Films Worth Viewing Year 2 | Page 8 | The Boneyard

Films Worth Viewing Year 2

"The Bridge on the River Kwai"-David Lean-1957

This classic film is available for free streaming. It won 7 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Alec Guinness), and Best Screenplay. Few films have such a copious back story. Sam Spiegel wrangled the picture. He purchased the rights to Pierre Boule's novel. He made the decision to hire Lean based upon a recommendation from Katherine Hepburn. He hired William Holden to play Shears, and he negotiated his contract ($300,000 +10% of the profit). He negotiated with the British and the Japanese governments for technical advisors. He hired the original screenwriter, Carl Foreman,but he was blacklisted. Pierre Boule got the Oscar; he wasn't there to accept it perhaps because he didn't speak English.

Let me deal with the historical accuracy problem. Building this railroad cost the lives of between 15 to 18,000 POW lives,and the lives of 80 to 100,000 indentured Thais and Burmese. The conditions were truely horrendous.
The real life models for Nicholson and Saitao were quite different. Colonel Tosey tried to delay completion of the bridge, and he intervened in the War Crimes trial of Major Saito, the camp commandment. The bridge (actually two bridges, one wooden and the other metal) was never fully destroyed. Japanese engineers designed and supervised the construction. Hey folks;this is fiction. This was never intended to be a documentary. There are other inconsistencies; Columbia claimed the bridge cost $ 250,000; it only cost a little over $50,000. A studio not being completely accurate about the budget, wow, what a shock.

There were some major problems. There were no facilities in Ceylon to develop the film. It was airlifted to England and flown back developed the next day. When the film was completed it was sent out on 5 different flights. The film containing the scenes of the bridge being blown up. It was discovered several days later sitting on the tarmac in Cairo. Lean and Guinness had difficulty working together. Lean and Siegel started out working well together, but they almost came to blows after the Oscar ceremonies.

The film is beautifully photographed, and the restoration is excellent. Guinness often remarked that this was his best work. Sesue Hayakawa said it was his best work. Holden and Lean got along well. Critics often state state that this is an anti war picture, but I find it more a picture of how war changes men. Despite its length, over 2 and 1/2 hours,and its age over 60 years old; I didn't find my attention wandering. This is a classic, and a must see even thought the real bridge wasn't built over the River Kwai which was actually a stream. When I reached Ceylon (still not Sri Lanka) in 1963, everyone was proud of the film. One of my trips was to visit Mountbatten's headquarters which wasn't at Mount Lavinia.
 
"The Lives of Others"-Florian Hugo von Donnersmark-2006

This is one of the most interesting films of the 21st century. I admit to having a predilection for films which surprise me. I knew little more about the Stassi (East German Secret Police) than the name. I didn't see this in a theater; I found out about it by reading about films. It is in German with subtitles. The Stassi seems to have one
half of the population informing on the other half. The GDR (German Democratic Republic) considered it necessary to have the State continually monitor its citizens. They were separated from the West by a physical
wall. We've looked at the wall before most significantly in "One, Two,Three." The film is set in 1984 over 20 years after the wall was erected. When it came out in Germany in 2006, it was less than twenty years since the fall of the wall in 1989. Shortly after the wall came down, an individual could read his or Stasi files. The only comparable historical situation was in the Union of South Africa after the ANC (African National Congress)came to power.

Films set in the recent past can be particularly difficult for the filmmaker. There are an unusual number of people only too willing and able to point out his mistakes. The most common error cited was that there was no Stassi agent like Captain Gerd Wiesler. Stassi agents were not capable of dealing with those they observed/investigated with humanity. Gerd Wiesler ( Ulrich Muhe) is shown in the beginning ofthe film as a true believer. He believes in his job and he believes the GDR is the best government for his country. He is eager to set up a listening station in the residence of a prominent dramatist, Georg Dreyman (Sebastian Koch). He has his doubts about Dreyman's loyalty to the GDR.. The Captain physically sits and listens to all the conversations in Dreyman's residence. He is relieved once a day. Over time he comes to believe that Dreyman and his lover
Christina Maria Sieland (Martina Gedeck) are innocent of any malice to the government. One meaning of the title, The Lives of Others, is that the watcher has no life of his own. In one sense he has a life;his mission as a Stassi officer, but his intense observation of Dreyman leads him to identify with him. He doesn't record everything which might be incriminating.

There other actors in this situation; there is a government minister who wants Christina; there is a higher ranking Stassi officer who wants to please the upper levels of the Party. They aren't loyal to the ideal of socialism. The Captain ventures further and further into protecting the life of the artist he is observing.

Von Donnersmark spent several years in research before he began writing the script which took him a year and a half. He wanted Gabriel Yardel to write the score. Yardel didn't read German;so von Donnersberg translated the script. The actors were mostly from what was the GDR. Ulrich Muhe had an extensive Stassi file beginning when he was a teenager. Several of his associates in the theater where he worked were informers. Everyone involved in this production took a pay cut. On the DVD there is an excellent statement from von Donnersberg about he came to make the film.

The Captain gets caught out. He is demoted to a menial job unsealing letters. The wall comes down; the playwright encounters a former colonel of the STassi after reading his files. This encounter goads him to return to writing. This work is a novel "A Sonata for a Good Man." The Captain now making ends meet by cleaning streets discovers the book. He sees the dedication which is to him using his Stassi number and not his name.

My highest recommendation. I couldn't find a free streaming service; you may do better.
 
"The Caine Mutiny"-Edward Dmytryk-1954

This is adapted from Herman Wouk's 1951 novel. Stanley Kramer bought the rights before it became a huge success and won the Pulitizer prize. Kramer had an independent production deal with Columbia. The deal allowed Kramer to produce relatively low budget films. Kramer picked Dmytryk who was the only director in the Hollywood 10 to helm the film. He finally ended up testifying, so he was removed from the blacklist. Harry Cohn insisted that these films be brought in for $2,000,000 and no longer than two hours. The time limitation was so that the film could be shown twice a day. The novel was based on Wouk's experiences as a communications officer in the Navy during WWII.

In addition to the successful novel, Wouk wrote a play "The Caine Mutiny Court-martial" which was a success on Broadway and was made for television on several occasions. Interestingly, Michael Caine adopted the last name as his screen name. The big question was always whether or not the navy would give its approval for the film.
Kramer secured the navy's approval of Stanley Robert's script with the caveat that a statement that the U.S. Navy had never had a mutiny appeared before the film. Cohn later insisted on cutting out 50+ pages to bring the film in at two hours.

The plot is relatively straight forward. The captain of the U.S.S. Caine is replaced by Lt. Commander Queeg (Humphrey Bogart). He considers himself to be a by the book captain. He strictly enforces uniform protocols, and he is quick to impose punishments for seemingly small infractions. When he is not told of the showing of a Hopalong Cassidy film; he stops showing films for a month. There were other more significant lapses; one for instance is when his orders result in the ship sailing in a circle and cutting a tow line.

Significantly, this is a very solid cast. The novel was told from the perspective of Ensign Keefe (Robert Francis) ; he was a 90 day gentleman. The navy was woefully short of officers, and it had 90 day programs to make civilians officers. Keefe comes on board shortly before the change of command. For me the most distracting element was Keefe's background story including a romance with a nightclub singer. I suspect that
there was even more background material which was part of the script cuts. Van Johnson is surprisingly good as the executive office Merryk. We benefit from another classic Fred McMurray bad guy, Keefer the communications officer. Jose Ferrar appears late in the film as Lt. Bernie Greenwald, the defense counsel.

