Films Worth Viewing
- Thread starter zymurg
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storrsroars
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Z - Was wondering if you ever saw a 1975 German film called "The Judge and His Hangman" ("End of the Game" in the US). I saw the US version when it came out, but have never seen it on TV and it never made it to video (although apparently there's an edited version on Blu-Ray, which I don't have). I still think about it 44 years later as it was a murder mystery of sorts unlike any I've seen since - sort of Pinter-esque plot. In a twist, it was directed by Maximillian Schell and starred director Martin Ritt in a very memorable role.
Anyway, given your tastes, if you can find an original copy of the 105 minute version, I think you'd enjoy it.
Anyway, given your tastes, if you can find an original copy of the 105 minute version, I think you'd enjoy it.
It sounds interesting. It was a big success in Germany, but now the only way it is available is in the German Blue ray which needs an all region player. My luck with all region players hasn't been good.
Fitzcorraldo continued: The key element in the film is the literal transportation of 340 ton steamship without special effects up a hill and down the hill and into another river. This was accomplished using a winch, a bulldozer, and a hundred or so Amazonian Indians. When the filming was discontinued due to Robard's illness, it was necessary to move the site of major filming over 1,000 miles because a civil war broke out among Indian tribes. The doctor who accompanied the crew failed to bring enough opiates, reptiles bit workers regularly, one worker cut off his own leg with a chain saw. A tribal chief offered to kill Kinski, Herzog can be seen raving like a madman in the documentary; one native Amazonian was treated for an arrow wound in the throat; at least 4 people died on the shoot , and the cinematographer had to endure a 2+ hour operation to his hand without anesthetics. There are more stories about the shoot. I forgot to mention that the steamship goes through major rapids without any special effects.
There are some plot holes. I had viewed this film 3 times previously, once in a theater and twice on DVD. This time for this commentary; I watched it twice back to back and read 5 reviews and searched several sites. I found a big plot hole that I hadn't noticed previously. You may not notice it. The thing that still grabs me is that most of the madness is real, and beautifully photographed. Unforgettable.
There are some plot holes. I had viewed this film 3 times previously, once in a theater and twice on DVD. This time for this commentary; I watched it twice back to back and read 5 reviews and searched several sites. I found a big plot hole that I hadn't noticed previously. You may not notice it. The thing that still grabs me is that most of the madness is real, and beautifully photographed. Unforgettable.
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I was there with my 13 year old daughter, her first concert. Great show. While walking to the car afterwards I asked her how she liked it. Her first words were "I want to learn how to play the guitar". Which she did.
Love the Heads. Saw them at CBGB, and later at Forest Hills. DByrne and I are the same age FWIW.
"The Maltese Falcon"-John Huston-1941
This is a must see. While the film is over 75 years old and in black and white; it still retains its impact. It is often considered the first film noir. This is a classic American genre, and it is still the basis/template for contemporary film makers for instance the Coen brothers. It is Bogart's first real starring role, and it set him up for his later roles like "Casablanca", "Treasure of the Sierra Madre", and "The Big Sleep" to name just a few. This is also John Huston's first film as a director, and arguably the best first film ever made in Hollywood. It is the film debut of Sidney Greenstreet and the first pairing of Greenstreet and Lorre. It has drawn favorable technical comparisons for the work of Huston and Arthur Edison to that of Orson Welles and Greg Tolland on "Citizen Kane" which was filmed around the same time.
Let's look briefly at the story. The film begins with a brief rolling title which tells us that the Knights of Malta were given Malta as a home for their order by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. They only had to pay one falcon a year as rent. The Knights decided to give Charles V a solid gold jewel encrusted statue of a falcon as their first year's rent. It was stolen and it bounced around the known world, re-appearing and then disappearing. When a mysterious woman appears at the office of Spade and Archer Private Detectives. the story begins. Archer volunteers to follow Floyd Thursby; Archer is shot and killed. Spade is notified, and he comes to the crime scene. Later Thursby is shot and killed; the police question Spade(Bogart). He evades the questions, and makes contact with the mysterious woman, Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor) who refuses to tell the truth except that her real name is Brigid O'Shaughnessy. She still wants his help, Spade takes some more money, and promises to keep the police at bay. Spade is visited at his office by the effete Joel Cairo (Peter Lorre) who tells him of the missing falcon and offers him $5,000 for it.
Let's focus on the falcon. This is a McGuffin, a term coined by Alfred Hitchcock, to indicate a device that the characters want or fear but which is merely an additive. Another example are the famous letters of transit in Casablanca. As Peter Lorre put it these letters signed by General DeGaulle "Cannot even be questioned." Of course that is ridiculous even in the movie context;letters from a Free French Commander would mean nothing in Vichy controlled North Africa. The Falcon is a much better McGuffin; it makes sense in the plot.
This is perhaps the single most famous prop in movie history,rivaled only by the ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz." One might argue that the slippers are more properly costume rather than prop. The statue was made by Adolph Deutsch, an LA based painter and sculptor. Multiple copies were made, and they were later sold for six figures at auction. A replica in gold fetched $3 million.
Huston meticulously pre-planned every shot. He brought the film in on time and under budget. Several of the shot sequences are memorable. Mary Astor has several scenes hinting at bars including the following: striped pjs, blinds, and the elevator she takes down with the police. Even more evocative is the varying camera angles and heights in the scene where Spade is given a mickey. This is setup by dialogue between Kaspar Gutman (Greenstreet) and Spade about drinking. I should note that this craft is seamlessly integrated into the picture; one is not thinking about how clever the shot is while viewing the film.
Finally, the film ends with Ward Bond, a detective, asking Spade what the black falcon is. Spade responds:"The stuff that dreams are made of." A Shakespeare allusion/quote is a most fitting ending to a great film.
This is a must see. While the film is over 75 years old and in black and white; it still retains its impact. It is often considered the first film noir. This is a classic American genre, and it is still the basis/template for contemporary film makers for instance the Coen brothers. It is Bogart's first real starring role, and it set him up for his later roles like "Casablanca", "Treasure of the Sierra Madre", and "The Big Sleep" to name just a few. This is also John Huston's first film as a director, and arguably the best first film ever made in Hollywood. It is the film debut of Sidney Greenstreet and the first pairing of Greenstreet and Lorre. It has drawn favorable technical comparisons for the work of Huston and Arthur Edison to that of Orson Welles and Greg Tolland on "Citizen Kane" which was filmed around the same time.
Let's look briefly at the story. The film begins with a brief rolling title which tells us that the Knights of Malta were given Malta as a home for their order by Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. They only had to pay one falcon a year as rent. The Knights decided to give Charles V a solid gold jewel encrusted statue of a falcon as their first year's rent. It was stolen and it bounced around the known world, re-appearing and then disappearing. When a mysterious woman appears at the office of Spade and Archer Private Detectives. the story begins. Archer volunteers to follow Floyd Thursby; Archer is shot and killed. Spade is notified, and he comes to the crime scene. Later Thursby is shot and killed; the police question Spade(Bogart). He evades the questions, and makes contact with the mysterious woman, Miss Wonderly (Mary Astor) who refuses to tell the truth except that her real name is Brigid O'Shaughnessy. She still wants his help, Spade takes some more money, and promises to keep the police at bay. Spade is visited at his office by the effete Joel Cairo (Peter Lorre) who tells him of the missing falcon and offers him $5,000 for it.
Let's focus on the falcon. This is a McGuffin, a term coined by Alfred Hitchcock, to indicate a device that the characters want or fear but which is merely an additive. Another example are the famous letters of transit in Casablanca. As Peter Lorre put it these letters signed by General DeGaulle "Cannot even be questioned." Of course that is ridiculous even in the movie context;letters from a Free French Commander would mean nothing in Vichy controlled North Africa. The Falcon is a much better McGuffin; it makes sense in the plot.
