I saw "300" for the third time at an IMAX theater. Each time I see it I discover new things. On IMAX the sound is 3 times as clear. The picture is amazing. On a large multiplex screen it is good, but just WOW! for IMAX.
Now I'm a woman, and an ancient pelican to boot. And I loved this film! I have to admit, I am a fan of violent westerns (The Wild Bunch), Hong Kong John Woo films (The Killers, Hardboiled), so knew this wouldn't bother me. And I loved Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, another artistic masterpiece. Fighting, blood and death in the hands of a great cast and director makes for a great time at the movies. "300" is so stylized, and the color so different, that all I can say is it is a masterpiece. Like a great battle painting, you want to visit it often.
"300" has a rousing story to tell, based on a true event. It is filtered through Frank Millers graphic novel, and Director Zack Snyders artistic retelling. Since the story is immediately taken to the realm of storytelling by having Dilios (David Wenham) tell of the "brave 300" we understand (or ought to) that it is from the viewpoint of a Spartan warrior who is rallying the troops for the next great battle against the invaders of Greece - the Persians.
Outstanding in the role of King Leonidas, Gerard Butler, owns the screen whenever he appears. At once fierce in battle, loving of Queen Gordo (Lena Headey) and his son, laconic, all with style. When he stands on the battlefield eating an apple, as the warriors finish checking the last of the Persian dead and dying, it is an iconic moment. Told that there is an emmisary coming to meet with him, his men are fearful it is a trick to kill him. But he says if they do, all Greece will rise up and "they aren't that stupid." And after all, he say's "there's no reason we can't be civil." Perfect.
Headey's Queen is fierce and strong, and has her revenge on the villian of the piece, Theron (Dominic West). It brings applause and/or cheers depending on which audience you see the film with.
The battle scenes are amazing. The one long tracking scene of Leonidas in battle killing about a dozen men as they charge down the field, is heart poundingly great. Slow-mo as he engages, fast speed as he kills and twirls to meet the next - it a ballet of death. Thank you Zack and Gerard!
Just leave your cares and have a great time at the movies. From 1940 on this is the kind of film that makes fans of youth for life.
10/10
March 30, 2008
March 29, 2008
9 Days; Easter; 15 films........
I am catching up on some of the award winning films of 2007, along with watching favorites I have on tape. Still cold, damp and no spring flowers yet. So for now:
No Reservations (2007) Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart and Abigail Breslin. Not what I expected. Hardly any laughs. No sparks between leads. Abigail is not as animated as usual. All in all, this story of chefs and their rivalry at a top restaurant was just passable. 6 out 0f 10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481141/
The Big Easy (1987) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092654/
New Orleans, murders, cajun music, and a sexy love story. Very good.
A Good Woman (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379306/
Based on Lady Windermeres Fan. With Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johansson in lovely 1930 clothes. Great cars, houses and a cast of British character actors who are funny and entertaining.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/
Judy Garland and "Over The Rainbow". Spring tradition.
The Bad & The Beautiful (1952) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044391/
Kirk Douglas, Lana Turner, Dick Powell in episodic film about films. Almost perfect story about a louse, or is he?
Easter Parade (1948) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040308/
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in a delightful musical. With Peter Lawford and Ann Miller almost stealing the show. Perfect for the season.
In Her Shoes (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388125/
Cameron Diaz, the great Toni Colette and Shirley MacClaine, in a story about 2 sisters and their grandmother. Interesting and much better than a lot of womens comedies.
Laws Of Attraction (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323033/ Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore are opposing lawyers who ta-da! fall in love. Predictable and unfunny and irritating. Moore is my least favorite actress right now. Her appeal escapes me.
Becoming Jane (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416508/ The lovely, elegant Anne Hathaway as Jane Austin and her early struggles to become a writer while being prodded to make a 'good marriage' with a local squire while falling in love with one of the gentry, played by James McAvoy. He is much too short and slight for a romantic lead, as far as I'm concered. But it is a delightful look at the period and the lives of people in the country.
Perfect Stranger (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457433/ Lovely Halle Barry and Bruce Willis in a suspense story about murder. The twist at the end had me shaking my head. Just passable entertainment.
