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Syriana

The TVClubHouse: Movies/Library ARCHIVES: Movies & Library 2006: Syriana users admin

Author Message
Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 11:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
I can't tell you how disappointed I was with this movie. I thought this stunk. It was a bomb. Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

How is George Clooney going to stop war and terrorism and stuff if he can't make a better movie than this? It took me over an hour to get into it. I never cared about any of the characters. The story was very convoluted and confusing.

Maybe I just missed it? I know I had high expectations going in. Thought this was going to be one of the big blockbusters of the season. I'd be curious if anyone felt differently and why.


Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 6:46 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
I wrote about this briefly in my "review" of Brokeback Mountain.

I think it's a very good film. I loved its complexity. I think Mr. Clooney might get multiple Oscar nominations for multiple films this year. He has turned into one of the most serious voices in cinema--and in all good ways.

Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 7:22 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
OK, Tish. I respect your politics.

I just disagree. This movie was too complex. It was inaccessible to me. If you can't get the masses to watch it, what good is it?

The choir (we liberals) have already been converted.

I didn't understand the motivation of Clooney's character in the film. After having my fingernails yanked out...he was trying to warn the other prince??

And the Matt Damon character. Did he quit the oil business in the end?

I think a movie must involve your emotions, not just your intellect. For me to like a movie I have to care about at least ONE of the characters.


Terolyn
Member

05-06-2004

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 7:40 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Terolyn a private message Print Post    
I agree with You Newman.. what I liked best about the movie is when we were leaving I overheard a smartly dressed lady saying, "I didn't understand it and it was a waste of my time so it is sure to win an Oscar".

Hypermom
Member

08-13-2001

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 8:56 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hypermom a private message Print Post    
I liked this move. For me, there was too much going on at once though. When it comes out on DVD, I'll watch it again for things I missed.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:31 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Newman, my opinion about a film has nothing to do with my politics. I don't think filmmaking is about "converting the masses" at all, and that's not what this film intends to do--or if it does, it fails because it is far too complex for a simple political message.

You seem to dislike films with ambiguity and instead like films like The Squid and the Whale and Pride and Prejudice. That's fine. It was one of your criticisms of Capote--that you didn't "like" Capote when the film was over, as if that is one of the tasks of the film or something one would look for in a film about the ever-irascible Mr. Capote. If you are looking for likable characters, films like Syriana might not be for you. I'd stick instead to Sandra Bullock flicks and King Kong.

Brenda1966
Member

07-03-2002

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Brenda1966 a private message Print Post    
I'm not sure what to make of this film. I did like feeling challenged -- that I had to pay attention and sometimes didn't know what was going on or who people were or what their motivations were. I like the style of storytelling where we don't get all the pieces until the end, and then even don't have all the pieces.

However, I didn't feel the need to run out and tell people this was a "must see" movie. Most the people I know would probably be too confused to watch it.

Clooney is amazing. Who'd have thought the motorcycle riding two-bit actor on the Facts of Life would turn out to be such a powerhouse filmmaker/actor.

Terolyn
Member

05-06-2004

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:37 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Terolyn a private message Print Post    
Ouch Tish, that hurt even me!

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 12:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
I'm only trying to be helpful. No hurt intended.

Terolyn
Member

05-06-2004

Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Terolyn a private message Print Post    
Oh well sorry then, never mind. :-)

Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 5:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
Thanks for the put down Tish. Liberals aren't necessarily nice people. Gonna go rent Miss Congeniality IV and lick my wounds.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 6:03 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
Newman, I'm sorry you felt it was a "put down," but it wasn't. I merely looked at your previous likes and dislikes here (and your reasons for liking and disliking the films) and reached a conclusion so I could offer viewing advice. That's all. People who read my likes and dislikes know, for example, that a film like Star Wars can only be a disappointment for me (although I saw it) because I am not a fan of green screens or Industrial Light and Magic....everywhere.

FWIW, I'm also not a "liberal," but I do think you will enjoy the Miss Congeniality films. Have a nice bottle of pinot noir--but nothing that would remind you too much of Sideways--and enjoy!