This is perhaps the single most famous prop in movie history,rivaled only by the ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz." One might argue that the slippers are more properly costume rather than prop. The statue was made by Adolph Deutsch, an LA based painter and sculptor. Multiple copies were made, and they were later sold for six figures at auction. A replica in gold fetched $3 million.
Huston meticulously pre-planned every shot. He brought the film in on time and under budget. Several of the shot sequences are memorable. Mary Astor has several scenes hinting at bars including the following: striped pjs, blinds, and the elevator she takes down with the police. Even more evocative is the varying camera angles and heights in the scene where Spade is given a mickey. This is setup by dialogue between Kaspar Gutman (Greenstreet) and Spade about drinking. I should note that this craft is seamlessly integrated into the picture; one is not thinking about how clever the shot is while viewing the film.
Finally, the film ends with Ward Bond, a detective, asking Spade what the black falcon is. Spade responds:"The stuff that dreams are made of." A Shakespeare allusion/quote is a most fitting ending to a great film.
.-.
"Farewell, My Lovely"-Dick Richards-1975
Raymond Chandler is one of the most famous pulp fiction writers of the type of detective stories which were adapted into classic film noirs. This iteration of the novel is the third time it was adapted for a film. The first time was for the Saint series starring George Sanders. The second was titled "Murder, My Sweet" and starred Dick Powell. This is one of those films which a few critics really liked, a few critics really hated, and most thought it was decent, but probably not worth the effort. If this film were in black and white, it would be almost impossible to distinguish from a noir from the classic era. It is generally agreed that the best neo-noir is "Chinatown," but there have certainly been others like "Mullholland Drive." None of these films is any better at anchoring the action in the era; it really is 1941. Phillip Marlowe drives a 1940 Buick Special; he is caught up in Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak. Most importantly he is Robert Mitchum. He sounds and looks the part, though he is twenty years older than Marlowe is in the novels.
The film opens with Marlowe finding a 15 year old girl at a dime a dance hall and returning her to her parents.. On the street he meets Moose Malone (Jerry O'Halloran) a gigantic ex-con searching for the love of his life, Velma. Almost immediately Marlowe saves Moose from a drive by shooting. Moose had been in prison for seven years for an $80,000 robbery; the money was never recovered. Moose and Marlowe start the search together visiting a club, Florian's where Velma used to work. The club is under new management and is a negro joint. Moose ends up killing the new manager after being threatened with a gun. Marlowe calls the police. Lt. Nulty (John Ireland) an old friend arrives, and the affair is settled. It was self defense and the victim was a "" (not Marlowe's term). Of course things are far from settled, but unlike a noir made in the 40's
and 50's the truth of the underbelly of LA can be portrayed accurately as it was in the novel. Homosexuals are identified as such, a working brothel is visited, alcoholics and drug users are on full display. Police corruption is laid bare, but there is a trip to the upper reaches of LA society. Marlowe meets Judge Grayle (Jim Thompson, noted crime writer) and his wife Helen (Charlotte Rampling). They live in a mansion, in real life the old Harold LLoyd mansion(yes, that Harold LLoyd). Of course affluence and power are no bar to unethical and criminal behavior.
The director, Dick Richards, uses a Phillip Marlowe voice over to describe the action. This device divided the critics. I like it and it is used in the novel. The score is time and setting appropriate. Mitchum's suit was worn by Victor Mature in a movie. The film was a success at the box office success; there was a unfortunate sequel, a remake of "The Big Sleep." It was set in the 70's in London, not recommended viewing. This film is recommended, It has a lot of pleasures which hold up to repeated viewings. Mitchum is magnificent.
Raymond Chandler is one of the most famous pulp fiction writers of the type of detective stories which were adapted into classic film noirs. This iteration of the novel is the third time it was adapted for a film. The first time was for the Saint series starring George Sanders. The second was titled "Murder, My Sweet" and starred Dick Powell. This is one of those films which a few critics really liked, a few critics really hated, and most thought it was decent, but probably not worth the effort. If this film were in black and white, it would be almost impossible to distinguish from a noir from the classic era. It is generally agreed that the best neo-noir is "Chinatown," but there have certainly been others like "Mullholland Drive." None of these films is any better at anchoring the action in the era; it really is 1941. Phillip Marlowe drives a 1940 Buick Special; he is caught up in Joe DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak. Most importantly he is Robert Mitchum. He sounds and looks the part, though he is twenty years older than Marlowe is in the novels.
The film opens with Marlowe finding a 15 year old girl at a dime a dance hall and returning her to her parents.. On the street he meets Moose Malone (Jerry O'Halloran) a gigantic ex-con searching for the love of his life, Velma. Almost immediately Marlowe saves Moose from a drive by shooting. Moose had been in prison for seven years for an $80,000 robbery; the money was never recovered. Moose and Marlowe start the search together visiting a club, Florian's where Velma used to work. The club is under new management and is a negro joint. Moose ends up killing the new manager after being threatened with a gun. Marlowe calls the police. Lt. Nulty (John Ireland) an old friend arrives, and the affair is settled. It was self defense and the victim was a "" (not Marlowe's term). Of course things are far from settled, but unlike a noir made in the 40's
and 50's the truth of the underbelly of LA can be portrayed accurately as it was in the novel. Homosexuals are identified as such, a working brothel is visited, alcoholics and drug users are on full display. Police corruption is laid bare, but there is a trip to the upper reaches of LA society. Marlowe meets Judge Grayle (Jim Thompson, noted crime writer) and his wife Helen (Charlotte Rampling). They live in a mansion, in real life the old Harold LLoyd mansion(yes, that Harold LLoyd). Of course affluence and power are no bar to unethical and criminal behavior.
The director, Dick Richards, uses a Phillip Marlowe voice over to describe the action. This device divided the critics. I like it and it is used in the novel. The score is time and setting appropriate. Mitchum's suit was worn by Victor Mature in a movie. The film was a success at the box office success; there was a unfortunate sequel, a remake of "The Big Sleep." It was set in the 70's in London, not recommended viewing. This film is recommended, It has a lot of pleasures which hold up to repeated viewings. Mitchum is magnificent.
ClifSpliffy
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im not much of a movie, or tv show person for that matter, but your reviews are so interesting to read that, over the past few months, I've actually dug up some of your flix to watch.
I win, thank you.
Glad to hear that. Personally, I like having stuff written on films that often get only a passing mention at best on the other threads here on the Boneyard, I find it to be a real treat. That these films that @zymurg writes about are often about some of my favorite films, so much the better for me. And it gives me a chance to learn something about some of the classic films that I haven't seen.
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I've said it before, if pressed to name a favorite movie of all time (and there are a bunch that I just love), The Maltese Falcon is it. This review pretty much covers all the bases for me. Humphrey Bogart is one of my favorite top three movie actors (James Stewart and Cary Grant are the other two). It's the director debut of John Huston, who did great work with Bogart several other great films such as Key Largo, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, and The African Queen. And Peter Lorre and Sydney Greenstreet are among my favorite character actors, and both are given plenty to do in this film. Mary Astor makes for a fine femme fatale, an important ingredient to the rise of film noir (I consider The Maltese Falcon to be more of a proto film noir, and Astor's femme fatale adds an important element to the rise of film noir). As far as stripes and Astor in this film, I just love the stripes in the elevator in her last scene in the movie as she departs under arrest. Add in Elisha Cook Jr as Wilmer the Gunsel, and a nice early role for Ward Bond where he actually makes the end credits.
Ward Bond is another character actor favorite of my mine and my wife as well. While his acting profile rose in the mid 40's and 50's, he has all sorts of supporting roles, both large and very small, through all sorts of film classics. Bond probably has more small supporting roles in film classics than any one in film history. Yes, he even shows up in my favorite all time comedy, Bringing Up Baby.