The Strange Woman (1946) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038990/ The gorgeous Hedy Lamarr in one of her very best roles as a woman who grew up very poor and married the richest man in town, who was old enough to be her father. She causes much misery among the family and others. Is she a devil or a saint? Lamarr was called the most beautiful woman in the world in the 1940's. You can believe it in this film.
Ali Baba & The 40 Thieves (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036591/ Sand and sandals, Maria Montez in technicolor, Jon Hall the lead hero, horses, and Andy Devine for comic relief. Another favorite from my young life of going to the Saturday matinee' at the local theater. Two films, 3 cartoons, chapters in 2 0r 3 serials and drawings for prizes. That kept the kids away all afternoon so the grownups could do - whatever grownups did. LOL!
Eight Below (2006) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397313/ Marvelous film about an expedition with sled dogs that ends up leaving the dogs chained up as a blizzard heads that way. Meaning to get back as soon as they get the injured back to safety by helicopter, it is months before they return. The dogs get free and go hunting to survive. The scenes with the dogs are riveting. Thank goodness they finally are rescued. Based on a true story.
Michael Clayton (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465538/ One of the nominated films of 2007, this is a very good story and I watched it twice, back to back. Then the next day I watched it with director and editor commentary. A look at the corporate world and the giant law firms who handle their transgressions. And the law firms"fixers." The final shots of George Clooney sitting in the cab, is 2 1/2 minutes and the subtle changes on his face are great. And Tilda Swinton in her final long scene is great as well. In a tracking shot of Clooney, walking down the long foyer, we see in a blurred background, her fall to her knees, finally undone. This is one you must pay attention to. The opening, over the credits, of Tom Wilkinson's mad ranting is very strange, but it all mades sense soon.
Grand Hotel (1932) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022958/ The first of the *All-Star* films made by MGM. Greta Garbo, John and Lionel Barrymore, Joan Crawford and Wallace Berry come and go in the various threads of the story, all happening in Berlins Grand Hotel. Won best picture of 1932. Very enjoyable. As the doctor says "people come, people go; nothing happens at the Grand Hotel."
One lonely narcissus opened yesterday. So I have hopes. But while it is cold and gray, will continue seeing the best of 2007, and also my old taped films.
No Reservations (2007) Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart and Abigail Breslin. Not what I expected. Hardly any laughs. No sparks between leads. Abigail is not as animated as usual. All in all, this story of chefs and their rivalry at a top restaurant was just passable. 6 out 0f 10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481141/
The Big Easy (1987) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092654/
New Orleans, murders, cajun music, and a sexy love story. Very good.
A Good Woman (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379306/
Based on Lady Windermeres Fan. With Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johansson in lovely 1930 clothes. Great cars, houses and a cast of British character actors who are funny and entertaining.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032138/
Judy Garland and "Over The Rainbow". Spring tradition.
The Bad & The Beautiful (1952) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044391/
Kirk Douglas, Lana Turner, Dick Powell in episodic film about films. Almost perfect story about a louse, or is he?
Easter Parade (1948) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040308/
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire in a delightful musical. With Peter Lawford and Ann Miller almost stealing the show. Perfect for the season.
In Her Shoes (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388125/
Cameron Diaz, the great Toni Colette and Shirley MacClaine, in a story about 2 sisters and their grandmother. Interesting and much better than a lot of womens comedies.
Laws Of Attraction (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0323033/ Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore are opposing lawyers who ta-da! fall in love. Predictable and unfunny and irritating. Moore is my least favorite actress right now. Her appeal escapes me.
Becoming Jane (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416508/ The lovely, elegant Anne Hathaway as Jane Austin and her early struggles to become a writer while being prodded to make a 'good marriage' with a local squire while falling in love with one of the gentry, played by James McAvoy. He is much too short and slight for a romantic lead, as far as I'm concered. But it is a delightful look at the period and the lives of people in the country.
Perfect Stranger (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457433/ Lovely Halle Barry and Bruce Willis in a suspense story about murder. The twist at the end had me shaking my head. Just passable entertainment.
