DhavalVyas

Going into this film, I really had no idea who was Antonio Gaudi nor was I deeply familiar with his works. I knew the film was about architecture and had very little dialogue. I wanted to approach the film without knowing much about the artist. In this approach, I felt it would release my expectations. This gave me quite a journey! I am sure other films of similar structure have been made, but probably not about such an interesting individual.

This film looks at the famous architectural works of Antonio Gaudi, a Spaniard who lived in the early 20th century. His architectural works are incredibly striking, and it may be safe to say that no other architect is quite like him! That being said, the film examines his works as though someone is wondering patiently through the streets of Barcelona. Because of the paucity of the dialogue, the film deploys odd ambiance and electronic music to somehow express Gaudi's works. The result is a very unique and fascinating experience.

The viewer will fall into a state of awed hypnosis as the camera eye moves in a snail's pace looking at Gaudi's works. Since Gaudi's works are so different from anything else, it has the feeling of something other worldly. Once in a while, the music stops, and we are shown pictures of everyday, mundane life in Spain. But then, the music reappears again as we walk through Gaudi's architecture, as though we are being transported into another world the exists right alongside the modern-day life of Barcelona.

At the end of the film, we are told more about Gaudi's life. I still don't know much about him, but now seeing this film, I am eager to learn more. Try to approach this film like I did; with innocent eyes, even if you know a lot of Gaudi. Without the use of very little words, and with the use of grotesque music, the movie is a great introduction into the mind of someone who might have been a genius.

Do not let the title of this movie mislead you; I know it sounds like yet another dumb horror flick, but it isn't. This is one of the better horror movies I have seen in a while. The story is set in England, and something disturbing is happening in the subways. People are beginning to disappear, but nobody can find the bodies. Initially, it is a bit of mystery as to who or what is doing this, but the film eventually lets the audience in on what is happening. I won't tell you the rest. The story is fairly simple, but it is done very well. One other aspect that stood out for me was the performance by Donald Pleasence. To me, he did a fantastic job of playing a bitter and cynical police detective.

When grunge rock star Kurt Cobain committed suicide in the spring of 1994, it catapulted a pop celebrity into an American Icon. Cobain was the founder and front man of Nirvana - a Seattle-based band that introduced to the public, virtually overnight, a different form of music, clothing, and even lifestyle. His death was a very sad event, and the MTV media took full advantage of this, transforming Cobain into an almost martyr-like figure. This image has worked, as Cobain has become the most successful dead celebrity (even surpassing Elvis)! This short documentary takes a different kind of approach to Cobain's life and his last few days alive. It looks at him from the perspective of those who weren't all too impressed with Cobain and his music. The narrator (who is also the director) takes a harsh tone from the very beginning. He calls Cobain a "loser" who "blew his brains out". I think I understand why the director used this approach; he wanted to get rid of the hero-worshiping of Cobain and look at him more realistically. The final result is a very fascinating documentary that reveals information that most people would not have known about.

1. Cobain did not take strong action in order to relieve his drug addiction. His drug addiction was largely reported, but even his drug councilor said Cobain didn't really want to stay away from drugs.

2. It is most likely a myth that Cobain lived under a bridge for a period of time. Even though Cobain claimed he did, nobody else confirms this.

3. Cobain was vocal about many of the aspects of being a celebrity, but it was his own conscious decision to go on MTV shows and play at large festivals.

4. The conspiracy theories claiming Cobain was murdered are largely put to rest. Numerous people who knew Cobain (even Courtney Love) expressed how they saw major suicidal tendencies in him months (years?) before his death.

5. The original mix of the 'In Utero' album really impressed a number of people, but the record company hated and forced Nirvana to do a retake.

The way this documentary is presented can also be seen as "poking fun" at the whole Nirvana affair. The interviewees are presented as oddballs, outcasts, and even drug addicts like Cobain. A number of the interviewees talk about how they were unimpressed with Cobain and his music, and it was almost some kind of inexplicable mistake that Nirvana became such a large band. Even Nirvana fans are presented as goofs who were somehow conned into the Cobain myth.

The director might have taken a harsh approach, but in doing this, he painted a one of the most realistic pictures of a man who has undeservedly become a legend.