Showing posts with label Gangster. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gangster. Show all posts

Tuesday, 15 February 2011

A-Z #36: Casino

You can pick up hundreds of DVD's for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. Its never about quantity, its about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films ... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em


#36 - Casino 

Why did I buy it?

As a huge fan of Goodfellas, this is apparently an unofficial sequel to it - starring Goodfellas actors Robert de Niro, Joe Pesci and host of others. The length of the film put me off for a long time - and I was never sure if it would be as Goodfellas - but I had to give it a try...

Why do I still own it?
I am keen to understand it better on multiple viewings. I have watched it once so far since I bought it, and I wasn't bowled over. I mean, I loved De Niro and Pesci. Sharon Stone was great, but it just seemed to drag on a little. Many friends love this film and, more importantly, the odd few rate it higher than Goodfellas, claiming it is underrated. So, with that in my mind, I have every intention to reanalyse the film. I do believe that Scorsese films generally get better on multiple viewings so I shall simply watch it again and I am hoping I will appreciate it more... but when will I watch it again... ?

Maybe thats not enough - maybe, once watched, I should trust my instinct and sell it on... what do you think?

Remember - you can always email The Simon and Jo Film Show directly using this email: simonandjoshow@gmail.com
We are also on Twitter  and Facebook.

Large Association of Movie Blogs

Saturday, 12 February 2011

A-Z #34: Carlito's Way

You can pick up hundreds of DVD's for a round-pound each - it doesn't matter. Its never about quantity, its about quality. A-Z is my way of going through my collection, from A-Z, and understanding why I own the films... or you can tell me why I should sell 'em



#34 - Carlito's Way 

Why did I buy it?

I had wanted to purchase this film for many years for multiple reasons: Brian De Palma, Pacino, Viggo Mortensen Pre-Lord-of-the-Rings, classic-Gangster film, etc. I remember watching the opening scenes in a Media Studies lesson many years ago - and analysing the use of camera and use of effects to show disorientation, etc. By chance, Good Friend Rob purchased this for me as a present in an Al Pacino boxset alongside Scent of a Woman, Scarface and Sea of Love.

Why do I still own it?
 
Because it is potentially better than Scarface. Seriously, Pacino's gangster-trying-to-gte-out is much more likable than Tony in Scarface. The visual style is more restrained with a more interesting context - whilst, though I love the excess-culture Scarface lives within, I'd much rather visit the world of Carlito than the world of Cocained-up Scarface.
Maybe you can only own one? Maybe I should shift this and keep Scarface?
  
Remember - you can always email The Simon and Jo Film Show directly using this email: simonandjoshow@gmail.com
We are also on Twitter  and Facebook.

Large Association of Movie Blogs