CIVIL WAR
Added 2024-04-09 22:43:46 +0000 UTCI must admit I'm quite intrigued by this one. I'll be seeing it on Thursday afternoon. What are your expectations, and what are your opinions on Garland as a director in general?
Comments
I haven't seen Civil War yet, but Alex Garland is a director who consistently impresses me. I recently watched his much lambasted film *Men* (admittedly going in with low expectations, given its critical drubbing) - and was pleasantly surprised. In my view, reviewers who dismissed the flick as woke man-bashing failed to appreciate the central premise: these archetypal masculine demons are mind-forged manifestations of trauma in the protagonist, not 'objective' expressions of "the patriachy" (or whatever). Polanski did this kind of thing well - the most vivid analogue is *Repulsion*. *Men* is a visually intoxicating psychological horror, and even if it's somewhat thematically one-note, I'd nevertheless recommend the flick for its unsettling imagery which ramped into full-blown Cronenbergian body horror by the film's close. Many critics (including Maggie) complained the thematic stuff was "on the nose", but I don't agree: for me, it's treatment of gender was quite nuanced and unexpected with men giving birth in grotesque, eye-popping fashion and pagan Sheela na gig iconography in the local church. I'm biased because I tend to enjoy horror flicks that animate and externalise dark thoughts and emotions. Everything from *The Shining* to *The Tenant* to *Persona* to (more recently) *Get Out* and *Midsommar* (Ari Aster is the current crown prince of this sub-genre - *Beau is Afraid* is calling out to me for a rewatch).
Matthew Ryder
2024-04-24 14:18:08 +0000 UTCI liked many aspects of the film, as I do with most of Garland's films, but I agree that the lack of world building held the film back. I think he probably wanted to err on the side of not cheaply weighing into the current U.S. political milieu, but that came at the cost of the premise making any sense. I think portrayals of dystopias need to be slightly more emotionally anchored in our current world to resonate (old Twilight Zone episodes do this beautifully, even with aliens and monsters). I will say -- I live in DC, and used to work at the WH and that last scene at the intersection was where I crossed to go to work every day. That was quite unsettling to watch, especially sitting in a DC-area Alamo Drafthouse. Anyway -- I hope you consider reviewing Monkey Man.
Ryan Holliway
2024-04-13 23:22:02 +0000 UTCI think it looks more expensive than it really is... I just think it's an accessible well made war film... but that's it... not what I expected from Garland at all... I thought it would be a thought provoking piece with some serious social commentary or deeper message... but it was just a thrill ride that had absolutely nothing to say... definitely his worse for my taste. But someone like my dad would like this a lot... it has some cool scenes... but what you see in the trailer is the movie... I seriously don't get the people that say it's hard to watch, and brutal and that the ending will be talked for a long time ... lol.... it was lame.
Sutil
2024-04-12 06:25:16 +0000 UTCI honestly liked "The First Omen" a lot more... 😐
Sutil
2024-04-12 02:22:35 +0000 UTCYeah, so I fell for the hype I guess... I usually really like Garland or at least appreciate him trying to give us something "different" sometimes... this was not one of those times... when people started to compare it to Full Metal Jacket or Apocalypse Now... I thought it would have something at it's core that would really make us think or at the very least start a conversation etc... but it's a simple and straight forward action flick... some good acting, but not great... some cool images here and there and I thought the use of music was cool... But I was extremely disappointed in how little this film had to say.... and I was really, really hoping that the trailers were not showing the entire film and we would actually see a whole different thing in the theaters.... but it turned out to be exactly what the trailer shows.... what you see in the trailer it's what the movie is... ugh.... I would definitely watch it again because it is a fun ride... hopefully I'll appreciate it more next time... because I came out of the theater just like "meh" .... and all those reviews saying it's so violent, graphic, people getting blown to pieces... that is hard to watch, that is super tense... I do not know what the fuck they are talking about...
Sutil
2024-04-12 02:17:01 +0000 UTCWow! What an utter super mega ultra disappointment... brought by my expectations probably... but damn, this film was not half as good as I expected.... I just saw it, let me gather my thoughts and comment more...I am really losing hope on cinema
Sutil
2024-04-12 01:34:08 +0000 UTCI didn't mean for this to be a reply to a previous post. Sorry, bro.
Matt C
2024-04-11 06:28:22 +0000 UTCI think there's a lot to like about Alex Garland as both a writer and a director. I've never seen Men, but I loved 28 Days Later and Sunshine is a personal favorite. I enjoyed Annihilation and Ex-Machina is one of the slickest films in science fiction. But I have concerns with Civil War. Despite A24's larger budget it doesn't seem to have been enough and I don't think Garland likes comparisons to Apocalypse Now in the marketing. The major talent seem already to be distancing themselves from the film and at least one person has said Garland may have decided never to direct again. I hope that's not the case. The impression I get is that someone was not able to deliver what was promised and that some, many or all involved feel they've been thrown under the bus. The real truth is that the project was probably a bigger gamble than everyone thought and that it wasn't successful. I think if people go in with the mindset that it's still an A24 film and not some big Hollywood blockbuster it will be well received. The action looks intense. If it plays at one of my local theaters I'll see it this weekend. If not I'll stream it.
