schizophrenic but highly enjoyable and well done
580743
Overall, the music history portions are great when not interrupted by the author's attempt to include the political and civil rights portions of the year. While the cultural impacts of the music are worthy of discussion here. There is not enough time to fully develop some of the other ideas. Well done.
1869282
Even though this book is not my usual genre to read , I thoroughly enjoyed the story.  The author did a nice job in the style of his writing so that you, the reader, get caught up in the characters flights of ideas. The book is definitely worth reading.  It gives an interesting look at mental illness
3404790
While most teenagers are worried about whether a boy likes them, if their hair is perfect, if they have latest fashionable clothing, Aura has other things to worry about - a mother who is showing signs of having a a Schizophrenic episode.  To make it worse, she has no one to help her, her father having moved out and remarried a few years ago.  Her father's absence and complete lack of concern leaves Aura to take care of her mother all by herself, even watching her through a window outside while her mother teaches art classes, just to make sure she can 'save' her mother if she has an episode.  Aura is afraid to tell anyone, afraid that she will be locked up along with her mother in a hospital.  At first Aura denies these possibilities, delving into her art.  After connecting famous artists who were also Schizophrenic, and now dead, Aura fears art, that indulging in any type of art will make her sink into the darkness of Schizophrenia.

Aura's character is very unique.  I have read many characters that are artistic in some way, but I especially enjoyed Aura's creative skills. Not only does she draw but her poetic skills are pretty impressive as well, of which Holly Schindler gives you tastes.  While Aura's situation is also unique in a way, Holly Schindler has done a great job in making it so every reader can relate to - I don't mean that we all have a Schizophrenic parent that we take care of alone; I am talking about how we all have 'secrets' that we don't want to share with others.  Even little secrets that we try to hide, knowing that we should share them with at least one person.

I felt that the love interest, Jeremy, could have been left out in a way.  I honestly felt at times he was a bit pushy, only speaking with Aura to get her to paint his skateboard.  Also, the last thing Aura needed in her life was a romantic relationship. But at the same time Jeremy gave Aura the very much human emotions that she was lacking.  Even something as simple as freedom while riding on a skateboard.

Also, I love beautiful writing, and don't get me wrong, Holly Schindler has done just that.  The only problem I have with her writing in A Blue So Dark is the number of times she uses Imagery.  I felt like I was being smothered by imagery.  Individually, each one is amazing, but when you are given at least a small handful on every page it can become a bit too much. HOWEVER, this does not make the novel or Aura's story any less relevant and impacting.  After reading this novel, you will be moved and affected in ways that you might not know.  For me, I had to sit with this novel for a few days before even coming to terms with it.  This novel is definitely in a class all its own - in a good way.  I recommend this one for those interested in reading about something new yet serious.
3705528
This movie was very enjoyable.  If you are able to relax and pay attention I think most people will become absorbed in it's strange meditative drone.  The characters are interesting and genuine. It's as if Harmony Corine took his ADHD meds as prescribed.
4912065
The twist is that the characters actually behave in ways that make sense! The dialog is genuine, the acting is terrific, and you never have those moments of wanting to roll your eyes and the insane actions of the characters. There are many, laugh-out-loud moments, and many more chuckle-out loud lines. Very little man-bashing (or woman-bashing) even while showing the characters working through some very typically male and female relationship issues. Caution: this is not for kids, or even teens. Some very explicit sexual situations.

It is hard to believe this is an independent movie. Only the opening credits seemed at all low budget, and even then the soundtrack was great. The writer/director and his crew must have a great deal of experience, and the actors were top-notch. I saw this at the theater and was really surprised by the quality, and how much it made me think about relationships while being completely entertained. The inner dialog of the main male and female character provide amazing insight into the male and female mind, and also provide the vast majority of the laughs in this movie.