During a typhoon with Queeg behaving dangerously and putting the ship and crew in peril, Merryk assumes command under article 184. Keefe, as officer of the deck, supports the decision. When the Caine safely reaches San Francisco, Merryk and Keefe are put on trial for mutiny. Ferrar's cross examination of Bogart turns the case in their favor. When questioned about the strawberry investigation.Bogart becomes increasingly distracted, and he pulls his two steel balls from his pocket and begins rolling them. He catches himself, but it is too late. The officers of the court have already witnessed his acute paranoia. This is considered by most to be the high point of the film. Bogart is a craftsman, when he arrives at the court he seems fully in control, but he loses his composure and concentration. He becomes increasingly uncomfortable, we can feel him sweat.
He fidgets in his seat;his answers become halting. We Never actually see the verdict.

There is a double epilogue. First Keefer is confronted and shunned, then there is a scene of Keefe going to anew ship. This is still compelling viewing today, but today's audiences would find Queeg to be suffering from PTSD. This film received 7 nominations,but won no Oscars. Probably because it was up against "On the Waterfront." It is available to stream for free. Very highly recommended.
 
zymurg said:
"The Lives of Others"-Florian Hugo von Donnersmark-2006
Expand ...
This played in Hartford and I never made it. I'm going to put it on the top of my queue.
 
The Caine Mutiny. The scene with Queeg (Bogart) on the stand is one of the best performances in cinema history. It draws natural comparisons to Jessup (Nicholson) on the stand in a Few Good Men. Both are powerful. The difference is the end of the Bogart scene you have run a gauntlet of emotions and feel compassion for Queeg. Just brilliant stuff.
 
.-.
"Wind River"-Taylor Sheridan-2017

This a film which almost came out of nowhere. Sheridan got the directing job on the basis of two scripts:"Siacrio"and "Hell or High Water." He assembled a cast of quality but lesser known performers. Nick Cave co-wrote the score with Warren Ellis. (Nick Cave seems to turn up attached to a lot of quality films.) Sheridan entered the film at Sundance so that he could get enough money to do what he wanted in post production. The film had a budget of $11,000,000 and a world box office of $44,000,000. It received an 8 minute standing ovation at Cannes.

The story takes place on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. Two Indian tribes Shoshone and Arapaho share the reservation which is about the size of Rhode Island. The Tribal Police Force is only a chief and 6 officers. The film opens with a hunter for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Corey Lambert (Jeremy Remmer) killing a wolf to protect a herd of goats. He is dressed in in whites to blend in with the snow. He receives anew assignment to hunt mountain lions which are attacking cattle. He brings his young son along; he will visit his grandparents while his dad goes to hunt the mountain lions. While hunting he comes across the frozen body of a young Indian woman who was the best friend of his daughter Emily. Emily dies under mysterious circumstances; Cory lost not only his daughter, but his marriage as well.

Cory notifies the Tribal Police. They call in the FBI. Graham Greene appears as the tribal police chief. We are fortunate to once again encounter this top flight character actor. Just once I'd like to see him in a leading role.
The FBI agent turns out to be Elizabeth Olsen (Jane Burns). She's really good in the role. These three disparate
individuals form an unlikely posse to investigate the crime. As Ben puts it "This isn't the land of waiting for backup. This is the land of you're on your own." I don't want to reveal any more of the plot. I believe that many of you have not seen this movie, so I don't want to spoil your experience. This is a high quality script, excellent performances, beautifully shot with a solid score. It also highlights a major problem on reservations.
"While missing person statistics are compiled for every other demographic, none exist for Native American women. There is one other excellent feature of this film; we believe that we are observing real characters and some wind up toys who run to keep the plot moving. In the last scene in the film Cory sits down with the father of the girl found frozen (Natalie). The father, Martin, asks:"Got time to sit with me?" Cory answers:"I ain't going nowhere." It's almost funny, but totally in character.

Don't miss this one. Free streaming on 123.
 
Sobibor

This was a Nazi death camp in Eastern Poland. In its one year of operation more than 250,000 Jews were killed.
On October 14th 1943 there was an uprising and a mass prisoner escape. In 2014 PBS showed a documentary "Escape from a Death Camp made to remember the 70th anniversary of the escape. This mixes period film with interviews with survivors who attended the memorial at the camp. After the escape Himmler ordered the camp razed and pine trees planted on the site There was a notorious green house standing which was the house of the commandant. One of the survivors goes inside the house.

This version of history differs somewhat from the versions in two documentary dramas. All three do agree that the gassed corpses were incinerated. The documentary refers to a note setting a date for the termination of the camp. It was October 15th. This was supposed to be the impetus for the mass escape plan. Neither of the docudramas mention the note. Other major discrepancies are whether the escapees had guns, and the number who escaped. It was commonly accepted that 300 of the 600 workers escaped initially, and about 60 survived until the end of the war. The PBS documentary puts the number of escapees at about 200 with less than 50 surviving until the end of WWII. There is a recent Russian film, "Sobibor" 2018 which was the official entry at the Academy Awards. It is available on Prime; however without subtitles. There are some other problems. The most important of which is its focus on a Russian officer as a Moses. Probably, the best option is" Escape from Sobibor" a US British production which won an Emmy and was seen by almost 32 million in its initial CBS broadcast. This 1987 production features Alan Arkin, Rutger Hauer, and Johanna Pakula in Lead roles.

This is well worth your time. The performances are solid, and the script is effective. Unless you are of my disposition, this is probably more than enough depressing material for one sitting. It is on Prime, and it streams for free. I did try to find lighter viewing, but I was unsuccessful.
 
Nurse Ratchit- no not that film. A Zucker film, no not those productions. A classic drag race, no not that film, but the flag dropper has a child in this film. That actress bemoans the efficacy of home surgical procedures.
Jon Lovitz's first starring film. A statue of former Washington Mayor Marion Barry is a prominent artifact. In fact the fictional high school bears his name. Are you getting warm now?

"Mais ou sont les neiges d'autan? This classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. It is hard to find a movie with more cliches,but sometimes,not often, but sometimes out of the ooze of cliches, comes laughter. I admit that some of you may think you are laughing at rather than with the purported humor. Seriously, I take that back, conjecture is perhaps a more apt term, is there a possibility, that some of the laughs may have been intended by the film makers?

I found "High School High" funny; there I've finally admitted it. Louise Fletcher as a high school principal/drug gang kingpin, doesn't that intrigue you? An earnest teacher pitted against the forces of indifference and prejudice; isn't that an elevating theme? Never let it be said that the Zuckers aren't capable of raising humor to the pinnacle of comedy. Then to the well trod stage anon if Zucker's learned Sock be on. This one really puts the sock into the old buskin. Teacher Clark:e:"Why are you late?"
Student Natalie: "Because the bell rang before I got here."
More proof would be lagniappe. Hah, you were expecting a but there. Never let if be said that I haven't used a cliche.

It is available to stream for free on 1,2,3. You might enjoy it.
 
zymurg said:
Nurse Ratchit- no not that film. A Zucker film, no not those productions. A classic drag race, no not that film, but the flag dropper has a child in this film. That actress bemoans the efficacy of home surgical procedures.
Jon Lovitz's first starring film. A statue of former Washington Mayor Marion Barry is a prominent artifact. In fact the fictional high school bears his name. Are you getting warm now?

"Mais ou sont les neiges d'autan? This classic will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year. It is hard to find a movie with more cliches,but sometimes,not often, but sometimes out of the ooze of cliches, comes laughter. I admit that some of you may think you are laughing at rather than with the purported humor. Seriously, I take that back, conjecture is perhaps a more apt term, is there a possibility, that some of the laughs may have been intended by the film makers?

