Francis Ford Whaaaat?
Okay, this is one great idea I wish we would see more often. Three of the greatest New York related directors and their short stories.
The first one is directed by the magnificent Scorsese. Although many seem to dislike this story for being of a too slow pace and pointless. I think au contraire! First off the actors; Nick Nolte gives one powerful performance and takes his character to a level only few actors can master. Truly of world class - Oscar worthy (I need a stronger word for "worthy"). In fact, all the actors in this story perform to perfection. Thus combined with a sublime direction and visual storytelling makes it IMO the best Martin Scorsese have ever made. His finest piece. True, the story is not as captivating or as entertaining as many of his other, but its story telling and its direction is mesmerizing. A pearl. Sometimes I question his reputation amongst the greats, but this piece silences any doubt.
The last of the three is by the always unique and in a way typical Woody Allen. A story easily relatable and ever surrealistic: An impossible balance which Woody is the only Director who can navigate through and come out on top. The third short story is by far the most entertaining amongst the three and delivers exactly as can be expected. I salute this man for his genius and his ability to tell stories.
I saved the second one for last, as this one is the reason for my headline/subject. Now, I think Francis Ford Coppola is to be considered amongst the best. Not the top where the likes of John Ford, and Kubrick rests, but up there. So, seeing this mishmash of a fairy tale story and indifferent characters executed unbelievably, impossible to relate to and all through unlikeable, made me feel like being in limbo. And it seemed to try hard to be exactly likebabel and relatable etc. It was a poor story, a poor direction. Perhaps it really is the biggest art piece of the three as it brings me the biggest mystery and the biggest jaw drop: Who directed this piece? And why does he have the same name as the famous and talented director we otherwise know.... or think we know? It is entitled "Life without Zoe" and "Zoe" is Greek for life (as the piece kindly tells us)... in other words, I agree it was like seeing life without life. Empty and pointless, like limbo.
The three gives us a combination of a light comedy, deep personal story and an afternoon tiny toon high school production. An odd collection, and therefore interesting.
In order to enjoy gold you have to also appreciate dirt.
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• I'm normally not a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me Superman •