The Strange Woman (1946) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038990/ The gorgeous Hedy Lamarr in one of her very best roles as a woman who grew up very poor and married the richest man in town, who was old enough to be her father. She causes much misery among the family and others. Is she a devil or a saint? Lamarr was called the most beautiful woman in the world in the 1940's. You can believe it in this film.
Ali Baba & The 40 Thieves (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036591/ Sand and sandals, Maria Montez in technicolor, Jon Hall the lead hero, horses, and Andy Devine for comic relief. Another favorite from my young life of going to the Saturday matinee' at the local theater. Two films, 3 cartoons, chapters in 2 0r 3 serials and drawings for prizes. That kept the kids away all afternoon so the grownups could do - whatever grownups did. LOL!
Eight Below (2006) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0397313/ Marvelous film about an expedition with sled dogs that ends up leaving the dogs chained up as a blizzard heads that way. Meaning to get back as soon as they get the injured back to safety by helicopter, it is months before they return. The dogs get free and go hunting to survive. The scenes with the dogs are riveting. Thank goodness they finally are rescued. Based on a true story.
Michael Clayton (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465538/ One of the nominated films of 2007, this is a very good story and I watched it twice, back to back. Then the next day I watched it with director and editor commentary. A look at the corporate world and the giant law firms who handle their transgressions. And the law firms"fixers." The final shots of George Clooney sitting in the cab, is 2 1/2 minutes and the subtle changes on his face are great. And Tilda Swinton in her final long scene is great as well. In a tracking shot of Clooney, walking down the long foyer, we see in a blurred background, her fall to her knees, finally undone. This is one you must pay attention to. The opening, over the credits, of Tom Wilkinson's mad ranting is very strange, but it all mades sense soon.
Grand Hotel (1932) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022958/ The first of the *All-Star* films made by MGM. Greta Garbo, John and Lionel Barrymore, Joan Crawford and Wallace Berry come and go in the various threads of the story, all happening in Berlins Grand Hotel. Won best picture of 1932. Very enjoyable. As the doctor says "people come, people go; nothing happens at the Grand Hotel."
One lonely narcissus opened yesterday. So I have hopes. But while it is cold and gray, will continue seeing the best of 2007, and also my old taped films.
March 20, 2008
St. Patricks rainy day; and the Equinox today....
Another week of film watching. Continuing through some of my video tapes to see what I want to keep or replace. The week was another with cold, rainy, unspring like days. Sooner or later warm days will come. I am sure of it. LOL
In The Line Of Fire (1993) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107206/
Fine Clint Eastwoop film with him starring as a Secret Service agent assigned to guard the President. Rene Russo is a lady SS Agent and there is a plot to kill the President, which they must stop. Great shots of Washington D.C. and the monuments.
Disturbia (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486822/ I was enjoying this suspense story, with a highschool screwup confined to his house with an electronic ankle band, who begins watching his neighbors with binoculars. Up until the last 10 minutes, the film is building the tension and then suddenly, we are in horror territory. Completely took me out of the film, and I was yelling No! at the screen. The ending ruined a good little film.
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120735/ Guy Ritchie is a director who has a funny take on the gangs of London and their crazy schemes. This is a very good film of the genre. Enjoyed the whole thing.
Educating Rita (1983) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/ I love this film. Michael Caine as a drunken English Prof who starts tutoring a woman hairdressor, and their affect on each others lives, is one of my favorite films of the 1980's.
All About Eve (1950) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042192/ The great film of an aging actress and the young woman who infiltrates her life and all her friends lives. Perfect casting. Witty dialog. A wonderful way to spend 90 minutes. Bette Davis and Anne Baxter are superb. George Saunders matches them. Small role for Marilyn Monroe.
The Blue Gardenia (1953) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045564/ Anne Baxter again, this time with Richard Conte, Joan Blondell and Raymond Burr. A matter of murder and drinking until you pass out. Nat 'King' Cole sings the title song.
