Christian's "Harsh Times"

[delorita]

cut for spoilers

First of all, I need to write this review, because I am very impressed. Of course this isn't the kind of movie one wants to watch again and again, but it's certainly one, you HAVE to watch, if you're really interested in Christian's brilliance as an actor.

1) You have him on screen almost all the time. No supporting role, one of the MAIN characters.

2) He's fit as hell and his spanish is just adorable. And I bet he had a hell of a time to learn that slang he's speaking.

3) and most important for the movie, I think, he plays the role of a fucked up soldier, one who gave his sanity for his country. *sigh* He shifts his behavior brilliantly. One time lovable and caring and scared. The next time totally in control and determined to get his next job, then again totally OUT of controll, loosing it completely, even crying.

I gotta say, again I am in total awe of his acting skills.

For those who have seen it, a question: Was it his fault in the beginning, that they all started shooting at eachother because he threw that lighter or cig, whatever? Where is that anyway? Iraque? Afghanistan?

I bet this wasn't running very long in the theatres, or maybe it was only for DVD release?

I'm glad Mike survived. I feared Jim would really shoot him. Of course my slashy mind works with them, but this isn't the kind of movie I could write a story about somehow. It's TOO real.

Comments

[charliemc.livejournal.com]

Apparently the critics gave the movie pretty decent reviews, from what I could tell.

I think the movie is FASCINATING -- and Marilyn and I actually have watched it over and over and over again. Christian's acting is impressive (which critics agreed upon) -- and it's an interesting story.

And, yeah, I thought Mike and Jim were very slashy with one another...

In answer to your question, I'd say NO -- the flashbacks of the war don't include any time where Jim is at fault for what happens. He was very good at war -- he's just really messed up because of that.

Great icon, by the way!

[delorita.livejournal.com]

Thanks Charlie for the praise on my icon. You can borrow it if you want to. I thought it was very cute how he was so obsessed with the ironing! I HATE ironing LOL

OH WOW! The critics for once agree with the fans! Very good! I wasn't sure if I was just seeing things again. Did you find a decent, believable story for the two? Mike was VERY brave imo! He had the guts to speak up to Jim, even though he had the gun.

Maybe I'll watch the movie again. Jim in that suit isn't something bad either ;) There may follow a few more walls for him :D

[christian-howe.livejournal.com]

Although I somehow don't really like it, 'Harsh Times' is one of my favourite movies. It's impressive and depressing, and Christian's intensity really hurts. He's walking the edge, deeply traumatised, and each time his hope for a return to 'life' is kindled, he loses it again. The state machinery that's damaged him to the point of insanity wants him back as s killing machine instead of helping him cope with what they did to him.

I'm writing Jim Davis. He's the man my Jamie Graham grows into. I told you last year I'm doing a piece on Jamie. Back then, I didn't think I'd ever publish that but I'm integrating it into another story now. It'll be out eventually.

[delorita.livejournal.com]

Of course I remember that you said you write him! I pray you'll give him some therapy and wont let him die, too!! PLEASE?

What war was that he was in? Did they say? I just watched the beginning again but couldn't figure it out.

I also saw the making of and was impressed that Christian did learn how to shoot military guns for this role! Did he learn spanish for it as well or did he know how to speak it before?

[atlantis2-04.livejournal.com]

his spanish is not good, but i admire his effort for trying...:)

[delorita.livejournal.com]

hehe well, I can't hear the difference between good and bad spanish, I'm proud I recognised it at all ;) It must be cool for you, to understand him in that language as well :D It was so unexpected for me to hear him speak in another language then english!

[atlantis2-04.livejournal.com]

hehehe he needs a good spanish teacher and i could take the job anytime!!!!! :)

[delorita.livejournal.com]

yeah, you are absolutely right! But would you concentrate on the language? ;)

LOVE your "what don't you fucking understand" icon!! *giggles*

And after seeing Harsh Times, and noticing the way they speak in there, I really DON'T understand why people got so upset by his rant. Looks like in LA they speak always like that...*frown*