Short Takes
I've watched a number of films searching for one or more films worthy of a Boneyard recommendation. Here they are. "The Scarlet and the Black" is a TV film about Hugh O'Flaherty (Gregory Peck) a Monsignor ar the Vatican in WWII. He hid thousands of Allied POWs who had escaped from the Nazis. This is a true story based primarily on "The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" by J.P. Gallagher. Sir John Gielgud plays Pius XII, and Christopher Plummer plays Colonel Herbert Keppler the SS officer who commanded Rome. Ennio Morricone wrote the score; the director and screenwriter, Jerry Landon and David Butler respectively, are relative unknowns. This was filmed on site in Rome. Out side of a wobbly Irish accent by Gregory Peck, the acting is at least very good, the story is interesting, and the production values are first rate. Historically, the actions of the Vatican during WWII are a minefield. My best guess is that the protagonist really was a hero. Worth a look.
"The Story of Louis Pasteur" is another 30's biography featuring Paul Muni in the title role. Solid filmmaking, but not on a par with his "Life of Emile Zola."
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" is a 1990 film directed by Tom Stoppard adapted from his play. I saw the play in London, and I liked it a lot. The cast is solid: Richard Dreyfus as the Player, Gary Oldham as Rosencrantz, and Tim Roth as Guilderstern. Somehow much of the whimsy of the play has faded away, and we ae left with 2 hours of boredom. I must say that most critics thought more highly of the film than I do.
"Dry White Season"-Euzan Palcy-1989 is the story of Ben de Toit a secondary school teacher in the white suburbs of Johannesburg in the 1970's. As a former star winger for the Springbocks, the South African national rugby team, he had some real standing in South African society. His gardener's son and then his gardener are killed by the South African Special Police. He becomes involved in trying to investigate what happened, and later in bringing a civil case against the Special Police. Many critics thought this type of story
about South African arpartheid would have been better told by focusing on blacks as the central characters.
What I have never seen in this criticism is the acknowledgement that the director, Euzan Palcy, was not only a black female from Martineque , but she had made only one previous film. Her reputation was such that she was able to bring Marlon Brando out of retirement to play an attorney who worked for civil rights. Her abilities as a director were such that she was able to get an excellent performance in this cameo role.
Donald Sutherland, an underrated and versatile actor, is excellent as Ben de Toit. This based on a novel written by a white South African, and given the nature of Hollywood film making, it is surprising that this film was made, but around this time several films were made about South Africa and its problems including a re-make of "Cry the Beloved Country" starring James Earl Jones. This is a good film which I like more than most film critics. Recommended.
I will be back with some more short takes shortly.
I've watched a number of films searching for one or more films worthy of a Boneyard recommendation. Here they are. "The Scarlet and the Black" is a TV film about Hugh O'Flaherty (Gregory Peck) a Monsignor ar the Vatican in WWII. He hid thousands of Allied POWs who had escaped from the Nazis. This is a true story based primarily on "The Scarlet Pimpernel of the Vatican" by J.P. Gallagher. Sir John Gielgud plays Pius XII, and Christopher Plummer plays Colonel Herbert Keppler the SS officer who commanded Rome. Ennio Morricone wrote the score; the director and screenwriter, Jerry Landon and David Butler respectively, are relative unknowns. This was filmed on site in Rome. Out side of a wobbly Irish accent by Gregory Peck, the acting is at least very good, the story is interesting, and the production values are first rate. Historically, the actions of the Vatican during WWII are a minefield. My best guess is that the protagonist really was a hero. Worth a look.
"The Story of Louis Pasteur" is another 30's biography featuring Paul Muni in the title role. Solid filmmaking, but not on a par with his "Life of Emile Zola."
"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" is a 1990 film directed by Tom Stoppard adapted from his play. I saw the play in London, and I liked it a lot. The cast is solid: Richard Dreyfus as the Player, Gary Oldham as Rosencrantz, and Tim Roth as Guilderstern. Somehow much of the whimsy of the play has faded away, and we ae left with 2 hours of boredom. I must say that most critics thought more highly of the film than I do.
"Dry White Season"-Euzan Palcy-1989 is the story of Ben de Toit a secondary school teacher in the white suburbs of Johannesburg in the 1970's. As a former star winger for the Springbocks, the South African national rugby team, he had some real standing in South African society. His gardener's son and then his gardener are killed by the South African Special Police. He becomes involved in trying to investigate what happened, and later in bringing a civil case against the Special Police. Many critics thought this type of story
about South African arpartheid would have been better told by focusing on blacks as the central characters.
What I have never seen in this criticism is the acknowledgement that the director, Euzan Palcy, was not only a black female from Martineque , but she had made only one previous film. Her reputation was such that she was able to bring Marlon Brando out of retirement to play an attorney who worked for civil rights. Her abilities as a director were such that she was able to get an excellent performance in this cameo role.
Donald Sutherland, an underrated and versatile actor, is excellent as Ben de Toit. This based on a novel written by a white South African, and given the nature of Hollywood film making, it is surprising that this film was made, but around this time several films were made about South Africa and its problems including a re-make of "Cry the Beloved Country" starring James Earl Jones. This is a good film which I like more than most film critics. Recommended.
I will be back with some more short takes shortly.
I saw the film version of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead several times many, many years ago, but not at all recently. My reaction is pretty similar to yours. I agree about the casting of Dreyfuss, Oldham, and Roth, they are fine. However, while there are moments of interesting stuff, for the must part I felt it was on the dull side. However, my wife likes this film a lot more than I do, especially the pieces of business where Rosencrantz and Guildenstern nearly stumble upon various scientific discoveries way before their time. While somewhat amusing, I never thought these instances add up to a solid piece of filmmaking.
.-.
Short Takes continued
"United"-James Strong-2011
This is based on the 1958 Munich air crash of the Manchester United football team returning from a match in Yugoslavia during the European Championship. This ManU club was known as Busby's Babes because of their youth and the fact that they were developed by Busby and Jimmy Murphy, the deputy manager. The movie was made by BBC and broadcast on British television. The story was written Chris Chitnall; he interviewed survivors,and used the original reporting. The team was flying on a leased private jet; the jet was hired so that ManU could play in Europe while maintaining its schedule of matches in the Football Association's First Division. There were 23 initial deaths; these included not only members of the team, but reporters and ManU staff and supporters. The story is seen through the eyes of Jimmy Murphy (David Tennant) and Bobby Charlton (Jack O'Carroll). Charlton was one of the greatest of all ManU players. Murphy has to hold the team together, and Charlton has to recover psychologically. I should note that the Busby family didn't like the film's portrayal of Matt Busby.
I must confess that this was during my high school years when I played soccer. I think that this disaster played a major role in ManU becoming my favorite side. This is well done; if you are a soccer fan, this is well worth viewing.
"Atticus v. The Architect: The Political Assassination of Don Siegalman" 2017
This is a documentary about the incredible case of a former Democratic governor of Alabama who was targeted by Republican operatives, initially backed by Casino money from Indian Casinos in Mississippi. It involved malicious prosecution, witness and jury tampering, a corrupt and criminal Federal Court Judge, dubious legal theories, and a massive cover-up which extended into the Obama administration and Attorney General Eric Holder. Over 110 former state attorney generals filed briefs in support of Dan Siegelman. This is well done; I'm not in a position to evaluate the evidence presented in the documentary. This is probably of little general interest, still it is well done, and the case is interesting.
