Xixax Film Forum

The Director's Chair => Paul Thomas Anderson => Topic started by: Mellow Fellow on May 14, 2003, 02:19:13 PM

Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Mellow Fellow on May 14, 2003, 02:19:13 PM
many old directors agree, and also virtually every actor, that PTA is the best thing to happen to hollywood since, well, i dunno, but thats not the point. even the wachowski bros hero Neo is really named Thomas Anderson. coincidence? i think not
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: SoNowThen on May 14, 2003, 02:26:11 PM
The only person who can come close to him in terms of younger writer/directors is David Gordon Green. And maybe Wes Anderson. But he's still the best.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 14, 2003, 02:34:13 PM
I dunno if there is just one... that would be maybe not enough, unless he was going to do a film every single year. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the only people whose films I'll see automatically- automatically, even if Adam Sandler's in it!- are:

-Paul Thomas Anderson
-Wes Anderson
-Martin Scorsese
-Alexander Payne
-Todd Haynes
-Lynn Ramsay
-Todd Solondz

...used to include Neil Labute, before Possession and Woody Allen before Jade Scorpion.

... there are probably some others, but they're either dead or I'm drawing a blank right now.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: SoNowThen on May 14, 2003, 02:37:04 PM
You forgot JLG, he's still alive and kicking, and manages to do a movie every now and then.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: AlguienEstolamiPantalones on May 14, 2003, 02:38:22 PM
wes anderson is nothing next to pta

but paul needs to come strong next time, or he is in trouble

let us not forget that most of the good will pta has gotten was from boogie nights, thats the film that will stand the test of time

after that film, hollywood handed over the keys to him

after pdl :: shruggs:: i dunno i still think is his next film is a bomb his career will be in trouble
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 14, 2003, 02:39:41 PM
Quote from: SoNowThenYou forgot JLG, he's still alive and kicking, and manages to do a movie every now and then.

Yeah... and I liked In Praise of Love. I guess his lack of proliferative output and recognition caused me to forget him. I'm sorry, Uncle Jean!
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Ernie on May 14, 2003, 03:14:03 PM
Quote from: SoNowThenThe only person who can come close to him in terms of younger writer/directors is David Gordon Green. And maybe Wes Anderson. But he's still the best.

Couldn't agree more. Right now, they are the only two young guys that really stack up to PTA, who is the best. Don't get me wrong, there are many other AWESOME young filmmakers...but PTA, Wes, and DGG are already gods...they are the ones that could quit now and still be gods forever. Spike Jonze is definitely almost there...David O. Russell is definitely almost there...Alexander Payne could make it soon...Cameron Crowe could make it w/ more Say Anything's and Almost Famous's..Shyamalan showed some really raw fucking talent for the first time with Signs, he might make it if he makes more films like that and less like Sixth Sense and Unbreakable with all the gimmicks and shit... Guy Ritchie may never get back to Snatch's status from what I hear...I don't know if Soderbergh is still considered young...and Tarantino is right up there w/ Spike Jonze and David O. Russell on the close-to-godly-status, Kill Bill could seal it.

Then there is Scorsese, who is at least as good as PTA...at this point probably better actually...but that's only at this point.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: SoNowThen on May 14, 2003, 03:22:31 PM
oops, shit, I forgot Tarantino. Yeah, I'd put him in my top three young heroes, to make it four.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: markums2k on May 14, 2003, 03:34:01 PM
Quote from: Hot Puerto Rican Lovewes anderson is nothing next to pta
after pdl :: shruggs:: i dunno i still think [if] his next film is a bomb his career will be in trouble

In my opinion, Royal Tenenbaums is severely underrated.  It's really wonderful in so many ways.

But I agree with the closing point.  Obviously, when a director goes into a project you or the majority of the audience don't particularly find interesting, it may be the end of a beautiful thing.

Boogie Nights is my favorite movie of all-time, and Punch-Drunk is a close second.  Emotionally and technically, both films hit me in just the most perfect way.  PTA keeps talking about doing a musical, and I just couldn't imagine anything more boring.  With all due respect, I hope he occupies himself with something a little less fruity...

...but then again, I thought the South Park movie was gonna suck and I was pleasantly surprised.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: MrBurgerKing on May 14, 2003, 03:45:11 PM
I think you guys are forgetting to mention Ang Lee and Werner Herzog. Two masters and commanders of the cinema. Unfortunately, it's not cool to put these guys on 'best of' lists. I realize this is a thread devoted to younger talent, but even if it was a thread devoted to older talent, those names would be left off.

