Movie Review #14: High Noon, 1952
Generally, I'm not a big western movie fan. But, as luck would have it, this movie was not a typical big western movie.
Let me explain for those of you who have not seen this all-time best western movie. It's just Gary Cooper, who plays the marshal, expecting his nemesis to arrive on the noon train, fresh from prison with a bone to pick. The entire film takes place over one hour, with the sun getting hotter by the minute and the townspeople turning their backs on Cooper. It's just Cooper. He's in a town full of people, but he's never been more alone in his life.
Haven't we all felt like that at times?
In the end, good wins over vengeance, and Cooper is saved. Or, is he redeemed? Well, he rides off into the sunset with his new wife, played by an unlikely Grace Kelly (who i believe looks out of place in this black and white hot movie) and leaves that for which he fought and almost died, behind. He doesn't look back. Sometimes it's best to know Shen it's time to go.
I'm glad to have seen this as I'm not very familiar with Cooper's work. It's also good to get a sense of what makes this movie stand out over others...I'm not sure I can fully understand the scope of it all yet. But, perhaps once I've seen all 100 movies I'll have a better idea! Only 86 more to go!
What's your favorite western? Blazing Saddles, True Grit or another?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Still Lessons To Be Learned in the "Graduate"
Movie Review #13: The Graduate, 1967
I continue to be amazed by the stories in these wonderful movies that I've been watching from AFI's 100 Movies list.
Although I'm sure you've all watched The Graduate before, I had not. I only thought I knew it. After all, it's a well known, classic film. Why wouldn't I think I know it?
Besides the obvious things like the interesting camera angles...how they were used to help exaggerate the Dustin Hoffman character's alienation from his parent's world and his need to discover himself...and of course the controversial subject matter, this movie spoke to that restless part of me who wants to be her own person, breaking the mold and stepping outside of society's norms to be my own person, thoughts and all. The scene in the movie that illustrated this the most for me is when Hoffman first enters the hotel and is trying to decide what to do. There is a scene where he ends up holding the door for a rather long string of white-haired ladies and their dutiful husbands followed by a group of younger couples going the opposite direction. So, he doesn't seem to fit with the old or the new...he's somewhere in between.
Overall, I am not a big fan of movies from the 1960s, but this one is a must see for classic movie lovers. It has great music too.
On a side note, this is the second movie in a row that one of the characters has advised us to "invest in plastics...it's the future!" maybe they are trying to tell us something!
I continue to be amazed by the stories in these wonderful movies that I've been watching from AFI's 100 Movies list.
Although I'm sure you've all watched The Graduate before, I had not. I only thought I knew it. After all, it's a well known, classic film. Why wouldn't I think I know it?
Besides the obvious things like the interesting camera angles...how they were used to help exaggerate the Dustin Hoffman character's alienation from his parent's world and his need to discover himself...and of course the controversial subject matter, this movie spoke to that restless part of me who wants to be her own person, breaking the mold and stepping outside of society's norms to be my own person, thoughts and all. The scene in the movie that illustrated this the most for me is when Hoffman first enters the hotel and is trying to decide what to do. There is a scene where he ends up holding the door for a rather long string of white-haired ladies and their dutiful husbands followed by a group of younger couples going the opposite direction. So, he doesn't seem to fit with the old or the new...he's somewhere in between.
Overall, I am not a big fan of movies from the 1960s, but this one is a must see for classic movie lovers. It has great music too.
On a side note, this is the second movie in a row that one of the characters has advised us to "invest in plastics...it's the future!" maybe they are trying to tell us something!
Friday, December 23, 2011
It's a "Giant" of a Picture
Movie Review #12: Giant, 1956
I loved seeing Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean in this big Texas soap opera! Although I'd watched this movie, or portions of it in the past, I underestimated how much I enjoyed the acting of these big stars. They have such charisma on the screen that it is a pleasure to sit through the three and a half hour film.