"The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman"-John Korty-1974
This is a TV film made for CBS from the the 1971 novel by Earnest T. Gaines. This was several years before "Roots" on ABC. The film was universally praised, and the star, Cicely Tyson, won numerous awards including an Emmy. The make-up for her appearances as the 110 year old protagonist is spectacular. The speech patterns and movement patterns are believable; the story is told using an interview with a magazine writer as an entry point. The narrative begins with the Civil War, Jane picks her name from a list offered by a Union soldier. When the newly freed blacks are informed of their freedom by the plantation owner, Jane becomes part of a group walking North. Most are murdered by a gang trying to prevent the freed slaves from leaving the plantations. Jane continues with the son of the group's leader. She kept as a souvenir two flint rocks used to start fires on the road. The story begins with a voice over then cuts to the action in each episode.
The film culminates with the 110 year old Jane Pittman drinking from a whites only fountain in front of the county courthouse. This was filmed in Louisiana. CBS provided study guides; and the film is still used in schools. Many people thought the book was a biography, but Gaines wrote the book primarily using WPA interviews taken in the 1930's. Tyson's performance is unforgettable; reading the comments on various sites it is obvious that this film moved many viewers. It is available for free on Amazon Prime. Highly recommended; view this film.
"United"-James Strong-2011
This is based on the 1958 Munich air crash of the Manchester United football team returning from a match in Yugoslavia during the European Championship. This ManU club was known as Busby's Babes because of their youth and the fact that they were developed by Busby and Jimmy Murphy, the deputy manager. The movie was made by BBC and broadcast on British television. The story was written Chris Chitnall; he interviewed survivors,and used the original reporting. The team was flying on a leased private jet; the jet was hired so that ManU could play in Europe while maintaining its schedule of matches in the Football Association's First Division. There were 23 initial deaths; these included not only members of the team, but reporters and ManU staff and supporters. The story is seen through the eyes of Jimmy Murphy (David Tennant) and Bobby Charlton (Jack O'Carroll). Charlton was one of the greatest of all ManU players. Murphy has to hold the team together, and Charlton has to recover psychologically. I should note that the Busby family didn't like the film's portrayal of Matt Busby.
I must confess that this was during my high school years when I played soccer. I think that this disaster played a major role in ManU becoming my favorite side. This is well done; if you are a soccer fan, this is well worth viewing.
"Atticus v. The Architect: The Political Assassination of Don Siegalman" 2017
This is a documentary about the incredible case of a former Democratic governor of Alabama who was targeted by Republican operatives, initially backed by Casino money from Indian Casinos in Mississippi. It involved malicious prosecution, witness and jury tampering, a corrupt and criminal Federal Court Judge, dubious legal theories, and a massive cover-up which extended into the Obama administration and Attorney General Eric Holder. Over 110 former state attorney generals filed briefs in support of Dan Siegelman. This is well done; I'm not in a position to evaluate the evidence presented in the documentary. This is probably of little general interest, still it is well done, and the case is interesting.
"The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman"-John Korty-1974
This is a TV film made for CBS from the the 1971 novel by Earnest T. Gaines. This was several years before "Roots" on ABC. The film was universally praised, and the star, Cicely Tyson, won numerous awards including an Emmy. The make-up for her appearances as the 110 year old protagonist is spectacular. The speech patterns and movement patterns are believable; the story is told using an interview with a magazine writer as an entry point. The narrative begins with the Civil War, Jane picks her name from a list offered by a Union soldier. When the newly freed blacks are informed of their freedom by the plantation owner, Jane becomes part of a group walking North. Most are murdered by a gang trying to prevent the freed slaves from leaving the plantations. Jane continues with the son of the group's leader. She kept as a souvenir two flint rocks used to start fires on the road. The story begins with a voice over then cuts to the action in each episode.
The film culminates with the 110 year old Jane Pittman drinking from a whites only fountain in front of the county courthouse. This was filmed in Louisiana. CBS provided study guides; and the film is still used in schools. Many people thought the book was a biography, but Gaines wrote the book primarily using WPA interviews taken in the 1930's. Tyson's performance is unforgettable; reading the comments on various sites it is obvious that this film moved many viewers. It is available for free on Amazon Prime. Highly recommended; view this film.
"School of Rock"-Richard Linklater-2003
Linklater is an interesting director; he is very inventive visually and in story telling. He is relatively prolific, and he bounces from indie financing to major studio financing. Like directors from Hollywood's golden age, he has developed a group of players who re-appear in several films. The opening credits are a feast for the eyes; the closing credits are a feast for the ears. The story begins with an epic failure by Dewey Hines (Jack Black); his over the top performance at a poorly attended show leads to his firing from from the band he started. This self absorbed low talented rocker has no future; music was his life. He owes money for rent, and he is in danger of being thrown out. A phone call from the principal of Horace Green elementary offering an extended substitute position for Ned Schneebly is the answer to his financial problems.
What follows gets better and better; Jack Black is a difficult actor to work with, but here his manic nature is utilized almost perfectly. It is believable that Black could be good with kids, and that he could teach them.
The kids are amazing; some of them were chosen for their musical ability; the rest were professional actors with agents. The performance in the Battle of the Bands is really well choreographed, both backstage and onstage.
The DVD extras are well worth your time. As Jack Black says at the Toronto Film Festival: "You're never to old to be young."
The script was written by Mike White who lived next door to Black for three years. White plays Ned Schneebly in the film. Sarah Silverman plays his girlfriend. Joan Cusak plays the Horace Green school principal. Surprisingly most of these kids didn't make it in show or the music business. The exception has been Miranda Cosgrove (Summer Hathaway); she has had numerous featured roles on TV. 16 years later the film fostered a TV show and a musical. Linklater hasn't ruled out a sequel, but don't hold your breath. This
is most likely a once upon a time production.
Watch this film; again if you've seen it, and if you haven't seen it, where have you been living? My highest recommendation. Enjoy yourself for two hours.
Linklater is an interesting director; he is very inventive visually and in story telling. He is relatively prolific, and he bounces from indie financing to major studio financing. Like directors from Hollywood's golden age, he has developed a group of players who re-appear in several films. The opening credits are a feast for the eyes; the closing credits are a feast for the ears. The story begins with an epic failure by Dewey Hines (Jack Black); his over the top performance at a poorly attended show leads to his firing from from the band he started. This self absorbed low talented rocker has no future; music was his life. He owes money for rent, and he is in danger of being thrown out. A phone call from the principal of Horace Green elementary offering an extended substitute position for Ned Schneebly is the answer to his financial problems.
What follows gets better and better; Jack Black is a difficult actor to work with, but here his manic nature is utilized almost perfectly. It is believable that Black could be good with kids, and that he could teach them.
The kids are amazing; some of them were chosen for their musical ability; the rest were professional actors with agents. The performance in the Battle of the Bands is really well choreographed, both backstage and onstage.
The DVD extras are well worth your time. As Jack Black says at the Toronto Film Festival: "You're never to old to be young."
The script was written by Mike White who lived next door to Black for three years. White plays Ned Schneebly in the film. Sarah Silverman plays his girlfriend. Joan Cusak plays the Horace Green school principal. Surprisingly most of these kids didn't make it in show or the music business. The exception has been Miranda Cosgrove (Summer Hathaway); she has had numerous featured roles on TV. 16 years later the film fostered a TV show and a musical. Linklater hasn't ruled out a sequel, but don't hold your breath. This
is most likely a once upon a time production.
Watch this film; again if you've seen it, and if you haven't seen it, where have you been living? My highest recommendation. Enjoy yourself for two hours.
storrsroars
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School of Rock is definitely not a movie I would expect to see here.
I actually have never seen it because I generally find Jack Black obnoxious. But solely based on it being in this thread I guess I'll have to watch it.
However, if I hate it, I'm coming after you, zymurg.
I actually have never seen it because I generally find Jack Black obnoxious. But solely based on it being in this thread I guess I'll have to watch it.
However, if I hate it, I'm coming after you, zymurg.
