Viewing Journal: 4/6/2011

172) WUSS
(2011 dir. Clay Liford) Date Seen: April 6 2011

Clay's films always boast impressive filmmaking & strong performances; but what startled me most about his newest is its sustained atmosphere of unease. You're never really sure what kind of movie it’s about to turn into. I’m kinda shocked they found a distributor for this thing at all in today's climate. An indie this odd and unruly feels almost exotic now, when Sundance audiences seem to have developed an inexhaustible appetite for hipster comfort slop. The bullying characters go through in WUSS is relentless and brutal + the movie doesn’t prettify or make it easier to swallow. [It's probably nepotism for me to even be praising it so much, but it's a solid dark comedy dammit]

#AFIdallas #filmfestival

171) THE CABLE GUY
(1996 dir. Ben Stiller) 3rd Viewing: April 6 2011

All of Ben's directorial efforts are brilliant in their own way, but I really think this might still be his best. & it remains crazy to me it wasn't a massive hit for all involved!.. I've also pondered the following a bit: Had Farley been allowed to star in this / not turned it down, would it have been darker? Maybe he wouldn't have been threatening enough?

170) BRAZIL
(1985 dir. Terry Gilliam) 4th Viewing: April 6 2011

production design by Norman Garwood <3

169) THE HANGOVER
(2009 dir. Todd Phillips) 2nd Viewing: April 6 2011

getting a little verklempt..

talk amongst yourselves. I'll give you the topic;

Drunk Humor's not as funny as Stoner humor.

**discuss**