Tarnation

[NoJo]

I'm in two minds about seeing the movie Tarnation (http://www.i-saw-tarnation.com/). I like the idea of making a serious full-length movie for only $200, using cheap equipment and iMovies. But why does those kind of things always have to be playing-to-camera docs about "my dysfucntional family?"

Any see it? What did you think of it?

 

[OhMissScarlett]

I'm in two minds about seeing the movie Tarnation (http://www.i-saw-tarnation.com/). I like the idea of making a serious full-length movie for only $200, using cheap equipment and iMovies. But why does those kind of things always have to be playing-to-camera docs about "my dysfucntional family?"

Any see it? What did you think of it?

I haven't seen it yet, but I tend to avoid anything involving a person and their dysfunctional fam. If I want to see that, I don't have to look very far. This is likely why $200 films tend to go that route, abundant subject matter.

God, I can't hear the word "tarnation" without thinking of Yosamite Sam.
"What in tarnation did ya do that fer?"

 

[LadyJeanne]

I haven't seen it yet, but I tend to avoid anything involving a person and their dysfunctional fam. If I want to see that, I don't have to look very far. This is likely why $200 films tend to go that route, abundant subject matter.

God, I can't hear the word "tarnation" without thinking of Yosamite Sam.
"What in tarnation did ya do that fer?"

I resisted seeing 'Big Fat Greek Wedding' for the longest time, even when it was the movie of the week on all my flights, because I knew it would hit too close to home. So did my sister.

One of our cousins, however, bought the movie and played it for the family one night and grew more and more agitated as everyone in the room just laughed and laughed, and finally screamed: Don't you people get it? You shouldn't be laughing! This movie is about you! You! You are just like that!

They just kept laughing.

No, I haven't seen 'Tarnation'.

 

[BlackShanglan]

I love the word "tarnation." Especially in a British accent. Reminds me of my English SO using the word "goober." It's guaranteed to make me laugh through the worst mood possible.

 

[NoJo]

Well, I've just decided: I'm going to see it in an hours' time.

 

[Op_Cit]

They just kept laughing...

This is what makes me wince at dilbert, simpsons, etc.: They're incredibly funny, but most of the fans are blind to the fact that they themselves are included in half of the jokes. And I have experienced things in business that are so ridiculous that Scott Adams wouldn't even put it in a dilbert cartoon.

And dangit, I was hoping this thread would actually be about Yosemite Sam...

 

[Quiet_Cool]

I'm in two minds about seeing the movie Tarnation (http://www.i-saw-tarnation.com/). I like the idea of making a serious full-length movie for only $200, using cheap equipment and iMovies. But why does those kind of things always have to be playing-to-camera docs about "my dysfucntional family?"

Any see it? What did you think of it?

Never heard of it. And it sounds like a bad viewing experience waiting to happen (speaking of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding"...)

Hope you enjoy, anyway.

Q_C

 

[OhMissScarlett]

Don't you people get it? You shouldn't be laughing! This movie is about you! You! You are just like that!

I feel exactly the same way about those Blue Collar comedy things. My family loves the redneck jokes, just can't get enough of them. I mean, hello, there's no question they might be rednecks. THEY ARE!

 

[carsonshepherd]

I feel exactly the same way about those Blue Collar comedy things. My family loves the redneck jokes, just can't get enough of them. I mean, hello, there's no question they might be rednecks. THEY ARE!

PMSL. (I know Scarlett's family...)

What gets me, people who laugh WITH Archie Bunker and not AT him....

 

[OhMissScarlett]

PMSL. (I know Scarlett's family...)

What gets me, people who laugh WITH Archie Bunker and not AT him....

scary
yes, Walker Texas Ranger is not a reality show, btw.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

scary
yes, Walker Texas Ranger is not a reality show, btw.

Are you sure?

Damn! Chuck Norris is so convincing...

Q_C

 

[OhMissScarlett]

Are you sure?

Damn! Chuck Norris is so convincing...

Q_C

maybe he really can beat up twelve guys with a canoe paddle, who can say for sure?

 

[carsonshepherd]

maybe he really can beat up twelve guys with a canoe paddle, who can say for sure?

in a totally native American-mystic sorta way.

 

[OhMissScarlett]

in a totally native American-mystic sorta way.

surprisingly, no one ever seems to get killed.

 

[carsonshepherd]

surprisingly, no one ever seems to get killed.

no, but one punch or side-kick will render them completely unconscious for the rest of the show. It's like a cartoon, but for adults.

 

[LadyJeanne]

no, but one punch or side-kick will render them completely unconscious for the rest of the show. It's like a cartoon, but for adults.

OMG, they didn't kill Kenny!

 

[yui]

Well, I've just decided: I'm going to see it in an hours' time.

How was the movie, Joe?

They would only have to sell twenty tickets to pay for the thing.

 

[NoJo]

I thought it was pretty amazing. It was a disturbing documentary by a young man about his close relationship with his mother, who was a tragic victim of psychiatric treatment.

The film was visually fragmented and nightmarish, but I definitely felt that the style was appropriate for the subject matter. Unlike a lot of films I've seen like this, I felt that the disorientating visuals worked; they increased the sense of desparate love he felt towards his mother, from his nightmarish childhood through to the present times, where he looks after her.

 

[bloodsimple]

Sub Joe,

I saw it last year in Toronto.

I liked it, though it's a little over-long and becomes somewhat self-indulgent before the end. I also thought he needed to probe the (I thought) malevolent role of some of the people in his life.

However, it is a terribly sad tale and interestingly told. I agree that the style he used suited the anarchic mood of his life and often added to the power of telling it.

For all its flaws, it's a good reminder to directors who think they need to spend $70m to produce something people will pay to watch.