I have not seen School of Rock either. I have a very long list of movies that I would like to see, and School of Rock is on it. One of these days I'll get around to it.
However, there is a Richard Linklater directed film that stars Jack Black that is one of our favorites from movies made in this decade. This film is "Bernie", which also stars Shirley MacLaine and Mathew McConaughey. When I first saw it, I thought it was pretty good, while my wife thought it was terrific. She liked it well enough that I got the DVD for her one Christmas. After watching it a couple more times, my opinion of the film changed, and now I feel this is indeed a terrific film. "Bernie" is based on a true story. It is hardly your typical Jack Black film, as he plays a mortician in a small Texas town. This role also allows Black to use his musical gifts quite a bit in all sorts of settings, including funerals.
I like "Bernie" quite a bit. This is another example of Linklater's ability to get a performance out of Jack Black. I'm surprised that more 'Yarders haven't seen this film. It really merits a view. Matthew McConaughey, another Linklater favorite is also in "Bernie."
That's your right; I have no illusions about my taste. I too find Jack Black over the top, but Linklater has a way with actors. Matthew McConaughey is another example. Watch the "Before..." series; three films made with the same actors over decades embellishing how a fictitious relationship might develop over time. Ethan Hawke and Julie Depuy both took active parts in developing these films. The commentary on "School of Rock" gives the viewer an idea how Linklater involves actors.
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"Chinatown"-Roman Polanski-1974
Robert Evans produced this film; his first after leaving as head of Paramount. He was key to getting Roman Polanski to return to the US to direct this film. Evans also was responsible for greenlighting Robert Town's script. Town wrote the script with Nicholson in mind. Polanski was responsible for getting Faye Dunaway and John Huston for their roles. Evans vetoed Polanski's choice of William Fraker as cinematographer. Jerry Goldsmith only had 10 days to write the score; the previous composer's music was used in the official trailer. Still, this was a very harmonious production. Polanski really liked Evans; the feeling was mutual. Towns was available to do quick re-writes. The one major re-write was the ending, here Polanski consulted Nicholson to make sure the Gittes' dialogue was in keeping with the rest of the film. The final result was one of the most admired American films of the 70's, which many critics consider the high mark of American film making.
The casting of the three principal roles Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), Evelyn Cross Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), and Noah Cross (John Huston) is perfect. The story is based on a big problem/issue water for Los Angeles; without adequate water there is no Los Angeles. The story is set in 1937; an aggrieved wife, Evelyn Mulwray comes to Jake Gittes' office to investigate her husbands' infidelity. Of course as we later find out; she really isn't Mulwray.
This deception is the template for the movie. Mulwray is murdered. Discovering the murderer isn't enough to solve the case. The ending is shocking in both visuals and story content. Just a few bits of trivia; Jack Nicholson is in every scene; Polanski decided not to do a lead character voice over, and Roman Polanski has a small role in the movie. He is the thug who cuts Gittes nose.
This is a film which has grown in critical esteem in the past 40+ years. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, but only won for Robert Town's screenplay. Today, would this film even be made? It moves not slowly, but deliberately. The film begins with Curly (Burt Young) finding out that his wife was cheating. An hour and a half later he returns to help Gittes escape from the police and help Evelyn Mulwray get away. Nothing is wasted. Another set up is the tidal pool at Evelyn Mulwray's house. It is salt water, and late something is found in the pool. I don't want to reveal the plot for those of you who haven't seen the film. This is a great film without any qualifiers. Repeated viewings bring new pleasures
Robert Evans produced this film; his first after leaving as head of Paramount. He was key to getting Roman Polanski to return to the US to direct this film. Evans also was responsible for greenlighting Robert Town's script. Town wrote the script with Nicholson in mind. Polanski was responsible for getting Faye Dunaway and John Huston for their roles. Evans vetoed Polanski's choice of William Fraker as cinematographer. Jerry Goldsmith only had 10 days to write the score; the previous composer's music was used in the official trailer. Still, this was a very harmonious production. Polanski really liked Evans; the feeling was mutual. Towns was available to do quick re-writes. The one major re-write was the ending, here Polanski consulted Nicholson to make sure the Gittes' dialogue was in keeping with the rest of the film. The final result was one of the most admired American films of the 70's, which many critics consider the high mark of American film making.
The casting of the three principal roles Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson), Evelyn Cross Mulwray (Faye Dunaway), and Noah Cross (John Huston) is perfect. The story is based on a big problem/issue water for Los Angeles; without adequate water there is no Los Angeles. The story is set in 1937; an aggrieved wife, Evelyn Mulwray comes to Jake Gittes' office to investigate her husbands' infidelity. Of course as we later find out; she really isn't Mulwray.
This deception is the template for the movie. Mulwray is murdered. Discovering the murderer isn't enough to solve the case. The ending is shocking in both visuals and story content. Just a few bits of trivia; Jack Nicholson is in every scene; Polanski decided not to do a lead character voice over, and Roman Polanski has a small role in the movie. He is the thug who cuts Gittes nose.
This is a film which has grown in critical esteem in the past 40+ years. It was nominated for 11 Oscars, but only won for Robert Town's screenplay. Today, would this film even be made? It moves not slowly, but deliberately. The film begins with Curly (Burt Young) finding out that his wife was cheating. An hour and a half later he returns to help Gittes escape from the police and help Evelyn Mulwray get away. Nothing is wasted. Another set up is the tidal pool at Evelyn Mulwray's house. It is salt water, and late something is found in the pool. I don't want to reveal the plot for those of you who haven't seen the film. This is a great film without any qualifiers. Repeated viewings bring new pleasures
.-.
"Stranger than Fiction"Mark Forster-2006
This is an example of a high concept comedy. A more familiar example is "Groundhog Day" what would happen if you had to repeat the same day over and over again,perhaps forever? In this case a mild mannered IRS representative can hear an author in his head. She is writing his story. How will he react? From this concept Zach Helm produced a script, and Mark Forster produced a film. Harold Crick (Will Farrell)lives a quiet life without human connection outside of work. He counts and measures everything. The author in Harold's head is Karen Iffel( Emma Thompson), who is suffering from perhaps a terminal case of writers' block She is finally writing again, but she is having difficulty in deciding how to Kill this Protagonist.
Simultaneously with the author commenting, Harold's life has become more complex. Of course he seeks medical explanations, but he ends up consulting a professor of Literature, Professor Hibbert (Dustin Hoffman).At first the busy professor seems likely to reject his plea for help. However, the phrase:"Little did he know..." brings them together in a literary hunt to find the nature of Harold's story, and later the author's identity. Of course all 'Yarders will recognize this as third person omniscient.
Meanwhile, Harold is given the responsibility of auditing Anna Pascal, a baker. This is the typical start of many rom coms; meet funny, disdain and dislike dominate, but we suspect that there will be a happy ending. Meanwhile, Karen Iffel's struggles have caused her publisher to send her an assistant, Penny Asher (Queen Latifah) to ensure that this book is finished on schedule.
The first half of the film is very funny in the laugh out loud sense. The second half is more reflective. Harold is forced to examine his life, and particularly his job. Other characters are forced to examine their lives as well. I am struggling not to reveal more of the plot. Let me move on to production values; without ever identifying Chicago, the action clearly identifies the location. There area lot on screen special effects. They visually re-inforce the narrative of actions like Harold brushing his teeth, tying his tie, and running for the bus. This film is a personal favorite; I like it more than I can reasonably justify. I still can recommend this film highly. This is just a bit more personal than rational.
