Word: cinema
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...most unusual, and infinitely rewatchable, movies are a trio of no-budget wonders that belong in the video collection of any serious student of outré cinema. "The Astro Zombies" (1968), coscripted by "M*A*S*H"'s Wayne Rogers, stars John Carradine a - natch - a mad scientist, and Tura Satana as a dragon lady criminal mastermind. Tura is one of many individuals looking to snatch Carradine's secret of bringing cadavers back to life with solar energy (don't ask). The horrendous creatures he resurrects are incarnated by stunt men wearing dimestore skull masks, so a good time...
Among other things, the film underscores the power of documentary film to capture the unexpected. It was initially conceived of as a fairly straightforward concert/tour movie (albeit directed by the controversial masters of cinema verit David and Albert Maysles). The moment seemed ripe for such a project: in the wake of Woodstock, hippiedom was charting a hopeful course with its promise of unbridled freedom and creativity. And the Rolling Stones were touring the U.S., culminating in a giant San Francisco festival already billed as "the Woodstock of the West." More than anything else, the film seemed poised to capture...
...after all, no more difficult for filmmakers to make an audience cry by depicting, say, a child in jeopardy than it is for a lap dancer to evoke an erection in her client. At the end I have the gloomy certitude that moviegoers will love Ghost or Cinema Paradiso or The Full Monty every bit as much as I disliked it. There--I've said it. Is everyone alienated...
Strangely, von Trier is yet himself to make a Dogma approved film, but it seems to follow his odd humor and defiance of conventionality. For example, he adopted the "von" in his name during his film school days as a joke on the pretentious art world of cinema. It is this irony that many viewers find sadistic and alienating in his work, and their cinematic experience turns cold and angry. But even though von Trier makes you want to throw your popcorn or rip your ticket, I think there is something valuable underneath this so-called charlatan's grin...
This may be the reason for the division over the importance of this work, because the problems of his cinema become more evident in proportion to the strength of his vision, his moral message and the risks he takes. It is a film at times with gaping holes, but also with incredible heights. Hate it or love it, but most importantly...