My favorite parts are the smart dialog between Taylor and Hudson, where Hudson is always one step behind, and doesn't even know he's lost the battle until it's too late. Although Hudson is bound and determined not to give up any of his rancher ways, Taylor manages to smooth out some of the rough edges, making him a little more human, while not diminishing his Texas pride.
This movie was #86 on the original AFI Top 100 Movies List, but fell off the 10th anniversary edition of the list. I recommend it just for the sheer size!
I loved seeing Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean in this big Texas soap opera! Although I'd watched this movie, or portions of it in the past, I underestimated how much I enjoyed the acting of these big stars. They have such charisma on the screen that it is a pleasure to sit through the three and a half hour film.
My favorite parts are the smart dialog between Taylor and Hudson, where Hudson is always one step behind, and doesn't even know he's lost the battle until it's too late. Although Hudson is bound and determined not to give up any of his rancher ways, Taylor manages to smooth out some of the rough edges, making him a little more human, while not diminishing his Texas pride.
This movie was #86 on the original AFI Top 100 Movies List, but fell off the 10th anniversary edition of the list. I recommend it just for the sheer size!
It Is "Wonderful" at This Time of Year
Movie Review #11: Its a Wonderful Life, 1946
I first watched this movie only 10 years ago, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. Maybe it's Jimmy Stewart, or Clarence--the unlikeliest angel you've ever seen, or the concept that angels have to earn their wings...it is full of heart and forgiveness.
What impresses me most is this idea that our lives are so entangled with all those lives we touch through our work, play and love. This Twentieth Century Dickens telling twists the plot a bit, putting the emphasis on Stuart's Bob Cratchet-like character who comes close to losing his soul because of Mr. Potter's Scrooge-like hatred. In the end, the town is saved because of the little man doing the right thing.
Here at Christmas, it makes me feel that we all make a difference in more ways than we can ever understand. It means that life is wonderful, and should be lived to the fullest. This movie makes the list at #20, and is worth another look if you haven't viewed it for a few years.
What movie speaks to you at the holidays?
I first watched this movie only 10 years ago, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. Maybe it's Jimmy Stewart, or Clarence--the unlikeliest angel you've ever seen, or the concept that angels have to earn their wings...it is full of heart and forgiveness.
What impresses me most is this idea that our lives are so entangled with all those lives we touch through our work, play and love. This Twentieth Century Dickens telling twists the plot a bit, putting the emphasis on Stuart's Bob Cratchet-like character who comes close to losing his soul because of Mr. Potter's Scrooge-like hatred. In the end, the town is saved because of the little man doing the right thing.
Here at Christmas, it makes me feel that we all make a difference in more ways than we can ever understand. It means that life is wonderful, and should be lived to the fullest. This movie makes the list at #20, and is worth another look if you haven't viewed it for a few years.
What movie speaks to you at the holidays?
"Waterfront" Is an Impossible Love Story
Movie #10: On The Waterfront, 1954
Raw and cold, the waterfront location sets a bleak scene for this hard and impossible love story. Yes, I said love story. I wasn't expecting a love story!
The movie opens with a murder, a cover up, and an uneasy conscience. It's the latter that starts the plot rolling, and causes the unravelling of our main character played by Marlon Brando. It's this unravelling that allows him to open his heart. And, as often is the case, he finds that the road to find true love is a rough way to go. Although I find it hard to believe that our female heroin could fall for this good-for-nothing punk, who stood by while his thug friends murdered her brother, their relationship mirrors the difficult situation Brando's character is in with the union mobsters.
I was struck by how the whole thing sent a chill throughout my body as I watched this film. It was cold, through and through. The only warmth came from how love took a boy and turned him into a man...one who stands up for himself and those who cannot stand on their own. That part was warm and beautiful.
This movie was a new one for me, and I'm not sure that it is one I would enjoy watching over and over again.
Raw and cold, the waterfront location sets a bleak scene for this hard and impossible love story. Yes, I said love story. I wasn't expecting a love story!
