MovieChat Forums > Apartment Zero (1989) Discussion > PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKED THIS MOVIE!?!?

PEOPLE ACTUALLY LIKED THIS MOVIE!?!?

posted 20 years ago by Charlie2008
11 replies | jump to latest

This was, quite possibly, the worst film I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of bad movies). At times, it's a shallow drama. Other times, it's a lazy, suspenseless thriller. And sometimes, it's an outlandish parody of itself. It fails on every level of filmmaking, including technical details like lighting, editing, etc. It's a film that heads in no discernable direction and takes forever to get there. The only tolerable facet was the acting, but even that comes across as inappropriately comedic much of the time.

If you like this movie, that's fine. I have no problem with that. I certainly like many films that, objectively, I know are actually poor. But if you've seen more than 10 movies in your lifetime, and from an objective viewpoint, you truly believe this is a good film, then you should click this link immediately: http://www.medscape.com/psychiatryhome?src=pdown&OVRAW=mental%20health%20clinic&OVKEY=mental%20health&OVMTC=advanced

And now, I'll prepare for silly, ignorant replies in the form of:

Well not all movies can be formulaic, mindless Hollywood trash to appeal to uncultured morons like you. This movie is automatically brilliant because it's about homosexuality and it takes place in a foreign country. Why don't you just stick to your Michael Bay movies?

[–] MissAnnThrope 20 years ago

Charlie, I'd like to know what your idea of a brilliant movie is. I'm guessing something along the lines of Happy Gilmore, or all three of the Matrix movies.

If all you see is a movie about homosexuality that takes place in a foreign country, you're missing the point entirely. As a matter of fact, this is the kind of movie you actually have to pay attention to and not sit there waste as you watch. So much is going on in the background, you're going to miss it if you don't pay close attention.

Now, I'd advise you to look up the political climate of Argentina in the early to mid 80s. That might explain to you what was going on in the movie. This movie is far from shallow.

A few others I'd advise you to miss if you hated this so: "Citizen Kane", the ending will piss you off. "Seconds", you're just not going to understand it and all you're going to see is the lead character was played by a gay man. "Session 9", you're going to think it's boring and not get what's actually happening to the characters. "Donnie Darko", for the same reasons as "Session 9". I'd also advise you to forget anything by Dario Argento, Mario Bava,David Lynch or David Cronenberg. They will all be over your head.

I hope I was of some assistance.

[–] Snoopymichele 20 years ago

LOL I am studying to be a psychologist but love this movie. Ah, the irony of it. The performances by Hart Bochner (a truly underrated actor in my opinion) and Colin Firth are brilliant, and the direction by Martin Donovan ain't bad either. Through the years as I watch it, it just keeps getting better and better. And it is not just about homosexuality either. :)

[–] Impish 20 years ago

No, it's not about homosexuality; it's about a serial killer who is also willing to give of himself whatever it is that an individual needs. A gay fantasy? He'll give you that. A straight lover? He'll give you that. Non-sexual tenderness and sympathy? He'll give you that too. Whatever your deepest needs are, that's what he provides, and without judgment.

Why does he do that? Maybe because he wants you to understand his deepest need? To accept him without judgment?

I highly recommend that you pack away a few more years of life experience and then try it again. It may be a whole new experience for you.

For others who haven't seen the film yet, and don't need to be spoon-fed by a movie, don't let this guy deter you. A moving and profound film that is in on many Best of Year (1988) lists and other Top Lists as well.

[–] CHUCK_IS_HOTT 20 years ago

yeah sorry Charlie but I have no idea what you are talking about.... Apartment Zero has become a favorite of my movie collection......at first the only reason I wanted the movie was because Colin Firth is in it (((trying to collect all his movies))) and ever since I saw the movie trailer I wanted to watch it, so yeah I got it off of ebay and I watched and I loved it......you want to know how many times so far I've seen it.....5!! so I definetly do not know what you are talking about Charlie.......both Colin Firth and Hart Bochner did fanastic performances!! I have so many favorite scenes and favorite quotes but the one quote that really got me almost on the floor laughing my ass off was:

Adrian: "Believe me I know what I'm talking about, I mean the next thing is can I borrow some sugar then it's,uh,can I use your telephone mines out of order, then before you know it, we're all living together like one big happy ugly family".

It's really a great film and I encourage any body to see it......

I think this movie deserves 5 stars!!!

forever and for always a Colin Firth fan

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] andros12 18 years ago

"Whatever your deepest needs are, that's what he provides, and without judgement." "Why does he do that?" "Maybe because he wants you to understand his deepest need?" "To accept him without judgement?"

This is a brief, but well presented, and very interesting series of ideas.

Alas, for two people to experience, even for a moment, an understanding and mutually respectful exchange in spite of a multitude of differences.

[–] abelardo64 20 years ago

Dear Charlie
I'm not going to try to convert you. If you don't like it, you don't like it.
But I can assure you that many of us have found enormous pleasures in it. Not only cinematic, but emotional and intellectual.
A movie so consistant with it's inner life that makes it kind of unique. I do agree, however, it's not for everyone.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] axlgarland 19 years ago

I've had this kind of argument with several people. Just like Adrian who can't be friends with someone who doesn't know who Geraldine Page was. I find it difficult to relate to someone who doesn't get it. "Apartment Zero" is not just a film but an experience that allows you to live it in many different ways. A German film student told me they had dedicated a whole term to "Apartment Zero", opening its secret doors a discovering a cinematic gem at every turn. But, as most things, it's not for everyone.

[–] Prismark10 11 years ago

Its an independent film that has become something of a cult movie and not for all tastes. Now Firth is an Oscar winner it might be sought out more.

Its that man again!!

[–] scottsteaux63-735-780576 10 years ago

I shall never understand arrogant people with teeny, tiny brains who think that if they dislike a film (or a book, or a play, or a TV show, or an album, pick one), then if anyone else likes it they are automatically either profoundly stupid or hopelessly insane.

Those who legitimately dislike or even detest a film and are willing to state their reasons why are one thing; pathetic little trolls visiting the message boards with the express intention of insulting as many people as they can in one fell swoop are quite another.

You don't like this movie, Charlie2008? Fine; there is no law against it and nothing says you ever have to see it again. I, however, think it is an excellent film; it is one of the gems of my collection and every time I watch it I find myself discovering something I had not noticed before.

Now that you have had your temper tantrum, go to bed.

"People! Take your meds!" ~ Judge Elizabeth Donnelly (Judith Light), "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," episode titled "Zebras."

roflol (><)