I found "High School High" funny; there I've finally admitted it. Louise Fletcher as a high school principal/drug gang kingpin, doesn't that intrigue you? An earnest teacher pitted against the forces of indifference and prejudice; isn't that an elevating theme? Never let it be said that the Zuckers aren't capable of raising humor to the pinnacle of comedy. Then to the well trod stage anon if Zucker's learned Sock be on. This one really puts the sock into the old buskin. Teacher Clark:e:"Why are you late?"
Student Natalie: "Because the bell rang before I got here."
More proof would be lagniappe. Hah, you were expecting a but there. Never let if be said that I haven't used a cliche.

It is available to stream for free on 1,2,3. You might enjoy it.
Expand ...
new one for me. noice.
Mark Twain's Thoughts on Lagniappe

We picked up one excellent word, wrote Mark Twain in Life on the Mississippi (1883), "a word worth traveling to New Orleans to get; a nice limber, expressive, handy word-'lagniappe'.... It is Spanish-so they said." Twain encapsulates the history of "lagniappe" quite nicely. English speakers learned the word from French-speaking Louisianians, but they in turn had adapted it from the American Spanish word la ñapa. Twain went on to describe how New Orleanians completed shop transactions by saying "Give me something for lagniappe," to which the shopkeeper would respond with "a bit of liquorice-root, ... a cheap cigar or a spool of thread." It took a while for "lagniappe" to catch on throughout the country, but by the mid-20th century, New Yorkers and New Orleanians alike were familiar with this "excellent word."
 
"How Green Was My Valley"-John Ford-1941

I believe that this film is vastly underrated because it beat "Citizen Kane" for the best picture and best director Oscars. It makes the list for the 10 worst pictures to ever win the Oscar. This film has an interesting back story.
Zanuck planned to make a 4 hour film in color, filmed in Wales, and directed by William Wyler. Then the Battle of Britain happened. The coal fields of Wales were a major target. Fox had paid $300,000 for the rights to the novel. The NY executives wanted to scrap the project, but Zanuck countered with filming in black and white, in California, and with Ford directing. Ford was noted for his efficiency, generally two takes were more than enough. Obviously, filming in California presented problems, a Welsh village complete with coal mine had to be constructed. The problem of casting the role of Huw the young boy in the film who offers narration was acute.
Roddy McDowell was a child refugee among tens of thousands sent from the UK to the US and Canada early in WWII. He had some limited experience in films, but within two weeks of his arrival in the US, he was tested and cast. Ford loved his potential, and he delivered.

LLewellyn's novel ran over 500 pages, Phillip Dunne was hired to create a workable screenplay. The film was now to tell only part of the novel. Zanuck and Ford were both very strong willed; they fought constantly. If you could conjure up their spirits; they would probably agree that their work together was excellent. In this case it was the highest grossing film of 1941, and it was nominated for 10 Oscars. On Oscar night Ford was already in the Pacific with his special crew ready to film the Battle of Midway live and in color. He was wounded. Zanuck accepted his Oscar in uniform; he had his own film unit with the Army. This film struck an emotional note with both the public and the critics. Fox executives were worried that the pro union stance could be divisive in America's lead up to war. The strike plays a prominent part, but it is the value of family which comes through.

The film is set at the turn of the century; Victoria is still Queen. Unions are a new thing; the coal mines slag has yet to destroy the countryside. Huw Morgan is 12 year old and the youngest child in the family. His father Willym (Donald Crisp) and his mother (Sara Allgood) are loving and uniting figures. The sole daughter
Angharad (Maureen O'Hara then 19) lives at home. The father and five sons all work in the local mine owned
by the Evans. Wages are cut, and for the first time the men go out on strike. The strike lasts for months, because the father opposed the strike, the sons save Huw leave home and live in the village. As time passes without resolution of the strike, some miners blame Willym. A stone is thrown through the window. Mrs.Morgan and Huw go to a meeting of the miners. She speaks out against the treatment; on the way home
she and Huw fall through the ice. They are close to death, but both survive.

The individual who is most responsible for Huw's physical and moral recovery is Pastor Gruffyd. I think Walter Pidgeon's performance is underrated. He is never reeking of sanctity; he inspires by his actions as well as by words. He and Angharad have a painful unrequited love. There is sadness in the story, sons leave for America; the wages fall, one son dies in the mine, and the village loses its way spiritually. We are never left without hope.

I think that the second part of the film drags a little, but even here, there are wonderful scenes. Angharad marries the mine owner's son. We don't see the ceremony, but when the principals emerge Willym Morgan loudly asks why there is no singing for his daughter's wedding. The bride and the groom emerge, a wind plays tricks with the veil. In the background we become aware of the pastor standing alone. This is a long shot,so we never see his face. We realize that he performed the service. This entire scene is brilliantly composed and shot with a minimum of dialogue. The written word can only hint at the emotional power and understanding we see on the screen.

This is available on YouTube. This was Ford's favorite. Each year until his death he hosted a lunch for the "Green" women and Roddy McDowell. They continued for many years after Ford's death. This reminds me of the line in Henry V: "we happy few", the making of the film wasn't St. Crispin's Day, but the experience was genuinely cherished by all the participants. If you can access the DVD; the extras will add to your experience.
You will feel better after watching this film.
 
.-.
zymurg said:
"How Green Was My Valley"-John Ford-1941

I believe that this film is vastly underrated because it beat "Citizen Kane" for the best picture and best director Oscars. It makes the list for the 10 worst pictures to ever win the Oscar. This film has an interesting back story.
Zanuck planned to make a 4 hour film in color, filmed in Wales, and directed by William Wyler. Then the Battle of Britain happened. The coal fields of Wales were a major target. Fox had paid $300,000 for the rights to the novel. The NY executives wanted to scrap the project, but Zanuck countered with filming in black and white, in California, and with Ford directing. Ford was noted for his efficiency, generally two takes were more than enough. Obviously, filming in California presented problems, a Welsh village complete with coal mine had to be constructed. The problem of casting the role of Huw the young boy in the film who offers narration was acute.
Roddy McDowell was a child refugee among tens of thousands sent from the UK to the US and Canada early in WWII. He had some limited experience in films, but within two weeks of his arrival in the US, he was tested and cast. Ford loved his potential, and he delivered.

LLewellyn's novel ran over 500 pages, Phillip Dunne was hired to create a workable screenplay. The film was now to tell only part of the novel. Zanuck and Ford were both very strong willed; they fought constantly. If you could conjure up their spirits; they would probably agree that their work together was excellent. In this case it was the highest grossing film of 1941, and it was nominated for 10 Oscars. On Oscar night Ford was already in the Pacific with his special crew ready to film the Battle of Midway live and in color. He was wounded. Zanuck accepted his Oscar in uniform; he had his own film unit with the Army. This film struck an emotional note with both the public and the critics. Fox executives were worried that the pro union stance could be divisive in America's lead up to war. The strike plays a prominent part, but it is the value of family which comes through.

The film is set at the turn of the century; Victoria is still Queen. Unions are a new thing; the coal mines slag has yet to destroy the countryside. Huw Morgan is 12 year old and the youngest child in the family. His father Willym (Donald Crisp) and his mother (Sara Allgood) are loving and uniting figures. The sole daughter
Angharad (Maureen O'Hara then 19) lives at home. The father and five sons all work in the local mine owned
by the Evans. Wages are cut, and for the first time the men go out on strike. The strike lasts for months, because the father opposed the strike, the sons save Huw leave home and live in the village. As time passes without resolution of the strike, some mincers blame Willym. A stone is thrown through the window. Mrs.Morgan and Huw go to a meeting of the miners. She speaks out against the treatment; on the way home
she and Huw fall through the ice. They are close to death, but both survive.

The individual who is most responsible for Huw's physical and moral recovery is Pastor Gruffyd. I think Walter Pidgeon's performance is underrated. He is never reeking of sanctity; he inspires by his actions as well as by words. He and Angharad have a painful unrequited love. There is sadness in the story, sons leave for America; the wages fall, one son dies in the mine, and the village loses its way spiritually. We are never left without hope.

