Mike & Jen return with a hard left change of pace, as they explore two films dealing with not only life as Hong Kong was about to leave British rule, but with relationships sprouting from this strange & at times trying era. To films with much to say regarding love, fate, and the possibilities that chance meetings present, whether it be on the island itself, or that one driving dream.
Infant Island comes of age (early?) as they tackle Peter Chan's Comrades: Almost A Love Story(1996) & Wong Kar Wai's Happy Together(1997)
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Right after I listened to the podcast, I was watching Scott Pilgrim, and that's when I realized what I find so engaging about Edgar Wright's work, similarly to how I feel about Wong Kar-wai. As you mentioned about Wong, his movies feel alive and organic. Every shot breathes and moves, and even the smallest actions become magnified. There's an energy to all of his films. I get a similar albeit slightly different vibe from Wright. His work is also very alive, and energized. There's motion in every shot, and nothing is there for no reason. However I feel like Wong's film's are about the conflict over expressing emotions, and that's reflected in his style. So at times that energy and emotion is palpably lurking in the subtext when the characters feel unable to emote, and exploding off the screen when they can't hold back anymore. With Wright, I feel that his passion and enthusiasm for filmmaking flows more freely in and around the shots, so while oftentimes his characters may be oblivious to what's happening around them, you can't help but feel giddy because the ride is so much fun.
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen Comrades yet, but will check that out, thanks to your recommendation. Looking forward to more coverage of Wong Kar-wai and Hong Kong films.
Glad you dig these as much as we do! Yes, Kar Wai's films are alive in ways that we rarely to ever experience in mainstream film, and a lot of it is due to the fact that there is so much improvisation made in between the beats. It's an organic mix that can be intoxicating when timed well, and Kar Wai at his best seems to have it all pretty well down pat.
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