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Movies and Life - by Tracy

 
'A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way.’ Ken Loach

Movies and Life - January 2008

Which film has confused you the most?

January 23rd 2008 21:58
Confusion


I’ve seen a few films in my windy film appreciation journey that have perplexed me, some that have fleetingly confused me and some that have just plain bamboozled me. So, here is my topic: films that have baffled me so much I’ve had no idea what was happening.

I know that admitting this in a post is risky as you may deduce that I am a non-absorbent nit-wit, but I’ll take that risk.


Generally, once I’m lost in a film, it’s almost fatal. It’s rare that I can recapture the story, it’s usually gone baby gone. This means that I endure the film by doing some internal mind-filing, thank goodness for my perpetually messy mind that gives me something to do in those sorts of times.

Films that hopped into my mind straightway are The Matrix(March, 1999) and The Matrix Reloaded (May, 2003). In fact, now I wonder why I actually saw the second one seeing as the first one didn’t go so well. All I retained from the story were images of a few people dressed completely in black, leather outfits with never-ending legs holding guns doing excessive sharp movements. Keanu’s never-changing monotonous tones drove me batty. By the third instalment, The Matrix Revolutions (November, 2003) I had learned from my previous blunders; there was no way I was going to see it no matter how much my HR (Husband Rich) begged.

Confusion



The next bewildering films were The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I know it’s almost sacreligious to say this, but for a good portion of the time I had no idea what was happening. I don’t care if I sound like a lone buffoon, it’s true. The scenery was incredible, I loved the hobbits’ little tree houses, but most of the time I was lost in an abyss of uncertainty. Maybe it would’ve been better if I’d read the books or didn’t have the attention span of a newt, whatever the reason; I was confused and at times fed up.

It didn’t help that in one of them I drank about a litre of water (maybe because of my boredom) and needed the toilet for the last hour. I didn’t want other people to know that I wasn’t bothered about missing five minutes of the film, (which in fact that would’ve been a relief), so I didn’t go and held it in. It was painful, in many senses of the word.

Confusion


The optimistic part of me says that we can learn something from all experiences. Hmm yes, I learnt a few important things, firstly, never drink a gallon of water at the cinema, especially when the film is ten hours long. Secondly, my instinctual feeling of three-hour epic films being too long is often true. Lastly, there are some films I just do not want to see, even if the whole of society is taking about them. Sometimes it is OK to say no.





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56 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by katyzzz

January 23rd 2008 22:40


Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
No, no ,no, no, once was enough but I wanted you to receive the votes.

Comment by Louie

January 23rd 2008 23:27


Climate Forum
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
wow, Lord of the rings. read the books so can't empathise but I hear you on the Matrix.


Comment by ChrisC

January 23rd 2008 23:34


The Dissector
Your instincts serve you well. No man, woman or child should have ever gone and seen those Matrix sequels. they were a disaster. And don't worry about not 'getting' the 2nd one - nothing actually happened in it.
Film that had me scratching my head? Memento.

Comment by D. Armenta

January 23rd 2008 23:39


The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Hi Tracy--

Actually, the films that confuse me are the ones with Rob Schneider in them. Are they supposed to be funny? Why was he cast in so many films there for awhile?

Comment by Mr Nice Guy

January 24th 2008 01:44


Pop Culturist
Can't help but recall the first time I viewed 2001 A Space Odyssey.

To this day - still so many questions unanswered.

Mind you - any movie with Steve Guttenberg leaves me confused as to why anyone would have ever cast him in the first place.


Comment by What's Your Story?

January 24th 2008 03:02


What's Your Story?
So You're Getting Married
Oh well I'm gonna go with your previous entry... Running with Scissors!!!

Comment by KylieW

January 24th 2008 03:03


Celebrity Obsession
One that confused me is also one of my most hated films of all time - Magnolia. Firstly it probably did make sense, but it was so bloody boring I couldn't concentrate. It also seemed to go for about 14 hrs (or seemed to). But raining frogs at the end of the movie. Anyone care to explain that one to me????? Can't believe I watched tht piece of crap.

Memento is another one. Though I actually enjoyed the movie - I was thoroughly confused for a good portion of it!

Comment by Lilla

January 24th 2008 04:49


Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
HAHAHAHA I am laughing hard at MNG's comment about Steve Guttenburg... MNG, I'm left to wonder if you've seen "Don't tell Her It's me" yet?