I think that the second part of the film drags a little, but even here, there are wonderful scenes. Angharad marries the mine owner's son. We don't see the ceremony, but when the principals emerge Willym Morgan loudly asks why there is no singing for his daughter's wedding. The bride and the groom emerge, a wind plays tricks with the veil. In the background we become aware of the pastor standing alone. This is a long shot,so we never see his face. We realize that he performed the service. This entire scene is brilliantly composed and shot with a minimum of dialogue. The written word can only hint at the emotional power and understanding we see on the screen.

This is available on YouTube. This was Ford's favorite. Each year until his death he hosted a lunch for the "Green" women and Roddy McDowell. They continued for many years after Ford's death. This reminds me of the line in Henry V: "we happy few", the making of the film wasn't St. Crispin's Day, but the experience was genuinely cherished by all the participants. If you can access the DVD; the extras will add to your experience.
You will feel better after watching this film.
Expand ...

"How Green Was My Valley" is one of my favorite John Ford films. Ford is considered one of the best directors ever (something I agree with), so I find it hard to believe that one of his best films would be considered one of the ten worst films to win the best picture Oscar.

By the way, this film and "Forbidden Planet" have turned my wife into something of a Walter Pidgeon fan. I love the long shot of Pidgeon at the wedding as well, it is indeed brilliantly composed. This is the sort of thing that you look forward to in John Ford films.
 
Last edited:
"The King's Speech"-Tom Hooper-2010

I jumped the queue with this one; it's available on Prime now, but it will vanish in about a week. The budget was about $15,000,000 and the World Box Office was just under $427,000,000. Somebody made a few bucks. There is an interesting story about the screenwriter, David Seidler, was himself a stammerer. He planned to write a book about how George VI over came his stuttering. He wrote the Queen Mother asking for her permission; she asked him to delay until after her death as the subject was too painful for her. He complied; the script made the famous blacklist (best unproduced scripts). When Seidler won the Oscar, he was in his 70's. This made him the oldest winner of that award.

Albert,Duke of York, had suffered from pronounced stuttering since he was a young boy. Bertie(Colin Firth) had
sought treatment for years. The problem had become much more acute with the appearance of radio broadcasts. It was his notable failure in a broadcast that caused his wife, Duchess of York (Helena Bonham Carter) to seek out Lionel Logue an outside speech therapist. Logue was an Australian who began treating problems some veterans whose problems began in World War I. Logur's(Geoffrey Rush) methods were different.

The declining health of George V (Michael Gambon) posed a problem for the Windsors or the Firm as they often refer to themselves. Next in the line of succession was Crown Prince Edward (Guy Pearce); he had two major poblems: first he was an admirer of Hitler, and second he was involved with Wallis Simpson,an American divorcee. The King of England was head of the Church of England and as such couldn't marry a divorced woman.

One more note about the script, while the film was in development the grandson of Lionel, Mark Logue,discovered his grandfather's meticulous notes of his work with George VI. Colin Firth insisted that this exchange: Logue: "You stammered on the W--King George: "Well, I had to throw a few in so they knew it was me" be put in the film. This was taken from comments after George VI's successful radio speech on Britain's decision to go to war with Germany. Logue was present at all the King's radio broadcasts during the War.

This is a treat for those who enjoy a script that allows the principal actors to have fun with their work. Firth and Rush have a grand old time, and the audience does as well. Very highly recommended.
 
dbmill said:
"How Green Was My Valley" is one of my favorite John Ford films. Ford is considered one of the best directors ever (something I agree with), so I find it hard to believe that one of his best films would be considered one of the ten worst films to win the best picture Oscar.

By the way, this film and "Forbidden Planet" have turned my wife into something of a Walter Pidgeon fan. I love the long shot of Pidgeon at the wedding as well, it is indeed brilliantly composed. This is the sort of thing that you look forward to in John Ford films.
Expand ...

Thought I would post my top five favorite John Ford movies. These are not in order of preference, I have difficulty in declaring any one of them a favorite over the others.

Stagecoach
How Green Was My Valley
My Darling Clementine
The Quiet Man
The Searchers
 
zymurg said:
"The King's Speech"-Tom Hooper-2010

I jumped the queue with this one; it's available on Prime now, but it will vanish in about a week. The budget was about $15,000,000 and the World Box Office was just under $427,000,000. Somebody made a few bucks. There is an interesting story about the screenwriter, David Seidler, was himself a stammerer. He planned to write a book about how George VI over came his stuttering. He wrote the Queen Mother asking for her permission; she asked him to delay until after her death as the subject was too painful for her. He complied; the script made the famous blacklist (best unproduced scripts). When Seidler won the Oscar, he was in his 70's. This made him the oldest winner of that award.

Albert,Duke of York, had suffered from pronounced stuttering since he was a young boy. Bertie(Colin Firth) had
sought treatment for years. The problem had become much more acute with the appearance of radio broadcasts. It was his notable failure in a broadcast that caused his wife, Duchess of York (Helena Bonham Carter) to seek out Lionel Logue an outside speech therapist. Logue was an Australian who began treating problems some veterans whose problems began in World War I. Logur's(Geoffrey Rush) methods were different.

The declining health of George V (Michael Gambon) posed a problem for the Windsors or the Firm as they often refer to themselves. Next in the line of succession was Crown Prince Edward (Guy Pearce); he had two major poblems: first he was an admirer of Hitler, and second he was involved with Wallis Simpson,an American divorcee. The King of England was head of the Church of England and as such couldn't marry a divorced woman.

One more note about the script, while the film was in development the grandson of Lionel, Mark Logue,discovered his grandfather's meticulous notes of his work with George VI. Colin Firth insisted that this exchange: Logue: "You stammered on the W--King George: "Well, I had to throw a few in so they knew it was me" be put in the film. This was taken from comments after George VI's successful radio speech on Britain's decision to go to war with Germany. Logue was present at all the King's radio broadcasts during the War.

This is a treat for those who enjoy a script that allows the principal actors to have fun with their work. Firth and Rush have a grand old time, and the audience does as well. Very highly recommended.
Expand ...
I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. The subject matter seemed a little ho hum but the acting is terrific. I strongly recommend it.
 
King's Speech was so well done it had me rooting for the monarchy.
 
"Hidalgo"-Joe Joahston-2004

Sergeo Leone was one of the last great creators of archetypes in film; I should qualify that by saying human archetypes. I exclude the genre of super heroes which dominates current heroic movies. For those interested, search out my "My Name Is Nobody." This is a film which is based on an idea of Leone's. Nobody goes over the top; it moves from the improbable to the impossible. It isn't bad; it attempts to use humor to leaven the journey from improbable. It's on Prime.

Back when I was growing up, the western was still highly viable. Heroes like Shane, Gary Cooper, and John Wayne were part of our weekly fare at the movies. There was a template which included such features as the hero being more likely to kiss the horse than the girl. Vigo Mortenson won the role of Frank Hopkins based of his work as Strider in "The Lord of the Rings." We have come to accept that our heroes may have flaws. They may drink to excess; they may gamble,and they may have secrets in their past.

Frank Hopkins is a real character. He was a long distance racer, or a long rider. He wrote a story of his life which was more akin to the dime novels or as they are even more demeaningly termed "Penny Dreadfuls."
As far as anyone knows there was never anything like the "Ocean of Fire" race. Roger Ebert wrote: "And please ignore any tiresome scolds who complain the movie is not really based on fact. Duh."