I believe Mr. Truffaut himself said that Herzog is a master of cinema. I'd be inclined to agree. I'm also inclined to agree that Wendys chicken nuggets are a slice of heaven, but that's another story.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Gold Trumpet on May 14, 2003, 05:38:52 PM
For me, many of the directors named in being of competition with PTA only seem like they are just good directors. I might be hard to please, but I have yet to be overtly impressed with Wes Anderson who I feel is moving more away from his characters instead for an obcession with cute tricks of style that don't do much on their own. I love David Gordon Green, but I really need to see All The Real Girls before making any judgements. Others can be argued for various reasons. I am perplexed though by people naming Herzog and Godard. Sure, they are making films, but 1.) Herzog's new film was his first in 11 years and seems in no hurry to make a grand come back and 2.) Godard's prime is quietly behind him, and not just behind him, but way back in the 60s. The overwhelming news I heard on Praise of Love was that it was a soul less return to his style of his prime and nothing more. I haven't seen the film so can't specifically speak on it, but as being the one, you should be getting the praise critically to go with the film. There is too much bad mouth on that movie to really think it is putting Godard back on top and heralding him as leading the new generation of filmmakers. Even the people who liked the film say it is a return to his old self, which contradicts the term anyways.

For me, the very most exciting filmmaker with the greatest potential is Fernando Meirelles. What he did with City of God was an amazing feat of filmmaking genius in my mind (more specific thoughts found in city of god thread in NS forum) and even more so when the film had a budget of only 3.3 million but seemed like a major epic. His choice for the film he wants to make next only furthers his adventurousness when he wants to tackle the very large topic of the north/south conflict that is going on in the world of power vs. poverty. The film is said to be set in around 20-some countries and intersecting various stories to explain the whole thing and still, will only cost a mere 24 million. The other director I think also in the top 3 (with fernando and PTA) is Hayao Miyazaki who made his very best film in Spirited Away and one of the best action movies ever in Princess Mononoke. Again, don't see the english dubbed version of Spirited Away, because it only takes away from the magic and wonder of the original. Best film of 2002 imo.

~rougerum
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: MrBurgerKing on May 14, 2003, 05:47:22 PM
Hey The Gold Trumpet, nice analysis on the current state of this post.

Now that I read my last post, I can't understand it in the context of this thread. I was hungry at the time and about to go to Wendys. I will defend Werner Herzog another day, but in the meantime let me say that Terrance Malick has only made three films in 30 years!

Is it fair though to consider _____ the next best thing after one or two movies?

Is it fair to eat a salad when you go to Wendys? Might as well eat ask for a chocolate cake when you go to Pizza hut.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 14, 2003, 09:05:03 PM
MY TOP FIVE BEST WORKING DIRECTORS TODAY

01. Martin Scorsese
02. Paul Thomas Anderson
03. Quentin Tarantino
04. Wes Anderson
05. Darren Aronofsky

All of them are an A+++ in my book. To say that PTA is the "One" is ridiculous, and once again the rabid fandom of Xixax puts me off the guy a little [if only because I myself never want to be heard calling anyone on Earth the "One"].

Quotewes anderson is nothing next to pta
I hate shit like this. He is something. Something very substantial. Scorsese is calling Wes Anderson the next big thing, not Paul Thomas Anderson. Personally, I think the five directors I listed [and Alex Payne who is my number six] are all so very different. They don't need to even be compared in the first place.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: SoNowThen on May 14, 2003, 10:48:55 PM
Quote from: The Gold TrumpetFor me, many of the directors named in being of competition with PTA only seem like they are just good directors. I might be hard to please, but I have yet to be overtly impressed with Wes Anderson who I feel is moving more away from his characters instead for an obcession with cute tricks of style that don't do much on their own. I love David Gordon Green, but I really need to see All The Real Girls before making any judgements. Others can be argued for various reasons. I am perplexed though by people naming Herzog and Godard. Sure, they are making films, but 1.) Herzog's new film was his first in 11 years and seems in no hurry to make a grand come back and 2.) Godard's prime is quietly behind him, and not just behind him, but way back in the 60s. The overwhelming news I heard on Praise of Love was that it was a soul less return to his style of his prime and nothing more. I haven't seen the film so can't specifically speak on it, but as being the one, you should be getting the praise critically to go with the film. There is too much bad mouth on that movie to really think it is putting Godard back on top and heralding him as leading the new generation of filmmakers. Even the people who liked the film say it is a return to his old self, which contradicts the term anyways.