Tracy, I loved the Matrix and Lord of The Rings and totally 'got' both concepts and what they were trying to say... however, recently I tried for all my life to get into The Good Shepherd and just found it absolutely stooooopid!

I'm not saying it is, but (a) I totally dislike Matt Damon, (b) can't handle that bloomin' new hyped-on-java, quick-cam filming style, where the picture is all over the place like the cameraman is having some sort of epileptic episode, and (c) did I mention that I really don't like Matt Damon?

Hahahaha otherwise I'm sure I will manage to 'get it 'one day (or more aptly actually rationalise why I am trying to, in the first place... *chuckle* much like you with the Matrix)

L xx

Comment by AmyHuang

January 24th 2008 05:41


Sydney Table
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
It would have to be the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

I only got it in the last 2 mins of the movie.

Was good though.

Comment by Michaelie

January 24th 2008 05:48


Flick Wit
As soon as I saw your title I thought - Matrix. I had to watch it eleventy hundred times before I could grasp what the hell it was about!

Michaelie

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 07:54


Movies and Life
Hi katyzzz

Thanks for the votes, any films hop into your mind?

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 07:55


Movies and Life
Hi Louie,

Yes, Lord of the Rings, pretty sad really...!

I'm glad to have some confusion company with the Matrix,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 07:58


Movies and Life
Hi ChrisC

It seems that I'm not alone with the Matrix which is quite a relief... I thought it was just me. I like being reassured that I didn't miss anything, thanks.

Ah yes, Memento. That's a great film but definitely mind-boggling...

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 08:00


Movies and Life
Hi DA

I'm afraid I can't help you with your Rob Schneider query. I'm not a fan at all, he doesn't do much for me apart from generally being annoying...

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 09:40


Movies and Life
Hi MNG

Yes, Steve doesn’t do much for me at all. Police Academy is all I can think of when I hear his name and that’s a bit of a dull reaction.

Aha, 2001 A Space Odyssey, what a film...

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 09:41


Movies and Life
Hi WYS

I like your consistency!

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 09:49


Movies and Life
Hi Kylie

Phew...someone else that also hated Magnolia. I also thought it was never going to end, I was so fed up of it. Magnolia equals dull to me. I don’t remember the end nor the frogs, so I can’t help you there, sorry.

At least we never have to see that one again, unless we get kidnapped by a Magnolia-lover and they use it as a form of torture.

Oh and of course, Tom Cruise’s smug face didn’t help.

I thought a lot of Memento, at least there was a reason to the confusion. It was part of the story and had a purpose. I can’t stand films that perplex just for the sake of it.

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 11:15


Movies and Life
Hi Amy

That is one of my favourite films, I love it. It does have a few confusion tentacles though, so I know what you mean,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 11:16


Movies and Life
Hi Mich

Eleventy hundred times? Maybe that's what I should've done too! Nahhh, it's too dull...

Byeee

Comment by Tracy

January 24th 2008 11:27


Movies and Life
Hello Lilla

I haven't seen The Good Shepherd so I can't really say much except I think it's great to vent your Matt Damon dislike. Sometimes I like him and then other times I just find him ordinary and a bit dull. I don't think this film would be my cup of tea (I really should find out where that phrase comes from. I don't usually use cliches but I like this one because I love tea).

Thanks for popping in,

Tracy

PS Does that mean you don't like The Bourne films?

Comment by tlcorbin

January 24th 2008 12:36


Coffee Quip
A Global Citizen
Paranormal Paranormal
Is Why
Alaska Chronicle
Sleezer's World
Wow, for me it happens to be the Life Review vision that occurs during an NDE, I had to go through it three times before I realized it wasn't my life being reviewed. Actually Tracy, I love to put myself into the writers role and try to figure out where they're going, I am correct about half of the time. Sigh. Raven

Comment by Danceswithwords

January 24th 2008 12:41


Poetic Sedition
Inspiration
I love confusing films!!!

Confusing films should become a genre of film - all on their own. I think my most confusing film I ever saw was Stanley Kubrick's 2001 - A Space Odyssey. The only thing to save me was a friend of mine who was sitting beside me who'd read the book. I normally hate people talking in movies (including myself) - trust me it's very uncool to announce that Bruce Willis is dead out loud after about 10 minutes into "The Sixth Sense". This time my friend was an absolute savior!

