Mopaga

MRBISTURI: Do you touch yourself sexually or superstitiously? In either case, I don't see the reason.

Who knows if he has also framed Roger Rabbit and Peter Pan...

Who killed Laura Palmer?

@S4Doll: Don’t worry, I believe you. However, the very fact that you read this review and the subsequent comments may have "influenced" you in some way, in the broadest sense of the term. Perhaps unconsciously. I wasn’t criticizing you or others who commented; I was just saying that I expected the "detractors" (in quotes because they’re not entirely such) to have more to say about technical details, or elements often recognizable in hindsight, than about the intrinsic validity of the story or about another immediately phenomenal component like the actors’ performances. The matter of the scattered clues, I see more as a "game" engaged by Scorsese with the audience, rather than a lapse in attention. They might hit the mark and plant a doubt in your mind, but I don’t think they undermine the quality of the film. The same ambiguity of the ending, I don’t believe is accidental. SMALL OFF-TOPIC REGARDING THESE LAST COMMENTS: I want to clarify that Darkeve was exempt from criticism, as the way reviews are structured here on DeBaser is completely different from that of sites and newspapers run by professionals or pseudo-professionals, and it’s quite accepted that often more emphasis is given to emotional content rather than to the actual review. Reviewing this film in four lines (in TELESETTE style), in my opinion, would have been ideal; however, it would have been decidedly little for the site’s "standards." So, it was inevitable that even Darkeve would offer some insights without intending to. In any case, it performed much better than other reviews I read with some disappointment elsewhere.

I would like to discuss the plot and potential solutions a bit, but I prefer to wait until the film is out of theaters. For now, I will limit myself to making a statement about the various reviews I have come across (thankfully after having seen the film) from newspapers and websites. Well, I believe they have been set up quite poorly. Not only do I find it unprofessional to include spoilers without warning, but due to the plot of this film, I think it is even inappropriate to hint at twists and turns. The viewer is not that foolish; it’s obvious that if someone is advised to be on guard, they will be, even without knowing what to expect. Thus, when certain newspapers and websites come out with phrases like "watch out for the twist" or "nothing is as it seems," they ruin half the film, compromising the ability to surprise the audience. At least, I think it works that way. I admit that from the trailer I saw in the cinema, I didn’t understand much, but the name Scorsese, some striking shots, and the disappearance of this Rachel Solando as a crucial element of the plot were enough to entice me to watch it. I wasn’t aware of anything else; consequently, my approach to the film was naive enough to allow me to venture personal conclusions or evoke a genuine sense of surprise. In the end, more than a matter of neurons, I believe it’s a matter of perspectives, based on these premises. As I had predicted in a comment, people focused critically on things like "directorial virtuosity" rather than on the film's narrative in the strict sense. And I don't think it's a coincidence that these criticisms came from those who already knew too much about the plot.

@S4DOLL: I've had the chance to read those, and it only makes me believe even more that I will never be a good "critic," because I simply cannot help but inscribe the word "masterpiece" within the realm of subjectivity. And unfortunately, I don’t even have the stamina to wank for 2 hours straight over possible virtuosity and technicalities, even if they were evident. "Shutter Island" had me glued to my chair until 1 AM, without me being the least bit worried about having to drive another 40 km to get home. I intend to read the book as well because I believe the story has huge potential regardless of the mastery with which it is adapted for the big screen. I found nothing to complain about regarding the acting; the tension was skillfully dispensed, and with a setting like island-asylum-storm, I’m in my element for life. The proverbial nitpicking I’ll leave to those who talk about cinema for a living, just as considerations like "He’s not the Scorsese of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull anymore" can be. I recommend the film to you, but I don’t take responsibility for any complaints about the 7 euros poorly spent. At most, I allow you to bombard this comment with "BRüTO" :)

I confess I never thought, until a few years ago, to associate Di Caprio with the word masterpiece. No matter how much I liked him, not even back in the days of "The Departed" did I feel that way. But this time I cannot refrain from doing so, even if a jury of opposing critics were to stone me with Morandini reviews. It had been a long time since I left a cinema so enthusiastic (and shocked at the same time), and the review manages to succeed in the not-so-easy task of enticing viewers without giving away too much. I also find the reference to Donnie Darko very spot on. Running to add it among my favorites!

One extra little star would have fit.

@Birba: the only "quality" of the de-reviewer that I recognize in myself is to always argue my positions, whether they are shareable or not. If you have time and patience, we can discuss the Scanu-Carone-Amoroso trio whenever and as much as you want. To make you understand that my sarcasm, whether you agree with it or not, was absolutely legitimate, you only need to know that I had the burden of seeing Amoroso in concert (and please don't make me remember in what circumstances), and that, thanks to the female quota in my family, I have been poisoning my Saturday lunches for about 3 years because of these overly invasive "friends."

@Birba: It's not that it changes much. Considering the historic revolution brought by Amoroso in the way of making music, I meant to say that anyone who can’t keep up with her would do well to channel their efforts into equally dignified activities like model building with Fabbri Editore's magazines. This is especially true in the case of Scanu, don't you agree?