Cobra Woman (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036716/ Maria Montez and Jon Hall in one of their technicolor romps. She plays twin sisters, so has many island costumes, gorgeous makeup and hair styles. She was Universals Queen of Technicolor and it shows. Poor Jon is completely overshadowed. Story is rediculous. But who cares. Sabu and the chimp are around for laughs.
The Gay Sisters (1942) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034770/ Barbara Stanwyke and George Brent in a story somewhat based on the Vanderbuilt story of them fighting the Rockefellers who wanted to build Radio City Music Hall. This is the Gaylords and their fight to keep their Park Ave. mansion and fortune through 20 years of court hearings. Geraldine Fitzgerald and Gig Young are also in the cast.
Naughty Marietta (1935) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026768/ The first of the Nelson Eddy/Jeanette MacDonald pairings. Lovely music and costumes. Story typical operetta fare. A pleasant time at the movies.
Pride & Prejudice (1940) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032943/ Greer Garson is Elizabeth Bennet and Lawrence Olivier is Mr. Darcy. Great cast of character actors fill out the film. They are what make this version the treasure it is.
On to more of my collection and getting it organized.
In The Line Of Fire (1993) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107206/
Fine Clint Eastwoop film with him starring as a Secret Service agent assigned to guard the President. Rene Russo is a lady SS Agent and there is a plot to kill the President, which they must stop. Great shots of Washington D.C. and the monuments.
Disturbia (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486822/ I was enjoying this suspense story, with a highschool screwup confined to his house with an electronic ankle band, who begins watching his neighbors with binoculars. Up until the last 10 minutes, the film is building the tension and then suddenly, we are in horror territory. Completely took me out of the film, and I was yelling No! at the screen. The ending ruined a good little film.
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels (1998) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120735/ Guy Ritchie is a director who has a funny take on the gangs of London and their crazy schemes. This is a very good film of the genre. Enjoyed the whole thing.
Educating Rita (1983) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085478/ I love this film. Michael Caine as a drunken English Prof who starts tutoring a woman hairdressor, and their affect on each others lives, is one of my favorite films of the 1980's.
All About Eve (1950) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042192/ The great film of an aging actress and the young woman who infiltrates her life and all her friends lives. Perfect casting. Witty dialog. A wonderful way to spend 90 minutes. Bette Davis and Anne Baxter are superb. George Saunders matches them. Small role for Marilyn Monroe.
The Blue Gardenia (1953) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045564/ Anne Baxter again, this time with Richard Conte, Joan Blondell and Raymond Burr. A matter of murder and drinking until you pass out. Nat 'King' Cole sings the title song.
Cobra Woman (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036716/ Maria Montez and Jon Hall in one of their technicolor romps. She plays twin sisters, so has many island costumes, gorgeous makeup and hair styles. She was Universals Queen of Technicolor and it shows. Poor Jon is completely overshadowed. Story is rediculous. But who cares. Sabu and the chimp are around for laughs.
The Gay Sisters (1942) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034770/ Barbara Stanwyke and George Brent in a story somewhat based on the Vanderbuilt story of them fighting the Rockefellers who wanted to build Radio City Music Hall. This is the Gaylords and their fight to keep their Park Ave. mansion and fortune through 20 years of court hearings. Geraldine Fitzgerald and Gig Young are also in the cast.
Naughty Marietta (1935) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026768/ The first of the Nelson Eddy/Jeanette MacDonald pairings. Lovely music and costumes. Story typical operetta fare. A pleasant time at the movies.
Pride & Prejudice (1940) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032943/ Greer Garson is Elizabeth Bennet and Lawrence Olivier is Mr. Darcy. Great cast of character actors fill out the film. They are what make this version the treasure it is.
On to more of my collection and getting it organized.
March 13, 2008
One fine day does not a week make.....
Yesterday we finally had a day in the 70's and could get out without gloves, scarves, hats, and heavy coats. Wonderful. Even sat on the porch in the sun a few minutes.