This is an example of a high concept comedy. A more familiar example is "Groundhog Day" what would happen if you had to repeat the same day over and over again,perhaps forever? In this case a mild mannered IRS representative can hear an author in his head. She is writing his story. How will he react? From this concept Zach Helm produced a script, and Mark Forster produced a film. Harold Crick (Will Farrell)lives a quiet life without human connection outside of work. He counts and measures everything. The author in Harold's head is Karen Iffel( Emma Thompson), who is suffering from perhaps a terminal case of writers' block She is finally writing again, but she is having difficulty in deciding how to Kill this Protagonist.
Simultaneously with the author commenting, Harold's life has become more complex. Of course he seeks medical explanations, but he ends up consulting a professor of Literature, Professor Hibbert (Dustin Hoffman).At first the busy professor seems likely to reject his plea for help. However, the phrase:"Little did he know..." brings them together in a literary hunt to find the nature of Harold's story, and later the author's identity. Of course all 'Yarders will recognize this as third person omniscient.
Meanwhile, Harold is given the responsibility of auditing Anna Pascal, a baker. This is the typical start of many rom coms; meet funny, disdain and dislike dominate, but we suspect that there will be a happy ending. Meanwhile, Karen Iffel's struggles have caused her publisher to send her an assistant, Penny Asher (Queen Latifah) to ensure that this book is finished on schedule.
The first half of the film is very funny in the laugh out loud sense. The second half is more reflective. Harold is forced to examine his life, and particularly his job. Other characters are forced to examine their lives as well. I am struggling not to reveal more of the plot. Let me move on to production values; without ever identifying Chicago, the action clearly identifies the location. There area lot on screen special effects. They visually re-inforce the narrative of actions like Harold brushing his teeth, tying his tie, and running for the bus. This film is a personal favorite; I like it more than I can reasonably justify. I still can recommend this film highly. This is just a bit more personal than rational.
In my mind "Stranger Than Fiction" is an excellent film. Definitely my favorite movie with Will Farrell in it, and the supporting cast is very good. I don't mind a little whimsy in the movies that I like if it is done well, and like "Groundhog Day" this movie has it.
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"Young Sherlock Holmes" Barry Levinson-1985
This is one of the many films produced by Steven Spielberg for Amblin Productions. The scriptwriter, Chris Columbus, was involved with "The Goonies." Later he was a Hogwart's resident. Levinson was a talented young director who also was involved with Spielberg. The ending for this film was a set-up for a sequel. After the closing credits, a character signs the name Moriarity in a hotel register. Since the initial films of Sherlock Holmes material in the silent era; this fictional character has never been long off the silver screen and television when it became available. I'm not sure why he has this continuous popularity. The original stories and the novels appeared in "The Strand," this movie acknowledges that this is not a canonical story. No fictional character has appeared in more screen adaptations than Sherlock Holmes, and it seems that every decade produces new adaptations of the material.
What marks this presentation as unique is that we see a teenager who will become the adult detective. This film explains some of the characteristics of Holmes including but not limited to: his clothing choices, the violin playing, his style of pipe, and importantly his emotional detachment. I'm not going to discuss the plot except to say that it takes place at Brompton Public School. Watson comes to the school because his old school closed because of financial problems. Holmes goes on to solve several murders, and Lestrade uses this case to gain promotion to Detective Inspector. The murders involve a hallucinogenic drug. In one of these visions the first completely computer generated animated character appears in a film. This was the work of Industrial Light and Magic which has evolved into Pixar.
This is worth a look. Despite an almost yearly new appearance by Holmes, I've never been really satisfied with any of the depictions. This is one of the most original settings and story, so if you are a Holmes fan; this is definitely worth viewing.
This is one of the many films produced by Steven Spielberg for Amblin Productions. The scriptwriter, Chris Columbus, was involved with "The Goonies." Later he was a Hogwart's resident. Levinson was a talented young director who also was involved with Spielberg. The ending for this film was a set-up for a sequel. After the closing credits, a character signs the name Moriarity in a hotel register. Since the initial films of Sherlock Holmes material in the silent era; this fictional character has never been long off the silver screen and television when it became available. I'm not sure why he has this continuous popularity. The original stories and the novels appeared in "The Strand," this movie acknowledges that this is not a canonical story. No fictional character has appeared in more screen adaptations than Sherlock Holmes, and it seems that every decade produces new adaptations of the material.
What marks this presentation as unique is that we see a teenager who will become the adult detective. This film explains some of the characteristics of Holmes including but not limited to: his clothing choices, the violin playing, his style of pipe, and importantly his emotional detachment. I'm not going to discuss the plot except to say that it takes place at Brompton Public School. Watson comes to the school because his old school closed because of financial problems. Holmes goes on to solve several murders, and Lestrade uses this case to gain promotion to Detective Inspector. The murders involve a hallucinogenic drug. In one of these visions the first completely computer generated animated character appears in a film. This was the work of Industrial Light and Magic which has evolved into Pixar.
This is worth a look. Despite an almost yearly new appearance by Holmes, I've never been really satisfied with any of the depictions. This is one of the most original settings and story, so if you are a Holmes fan; this is definitely worth viewing.
"Looking for an "Echo"-Martin Davidson-2000
I could have cited 1998 as the release year, but 2000 seems to be the year when things began happening. It ran for one week in one theater in 1998. It is available from streaming services. If you are interested in Doo Wop; this is one film you shouldn't miss. Kenny Vance was responsible for much of the music. He and his group Kenny Vance and the Planotones sing for the group Vinnie and the Dreamers. The title of the film:"Looking for an Echo" comes from the song Vance wrote, but to my mind the definitive recording is by The Persuasions. The Persuasions are an acappella who began in the 1970's; their first album "Chirpin" contains "Looking for an Echo." Watch it on You Tube.
Armand Assante plays Vinnie. The Dreamers were one of the many casualties of the British Invasion. Typically these groups dropped out of sight. Despite their success in the early rock era; most were never paid their royalties. Some like Frankie Valli and Dion lasted a little longer, but most were finished by 1965. Vinnie has lost his wife and has three children in the 1990's when the film is set. One son is a policeman; the other is an aspiring musician. His daughter is hospitalized with lukemia. Tina is well played by Christy Romano. Vince makes a living as a bartender and as a part time musician who plays at weddings and bar mitzvahs. Vinnie turns 50, finds a love interest, and sees his daughter return home. The film ends with the reconstituted Dreamers performing "Looking for an Echo" in concert. In the film his son Tony (Eduardo Bollerini) wrote the song.
This was made on a miniscule budget shot in Brooklyn. The dialogue is very solid, and this is a talented group of actors. Everything feels authentic. This is a marginal worth viewing, but if you like the music of the era; then it is highly recommended. If you love the music, remember the Five Satins came from New Haven, then this will really tug at your heartstrings.
I could have cited 1998 as the release year, but 2000 seems to be the year when things began happening. It ran for one week in one theater in 1998. It is available from streaming services. If you are interested in Doo Wop; this is one film you shouldn't miss. Kenny Vance was responsible for much of the music. He and his group Kenny Vance and the Planotones sing for the group Vinnie and the Dreamers. The title of the film:"Looking for an Echo" comes from the song Vance wrote, but to my mind the definitive recording is by The Persuasions. The Persuasions are an acappella who began in the 1970's; their first album "Chirpin" contains "Looking for an Echo." Watch it on You Tube.
Armand Assante plays Vinnie. The Dreamers were one of the many casualties of the British Invasion. Typically these groups dropped out of sight. Despite their success in the early rock era; most were never paid their royalties. Some like Frankie Valli and Dion lasted a little longer, but most were finished by 1965. Vinnie has lost his wife and has three children in the 1990's when the film is set. One son is a policeman; the other is an aspiring musician. His daughter is hospitalized with lukemia. Tina is well played by Christy Romano. Vince makes a living as a bartender and as a part time musician who plays at weddings and bar mitzvahs. Vinnie turns 50, finds a love interest, and sees his daughter return home. The film ends with the reconstituted Dreamers performing "Looking for an Echo" in concert. In the film his son Tony (Eduardo Bollerini) wrote the song.
