09.23.08
Trailers: ‘Gomorrah’ & ‘Medicine for Melancholy’
Ha! This has turned into the “week of releasing trailers for films that I have missed in some capacity or another,” and it isn’t exactly fun. But hey, I love trailers and both of these films sound endlessly fascinating. Both have been picked up by the ever dependable IFC too, but neither given release dates, yet. [LiC]
“Gomorrah” is mob drama that takes place in Naples, Italy, and has been bouncing around the world’s film festivals since it’s Grand Prix win at Cannes, including our very own DIFF. Our friends at The Playlist were wise enough to not make the same mistake I did and caught up with the film at Toronto, “Intense, unflinching and raw-nerved, the deeper the plots became the more anxiety-ridden the film became. A frank look at corruption and the ripple effect is has across the country, the uncompromising film soon became a knot in the stomach with outbursts of random violence around every corner (we literally had to cower more than once).”
Our other good friend, Craig Kennedy did exactly the same, if you substitute Toronto with LA and “Gomorrah” with “Medicine for Melancholy.” Apparently it’s an indie flick about the day after two twenty-something African-Americans have a one-night stand in San Francisco, where they barely remember how they got there. He says, “Though the film feels scripted and a little too anxious to make a point at times, other moments have an almost documentary like reality and on balance these are the ones that shine through.”
Kerry said,
September 23, 2008 at 3:19 pm
You are all going to hate me one of these days, that is for sure. I’ve seen both of these! At the exact same places as those to fellows that you speak of there. While I agree with Craig on “Medicine,” I do think I liked “Gomorrah” more that the dude from The Playlist, which I thought was fantastic through and through. Both make for pretty cool trailers, the one for “Medicine” finally shows the unique colour palette that I tried to describe to a friend after LAFF, but they didn’t get it, so now they can!
Salmaya said,
September 23, 2008 at 3:30 pm
I’ve heard so little about Medicine, but enough to be interested, and I really, really am. Looks gorgeous. Gomorrah looks intense, and a must-see judging from all the awards it had won. Sorry you missed ‘em sugar.
Nick Plowman said,
September 23, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Oh, Kerry, we’ll always be supremely jealous but we will never hate you (to your face). Kidding, at least someone around these parts is actually seeing stuff :)
I know, what the frak is my problem though? Do I have to miss everything? I’m the most unorganised, unproductive film blogger since…I don’t even know.
Justin said,
September 23, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Wow, I’ve never heard of that second film but I am going to keep an eye open for it. Gomorra/Gomorrah is a must though, looks great.
Jerry said,
September 23, 2008 at 5:39 pm
No offence, but they both look kinda lame, especially the second one.
Dave said,
September 23, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Lame they do not look like…are you sure you watched the same trailers I did, because I think they both look good? Hm.
Sasha Perez said,
September 24, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I too have seen “Medicine” and concur with Kennedy’s assessment. Gomorrah does look good indeed.
Nick Plowman said,
September 24, 2008 at 12:12 pm
You’re lucky, oh so lucky, the more I watch the trailer, the more I want to see it. Both of them.
And Jerry, you are not normal – and not in the ‘Tina Fey’ good way.