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Post by megagem on Apr 23, 2011 23:24:19 GMT
Finally watched it last night.  Ah-freaking-mazing. I loved everything about this film. The story was fun and beautifully written, the film was beautifully shot, beautifully set, beautifully acted, and Rufus.... Oh Rufus...you made me cry, you made me laugh, you turned the result of an uncertain exchange I made ($6) into a diamond in the rough; for that truly is what this film is. An absolute gem, an absolute joy. I can't put into words how much I loved our Rufus in this role. He's fantastic in comedies and when he actually looks like he's having fun, it just makes the viewing experience better. He even looked like he was enjoying himself while acting out Dominique's arrogance (which actually made me laugh more because we know he's nothing like this in real life). I think this is probably the most quote-able films of his I've seen as well, and the way he delivered each line was perfect. As soon as I saw the bit when he's standing behind the curtain saying "f you" to the people I knew I was going to love the whole thing. One of these days, Roof, the biz are going to realize how truly skilled an actor you are and give you roles you deserve, roles you want, for you most certainly have the talent to play whatever, whoever whenever you want. Until then, I'll keep singing your highest praises to all who can hear; for you deserve nothing less than the highest praise I can possibly express. |
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Post by judypatooty on Apr 24, 2011 2:17:26 GMT
Oh Meg! I can't even begin to express how much I agree with what you posted!!!!!  |
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Post by ophelia on Apr 24, 2011 10:35:59 GMT
Finally watched it last night. Ah-freaking-mazing. I loved everything about this film. The story was fun and beautifully written, the film was beautifully shot, beautifully set, beautifully acted, and Rufus.... Oh Rufus...you made me cry, you made me laugh, you turned the result of an uncertain exchange I made ($6) into a diamond in the rough; for that truly is what this film is. An absolute gem, an absolute joy. I can't put into words how much I loved our Rufus in this role. He's fantastic in comedies and when he actually looks like he's having fun, it just makes the viewing experience better. He even looked like he was enjoying himself while acting out Dominique's arrogance (which actually made me laugh more because we know he's nothing like this in real life). I think this is probably the most quote-able films of his I've seen as well, and the way he delivered each line was perfect. As soon as I saw the bit when he's standing behind the curtain saying "f you" to the people I knew I was going to love the whole thing. One of these days, Roof, the biz are going to realize how truly skilled an actor you are and give you roles you deserve, roles you want, for you most certainly have the talent to play whatever, whoever whenever you want. Until then, I'll keep singing your highest praises to all who can hear; for you deserve nothing less than the highest praise I can possibly express. Perfectly Perfectly said Meg. It is sad that people have missed this beautiful movie. Love Ophelia  |
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Post by kissmekate on Apr 25, 2011 11:13:59 GMT
Oh Meg! I can't even begin to express how much I agree with what you posted!!!!! I second that!  |
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 6, 2011 10:51:34 GMT
I watched this for the second time last night, and if anything I enjoyed it even more than the first time around. Meg, I so agree with you that he obviously had a jolly good time doing this movie, one can feel how much he enjoys playing complex, slightly eccentric guys in a well-written film like this. I couldn't help loving Dominique from the very first second he appeared on screen ( "almost happy"  ), even if he seems to be so full of himself at the beginning. Rufus does him excellently in every single scene, as a multi-dimensional, believable character that makes you love him despite his faults, bringing out his arrogant and sarcastic sides as well as the creative, emotional and gentle ones. In the final scene of Tuccio's play I just can't take my eyes off his face. Well, I've seen so many Rufus movies by now and shouldn't be surprised at it any more, but it keeps amazing me how much this man can say with the slightest, almost unnoticeable shift in gestures or facial expressions. This keeps rising towards the top of my Rufus hit list. It's not only because of his fantastic performance, but also for all the other great characters, the wonderful, wonderful music, all those lovely little scenes so beautifully composed into a stunning big picture. Does anybody know if the soundtrack is or was available on CD? |
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Post by tipou on Jul 6, 2011 11:31:35 GMT
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 6, 2011 12:06:33 GMT
Aaaaah! tipou, you're a star! Thank you so much, this made my day. I hadn't dared dreaming it would still be available! |
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Post by chocolate on Jul 7, 2011 9:47:08 GMT
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 7, 2011 9:49:56 GMT
Thanks, choc. I've got the DVD already, though (funnily, this one was actually available as a regular amazon purchase!) And soon I'll be happy owner of the soundtrack, too |
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Post by chocolate on Jul 7, 2011 9:51:08 GMT
Yes, I just read carefully what you needed.
If anyone is interested, still one disk is left.
I did not think that the DVD would be available on ebay, and surprisingly enough found it from this seller (from Greece), with free shipping, and it is region-free, at least that's in the description. I cannot wait to see it.
