Customer Reviews

Blue in the Face [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

And why are there only three customer reviews of this brilliant, on-the-edge film? And what's up with Leonard Maltin (see above)? I think he was expecting a Hollywood Production Movie. I think he would also ask for a Belgian waffle in Belgium (can't get them, I learned from watching this.) There is a McGuffin, I guess, for those who must have a plot. Will the cigar store be sold or not? Who cares? I'd much rather hear Lou Reed explaining the source of his life-long cynicism or why cigarettes are really "health tools." I had seen and enjoyed Smoke, but never knew this film existed. I am so glad I found it by chance. I enjoyed it more than Smoke. I think it would be a great film to run at a party. Regardless of the length and clarity of their attention spans, guests would have to ask "What is this?" And gradually this film would get the cult following it deserves (or maybe it already does and I don't know it out here in the Midwest). Of course, as always, I loved my main man, Harvey Keitel which should go without saying. (I wonder what Mr. Maltin had to say about the uncut version of another Keitel film, The Bad Lieutenant," another movie you won't be seeing on t.v. If "innovative" doesn't scare you, buy this. I am still thinking about the bag-in-the-tree man and Michael J. Fox's survey. I think I need to watch it again.

'Blue In The Face' chronicles a snapshot of life in Brooklyn NY. At the centre of this life is a cigar store that is frequented by a parade of weird and wonderful people. So that is it - there is no story line, or indeed it appears there is no script - just a series of 'situations' designed to be a wonderful showcase for the actors involved.

And what a cast of actors!!! Memorable performances by Lou Reed, Michael J. Fox, Madonna, Roseanne and a host of others make this movie a must see. They don't appear to have to operate within the confines of a script so their full ad-lib abilities shine. At the centre of the action is Harvey Keitel who gives a wonderful performance as the laid back cigar store worker.

Another fascinating angle to this movie is the inclusion of real Brooklyn residents describing Brooklyn and their lives. Even though the unstructured aspect of the movie makes for no story lines, it does seem as though it is a homage to Brooklyn and its residents.

The picture quality on this DVD is outstanding. Perhaps a little too soft in places, but otherwise it is hard to fault. No special features are included which is a shame. It would have been great to have interviews with the cast to hear their thoughts on the movie.

'Blue In The Face' is a bizarre movie, but with it featuring some very well known faces in roles they have not been seen in before, made Blue in the face riveting viewing for me.

I bought this DVD because I loved "Smoke". I must admit, this film is not as good as "Smoke". The story line is much looser, the characters are not worked-out as well, and often there is a kind of documentary-style of filming. Though it is nice to see some major stars, such as Roseanne and Madonna - yes, she plays one of her best roles ever! - improvize in this film (because that's what they're doing), I was slightly disappointed. "Smoke" had this special feel to it which this film lacked...

But don't get me wrong - this film is still much better than many Hollywood blockbusters. This is why I still rated the film 5 stars. It deserves it, as much as "Smoke" deserves 10!

I had no idea who this guy was...but his bit on Nazis and movies and cigarettes has caused me to recommend this movie to friends. I saw Smoke first and enjoyed it, but Blue in the Face will leave you rolling on the floor laughing..promise!

I got this movie to hear Lou Reed talk about New York. It gets 5 stars for that, but it's much more than a few moments of Lou's brillance. I can't say this movie is better than "Smoke". It has less to it (no plot), but it mangaes to say a little more. Where "Smoke" is like a beautiful song with lyrics, "Blue in the Face" is an instraumental. It's harder to capture, because the viewer isn't forced into pitying or loving any character or the city of Brooklyn. The story doesn't have a plot to guide the viewer toward some monumental epiphany. Instead, the viewer listens harder, and produces fulfillment for themselves. Don't get me wrong, this is a very funny movie. Low budget or filmed in five days, this movie matters.

The film was an innovative masterpiece. Harvey Keitel was his classic self, a man in charge and a man of many whimsical ideas and knowledge. I loved the cammios, Madonna, Michael J. Fox, and Rosanne, and Lou Reed really made the flick. The movie gives you pride for Brooklyn even if you have never been there before. The soundtrack is wonderful, David Byrne rocks, and the offbeat situational comedy is terrific. A great movie selection for any time. The only small problem was that it got a little cheesy at some points and nearly fell into B-rating, but certainly a work of art!

Paul Auster is a new yorker, is even more than that, a "brooklyner"!Discovering "Blue in the face" you will enjoy Park Slope, the Brooklyn Cigar company, you will even cry for the stadium's closing;and you will remember the favorite hobbie down there: the plastic bags chasing...In a mixture of professionalism and amateurism,cinema and feature reports, Paul Auster, at his best as a movie director, will touch you right in the middle of the...brain.

- BONUS FEATURES Include:
=================


- A Conversation With Lou Reed:

* Living In New York.
* The Lower East Side.
* Getting Aound The City.
* Play All.

- OTB Boys Outtakes:

* "The Mclundo Lady".
* "My Brother Chuck".
* John Lurie's Band Plays At The Smoke Shop.
* Mo Greengrass Magic Tricks.

- Feature Commentary With Director Wayne Wang, Screenwriter Paul Auster, Producers Peter Newman And Greg Johnson, And Actor Harvey Keitel.

- Specification:

* Dolby Digital Surround Sound.
* French Language Track.
* English Caption.

Hope This Was Helpful..

Delightful...but not for everybody. There is no violence, car chases, or lame jokes...just good acting and comedy that takes a certain sense of humor to understand. It also helps, mandatory almost, to watch "Smoke" first to establish the backstory. My kind of flick.

One of the best independent films ever (the sequel to Smoke, also awesome); this and most of the DVDs I buy through this site, even when used the quality is no less than the new ones.