I wrote:
"One thing (of many, great film) that struck me is how its
story, even presentation, overlap a number of genre films
(particularly blaxploitation and The Harder They Come), but
use it to such a distinctive, individual end. I'm not big on
the idea of "transcending genre," but this film is a great
example of how genre and high art can co-exist."
And WIlliam very legitimately asked (ironic, since I recently
complained about exactly this lack of clear subject):
"Just to be clear, is that in reference to City of
God?"
Oops, I meant to mention the title. Yes, City of God. After
watching it, I kept thinking of its similarities with The
Harder They Come, Black Caesar and various other gangster
films, blaxploitation and otherwise, but how much better City
of God was than any of them (some of which I like a lot). I
think part of it is because of the POV character who is on
the outside (and trying to stay there), and the masterful
degree zero filmmaking that placed you in the scene and never
called attention to itself. As William noted, the filmmakers
never got in the way of, never brought you out of the
film.
Mark
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