The recent Tarantino flick Kill Bill, Vol.1 is contemptible and negative ... yes, I made the mistake of hoping that there might be something to it, instead I was assaulted by a non-stop series of images of extreme violence and rape--set to comic book format with no thought or reflection. Even worse were the twisted attempts at humor (particular disturbing was the intended comedy of dry humping a comatose woman?) ... while some listening/watching males in the audience laughed at the most disgusting or graphically violent images... the solo male viewer next to me twitched and giggled throughout the movie, his leg jerking as heads flew and blood spurted. Melissa afterwards said that my face during the movie reflected my distaste and disgust, it was more my reaction towards the viewer's laughter than the movie.
On the other hand, although flawed in other ways, Clint Eastwood's newest movie Mystic River approaches how what we repress or ignore can erupt in traumatic/tragic ways. I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't seen it yet, but it does deal with some masculine fears in an understated and powerful manner and the violence is real and painful (not comedic and comic book). I had some problems with its conclusions, but I connected with the story and action in a way that made me think about the repercussions of repression, violence and vengence... whereas Kill Bill just comes off as a bloody porno set for laughs and pop! (remember the wrestlers in Merchants of Cool)
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