Watching Die Nacht der lebenden Loser (2005-06-03)

Like UK's Shaun of the Dead but less serious, or USA's American Pie with more zombies, Die Nacht der lebenden Loser was great horror-comedy, precisely the kind of movie I expect for Midnight Adrenaline.

The Night of the Living Dorks was one of a half-dozen or more screenings I see with my friend Teague. Those who like black comedy, cult, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and thrillers might be interested in his entire schedule:

• --05-21 21:30 Layer Cake
• --05-22 21:00 Marebito
• --05-24 19:15 Absolut
• --05-25 16:45 Summer Storm
• --05-25 21:30 Ronda Nocturna
• --05-26 16:15 Three...Extremes
• --05-26 19:00 Adam & Steve
• --05-27 23:55 Godzilla: Final War
• --05-30 21:15 Geek Love
• --05-31 18:45 Inlaws & Outlaws
• --06-01 19:15 Nightmare
• --06-02 21:30 Strings
• --06-03 16:45 Rice Rhapsody
• --06-03 23:55 The Night of the Living Dorks
• --06-09 14:00 El Crimen Perfecto
• --06-09 16:30 Seriously Gay
• --06-09 19:00 Heights
• --06-10 16:45 Banlieue 13
• --06-10 19:00 Howl's Moving Castle
• --06-11 21:30 Dreamship Surprise - Period 1
• --06-12 14:00 Lonesome Jim

Watching Rice Rhapsody (2005-06-03)

While the ambiguity of the sexuality of the youngest of three sons is decently done, Hainan ji fan/Rice Rhapsody was ultimately too contrived for me to like much. Sabine's transition from self-assertive student to source of family wisdom was not plausible. As the three imaginary girls site notes, however, the boys were nice to watch.

Watching Mysterious Skin (2005-06-02)

Not watching television--or even having one in the house for many years--means I missed "3rd Rock from the Sun" and wasn't familiar with Joseph Gordon-Levitt. His portrayal of Neil in Mysterious Skin is amazing. He fills the role with talent and energy. Gregg Araki tastefully directs a film with uncomfortable scenes and disturbing subjects without giving simple resolution. The film is a dream/nightmare in a Kansas town that is rewarding viewing for those that can tolerate the disturbing scenes.

(Minor spoilersfollow.) The male characters carry the complexity of sexual development. Neil identified his preference for men prior to his illegal experiences with his coach, and recalls the events as a love affair--not connecting it with his current self-destructive lifestyle. Brian appears asexual, for reasons he can't remember and the audience guesses. The coach disappears mysteriously after his crime. The female characters are less clear and sometimes caricatures.