Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 8: Now With A Twist Ending

First off I want to thank everyone who participated in the blogothon. Thanks for turning this into something special. It meant a lot.

Now, without further ado, I've been working on a "top secret" (aka I didn't mention it and nobody much cared) project.

Though I'm no Matt Zoeller Seitz (and I thank you in advance for holding back your "We Know"s) I decided to try my hand at the video essay. Though it might be poor form for me to admit, I have to admit I'm happy with this, which is rare.

There were a few compromises I had to make in regards to film quality (especially on The Dark Knight clips) in order to get it out in a timely matter. I can only hope you will forgive them.

So before I talk it all the way to death, I present my essay. And if you want to embed on your own site, well that would be totally fucking cool.

EDIT: There is a content claim that might be fucking with my embedding. If you can't watch the embedded version. come here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qYzk-XPxBw

Just until I get this resolved. Or come to my senses and switch to Vimeo.

EDIT: Just in case.

Untitled from Bryce Wilson on Vimeo.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 7: Inception

Well I guess it’s a bad year for Leonardo DiCaprio having nightmares about his wife.

Inception may not quite hit the lofty heights presented. It might not be the transcendent experienced promise. But only just.

There are plenty of critics whose opinions I highly respect who are saying that Inception is nothing more then an above average blockbuster. I can’t help but disagree, Inception is too audacious a film. A blockbuster? Yes. An entertainment? Yes. Small sighted? No. The audacity (the only word that really fits) is just too stunning. Brian DePalma for all his slow motion, for all his motherfuckery, never made a moment so devilishly sustained as that forever moment in time that that van falls. Terry Gilliam for all his seductive visions has never painted a dream like this one, which drags its audience right down to the bottom with it like a millstone tied to someone’s leg then tossed into a lake.

But I’m getting ahead of myself aren’t I?

By now you most likely know the plot of Inception. A tale of dream thieves recruited to plant an idea into a subjects mind. Beyond that I will say no more except to say
It plays like the ultimate William Gibson novel as envisioned as the ultimate Terry Gilliam film.

What makes Inception so exciting is that it feels, not perhaps like Nolan’s ultimate work, but a kind of final crystallization of said work.

THERE ARE MAJOR MOVIE RUINING SPOILERS IN THE NEXT PARAGRAPH


Di Caprio’s character isn’t simply unable to move on from his trauma. His life IS Trauma he’s ensnared by it. Like a fly in amber. The personalities are not merely codependant but literally dependant upon DiCaprio believing that they are real for their survival.



END MAJOR MOVIE RUINING SPOILERS.

It’s a movie from which half of the excitement comes from a filmmaker finding the perfect instrument to say what he wants to say how he wants to say it. The other half of course comes from the sheer audacity (the word that keeps running through my mind) and grace with which he brings that world to life. There’s so many images that sent my mind reeling, things that I have literally never seen before. (Note the way that Nolan even responds to the Kubrickian comparisons with a cheeky Bathroom scene)

And Nolan anchors it all in a broken perfectly human story. Partially due to Nolan’s underrated gift at casting. Ellen Page, as adorable and vulnerable as a wet Puppy. Who is multiplied with Joseph Gordon Levitt for an event horizon of precociousness. Tom Hardy makes a hell of a heavy, Cillian Murphy brings it as always. And even Pete Postlewaith brings it with his limited role. But DiCaprio anchors it, as indeed he must, bringing a real weary soul to the film. Sometimes Leo’s reach exceeds his grasp when it comes to the hardbitten heroes he likes to play. But there’s a doomed romanticism with Cobb (A name Nolan seems to like a lot) that he’s perfect for.

This review is a bit shorter then my usual (“Thank God,” I can hear some muttering). But that is because there is some stuff I’m still genuinely unclear on. What for example to make of the ending? I think its pretty clear what’s happened but for those of you who have seen the film I think its definitely up for debate as to whether Cobb has been in the dreamstate from the beginning or fallen into Limbo.

I want to catch it on my next viewing. And I’m sure that on the viewing after that I’ll be looking for something else. And the one after that. And the one after that. Nolan makes films that don’t give up all their secrets at once, and that makes him rare and valuable.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 7: Contributions

Well here we are on the last day of the blogothon, I know I said I'd post this later but I have Inception buzzing around in my brain and this proves the perfect exercise.

Instead if anyone wants to do a last minute submission I will post a sister to this column around ten o clock WST. Which should give everyone plenty of time to get in a last minute contribution.

My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed. You guys really turned this into something great. And the credit I can give isn't enough.

We're going to kick things off with Mr. Neil today. Who has contributed some of the best bits to this blogothon, and whose post to day more then lives up to the high standard he set for himself. Dig in, to him digging into, Batman.

Another favorite of mine, Andreas from Pussy Goes Grrr... also chimed back in with a take on Inception.

Not Just Movies gives their take on Inception.


Simon over at Four Of Them gives her loooonnnggg awaited take on Inception.

Steve Miller ends his tenure in the blogothon with his take on Inception

Cut The Crap ends their reign with The Prestige.

