For those that know me they know that Three Kings is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. With Americans still occupying and dying in Iraq, everyone should watch Three Kings one more time, it puts everything in a new and very thought provoking perspective.
I also saw Far From Heaven for the first time this week and it was an interesting contrast. Far From Heaven is a '50s style melodrama, reaching "emotional truths through artifice". It allows us to view problems in today's society, such as racism and homophobia, through the prism of an old-fashioned story. Far From Heaven is refreshingly without irony, whereas Three Kings is nothing if not ironic. Both films are however, just as engaging and affecting.
No matter how many times I watch Three Kings, without fail I get chills every time I hear the opening bars of U2's "In God's Country" at the end, as Ice Cube, Mark Wahlburg, and George Clooney (I have a serious man-crush on Major Archie Gates) watch the refugees cross the border and the camera freeze frames on them as they turn. It's a perfect example of all the artistic elements of film coming together to reach the viewer on every single level. It's why I love movies.
My favorite Three Kings quotes:
"Here's your fucking stability my main man."
--Iraqi interrogator, as he pours oil down Sgt. Barlow's throat in response to Barlow's defense of the first Gulf War as necessary for global stability.
"What happened to necessity?"
"It just changed."
--Major Gates answer to Barlow as the Americans are about to make a clean break with the gold, but realize they must stay and help the rebels.
Your words have made me raise my rating from an 8 to a 9. It's an awesome movie.
Posted by: Ram at August 24, 2003 03:45 AMI came across this when I was searching for Three Kings quotes.
I love that movie so much, it's brilliant.
David O. Russell is an amazing director, he has great vision. I love the way he depicts violence in the film. Unlike most war movies, where there is a barrage of gunfire, he makes you remember every bullet.
God, that scene where the soldier shoots the woman turns my blood to ice.
& the interrogation scene is incredible.
Posted by: becki at December 30, 2003 11:23 PM