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Post by chocolate on Jul 12, 2011 15:55:04 GMT
I have my DVD now. It arrived yesterday. And I managed to hear it twice while working, and to see it once, but properly as it should be, in the evening. (I work at home with no bosses to tell me what to listen to when I work. It is very nice, because a lot of projects and drawings now come with a strange tinge of different Rufus' voices and images ;D).I am saying ONE BIG THANK YOU!!! to tipou for rising some questions, thus making me actually look for and buy the DVD. It is probably the best film I have bough recently, apart from Zen and Charles II, even with its sweet and strange menu in Greek with the hand-written-style scribbles. I did the trial and error a few times until figured out what is what. But other than the menu, the film is in English, just made to be sold in Greece, and also it is apparently uncensored!!! THANK GOD! (hate when someone wants to limit my horizon!). This time I will try to select my words a little more carefully than I usually do. The film is Amazing! simply put! It pours from the screen into my soul and fills all gaps and empty places waiting to become one whole thing again with the rest of my body. It does go well on the eyes, on the ears, on the mind, creating this rich tapestry of images, allusions, emotions, excitements,concepts, phrases and ideas...very well crafted liquid. It does have a little artistic aspect, but for that part I even love it more, just the right amount of pretence. Nothing is better than a piece of work with the quality of a finished item. I couldn't add to it, or criticize it even if I very much wanted to. I could only appreciate it while having the feeling of being completely satisfied when it finished (not that way of being satisfied  ). A little strange choice of words, but I could not find any better to express what I felt. I found the artistic hand behind the film to have kept a little of the naive and simple touch associated with the youht. It evokes in my mind images of some painings by Picasso, as a feel and atmosphere. I am not sure if this is the right comparison, but it does feel like that to me. As if I was looking at life from several different points, but all of them full of body and color. The concept of "play into play" in a film! was so well done that I was watching, when I was watching it actually, with eyes big as child's ones. And full with the same sincere awe. I did read some of your reviews beforehand just to be ready and prepared, and was not sure exactly, if I am going to appreciate it for what it is, or because Rufus was in it. I tried to have open mind for what was about to come, but after the opening scene realised my fear was unnecessary. The story and the way it was presented took me from the start. I do find, however, unlike some of you, the two central characters to be very good and believable. Somehow their more collected appearance and more stark and simple images balanced the underlined emotional context in the others. I loved them a lot, and also understood what made them thick and alive. For me Dominique was one of the other major characters, not only because he was Rufus' responsibility, but because he was meant to be that way. The whole play was created with full-bodied characters, but Dominique was its little shining star and the spice of the meal. He was the great actor, young and unappreciated at first, with his temperament, oddity and variety of taste and mood. He was also very honest, expressive, outspoken, fast reacting. And at the same time there were things in his image that kept on being hidden away, under the surface, and you could guess they existed by the reactions of the character. Rufus was great as Dominique, and also very young for such greatness. It is now obvious to me that somehow life will find its way of giving him a chance to really shine for everyone to see. It is just impossible tallent like his to stay undercover forever. Well, undercover in the hollywierd land. We do know how complex and masterful he could be. I can't help it but quote Dominique after the famous scene behind the curtain; when Tuccio arrives with the idea the theater owners do not want to put his play "...tuccio, I am more devoted to you than to the entire world..." smoking and looking into unspecified point into the future, and said with so much understatement and hidden tought! It was a great moment! I also loved how he was swearing, very real and sweet at the same time. Like a kid testing the world around him. Actually now, when I think of it, I will make my little compilation of different and favorite quotes by Dominique, but will add it on a little later in the go. I also enjoyed and loved the critics- Susan Sarandon and Christopher Walken. Somehow it occurred to me, while watching, how much Johnny Depp' behavior on screen reminds me of Christopher Walken in Illuminata!!! I will not write much about the other characters, because a lot was said before me, and I agree with all of it. They were all very good, funny and sad at the same time, speaking of theater and life in general with their specific and different goals and takes on it. To me Illuminata was a play for love and life and for the love of life, just put in the context of the reality in theater with curtains drawn. I will most definitely add to my review later. For now my mind is a little bit fuzzy. But very pleasantly fuzzy!!! |
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 12, 2011 16:02:43 GMT
Oh, choc, I knew you'd love it I was one of those who loved everything, including Tuccio and Rachel, so I agree with you on each of your points. By the way, I also made that comparison of Depp and Walken but forgot to mention it here. To me Illuminata was a play for love and life and for the love of life, just put in the context of the reality in theater with curtains drawn. Well said! |
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Post by chocolate on Jul 12, 2011 16:27:59 GMT
Oh, I read now on page 5 numbat's review. I ended reading on page 3 or 4 and did not reach 5 until now. Apparently I have said some of the things numbat has said, sorry if you find some repetition of her words in mine here.
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Post by kissmekate on Jul 12, 2011 16:29:09 GMT
Don't worry about repetition, choc - it just shows that there are many like-minded ladies around here |
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Post by megagem on Jul 14, 2011 22:01:32 GMT
he obviously had a jolly good time doing this movie, one can feel how much he enjoys playing complex, slightly eccentric guys in a well-written film like this. I couldn't help loving Dominique from the very first second he appeared on screen ( "almost happy" ), even if he seems to be so full of himself at the beginning. Rufus does him excellently in every single scene, as a multi-dimensional, believable character that makes you love him despite his faults, bringing out his arrogant and sarcastic sides as well as the creative, emotional and gentle ones. In the final scene of Tuccio's play I just can't take my eyes off his face. Well, I've seen so many Rufus movies by now and shouldn't be surprised at it any more, but it keeps amazing me how much this man can say with the slightest, almost unnoticeable shift in gestures or facial expressions. This keeps rising towards the top of my Rufus hit list. It's not only because of his fantastic performance, but also for all the other great characters, the wonderful, wonderful music, all those lovely little scenes so beautifully composed into a stunning big picture. Perfectly said, Kate. Honestly, I couldn't have said it better myself! |
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). A little strange choice of words, but I could not find any better to express what I felt. I found the artistic hand behind the film to have kept a little of the naive and simple touch associated with the youht. It evokes in my mind images of some painings by Picasso, as a feel and atmosphere. I am not sure if this is the right comparison, but it does feel like that to me. As if I was looking at life from several different points, but all of them full of body and color.