mother! (Darren Aronofsky, September 15, 2017) Movie • Page 13

Should I still see it?

 

I’d say it’s worth watching at least once.

 

Yes and no. Art can and does speak for itself. But taking the artist's life into account and applying that to their work is a legitimate lens of critical theory. I guess that's what's so fascinating about art. You can look at it through one lens and it'll mean one thing and then look at through another lens and it'll mean something else.

However, no matter what lens I watch this move through, all I see is doo-doo.

 

I mean, I can only speak for myself obviously, but I think art is meant to have a visceral reaction upon experiencing it and going into it with a predisposed dislike of the artist doesn’t seem fair to the art itself. Especially if you or whoever doesn’t like the artist for unrelated reasons.

That’s just me though. I don’t get that, unless they’re some kind of horrendous asshole like Spacey or the like. I can get that.

 

Oh yeah, that I agree with. Regardless of whether or not you like and artist, it is always possible they will create something that you end up enjoying. And that's definitely happened for me (more with music but probably with film as well). I more thought you were talking about analysis of art, not necessarily enjoyment.

 

I will watch it at least once. I've had the itch to rewatch The Master lately. I should do a double bill with this one.

 

I definitely agree it needs to be seen at least once, it’s such a visceral experience to watch.

 

You inevitably take the artist's personality and career into account because it informs what they were trying to do and accomplish. The Tree of Life can be an important and great film on its own, but it changes when you learn the autobiographical elements of the story.

With Aronofsky and mother!, knowledge of his career and belief changes it. For people that like Aronofsky's films, you can appreciate the way he tries to shock and unnerve people if you have knowledge of what he did in films like Requiem for a Dream. However, because he comes off as incredibly shallow in interviews and the philosophy of his films are barely skin deep, it fits that mother! would be interpreted that way by people who dislike the film.

 

It's not impossible to come to both conclusions, it's not really an either-or kind of thing. I liked the experience of watching the movie, but didn't particularly find its story or theme all that compelling. I generally enjoys Aronofsky's films on some level, but I wouldn't say I'm a big fan of the man himself. Same goes for Lars von Trier and Nicolas Winding Refn. Actually, I haven't really heard anything about Refn one way or the other, he just kind of makes the same type of films. Artsy fartsy shock value from guys who may or may not be assholes.

 

I prefer to let art stand on its' own instead of combining it with past works or forced press interviews.

 

I know 0 things about his personality or interviews he’s done, but have. enjoyed his other movies and still thought this one was incredibly shallow

 

Currently watching this. Still a great fucking movie

 

Thank you for bumping this thread though, because some of these posts are incredibly insightful regarding entirely separate discussions I’ve had here recently, lol.

 

I still get angry thinking about this piece of shit

 

This movie whoops ass actually

 

One of my favs this decade.

 

Still haven’t watched this but all I’ve heard is it’s amazing or it’s trash so I think I’ll finally watch it this weekend

 

Those are the best kinds of films lol.

 

I really enjoyed it when I watched it in theaters because of how absolutely insane it is, but I’m wondering if the movie won’t have such an impact on a rewatch now that I know about all the crazy shit

 

It's a winner for sure

 

It’s ass.

 

I had fun with it

Javier Bardem is amazing

 

Plenty of people like ass, so I’m not sure if this is glowing praise or a scathing critique

 

Not AS good on 2nd watch at home...but still damn good