Really didn't like this film.
-
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 18, 2014 11:48 AM)
I have to agree. I watched it last night for the first time. I wanted to see it because A) its reputation and B) I recently saw Coming Home and was stunned by Jon Voight. He was amazing in Coming Home and I had already seen Deliverance. I have no issues with "avant garde" films but imo this film did not deserve Best Picture. It was choppy and sloppy. I felt that everything (including the characters) were purposefully outrageous merely for shock value. It's a shame because it could've been a great character study.
I realize I'm in the minority here.
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred -
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 21, 2014 09:12 AM)
How am I supposed to surmise anything about Rizzo besides the fact he is crippled and homeless? It's a totally flat character and I find it amazing the Hoffman was even nominated for this role.
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred -
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 21, 2014 11:52 AM)
Lol. I understand my opinion is in the minority, but perhaps instead of just sarcasm, you would be interested in sharing why you believe differently. I am always interested in other's opinions.
And in defense of my opinion, he was nominated but didn't win, did he? Admittedly however, many times the Oscars are more about Hollywood politics than anything else.
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred -
joependleton78 — 11 years ago(April 21, 2014 07:43 PM)
How am I supposed to surmise anything about Rizzo besides the fact he is crippled and homeless? It's a totally flat character and I find it amazing the Hoffman was even nominated for this role.
Because your trollish comment really doesn't deserve anything but sarcasm, if even that. But since you asked, I'll try to dignify it with a better response. I disagree that all Ratso amounted to was a cripple and a homeless person. He was a real person with dreams and fears. There was a vulnerability to both characters and with Ratso, what started out as a selfish, only out for himself loser, ended up as someone who could actually care about and for someone. There is an intelligence and wisdom to Ratso that is, on the surface, absent in Joe Buck. I could go on, but really, what's the point? You're mind is obviously made up.
As for your argument about Hoffman not winning as if that somehow proves your point, you have to remember that since both performances were regarded as phenomenal at the time (and still nowget over it) that they probably cancelled each other out. Add to that the fact that John Wayne was the huge sentimental favorite that year.
How old are you btw? -
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 21, 2014 09:38 PM)
"I have to agree. I watched it last night for the first time. I wanted to see it because A) its reputation and B) I recently saw Coming Home and was stunned by Jon Voight. He was amazing in Coming Home and I had already seen Deliverance. I have no issues with "avant garde" films but imo this film did not deserve Best Picture. It was choppy and sloppy. I felt that everything (including the characters) were purposefully outrageous merely for shock value. It's a shame because it could've been a great character study.
I realize I'm in the minority here."
Above was my original comment, which I don't feel was trollish at all. Then I responded to your comment about the character study. Still not trolling.
You are obviously passionate about the film, but your ability to present your case is lacking. You seem more interested in disparaging others for their opinions. I clearly stated I was interested in hearing your opinion. I still am actually, but frankly have no interest in a halfhearted contretemps.
I didn't say Hoffman losing proved my point, I said it supported my argument. I should have been clearer.
I am 45, 46 in June. How old are you?
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred -
joependleton78 — 11 years ago(April 21, 2014 10:57 PM)
I'm pretty sure I explained what I thought about the character of Ratso. Hoffman delivered that performance beautifully. His performance has been honored and studied for the past 45 years. I think the burden really is on you to explain why it's such a bad performance. So yeah, when you bash a performance like that, it's going to come off as trollish. Understood?
And the Hoffman losing thing doesn't support your argument either. I explained that as well. Support, prove. Same beep
I'm exactly a year older. -
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 22, 2014 12:01 PM)
Seems as though you are the only one complaining joe. I am not sure what you expected when you clicked on a thread titled, "Really didn't like this film."
I will reiterate that I don't feel I know anything about these characters. It seemed the director felt that 2 second flashbacks of what may or may not be pedophilia and a violent rape episode is supposed to be enough. Oh throw in there that he washed dishes at a diner. All those wasted scenes on the bus trip to NY.
As for Ratso, I totally disagree with you. There is nothing there, nothing about his life. We don't really see anything about him other than through his interaction with Buck. How did he become homeless? Why is he crippled? These are not extraordinary questions. We don't always need to know everything about a character. There are simple ways we could have gotten more of a sense about the Ratso. Then we have this elaborate 60's rave which is nothing but a vehicle for Buck to meet Shirley. Tsk.
There is just not enough here that feels true to me. I don't mean true as in real that this can actually happen. I am a great fan of science fiction and fantasy. But true as in, right, that yes, this what would follow. Granted I have not read the book the movie is based on, so perhaps it is not the directors/screenwriters fault. Have you read it, joe?
The last thing I wanted to touch on is Hoffman's portrayal. If all you are given is he's a homeless cripple with a dream of living in Florida, then it is your responsibility to answer the whys of the character. Usually with a novel as source material, that is not the case, but not having read it puts me at a disadvantage to properly debate the issue.
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred -
RuthlessGoat — 11 years ago(April 27, 2014 12:48 PM)
Ok, I'll complain as well :). Wow, I mean why don't you read my review and see why Joe Buck in Midnight Cowboy was the very embodiment of a character study. It would also be helpful if you read the book and/or watched the commentary and special features on the Collector's Edition DVD.
http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/22307/midnight-cowboy/ <-Link to review.
Goat at Ruthless Reviews -
Singingorilla — 11 years ago(April 27, 2014 09:14 PM)
I think since I was not a fan of the film, I'll pass on purchasing the DVD just so I can watch the commentary and special features. Perhaps you'd like to share your copy with me? Lol
Again, RuthlessGoat, not sure what you expect to see when you click on a thread titled, "Really didn't like this film." Surely not rave reviews?
I will absolutely check out your review and post back. Thanks!
I like tacos, 71 Cabernet and my favorite color is magenta. -Fred