I thought I would kick this list off with the most recent work of one of my all-time favorite directors, Paul Verhoeven. It wouldn't be a good list unless I started out with a bang, right?
Anyhow, in 2007, I was able to see both Ang Lee's Lust Caution and Verhoeven's Black Book during the same week. I was surprised at how close the premises of both films mirrored each other. Both spy thrillers tell the story of of a woman in World War Two who infiltrate Axis enemies in order to, not only help the Allies, but also to protect themselves. Their lives take dangerous turns and both women find themselves emotionally deep, sometimes not knowing which way is up.
Yet, in my opinion, this is where the similarities end. Lee's film was lauded as a delicate character study (and maybe it is, I just found it boring) while Verhoeven's picture was described as over-the-top and in-your-face blatant. And that's just the way I like it. Verhoeven's direction is colorful and bold. The brutal story takes audacious twists and turns that are sometimes disgusting and hard to watch. The action is ferocious.
And let me not forget to mention the lead, Carice van Houten. She owns this movie. Not only is she painfully beautiful, but she is willing to go places a lesser actress would decline. Yes, there is the nudity (which I admit is awesome) but there is also allowing herself to be humiliated and objectified.
So please, check out Black Book. There is honestly something for everyone. Action, drama, romance, intrigue, music... you name it. And best of all, it has the over-the-top stamp that makes Paul Verhoeven movies great.
No comments:
Post a Comment