Matt C
2024-04-11 06:26:44 +0000 UTCI didnt like Men either. Though I admit that I feel a second viewing is deserved from me. Not to say I think I will like it. I just think maybe there's possibly more there that I didnt get the first time. But yeah I'm in full agreement
Deepfocuslens
2024-04-10 21:00:05 +0000 UTCI'm always down for Garland... since 28 days later I've been looking forward to his work... I really enjoyed "DEVS" ... I think more people should watch that show... but whatever... anyways... "Ex-Machina" and "Annihilation" were very interesting thought provoking pieces in my opinion and I am definitely super hyped for Civil War... I did not care for "MEN" ... I didn't get the symbolism and allegories but appreciated the atmosphere but it just didn't say anything to me... the trailers for Civil War seems like it's just this straightforward war movie and makes me believe sometimes that Garland might be playing it safe... A24 is really expecting to make the big bucks... so that always compromises artistic vision... but whatever... I like him more than someone like Nolan at this point... so I have hope that he can deliver some nice cinematic moments... will watch it tomorrow as well, so am excited to hear your thoughts... mainstream reviews seem to focus on stupid shit like "they don't explain how the war started" , "why did Texas and Cali allied?" ... lol... anyways... I am really excited and I'll be posting here tomorrow what I thought about it and hope you do too... And also, a lot of people don't give him enough credit for his directing... yes, of course there are other better directors out there... Maybe Cuaron would've done a better job, maybe not... but I am glad we have Garland making films today... he's not perfect and not as good as a top tier filmmaker but he certainly puts stuff out there that's better and more original than most... to call this dystopian tropes might be an overstatement judging it just by the trailer and reviews imo... but those are our thoughts... I think cinema is dying, true cinema... and guys like these give me hope so I'm rooting for it
Sutil
2024-04-10 20:34:12 +0000 UTCDystopian Trope One might argue that Garland’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker may be somewhat overinflated — his directorial genius?!? While he is undoubtedly talented and has a knack for creating atmospheric and pseudo(superficial)-intellectually stimulating films, he relies heavily on dystopian and speculative elements that have become somewhat predictable/derivative in his repertoire. Instead of breaking new ground, CW seems to tread the well-worn path, rehashing themes of societal decay and internal conflict that have already been exhaustively explored in his filmography and the sci-fi genre at large. To be a little more snide, perhaps the film might be perceived as exploiting current political concerns without providing a more profound and unique assessment or understanding. We just happened to be watching The Lobster this evening. That said, we will see it for sure.
Stephen Derraugh
2024-04-10 02:48:42 +0000 UTCTo be honest, I was sceptical after seeing the first trailer. It needed some reviews from people that opinion I value to convince me. Name of director alone wasn't enough when I have in mind his previous film. However, I think of Alex Garland as an interesting filmmaker with his own identity, who reached a peak of career with Ex Machina, by far. Even Men has certain images and ideas that I found memorable, so no matter what is my take on the movie as a whole, I admire Garland's ambition and risk he took with this project. We'll see what happens in Civil War.
Oskitello
2024-04-10 01:43:09 +0000 UTClol I agree all the way. I do think Annihilation and Men both were stronger visually. Even if Ex Machina is more pronounced, it's easily his most cohesive. I agree...Children of Men is overrated. But not visually.
Deepfocuslens
2024-04-10 00:20:02 +0000 UTCI didn’t really like Ex-Machina or Annihilation but this one seems more epic and cohesive and I love the cast so I’m going with some friends to see it some time over the next few weeks.
Shane Palamara
2024-04-09 23:42:58 +0000 UTCFrom a writerly standpoint, I think he’s an inspired sci-fi fabulist, but he never quite comes together as a director for me. He doesn’t have that visionary quality that matches his themes and ideas. Ex Machina, for me, remains his best film because, due to its limited, claustrophobic setting, it doesn’t require a strong directorial voice as much as his later films. Andrew Niccol is another similarly limited filmmaker. Better writer than a director. Even if Gattaca had its moments. As for Civil War, I have high hopes for it. I think I’ll greatly enjoy it, but I bet by film’s end I’ll have wished that another director made the movie. Someone like, say, Alfonso Cuarón. Say what you will about Children of Men. It certainly has its faults and is not quite the masterpiece people proclaim it to be, but Cuarón, with his virtuoso long takes, built a staggering, mesmerizingly chaotic world. Going by Civil War’s trailer and the war-torn setting it presents, I’ll bet Cuarón would’ve done wonders for the film. Just as Children of Men would’ve benefited from having a strong writer like Garland. But this is all speculation. I would be more than happy to be proven wrong.
Bennett Oliver
2024-04-09 23:29:50 +0000 UTCI plan on seeing it for sure. In general I’ve always liked Garland but never quite fallen in love with his work. Ex Machina, is his best film even though there are moments in it that are unintentionally funny and a certain plot twist that I thought was obvious from the jump. Annihilation has its issues but I enjoyed it overall. I remember liking its ending and glad, given the story I heard, Garland fought to keep it despite studio push back. Men I haven’t seen but I’ve been meaning to. Based on the trailer it somewhat reminds me of Carnival of Souls (1962). At least in terms of its concept.
Stephen
2024-04-09 22:57:26 +0000 UTCI love everything he’s written/directed except for Men, so I had reservations about this one at first. But I saw a clip of him telling Letterboxd that Come and See was a big inspiration for this movie because he wanted to make a “truly anti-war” film. So I’m stoked! Also, I’m a hardcore Jesse Plemons fan, so I’m excited to see him on an IMAX screen.
Jared Angcanan
2024-04-09 22:51:14 +0000 UTC
