Rescue Dawn (2006)

3/5

Werner Herzog's Rescue Dawn is a fictionalized account of the true story of an American pilot shot down over Laos, taken to a POW camp, and eventually rescued during the Vietnam conflict. It's a premise we've all seen before many times over, and unfortunately it brings nothing new to the table. It's not a bad movie, but it's not a good one either. I hate movies like this, because you can't praise it or make fun of it. It just sits there. Everything technical is mundane and mediocre. Nothing stands out whatsoever. I can't recommend it, but if it's your cup of tea, it's your cup of tea.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0462504/

Grizzly Man (2005)

4/5

Grizzly Man took me by surprise. I came in thinking I wouldn't like it, as I had seen Herzog's much-acclaimed Aguirre, the Wrath of God and was not a big fan. But this movie blew me away. Though the two films share central themes of a man's quest for the impossible and eventual downfall, I was moved far more by this one. It was so unexpected, for some reason, when I realized that this movie was about Timothy Treadwell, not living with wild grizzly bears. It was a character study masquerading as a documentary of his life and death. That epiphany held me much closer to the story and had me on the edge of my seat, eager to learn more of this fascinating human being.

Usually I hate crappy, hand-held DV footage, but I was actually very impressed with the quality of footage that Treadwell had. I know the camera he was using and know that there's no way it could look that good on the big screen. Herzog must have manipulated it in some way, because it flowed seamlessly with the other footage. The editing and voice-over narration were a bit jarring at first, but really elevated the movie above a typical doc and made me appreciate the story much more. I have a ton of respect for Herzog after seeing this movie.

There is one big complaint I have with the movie, and that is its ending. I really wish it had ended five minutes sooner, on the close-up of the bear's eyes. Herzog's voice-over narration at that point was a perfect encapsulation of the movie and it's unfortunate (for me, I suppose) that it is not its final shot. There are also more minor gripes. I disliked how they used the coroner to tell the story of Treadwell's death. It distanced me. Perhaps it was the right choice, but I can't help but feel a bit gypped. I disliked how at the end, the movie seemed to focus more on the details of his death, the final tape, etc. I liked when it was about him and not the sensational spectacle and mystery of his death. Still, this is a powerful film with an important message that can touch us all and I highly recommend it.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0427312/

Mister Lonely (2007)

3/5

Mister Lonely is hands-down the weirdest movie I have seen at Cannes so far. It follows the life of a Michael Jackson impersonator who meets a Marilyn Monroe and joins her at a look-alike commune. Paralleled to this is the story of a father with nuns who can fly. There are some of the most bizarre images in this movie ever. It is a movie I would hate, but the humor lifts this movie from a 1 to a 2, and the soundtrack from a 2 to a 3. This movie also has hands-down the best soundtrack of any movie I've seen at Cannes so far. It makes the movie what it is; it would be nothing without the music. There are really really funny parts, mostly from the realistic portrayal of the offbeat characters and their offbeat actions. The cinematography is amazing as well, and so is the editing. And it was never boring.

I found the acting awful, and you only realize what the movie is about through the blunt, direct voice-over. There is no real point to the events that occur. I had no idea what was going on the entire time, or rather why what was happening was happening. I have yet to find a link between the two intercut stories. I don't know how I feel recommending this movie because it is exceptionally well-done, but I have no idea what it was trying to get across. Maybe you will have some luck, and if this sounds interesting to you, then check it out.

IMDb link: http://imdb.com/title/tt0475984/