How I've Been Spending My Time (The Depths of Netflix)

I've been very lazy this last week.  For the most part, I've been the female equivalent of the Dude from The Big Lebowski, except for the bowling.

Here's a list of the random movies I've watched.  All available on Netflix instant play.

Tales of the Black Freighter
The animated comic-in-a-comic from Watchmen. The fact that this subplot was missing from the original movie bummed me out.  But it's now available, with some very good voice acting.  Basically the same creepy story, but made even creepier with motion. 4 out of 5 stars


East of Eden
I recently read this book, and I have to declare: I am not a Steinbeck fan.  I'm coming to realize that Of Mice and Men was more the exception and not the rule.  I actually preferred the film.  It cut out the boring first half of the book, took away the heavy-handed-bludgeon-your-brain-in symbolism as well.  My only problem is that James Dean looks like he's suffering from Autism.  4 out of 5 stars

Alice (1988 Czech version)
This was one of the weirdest movies I've ever seen in my life.  And Being John Malcovich is in my top 10 list.  Very, very, very disturbing retelling of Alice in Wonderland.  Only see if you have a strong stomach and don't have a fear of taxidermy.  I'm pretty sure stuffed rabbits will haunt my dreams for years now.  3 out of 5 stars

Grey Gardens (The original documentary)
My god, I love these women!  They are so unapologetically INSANE!  Beautiful, tragic, funny, and voyeuristic. 5 out of 5 stars

Un Chien Andalou
This 15 minute silent film was created in part by Salvidor Dali.  It is everything you would expect from his crazy mind.  (He even makes a guest appearance as a priest being dragged in front of a piano covered with a rotting donkey carcass.  Yes, you read the sentence correctly).  If nothing else, this movie has proved to me that I don't understand surrealism, at all.  The opening segment is more shocking than anything I've ever seen in Saw.  *shiver* 2 out of 5 stars (if only for my ignorance)


Helvetica
This is a documentary about the development of the font Helvetica.  Yes, they have officially made a documentary about EVERYTHING.  While I was hoping for the quirkiness that led to these: NSFW tattoo and male tramp stamp, it really is just about the creation of the font.  Or at least the part I watched.  I couldn't get through it. 2 out of 5 stars

Brokeback Mountain
This was everything I thought it would be, but better.  I sobbed at the end.  And I got to see Anne Hathaway's breasts, a privilege my husband hasn't had. :) 5 out of 5 stars

Coupling (BBC series)
All four seasons of this series are available on Netflix.  The seasons are very short.  I don't think any were above 12 shows.  This is a very hilarious, raunchy, British version of Friends.  It has some of the best speeches in any comedy show I've seen.  I love the one about progress and porn from season one (I think).  The last season is throwaway to me, because my favorite character Jeff isn't in it.  Don't watch in mixed company or with your parents. 5 out of 5 for seasons 1-3, 3 out of 5 for season 4