Mr. Hallenbeck

@mrhallenbeck.bsky.social

Eureka (2000) What happens in the aftermath of trauma. The navigation of the pain and loss of self. The slow step-by-step, trial-and-error process of learning to be alive again. God what a beautiful film. An absolute masterpiece.

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with horror I think there's a tendency too often to set up scenarios where an asshole character is put into a situation with little-to-no avenues for agency so it's less an interrogation of their flaws, and more of an on-rails rollercoaster of punishment it ends up just kinda dramatically inert

Happyend (2024) In a near-future Japan sliding into authoritarianism, a pair of delinquent friends pull a prank on their principal that sets off a surveillance state at their school. A film about deciding what's important to you. Friendship. Making art and enjoying life. Protest and resistance.

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Out of the Past (1947) "That's not the way to win." "Is there a way to win?" "There's a way to lose more slowly." This one really is the quintessential film noir. Mitchum being cool as hell, sharp dialogue, moody lighting, and more double-crosses than you can flick a cigarette at. Hell yeah.

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Ashes and Diamonds (1958) In the ruins of postwar Poland, a former soldier is tasked with completing a botched assassination he's not certain he wants to carry out anymore. It's a slow-burn character drama full of melancholy that coils into dread, and then strikes with some unforgettable imagery.

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Watched Iron Lung Immediate thoughts: - Desperately needed a judicious editor. You don't need that many insert shots, Mr. Mark Iplier - Also needed an actual actor in the lead role. These kinds of bottle movies are usually built around strong performances - He should've been naked the whole time

Three Outlaw Samurai (1964) Man, why did it take me so long to watch this one. It's a top-notch chanbara film with teeth and a social conscious. Effective, economical storytelling with brilliantly staged and blocked action.

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