Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

IMDB


"It took centuries to build this temple. Do you think you can build it again in three days?"

And so, on Easter Sunday, an undeniably Easter film. And a reverent one, a beautifully-shot one, a moving one. Yes, it's an account of the gospels, but there's a world of difference from Mel Gibson's attempt. I mean honestly, watch both and tell me which teaches more, reveals more, inspires more? And which is plainly anti-semitic claptrap?

Running With Scissors (2006)

IMDB


"My turd is a direct communication from the Holy Father."

The kid from Jack Frost has crazy childhood. Who'd a thunk it?!

There Will Be Blood (2007)

IMDB


"That was one goddamn helluva show."

Part of the problem with living so far from civilisation (how far can I take this?) is that the local library is rather, well, understocked.
What I'm saying is, they don't have a copy of Oil!, the Upton Sinclair novel upon which the film was based. Which is annoying, because the first thing I wanted to do upon leaving the cinema was read the book.
Two and a half hours is too short to show everything there is to show in a film that Mark Kermode justifiably says 're-writes the language of cinema.' The tone and style kinda made me think it needed a second part, like an opera or Lord of the Rings. And I was genuinely disappointed when it ended, because I wanted more.
It was far from perfect, but it aspired and almost made it. Maybe on a second viewing it'll get there. And I'll tell you after Friday :)

Blade Runner (1982)

IMDB


"Do you like our owl?"

So, unless I lose my job this year I doubt I'll complete the challenge.
It was rather ambitious, but I'm beginning to watch films again after a barren February. I could blame relocation, lack of cash, or a newfound willingness to leave the house. But I won't! Oh no!
Blade Runner was the only film I saw last month, back on the 8th at the Showroom Cinema. And a great cinema it is, lots of legroom, tasty snacks, and an appreciative audience. Shame I can't take it with me to the middle of nowhere (TM).
The film, you ask, making hand gestures instructing me to get on with it? Yes, it was great. I'd somehow not seen it before, and once I knew a 'final cut' was coming out this year I put-off watching it, or learning anything about it. Except the whole replicant thing. Now, I evidently don't know how the previous versions played it, but in this one it seems obvious. Fans will know what I mean, I'm being coy for those who haven't. Yes, you.
It's still not the best sci-fi film of the 1980s though (a TV spin-off of that has been occupying my Monday evenings for the last couple'a months, you know...)