This sets the scene for the emergence of our director, Joe Johnston. He is known for being able to create effective visual effects. His credits include "Jumanji", "Captain America", and one outlier "October Sky." That film is one of my all time favorites. Even there we see a heroic story. This time it is true.

The plot finds a broken down wild west star in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show still appearing in a featured role.
After some vacillating; he accepts the challenge to race in the "Ocean of Fire" in the Middle East. At first it seems that he is doing this for money, but clearly there are other stronger motivations. It is a personal challenge; it is a defense of the West, and perhaps most importantly it is a defense of the mustang. Mustangs
are mixed breed wild horses. We find out that Hopkins is a mixed breed; his father was a cavalry scout; his mother was a Sioux chief's daughter. Perhaps the race will help him find himself. Hidalgo, the mustang, is of equal importance in the movie. He will be racing against the best pure bred Arabian horses. These horses form the key base for modern racehorses.

Omar Sharif appears in one of his best performances as Shiek Riyadh the most famous breeder of Arabian horses. He is also the sponsor of this 3,000 mile race. The race begins in Arabia and ends at the ocean in Syria. The race is a test of endurance for both horse and rider. Many/most of the participants die. Of course in the movie it isn't merely the race; there are many who seek to influence the race illegally and even violently. A hero must overcome obstacles; this is the type of movie where we are gut sure that our hero will triumph. In this case the hero experiences, visions, overcomes self doubt, and is redeemed.

This is available on IDMb, yes there are commercials, but it is free. I like this film a lot; it's just enjoyment, but I say so what
 
.-.
"Lucy"-Luc Besson-2014

Since his most productive period in the'90's, Besson made a variety of films which in general haven"t been successes. He has had some success with stories/scripts for instance "Taken" and "Transporter." Lucy marked a return to box office success. Besson is generally over the top; this film is an example of that tendency both visually, storyline, and Philosophically/intellectually. Visually there are portions of the film which use almost abstract images, then scenes of nature, then scenes of imagined nature, and finally images of extreme violence to distract/involve. There are two storylines. The first involves a young woman studying in Taiwan. She becomes involved with a bad boy Ronald. He tricks/forces her into bringing a brief case to a master Korean criminal, Mr. Jang. Naturally, things go downhill; she becomes one of a group of drug mules bringing a massively potent new drug with various lethal side effects to Europe .

The second story focuses on Dr, Norman (Morgan Freeman) who is one of the worlds leading experts on the human brain. He is particularly interested in what would happen if a human being could access a greater portion of the neurons in the human brain. We see him lecturing in Paris and answering questions from the audience.

Meanwhile, a plastic bag of this drug has been inserted in Lucy's intestine. Lucy (Scarlet Johannson) doesn't get on the plane. She is taken by a group of thugs. Their beatings cause the bag to break and release a large quantity of the drug into her system. The drug forcefully activates more neurons. We see various % of the brain being utilized in numbers on the screen. Each jump in % allows her gain new abilities. She not only can learn more quickly, remember things from her past, have increased ability to sense things, but she can control inanimate objects, and even other humans.

The two story tracks are brought together. Lucy goes to meet Professor Norman. Lucy s concerned with what she should do with her new knowledge/abilities. Norman advises her:"I say pass it on." Unfortunately. she is followed to Paris by Mr. Jang (Min suk-Choi) and a company of thugs. (I must interject, that Lucy had a chance to kill Mr. Jang and didn't do it. It is also surprising that his minions have no trouble in acquiring all kinds of weapons. No explanation is offered for either phenomenon.)

The ingestion of this huge quantity of drugs, naturally takes its toll. Lucy is racing against death. She contacts a Paris based police captain, Pierre Del Rio (Amr Waked) to capture her fellow drug mules.

Lucy is the name given by Donald Johannson to a 2.5 million year old skeleton found in Ethiopia. This skeleton is supposed to be the link between the other primates and man. We see the modern day Lucy interact with the proto Lucy. I advise viewers not to try and follow each imagining to what might be considered a conclusion. There are far too many. Bresson has the ability to move things along. I liked this better this time than I had previously. This is available to stream for free on 1,2,3.

If you like Bresson's other films; this will be worthwhile viewing.
 
"Who'a Afraid of Virginia Wolfe"-Mike Nichols-1966

I began these commentaries under the title:"Films Worth Viewing>" This film easily meets that threshold. My problem is what to write. This film has taken hold of me; I have been avoiding writing this commentary for a couple of weeks. This film disturbs me. I find in almost impossible to come to grips with. I first saw it when it came out well over 50 years ago. Edward Albee is an enormously difficult writer. He lays bare parts of humanity and human interaction which in many cases we would rather avoid. He is mostly forgotten today. His first "success" was "Zoo Story." This one act play features two men's conflict over a park bench. In the course of a little morethan an hour, we see madness swallow up both characters. Many critics believe "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" is Albee's finest work. They consider Albee to be one of the greatest American playwrights ever.

This was Mike Nichol's first film. It was the most expensive black and white picture made at that time. There were reasons for this. The film rights to Albee's play were purchased for $300,000. Ernest Lehman hired himsel as screenwriter for $250,000. Almost nothing he wrote was used. Elizabeth Taylor was paid $1,000,000, and Burton received $759,000. It was filmed partly at Northhampton, Mass,, but mainly at the studio. Nichols later admitted that this was his mistake. Years later he characterized his performance as learning on the job. He was a very fast learner.

The story is set at a fictitious small but somewhat well respected liberal arts college. There are only 4 characters.
The central couple are George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor). Martha is the daughter of the college president. George is her husband; after many years of marriage and teaching he hasn't risen above Associate Professor. The marriage relationship has developed into a bloodless blood sport. The injuries they inflict upon one another are to the soul. They are joined for a late after party by a new couple. He is an ambitious scholar in biology, Nick( George Segal). She is a woman who was married because she was pregnant, Honey (Sandy Dennis). The pregnancy wasn't real, and the couple has remained together for appearances sake. Both Taylor and Dennis won Oscars. I think Burton's performance was the best in the film.
The film gained several other Oscars including best black and white cinematography. This was the last year where distinctions were made between color and black and white films by the Oscar voters.

Perhaps my reaction to this film is overly extreme. I find it quality all the way through. This isn't the least bit sloppy. The 2 and a half hours are very uncomfortable. Albee wanted it that way; Nicholas wanted it that way. There are no breaks, no reliefs from the tension. How can such marriages survive? George and Martha in some sick way are dependent on one another. They know how to hurt each other only too well.

This is an excellent film; I hesitate to call it great only because I find the subject matter disturbing. You are warned. It is available to stream for free.
 
"Quiz Show"-Robert Redford-1994

It's 1957. For those of you who have no personal memories of this time; two major events dominated the news.
Sputnik orbited the earth, and Charles van Doren became a national hero as a result of his success on the quiz show 21. Did you know that Strelka and Belka were dogs and Mo, Sally, and Amy were mice? Did you know that Van Doren beat Herb Stempel to begin his amazing run. My family watched avidly as Van Doren won week after week. He had a "Time"cover. There was an investigation of television game shows by a congressional committee. It turned out that 21 was rigged;Van Doren got the questions in advance, and sometimes he received the answers as well.

This movie tells that story. The script was written by Paul Anastasio based on his own research with Robert Goodwin's book as a starting point. It focuses on two principals, Goodwin, the dedicated investigator, and Charles van Doren, an academic from a family of academics (his father was a Pulitizer Prize winning poet. Goodwin went on to become a speech writer for Jack Kennedy. He married the historian Doris Kearns. Van Doren lost his job at Columbia. He was finished as a university teacher. He worked for Encyclopedia Britannica, and he wrote. He vanished from public view. More interestingly nothing happened to the TV network or the sponsors. They were directly involved, but the investigation didn't touch them.