So, with one week to go before the Equinox, I watched the following films:
I'll Be Yours (1947) Written by Preston Sturges, starring Deanna Durban. She sings "Granada" magnificently. Also, a romantic ballad "It's Dream Time, and a lovely waltz. A version of "The Good Fairy", made with Margaret Sullivan, about 10 years before this one. A small town girl comes to the big city and things happen......and they all live happily ever after.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039484/
Hot Millions (1968) The wonderful Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith in a droll story of a crooked computer manager and the girl who also lives in the same rooming house. He steals millions, and marries her, and she saves the day. Deeee-lightful. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063094/
Cry Wolf (1947) Barbara Stanwyke and Errol Flynn in a gothic mystery. Big foggy estate, huge creepy house, odd inhabitants, make a satisfying 90 minute flick. Geraldine Brooks, in her first role, as the ingenue, almost steals the picture from the old pros. Interesting and lively, she makes the stars seem stodgy. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039288/
House Of Strangers (1949) Great film. Susan Hayward, Richard Conte, Edward G. Robinson and a great cast of character actors, bring this story of the late 1920s/early 1930s to life. As good a take on the Italians in America, as The Godfather, only this family wasn't mafia. They were bankers. Fine acting from all involved. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041487/
"300" (2007) The great artistic picture made from Frank Millers graphic novel, by Zack Snyder, starring Gerard Butler as King Leonidas, King of the Spartans. The battles with the Persian invaders, led by Xerxes, are some of the most beautifully staged and filmed in a long while. Each frame of film is almost a perfect painting. Released in 2007 in regular and IMAX theaters, and on all forms of DVD, it has thrilled people around the world. In my opinion, it is already a "classic." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/
The Bourne Supremacy (2004) The second of the Bourne films is almost as satisfying as the first. The long car chase in the middle goes on just a bit to much, but I forgive and just enjoy the ride. Love the Joan Allen role. Perfect ending with her confused by Bourne and where he is, once again. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372183/
The Cobweb (1955) Very dated look at mental patients in a private hospital. Doctor Richard Widmark has to contend with a selfish, primadonna wife, Gloria Graham; a hospital staff (Charles Boyer, Lilian Gish) that should be locked up more than some of the patients; and a new art/activities director, Lauren Bacall. John Kerr as the one who brings everything to the boil, is fine, But the whole thing is a melodrama and we can hiss, boo, and cheer as the spirit moves us. Hard to believe with this cast and a big studio budget, and Vincent Minnelli as director, it is a misfire. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047944/
St. Patricks Day, and corned beef; the Equinox the 20th, ushering in spring; and Good Friday and Easter; all in the next 10 days. I have my films picked out. But if the weather turns warm and lovely, it's out and about for me.
So, with one week to go before the Equinox, I watched the following films:
I'll Be Yours (1947) Written by Preston Sturges, starring Deanna Durban. She sings "Granada" magnificently. Also, a romantic ballad "It's Dream Time, and a lovely waltz. A version of "The Good Fairy", made with Margaret Sullivan, about 10 years before this one. A small town girl comes to the big city and things happen......and they all live happily ever after.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039484/
Hot Millions (1968) The wonderful Peter Ustinov and Maggie Smith in a droll story of a crooked computer manager and the girl who also lives in the same rooming house. He steals millions, and marries her, and she saves the day. Deeee-lightful. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063094/
Cry Wolf (1947) Barbara Stanwyke and Errol Flynn in a gothic mystery. Big foggy estate, huge creepy house, odd inhabitants, make a satisfying 90 minute flick. Geraldine Brooks, in her first role, as the ingenue, almost steals the picture from the old pros. Interesting and lively, she makes the stars seem stodgy. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039288/
House Of Strangers (1949) Great film. Susan Hayward, Richard Conte, Edward G. Robinson and a great cast of character actors, bring this story of the late 1920s/early 1930s to life. As good a take on the Italians in America, as The Godfather, only this family wasn't mafia. They were bankers. Fine acting from all involved. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041487/
"300" (2007) The great artistic picture made from Frank Millers graphic novel, by Zack Snyder, starring Gerard Butler as King Leonidas, King of the Spartans. The battles with the Persian invaders, led by Xerxes, are some of the most beautifully staged and filmed in a long while. Each frame of film is almost a perfect painting. Released in 2007 in regular and IMAX theaters, and on all forms of DVD, it has thrilled people around the world. In my opinion, it is already a "classic." http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/
The Bourne Supremacy (2004) The second of the Bourne films is almost as satisfying as the first. The long car chase in the middle goes on just a bit to much, but I forgive and just enjoy the ride. Love the Joan Allen role. Perfect ending with her confused by Bourne and where he is, once again. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372183/
The Cobweb (1955) Very dated look at mental patients in a private hospital. Doctor Richard Widmark has to contend with a selfish, primadonna wife, Gloria Graham; a hospital staff (Charles Boyer, Lilian Gish) that should be locked up more than some of the patients; and a new art/activities director, Lauren Bacall. John Kerr as the one who brings everything to the boil, is fine, But the whole thing is a melodrama and we can hiss, boo, and cheer as the spirit moves us. Hard to believe with this cast and a big studio budget, and Vincent Minnelli as director, it is a misfire. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047944/
St. Patricks Day, and corned beef; the Equinox the 20th, ushering in spring; and Good Friday and Easter; all in the next 10 days. I have my films picked out. But if the weather turns warm and lovely, it's out and about for me.
