Death And The Compass
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Movie Reviews of Death And The Compass
Movie Review: Skip the Feature, Watch the Short (which is NOT by Alex Cox)
Summary: 5 Stars
For any aficionado of Jorge Luis Borges' writing, "Death and the Compass" by Alex Cox is a must skip. Any trace of Borges' subtle fantasy and intricate intelligence is lost in the glut of this unsuccessful Terry Gilliam-wannabe. Its post-apocalyptic setting, flashy colors and characters, warped camera angles and close-ups may all stylistically remind viewers of Terry Gilliam films such as "Brazil". Except unlike a Terry Gilliam film, I can't seem to find a point to this movie. There's a complete lack of intelligent dialogue, even the actors appeared stumped by the lack of interesting or realistic lines. All of its flashy techniques and synthesizer sounds give the impression that Cox aimed too hard to make this film an instant "cult" classic. Along the way, the original short story is lost all together. The sole redeeming point of the movie comes at the finale, where an impressive vision of the labyrinthine Triste LeRoy is recreated. I really liked two of Alex Cox' other movies, "Repo Man" - which is about the supernatural adventures of a newcomer in the car repossession business, and "Sid and Nancy". I think both movies have incredible merit, but "Death and the Compass" is a miss.So why am I giving this DVD five stars? Well, the previous reviewer was correct in that this DVD contains a "lost gem". It's just that this "gem" is not the feature film most would suspect; it is instead the "bonus" short film by Paul Miller called "Spiderweb", also based on Borges' story "Death and the Compass". Though according to the audio commentary by Alex Cox, this 20-minute short film was made in the seventies, it is shot in clear black and white, reminiscent of a 1930s' film. It's steeped in visual symbolism that interpret literary expressions. The entire film is thoughtfully shot and carefully edited. Unlike often-seen student shorts, it feels more like a mini feature film. Like a Borges story, it is short and sweet. And similarly, I will keep my review of it short. For any Borges aficionado, "Spiderweb" is a rewarding treasure find. For any movie aficionado, it is an intelligent adaptation of a Borges story that the author himself would have approved of.
Movie Review: The first time five stars ever went to a DVD extra
Summary: 5 Stars
The 5 stars is for the DVD extra, Spiderweb, a short film made by Paul Miller (not Alex Cox) in 1975. I am a great admirer of Jorge Luis Borges and have read most if not all of his short stories, lectures, and poetry.
I was shocked by Alex Cox's interpretation when I saw it. It seemed everything opposite to what Borges was. It was loud, bombastic, short on attention, overly colorful, brash, and totally in-your-face. It would be equivalent to GG Allin doing J.S. Bach's Goldberg Aria. It may be a good film, but clearly, Cox's personality dominated (and suffocated) a Borgesian story.
Paul Miller's version, on the other hand, is much closer to what I personally feel are qualities associated with a Jorge Luis Borges work: Quiet, introspective, intellectual, multi-dimensional, multi-cultural, non-linear, with a strong, grainy, element of a nightmare.
I can't count how many times I have come across reviews of this DVD where people go on and on about Spiderweb as if it were the main movie. If you can put aside your prejudices against film length and black-and-white cinematography, then for all intents and purposes, Spiderweb IS the main movie you would purchase this dvd for.
Movie Review: One of the greatest independent films ever
Summary: 5 Stars
There are no words for how great this movie is. I've read Borges's short story, and this conforms well to its sense of doom and the eternal nature of violence. You cannot go wrong with this one, and the score by Pray for Rain ranks way up there with the best of Morricone for emotional punch.
Peter Boyles stars, but Christopher Eccelston steals the show here with his stunning performance of the Red Scharlach, the real protagonist of the story. This might be the best film Alex Cox will ever direct, it's that good, and boasts a visual style unlike any other. You're going to find yourself excited over the possibilities of cinema after watching this great fusion of Borges and Cox!
Movie Review: Prepare to have your mind bent!
Summary: 5 Stars
This short thriller will have you guessing what is going on until the very end. It is shot in a rather unique style, and told by one of the characters in a sequence of flashbacks. Also incuded, in the special features, is the original short story "The Web," which inspried this film. The acting is wonderful and the costumes quite interesting. (and if you're a fan of Christopher Eccleston, this is another must have)Movie Review: Borges
Summary: 5 Stars
I will give this 5 stars based solely on the short film included in the DVD. I also have to ask, does anybody know where I can get more short films based on work by Jorge Luis Borges? Any help is appreciated.