tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post6761021488117409343..comments2024-03-22T14:44:41.519+00:00Comments on Checking On My Sausages: Sucker Punch - Film of the Year 2011Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-3779591770551871942012-01-12T18:12:35.223+00:002012-01-12T18:12:35.223+00:00"Still I liked your analysis and can understa..."Still I liked your analysis and can understand why you liked it, which is a credit to your writing!"<br /><br />Thanks very much Mr_Jellyfish. I'm glad you got something out of what I wrote even if not out of the film!<br /><br />I'm not a fan of Michael Bay's films but I don't hate them by any means. Quentin Tarantino is sometimes good (Pulp Fiction), sometimes not (Inglourious Basterds). I can agree with you on Sin City.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-57939312803974304102012-01-12T13:37:35.890+00:002012-01-12T13:37:35.890+00:00Wow! Well done for sticking to your guns, and expl...Wow! Well done for sticking to your guns, and explaining why you thought it was a good film. For me Sucker Punch was easily the worst film of the year, and Zack Snyder is fast becoming one of my bottom five directors, along with Michael Bay and Quentin Tarantino. I don't think it was morally bankrupt like a lot of people have been saying but for me it was boring, over indulgent shlock, in much the same way I found Sin City to be. Still I liked your analysis and can understand why you liked it, which is a credit to your writing!Mr_Jellyfishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04005823514898568779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-24746310116643206292012-01-02T06:26:48.550+00:002012-01-02T06:26:48.550+00:00Ronak,
I don't think the film is sexist at al...Ronak,<br /><br />I don't think the film is sexist at all. It does depict sexism and it does utilise sexiness in a brash/subtle way.<br /><br />"I tried writing about it, but I had so much trouble letting go of the convolutedness and focusing on the thing that was convoluted that I gave up."<br /><br />I found it hard too until I let go of the idea that this film is fundamentally a puzzle. You can make easy sense of it without having to be conscious of how everything fits. You understand it emotionally and instinctively.<br /><br />You are quite right about the music. Normally I wouldn't enjoy such blatant 'music video' soundtracking of action scenes but it worked. As well as the pulse of the music being exciting, the lyrics of the songs, of course, comment on Baby Doll's situation<br /><br />Thank you for the link. I think I may have read it.<br /><br />Sucker Punch is interesting - it feels 100% like a film for girls and 100% like a film for boys.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-15783309406408587202011-12-31T08:44:58.688+00:002011-12-31T08:44:58.688+00:00I watched Sucker Punch about when it came out, and...I watched Sucker Punch about when it came out, and don't remember much -- except the astonishment, the feel of the environment (and how important the songs were) and being struck by the ending (I remember it as having something to do with her going away on a bus, but there's at least one very important detail which I've forgotten).<br /><br />I'm not entirely convinced by your argument about how sexist it is because I think of the intended audience for this and how mind-bogglingly complex Snyder's head is, though on a personal level I experienced it much as you did, but that owes as much as to anything else to my very confused understanding of how oppression and its rhetoric works.<br />But, I trust completely in Snyder's intention. While feminists all around talk about objectification, Snyder went and made first ab-porn and then a blockbuster with a penis hanging around in an utterly innocuous fashion for half the running time (most men in American movies and TV seem to have sex with their underwear on).<br />I envision him as being at one of the most important front-lines in the fight against sexism.<br /><br />One thing about this movie that struck me and not you -- pretty much the only such thing, it seems -- is how important the songs are during the action sequences; while he wisely refrains from choreographing his fights to them, they form an integral part of the video game tableau while also reminding us of the brothel level. There were more detailed thoughts when I was watching the movie.<br /><br />Zack Snyder is on the more insane* end of the creative spread, and this here piece is much deserved recognition of its value. I tried writing about it, but I had so much trouble letting go of the convolutedness and focusing on the thing that was convoluted that I gave up.<br />*As in undisciplined; bad at giving the impression that he's in control of the implications he's generating.<br /><br />And, in case, you haven't already seen it, here's Andrew O'Hehir's review, the only one I found that pays appropriate heed to Snyder's insanity: http://www.salon.com/2011/03/25/sucker_punch/singleton/Ronak M Sonihttp://ronakmsoni.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-55330154496607019062011-12-28T07:37:06.937+00:002011-12-28T07:37:06.937+00:00"I think it could have staying power as a cul..."I think it could have staying power as a cult film."<br /><br />You might well be right. I (narrowly) prefer the theatrical cut, in fact.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-48938653144452213822011-12-26T04:44:24.595+00:002011-12-26T04:44:24.595+00:00I do like it [director's cut] and it will have...I do like it [director's cut] and it will have a special mention on my best of the year. I think it could have staying power as a cult film.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04977662030208589392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-74988798814906118352011-12-23T06:25:20.054+00:002011-12-23T06:25:20.054+00:00Thank you Matt.
