5 years in the making, 5 years of hype and anticipation...2046 is spoiled by one person.
(It's a she...)
Over-acting a slutty character
Too much unrealistic passionate over-the-top sex
Too "in your face" coquettish
Too much valuable screen time wasted on her
Uninteresting character compared to most of WKW's creations
Too much of her trademark trembling lip, sullen tears and rebelliousness
Thanks a lot, Zhang Ziyi!
For those of us who fell in love with "In the Mood for Love" (花样年华), we know that it is the superior acting of Maggie Cheung that made the magnificent movie what it was - she literally carried the film on her slim cheongsam-clad shoulders. The above-mentioned ZZY was, too, clad in a cheongsam but somehow, she lacks the elegance and poise to pull it off (although in her raunchy sex with Tony, her cheongsam did get pulled off a few times - literally). About 80% of the film was on ZZY's slutty character, cutting down the time for other more superior characters and actresses like Gong Li and Faye Wong! Sacrilege! Did ZZY do some favours for WKW or what!?
Although most of the film sucked, spoiled by the bad pacing and the ZZY, the "futuristic" segments (2047) with Faye, Takuya and Carina are the most imaginative and evocative...in fact, I think they should be made into a film by itself. Faye expanded her acting skills with her emotions, tears and stunning chemistry with Takuya.
Gong Li as the mysterious Black Spider (hmm I think WKW mentioned he was a fan of Manuel Puig? Kiss of the Spiderwoman, anyone?) was a pleasure to watch, her timel ess elegance and emotionally-drenched expression gives the celluloid she graces a touch of class (writer's note: argh too much like a watch advertisement copy!)
I have seen most of WKW's films, have rewatched Happy Together (春光诈泄) recently, loved Chungking Express (重庆森林) and In the Mood for Love to death, and I think it's fair to say 2046 is not up to par to his best films. A disappointment, and great acting from the mostly strong caste was unfortunately misplaced and under-emphasised. I would consider buying the DVD if the ZZY segment is reduced.
(It's a she...)
Over-acting a slutty character
Too much unrealistic passionate over-the-top sex
Too "in your face" coquettish
Too much valuable screen time wasted on her
Uninteresting character compared to most of WKW's creations
Too much of her trademark trembling lip, sullen tears and rebelliousness
Thanks a lot, Zhang Ziyi!
For those of us who fell in love with "In the Mood for Love" (花样年华), we know that it is the superior acting of Maggie Cheung that made the magnificent movie what it was - she literally carried the film on her slim cheongsam-clad shoulders. The above-mentioned ZZY was, too, clad in a cheongsam but somehow, she lacks the elegance and poise to pull it off (although in her raunchy sex with Tony, her cheongsam did get pulled off a few times - literally). About 80% of the film was on ZZY's slutty character, cutting down the time for other more superior characters and actresses like Gong Li and Faye Wong! Sacrilege! Did ZZY do some favours for WKW or what!?
Although most of the film sucked, spoiled by the bad pacing and the ZZY, the "futuristic" segments (2047) with Faye, Takuya and Carina are the most imaginative and evocative...in fact, I think they should be made into a film by itself. Faye expanded her acting skills with her emotions, tears and stunning chemistry with Takuya.
Gong Li as the mysterious Black Spider (hmm I think WKW mentioned he was a fan of Manuel Puig? Kiss of the Spiderwoman, anyone?) was a pleasure to watch, her timel ess elegance and emotionally-drenched expression gives the celluloid she graces a touch of class (writer's note: argh too much like a watch advertisement copy!)
I have seen most of WKW's films, have rewatched Happy Together (春光诈泄) recently, loved Chungking Express (重庆森林) and In the Mood for Love to death, and I think it's fair to say 2046 is not up to par to his best films. A disappointment, and great acting from the mostly strong caste was unfortunately misplaced and under-emphasised. I would consider buying the DVD if the ZZY segment is reduced.
Gosh, I totally agree on the ZZY part. It reminds me of how they just SIMPLY had to similarly give so much airtime to her in Hero as well. :( Furthermore both roles are not unlike each other! Is it SO important to gratify the whims of audiences by giving them what they want, i.e. the 'young spicy flavour of the month'?
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, October 18, 2004 5:34:00 PM
forgot to sign off previous comment..
-scenic
Posted by
Anonymous |
Monday, October 18, 2004 5:37:00 PM