90’s, struggles with dementia and confused memories.
Companions include housekeeper and her son, and a doctor who looks in on him.
Otherwise, he is a man who has outlived his time and lingers in an era that sweeps past.
I appreciated this movie more than I enjoyed it.
I am at the age where select neighbors and relatives collapse into confined rooms.
Not the most pleasant of reminders that this future will be mine sooner than later.
Film echoes earlier Robin And Marion (1976) which was rather depressing also.

The Pace That Kills! - 1928 - 6/10

Ma sends Eddie off to the wicked big city to hunt for his older sister, gone a year now.
He lands a job at the department store and catches the eye of co-worker Fannie.
When Eddie complains of a headache, she has just the thing. Headache powder.
One sniff and, Wowza, I’ve got lots of energy!
Fannie takes him to a high class nightclub, stiffens his drink with a splash from her thigh flask.
Later at the private party, she lights up a king sized smoke and gives him a big old drag.
By now, Eddie’s head is swirling so fast, he doesn’t realize Fannie is pulling the pickle into the petals.
My God, this creaky Silent is a lot of fun!
Of course, it’s a stern warning to all “country boys” about the sinful city, easy women, and drugs.
I’d be on the next bus in a heartbeat.
Remade as Cocaine Fiends (1935), this earlier version has better actors, higher production values, superior editing.

When Eight Bells Toll - 1971 - 6/10

Ships are sinking, people are disappearing, and gold bullion is being hijacked.
Don’t look for Auric Goldfinger, he went flying awhile ago.
Agent Phillip Calvert is dispatched to investigate, along with Intelligence mate, Hunslett.
As they start sniffing around the Scottish harbors, near-sighted foes attack.
Bits and bobs of Bondworld flit past, but the budget for this pales next to the 007 opulence.
Fights are poorly choreographed, Robert Morley plays his role as a blustering buffoon.
The film annoyed me at first, but after awhile I shrugged and accepted it for what it was.
Anthony Hopkins seems of similar disposition, stiff initially, gradually enjoying the silliness of it.

The Riot Club - 2014 - 6/10

Privileged toffs behaving very badly, indeed.
Not only are they rich, entitled, and destined for the best of everything,
but they get to urinate all over the lower orders.
At least they do in this film.
Supposedly based on the Burlington Club, the Riot Club originated after the death of Lord Ryot.
Film rings false as they would not book an evenings revelry in a bourgeois pub.
Nor would they hire a call girl who would balk.
Also, paparazzi and phone cams are ubiquitous nowadays.
Nevertheless, a curious choice for conspiracy and Illuminati buffs.

The City Of Lost Children - 1995 - 7/10
AKA - La Cité des Enfants Perdus

Mesmerizing, if confusing, story of kidnapped children and the mad scientist trying to steal their dreams.
In a sentence, that is the premise in a film wildly imaginative in visuals and ideas.

Of course, why does the scientist kidnap children?
Meanwhile, a cult of one-eyed cyborgs prowl the fog-laden seaport and carnival.

There is nothing remotely predictable in this work, which ought to be viewed with as little info as possible.
Funny, profound at times, and a mysterious adventure.

Sex For Sale - 1974 - 5/10
AKA - Mian Ju // 面具

Wide-eyed Lin arrives in Hong Kong and immediately swells the ranks of the unemployed.
Fortunately, he catches the eye of a talent scout, who opens doors for him, as well as her thighs.
Yeah, one of “those“ films, in this instance a steamy Category III.
Females soon flock and flutter around him, only he ain’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
Rather than press his advantage, Lin remains broke, despite servicing women of wealth and influence.
The style is pure disco in dayglow colors in this trashy melodrama, played straight instead of sleazy.

Revealing Anne Lister - 2010 - 6/10

Documentary about the scandalous Ms Lister, landowner and womanizer during the Regency era.
Womaniz - huh? Say what?
Apparently this Sappho tale was an open secret during her time, though she did live in seclusion and was rich.
Money always helps cloak taboos.
She left journals containing 4 millions words. Juicy bits, seductions and graphic depictions, are written in code.
The code was cracked in the 1890’s, yet a descendant suppressed it.
The journals were deciphered again in the 1930’s, again in the 60’s, both times suppressed.
Finally, in 1988 the diaries were published. It is astonishing they survived, instead of being burned.
Most of the “talking heads” in this are excellent, commenting with wry humour.
The presenter, on the other hand, is an insecure soul who brings up her own life experiences throughout, and cracks sarcastic.
Anne Lister’s story is interesting, the narrator’s life is not.

Outland - 1981 - 6/10

Space marshal is sent to Io to investigate mysterious deaths.
There are illegal drugs, normally tolerated, except are causing fatalities.
Powerful forces behind the drugs, official whitewashing, and none of the residents want to snitch.
What’s a law man to do? Aside from waiting for the hired mercenaries to kill him.
OK SciFi, bears a passing resemblance to High Noon.
A few “space” externals in this, though better if you watch as a crime thriller. (Bad guys are below dumb.)
Sean Connery is the best thing in this as stubborn, no nonsense cop.

Clones - 2015 - 6/10

Mr. Freeman, physicist in an orbiting station, has a tumor the size of an apple in his brain.
Surgery is required, though standard procedure is to make a backup of his brain first.
All the memories of his 442 IQ.
Dark, futuristic short suggests a disquieting horizon for those too valuable to die.
In delicious casting, Replicant N6MAA10816 (Roy Batty) plays Dr. Richards, cloning specialist.

Subs = https://subscene.com/subtitles/clones/english/2840683