Many observers believe that this was the starting point of public disaffection with American institutions. The situation became worse with the Kennedy assassinations and the tumult surrounding Vietnam. Of course this is a commentary on a film. So what kind of a film is this "Quiz Story"? This is an excellent film,well written, well acted, and shot with great attention to period detail.

Rob Murrow's performance as Robert Goodwin has been criticized, but I find him to be more than adequate.
Ralph Finnes was Charles van Doren. John Turturo as Herb Stempel and Paul Scofield as Mark van Doren give the best performances. Redford directed a number of quality films;this ranks among his best. It is available to stream for free. you can forget about my background notes and just enjoy this film. Very highly recommended.
 
zymurg said:
"Who'a Afraid of Virginia Wolfe"-Mike Nichols-1966

I began these commentaries under the title:"Films Worth Viewing>" This film easily meets that threshold. My problem is what to write. This film has taken hold of me; I have been avoiding writing this commentary for a couple of weeks. This film disturbs me. I find in almost impossible to come to grips with. I first saw it when it came out well over 50 years ago. Edward Albee is an enormously difficult writer. He lays bare parts of humanity and human interaction which in many cases we would rather avoid. He is mostly forgotten today. His first "success" was "Zoo Story." This one act play features two men's conflict over a park bench. In the course of a little morethan an hour, we see madness swallow up both characters. Many critics believe "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" is Albee's finest work. They consider Albee to be one of the greatest American playwrights ever.

This was Mike Nichol's first film. It was the most expensive black and white picture made at that time. There were reasons for this. The film rights to Albee's play were purchased for $300,000. Ernest Lehman hired himsel as screenwriter for $250,000. Almost nothing he wrote was used. Elizabeth Taylor was paid $1,000,000, and Burton received $759,000. It was filmed partly at Northhampton, Mass,, but mainly at the studio. Nichols later admitted that this was his mistake. Years later he characterized his performance as learning on the job. He was a very fast learner.

The story is set at a fictitious small but somewhat well respected liberal arts college. There are only 4 characters.
The central couple are George (Richard Burton) and Martha (Elizabeth Taylor). Martha is the daughter of the college president. George is her husband; after many years of marriage and teaching he hasn't risen above Associate Professor. The marriage relationship has developed into a bloodless blood sport. The injuries they inflict upon one another are to the soul. They are joined for a late after party by a new couple. He is an ambitious scholar in biology, Nick( George Segal). She is a woman who was married because she was pregnant, Honey (Sandy Dennis). The pregnancy wasn't real, and the couple has remained together for appearances sake. Both Taylor and Dennis won Oscars. I think Burton's performance was the best in the film.
The film gained several other Oscars including best black and white cinematography. This was the last year where distinctions were made between color and black and white films by the Oscar voters.

Perhaps my reaction to this film is overly extreme. I find it quality all the way through. This isn't the least bit sloppy. The 2 and a half hours are very uncomfortable. Albee wanted it that way; Nicholas wanted it that way. There are no breaks, no reliefs from the tension. How can such marriages survive? George and Martha in some sick way are dependent on one another. They know how to hurt each other only too well.

This is an excellent film; I hesitate to call it great only because I find the subject matter disturbing. You are warned. It is available to stream for free.
Expand ...
'This was the last year where distinctions were made between color and black and white films by the Oscar voters. '
further supporting my historical contention that somewhere between 1964 to 1966, the entire world shifted from 'black and white' to 'color.' clothes, hairstyles, food, politics, war, youth attitudes and activities, finance, technology,...everything. in a word, boom! by, say 1967 or so, the 'wheels' came off an old world, and before you know it, we were standing on the moon, listening to synthisizers, using seat belts, taking vitamins, wearing hip hugger bell bottoms while tossing bras out, watching former colonies gain independence, and, like noticed in that famous movie of the time, using plastics. thankfully, some of the bad that accompanied the good changes have been ash-heaped. pops always said that 'nehru' shirts looked ridiculous, and that mung bean sprouts were just rude, and definitely not food.
 
ClifSpliffy said:
'This was the last year where distinctions were made between color and black and white films by the Oscar voters. '
further supporting my historical contention that somewhere between 1964 to 1966, the entire world shifted from 'black and white' to 'color.' clothes, hairstyles, food, politics, war, youth attitudes and activities, finance, technology,...everything. in a word, boom! by, say 1967 or so, the 'wheels' came off an old world, and before you know it, we were standing on the moon, listening to synthisizers, using seat belts, taking vitamins, wearing hip hugger bell bottoms while tossing bras out, watching former colonies gain independence, and, like noticed in that famous movie of the time, using plastics. thankfully, some of the bad that accompanied the good changes have been ash-heaped. pops always said that 'nehru' shirts looked ridiculous, and that mung bean sprouts were just rude, and definitely not food.
Expand ...

The big three United States television networks also all pretty much went to totally color broadcasting in 1966 as well. Prior to this some shows were shown in color, with NBC leading the way (they were owned by RCA, which was big into making color television sets). I was a young kid at the time, but I do remember that all three networks in the mid to late 1960's made a point in making it known that their programs were in color. I didn't give it any thought at the time, but much later in my life it occurred to me that the transition to predominantly color programming had just occurred at this point.
 
Last edited:
ClifSpliffy said:
'This was the last year where distinctions were made between color and black and white films by the Oscar voters. '
further supporting my historical contention that somewhere between 1964 to 1966, the entire world shifted from 'black and white' to 'color.' clothes, hairstyles, food, politics, war, youth attitudes and activities, finance, technology,...everything. in a word, boom! by, say 1967 or so, the 'wheels' came off an old world, and before you know it, we were standing on the moon, listening to synthisizers, using seat belts, taking vitamins, wearing hip hugger bell bottoms while tossing bras out, watching former colonies gain independence, and, like noticed in that famous movie of the time, using plastics. thankfully, some of the bad that accompanied the good changes have been ash-heaped. pops always said that 'nehru' shirts looked ridiculous, and that mung bean sprouts were just rude, and definitely not food.
Expand ...
I had forgotten that this was that year. My mother, one of the most intelligent and perceptive people I've known, was blown away by commercials in color. Hay, I had 2 Nehru shirts. The importance of the images in
commercials cannot be discounted.
 
.-.
dbmill said:
The big three United States television networks also all pretty much went to totally color broadcasting in 1966 as well. Prior to this some shows were shown in color, with NBC leading the way (they were owned by RCA, which was big into making color television sets). I was a young kid at the time, but I do remember that all three networks in the mid to late 1960's made a point in making it known that their programs were in color. I didn't give it any thought at the time, but much later in my life it occurred to me that the transition to predominantly color programming had just occurred at this point.
Expand ...

zymurg said:
I had forgotten that this was that year. My mother, one of the most intelligent and perceptive people I've known, was blown away by commercials in color. Hay, I had 2 Nehru shirts. The importance of the images in
commercials cannot be discounted.
Expand ...

I specifically remember this announcement from that time period:

"The following program is brought to you in living color on NBC."

I then thought to look it up on the internet. There were a number of variants, but this is the one that was burned into my skull.

 
Last edited:
"Vertigo"-Alfred Hitchcock-1958

In 2012 "Sight and Sound" ranked this film as the greatest film of all time. It replaced "Citizen Kane" in the #1 spot. It wasn't always so. The movie wasn't a commercial success and the critical reception was mixed. The key factor n this change was the restoration in 1996. This version began showing in theaters in'97. The Castro Theater in San Francisco did more business in the first week it showed the restoration than any other theater in the US. Universal was responsible for the restoration which two years to complete. If you have access to the DVD please watch "Obsessed with Vertigo." Martin Scorese is one of the featured commentators; he is saint of restoration efforts.

