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Michael Mann’s 2015 foray into the cyberthriller subgenre is kind of a complete mess, but I couldn’t look away. It’s maybe his most maligned movie (he hasn’t made one since) and to be fair the acting isn’t great, but it’s visually stunning even by Mann’s standards and is incredibly emotional and gripping for a movie about computers and cops and the stock market. A totally enthralling meditation on alienation and placelessness where all the settings and places feel alarmingly immediate and tactile.
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I expected this to be graphic considering its subject matter but it’s a purely psychological thriller with a twisted bent. This movie gave me chills and deeply unsettled me in ways I was not expecting!!! brilliant commentary on the nature of true crime content, with realistic depictions of technology… The lead is an incredibly fascinating and complex female character. highly recommend if you haven’t seen it…
Sep 26, 2024
i have such a hard time getting through movies, its brutal and unfortunate. i am fully aware im missing out on some critical pieces of art in consequence, but if isnt both predominantly psychological thriller and as quickly paced as oppenheimer, its super hard to keep me engaged.
i will talk about this movie until the end of time. despite minimal dialogue and the most clinical atmosphere to be captured by means of cinematography, the lack of information and consequential unpredictability kept me thoroughly enticed and fully unnerved for the full two hours. minimalism weaponized for max intensity with no certain direction; epitomization of surrealist thriller.
watching it for the first time without context nor any expectations is an invaluable experience.
Nov 26, 2024
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M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs (2002) is a captivating blend of science fiction, suspense, and family drama. The film tells the story of former pastor Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), who grapples with the sudden appearance of crop circles on his farm, the mysterious circumstances surrounding them, and the emotional fallout from the loss of his wife. Set in rural Pennsylvania, the story delves deep into themes of faith, fear, and redemption, and while it boasts Shyamalan’s trademark atmospheric tension, its true strength lies in its intimate storytelling and character-driven focus.
The film’s tone is meticulously crafted, with a deliberate pacing that builds suspense while simultaneously exploring the characters’ emotional landscapes. From eerie nighttime sequences to the chilling sound design—scratching noises in the cornfields and static-filled baby monitors—Shyamalan creates a sense of impending doom that keeps viewers on edge. Yet, this suspense is balanced with moments of levity, primarily through Graham’s brother Merrill (Joaquin Phoenix), whose earnestness provides relief in an otherwise tense narrative. The cinematography, with its tight, claustrophobic framing, accentuates the feeling of isolation and vulnerability, drawing viewers deeper into the Hess family’s world.
One of the standout elements of Signs is its exploration of faith and destiny. Graham’s struggle to reconcile his loss of belief with the unexplainable phenomena around him forms the emotional core of the movie. Shyamalan weaves this theme seamlessly into the plot, making the alien invasion a backdrop for Graham’s internal battle. The film cleverly ties together seemingly unrelated details—like Merrill’s baseball career, the daughter Bo’s obsession with water, and Graham’s flashbacks of his wife’s final words—to deliver a satisfying conclusion that reinforces the idea of a higher order to the chaos. This layered storytelling elevates the film beyond a conventional sci-fi thriller.
However, Signs is not without its flaws. While the narrative’s thematic depth is commendable, some viewers may find the alien invasion plot underdeveloped or too reliant on convenience, such as the aliens’ vulnerability to water. Additionally, Shyamalan’s cameo as Ray Reddy, while pivotal to the story, feels slightly distracting in an otherwise immersive film. Despite these minor issues, Signs succeeds as a deeply personal and thought-provoking piece of cinema. It stands out for its ability to blend suspense and spiritual reflection, leaving audiences with more than just the thrill of an alien encounter—it delivers a story about hope, family, and the possibility of finding meaning in the inexplicable.
Dec 15, 2024
Top Recs from @nathan
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Whenever I have an annoying administrative task to attend to, I put on Bill Evans. Often it’s You Must Believe In Spring or Conversations With Myself but it could be any of his records really or just something he played on. His piano playing is deeply comforting to me and at this point has a Pavlovian effect on my concentration that’s more powerful than Adderall.
Mar 8, 2023
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I recently discovered you can just buy these at the store and make them yourself and my life has completely changed. This brand is the best I’ve tried so far.
Mar 8, 2023