The movie opens with a murder, a cover up, and an uneasy conscience. It's the latter that starts the plot rolling, and causes the unravelling of our main character played by Marlon Brando. It's this unravelling that allows him to open his heart. And, as often is the case, he finds that the road to find true love is a rough way to go. Although I find it hard to believe that our female heroin could fall for this good-for-nothing punk, who stood by while his thug friends murdered her brother, their relationship mirrors the difficult situation Brando's character is in with the union mobsters.
I was struck by how the whole thing sent a chill throughout my body as I watched this film. It was cold, through and through. The only warmth came from how love took a boy and turned him into a man...one who stands up for himself and those who cannot stand on their own. That part was warm and beautiful.
This movie was a new one for me, and I'm not sure that it is one I would enjoy watching over and over again.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
I'm "Singin" Its Praises
Movie Review #9: Singin' in the Rain, 1952
I love movies about the movies! In this story, we get singing and dancing and also an inside look at the making of the movies, albeit exaggerated I'm sure. the story takes us back to the time of silent films, exploring the transition into talking films.
The story remains light and fun with it's song and dance numbers. Gene Kelly's fancy footwork left us wondering how many hours of practice a day must he and the others endured. The story attempts to look at the more serious side by suggesting that silent screen actors are merely shadows of their stage acting counterparts, but this too is rather light and easily lost once the singing and dancing begin.
It's so very interesting to see the movies from the inside out...publicity, stardom, fame, talent and the facade are all areas that this film about films looks into. This movie gives an insider's view of a superficial world in which outward appearances mean more than true talent.
After having just enjoyed the movie Hugo in the theaters, I was particularly attune to movies about movies, and had really not thought too much about the subject. Perhaps it was seeing the two movies in the same day that heightened my awareness. As it is story that interests me most, I'm intrigued by the number of movie makers that like to incorporate aspects of their own business into their work.
This movie ranks #10 on the AFI 100 movies list, and it will likely remain a classic for all time!
I love movies about the movies! In this story, we get singing and dancing and also an inside look at the making of the movies, albeit exaggerated I'm sure. the story takes us back to the time of silent films, exploring the transition into talking films.
The story remains light and fun with it's song and dance numbers. Gene Kelly's fancy footwork left us wondering how many hours of practice a day must he and the others endured. The story attempts to look at the more serious side by suggesting that silent screen actors are merely shadows of their stage acting counterparts, but this too is rather light and easily lost once the singing and dancing begin.
It's so very interesting to see the movies from the inside out...publicity, stardom, fame, talent and the facade are all areas that this film about films looks into. This movie gives an insider's view of a superficial world in which outward appearances mean more than true talent.
After having just enjoyed the movie Hugo in the theaters, I was particularly attune to movies about movies, and had really not thought too much about the subject. Perhaps it was seeing the two movies in the same day that heightened my awareness. As it is story that interests me most, I'm intrigued by the number of movie makers that like to incorporate aspects of their own business into their work.
This movie ranks #10 on the AFI 100 movies list, and it will likely remain a classic for all time!
"Northwest" Headed In Right Direction
Movie Review #8: North By Northwest, 1959
I always say that I'm directionally dyslexic when it comes to reading maps, street signs or following verbal directions. In this movie, Cary Grant, who lands in the middle a spy story, finds himself headed in the wrong direction for nearly the entire movie. Although I'm sure that Cary would have relished the idea of GPS or a Garmin...one that showed the way out of trouble...every turn he made got him deeper into the world of espionage and secret agents.
Playing the role of the unsuspecting bystander well, Cary's performance is strong, and matched well by his co-star Eva Marie Saint. Together, they make for an engaging performance, with wit and sarcasm woven in among the more serious dialog and storyline. Bad guy James Mason's performance is very convincing as well.