March 07, 2008
Hitchcock; Sturges; and Romance this week
From my collection:
The Paradine Case (1947) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039694/ Black & White. A Hitchcock courtroom drama, with Gregory Peck the barrister for the defence, in a notorious murder case in England. Alida Valle is the prisoner in the dock; Louis Jourdan, the victims valet; Ann Todd, Pecks wife; Charles Laughlin the sitting judge; and Ethel Barrymore, his abused wife. Great cast, in a drama you have to pay attention to because there is no action. Except for the mental kind.
Marnie (1964) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058329/ One of my favorite later Hitchcocks. In color, gorgeous Tippy Hedron and Sean Connery are simply breathtaking. When she is frightened by lightning and runs into his arms, and he turns and runs his lips down her face to her lips, talk about heat. No nudity needed. No tongues dueling. Pure erotic hints of what may come. The story of a cleptomaniac and her captor is very interesting and worth our 2 hours watching.
Mayerling (1968) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064645/ Two more beautiful people in an Edwardian romance. Omar Sharif as the Austrian Archduke Rudolph, and Catherin Deneuve, as the young aristocrat he falls in love with, are simply stunning. James Mason is the Emporer, Ava Gardner the Empress; and the gorgeous, lush score, make this a favorite of mine. May not be history, but who cares? By "the end" I'm always in tears.
Jane Eyre (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036969/ Joan Fontaine is Jane; Orson Welles, is Rochester; darling Margaret O'Brien is Adele; Peggy Anne Garner is young Jane; and Agnes Moorehead, her horrible aunt. Elizabeth Taylor, in her 1st very small role, is as beautiful as ever. Of all the adaptations of this Charlotte Bronte story, this is my favorite because of Welles, dark and excentric acting. The black and white photography lends itself to the stark, lonely and morbid tale.
The Great McGinty (1940) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032554/ Preston Sturges, wrote and directed this first of his great comedies. About politics and the crooked politicians, it is as relevant today as 68 years ago. They may have styled hair and $1000 suits, but the same and worse goes on now. Who hasn't heard of bought elections? Brian Donlevy, Akim Tamiroff and William Damarest are perfect as the mutt, the Boss, and his henchman. And Muriel Angelus as Mrs. McGinty is lovely. From the breadline to the Govenors mansion, to South America on the lam, this has very insightful things to say about politics. And is lots of laughs as well.
Ransom! (1956) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049656/ The original of this kidnapping story, and much better as far as I'm concerned, than the Mel Gibson remake. Glenn Ford should have been recognized for his performance as a business man father who uses an unusual and unpopular way to handle the kidnappers ransom demands. Donna Reed is the distraught mother. A fine cast of character actors brings this story to life.
From my Blockbuster que:
The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086617/ This hasn't been on TV for a very long time so I put it in my que and watched it this week. Mel Gibson was goodlooking, but so short it is almost silly seeing him with almost 6 foot Sigourney Weaver. Linda Hunt as male Billy Hunt still is amazing. The story of reporters covering a civil war in Indonesia and their corruption, is still relevant, but very little has changed in 25 years.
