It says a lot about James Gray that this is simultaneously the most personal and the most understated film of his career. Full review here: www.vulture.com/article/armageddon-time-review-jeremy-strong-anne-hathaway.html
Second viewing. Seen at Bryant Park Screening Room, New York.
I believe it was Mike Ryan who described this as "RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, but told from the Nazis' point of view," which is kind of hilariously accurate. Look, this movie is not good (and it feels, frankly, abandoned), but it does have enough Michael Mann Stuffs in it that I try not to pass up a chance to see it. And the Tangerine Dream score is an all-timer. Are we sure there isn't a 70mm print of this lying around somewhere?
Fourth viewing.
Seen at Roxy Cinema, New York. 35mm.
Terrific movie that feels quiet and small until it gathers force to become about...everything. To call it a political film, however, would be reductive. It's kind of about the human condition. Really, quite remarkable. And wonderfully acted -- one of Farrell's greatest roles, certainly.
I did somehow wind up at the one Venice screening of this film without English subtitles, so I think I understood maybe 60 percent of what was said. Looking forward to seeing this again, many many times. Rating may rise as I do so.
Seen at Sala Grande, Venice Film Festival.
Umpteenth viewing. One of the greatest films ever. Decided to give the director's cut another go after multiple recent re-viewings of the theatrical cut, as well as all of Mann's other films, while writing my profile of him for Vulture.
Here's the thing: While the theatrical cut might be "canonical," I really really love the director's cut as well. Yes, losing the cold open in the club is wrong, but other than that, there's a lot of stuff here that…