It is interesting to see how Alfred Hitchcock carries his theme of directions throughout the movie. He has the characters travel from New York to Chicago and South Dakota. He even places Cary at a crossroads (which is a significant turning point in his main character's understanding in the story) in Indiana for the famous plane scene. We looked it up to see if it was really filmed in Indiana on Route 41, but no, it was actually in California! After visiting Mt. Rushmore last year with my daughter, I was particularly interested in the scenes filmed around the famous monument. I'm not sure that I believe that the storyline is plausible, but I sure sat on the edge of my seat when they were climbing all over the presidents' heads! Like directions, I do not do heights well.
On the AFI 100 Years' list, this movie ranks 40th. As I'm a fan of many Hitchcock films, this is one of my personal favorites. I recommend it, if only to take in the scenery!
I always say that I'm directionally dyslexic when it comes to reading maps, street signs or following verbal directions. In this movie, Cary Grant, who lands in the middle a spy story, finds himself headed in the wrong direction for nearly the entire movie. Although I'm sure that Cary would have relished the idea of GPS or a Garmin...one that showed the way out of trouble...every turn he made got him deeper into the world of espionage and secret agents.
Playing the role of the unsuspecting bystander well, Cary's performance is strong, and matched well by his co-star Eva Marie Saint. Together, they make for an engaging performance, with wit and sarcasm woven in among the more serious dialog and storyline. Bad guy James Mason's performance is very convincing as well.
It is interesting to see how Alfred Hitchcock carries his theme of directions throughout the movie. He has the characters travel from New York to Chicago and South Dakota. He even places Cary at a crossroads (which is a significant turning point in his main character's understanding in the story) in Indiana for the famous plane scene. We looked it up to see if it was really filmed in Indiana on Route 41, but no, it was actually in California! After visiting Mt. Rushmore last year with my daughter, I was particularly interested in the scenes filmed around the famous monument. I'm not sure that I believe that the storyline is plausible, but I sure sat on the edge of my seat when they were climbing all over the presidents' heads! Like directions, I do not do heights well.
On the AFI 100 Years' list, this movie ranks 40th. As I'm a fan of many Hitchcock films, this is one of my personal favorites. I recommend it, if only to take in the scenery!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
A "Window" Into The Soul
Movie Review #7: Rear Window, 1954
This movie, like many of Hitchcock's films, is one of my favorites. I always think that the title should be "Rear View Window," for some reason. As I think about it, it may be that I'm focusing on the view....that from the lead character's window and camera. Jimmy Stuart as the lead, trapped in his wheel chair with a broken leg, sits in front of his window day and night. Used to tracking down wildlife and other hard-to-capture subjects for his shots, he's confined to his apartment complex, where every window, including his own, is a lens. And, what life he finds living in his own backyard! It's a if he can see see into the souls of those through his lens.
Oscar Wilde once said famously, "Life imitates art, more than art imitates life." I think this phrase is very fitting, as what had once been the subject for art, now is a living, breathing art in the making....stories come to life, seen through the lens of Jimmy's camera. How surprised he must have been to be almost murder by one of his subjects!
I recommend this movie...if for nothing more than to see a good film, and enjoy a well dressed future Princess Grace Kelly at the height of her career.
This movie, like many of Hitchcock's films, is one of my favorites. I always think that the title should be "Rear View Window," for some reason. As I think about it, it may be that I'm focusing on the view....that from the lead character's window and camera. Jimmy Stuart as the lead, trapped in his wheel chair with a broken leg, sits in front of his window day and night. Used to tracking down wildlife and other hard-to-capture subjects for his shots, he's confined to his apartment complex, where every window, including his own, is a lens. And, what life he finds living in his own backyard! It's a if he can see see into the souls of those through his lens.
Oscar Wilde once said famously, "Life imitates art, more than art imitates life." I think this phrase is very fitting, as what had once been the subject for art, now is a living, breathing art in the making....stories come to life, seen through the lens of Jimmy's camera. How surprised he must have been to be almost murder by one of his subjects!
