The point in Cousins’ definition of Ozu as the personification of “classic cinema” I think is not to say that Ozu is the greatest film-maker, rather saying that Ozu personifies that balance in “form” and “content” (much apologies for the lack of coherence & fluency — I don’t have the book with me at the moment). To that extent, I reckon his revisionist definition works better in giving long-due credits and expanding the canon to other world cinemas rather than limiting it to the usual Hollywood classics, which he redefines as “closed romantic realism”. I personally think “closed romantic realism” hits the spot even if it’s rather long-winded and (too consciously?) politically correct.

I don’t routinely read film books actually, basically I’ve only just started dipping my toes by grabbing whatever is available (& cheap) within my proximities. The ones I’ve read are mainly aimed for general readers: Monaco’s (old 70s/80s ed IINM), Cousins’, Sadr’s, Bondanella’s Italian Cinema and, well, some Sontag’s essays. I love Farber’s lucidity & critical opinions, but although I tend to agree with most of his assessment, I don’t think I share his taste nor distaste, e.g. I know Bergman”s and Fellini’s films are rife with pseudo-intellectual wankeries, but I enjoy their carnivalesque.

I’ve watched The House is Black, but I haven’t seen many Iranian films either (just a few handfuls of Kiarostami, Makhmalbafs (only Samira & Mohsen), Panahi, and The Day I Became I Woman. I dislike Majidi though…). Still trying to get The Cow but the d/l is stuck.

I only have Moolade actually, but in VHS (recorded) and not with me right now. Let me know what you think of Xala! I’ve been hearing recommendations on Black Girl.

And nice of you to drop by too, pleasure is all mine. I’ve just moved back to Indonesia and am still rather at loss with what resources are available and where to look for films & books. If you wouldn’t mind giving me some tips & pointers, that’d be appreciated muchly!

Cheers,
kat

Some favorite of mine are Bunuel’s My Last Sigh, and Manny Farber’s Negative Space.

Nice to find you

PS: have u seen Farokhzad’s House is Black??My Iranian film experiences are dominated mostly by Kiarostami and the Makhmalbaf clan only.

And do u familiar with the works of Sembene, I only have his Xala, but still waiting to be watched.

Cheers.