STACK #227 September 2023

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MOVIES & TV

Sam Peckinpah

This month Imprint Films are releasing two of Peckinpah’s most integral films on Blu-ray; Cross of Iron (1977) and Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974). It’s been almost 40 years since his passing, but Peckinpah remains one of cinema’s greats. His trademarks to look out for are: Violence Peckinpah was never one to shy away from violence, and much of the bloodshed he put on screen was gratuitous, often committed by characters with close relationships to their victims. It was a lens through which he saw the natural world, and he considered it to be a true reflection of society. Nihilism The characters in his films are often morally corrupt, with very few redeeming qualities. They are mostly depicted as outcasts and criminals battling personal struggles, and whose alienation informs a pessimistic view of life. They’re often also cruel to those closest to them. Editing There was no right or wrong when it came to editing in Peckinpah’s films, especially when showcasing violence. If it served the moment well, he used it. From whiplash jump cuts, to poetic slow-motion; no single technique was off limits, and his unconventional style has influenced generations of filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Robert Rodriguez.

AUGUST

STACK’s ROVING REPORTER

What’s one of your all-time favourite films, and why? It’s technically a trilogy, but ever since I first saw the Lord of the Rings movies, I’ve been obsessed with all things Tolkien so much so that I have a tattoo inspired from the movies. The casting, action, and the fascinating lore and story. What’s not to love? What’s one of your all-time favourite TV series, and why? This would have to be Dragon Ball Z . I loved all the fighting stuff and the odd moments of humour. It’s a Japanese anime and watching it growing up on Cheez TV before school helped foster my love for anime.

On The Radar

The beasts rise in the latest Transformers movie, and the director of Dumb & Dumber brings us a dramatic comedy about a team of unlikely sports stars in Champions . Meanwhile, Hollywood actor Patrick Wilson returns to Insidious , taking us behind the Red Door for his directorial debut.

RYAN STANMORE @ JB Newcastle Home, NSW

What’s the best thing about working at JB? You get to work with and meet loads of interesting and fun people. Some with the same hobbies and tastes as you and others who’ll introduce you to new things. What’s a movie you saw as a child that has left a lasting impression on you? I remember seeing the original Star Wars movie re-released in cinemas in the late ‘90s and it set me on a course for a lifelong love of all things nerdy and going to the movies.

What have you been watching lately that you’d recommend? I’ve recently got back into the series Madam Secretary , which is a political drama based around American politics. The cast and storytelling are brilliant.

PRE-ORDER NOW

In this era of legacy sequels, Dodgeball 2 is one of the least expected. Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn are set to reprise their roles from the original 2004 movie, with several of their cast mates expected to rejoin them. No plot details or release date have been revealed, although Vaughn has been confirmed as a producer on the project. Dodgeball earned $168.4M on a budget of $20M, making it a wonder that a sequel wasn’t produced sooner. IN DEVELOPMENT

Before School of Rock (2003) and Boyhood (2014), director Richard Linklater gave us Dazed and Confused (1993). Starring a cast of future stars such as Ben Affleck, Milla Jovovich, Cole Hauser, Parker

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Posey, and Matthew McConaughey, the movie was a box office flop upon release and later found its audience on home video. It has since earned itself a place amongst the most popular comedies of all time and was followed up by Linklater’s spiritual sequel Everybody Wants Some!! (2016).

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SEPTEMBER 2023

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