I recommend this movie...if for nothing more than to see a good film, and enjoy a well dressed future Princess Grace Kelly at the height of her career.
Rebel's Cause Is Poetic
Movie Review #6: Rebel Without A Cause, 1955
Misunderstood. Unchecked emotion. Revolutionary.
Recently, I attended Indiana university's production of the opera La Boheme. Its story of the poet, a Bohemian...a gypsy artist acting against conventional norms, reminded me of this movie. In a sense, James Dean as the lead portrays the wild, rebellious teenager trying to make his way, creating his own world, while trying to escape the constraints of the world of his parents.
The poetry is in the emotions that the entire cast of characters act out...everything from anger, rage, despair, longing and melancholy to passion, happiness and excitement, and then finally remorse and grief at the death of two characters. The movie is physical and raw, and you can feel something stir inside you...a remembrance of a time, a familiarity, a connection. This is what a good poem does to me.
Misunderstood. Unchecked emotion. Revolutionary.
Recently, I attended Indiana university's production of the opera La Boheme. Its story of the poet, a Bohemian...a gypsy artist acting against conventional norms, reminded me of this movie. In a sense, James Dean as the lead portrays the wild, rebellious teenager trying to make his way, creating his own world, while trying to escape the constraints of the world of his parents.
The poetry is in the emotions that the entire cast of characters act out...everything from anger, rage, despair, longing and melancholy to passion, happiness and excitement, and then finally remorse and grief at the death of two characters. The movie is physical and raw, and you can feel something stir inside you...a remembrance of a time, a familiarity, a connection. This is what a good poem does to me.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
"Vertigo" makes viewer's head spin
Movie Review #5: Vertigo, 1958
Since it's nearing my favorite holiday, Halloween, I thought we should take time out to include a Hitchcock favorite! Although I had viewed this movie before, it had been a while, and I have to say that it was a real pleasure to watch!
The mastery of Hitchcock is in the way in which he is able to pull you in, and before you even realize it, you are just as hooked as the main character! All along, you think the movie is about the mental state of Madeline, played by Kim Novak, the woman who is supposedly possessed by the spirit of her dead lovelorn grandmother, but that's where he gets you.
The genius of it is that the movie takes you on a journey through the mind...the mind of Scotty, the retired detective played by Jimmy Stuart, who goes through dealing with a post-traumatic stress situation where he is afraid of heights. At the same time he has to deal with being newly retired and useless, all while becoming obsessed...or shall we say possessed...with a beautifully tragic and otherworldly woman. He starts to lose himself in Madeline's story, and by the end of the story, he's the one that doesn't know what's real and what's not.
The vertigo or dizziness in the movie represents Scotty's life that is spinning out-of-control, and his inability to deal with it. The parts that tricks the viewers is that you don't realize that the main character is unstable until near the end, because you've been focusing on Madeline's craziness. Not until he sees the necklace do you see him come back, but by that time he snaps, and all the anger and frustration that he's been holding back comes pouring out...all onto Madeline.
For me, the psychological thriller has always been my favorite type of Halloween movie. And, I recommend this as one that should be included! This makes it to number 9 on the 100 Years 100 Movies list, and takes the top spot of all the Hitchcock thrillers.
Since it's nearing my favorite holiday, Halloween, I thought we should take time out to include a Hitchcock favorite! Although I had viewed this movie before, it had been a while, and I have to say that it was a real pleasure to watch!
The mastery of Hitchcock is in the way in which he is able to pull you in, and before you even realize it, you are just as hooked as the main character! All along, you think the movie is about the mental state of Madeline, played by Kim Novak, the woman who is supposedly possessed by the spirit of her dead lovelorn grandmother, but that's where he gets you.
The genius of it is that the movie takes you on a journey through the mind...the mind of Scotty, the retired detective played by Jimmy Stuart, who goes through dealing with a post-traumatic stress situation where he is afraid of heights. At the same time he has to deal with being newly retired and useless, all while becoming obsessed...or shall we say possessed...with a beautifully tragic and otherworldly woman. He starts to lose himself in Madeline's story, and by the end of the story, he's the one that doesn't know what's real and what's not.