Seen on TCM:
The Divorcee' (1930) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0020827/ Norma Shearer and Chester Morris in a story of moderns who decide to have a open marriage, except he doesn't like it when the wife does the same as he and has an affair. One of the films that brought the Legion Of Decency and the Breen Office into being. Tame by todays standards, but was seen by churches as causing moral decay.
We had another snow shower this morning. Very cold, but should warm up later in the weekend. At least the days are getting longer. And we start daylight saving this weekend.
The Paradine Case (1947) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039694/ Black & White. A Hitchcock courtroom drama, with Gregory Peck the barrister for the defence, in a notorious murder case in England. Alida Valle is the prisoner in the dock; Louis Jourdan, the victims valet; Ann Todd, Pecks wife; Charles Laughlin the sitting judge; and Ethel Barrymore, his abused wife. Great cast, in a drama you have to pay attention to because there is no action. Except for the mental kind.
Marnie (1964) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058329/ One of my favorite later Hitchcocks. In color, gorgeous Tippy Hedron and Sean Connery are simply breathtaking. When she is frightened by lightning and runs into his arms, and he turns and runs his lips down her face to her lips, talk about heat. No nudity needed. No tongues dueling. Pure erotic hints of what may come. The story of a cleptomaniac and her captor is very interesting and worth our 2 hours watching.
Mayerling (1968) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064645/ Two more beautiful people in an Edwardian romance. Omar Sharif as the Austrian Archduke Rudolph, and Catherin Deneuve, as the young aristocrat he falls in love with, are simply stunning. James Mason is the Emporer, Ava Gardner the Empress; and the gorgeous, lush score, make this a favorite of mine. May not be history, but who cares? By "the end" I'm always in tears.
Jane Eyre (1944) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036969/ Joan Fontaine is Jane; Orson Welles, is Rochester; darling Margaret O'Brien is Adele; Peggy Anne Garner is young Jane; and Agnes Moorehead, her horrible aunt. Elizabeth Taylor, in her 1st very small role, is as beautiful as ever. Of all the adaptations of this Charlotte Bronte story, this is my favorite because of Welles, dark and excentric acting. The black and white photography lends itself to the stark, lonely and morbid tale.
The Great McGinty (1940) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032554/ Preston Sturges, wrote and directed this first of his great comedies. About politics and the crooked politicians, it is as relevant today as 68 years ago. They may have styled hair and $1000 suits, but the same and worse goes on now. Who hasn't heard of bought elections? Brian Donlevy, Akim Tamiroff and William Damarest are perfect as the mutt, the Boss, and his henchman. And Muriel Angelus as Mrs. McGinty is lovely. From the breadline to the Govenors mansion, to South America on the lam, this has very insightful things to say about politics. And is lots of laughs as well.
Ransom! (1956) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049656/ The original of this kidnapping story, and much better as far as I'm concerned, than the Mel Gibson remake. Glenn Ford should have been recognized for his performance as a business man father who uses an unusual and unpopular way to handle the kidnappers ransom demands. Donna Reed is the distraught mother. A fine cast of character actors brings this story to life.
From my Blockbuster que:
The Year Of Living Dangerously (1982) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086617/ This hasn't been on TV for a very long time so I put it in my que and watched it this week. Mel Gibson was goodlooking, but so short it is almost silly seeing him with almost 6 foot Sigourney Weaver. Linda Hunt as male Billy Hunt still is amazing. The story of reporters covering a civil war in Indonesia and their corruption, is still relevant, but very little has changed in 25 years.
Seen on TCM:
The Divorcee' (1930) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0020827/ Norma Shearer and Chester Morris in a story of moderns who decide to have a open marriage, except he doesn't like it when the wife does the same as he and has an affair. One of the films that brought the Legion Of Decency and the Breen Office into being. Tame by todays standards, but was seen by churches as causing moral decay.
We had another snow shower this morning. Very cold, but should warm up later in the weekend. At least the days are getting longer. And we start daylight saving this weekend.
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