This was made on a miniscule budget shot in Brooklyn. The dialogue is very solid, and this is a talented group of actors. Everything feels authentic. This is a marginal worth viewing, but if you like the music of the era; then it is highly recommended. If you love the music, remember the Five Satins came from New Haven, then this will really tug at your heartstrings.
Short Takes
"Citizen X"- Chris Gerolmo-1995
This is the story of one of the most prolific serial killers of all time; Andrei Chikalito(Jeff DeMunn) who killed over 50 people. This is a fact based story based on a book by Robert Callen; the 50+ deaths between 1978 and 1990 were investigated by Victor Barakov(Stephen Rea) and Col. Mikhail Fetisov of the Militia. The investigation was hampered by official Soviet policy that serial killers were only a Western phenomena. This was filmed in Hungary; the script is excellent;the score by Randy Edelman is appropriate. The cast is excellent; this is one of
HBO's quality films in the 90's. Recommended.
"Playing for Time"-Daniel Mann-1980
This is one of the many excellent films about the Holocaust. This was a TV film. The original script was by playwright Arthur Miller. The film is about the women's orchestra in Auschwitz from the point of view of
Fania Fenelon based on her autobiographical writings. The cast which includes: Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Shirley Knight among others is excellent. The orchestra was moved to Bergen Belsen, so most of its members survived the war. I must point out that other survivors have different perspectives on the experience.
Still this is excellent film making and well worth viewing. I realize that the subject is somewhat upsetting, but it is an important one. Widely available from streaming services.
More short takes will follow shortly.
"Citizen X"- Chris Gerolmo-1995
This is the story of one of the most prolific serial killers of all time; Andrei Chikalito(Jeff DeMunn) who killed over 50 people. This is a fact based story based on a book by Robert Callen; the 50+ deaths between 1978 and 1990 were investigated by Victor Barakov(Stephen Rea) and Col. Mikhail Fetisov of the Militia. The investigation was hampered by official Soviet policy that serial killers were only a Western phenomena. This was filmed in Hungary; the script is excellent;the score by Randy Edelman is appropriate. The cast is excellent; this is one of
HBO's quality films in the 90's. Recommended.
"Playing for Time"-Daniel Mann-1980
This is one of the many excellent films about the Holocaust. This was a TV film. The original script was by playwright Arthur Miller. The film is about the women's orchestra in Auschwitz from the point of view of
Fania Fenelon based on her autobiographical writings. The cast which includes: Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Alexander, Shirley Knight among others is excellent. The orchestra was moved to Bergen Belsen, so most of its members survived the war. I must point out that other survivors have different perspectives on the experience.
Still this is excellent film making and well worth viewing. I realize that the subject is somewhat upsetting, but it is an important one. Widely available from streaming services.
More short takes will follow shortly.
Short Takes:"Gully Boy"-Zoya Aktar-2019
A film about the rap sub culture in Mumbai, who knew? This is a technically well made film; the story is interesting, and I found it pretty watchable. However, 3 hours is a long time, and unless you are interested in modern urban India or Indian rap; you probably have better things to do with those 3 hours.
"Captain Fantastic"-Matt Ross-2016
This is a pretty good film that I totally missed when it was out in theaters. Vigo Mortensen plays Ben Cash who lives with his children off the land. His wife is bipolar and in the hospital;she dies committing suicide. Her will specifies cremation she is a Buddhist not in a religious sense, but in a philosophical sense. I'm not sure I understand the distinction; this film is not kind to organized religion. Ben Cash makes a scene at his wife's funeral. Mortensen was nominated for an Oscar, and this is a solid performance. The children ranging is movie age from 18 to 7, are also excellent. There is a family crisis; several of the children are at odds with Ben's behaviors. The film ends with a resolution which enables the family to stay together and it brings them into a closer relationship with the rest of the world. The film has a definite point of view, but it is very well made, and it has some clever humorous bits, as well as some solid scripting about family conflicts. Well worth viewing if you approach it with an open mind.
"The Man Who Fell to Earth"Nicholas Roeg-1976
This is a famous film. David Bowey plays a traveler from a distant planet. He left behind his family; his plan is to return with water as the planet is a desert. Tom Newton, one of the traveler's names, has brought with him inventions. He starts a corporation which quickly becomes one of the world's biggest. Bowie has a detachment which he projects in his character. Newton fails in his goal to return to his native planet; the federal government intervenes. This film is more mood piece that coherent story. I believe Roeg tried to shock his audience; there is a lot of pretty weird sex in the film. This isn't in my sweet spot, but it is an influential film. I'm not sorry I watched it, but I won'be returning for repeat viewings.
A film about the rap sub culture in Mumbai, who knew? This is a technically well made film; the story is interesting, and I found it pretty watchable. However, 3 hours is a long time, and unless you are interested in modern urban India or Indian rap; you probably have better things to do with those 3 hours.
"Captain Fantastic"-Matt Ross-2016
This is a pretty good film that I totally missed when it was out in theaters. Vigo Mortensen plays Ben Cash who lives with his children off the land. His wife is bipolar and in the hospital;she dies committing suicide. Her will specifies cremation she is a Buddhist not in a religious sense, but in a philosophical sense. I'm not sure I understand the distinction; this film is not kind to organized religion. Ben Cash makes a scene at his wife's funeral. Mortensen was nominated for an Oscar, and this is a solid performance. The children ranging is movie age from 18 to 7, are also excellent. There is a family crisis; several of the children are at odds with Ben's behaviors. The film ends with a resolution which enables the family to stay together and it brings them into a closer relationship with the rest of the world. The film has a definite point of view, but it is very well made, and it has some clever humorous bits, as well as some solid scripting about family conflicts. Well worth viewing if you approach it with an open mind.
"The Man Who Fell to Earth"Nicholas Roeg-1976
This is a famous film. David Bowey plays a traveler from a distant planet. He left behind his family; his plan is to return with water as the planet is a desert. Tom Newton, one of the traveler's names, has brought with him inventions. He starts a corporation which quickly becomes one of the world's biggest. Bowie has a detachment which he projects in his character. Newton fails in his goal to return to his native planet; the federal government intervenes. This film is more mood piece that coherent story. I believe Roeg tried to shock his audience; there is a lot of pretty weird sex in the film. This isn't in my sweet spot, but it is an influential film. I'm not sorry I watched it, but I won'be returning for repeat viewings.
.-.
nwhoopfan
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"Captain Fantastic" was certainly different than any other movie I've seen. I found it a worthwhile viewing experience. I appreciated the amazing scenery in the early scenes, from right here in Washington State. I thought all of the children performed well, it was notable that the 2 older daughters really do look like they could be sisters. Also 2 of the younger children also play siblings in "The Glass Castle," interesting coincidence.
nwhoopfan
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I also thoroughly enjoyed "Stranger Than Fiction." To me the humor was amusing more than hilarious, but it turns out to not be a comedy primarily. Interesting role for Will Ferrell, he was not what you would expect him to be, a more nuanced and restrained performance from him than usual. Some wonderful supporting actors and actresses in this film.
"The Sweet Hereafter"-Atom Egoyan-1997
Mitchell Stevens (Ian Holm) is a plaintiff's lawyer in accident cases. He comes to a small Canadian town to bring a suit on behalf of local residents after a disaster where a school bus carrying some 20+ students goes off the road and falls through the ice. Egoyan wrote the screenplay from a Russell Banks novel inspired by a Texas school bus disaster in 1989. The movie weaves together both time and observers. We see the events from the perspective of different observers, and how the events have affected them. Stevens is the outsider; his business is to assemble a group of plaintiffs and to assemble evidence so that blame may be assessed. He believes that only by assessing blame can the townspeople channel their anger positively. His principle is that somebody must be to blame.
