Well, I read the whole thing and pretty much agreed with everything you said, including the fact that the movie was hacked to fit "standard" run times. [eyeroll] I'm kind of wondering whether, with the increasing popularity of extended editions and director's cuts on the DVDs, someone might eventually get the idea that there are a lot of people who want to watch the whole movie, however long or short it is, rather than something that's been padded or hacked to be between 100 and 210 minutes. :/
One thing I'll point out, though, which also came up in someone else's journal within the last week or so, is that while the Christians were saying, "God wills it!" the Muslims were saying, "If God wills it," emphasis mine. I think there's a pretty basic difference in attitude there, despite the fact that both sides had their whack-jobs exhorting the troops to wanton slaughter. [ponder]
I know...it's so frustrating to go and see films that *could* be great, but aren't because it's been force-fit into the right amount of time. Obviously, not every film needs to be three hours, but if it takes three hours to tell the story, then it takes three hours! There have been a lot of long films that have sold well, so I'm not exactly sure why they won't take the risks on it. Someone looking for a 90-minute Van Damme-esque action picture isn't going to see KOH anyway, so why are they trying to cater to them
( ... )
Oh gosh, I've missed you and your humor and your wonderful intelligence! I loved your comments about the movie, especially this, which made me sit up and go "HELL YEAH!":
Balian, and the way Orlando played him, was a different kind of leader. He was quiet, introspective, humble--to me he sort of sat back and collected data. He soaked up all the knowledge he could from each man he came in contact with. To me, Balian became such a great man because he knew to take the best of each man he encountered. You do see hints of that along the way--as when he uses his father's words to knight the men, or uses Baldwin's own words against him, or explains to Sibylla that her brother's kingdom was one of mind and heart--as the Hospitaler told him. It's kind of an interesting parallel to the film as a whole, really, because it follows that "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it"Such a great point, and one that should be printed out and faxed to every snarking reviewer. *applauds
( ... )
Ohhhh, your icon is so beautiful! Is that from Loyal? *cries* That's just perfect!
Thanks for your lovely comments, sweetie!! I've missed you, too!! *HUGS* I'm glad you liked my thoughts on Balian. I just don't understand why reviewers bitch all the time about movies being the same-old same-old--and then when something comes out that is different and has a different type of leading man, they all gang up and whine and complain about how it's not like every other movie they've seen. Gah.
Do feel free to come back and add your thoughts about Ticket Boy...hee...and all the rest! I'm always eager to hear your thoughts!!
My comment is a bit long so I'll start by saying again - Welcome Back! *hugs*
It was nice to hear all about your visit with perseph2hades. You are both so lucky to have met. I wish someone would organize a slash convention in a central location (Orlando anyone?) so more of us could meet. I'm sure the rest of us would LOVE to see your "puffy-cheeked pursed-lip whiny-voiced impersonation of Renee Zellweger." I know I would! *G*
Anyway, long ramble to follow but I needed to get this out and your journal seems like a good place since I hardly ever put anything in mine : )
~~~
Most dramatic was the disappointing hacking of the love scene. As I've said to others, I've seen animated LJ icons with more Balian/Sibylla action. *weeps in frustration*
He had great physical presence, he had conviction with the character, he didn't flinch in the face of all these amazing actors Exactly! I just don't get the criticism. Can someone please explain what these "great" actors like Liam Neeson & Jeremy Irons did that was any better than Orlando? I didn’t see
( ... )
Oooh! Thank you! I never expected such a nice detailed response to my pondering questions. I'll be so much more informed when I go see the movie again :D
*looks down* And wow, I certainly don't think my comment is long anymore. You've really sparked some serious thought and discussion. Good to see so many true fans of Orlando speak up. I'll probably read some more comments. It's all so helpful for getting the best sense of the movie. I don't even remember the 20 minutes after the 2-second love scene. I was in post-disappointment shock. *g*
heee...well, I'm always happy to give detailed responses when I can manage it. More difficult is getting me to shut up, I think. :P I'm happy if anything I say makes sense!
There are lots of lovely long comments, aren't there? I'm happy to see the Orlando-love as well. I noticed that some folks who previously haven't thought much of his acting talent have also confessed to thinking he did well in KOH. I think his biggest weakness was confidence, and he really stuck his well-developed chest out in this one...hee...I was soooo wowed by him. *gives him big bear hug*
I'm with you on the post-disappointment shock...hee...even when prepared for it, it's still jarring...argh!
OMG there are so many things you said that I want to comment on and agree with you on but alas I am at work and cannot go back to find them all.
