Pending Jared's Review: The Third Man (1949)

Wednesday, September 27, 8:30 p.m.

Tuck Everlasting (2002) - Jared's Take

4 out of 5 Stars

I started this film with mixed expectations. I had heard that it was weird and amazing, both from credible sources. My ultimate opinion is that it was a great film. It isn’t the most original story, as immortality is a subject that graces many films. It was also somewhat commonplace in how it deals with death and the importance of living your life rather than letting it fly right on by. But I have found that I actually really like these kind of films. A similar one that comes to mind is Meet Joe Black. I love those movies that spark that desire to start making even more out of your life before the credits finish rolling.

I paid special attention to the use of color in the film, and how vibrant it was. I kept remarking to myself how beautiful the cinematography and colors were. A motif I picked up very early on was the use of color with the Tuck family. They lived in this vibrant world, full of life, and yet they were dressed in slightly desaturated and cooler colors. What stood out the most to me was the mother who wore a darker green. Thematically, I’m concluding that while they had immortal life (green often represents life and growth), it was subdued in its intensity because they did not have the fullness and vibrancy of life experienced by the rest of the world.

One of the best lines in the film was when Tuck said something about not fearing death, but a life not lived. I probably really butchered that, but there’s a good message there. Especially when you learn for yourself that death isn’t the end, just another path we all must take.

Cinematicisms?

Welcome to my new blog, Cinematicisms. You may be wondering what that word means. Well, that makes two of us. It just sounds cool and I figured that was enough. My purpose in starting this blog is to begin posting regular critiques, interpretations, and experiences in watching movies. As a student of film, I am highly deficient in my knowledge of films current and past, and decided that the best way to fix that is by hopping on Netflix and making it a regular practice to watch movies. But beyond watching them for enjoyment, I am making an effort to analyze and discuss them.

And so I invite you to make comments on the films being discussed, be it as simple as if you liked it or not, or as complex as why they used a given film stock or director. I am using this as a gateway of expressing observations, but would love it if it became a place of discussion. Remember that films are much like other texts, such as novels, plays, and short stories. So they carry just as much meaning as other artistic and literary works. If you didn't realize that before, well, now's a good time to start paying a little more attention to content rather than waiting for the next explosion. :)

Also, I am making these film viewings a routine event, and invite any and all who are interested in participating. They will be held every Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. at my place. Let me know if you are interested in attending.

That said, let's hit the lights and get started.