I gather that you're not a gr...Thank you Matt.<br /><br />I gather that you're not a great fan, then! I haven't seen it at the top of any lists either. Only at the bottom!Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-5026726368300052072011-12-23T04:29:02.341+00:002011-12-23T04:29:02.341+00:00Well, ummm, hey! I like that you put this at the t...Well, ummm, hey! I like that you put this at the top of your list. Why the heck not? No one else that I know of has. And if you are that passionate about then right on!Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04977662030208589392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-3122607742719732852011-12-19T10:59:10.827+00:002011-12-19T10:59:10.827+00:00Thanks very much Sam!Thanks very much Sam!Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-51690444049827835782011-12-19T02:39:23.438+00:002011-12-19T02:39:23.438+00:00"Sucker Punch promotes the significance and p..."Sucker Punch promotes the significance and power of love, of the mind, of stories, of film, of allegory, and of physical intimacy."<br /><br />Wow! And promoting it as the best film of the year as well. I have always admired your audacity and insistence on going the distance in relating your connection with a work. I am not a fan, but no matter. I relish this perspective!Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-57965922263303696372011-12-17T08:33:55.779+00:002011-12-17T08:33:55.779+00:00Stephen,
It is creative and more emotionally powe...Stephen,<br /><br />It is creative and more emotionally powerful than I expected, too. I think that Snyder does have subtlety, only it can be hidden behind the overall brashness of the film.<br /><br />I'm not sure how a film you "really liked" cannot be classed as good(!). If you think it has lots wrong with it then that, to me, means that it is a good film that had the potential to be great.<br /><br />I'm glad you enjoyed the film. It is already sweeping the boards in the worst film of the year lists. Thanks for the comment.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-87708904270738530722011-12-17T06:06:08.290+00:002011-12-17T06:06:08.290+00:00I pretty much completely agree with Bob's comm...I pretty much completely agree with Bob's comment (which is odd, because I usually disagree with him). <br /><br />I really liked Sucker Punch. Saw it twice, in fact. At the same time, I'm not really sure I could defend it as a "good" movie--it's too confused and awkward and potentially offensive and kind of clumsy for that. But it is a highly creative, visually dazzling and unique, risk-taking and personal movie attempting to do something new in blockbuster movies, and it' therefore worth watching. It's simultaneously dumb and complex, unbelievable and transporting. Snyder is immature as a director and lacks all subtlety, but he also has great ambition and the vision to make really gorgeous pulp images. I think his complete over-the-top-ness is the heart of his appeal. Somewhat OTT is a bad thing-failed seriousness. But take it far enough and not only hugely entertaining, it can become serious again, packing more emotional power than expected. He doesn't always achieve this, but when he does it's something to see.StephenMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16588260639227694557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-70667014676998512402011-12-10T06:26:50.512+00:002011-12-10T06:26:50.512+00:00Bob,
"Perhaps one problem with the film is t...Bob,<br /><br />"Perhaps one problem with the film is that it heroicizes the idea of disassociation during trauma, which is all well and good, but aside from fantasies collapsing when reality turns bad, we don't really see the darker side of it, or at least as dark as it can get in our day to day."<br /><br />I see what you mean. The onus is on us to keep in mind what they are really fighting for. Perhaps it goes too far. I still think, in the main, that it it is a good way of representing their struggle for the reasons I put in the piece.<br /><br />"...and really found myself liking the characters in a genuine way-- he's underrated at getting real, emotional performances from people in really high-concept stuff."<br /><br />I think that is what made this the first Snyder film I have enjoyed. His others felt cold to me in character and style. Once you have characters you care about, then the story and style take off.<br /><br />I look forward to your top 20.