Finally ending the run of the long term contributors is Lets Not Talk About Movies. My first submission, and one who made sure I had something ever day. Many thanks. He should be called Upgraydd. The two ds stand for a double dose of Dark Knight.

The Voracious Filmgoer chimes in equally enthusiastically.

Marshall At The Movies whose been a great contributer chimes in with his victory lap. He takes on Inception The Dark Knight and The Prestige.

Long time friend of the site Shakewell chimes in, sticking up for Batman Begins. Its not gonna get sand kicked in its face any longer damnit!

The incomprable Shatnertastic Stacia from She Blogged All Night, Graces us with her presence (and I mean that in a non sarcastic way!) when she drops an excellent take of The Prestige.

Do you know what else she drops on you the gentle reader? Science. She is indeed dropping mad science.

And finally, well a real treat. Tim on Antagony and Ecstasy, is one of the sharpest, wittiest, and most unexpectedly humane writers on the blogging beat. Having him pop by is like having Sarah Vowell or Gore Vidal over to hum a few bars. And that's not just the servile ass kissing it seems. I can't thank him enough.

So what are you waiting for? Go. Why do you think I saved him for last? Once you're there you're there.

And while you're there, make sure you take some time to click the What Is This? Button on the top of his page. I'm glad I did.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 6: Contributions

Starting Day 6 of the Christopher Nolan Blogothon. If anyone has anything else they'd like to submit today would be the day. I'll probably wait a little later then usual to post tomorrows counter part, but I can make no guarantees.

So without further ado;

We'll start off Dark Knight day with Lets Not Talk About Movies take on the film that officially made Nolan one of the biggest name directors on the planet.

Marshall And The Movies drops by again with his take on Memento.

Cut The Crap Movie Reviews, returns with their take on The Prestige.

Steve Miller also returns with his take on the film.

And wrapping things up the great Dennis Cozzalio of the legendary Sergio Leone And The Infield Fly Rule, gives us his take on the backlash against the backlashers of Inception.

There's no denying the special intensity of argument that sweeps through the critical community with a Nolan release. Frankly I think its a product of scarcity more then anything. When there's only a small amount of water, the animals fight. When there's only a small amount of films worth talking about, The fights over those go up in ferocity.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 4: Contributions

Its Day Five here at The Christopher Nolan Blogothan and against all odds we’re still going strong.

So my sincere thanks to all who have participated and read. This easily could have ended up like that dream where you go to school naked, expect broadcast infront of the entire internet.

So here’s the new batch of reviews to start off the day.

To kick things off, The M0vie Blog offers a pretty terrific argument for The Dark Knight as a REconstructionist film. One of my favorite pieces from the blogothon so far.

The Movie Nut offers a list of Nolan based articles she put together.

Lets Not Talk About Movies, does indeed talk about movies with their take on The Dark Knight.

Marshall And The Movies returns to give his take on Memento.

Cut The Crap Review also returns bringing his take on The Prestige.

One of my favorite new(ish) blogs Vitagraph American gives his considered take on Memento.

And two wrap it up two of my favorite writers bring two topnotch essays.

First JD at Radiator Heaven takes on Batman Begins.

And then Neil Fulwood gives his take on Memento.


Like I said, these are pound for pound two of the best writers on the blogosphere, and if you're not following them already, be a good chap and remedy that won't you?
Both are well worth your time. Seeya later today with my favorite film in Nolan’s CV.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 4: Contributions

Welcome back everyone and welcome to Day 4, of the Christopher Nolan Blogothon. Thanks to everyone whose contributed so far and without further ado, here's a new batch of Nolan to chew on.

Lets Not Talk About Movies gives their take on The Prestige.

Marshall At The Movies gives their take on today's film Batman Begins.

Cut The Crap Movie Reviews gives their take on Memento.

Long time friend of the site Pretty Sure I'm Right gives a pretty great take on The Prestige.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 3: Contributions

Hey guys hope you're ready for Day 3. Thanks to everyone whose contributed so far, and to those who've been reading. Now without further ado...

Marshall and The Movies returns with a take on Insomnia.

Lets Not Talk About Movies also returns with his take on Batman Begins.

And completing our hat trick of returning contributors Steve Miller brings his take to Insomnia as well.

Bringing in some new blood Jake Cole from Not Just Movies offers his take on The Dark Knight

Stevee from Alice In Movie Land offers his analysis of the Inception trailer. Isolating some of its most potent imagery.

Mike Marianno, brings up some questions about Nolan's treatment of women in his films. And while I think he underrates some of the characters Nolan creates, particularly Carrie Anne Moss's role in Memento, he does bring up a valid point. Still we'll see what Nolan can do when working with actresses as charismatic as Marion Colltaird and Ellen Page.

Finally, one of my big goals with this blogothon is to point out the common threads that run through Nolan's films that he is seldom given credit for. Andreas at the always fierce and worthwhile Pussy Goes Grrrr... offers some of her thoughts on what makes a Nolan film a Nolan film. Is it well worth reading? I'm shocked that you even had to ask.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 2: Contributions

Day Two of the Christopher Nolan blogothon. Thanks for everyone whose submitted, and has been reading. We’ve been getting a great response so far and I hope you enjoy what I’ve got lined up today.