For me, the very most exciting filmmaker with the greatest potential is Fernando Meirelles. What he did with City of God was an amazing feat of filmmaking genius in my mind (more specific thoughts found in city of god thread in NS forum) and even more so when the film had a budget of only 3.3 million but seemed like a major epic. His choice for the film he wants to make next only furthers his adventurousness when he wants to tackle the very large topic of the north/south conflict that is going on in the world of power vs. poverty. The film is said to be set in around 20-some countries and intersecting various stories to explain the whole thing and still, will only cost a mere 24 million. The other director I think also in the top 3 (with fernando and PTA) is Hayao Miyazaki who made his very best film in Spirited Away and one of the best action movies ever in Princess Mononoke. Again, don't see the english dubbed version of Spirited Away, because it only takes away from the magic and wonder of the original. Best film of 2002 imo.

~rougerum

Okay, first off, GT, I agree that Fernando Meirelles should be on the list. But you should read the rest of the posts closer. None of us said Godard is on the list under PTA, godardian just mentioned the "working directors" he still liked. Naming Godard was a TANGENT. Of course his prime is way over, no one disputes that.  Oh, and once you see All The Real Girls, you'll have no problemo with DGG on this list. Whew.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: SHAFTR on May 15, 2003, 01:39:54 AM
I saw "In Praise of Love" and I was really disappointed.  The film does lack soul and that inevitably weighs it down.  It doesn't have the heart or the spark that films such as Breathless have.

I think it is foolish to rank PTA over Quentin Tarantino.  In a historical context of films...Pulp Fiction is and will be more important than Boogie Nights (although I love both).

I think Wes Anderson is worthy of that list as well.
Fincher, Nolan, Soderbergh, Mendes and even Rodriguez have made a collection of solid films.  I could put Kevin Smith on this list but I won't...so the flames don't start coming again.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Pubrick on May 15, 2003, 04:15:27 AM
Quote from: godardianproliferative
prolific. u try too hard.

anyway, Kubrick was The One.. everyone knows that. scorsese admitted so in his American Cinema series.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Kev Hoffman on May 15, 2003, 09:37:41 AM
Quote from: SHAFTR
I think it is foolish to rank PTA over Quentin Tarantino.  In a historical context of films...Pulp Fiction is and will be more important than Boogie Nights (although I love both).

I could put Kevin Smith on this list but I won't...so the flames don't start coming again.

I'd be inclined to agree with both of those statements.  Of course, for the latter, I may want to keep that a secret.   It is always a good idea to have flame retardant opinions, sometimes.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 15, 2003, 11:49:33 AM
Quote from: _|P|_
Quote from: godardianproliferative
prolific. u try too hard.


Main Entry:   pro·lif·er·ate
Pronunciation:   pr&-'li-f&-"rAt
Function:   verb
Inflected Form(s):   -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology:   back-formation from proliferation, from French prolifération, from proliférer to proliferate, from prolifère reproducing freely, from Latin proles + -fer -ferous
Date:   1873
intransitive senses
1 : to grow by rapid production of new parts, cells, buds, or offspring
2 : to increase in number as if by proliferating : MULTIPLY
transitive senses : to cause to grow by proliferating
- pro·lif·er·a·tion  /-"li-f&-'rA-sh&n/ noun
- pro·lif·er·a·tive   /-'li-f&-"rA-tiv, -f(&-)r&-tiv/ adjective [/size]
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 15, 2003, 06:25:44 PM
Here fishy, fishy, fishy.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: sickfins on May 15, 2003, 06:45:47 PM
since paul brought dixie back to dixieland

i smell something askew
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 16, 2003, 12:19:27 AM
Oh, shutup.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Pubrick on May 16, 2003, 04:24:06 AM
Quote from: The Silver BulletOh, shutup.
i hope that was directed at Godard. cos carax is right.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 16, 2003, 07:10:10 AM
Really? I have noticed a lot more half decent discussion as of late as opposed to the usual "rock up at Xixax see a heap of people flame one another and leave again" crap. Maybe I have a problem with my brain. Like a tumour.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 16, 2003, 10:43:49 AM
Quote from: _|P|_
Quote from: The Silver BulletOh, shutup.
i hope that was directed at Godard. cos carax is right.

