post-mortem on pornographer* 

Hmm...I finally watched the movie "The Pornographer", which I had supposed to watch last Feb 16. But I had to work the graveyard shift instead. And with my twisted luck, somehow the film club had a faulty copy, thus the postponement to May 10 instead.

But all was not lost on that fateful graveyard shift. In fact, I wrote my very first poem onto one scrawny verbose's guest book. And I thought it was quite good.

Anyway, to say I didn't place high expectations on the movie would be lying. Being a fan of Japanese movies and their quirky humour, I just could not miss this one. No fishing fishcake way. In fact, I made it clear to everyone in my team that whatever happens, die-die I am leaving the office by 7.30pm latest. Show starts at 8.00pm, y'see.

"How was the porn?", Mei wrote the next day.

Honest to goodness, I really don't know. I had mixed emotions.

Did I clap loudly (mentally) when the show ended? No. It did not draw the same response as "Postman Blues", which I gave a standing ovation in my own living room! And clapped loudly! And gave a satisfying "Phooh!".

Did I like the way the show ended? Yes, I thought it was very clever to have it ended the way it did. Sort of an ending within an ending. Bravo.

Was I offended with some of the scenes? Somewhat. In fact I had wanted to leave midway, but I decided not to.

Was there quirky humour? Yes, I burst out laughing quite a handful.

Was it beautifully shot? Yes. Some parts were wonderfully art directed.

Would I recommend it? Not sure.

Was I glad I had watched it? Yes.

Would I buy the DVD if I chanced upon it? Not really.

Did I have a cold shower after the show? Err, no. Honest!

The next movie which I want to see is 10 by Abbas Kiarostami. If I am not mistaken, I think he was the one who also directed "The Key".

That was one memorable movie.

Why?
Coz I watched it in Hong Kong. Practically finished YT's entire VCD collection during my 10 days stay at his apartment.
Coz the script consist of merely the name 'Amir Muhammad' being called to death, resurrected and to death again, from beginning to end.
Coz the plot was just so simple! Amazing!
Coz 'Amir Muhammad' became YT's nickname for me for quite a long bit.
Coz both YT and myself had a good laugh when I found out Amir Muhammad was also the name of a local indie film director.
Coz it warmed my heart. And that's enough.

May 12, 2004 // anjali* pranced on tip-toes all over the keyboard at 11:38 pm
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