Holm's performance is masterful. The lawyer, Mitchell Stevens, brings his own problems to his investigations. His daughter, Zoe, has become a drug addict. Later we find out that she has AIDS. He believes that he has done everything a conscientious parent could do, but the cures have never lasted. His anger has never been resolved. He has never found someone to blame.
The school bus driver, Dolores Driscoll, is a loving and caring person. The walls in her house are covered with pictures of "her children." We are offered some views of her positive interactions with the children, particularly at a local fair. The fair introduces us to our second perspective. Nicole Burnell (Sarah Polley) is a talented aspiring country music singer. We see her practicing with other musicians, then meeting with her father. She is the apple of his eye. Nicole survives the bus crash, but she is confined to a wheelchair. The night before the accident she is babysitting the children of Billy Ansell, Bruce Greenwood, while he has a tryst with the wife of the local motel owner. Nicole reads the children Robert Browning's "The Pied Piper of Hamlin". It is an 1888 edition with beautiful illustrations. Nicole tells the children that Pied Piper is angry with the townspeople for not paying him. He plays his tune and causes the children to follow him because of that anger. One child who is lame cannot keep up, and he is left behind when the mountain closes.
Billy Ansell follows the bus carrying his children every day. They wave to each other, so on the day of the crash he is following the school bus. He sees the accident, but he can do nothing to stop the bus or even to
rescue anyone. He faces down Stevens telling him to drop the case; he goes so far as to threaten the lawyer.
That doesn't work, so he attempts to convince parents not to be a party to the law suit.
Nicole's deposition dooms the suit; she lies about the speed of the bus when it goes off the road. Mitchell remarks to Nicole: "You'd make a good poker player." Nicole thinks: her town has become: "A place with its own special rules and its own special laws. A town of people living in the Sweet Hereafter."
This film has terrific acting and beautiful photography, but what makes it compelling is how Egoyan tells the story. The people in the town may get to live in the "Sweet Hereafter," but this viewer certainly didn't. I keep rewinding the story in my mind. I try to examine it from different perspectives. Let me give you one example. Mitchell accepts the loss of the suit. In the coda to the film, two years after the bus crash, he sees Dolores, the bus driver, now the driver not of a school bus but of a large commercial bus. She is happy and is charming her passengers. Mitchell is in this city after a plane flight where he has been discussing his daughter with one of her high school friends. Should he have learned something about leaving his own anger and blame behind? From that point, my mind tries to travel several roads simultaneously.
I found no easy answers here, but lots of interesting questions. Highly recommended.
Mitchell Stevens (Ian Holm) is a plaintiff's lawyer in accident cases. He comes to a small Canadian town to bring a suit on behalf of local residents after a disaster where a school bus carrying some 20+ students goes off the road and falls through the ice. Egoyan wrote the screenplay from a Russell Banks novel inspired by a Texas school bus disaster in 1989. The movie weaves together both time and observers. We see the events from the perspective of different observers, and how the events have affected them. Stevens is the outsider; his business is to assemble a group of plaintiffs and to assemble evidence so that blame may be assessed. He believes that only by assessing blame can the townspeople channel their anger positively. His principle is that somebody must be to blame.
Holm's performance is masterful. The lawyer, Mitchell Stevens, brings his own problems to his investigations. His daughter, Zoe, has become a drug addict. Later we find out that she has AIDS. He believes that he has done everything a conscientious parent could do, but the cures have never lasted. His anger has never been resolved. He has never found someone to blame.
The school bus driver, Dolores Driscoll, is a loving and caring person. The walls in her house are covered with pictures of "her children." We are offered some views of her positive interactions with the children, particularly at a local fair. The fair introduces us to our second perspective. Nicole Burnell (Sarah Polley) is a talented aspiring country music singer. We see her practicing with other musicians, then meeting with her father. She is the apple of his eye. Nicole survives the bus crash, but she is confined to a wheelchair. The night before the accident she is babysitting the children of Billy Ansell, Bruce Greenwood, while he has a tryst with the wife of the local motel owner. Nicole reads the children Robert Browning's "The Pied Piper of Hamlin". It is an 1888 edition with beautiful illustrations. Nicole tells the children that Pied Piper is angry with the townspeople for not paying him. He plays his tune and causes the children to follow him because of that anger. One child who is lame cannot keep up, and he is left behind when the mountain closes.
Billy Ansell follows the bus carrying his children every day. They wave to each other, so on the day of the crash he is following the school bus. He sees the accident, but he can do nothing to stop the bus or even to
rescue anyone. He faces down Stevens telling him to drop the case; he goes so far as to threaten the lawyer.
That doesn't work, so he attempts to convince parents not to be a party to the law suit.
Nicole's deposition dooms the suit; she lies about the speed of the bus when it goes off the road. Mitchell remarks to Nicole: "You'd make a good poker player." Nicole thinks: her town has become: "A place with its own special rules and its own special laws. A town of people living in the Sweet Hereafter."
This film has terrific acting and beautiful photography, but what makes it compelling is how Egoyan tells the story. The people in the town may get to live in the "Sweet Hereafter," but this viewer certainly didn't. I keep rewinding the story in my mind. I try to examine it from different perspectives. Let me give you one example. Mitchell accepts the loss of the suit. In the coda to the film, two years after the bus crash, he sees Dolores, the bus driver, now the driver not of a school bus but of a large commercial bus. She is happy and is charming her passengers. Mitchell is in this city after a plane flight where he has been discussing his daughter with one of her high school friends. Should he have learned something about leaving his own anger and blame behind? From that point, my mind tries to travel several roads simultaneously.
I found no easy answers here, but lots of interesting questions. Highly recommended.
storrsroars
Exiled in Pittsburgh
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I'll throw my reply over here in case people miss your original post.
Atlantic City is a favorite of mine as well. Too bad it's rarely on cable. I feel it's one of Lancaster's best performances. Also one of my top five as far as a lead role by someone collecting Social Security.
ClifSpliffy
surf's up
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atlantic city, just up the street from lucy, that giant elephant in margate (formerly 'south atlantic city'). hang a right at the 'knife and fork steakhouse,' located at the intersection of atlantic and pacific avenues. fire up your 'dream machine' and grab a pen to write down the stuff you can see and do there, since Civil War times. maybe you end up with a bestseller, or an oscar, or an emmy. I hear they recently made a tv show about it, tho i never saw it.
luv dat flick. frank d'addario of Bridgeport, a great man, was reportedly the first italian-American to be granted a casino license there for the claridge. hmmm. more stories--the Connecticut casino! frank sinatra was at his funeral.
oh, and lucy? she was modeled after Bridgeport's p.t. barnum's jumbo the elephant (residing in, yeah, you guessed it, Bridgeport). The giant elephant's name has spawned the common word, "jumbo." sounds right.
en.wikipedia.org
en.wikipedia.org
the current President of The United States of America has some great ac stories, too.
luv dat flick. the human condition, writ large with clams casino on the side.
ya can't surf in vegas or tahoe. bummer.
luv dat flick. frank d'addario of Bridgeport, a great man, was reportedly the first italian-American to be granted a casino license there for the claridge. hmmm. more stories--the Connecticut casino! frank sinatra was at his funeral.
oh, and lucy? she was modeled after Bridgeport's p.t. barnum's jumbo the elephant (residing in, yeah, you guessed it, Bridgeport). The giant elephant's name has spawned the common word, "jumbo." sounds right.
Lucy the Elephant - Wikipedia
The Claridge Hotel (Atlantic City) - Wikipedia
luv dat flick. the human condition, writ large with clams casino on the side.
ya can't surf in vegas or tahoe. bummer.
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