This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Might try a real review later but just adding some thoughts now that don’t seem to get mentioned as often.
SPOILERS for BLUE VELVET and NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
[Reminder to me to further explore how Kubrick’s best element is his refusal to make even the most intense scenes one-noted; a single exchange will have you unsure of whether to be immensely terrified, disgusted, or laughing tears. and obviously, how this film is his greatest feat in this skill]…
A bit rocky narratively but not without many wonderful elements. Charmed, but not entirely sold by Eastwood; in this archetype he works far better as a force than a protagonist. Missing Mifune is definitely the weakpoint of this remake, though I also preferred Kurosawa distancing the audience from his world of corruption and chaos.
Aside from that, I can’t say I would find myself coming back to the original instead. The huge budget really shows with the stunts and effects,…
Anderson’s cold restrained style grounds the bouts of absurdity and keeps them from drifting near Tarantino territory, which makes the laughs that much more genuine.
Definitely leaves a lot to be desired narrative-wise but the earnest and human take on hippie sleaze alone ends up being enough to make the slow journey worthwhile.
It may only barely stick the landing on the entertainment and functionality fronts but the world Doc lives in and navigates through is a stellar example of world-building that fits perfectly. This could not feel more real and livable.
