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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Teeth



[Update: Interesting discussion of the adverstising for the movie. I did not see the ads until after I saw the movie, e.g. when checking it out at IMDB, but like that recent Sean Penn flick, the ads are pretty misleading. Given the film, they also might be deemed a tad ironic.]

How timely that I received a dentist bill in the mail after watching Teeth, though the movie is um about a different type. A horror movie/satire about "vagina dentata" does not sound like one to take too seriously, but it would be unjust to not fully respect its quality. The four Oscar nominations (including the screenplay by the former stripper/ad copy gal who was on Dave yesterday after a tired looking John Edwards*) Juno received suggests the point. Not that the subject matter of that movie is quite comparable.

Their multi-praise worthy aspects are. Both are in effect satires. Both are well written, acted and directed. Both have great soundtracks (though the music in Teeth is not too striking in some ways, a look at the credits suggests it is well chosen). And, both are very funny, but have a serious inner core behind the stories of their teen protagonists. The skill that went into a movie so few, even compared to likely early assumptions about Juno, will see is pretty amazing. This includes the location shooting, from a home in view of a nuclear power plant to a purity rally to a ob/gyn office.

The movie works on various levels, if anything more successfully given its low budget and ultimate "not to be taken TOO seriously" undertones. It can be seen as a satire on the promotion of purity (a local school board, e.g., censors a picture of a vagina, but not a penis, in a textbook) and the mixed feelings of the teens involved. It also can be seen as a horror movie, one that does not rely on simplistic gore to scare and thrill. And, it can be seen as just a good movie. Oh, and as a pretty fun -- if you go in the right frame of mind -- one at that.

[Update: Also, there is a feminist/good sex friendly angle, since she is only lethal when exploited; the sex is good when she is consenting -- much to her surprise ("I'm shocked you are still alive.") Feministing blog should be pleased.]

A few quick thoughts on the Oscar nominations. Surprised Juno received so many though appreciate its charms -- didn't quite think it was deemed soooo good though (it did often receive three star reviews). Depp was good, sure, but I'm glad Viggo Mortensen was nominated for Eastern Promises. I knew Hoffman would be nominated for something -- he was praised for three films! Other than Juno, did not see any of the films from which actresses were nominated. Too much Enchanted music ... what about Sweeney Todd? And was an animated movie ever given a screenwriting nod? Meanwhile, nice that Lars and the Real Girl got one too ... good flick.

Oh, will the strike be over in time, or will tickets be easier to get? And, why in Conan? Didn't he spend enough time away already?

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* Tiresome being largely ignored and told to quit in a self-fulfilling prophecy by the PTB (including in the blog world).