Lars von Trier has spent his career striving to be unconventional, and to push limits. Lately this has made him probably the most controversial director in the world. His recent film Antichrist, an exercise of grotesque masochism, divided audiences and offended many with its graphic scenes of genital mutilation. This year during a Cannes press conference, von Trier came off as somewhat of a Nazi sympathizer (he later apologized and said he would no longer talk to the press).

What can easily become buried in all of this madness is the fact the Dane is an extremely talented filmmaker. With Melancholia, this talent shines through. Here, von Trier is not trying to offend anyone, stir up controversy, or send viewers into a deep depression. Here he is executing his vision beautifully. Read more…

By Tim Morrison and Kevin Wetmore

Biggest Movie Theater Scam: Imax

The newest excuse big theater chains have found to jack up ticket prices is by showing new blockbuster films on an ‘Imax’ Screen. However a large portion of such theaters actually do not possess an Imax screen. A true Imax theater projects the best film format out there onto a 76 foot tall screen. Now many multiplexes are advertising a 28 foot screen as Imax. For this they charge five extra bucks. Over-charging for popcorn was one thing, I just don’t buy popcorn anymore. When movie tickets surpassed $10 I was angry but I can deal with it if that’s what it will take keep to the movie theater business going in this day and age. Now multiplexes have resorted to damaging the actual viewing experience in order to make a few extra dollars. First many started dimming the projection, a heinous act. False-advertising of an Imax experience shows that they will allow their greed to continually damage the theater going experience deep into the 21st century. -KW

Courtesy of rogerebert.com

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