Strictly Baz

[yendi]

So, we finally watched Strictly Ballroom last night (taped off of IFC onto Tivo), and it was great. I have no idea how Baz could have two movies that I like so much, and one that I actually rank below the Troma adaptation of the same storyline. If his next film sucks, I'm going to assume that he's subject to the inverse of the Star Trek curse, and that I shouldn't bother with anything but his odd-numbered films.

But damn, when he's good, he's really good. Ballroom dancing ranks very near the bottom of the list of things I could be interested in (especially after suffering through lessons for a couple of years in my misspent youth), and competitive, political ballroom dancing is something I truly thought silly. But I don't think I even blinked for large chunks of screen time. We're so getting this movie on DVD.

Comments

[bheansidhe.livejournal.com]

You should get the Red Curtain Trilogy. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000682UD/qid=1042385405/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-0056386-0160947?v=glance&s=dvd&n=507846)

We'll have to agree to disagree on Romeo + Juliet. But I agree that Tromeo & Juliet was a definite experience and one I highly recommend to non-shockable adults over the age of 21. ;)

[yendi]

Have you seen The Specials? It's written and directed by the same guy who wrote T+J.

[shadesong.livejournal.com]

We already have Moulin Rouge, though....

t

[olliesmama.livejournal.com]

I can see why someone might find ballroom dancing silly...however, I have always dreamed of dancing at my wedding...and Charles has said he'd take lessons with me, just so we could dance! I found THAT even sweeter.

[pharminatrix.livejournal.com]

I liked Strictly Ballroom a lot.

Troma Films is around the corner from my house.

[averyslave.livejournal.com]

'Strictly Ballroom' is AWESOME, I agree. The DVD in the Red Curtain Trilogy pack is a very good setup of it with a Dance reel and commentary.

And, by the way, you don't need to worry about the 'Moulin Rouge' double. In the RCT pack, they give a rebate coupon for people who already own 'Rouge'.

[yendi]

Cool! That's a classy deal for them to offer, but one that makes sense, considering how much "Rouge" widened Baz's popularity.

[morenasangre.livejournal.com]

Yay! I'm so glad you finally watched it! I love this movie, and am so glad you enjoyed it too. I agree, Ballroom and Moulin are his best work; he seems to have a gift with romance paired with artistic expression, be it music or dance. I think he needs that exaggeration in order to tell his story effectively -- the emotions he strives for exceed 'normal' filmmaking, they need that exaggeration. I don't know what I'll think of his next film(s). I love the 'red curtain' world and don't know how well I'll like him leaving it.

Oh, and if you don't want R&J, buy the DVD you got us for Christmas -- it's the same version included in the trilogy box.