Interesting method of distribution: the writer/director came to the showings throughout the country, much like an author's book signing. He answers questions for the audience and seems committed to independent film-making.
464249
How can an action film be slow, yet still be immensely enjoyable? By being hypnotic and visually beautiful, at least according to the rules of the eccentric filmmaking world of director Jim Jarmusch. This is a world of contradictions and ironies where a black man can be a hit man for a seedy Mafioso gang by convincing himself that he is a samurai warrior. While this setup allows for a great deal of incisive dark humor, it also creates a sense of profound sadness. At some points, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Ghost Dog is played by Forest Whitaker. I have been a fan of his since "The Crying Game", and I think this is his finest performance to date. He creates an indelible character. What makes this all the more remarkable is that, except for the passages he recites from a samurai handbook, he has very little dialog. He conveys nearly everything through his body language.
When his life is saved by an old Mafia guy, Ghost Dog decides the man is his samurai master. That's why he volunteers to be a hit man. When a hit goes wrong, the local Don decides that Ghost Dog must die. This proves to be far easier said than done. How do you even find a man who doesn't own a phone and communicates solely through carrier pigeons?
This is an unusual movie that I found to be fascinating. Though there may be some deep hidden meaning to its story, I saw it as a brilliant satire of the crime genre. What it lacks in adrenaline-producing action it makes up for in humor and intelligence.
1505404
I was dreading seeing "Lost in Translation". I'd heard a lot about it, and had somehow got the impression it was a very "worthy" movie, something you felt you ought to see.
To my huge surprise and delight I loved it. I wanted it to be longer. I wanted to spend a day with these people. It's true it's an idiosyncratic movie, and that's great for those of us who are sick of seeing the same movie in different clothes a thousand times. Or who are sick of movies only about special effects.
I missed Coppola's "Virgin Suicides" but after seeing this will certainly search it out. She has a wonderful fresh vision. And the strength of mind to put it on film.
In terms of character, although not of career, Bill Murray seems to be playing himself, a man who uses humor as a way to make the world more amenable. That's just what Charlotte - Scarlett Johansson - needs. Her husband is a star-struck dork and the outlook for their marriage isn't good.
Beautifully filmed, sensitively put together. With such a strong individual vision that you'll either love it or hate it. Not many come down in the middle.
And don't listen TOO much to the complaints about the previews on the DVD.  Granted, it's a bit annoying, but they DO superimpose a sign saying you can fast-forward through the previews. It took all of two seconds on my machine.
If you miss "Lost in Translation" you'll be the loser.
486490
This movie has some very very good acting in it. Caine, Rush, Phoenix, and winslet all do an excellent job. Some of the mental patients also do a great job of keeping an otherwise dark story somewhat upbeat. The play that they perform is outstanding and made me a bit squirmish in my seat. There are more than enough gory or disgusting parts in this film, but I think the director tempered the amount of vulgar things with a great story to keep is exciting durin g the whole film. My friend said it was going to give her nightmares due to a few instances of gross things, so keep that in mind. It is no grosser than say the movie Se7en but the story is much much better.
4477821
This is an amazingly good movie that I had never heard of before. It is a mystery and a psychological journey for Frankie and Dr. Oz (not the one on TV).  Just well done all the way around. If you like psychological dramas this is time well spent.
4721718
This is not a horror movie. This is about mental illness with the illusion of horror. The main character reminded me of someone living with a serious PTSD. The ghostly images were a representation of the conflict between good and evil. Working to save money for her son's operation so he won't die is very honorable, and the more so as a cleaning lady in a restaurant. The movie keeps you guessing,but close observations of particular scenes lead me to know what was going to happen. I gave four stars because the acting was good,the composition of scenes flowed smoothly,and a soft touch on someone with extreme psychosis.
2676738
This movie is absolutely delightful, even if you have to view it with subtitles.  I'm fortunate enough to understand Swiss German and appreciate the various Swiss dialects spoken in the movie, which makes the whole experience even more fun.  The relationship between Vitus and his grandpa is truly touching, like the scene where grandpa asks Vitus what he would like to become in life and Vitus answers he would like to become 'normal'.  But too, the struggle of the parents trying to understand their gifted kid's problems comes across as entirely genuine.  And even when you watch this movie the second or third time, you find wonderful delails you may have missed the first time around.  Highly recommended even if you have to rely on the subtitles.
4941152
A very well done, feeling, sensitive portrayal of Alzheimer's.
371091
I've seen alot of Christian Slater films so yes I went into this movie with certain expectations.  My biggest mistake was expecting Mr. Slater to play the kind of comical role he's always played in the movies I've seen.  This movie is a fascinating look at the life of a schizophrenic man and how he sees the world around him.