Let it be said though that Orlando, Jeremy, Liam, David, and Edward all hold very special, very specific (very slashy) places in my heart from this movie. I really want to see it again (if only to ogle Orli's chest and legs some more). More later when I can process! *smooches*
Re: Yes! Exactly!shrinetolustMay 17 2005, 10:08:03 UTC
Thanks for the welcome back!! I'm glad I'm not totally out on a limb here and that you agree...please do come back and share your thoughts on the film! Especially any slashy goodness...hee. There was a nice amount of it, that's for sure! :P I really really enjoyed the men you named in this film and will be soooo panting for the DVD when it comes out so I can see more of them! And Orlando was sooooo edible, OMG! It was wonderful getting to see him totally kick ass and show confidence without arrogance...and it would have been nice to see him ravishing Eva more! *wails*
His legs and his pecs and his back...OMG. Never mind the scruffy long-haired dirty sweaty alpha male thing he had goin' on...*writhes*
*throw scented petals at your feet and kneel to bathe them in scented water*
I am amazed at your delicious power of description, it almost makes me want to see the movie :) Still have no desire to see it, although Orli is quite the scruffy hottie. Thank you so much. *presses print*
heee! Thank you for the aromatherapy! I could get used to this!! :P
Thanks so much for your praise...I wish I could have convinced you to see the film, though, to help build up the numbers for Orli. :) Are you not into historical epics, or have you heard bad stuff about the film? Orlando was definitely hot, that's for sure. I'm still drooling, and I was sooo impressed with him in it. I always thought he's done a good job but he really came into his own here!
Comments 69
One thing I'll point out, though, which also came up in someone else's journal within the last week or so, is that while the Christians were saying, "God wills it!" the Muslims were saying, "If God wills it," emphasis mine. I think there's a pretty basic difference in attitude there, despite the fact that both sides had their whack-jobs exhorting the troops to wanton slaughter. [ponder]
Angie
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Balian, and the way Orlando played him, was a different kind of leader. He was quiet, introspective, humble--to me he sort of sat back and collected data. He soaked up all the knowledge he could from each man he came in contact with. To me, Balian became such a great man because he knew to take the best of each man he encountered. You do see hints of that along the way--as when he uses his father's words to knight the men, or uses Baldwin's own words against him, or explains to Sibylla that her brother's kingdom was one of mind and heart--as the Hospitaler told him. It's kind of an interesting parallel to the film as a whole, really, because it follows that "Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it"Such a great point, and one that should be printed out and faxed to every snarking reviewer. *applauds ( ... )
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Thanks for your lovely comments, sweetie!! I've missed you, too!! *HUGS* I'm glad you liked my thoughts on Balian. I just don't understand why reviewers bitch all the time about movies being the same-old same-old--and then when something comes out that is different and has a different type of leading man, they all gang up and whine and complain about how it's not like every other movie they've seen. Gah.
Do feel free to come back and add your thoughts about Ticket Boy...hee...and all the rest! I'm always eager to hear your thoughts!!
*soothes your scared cat*
*cheers with you*
xoxo
Reply
It was nice to hear all about your visit with perseph2hades. You are both so lucky to have met. I wish someone would organize a slash convention in a central location (Orlando anyone?) so more of us could meet. I'm sure the rest of us would LOVE to see your "puffy-cheeked pursed-lip whiny-voiced impersonation of Renee Zellweger." I know I would! *G*
Anyway, long ramble to follow but I needed to get this out and your journal seems like a good place since I hardly ever put anything in mine : )
~~~
Most dramatic was the disappointing hacking of the love scene. As I've said to others, I've seen animated LJ icons with more Balian/Sibylla action. *weeps in frustration*
He had great physical presence, he had conviction with the character, he didn't flinch in the face of all these amazing actors Exactly! I just don't get the criticism. Can someone please explain what these "great" actors like Liam Neeson & Jeremy Irons did that was any better than Orlando? I didn’t see ( ... )
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Reply
*looks down* And wow, I certainly don't think my comment is long anymore. You've really sparked some serious thought and discussion. Good to see so many true fans of Orlando speak up. I'll probably read some more comments. It's all so helpful for getting the best sense of the movie. I don't even remember the 20 minutes after the 2-second love scene. I was in post-disappointment shock. *g*
Reply
There are lots of lovely long comments, aren't there? I'm happy to see the Orlando-love as well. I noticed that some folks who previously haven't thought much of his acting talent have also confessed to thinking he did well in KOH. I think his biggest weakness was confidence, and he really stuck his well-developed chest out in this one...hee...I was soooo wowed by him. *gives him big bear hug*
I'm with you on the post-disappointment shock...hee...even when prepared for it, it's still jarring...argh!
Reply
Let it be said though that Orlando, Jeremy, Liam, David, and Edward all hold very special, very specific (very slashy) places in my heart from this movie. I really want to see it again (if only to ogle Orli's chest and legs some more). More later when I can process! *smooches*
Glad to have you back!
Reply
His legs and his pecs and his back...OMG. Never mind the scruffy long-haired dirty sweaty alpha male thing he had goin' on...*writhes*
Reply
I am amazed at your delicious power of description, it almost makes me want to see the movie :) Still have no desire to see it, although Orli is quite the scruffy hottie. Thank you so much. *presses print*
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Thanks so much for your praise...I wish I could have convinced you to see the film, though, to help build up the numbers for Orli. :) Are you not into historical epics, or have you heard bad stuff about the film? Orlando was definitely hot, that's for sure. I'm still drooling, and I was sooo impressed with him in it. I always thought he's done a good job but he really came into his own here!
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