I think as long as the film "resolves" itself in the end and you can go - "oh now I get it" then confusing films will keep getting more challenging and more confusing. It sometimes helps to have read the book before seeing the film, however MOST films are poor comparison to the book and that's normally because one's imagination will always be one step ahead of any computer generated effect.

Comment by Bryn

January 24th 2008 23:35


Horrorphile
David Lynch's Inland Empire ... I challenge anyone to try and understand what the fuck that movie is about. Brilliant, of course, but totally and utterly Lynch. Lost Highway wasn't too clear either, but I found myself conjuring my own ideas about what it was about more so than Inland Empire ... hmmm, then there's Mulholland Drive ... Lynchland, it's not for the faint of intellect.

Comment by Always Eighteen

January 24th 2008 23:43


Always Eighteen
Hahahahahah. I like the moral of this entry. I have to admit, sometimes I HAVE liked a film more because people have said it's good, even though I have no idea what the hell was good about it.


I agree with Bryn's film picks, although I eventually figured out a little bit of Mulholland drive... a little bit. Films that have also confused me are Eraserhead, and 2 extremely violent Japanese films: Izo and Ichi the Killer.



Comment by Lilla

January 25th 2008 00:54


Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Tracy,

No there is the funny thing... I do like the Bourne Franchise very much, and I love Julia Styles... but, I haven't seen the new one beucase someone said it had reverted to the java-juiced jerky-cam filmography that relly gives me a headache... but I will hire it soon.

Hope Fergus is all settled back in after your trip.

Lilla ..

Comment by Mal

January 25th 2008 02:50


Mal
Mary Poppins did my head in. What's with that bag?

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 05:43


Movies and Life
Hello Raven

I don’t know what to say, how can I compare films with those real experiences you’ve had...

I like that idea of putting yourself into the writers’ role and seeing where they might be going. I’ll be thinking about that, thanks.

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 05:58


Movies and Life

Hello Danceswithwords

I completely agree that films that bamboozle just for the sake of it are annoying. It seems like a liberty to take the audience on a journey without a definitive conclusion. That’s how I felt with Magnolia, that was a painful experience. But yes, what a great idea to make it a genre of its own (as long as it meets that criteria, of course). I think if I was in charge of choosing films for the category, the list would be quite big.

I feel as though I need to see 2001 - A Space Odyssey again. It was a million years ago that I saw it and it’s not fresh enough in my mind.

And I know what you mean about cinema blabbermouths..they should be evicted...

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 06:03


Movies and Life
Hi Bryn

Ah yes, David Lynch films. I don’t feel so alone in my confusion with his films, I know I have company. I haven’t seen Inland Empire yet, sounds like I’ll need a particularly alert mind and maybe an interpreter.

Yes, Mulholland Drive, that was a perplexing journey. One that I loved.

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 06:20


Movies and Life
Hi AE

I like your honesty, welcome to confusion club!

I also only deciphered a slither of Mulholland Drive, but I was pleased with that. I haven’t seen Eraserhead (shame on me) and I haven’t heard of the Japanese ones you mentioned. I might trot off and look them up.

Thanks for popping in!

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 06:26


Movies and Life
Hi Lilla

I thought you would like the Bourne films, I think I’ve only seen the first one and I quite liked that one. At least if you get the last one on DVD you would be able to fast-forward if the shaky-camera style gives you a headache. I’ve heard it’s very good.

Thanks for asking about Fergs, he's all settled now and pesky as ever!

Thanks for popping in back,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 25th 2008 06:27


Movies and Life
Hi Norm

And what about her brolly? Freaky stuff...

Comment by JohnDoe

January 25th 2008 12:01


Film & TV on DVD
Hi Tracy,

I understood these films but only once seen in there entirety and then reflected upon...sometimes for weeks.

I think Darren Aronofsky's Pi and Shaun Caruthers Primer would be up there.

David Cronenberg's Naked Lunch was vexing until pondered.

Like Bryn David Lynch has his moments too.



Comment by Mrs M

January 25th 2008 13:21


Mum's Word
Hi Tracy,

The Matrix definitely. I didn't go back for the others.

The Number 23

Eyes Wide Shut - why did that movie go from a man dealing with his wife saying she'd have an affair with sailor boy to becoming a murder mystery.

A Clockwork Orange - oh my goodness, I could not wait for that movie to end.