The vertigo or dizziness in the movie represents Scotty's life that is spinning out-of-control, and his inability to deal with it. The parts that tricks the viewers is that you don't realize that the main character is unstable until near the end, because you've been focusing on Madeline's craziness. Not until he sees the necklace do you see him come back, but by that time he snaps, and all the anger and frustration that he's been holding back comes pouring out...all onto Madeline.
For me, the psychological thriller has always been my favorite type of Halloween movie. And, I recommend this as one that should be included! This makes it to number 9 on the 100 Years 100 Movies list, and takes the top spot of all the Hitchcock thrillers.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
"Some Like It Hot" is a hoot!
Movie Review #4: Some Like It Hot, 1959
Number 22 on the AFI 100 Movies list, this movie left me and Brian laughing! I tried to rent this at my local Family Video store, but it was checked out every time I looked. Now I know why.
The movie was lighthearted and gave me belly laughs at times. At every turn, you could see how this movie led the way for others to create such characters as Mrs. Doubtfire and definitely Ginger and Mr. Howell, the millionaire from Guilligan's Island...classics from my earlier years. I think the funniest scene in the whole thing is where the character played by Jack Lemmon begins to forget he's not really a woman, and starts talking about his engagement to the millionaire. Hilarious!
Marilyn Monroe won an Oscar for her performance of her "dumb blond" routine. I have to say I've not really watched a great deal of Marilyn, but she really did steal the show, playing the more serious of roles compared to her two co-stars. I kept thinking throughout the movie, boy, her hips look big...can that be, or is it just this wide-screen television? So, I looked it up. Yes, they were actually big. By some accounts she was a size 16, and by others a size 12. Neither of which are thin by today's super-thin beauties. So, I have to say that I kind of like that about her and this movie. Go curves!
As far as recommending this film...it gets a thumbs up for me. It would be a good one to start out with if you are looking to start your own top 100 movies review!
Number 22 on the AFI 100 Movies list, this movie left me and Brian laughing! I tried to rent this at my local Family Video store, but it was checked out every time I looked. Now I know why.
The movie was lighthearted and gave me belly laughs at times. At every turn, you could see how this movie led the way for others to create such characters as Mrs. Doubtfire and definitely Ginger and Mr. Howell, the millionaire from Guilligan's Island...classics from my earlier years. I think the funniest scene in the whole thing is where the character played by Jack Lemmon begins to forget he's not really a woman, and starts talking about his engagement to the millionaire. Hilarious!
Marilyn Monroe won an Oscar for her performance of her "dumb blond" routine. I have to say I've not really watched a great deal of Marilyn, but she really did steal the show, playing the more serious of roles compared to her two co-stars. I kept thinking throughout the movie, boy, her hips look big...can that be, or is it just this wide-screen television? So, I looked it up. Yes, they were actually big. By some accounts she was a size 16, and by others a size 12. Neither of which are thin by today's super-thin beauties. So, I have to say that I kind of like that about her and this movie. Go curves!
As far as recommending this film...it gets a thumbs up for me. It would be a good one to start out with if you are looking to start your own top 100 movies review!
Best movie of all time is not top of my list
Movie Review #3: Citizen Kane, 1941
It's hard for me to imagine that as a self-proclaimed movie lover I had never watched the number one movie of all time! So, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of this movie masterpiece, I decided it would be next on the list and watched it on TCM a few weeks ago. (yes, I know I should have written about it right away, but I'm slacking already in my project!)
Obviously, I had heard of the movie, however I had it in my head that the movie was set on a boat and involved some kind of mutiny! I guess that's what you get when you neglect to watch the best movie of all time. So, I read a little about the movie before watching it...I didn't want to keep thinking, "where's the boat" throughout.