Honestly I almost turned this movie off about 10 minutes into it simply because it seemed so bizarre but the longer I watched the more fascinating I found it.  With so many people 'losing it' and gunning down coworkers, fellow students, families, etc, this is a movie that not only provides an intriguing entertaining couple of hours but makes you think about the people around you and how they act or even how you treat them.
1726824
This story has the Doctor and Lucie landing in 19th Century Germany where a mysterious beast of Orlok appears to have returned and killed several people. Of course, the local burgermeister arrests the Doctor and Lucie, as well as their new friend Hans but quickly the Doctor is on the trail of the truth.

This story has so much going for it. It's got a very atmospheric setting with some great sound design. The script is solid and allows humor, along with action, and some good emotional moments as well as taking on German myths like Hansel and Gretel. The guest cast is amazing and Miriam Margolyes turns in a show-stealing performance as Frau Todd. Sheridan Smith is Lucie Miller in all her glory.

There was a couple weird things that threw me off, such as the inconsistent translation by the TARDIS which while translating most of the speech of the locals struggled with "Black Forest." But overall, this is a very solid story for the Doctor and Lucie.
4936406
The Mabuse films by Fritz Lang are not just "cop-and-thieves" thrillers: of course they are quite enjoyable as a thriller-suspence crime movies, but for those with the eyes to see, Mabuse is really a metaphore of  power and its functions in a modern society. Already in 1922, when Lang  made the first Mabuse films (DOCTOR MABUSE in two parts; a new restored DVD  of this film is now in preparation), he foresaw not only the rise of Hitler  and the Nazis, but also a society under control (or hypnosis) by the medias  and informations sirculating on them. Lang's last entry to the series, THE  1000 EYES OF DR.MABUSE, is a nightmarish alegory of the post-war modern  society. The Luxor Hotel where the story mainly takes place is a buiding  made by the Nazis and has a secret camera system ovserving every single  thing that happens in it. The idea that we are all observed by those who  are in power has now, as you see around yourself, became our own reality.  Many contemporary filmmakers, such as Wim Wenders with his END OF THE  VIOLENCE, try to portray the same idea, but none of them are as efficient  as Lang, inspite of the low budget Lang was allowed to spend, and the  classic cliche framework (involving a psychic clairvoyant and an American  millionaire hero). It's a masterpiece, in the sense that it is really an  oeuvre of the master. The new digital transfer from original 35mm elements  is almost flawless and displays Langs lucid vision of the world in a  stunning manner. In the bonus featurettes, people who knew Lang in his last  years talks about him, and is also quite interesting. One problem, though:  the featurette tells us the name of those people but most of them we don't  know who they are. I am also looking forward for the release of THE  TESTAMENT OF DR.MABUSE (the 1932 original) on a DVD that looks as good as  this one.
2187787
I don't mean to be pretentious or anything, but this movie was fantastic. I can understand how it's tough for some people who aren't used to arthouse style cinema, especially in sci-fi, but this is such a unique film and so well done, I highly recommend giving it a chance instead of letting a ton of 1-star reviews sway your opinion.
4781909
'Finzel; a Psychotic Love Story' is quite a psychological gem. Stepping into the mind of a psychopath is quite an endearing task. Smith constantly used reoccurring elements like the growing speck of blood and the purplish black raven to keep pinging at the reader, similar to the narrator's own tingling pain in his brain. (Chapter 14 I really enjoyed.) The use of imagery further aided in drawing me into this twisted and small world of the psych ward. I will never look at floor tiles the same again. There were some instances that got me off track like the description of road signs or intimate details about the son and Cybil. One may assume that the father was indeed the son; describing his fantasy to fulfill his own deep-seated pedophilia. I did however feel as if the connection between the father and the narrator being called 'a man' in later chapters would make sense in the end. I am glad to have purchased this paperback copy, for the artwork is quite remarkable. I look forward to reading more from Jonathan Smith, a fellow Pennsylvanian.