I didn't look through the whole thread, but has anyone mentioned City of Lost Children? Is that dark enough What about Delicatessen?
Spirited Away actually gave me nightmares.
On the subject of Lars von Trier - what about Melancholia? Every time I watch it, I love this film a little bit more.
Funny Games, (the Michael Haneke version), off the top of my head.
violaine said:And while it was sorta dark, I loved Welcome to the Dollhouse because it was funny too.
Really liked it. One of my favorite experiences is when someone weaves the personal and universal together. And it's a great movie to sit and absorb on one's own. I love clashing, or even slightly clanging, emotional notes. That's the best description I have for an element I liked about that movie. Almost made me wish I was there, which is odd. I've only seen it once. I'll have to watch it again, I'll bet it's great after a few passes.
Both versions are Haneke. Are you referring to the 1997 original?
This has been on my to-see list forever. Have you seen Happiness (also Solondz)? Great movie.
I agree, and it definitely got better for me after each viewing. Something I especially appreciate about the film is how, during part one, Justine really struggles to maintain the appearance of happiness, yet Claire becomes the more irrational sister during part two. When the external situation is befitting Justine's melancholic nature, something clicks into place and it fits. It suits her, and she becomes eerily calm compared to Claire. Love that.
Ooh, I was coming back to correct that, right you are. I meant the 2007 version of Funny Games... Haven't seen the original.
I haven't seen Happiness, I can't it find it whenever I go looking for it. >.<. I'm all set to go and see his new one, Dark Horse. I liked one of the featured press grabs promoting the movie: "No one stages a bad party like director Todd Solondz". Hah.
Yeah good point. That role reversal, for want of a better term, really made me ponder comfort as it relates to (cognitive) dissonance. Made me think about people I've known who are only happy when things are chaotic. I loved looking at everything through that little prism for a while. Definitely have to make some time to watch that again. I don't think I would have had I not come across your post. Yay. Also, it's just gorgeous and soothing to look at.
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I left out Requiem for a Dream. Though, that didn't really hit me very hard until I saw it a second time. And another one I saw which was a little twisted up was Little Children. I know I've seen some other really good films that fit the bill. Will have to ponder.
Haha! That's a great promotional blurb for Solondz. And I think it's true.
You mentioned Little Children - that's another film I quite enjoy, and its overall feeling is similar to that of Happiness.
I agree with you about Melancholia being gorgeous and soothing to look at, which is strange considering the subject matter. I think Lars von Trier described it as "a beautiful film about the end of the world." I've also heard it referred to as "a cinematic last supper," although I can't remember where I read that.
Another movie I loved was Let the Right One In. (The Swedish version). That was chock-full of Scandi appeal - cold and cozy at the same time.
I left out Requiem for a Dream. Though, that didn't really hit me very hard until I saw it a second time.
Good movie. I prefer it to the American adaptation. And yes, it's a "cold" movie, but maybe that's why I found it interesting in comparison to American "hotter" cinematic excesses, it was an experience to watch. It just felt more authentic to me. I liked how everything was stripped down to just the story and the acting -- not much extra drama added with music and whatever else.
I preferred the original as well. The best part of that film is it's subtlety, its fridge horror appeal, which virtually evaporates in the US version. It annoyed me that they felt they had to spell everything out for American audiences.
I just watched Antichrist (2009, Lars von Trier), & it was the most unsettling thing I've seen in a while. I may have nightmares.