Babyruth
Member

07-19-2001

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 6:22 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Babyruth a private message Print Post    
Tisha, Newman posted his reaction to the movie and asked for any differing opinions with their reasons. He didn't ask for advice on how to choose a movie. Your last sentence (Sandra Bullock flicks and King Kong) sure reads like a put-down.

Back on topic, I haven't seen this movie yet but am looking forward to it.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 6:30 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
I offered my differing opinion, which led Newman's (mis-) characterization and evaluation of my politics. And I don't need to be told--dismissively--taht I have been "converted" [to what?]. I reject all those suppositions, as if I would admire a film just because I "agree" with its "politcs," which are murky at best.

Vacanick
Member

07-12-2004

Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vacanick a private message Print Post    
I wanted to like this movie but I also agree with Newman, it was confusing and I actually did fall asleep during the first hour.

Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 8:06 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
Tish, I was wondering if you would sincerely apologize and say you were sorry. You didn't. Why is that so hard for some people to do? Human nature is interesting.

You are not a liberal. Well, if I ever go back to news & views I'll keep that in mind.

You saw Star Wars. I saw Syriana. I think we are both seeking perspective, wanting to see a whole range of movies.

I admit that I did go into Syriana with high expectations. I am a liberal. I admit that. I wanted this to be a great movie that would appeal to the masses and maybe convert some of those on the fence into questioning their leaders and so forth. The massive hype led to my major disappointment.

I guess I was looking for another Casablanca. You cared about the people in that movie and it still had a good over evil political message. I think you can combine both. That's what I was hoping for.


Iheartkaysar
Member

08-16-2005

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 12:35 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Iheartkaysar a private message Print Post    
I am glad I saw the movie. I'll admit, some of the content was lost on me. I plan to read the book on which the movie was loosely based to help me understand. I did think the acting was excellent. I agree that there were so many characters that I didn't understand how each fit into the plot, but I was compelled by some of the characters in specific moments (ie. the young man who became a suicide bomber, Matt Damon's character at the end, Bob when being tortured, the second brother just before he died, etc). I will rent this when it comes out on DVD and look forward to hearing from the producers and writers.

George Clooney is becoming a real powerhouse in Hollywood. Like the movie or not, I think most people have to respect that this is a risky movie to produce given current politics in America.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:04 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
I think you're right, Iheart: the film has lots of stuff that you just don't get. And I think that's part of the point of it. We can never know exactly understand how characters, people, agencies, fit together, but we have to try to uncover connections as we go. It's almost like meta-filmmaking....the film's structure comments on the problems within the film. I think it really marries the idea of structure and content very well; we never know everything and we learn everything we know "too late," in a temporal lapse. I wish more films were as imaginative as this. If he had created a simple, clear narrative and engaging characters, I'm convinced, he would have done a disservice to the topic he was trying to tackle.

A friend of mine just told me that the director also wrote Traffic, which is one of my favorite films of the past decade. I'm not sure what that means, but I thought it was interesting.

Brenda1966
Member

07-03-2002

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 3:13 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Brenda1966 a private message Print Post    
I like the writing style too and this kind of "story" is perfect for it for all the reasons you stated. I like that we get the puzzle pieces all jumbled, that we have to put them together ourselves, and that all the pieces are not provided.

This is a filmmaker to watch out for. Traffic was great.

Kep421
Member

08-11-2001

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 4:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kep421 a private message Print Post    
Well, I was going to go see this in the theater, but now I think I'll wait until its released on video. Might be a bit easier to concentrate without all the theater distractions...

Guess I'll go see King Kong instead...

Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:26 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
Kep, there won't be any distractions in the theatre because there won't be anyone there.

This is a movie critics' movie, a movie for intellectuals that like to discuss modes of alienation, camera angles, and meta-filmmaking (whatever that is).

It was beautifully photographed, Kep, and I think you know what those 4 words usually mean.