*yawn* Here to stay.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Pubrick on May 16, 2003, 11:24:11 AM
Quote from: godardian*yawn*
u should go back to bed.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 16, 2003, 11:47:19 AM
Quote from: _|P|_
Quote from: godardian*yawn*
u should go back to bed.

Each and every one of my posts is delivered from the comfort of my bed, actually. That way I can simultaneously read a novel, play music, compose that day's death threats, and get my naps in. It's all about the multi-tasking for me.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: atticus jones on May 16, 2003, 11:52:57 AM
Quote from: _|P|_
Quote from: godardian*yawn*
u should go back to bed.

its all puttin me to sleep...

then again...

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzout
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 16, 2003, 02:04:37 PM
Quote from: caraxlet the new baby cry
he needs to weep
because if we don't pay attention
he will cry even more

dra-dog

carax
Production Assistant
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 26
Location: Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France, France

godardian
Screenwriter
Joined: 01 Mar 2003
Posts: 236
Location: Seattle, WA
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: brockly on May 16, 2003, 07:40:35 PM
Quote from: godardian
Quote from: caraxlet the new baby cry
he needs to weep
because if we don't pay attention
he will cry even more

dra-dog

carax
Production Assistant
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 26
Location: Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France, France

godardian
Screenwriter
Joined: 01 Mar 2003
Posts: 236
Location: Seattle, WA

.... what has that got to do with anything?
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 16, 2003, 07:44:44 PM
Quote from: Brock Landers
Quote from: godardian
Quote from: caraxlet the new baby cry
he needs to weep
because if we don't pay attention
he will cry even more

dra-dog

carax
Production Assistant
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 26
Location: Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France, France

godardian
Screenwriter
Joined: 01 Mar 2003
Posts: 236
Location: Seattle, WA

.... what has that got to do with anything?

Just wondered what was meant by "new baby."
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: brockly on May 16, 2003, 07:49:44 PM
Quote from: godardian
Quote from: Brock Landers
Quote from: godardian
Quote from: caraxlet the new baby cry
he needs to weep
because if we don't pay attention
he will cry even more

dra-dog

carax
Production Assistant
Joined: 04 Apr 2003
Posts: 26
Location: Suresnes, Hauts-de-Seine, Île-de-France, France

godardian
Screenwriter
Joined: 01 Mar 2003
Posts: 236
Location: Seattle, WA

.... what has that got to do with anything?

Just wondered what was meant by "new baby."

ah. fair enough.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 16, 2003, 08:23:12 PM
Godardian is one of the best additions to this site. My two cents. Though now you probably want to kill me or something. Oh well.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Pubrick on May 17, 2003, 02:56:39 AM
Quote from: godardianJust wondered what was meant by "new baby."
here's the thing tho, we like carax, we don't like ur needlessly superior attitude.

Silver Bullet doesn't count in 'we'., u both belong to the group who are the worst part of the any e-community:
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.monocle78.com%2Fimages%2FMonocle-man.gif&hash=0d21eb78d63274aee87e9fcaced411c5bb5f9d50)
"the interweb is a place for highbrow correspondence bewtixt likeminded individuals of only the most proper upbringing."
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: phil marlowe on May 17, 2003, 06:45:22 AM
sorightthatpicis.

yay, french new wave.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: children with angels on May 17, 2003, 06:52:45 AM
Godadrian's "needlessly superior attitude" seems to me just to be starting and contibuting to intelligent discussion about movies (surely what this site was created for). He never attacks anyone unprovoked, and when he does respond he's doing it in a much more level-headed, rational way than a lot of other people do (I remember someone saying "you are cancer").

And the typical response to this would be to say "he has no sense of humour - we're only having fun" - well he seems to want to just have fun too, but if someone starts attacking him for no reason other than the fact that he has a damn good knowledge of movies, is gay, and objects to bigoted attitudes - then he has every right to respond, maturely and fairly. He doesn't act superior to anyone unless they assume a superiority over him: where has he called anyone on their lack of knowledge on film? Or their politics, without due reason?
He treats Xixax.com like a 'discussion board' rather than an 'insult board'.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Sleuth on May 17, 2003, 09:35:34 AM
I appreciate Godardian
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: MrBurgerKing on May 17, 2003, 09:40:30 AM
I love Godardian too, but he's no whopper.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Sigur Rós on May 17, 2003, 10:04:20 AM
Quote from: children with angelsI remember someone saying "you are cancer

Someone actually said that?
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Gold Trumpet on May 17, 2003, 10:40:06 AM
I think Godardian's great myself. I also think a lot of people here are intimidated by discussion and resent some people for it and mask their complaints in other forms.