Mr M votes for Premonition with Sandra Bullock and french film Hunting and Gathering.

Love & stuff
Mrs M

Comment by James Rickard

January 25th 2008 14:22


unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
After reading these comments I don't feel so bad about having to watch MATRIX a few times to get it. I'll go along with LORD OF THE RINGS but I read the book first and did pretty well but, I feel sorry for those who didn't red the book first!

I hate the idea of being spoon fed information but sometimes a director's great vision is lost on the cutting room floor and that's why we're discussing it now. It's sort of like you watch an "almost" great flick and at the end you say, "What?" and you have to see it again to figure things out. Then, after you understand it, you like the movie. It's almost a fine line directors and editors have to tread not to telegraph things but not make them too vague.

BUT, then you get a movie like SIXTH SENSE with so many clues in it. And that movie blows this theory out of the water! *L*

Comment by Damo

January 25th 2008 22:04


For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
Give the Trail of Billy Jack a look if you want to know how hippies are trying to save us from the Man.

He killed 4 people in the first film but is out of prison in 4 years. The hippies think it was a terrible injustice.
The hippies don't do drugs unless it is part of an Indian tribal ritual. Then it is hoochy town.
The national guard is owned by the Man who hates you guessed it the Hippies at Freedom School.
Billy Jack love peace until he takes off his boot and kicks some white middle American butt.
He gets killed but gets better.
He meet Christ but discovers that being a stoned on Hooch makes you superior in a spiritual sense.
The injustice of the Man is terrible but Freedom School will live on.
No wonder people hate hippies.

Comment by Miswanderlust

January 26th 2008 04:48


Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Tracy
Great post! Wonderful comments!
Mis

Comment by Tracy

January 26th 2008 06:41


Movies and Life
Hi John

I just remembered that I saw Pi on the same night as Magnolia. I was so exhausted by trying to plough through Magnolia that I couldn’t absorb much of Pi even though I was interested.

Yes, Naked Lunch perplexing, as was the book at times.

Thanks for popping in.



Comment by Tracy

January 26th 2008 06:44


Movies and Life

Hi Mrs M

Nice to see you, thanks for popping in.
I’m definitely not alone with my Matrix experience and thoughts.

I actually liked Eyes Wide Shut even though many people did not think much of its premise.

I remember you mentioning in another post that you were vexed by A Clockwork Orange. I’ve seen it a few times and it remains intriguing to me.

I haven’t seen Mr M’s nomination, Premonition, I’m not a Sandra Bollocks fan, but I did enjoy Hunting and Gathering.

Byee

Hello Mis

Thanks for visiting, good to see you,

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 26th 2008 06:54


Movies and Life
Hi James

Thanks for your commiserations with LOTR, I was definitely lost!

I also don’t like directors giving too much information to viewers, it makes it too easy and simple (rather like a lot of Hollywood films). I loved the challenge of Sixth Sense, that film did it so well.

Thanks for your comments,

Tracy

Comment by Darth Spoon

January 27th 2008 13:24
Yeah, I totally didn't get the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy, but actually dug King Kong. weird? I think with LOTR, I found myself not really caring about the movies; and, of course, as a youngster, I never got into the books. Now, the Matrix? I liked the 1st one and thought they should have stopped there. The other two sucked on so many levels, I wouldn't know where to begin.

A movie I personally didn't get was "300". Was it just me or was the acting terribly crappy? And those special effects I was supposed to be WOWed by? Yeah, not so much. I lost interest about halfway through and stopped watching it; luckily, I rented it and didn't have to fork over cinema coin.

Comment by Nathan P. Mahney

January 28th 2008 12:41


NerdBlog
The Comic Nerd
Just one springs to mind, and anyone else who has seen it will know exactly what I'm talking about:

ERASERHEAD

Comment by Miss Nomer

January 28th 2008 12:49
Hi Tracy,

Boy.. you got me in one fell swoop...I work in film and my ex partner worked on all the Matrix as well as Lord of the Rings...
I went to the world premiere of the last Matrix having not seen any of the others, so I had absolutely no idea what was going on and annoyed the Gaffer sitting to my left with endless questions, finally got bored and walked out into the after party about an hour before the movie ended...Similar with LOR...I went to the premiere of the final one and not only couldnt follow the story at all, but the overbearing sensasound and overall darkness and length of movie were all too much...back to the foyer and the bar for me....
King Kong, at least I had seen the original...so that didnt confuse me...