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-56873132924303852812011-12-09T21:03:03.279+00:002011-12-09T21:03:03.279+00:00I enjoyed "Sucker Punch" myself, and it ...I enjoyed "Sucker Punch" myself, and it may even wind up in my top 20 or so. I admire what Snyder is doing here, trying to break out of the repetitions of remakes and close-to-the-bone adaptations. I even like what he's attempting with the visuals, the basic story, and really found myself liking the characters in a genuine way-- he's underrated at getting real, emotional performances from people in really high-concept stuff. However, I do think he could've used help in the script stage beyond what he got-- this was an ambitious attempt at narrative gaming and subversion that's carried out about half-well, but deserved better. Perhaps one problem with the film is that it heroicizes the idea of disassociation during trauma, which is all well and good, but aside from fantasies collapsing when reality turns bad, we don't really see the darker side of it, or at least as dark as it can get in our day to day. <br /><br />I wouldn't call it the film of the year by a third or a quarter, but I respect what it stands for. Or maybe I'm just a fiend for chicks in sailor-suit schoolgirl unifforms.Bob Clarkhttp://www.designersdilemma.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-86496010742690743502011-12-09T18:52:46.231+00:002011-12-09T18:52:46.231+00:00Jaime,
"Sorry about my language, but I frigg...Jaime,<br /><br />"Sorry about my language, but I friggin' hated the film."<br /><br />Don't worry about it! I could say something along the lines of 'it must have something going for it to provoke such a response' but of course that's nonsense.<br /><br />Thanks for the comment, Jaime - I enjoyed reading it. This is an object lesson in how two different people basically see two different works of art.Stephenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07036103762441216161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8035434747786768960.post-43762014536539820752011-12-09T18:15:30.489+00:002011-12-09T18:15:30.489+00:00What do I see? Well... I see misconcieved garbage....What do I see? Well... I see misconcieved garbage.<br />"Sucker Punch is massively enjoyable and increasingly hard to watch for what's at stake." You got half of that right there, it's hard to watch because it's just so awful in every little sense of it. I don't hate it as much as many people out there but I can say that is definitively not a good movie.<br />There are some films like these, and I thought that you'd mention it, that feel like a videogame, but sometimes there are good and bad videogames, as there are bad and good movies, and this is a boring and one note videogame, like a beat-em-up scroller film that is unfocused and just annoying to watch because all of it it's so crammed and definitively and boringly anacronic.<br />I look at Baby Doll, yes, and her baby doll as well, which is really the best thing about the film: costume design, it should win an oscar for it.<br />What really got me wondering is how you mention Inception and Mullholand Dr., two movies that don't even deserve to be mentioned next to this overblown boring action filled film. Because not even the action is good, the action is boring, repetitive, and when you get to the third confrontation, you're seeing the same movements and the same things over and over again, you actually know what to expect, and that's not escapism, that's more like boredom to me.<br />The movie could've been good, I actually looked forward to it, just by the way it looked, but I see the fault here and it's Snyder's complete failure as an original screenwriter, because if you mix as many genres and male fantasies as you can, you won't have a good movie, you'll have scene or even Shot porn. Scenes and shots and creatures (yeah, creature porn doesn't sound good) that have no function other than to be there and provoque a "duuuuude that is awesomeeee" and then forget about it the second after... where's the fun in that?<br />For a moment I hoped that this review was satyrical, but then I remembered you hate that.<br />This movie irates me, as it seems everything that is wrong with misconceived high budget "looking for popular and wide appeal" films. It has action, so dudes are gonna see it, but it also has strong chicks, so dudettes are gonna see it. That shit I hate about modern film.<br />Now, the worst thing is, of course, those unnecesary layers upon layers of stories and subplots that didn't have anything to do with the film, it was unnecesary: all of them. They seemed put there to shock or awe or whatever, to say "how edgy", fuck that shit.<br />Sorry about my language, but I friggin' hated the film. And more now that I look upon it again.Jaime Grijalbahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175192502767519362noreply@blogger.com