Todd Solondz

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 10:59pm

A thread dedicated to the most underrated yet most twisted directors ever. Never have tuna sandwiches been more disturbing.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 10:59pm

In what ways do the mountains of press he's gotten add up to underrated?

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:05pm

I wouldn't really call it "mountains of press". At best, he's a modest cult figure.

But that is to be expected. He's not exactly a lovable filmmaker.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:12pm

Well, he doesn't exactly make lovable films.

[anjilly]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:13pm

He's not exactly a lovable filmmaker.

That might just be the understatement of the decade. His "Happiness" is one of the most disturbing, disgusting, despicable films of all time, imo.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:14pm

But it was one of Philip Seymour Hoffman's most excellent performances ever! I love that movie!

And, oddly enough, Happiness is probably his most mainstream film.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:15pm

I great performance does not make a great film. Or, a great filmmaker.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:16pm

He has a problem with people. And has delved deeper into misanthropy since Happiness.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:18pm

Happiness was incredible though. I never thought such subjects could be treated with such honesty and, at times, could be made hilarious. Updated On: 1/17/06 at 11:18 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:21pm

I thought Welcome to the Dollhouse was brilliant although I could never laugh at Dawn Weiner.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:21pm

I facking love Happiness. Cruel_Sandwich, we may be the only misanthropes on this thread!

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:23pm

"That's because YOU WERE F***ING RAPED! (everyone stares at him) Oh...sorry"

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:25pm

Nevermind. Not worth the bandwidth. Updated On: 1/17/06 at 11:25 PM

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:25pm

You need to see the movie to understand what I'm talking about.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:32pm

Probably it is best not to bring up something that is that offensive out of context. Especially since it is pretty offensive in context.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:38pm

If I had any desire to see the film, you have effectively ended it.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:40pm

It's worth seeing for Jon Lovitz's scene alone.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 12:01am

That movie forever endeared itself into my and my friend's hearts with one line.

"I came!"

It's kind of South Park, or The Boondocks. You appreciate it because it's so awful. Of course, South Park and The Boondocks also have some awesome and sensible social commentary.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 12:21pm

I'm with you on this one, Cruel. And Namo, where exactly are the mountains of press? Has he ever been on the cover of a magazine? I've seen him on Letterman ONCE, about 6 years ago. He had a premiere at the Moma, but that's hardly a mountain. Lord, you're in a mood!

I think Happiness is a brilliant film, very funny and very disturbing. I'm a misanthrope myself, so it's right up my alley, so to speak. Storytelling is also a very exciting film to watch.

[Cruel_Sandwich]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 12:48pm

Did you see Palindromes? I think it's probably his best. And I never thought he could top Happiness.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 1:26pm

I have not seen it yet--I was out of town when they had the showing at the MoMA. But I'm a huge fan, so I'm predisposed to enjoy it.

I'm a little disappointed smartpenguin, I didn't think you'd find a quote "offensive," in or out of context.

Is it just me or are people getting touchy?

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 1:28pm

It's the chilly weather.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 1:34pm

I guess so--my god--between poor Todd and Brokeback, the cinema is taking a beating these days...