Posts by hiddenskipper59

Excellent thread. 🙂 This subject has always fascinated me; in fact, I used to actively avoid those hyper-realistic, almost surrealist works, though my tastes have certainly evolved over the years. When considering a standout American production with that specific vibe, > immediately comes to mind. I also recall how much I enjoyed seeing > reimagined through that hazy, American lens.
Is there a deliberate avoidance of this photographic style among European filmmakers, or is this aesthetic strictly a staple of the Hollywood tradition—one that has seemingly never existed within our local cinema?

I don't find this unusual at all. A man works his entire life specifically to provide a better future for his children, so why shouldn't he indulge in something just for himself toward the end—especially when presented with such an extraordinary opportunity? No one should be a slave to their family obligations; rather, one should maintain an independent life and a collection of personal experiences outside of them. In my view, that is precisely what makes us more well-rounded and enriched individuals. Many people become pathologically attached to their families, but to me, that looks less like devotion and more like an escape from living life to the fullest. I suppose I've drifted slightly off topic...😬

Disappointment 😢 I tend to expect more from Jack Nicholson, though I must say Morgan Freeman was absolutely superb; he clearly hasn't lost his touch. The film's message is quite poignant, which arguably salvages the experience, in my opinion.

Of course there is a distinction; it is perfectly obvious.

Hitler acted upon his own ideologies, whereas Bush merely pursues vague, speculative conjectures.😁

David Nelson74 said:But what really matters is whatever has kept them going for forty-five years now. And honestly, what exactly is wrong with his singing? Is that really such a tragedy?

Let’s be realistic: he isn't some technical virtuoso, is he? 😉 Not that I find that to be a flaw. He belongs to that specific class of vocalists who compensate for lack of polish with raw energy and sheer attitude. It's much like how Bob Dylan relies on those gravelly, unconventional vocals, or how Steven Cohen essentially recites his lyrics rather than singing them—yet those very qualities are what make their work superior. How many singers out there possess an incredible vocal range, yet deliver performances that are utterly soul-crushing in their boredom?

Linda Lopez80 said:you've got to be kidding me🙄

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn't it?🙂 😂

Noah Myers67 said:An excellent selection of crooners... quite similar to my own taste 🙏🙏🙏
except, in my estimation, Perry Como and Dean Martin do not qualify as mere crooners.🙂

😘

Indeed, one constantly hears commentary in films regarding unknown being far too sugary and catered toward housewives; perhaps I have simply watched too much television, allowing such tropes to seep into my subconscious.🍿 🤔

And then there is Dean Martin and that distinct Italian-American accent of his.😍

"When tha moon hits your eye lika a big pizza pie, that's amoreey!"🙂

placidbadger43 said:Queen
And yes, things regarding... Depeche Mode Which songs does she sing? Martin Gore I find some of them to be quite saccharine, yet I must admit that certain tracks are absolutely superb.

It is exactly like when Keith Richards grabs the microphone. And frankly, it isn’t even quite like hearing The Nightingale. 😉

Perry Como, Doris Day, Dean Martin, and even the soundtrack from "My Fair Lady" have been on heavy rotation for me lately. 🙈
I suppose I also tend to stumble into the 80s quite often—think Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" or maybe some Taj Mahal...

Wait, did someone mention Fly Robin Fly? If we're going there, I’d certainly add Shirley Bassey's "Shame" and Sylvester's "Do You Wanna Funk" to the list.

There is enough of this music out there to actually become a cause for concern. 🤣