Tag Archives: war

3 things about Armando Iannucci’s IN THE LOOP

1. “This is a sacred place! Now maybe you don’t believe that, and I don’t believe that, but by God it’s a useful hypocrisy.” 2. He calculates the number of troops using a child’s plastic calculator. It makes funny noises. … Continue reading

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3 things about Kôji Wakamatsu’s CATERPILLAR

Caterpillar [2010] 1. The newspaper yellows over time. 2. Eggshells and goo all over their faces. 3. He stares as his reflection in the water. This film is screening as part of the Chicago International Film Festival.

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3 things about Franklin J. Schaffner’s PATTON

Patton [1970] 1. “We’re going to grab them by the nose, kick them in the ass, and go through them faster than crap through a goose.” 2. Patton directs traffic. 3. Karl Malden’s comb-over.

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9/11.

My own memories of 9/11 are (blessedly, considering what’s come later) self-contained. Working a full day at the coffeehouse, not wanting/wanting to be there, spending a few hours at home glued to the TV, then going to a Laurie Anderson … Continue reading

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3 things about Andrei Tarkovsky’s IVAN’S CHILDHOOD

Ivan’s Childhood [1962] 1. Chicken on a chain. 2. Suddenly, a blinding flash on the water. 3. Hanging from the rafters is a line of wire nooses.

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3 things about David Lean’s THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI

The Bridge on the River Kwai [1957] 1. “I have already given the order.” Unspeakable weariness. 2. Night. In the center of the river, a glowing green rock. 3. He drops his stick; the spell is broken.

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3 things about THE HURT LOCKER

The Hurt Locker [2008] 1. A black circle on his abs. 2. Too many padlocks. 3. He stands alone in the cereal aisle, thoroughly bewildered.

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3 things about Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger’s THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp [1943] 1. “While men have been fighting, women have been thinking.” 2. “We’re having the Bishop for lunch.” “Let’s hope he’s tender.” 3. A pile of burning leaves in a park on an … Continue reading

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3 things about Roeland Kerbosch’s FOR A LOST SOLDIER

For a Lost Soldier [1992] 1. Birth of a calf. Hooves first. 2. Naked backside drying in the sun. 3. Bits of the wet, crumbled photo in his hand.

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3 things about Stephen Frears’ FAIL SAFE

Fail Safe [2000] 1. Introduced by Walter Cronkite. Walter Cronkite. 2. Secretary of Defense: “We do not engage in sneak attacks!” 3. Black unzips a small pocket on the sleeve of his flightsuit and removes the vial of poison. His hand … Continue reading

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