"Sometimes that which is the essence of cinema springs unexpectedly from an otherwise insipid movie--a slapstick comedy, or a banal romantic film. Man Ray once said something very significant: 'The worst movies I've ever seen in my life, the kind that put me sound asleep, always have five minutes that are marvelous. But the best, the most highly praised films, have barely five minutes that are even worthwhile.' What this means is that in all films, good or bad--and beyond and despite the intentions of directors--cinematic poetry struggles to come to the surface and reveal itself." -- Luis Bunuel, 1943
When did cinematic poetry reveal itself to you in the past year? I'd nominate the end credits of Lemony Snicket, which I saw projected in January '05, for one. And Mathieu Almaric's dance in Kings and Queen, a film that left me otherwise unmoved, despite--or perhaps because of--its widespread acclaim. [And before you pile on, please know that I tried, and I promise to try again.]
You?
