Here it is, the big catch-up post. Tonight I will be talking about ten films.

26. Apocalypse Now
27. Tabloid
28. Barbarella
29. Blondie's New York
30. Velvet Goldmine
31. Tangerine
32. Iris
33. Dracula vs. Frankenstein
34. Jesus Camp
35. John Waters: This Filthy World

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Apocalypse Now is one of the films that I know I'm supposed to like, I know why other people really like it, and I can see the amazing craft that went into it, but for some reason I just can't get into. I honestly feel this way about most of Coppola's work. He made some very good films that I just never want to watch. The most interesting part of this film is the bevy of issues that went on behind the scenes. How through it all, they were still able to make one of the cornerstones of popular culture is truly a miracle. I also find the way that Coppola twists Joseph Conrad's very racist Heart of Darkness into a real commentary on American imperialism a real feat.

Standout Moment: The last thirty minutes of the film are really incredible. It transforms from a war film into something much darker without the audience even realizing.

Tabloid (2010)

This doc by Errol Morris is alright. I was entertained, but it didn't really stick with me. The woman's story was interesting (to say the least) but I feel like there was no other real point to the film, no "theme," other than, "hey, this woman has had a strange life." Morris is a good filmmaker, but there is a reason that this is one of his least known works.

Standout Moment: Joyce McKinney is a certified star. It isn't hard to imagine her capturing the hearts and minds of the public.

Barbarella (1968)

Barbarella is unlike any other movie ever made. It is the definition of a work of art being "of its time." This movie could never be made again, at least not by anyone in their right mind, anyway. There is honestly an enjoyable movie, and a lot of that has to do with how bad it is. It never fails to impress me how they can choose the absolutely wrong music every single time. It's astounding. Don't let me give you the wrong impression, though. I have watched this movie multiple times, and I would more than happy to watch it again.

Standout Moment: When the Catchman takes off his hairy coat and reveals an equally hairy chest, I lose it. Every single time.

Blondie's New York (2014)

I love Blondie. This film was not very good, especially in the editing department. The first fifteen minutes plays twice, almost cut for cut. If it weren't for the interesting subject and the segments where Blondie songs get broken down track by track, it wouldn't be worth watching.

Standout Moment: The best part by far is when the band discusses each recorded track that comprises "Heart of Glass."

Velvet Goldmine (1998)

David Bowie films keep slipping into my viewing schedule, not that I mind. Velvet Goldmine is loosely based off of several unauthorized biographies about Bowie's Ziggy era. The costumes are flashy, the music rocks, and story is well told. It's an exciting film about finding your place and feeling confident in who you are. I really enjoyed it.

Standout Moment: Christian Bale's story as a young fan trying to learn how to express himself says more about the rock stars than anything involving them. Figures like Bowie are important because they help young men and women learn how to express who they are.

Tangerine (2015)

There was so much hype about this film that I was almost afraid to watch it. I was pleasantly surprised that the hype was all true. This was a great film from start to finish. It was beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, and fantastically scripted. I am excited to see where the director, cinematographer, and actors go from here.

Standout Moment: The big confrontation scene in Donut Time at the end of the film was perfectly staged chaos.

Iris (2015)

Iris is a deeply charming film. It's themes of aging and continuing to work even when society says you should quit are even more poignant considering that this was Albert Maysles last film. He is in the film at several points, and the conversations he has with her are almost prophetic. In the end, though, this was a celebration, and it was a ton of fun to watch.

Standout Moment: It's fun to look for Iris' husband wear the red hat she buys him. It becomes a really great running joke and seriously adds to the charm.

Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971)

This movie is terrible in every sense. I felt so bad for Lon Chaney Jr. while watching this. He is a great actor (even good in this filmic travesty), but was obviously in need of work when offered a role in this film. Cursory research revealed to me that Dracula and Frankenstein were not even in the original script, but were filmed and edited in at the last minute in a ploy to make more money. Boy does it show. The Frankenstein and Dracula plot has little to nothing to do with the rest of the film, yet it dominates the last twenty minutes of the runtime. I watched this movie with my boys, and we get a real kick out of the horrible mustache on Dracula and the ridiculous Frankenstein mask.

Standout Moment: Dracula's hairstyle. (see above photograph)

Jesus Camp (2007)

This film was very difficult for me to watch. It is a powerful film, but it hit too close to home. It was an experience I will never forget.

Standout Moment: There is a lot of thought provoking moments in this film, but the one that I keep thinking about is the after-credits montage.

John Waters: This Filthy World (2006)

I could listen to this man talk for hours, luckily this film is just an hour and a half of him talking. There are very few people that are as intelligent and funny as John Waters. I immediately wanted to watch this one again.

Standout Moment: His discussion of the people in Baltimore is the best part of the show.

We are now all caught up! From this point onward I will be limiting my posts to once or twice a week. So far this has been a really fun challenge. It is nice to have a reason to make the time for film. Usually I miss out on a lot of new films (and never get a chance to watch classic films) because I just don't make the time for it. If you have any suggestions for films I should add to my viewing schedule, tell me about them in the comments below! I am going to try and add as many suggestions as possible; especially if I haven't seen them. Also, if you have any suggestions for what you would like me to write about, I am open to those too. This is my first week doing this, and I am more than happy to know how I'm doing.

If you are trying to follow along, but don't have the time or energy to watch this many films: I feel your pain. At the end of each block of 30-40, I will be giving you a top five must watch films. These won't necessarily be the best films of the block, but they will be what I feel you should watch to have a well rounded viewing experience.

The must see films of this block are:

5. The Hateful Eight
4. Tangerine
3. The Man Who Fell to Earth
2. Call Me Lucky
1. A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

If you see any of these films, or have seen any of them, let me know what you thought! Perhaps you have a different idea of must watch. Let's talk. I would love to hear your opinions.

I hope you've enjoyed thus far. I will see you again on Wednesday.
Josh D.
5181 Productions

365 Films- Post 6