Opinions are only opinions, nothing more.

~rougerum
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Ernie on May 17, 2003, 11:13:46 AM
Godardian's the best thing since me. I didn't even know who carax was before this thread so I can't judge him or her.

Quote from: MrBurgerKingDavid O'Russel? why did you list his name?

Ummm...Three Kings and Flirting With Disaster...

Quote05. Darren Aronofsky

Can't believe I forgot him. If Pi had been just a little bit better, he would have been up there with PTA, Wes and DGG...he's fucking great.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 17, 2003, 01:20:56 PM
Quote from: _|P|_
here's the thing tho, we like carax, we don't like ur needlessly superior attitude.

Silver Bullet doesn't count in 'we'., u both belong to the group who are the worst part of the any e-community.

"the interweb is a place for highbrow correspondence bewtixt likeminded individuals of only the most proper upbringing."

That's funny, but I don't think anyone who felt like that would have tried to start a Strangers with Candy thread.

From the things you're saying here- "Silver Bullet doesn't count... we don't like," etc., it's tempting to draw the conclusion that, were Xixax a country, you would be the one guarding the border and shooting down any undesirables you didn't want in "your" country. You're being much more exclusive than anyone. It's not going to work, not by any stretch of the imagination, but it is sort of ugly.

Your first words to me, ever, were "Ur a joke, dude," before I knew who you were or any of your opinions about anything. It seems to me you're merely resentful of me. You can blame me if you want, but I think you're just upset that you don't have as many words as you'd like to express your feelings/opinions, or you're too lazy or disinterested to bother trying, and you're angry at people who do try. It's petty.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 17, 2003, 01:29:11 PM
Quote from: The Gold TrumpetI think Godardian's great myself. I also think a lot of people here are intimidated by discussion and resent some people for it and mask their complaints in other forms.

Opinions are only opinions, nothing more.

~rougerum

Exactly. I expect some healthy disagreement and even some heated discussion- we all obviously take our responses to films personally and somewhat seriously, that's why we're here- but I'd hoped it would mostly be about film. I'm here to learn and share (that sounds awfully Pollyanna-ish, but it's true). There are plenty of movies I haven't seen and stages of film history and clues about film-making I have no idea about, and there seem to be at least a few people here who have seen things I haven't, who are aware of things I'm not aware of, etc, and who are eager to discuss. That's my idea of fun, and if someone wants to roll their eyes at me or think I'm too precious about some things, I can handle that. The seriousness and eagerness I have toward the subject of cinema probably is a bit out of proportion- why else would I be here?- and that can be funny. Just got through replying to a post saying how I feel like The Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons, the way I get excited about movies. I do have a sense of humour and some perspective.

Then there are the people who are full of pent-up something-or-other and need a place to act like aggressive, small-minded jerks. I don't think I'm needlessly superior, but more than enough people here are needlessly aggressive and rude.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: Cecil on May 17, 2003, 02:08:33 PM
Quote from: godardianYour first words to me, ever, were "Ur a joke, dude," before I knew who you were or any of your opinions about anything

yeah, hell do that. if you stop moving, hell lose you
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: The Silver Bullet on May 17, 2003, 08:58:20 PM
Quote from: _|P|_Silver Bullet doesn't count in 'we'., u both belong to the group who are the worst part of the any e-community:
(https://xixax.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.monocle78.com%2Fimages%2FMonocle-man.gif&hash=0d21eb78d63274aee87e9fcaced411c5bb5f9d50)
I don't see how sticking up for someone against unreasonable abuse makes me the worst part of an e-community. I think your unreasonable abuse makes you the worst part of an e-community.

And for the record, I do not wear a monocle.
Title: is PTA "the one"
Post by: godardian on May 17, 2003, 09:02:00 PM
Quote from: MrBurgerKingI love Godardian too, but he's no whopper.

I can't tell you how many times I've been asked, "Where's the beef?"

Oh wait... that wasn't the whopper... was it?

I am, however, proudly flame-broiled.