You should see it now before it disappears to DVD so you can add your comments to this board. Just have a lot of coffee before you see it and read everything you possibly can about the movie so the confusion level won't be so overwhelming.

And tell me, if, after an hour into this movie you aren't asking yourself if you should have seen the Big Ape instead.


Brenda1966
Member

07-03-2002

Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Brenda1966 a private message Print Post    
Aw Newman, you're too tough on the film. If it's "beautifully photographed", then that's all the more reason to see it in the theater! :-)

I find I can get into a complicated movie like this better in the theater where there are no distractions. At home I have the dog, the refridgerator, etc. to distract me.

I'm hoping to see the big ape movie tomorrow so I'll have a review on Monday.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 12:52 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Tishala a private message Print Post    
LOL. It's amazing to hear complaints about complicated films, etc. Normally, people complain about Hollywood producing films for the lowest common denominator, but if you give them a film without Mr. Gerber spoon doing spoon-feeding, that's also construed as a problem! Oh we can't make films without carefully-defined good and evil! LOL!

I'm glad we still have writers and studios willing to create stuff like this! As for the anti-intellectualism--well, I think it speaks for itself.

Newman
Member

09-25-2004

Friday, December 16, 2005 - 7:21 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Newman a private message Print Post    
I agree with Tish. If you want simplistic why not just stay home and watch Three's Company or Bosom Buddies.

Complicated, confusing movies like Syriana, that make you THINK, are a Godsend.

This movie is just like life. There is no good or evil. There is only money. Profit and paranoia. Collusion and confusion.

Tish, I concede that you are smarter than me. What would you say is the theme of this movie? What is the message? Help me out here, please.


Alegria
Member

07-05-2002

Friday, December 30, 2005 - 6:51 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Alegria a private message Print Post    
This is such a great thread. This movie has been one we have been trying to see over the holidays (it is no longer in a lot of theatres) and I came here to get a consensus of opinions. You have given me much more than that! Although I am no longer as keen to see Syriana I am making a resolution to catch up on the postings at TVCH. Your postings are stimulating and really great reading. Thanks.

Happymom
Member

01-20-2003

Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 2:17 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Happymom a private message Print Post    
My mom hated this movie. She said it's pretty much the worst movie she has ever seen.

My 15 yr. old daughter really wants to see this movie. While she likes being entertained, she also likes to see movies that she feels are important and send a message. She also likes to study the way scenes are shot and other artistic qualities. She pointed out that her grandma (who is very intelligent and informed and involved politically and socially) goes to the movies to be entertained only. (Not that a movie has to be a comedy or mystery to entertain her, she likes several genres.) That is probably why she hated this movie. (My mom rarely uses the word hate.)

I haven't seen it. But I thought I'd toss in this information in case it helps others to decide whether to see it or pass.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Friday, June 23, 2006 - 2:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Colordeagua a private message Print Post    
I'm not sure what to make of this film. I did like feeling challenged -- that I had to pay attention and sometimes didn't know what was going on or who people were or what their motivations were. I like the style of storytelling where we don't get all the pieces until the end, and then even don't have all the pieces.

However, I didn't feel the need to run out and tell people this was a "must see" movie. Most the people I know would probably be too confused to watch it.

Clooney is amazing. Who'd have thought the motorcycle riding two-bit actor on the Facts of Life would turn out to be such a powerhouse filmmaker/actor.


I agree, Brenda. Just finished watching it on DVD. I'm very confused. It's worth a second (third, fourth?) viewing.

Ophiliasgrandma
Member

09-04-2001

Monday, June 26, 2006 - 6:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ophiliasgrandma a private message Print Post    
I just watched it. It was what it was. I enjoyed reading Ebert's take on it after I saw the movie. I almost wish I'd read his review first. I guess what I took away from the movie is that this whole 'oil' thing is bigger and more complicated than anyone can understand...even those who are running things, or think they are.

Bbfanatic
Member

08-14-2000

Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - 11:10 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Bbfanatic a private message Print Post    
terrible movie.