First “Lets Not Talk About Movies” appears again with a write up of Following.

Then Marshal At The Movies, gives another great take on Following as well as a surprise for those who haven’t seen the film.

Aidan Over at Cut The Crap Movie Reviews gives us his take on The Dark Knight.

Finally the great Neil Fulwood, gives an excellent analysis of David Bowie, Nikolai Telsa, and the role that both play in The Prestige. Its awesome.

Christopher Nolan Blogothon Day 1: Contributions

Welcome to the first day of Thing's That Don't Suck's Christopher Nolan Blogothan.

There was a bit of a world cup inspired delay today, but the way I'm going to work this (knock on wood), is by posting guest contributions (And thanks to everyone who has done so) first and then follow it up with my own article later in the day.

So without further ado the first round of articles:

First Yojimbo at Lets Not Talk About Movies kicks things off with a general overview of Nolan's career.

Then Steve Miller at Watching The Detectives, gives his take on Batman Begins, after coming to it with a skeptical view.

Simon at Four Of Them took a look at the trailer for Inception. She got a bit excited.

And last though far from least the great Bill R. over at The Kind Of Face You Hate, took a look at the odd cycle of backlash and counter backlash that often comes with the release of a Nolan movie in the critical community. As well as a pretty fantastic, long hard look at Memento.

That's all for today, thanks to everyone who helped get this off to a great start. I'll be back with my take on The Following later tonight.

Blogothon Won't You?

So tomorrow starts the Christopher Nolan Blogothon I've been building up to for two months. I want to thank everyone who has submitted and expressed there support so far, and I hope more of you will come out as this goes on.

If you do have something you want to submit, leave a link in the comments section here, or preferably given how blogger has been lately, send me an email at bryced021@hotmail.com.








I look at those images, I know it's going to be a good week.

Humble Thanks, Hubristic Plans

So if you squint a little over at the twin Followers bars, you’ll note they’ve collectively reached one hundred followers.

I’m really blown away.

Anyone who blogs knows that it’s a bit like playing tennis in a void. You hit the ball, send it sailing past over the vanishing point, and stand there wondering for quite awhile whether you’ve made a complete fool out of yourself.

You might have to wait along while sending out balls in other directions, or in the same one. You hit harder. You try try again.

It’s nothing less then an act of faith.

And then just when you’ve given up, you hear a crack, and that long lost ball comes sailing back at you from some point unknown over the horizon. You are so shocked you don’t know how to react.

I’ve seen that ball fly back at me a hundred times now. And it never gets any less exhilarating.

So thank you. And I mean that as sincerely as I can. Thank you to everyone who has ever taken the time to click that follow button, or leave a comment, or just drop by. I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me. I really can’t.

And now that the humblings out of the way the hubris can begin.

I’m planning a Christopher Nolan Blogothon to run from July 11 to the 17th. Starting with The Following, I will cover every one of his films, culminating with the release of Inception. I hope to get articles from various people and various viewpoints. The articles can cover anything; his career as a whole, a particular film, or just a particular aspect of Nolan.

I know a two month lead time may strike some of you as excessive, but I’m still a relatively small blog and would like to have actual articles to post during the blogothon and have, y’know people actually read them. So I figure with a two month lead people will have time to write some stuff up, set it aside, and get the word out.

As you may recall from my review of The Prestige in which I named it my fourth favorite films of the decade; I think Nolan is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today and utterly unique in his position of power and influence among today’s filmmakers. Are there more interesting filmmakers then Nolan working today? Perhaps. But none with his canvas, and none with his ability to sell a vision as idiosyncratic as his, to a mass audience.

I find him one of the most intriguing filmmakers working today. And with his seventh film his body of work becomes big enough to be looked at as a whole. It seems the perfect time to do it. And I feel like as an event it could be really special.

The only question is, do I have the platform yet?

This is the most ambitious thing I’ve done with this blog. And its entirely possible I’ve bitten off more then I can chew.

As I said, if you clicked that follow button I owe you. Pure and Simple.

But I need to be selfish and ask for your help again. If you have a blog, I’d love for you to participate. If you can’t or aren’t I understand but hope you will post one of my banners anyway. I want to make this work, and with your help I think I can.

"When I started to follow people, specific people, when I selected a person to follow, that's when the trouble started."

"How can I heal if I can't forget?"

"You and I share a secret. We know how easy it is to kill someone. That ultimate taboo. It doesn't exist outside our own minds."

"You traveled the world. Now you must journey inwards. To what you really fear. It's inside you. There is no turning back."

"Mankind's grasp exceeds his imagination."

"You see, their morals, their code, it's a bad joke. Dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these... these civilized people, they'll eat each other."

"What's the most resilient parasite? An Idea. A single idea from the human mind can build cities. An idea can transform the world and rewrite all the rules."

...

If you could link your banners to the following URL I'd very much appreciate it.

http://thingthatdontsuck.blogspot.com/2010/05/humble-thanks-hubristic-plans.html

....

Anyway, whether you’ve pressed one of the follow buttons or not. Whether you, took a banner or not. If you’re reading this that means I have only one thing to say to you.

Thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.