May Challenge: Shane; Blow Up

Shane (George Stevens, 1953)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Western, Father/Son, Frontier, Action

Oh, Westerns. I love the comfy-ness and goodness of each story and relationship. Shane is a feel-good film about redemption, honor, pride, and all those other great noble dealings. I loved watching the relationship between Shane and little Joey. More films with curious and intelligent kids need to be made!

Blow Up (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966)

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Rating: Q=6, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

 

Cult, Mystery, Art, Real vs. Unreal, Psychological, Intellectual

This film is way more than meets the eye and way more than anyone could write about. Antonioni created something quite powerful and intriguing, abstract and dream-like. It is hard for me to really like films of the "new wave" persuasion but I appreciate the layers of meaning and depth of artistry. Another viewing is in order but it might be a while...

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