Where doe "Vertigo" stand in Hitchcock's work? That seems a simple question, but there isn't a simple answer.
It was one of a group of films he made on loan to Paramount. Hitchcock had total control. It was adapted from a French novel "D'etre Des Mortes." Maxwell Anderson took the first pass at the script. Meanwhile, in his methodical way Hitch was planning shots and looking for shooting sites. Hitch much preferred shooting on a sound stage. Here he could control the lighting and sound. Remarkably, over 40 sets were constructed for this film. Hitchcock normally had his heroes battle outside opponents; this film was outside the norm. (Rebecca was also outside the norm.) Here the hero Scottie Ferguson battles fear of heights and vertigo. This type of internal battle became more common in his later films.

This is often termed Hitch's most personal film. The obsession of Stewart's character with the prototype Hitchcock blonde is offered as proof. It is true that Hitch featured the cool blonde in multiple films, but Grace Kelley in "Rear Window" seemingly fits the archetype. However, she and Stewart have a normal relationship. In
Vertigo the character who most closely resembles the Kelly character is Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes) and not Madeline. As we find out Madeline is an illusion. In real life Hitch had a lifelong relationship with his. She in no way resembled the cool imperious blonde.

Htch's daughter believed that he made films for the audience. I believe that Hitch made the films he wanted to make; he naturally hoped they would reach audiences. "Vertigo" came after 30 years of directing, if anything Hitch was more confident of his ability to lead the audience. He often remarked that he shot the film in his head before shooting began. The finished product allowed the audience to experience his creation. One unusual scene is Judy's flashback. This reveals that she was Madeline and a part of a murder.
The audience is given knowledge that the protagonist doesn't possess. This was the result of showing two audiences of critics different versions of the film. One version had the flashback sequence; the other did not have the flashback sequence. The critics much preferred the flashback version. Hitch opted for the audience friendly version.

The film has what many believe to be Bernard Herman's best score. He drew upon Wagner's "Tristan and Isode" score. That of course is a doomed romance. The opening credits were created by Saul Bass. This was the first use of computer graphics in a title sequence. We remember the image of the title emerging from a woman's eye. Bass contributed the vertigo sequences and the scene with Stewart's head in a dream sequence. Given the technology available; this is remarkable work. One of the most famous sequences is the staircase of the mission. Hitch's drawings indicate the look he was after, but it wasn't easy to translate to film. Irwin Roberts was responsible for working out the effect. The audience experiences some aspects of Vertigo as Stewart climbs up in the bell tower.

The ending is solid craft. Scottie has uncovered the truth about Judy and the murder in the bell tower. He pushes her up, seemingly ignoring her pleas that she loves him. At the top they kiss. They hear sounds. The camera breaks away from the couple to focus on the stairs. A nun ascends, we see a glimpse of of Judy going over. The nun arrives: "God have mercy." Judy is gone. Scottie stands on the edge his vertigo gone. It was foreshadowed by a doctor's comment that his vertigo was curable only by experiencing an equal emotional shock.

Hitch was disappointed with the reaction to the film. He thought Stewart was too old for a romantic hero. He was 49to Novak's 25. He also questioned the casting of Novak. Her dual role was monumentally difficult.
Judy, despite her looks, was nothing like Madeline. She was working class and from the mid-west. She walks differently, she stands differently, and her pleas for understanding don't come from a queen. When Madeline asks for understanding, help, and comfort, Scottie is more than moved, he is enraptured. Judy is only clay to be molded. Building an illusion; he loses reality.

It is difficult to believe that Scottie was a master detective. Of course it's possible that his near death experience dangling from a building while a potential rescuer plunges to his death changes more than his reactions to heights. Why does he accept the mission to tail Madeline on behalf of her husband? Why does he accept Carlotta? This demands more willing suspense of disbelief than I have. This is a brilliant film, but one which didn't emotionally move me. Still, this can be a compelling journey. I was unable to find a workable free streaming site.
 
Last edited:
zymurg said:
"Vertigo"-Alfred Hitchcock-1958

In 2012 "Sight and Sound" ranked this film as the greatest film of all time. It replaced "Citizen Kane" in the #1 spot. It wasn't always so. The movie wasn't a commercial success and the critical reception was mixed. The key factor n this change was the restoration in 1996. This version began showing in theaters in'97. The Castro Theater in San Francisco did more business in the first week it showed the restoration than any other theater in the US. Universal was responsible for the restoration which two years to complete. If you have access to the DVD please watch "Obsessed with Vertigo." Martin Scorese is one of the featured commentators; he is saint of restoration efforts.

Where doe "Vertigo" stand in Hitchcock's work? That seems a simple question, but there isn't a simple answer.
It was one of a group of films he made on loan to Paramount. Hitchcock had total control. It was adapted from a French novel "D'etre Des Mortes." Maxwell Anderson took the first pass at the script. Meanwhile, in his methodical way Hitch was planning shots and looking for shooting sites. Hitch much preferred shooting on a sound stage. Here he could control the lighting and sound. Remarkably, over 40 sets were constructed for this film. Hitchcock normally had his heroes battle outside opponents; this film was outside the norm. (Rebecca was also outside the norm.) Here the hero Scottie Ferguson battles fear of heights and vertigo. This type of internal battle became more common in his later films.

This is often termed Hitch's most personal film. The obsession of Stewart's character with the prototype Hitchcock blonde is offered as proof. It is true that Hitch featured the cool blonde in multiple films, but Grace Kelley in "Rear Window" seemingly fits the archetype. However, she and Stewart have a normal relationship. In
Vertigo the character who most closely resembles the Kelly character is Midge (Barbara Bel Geddes) and not Madeline. As we find out Madeline is an illusion. In real life Hitch had a lifelong relationship with his. She in no way resembled the cool imperious blonde.

Htch's daughter believed that he made films for the audience. I believe that Hitch made the films he wanted to make; he naturally hoped they would reach audiences. "Vertigo" came after 30 years of directing, if anything Hitch was more confident of his ability to lead the audience. He often remarked that he shot the film in his head before shooting began. The finished product allowed the audience to experience his creation. One unusual scene is Judy's flashback. This reveals that she was Madeline and a part of a murder.
The audience is given knowledge that the protagonist doesn't possess. This was the result of showing two audiences of critics different versions of the film. One version had the flashback sequence; the other did not have the flashback sequence. The critics much preferred the flashback version. Hitch opted for the audience friendly version.

The film has what many believe to be Bernard Herman's best score. He drew upon Wagner's "Tristan and Isode" score. That of course is a doomed romance. The opening credits were created by Saul Bass. This was the first use of computer graphics in a title sequence. We remember the image of the title emerging from a woman's eye. Bass contributed the vertigo sequences and the scene with Stewart's head in a dream sequence. Given the technology available; this is remarkable work. One of the most famous sequences is the staircase of the mission. Hitch's drawings indicate the look he was after, but it wasn't easy to translate to film. Irwin Roberts was responsible for working out the effect. The audience experiences some aspects of Vertigo as Stewart climbs up in the bell tower.

The ending is solid craft. Scottie has uncovered the truth about Judy and the murder in the bell tower. He pushes her up, seemingly ignoring her pleas that she loves him. At the top they kiss. They hear sounds. The camera breaks away from the couple to focus on the stairs. A nun ascends, we see a glimpse of of Judy going over. The nun arrives: "God have mercy." Judy is gone. Scottie stands on the edge his vertigo gone. It was foreshadowed by a doctor's comment that his vertigo was curable only by experiencing an equal emotional shock.