However, I digress, the totally most confusing film I have ever seen is Vanilla Sky.....

Comment by Tracy

January 29th 2008 03:29


Movies and Life
Hello Darth

I heard that 300 wasn’t much chop, so I think you’ll have some company with your thoughts about it. That’s good you didn’t pay the cinema price for the jaunt. I haven't seen it, it doesn't appeal at all.

Maybe that was the key to the Matrix, for the producers to stop after the first one...but I think that applies to many sequels...

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 29th 2008 03:34


Movies and Life
Hi Nathan

I'm ashamed to admit I haven't seen Eraserhead...yet
..but don't tell anyone.

Tracy

Comment by Tracy

January 29th 2008 06:27


Movies and Life
Hi Miss

It’s strange that you mention Vanilla Sky as it was on telly this afternoon. I agree, what a ridiculously confusing film it is. Not worth the time of watching it at all.

Our LOTR and Matrix opinions are similar, except you left and I stayed! I also find the sensory effects a bit much.

Thanks for popping in,

Tracy

Comment by JohnDoe

January 29th 2008 06:45


Film & TV on DVD
Hi Tracy,

Check out the Spanish original of "Vanilla Sky" titled "Open Your Eyes" far more engrossing. Admittedly more intellectually challenging too.

Comment by Tracy

January 29th 2008 07:03


Movies and Life
Hi John

Ah yes, I remember that one. I think you recommended it to me and I saw it last year. It is definitely much better than Vanilla Sky as you said. Thanks for the reminder.

Tracy

Comment by Lilla

February 3rd 2008 02:13


Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Tracy,

Just reading through the interesting comments section, I didn;t have a trouble with the Matrix and am so surprised so many did?

Nyehoo, I thought of another vexing film that I had to watch twice to get (perhaps I was tired), which was Oceans 12.

Lilla ...

Comment by Tracy

February 3rd 2008 03:01


Movies and Life
Hi Lilla

Yes, there are quite a few of us that had difficulty with The Matrix. Mind you I must say that I really wasn't that interested in it so I probably wasn't concentrating... ah well.

I haven't seen any of the Ocean films. I was interested but never got around to it. I'm thinking twice now!!

Good to see you,

Tracy

Comment by virtual

March 12th 2008 11:37
Come on, what exactly was so confusing about Matrix? The first part was the best of the trilogy I agree but overall I can't see what you would find confusing, it's one of those films that tell us that we will finally go to far with developing robots and machines and that they finally raised up against us and enslaved human kind using them for batteries, "the matrix" beeing a virtual reality program to keep the human in line. It practically gives you all you need to know at the begining.
For me the true confusing movies are the psychological ones like The Butterfly Effect which keeps you in the dark until the end of the movie when it unlocks all your questions.

Virtual

Comment by Tracy

March 12th 2008 21:04


Movies and Life
Hi Virtual

I just found the whole Matrix experience confusing and somewhat dull. I know a lot of people loved it and that's great but it didn't work for me.

Tracy

Comment by RJ

March 28th 2008 20:48
I made a post on this subject just today actually on my blog!

But anyway if I had to choose 3 I'd say Memento, Donnie Darko and Lost Highway (Or any Lynch film)

Comment by Tracy

March 28th 2008 20:53


Movies and Life
Hi RJ

I agree, they are great films but definitely mind-boggling.

I'll hop over and look at yours now,

Tracy

Comment by Aldoth

July 1st 2008 11:41


It's All Geek To Me
Ok Lord of the Rings - No problem, Matrix 1 no problem. Matrix 2 more of an issue. Hard to chew on a climax that is exposition.

What I have a HARD time understanding and will continue to have a HARD time understanding is PRIMER.

Check IMDB. It is a low budget film that is really good but I have no idea what eventually happened in that movie.

Im just going to shake my head.

Comment by Tracy

July 1st 2008 22:07


Movies and Life
Hi Aldoth

Nice to meet you.

This is a good description:

Matrix 2 more of an issue. Hard to chew on a climax that is exposition

I agree.

I just looked up Primer as I've never seen it. The synopsis sounds interesting, but I can see why you were perplexed. I have felt that way with many films (hence this post).

Bye and thanks for your commnets,

Tracy

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