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Oct 06
Posts: 3041
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Sam the Eagle says:
lokinen said: I think that Withnail and I is the most over rated film I've ever seen.I purposely sat up to watch it one night as it was highly recommended and I at no time cracked even the faintest smile.It truly is the unfunniest comedy film ever.It appears to me at least, to be one of those films that a certain type of arty person feels that they have to say they really like.
I think that Withnail and I is the most over rated film I've ever seen.I purposely sat up to watch it one night as it was highly recommended and I at no time cracked even the faintest smile.It truly is the unfunniest comedy film ever.It appears to me at least, to be one of those films that a certain type of arty person feels that they have to say they really like.
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You're right yet a bit harsh at the same time. It would have been truly funny had it been made in the late 60's/early 70's, but maybe not so much in 1987. To me it almost feel the underlying message is a (mostly right wing and scornful) rejection of 'the spirit of 68', which was becoming prevalent in the 80's, albeit unconsciously.
But I think the main problem with this kind of film is that you've heard so much about it from its fans that you expect some kind of masterpiece, whereas it is mostly a low-budget slapstick comedy with a few good lines.
I found I'd get the same kind of reaction from recommending one of my favourite French films, Les Valseuses (aka Going Places, and possibly Getting It Up depending on where it was released), but at least that one was made in 1973 and must have felt truly outrageous to the French under Georges Pompidou... It also features a number of cars, mostly Citroëns. In one scene, the two characters are driving at high speed in a freshly stolen DS, and Gerard Depardieu remarks to his sidekick (Patrick Dewaere) about the 'oil cushions under their a*ses', as anyone would have done 20 years still after the launch of the legendary déesse...
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Hell is other people.
Mar 08
Posts: 4886
Batty says:
I know it is only television, but "Modern Family" has an excellent consultant for its automotive casting. From the Prius for the earnest couple, to an SL or Cayenne or X5 for the self-made older father, to the bland family minibus of the soccer-mom it is perfect. The slight off centre choice of a small modern Caddy for Phil is also excellent. Well done whoever you are.
Ha,ha,ha,ha,ha.
Sam the Eagle said: lokinen said: I think that Withnail and I is the most over rated film I've ever seen.I purposely sat up to watch it one night as it was highly recommended and I at no time cracked even the faintest smile.It truly is the unfunniest comedy film ever.It appears to me at least, to be one of those films that a certain type of arty person feels that they have to say they really like. ------ End Quote ------ You're right yet a bit harsh at the same time. It would have been truly funny had it been made in the late 60's/early 70's, but maybe not so much in 1987. To me it almost feel the underlying message is a (mostly right wing and scornful) rejection of 'the spirit of 68', which was becoming prevalent in the 80's, albeit unconsciously. But I think the main problem with this kind of film is that you've heard so much about it from its fans that you expect some kind of masterpiece, whereas it is mostly a low-budget slapstick comedy with a few good lines.
I agree entirely Sam, wonderfully put.
Sep 06
Posts: 1542
kubrick says:
I like Withnail & I, but it certainly doesn't define an entire generation. Nor does it make me giggle at as frantic a rate as Peter Sellers' best Pink Panther mishaps.
Unfortunately I'm not acquainted with Modern Family, but talking of the small screen I feel obliged to mention the great care Steve Coogan applies to his choice of car for Alan Gordon Partridge. No matter if we're talking about his heyday Rover 800, his downsizing to a Rover 200 ("I'm not driving a Mini Metro!" "Oh no, it's different, it's called a Rover Metro now." "They've rebadged it, you fool!"), his upgrade in "Japanese Mercedes" shape, the Lexus IS or his - as far as I'm aware - current motor, a Toyota Avensis: Partridge really knows his cars!
Aug 07
Posts: 3693
AReader says:
This thread is developing nicely, and I don't want to interupt the flow, but I have a question which might prove interesting. It's widely known that the 1960s Batman TV seriies Batmobile was based on the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept. Since Tim Burton's Batman of 1989, all Batmobiles have been unique creations. If you were making a Batman movie today, and you had to pick an actual concept car from the last 5 years upon which to base your Batmobile, which would you pick and why? At this point I don't really have a strong contender, so would be interested in your opinions.
@AReader
see below - it's already built and ready for action. Now can we go back to talking about cinema, not TV?
Feb 09
Posts: 1795
seant says:
AReader. (Sam, no apologies since I think we are talking about a Batman movie). This is a good idea to make use of those concepts that have no practical use in the future of motoring. For a retro Batman look, I’d suggest the BMW Mille Miglia, a somewhat silly car, but one I still quite like for all its quirky detailing.
I'm actually rather fond of the Tumbler used in the current Batman movies, and not just because Chris Nolan himself envisaged it as something along the lines of "a Lamborghini crossed with a croissant". To me the military, heavy duty look of the thing suits Gotham City à la Nolan very well indeed. Nonetheless I'll always have a big soft spot for the Tim Burton era Batmobile, as designed by the late Anton Furst (who did the sublime sketch below). But then there was, regrettably, also the triple-winged abomination that accompanied Val Kilmer in a nippled Bat suit in Joel Schumacher's execrable entry to the franchise, Batman Forever (Tainted).
Apologies to AReader for not actually answering his question, but nothing smart or witty comes to mind right now.
Dec 06
Posts: 1804
car4mh says:
Some ideas for Batmobile base cars:
2008 Spadaconcept Codatronca. I didn't like this design when it appeared and I suspect the reason I'm liking it more after prolonged exposure has to do more with needing to rationalise my favourite designer Spada's name on it. Has all the relevant stealth fighter design cues that would allow for movie-appropriate propulsion and weapons systems to be added without extensive restyling. Would need more dramatic doors or canopy. If anything it's probably too sensible to be a movie Batmobile?
[This Reply has been modified by the Moderator]
car4mh said: Some ideas for Batmobile base cars: 2008 Spadaconcept Codatronca. I didn't like this design when it appeared and I suspect the reason I'm liking it more after prolonged exposure has to do more with needing to rationalise my favourite designer Spada's name on it. Has all the relevant stealth fighter design cues that would allow for movie-appropriate propulsion and weapons systems to be added without extensive restyling. Would need more dramatic doors or canopy. If anything it's probably too sensible to be a movie Batmobile?
Interesting. Is it based on a Corvette?
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