Hitch was disappointed with the reaction to the film. He thought Stewart was too old for a romantic hero. He was 49to Novak's 25. He also questioned the casting of Novak. Her dual role was monumentally difficult.
Judy, despite her looks, was nothing like Madeline. She was working class and from the mid-west. She walks differently, she stands differently, and her pleas for understanding don't come from a queen. When Madeline asks for understanding, help, and comfort, Scottie is more than moved, he is enraptured. Judy is only clay to be molded. Building an illusion; he loses reality.

It is difficult to believe that Scottie was a master detective. Of course it's possible that his near death experience dangling from a building while a potential rescuer plunges to his death changes more than his reactions to heights. Why does he accept the mission to tail Madeline on behalf of her husband? Why does he accept Carlotta? This demands more willing suspense of disbelief than I have. This is a brilliant film, but one which didn't emotionally move me. Still, this can be a compelling journey. I was unable to find a workable free streaming site.
Expand ...

I've said it before, Vertigo is one of my top five favorite Hitchcock films.
 
"Big Fish"-Tim Burton-2003

This was my first viewing of a film which has become a popular favorite. It is currently on Prime. This is a film which merits the term heightened reality. At the conclusion of the film just before he turns into a giant catfish, his son Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) remarks: "A man tells his stories so man times that he becomes his stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." Or you might say that he lives as long as he and his stories are remembered. We are concerned that memories will be gone of World War II when the veterans all die. The last Holocaust survivors are dying. We see Sam telling his son at a pool party one of his father's stories. We can exist in Oral Tradition. Will the tradition of reading to young children and/or telling them stories pass from our lives?

This film is based on the novel by Douglas Wallace. He has written a series of novels set in small town Alabama.
The screenplay was written by John August. In the film Ed Nelson is played by two actors. Ewan McGregor plays young Ed. Albert Finney plays the older Ed. Sandra Bloom (Jessica Lange) calls Will in Paris where he works for a news service. She tells him that his father is dying. They haven't spoken in 3 years. For Will his father telling the story of his birth which involved a gold ring and a giant catfish was the last straw. Even at his wedding his father insisted on being the center of the story. Will returns to Ashcroft, Alabama with his pregnant wife Josephine (Marion Cottilard). (This was her first American film.) He retraces some of his father's steps. By the end of the film, Will realizes that his father's stories have a basis in reality. The magical town of Spectre exists. His father really did serve on a dangerous mission in the Korean War. He ends up constructing a death story for his father. At the real funeral, hundreds of people show up including a circus ring master and a giant who had been featured in Ed's stories.

Tim Burton ("Batman", "Alice in Wonderland" and "Beetlejuice.) carefully maps out Ed's life stories. McGregor
does an excellent job as Ed Nelson adventurer. Finney is even better as the bed ridden cancer patient trying to hold on to his stories, and thus to hold on to his life. Crudup has a more difficult role; he believes his father has lied to him his entire life. Dealing with his father's impending death; he learns that the stories have more than a kernel of truth. This is two hours of enjoyable viewing with an obvious truth; every man wants to be a hero in his own story.

Highly recommended.
 
zymurg said:
"Big Fish"-Tim Burton-2003

This was my first viewing of a film which has become a popular favorite. It is currently on Prime. This is a film which merits the term heightened reality. At the conclusion of the film just before he turns into a giant catfish, his son Will Bloom (Billy Crudup) remarks: "A man tells his stories so man times that he becomes his stories. They live on after him, and in that way he becomes immortal." Or you might say that he lives as long as he and his stories are remembered. We are concerned that memories will be gone of World War II when the veterans all die. The last Holocaust survivors are dying. We see Sam telling his son at a pool party one of his father's stories. We can exist in Oral Tradition. Will the tradition of reading to young children and/or telling them stories pass from our lives?

This film is based on the novel by Douglas Wallace. He has written a series of novels set in small town Alabama.
The screenplay was written by John August. In the film Ed Nelson is played by two actors. Ewan McGregor plays young Ed. Albert Finney plays the older Ed. Sandra Bloom (Jessica Lange) calls Will in Paris where he works for a news service. She tells him that his father is dying. They haven't spoken in 3 years. For Will his father telling the story of his birth which involved a gold ring and a giant catfish was the last straw. Even at his wedding his father insisted on being the center of the story. Will returns to Ashcroft, Alabama with his pregnant wife Josephine (Marion Cottilard). (This was her first American film.) He retraces some of his father's steps. By the end of the film, Will realizes that his father's stories have a basis in reality. The magical town of Spectre exists. His father really did serve on a dangerous mission in the Korean War. He ends up constructing a death story for his father. At the real funeral, hundreds of people show up including a circus ring master and a giant who had been featured in Ed's stories.

Tim Burton ("Batman", "Alice in Wonderland" and "Beetlejuice.) carefully maps out Ed's life stories. McGregor
does an excellent job as Ed Nelson adventurer. Finney is even better as the bed ridden cancer patient trying to hold on to his stories, and thus to hold on to his life. Crudup has a more difficult role; he believes his father has lied to him his entire life. Dealing with his father's impending death; he learns that the stories have more than a kernel of truth. This is two hours of enjoyable viewing with an obvious truth; every man wants to be a hero in his own story.

Highly recommended.
Expand ...

A number of years ago I got the DVD of "Big Fish" as a Christmas gift. At the time I hadn't given any thought to ever seeing this film. So the movie sat on my DVD shelf until one night my wife and I decided to give it a watch. We were both rather impressed with this movie, as it showed quite a bit of imagination to it. My reaction to it pretty much is reflected in the above review. I haven't watched it in a number of years, but from what I recall the giant showing up at the funeral was the highlight of the movie for me.

By the way, our favorite Tim Burton film remains "Ed Wood" (whenever the subject of Bill Murray comes up, my wife always starts talking about this film). "Ed Wood" for many years got regular viewing in our house around Halloween time. "Big Fish" and "Big Eyes" rank just after "Ed Wood" for me on my list of favorite Tim Burton movies.

This review got me thinking of Tim Burton, so I just added "Sweeney Todd" to my Netflix Queue. Sooner or later I'll get around to it.
 
"Treasure Island"-Byron Haskins-1950

Disney had a problem; at the end of WWII Disney had a very large amount of profits they couldn't return to the US. British law prevented it. Walt decided to make a film in Britain using this capital. "Treasure Island" was a wonderful choice. This classic had been a favorite of boys for generations. Pirates were exotic but compelling.
This film just added to the legend. The famous "aaargh" begins with Robert Newton's performance as Long John silver. My inner boy was shocked to discover that the nickname "Long John" denotes the possibility that he ate forbidden flesh. On a more cheerful note, how can you resist a talking parrot named after a famous pirate, Captain Flint?

Buried pirate treasure is the basis for this story. In 1765 on the West coast of England there was an inn, Admiral Benbow, where Jack Hawkins (Bobby Driscoll) is behind the desk. An unsavory caller appears asking for William Bonney. The Captain does reside there, but only a glimpse of his sea chest reveals it. A group of pirates have returned to England; they have been searching for Bonney. He s believed to have the map to the buried treasure of Captain Flint, the most successful pirate. Bonney gives the map to young Hawkins. He goes to Squire Trelawney for help. Bonney is dead when they return, but the map leads the Squire to plan a voyage to recover the treasure. Of course young Hawkins comes along.

This is the start of the adventure, and RLS's novels are used for such films as "Kim" and Kidnapped." It is the innocence of this Disney production which makes seem timeless. Bobby Driscoll was an experienced child actor.
He worked in television as an adult, but he died at 31. Newton never achieved a comparable success, but Disney used this film as a kick start for making real action films. They were successes both on TV and in theaters. This is still a joy to watch if your inner child can be brought out of hiding. I'm not going to revisit the plot. You either know it, or I shouldn't spoil the story.
 
.-.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
168,510
Messages
4,579,692
Members
10,488
Latest member
Azerion


Top Bottom