Sunday, February 15, 2009

The Last House On The Left Trailer Is Better Than the Film



I really, really, really hate when a trailer shows you an entire movie (this is your spoiler warning not to watch the above trailer if you wanted to see this movie). Since I already knew how The Last House On The Left turns out (it's a remake) it didn't bother me as much, but it completely ruins the film for anyone who doesn't. However stupid the people who made this trailer may be in terms of giving away plot details, I must admit one thing: they know how to edit. This trailer is phenominal if viewed as a piece of art - the editing is superb, yes, but it is the song selection that puts it over the top. The Guns N' Roses powerballad "Sweet Child O' Mine" that we all grew up with is reinvented by Taken By Trees as a wobbly, atmospheric, piano driven lullaby with female vocals. By recontextualizing the song in conflict with the visuals, the effect is chillingly creepy and desperate. Truly this is marvelously effective. I must have watched it 10 times, and marvel at the movement created. Spectacular.

Making of Control is Riveting

One of my favorite films of the decade was Anton Corbijn's Control. At some point I will, as I promised earlier, create that epic blog post about Factory Records, Tony Wilson, Joy Division, Ian Curtis, Peter Saville, Anton Corbijn, etc. But for now I will just say this: watch these making of videos, and then go watch Control. It is brilliant filmaking, acting, art direction, etc.