512. Deep End

Deep End
1970
Directed by Jerzy Skolimowski

I apologize that I have been a bit behind on this blog.  I recently got myself a new boyfriend (researchers are currently working on how that could be possible; the results should be in by next Tuesday) so I have been quite busy.  Rest assured, I am working to catch up.

This is the story of Mike, a high school drop out who finds work in a London bathhouse.  He is trained by a pretty girl named Susan, who uses her sexuality to um...make more money off her clients and advises Mike to do the same.  Mike rapidly becomes obsessed with Susan and let's just say, things get weird.  The Book tells us that this is a date movie you must see before you die.  I think that if a guy played this for me on a date, I might have to call the police.

Watching lust drive men completely insane is really quite an unsettling experience for me.  I am all for watching Ewan McGregor sing Roxanne when his girlfriend is about to sleep with someone else, but having to see this fifteen year old go completely insane was disturbing.  Maybe the film was worth it, though, because of the beautiful shot at the end?  A tough call.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Quite a few of the actors were dubbed.

511. Woodstock

Woodstock
1970
Directed by Michael Wadleigh

I am currently going through a break up and a bout of laryngitis, neither of which is fun and both of which require ice cream.  Fortunately, we finally came across an enjoyable film.  This is a particularly interesting watch if you are trying to complete the 1001 Album list as well, which I don't recommend to anyone who has a life.

There is not exactly a plot to detail here since the movie mostly just features musical performances, the best of which include Joan Baez (cover your ears for her high notes) and CSN.  I am really not one to romanticize Woodstock, but this was an engaging documentary.  It really makes you wish there was a camera around for other historical moments.  You know, that don't involve presidents getting shot or naked hippies.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The Beatles were invited to perform at the festival but they declined.  John Lennon offered to perform as the Plastic Ono Band.  John, stop trying to ruin my life.

Neil Young refused to be filmed.

510. El Topo

El Topo
1970
Directed by Alejandro Jodorowsky

Frequent readers, why don't you guess if I liked this film?  Go on, guess!

What a horrible way to spend two hours.  This was absolutely disgusting.  I have seen plenty of nauseating visuals in the name of art but this has gotten to be near the top of the list.  Forget all the senseless violence in the actual film.  What I found most disturbing was that the director's young son, who couldn't be more than eight, was naked for most of the film.  What kind of parent would let their son be on screen with full frontal nudity like that?  With all the creeps out there, I am not even sure that should be legal.

I won't go into the plot too much.  Mostly, it is an extremely trippy allegory of Christ and really, how many of those do we have to see?  I personally wanted to throw in the towel with RoboCop.

RATING: -----

Interesting Facts:

Originally was an underground film until John Lennon discovered it, fell in love with it, and urged his friend to take charge of distribution.