55 - The Unbearable Lightness of Being

[captainofbeef]

- Beautiful widescreen transfer, enhanced for widescreen televisions
- Audio commentary by director Philip Kaufman, co-writer Jean-Claude CarriÕre, editor Walter Murch, and actor Lena Olin
- English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
- Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition

[criterionmaster]

This is one of the most sexually charged films I have ever seen. The relationships in this seem so real, which is probably helped by the brilliant performances. This is such an underrated film!

[captainofbeef]

I just rented this, will come back with my thoughts after I watch it.

[sacrilegend]

I've only read the book - Gee, I'd kill to watch this movie right now. I don't have to, at least. My dad has it on DVD, so I'll have seen it after April.

[criterionmaster]

captainofbeef said:

I just rented this, will come back with my thoughts after I watch it.

I hope you enjoy it, one of the most beautifully/sexy films I have seen. The romance in this film cannot be touched by many, if any. The scene with the mirrors (a still can be found on the WB DVD) is so... perfect. Don’t be turned off by the ending, just let it sit with you for awhile.

Sacrilegend, I wouldn't recommend watching it with you dad, unless he is open and stuff, it could get embarrassing at moments since it is SO filled with sex and relationships and everything, but you should know that from that book, I am guessing, so I don't know why I am even saying anything haha. You will have to tell us which is better when you see the film, the book or the movie.

[sacrilegend]

I may be able to grasp the movie better, because the book is very full, if that makes any sense. It leaves you with too much to think about to read it all in one go. Maybe, if I watch the movie, I'll go read the book again (if I can find it, you know, those thousands of records are clogging up my house... )

My dad is very open, maybe more so than me, so I'll watch it on my own. He's getting married in April anyway (I'm going down to visit, and to attend the wedding) so hopefully he'll have better things to do than watch movies with me.

[Nomansvally]

criterionmaster said:

This is one of the most sexually charged films I have ever seen. The relationships in this seem so real, which is probably helped by the brilliant performances. This is such an underrated film!

I most definitely agree! Binoche is standout!

[sacrilegend]

I agree as well, and that means something since reading the book was enough to make me blush... (and that takes a lot)

[captainofbeef]

I loved this film Dan, thanks for directing me to it. You are right about the unique depiction of sex and tour de force performances. And the ending didn't put me off at all, in fact, I rather liked it.

By the way, did you happen to watch the commentary on the Criterion. Because it has to go back tomorrow and I am wondering if it is worth it or not?

[criterionmaster]

Oh, I am glad you liked it so much. Some of the cinematography was fucking brilliant as well, besides the stuff we already talked about (performances, depiction of sex, etc.). I loved that scene when she gets right in the guy’s face with the camera to take the picture. The ending was just so abrupt, so it could throw some people off, but yes, I too, like it.

Surprisingly, I did listen to the commentary, back in my days of trying to listen to all my commentaries, and it was good, but nothing to kill for. It was packed with information, but was edited together and not super interesting, or upbeat. It is worth it giving it a listen, but if you aren't in the mood to listen to it, I wouldn't force yourself. I have it on DVD if you ever feel like listening to it some other time.

[Nomansvally]

I hope you all know that Bergman's main man Sven Nykvist does the brilliant cinematography in this one. I'm just making sure that everybody know this!

[criterionmaster]

I didn't know that, but now that I do, no wonder why the cinematography is so beautiful.