I have always liked Orson Wells, and I was particularly interested to see how he would play this character. I was also interested to see how, for all the hype, the movie would stand up to it's celebrated record as number one. So, I do want to share that I had a bit of a bias going into the film, and for what it's worth, I thought it was well shot, well written, and well acted, but left me feeling a bit dark and depressed. The word that comes to mind after seeing this film is wasteful, which may have been the writer/director's intent.
Just as those who have taken the time to rate and rank the AFI 100 Years 100 Movies list, I think that I may need to take another look at this film so that I might see what they have in it. For me, I weight my movie rankings heavily on the experience and feeling the movie leaves me with. This one left me feeling sad and empty.
I do recommend that if you haven't watched the film, that you do. Decided for yourself if it is the greatest of all time.
It's hard for me to imagine that as a self-proclaimed movie lover I had never watched the number one movie of all time! So, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of this movie masterpiece, I decided it would be next on the list and watched it on TCM a few weeks ago. (yes, I know I should have written about it right away, but I'm slacking already in my project!)
Obviously, I had heard of the movie, however I had it in my head that the movie was set on a boat and involved some kind of mutiny! I guess that's what you get when you neglect to watch the best movie of all time. So, I read a little about the movie before watching it...I didn't want to keep thinking, "where's the boat" throughout.
I have always liked Orson Wells, and I was particularly interested to see how he would play this character. I was also interested to see how, for all the hype, the movie would stand up to it's celebrated record as number one. So, I do want to share that I had a bit of a bias going into the film, and for what it's worth, I thought it was well shot, well written, and well acted, but left me feeling a bit dark and depressed. The word that comes to mind after seeing this film is wasteful, which may have been the writer/director's intent.
Just as those who have taken the time to rate and rank the AFI 100 Years 100 Movies list, I think that I may need to take another look at this film so that I might see what they have in it. For me, I weight my movie rankings heavily on the experience and feeling the movie leaves me with. This one left me feeling sad and empty.
I do recommend that if you haven't watched the film, that you do. Decided for yourself if it is the greatest of all time.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Update on Brian's list
Brian wishes for me to add two movies to his top list:
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Guns of Navarone
I think we'll work in a few of our favorites, just to keep up the fun aspect of my little project!
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Guns of Navarone
I think we'll work in a few of our favorites, just to keep up the fun aspect of my little project!
Second on the list is the "last" show...
Movie Review #2: The Last Picture Show, 1971
Stark. Cold. Flat. These words describe the environment in which the movie's characters lived. Everything on the surface seems this way. Still and dead. The town, a fictional town in Texas in the 1950's, reminded me of my own small town upbringing. My first real job was as the local newspaper reporter in that same town, Marshall, Ill. I remember days where the biggest news was when someone walked in with the big tomato of the week!
The film starts slow...just like the town, but once you get into it, you understand that the life--the warmth--is in the characters, who are trying to break out of the sparse, bleakness that surrounds them. The main character, Sonny, is just a boy. This is a coming of age story, that is gritty...dirty...real. Shot in black and white, the movie shows a raw nature. It leaves nothing to the imagination, and deals with some difficult situations even for today's standards.
The best scene in the movie is where Sonny is at the lake, which they call the "tank," talking with the local pool-hall owner, Sam the Lion, who also happens to be the closest thing Sonny has to a father. As I said, the entire movie scenery is unbelievably flat. This scene shows the water blowing in the wind behind Sam, who starts talking to the camera. It is a very touching moment in the movie, where Sam shares a private, intimate memory with Sonny.
There are two things that stand out in this movie. The quiet nature of the main character, who takes almost the entire movie to find his voice, and the music. According to Wikipedia, this was the first movie to use a contemporary popular soundtrack--and now we know who to thank for the soundtrack to Footloose!
This movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won two. Although it was long, and we had to read subtitles because we are not very adept at using the VCR, it was worth the look. It wasn't what I thought it would be, and I'm not sure that it is appropriately named, but it definitely has me thinking of my own small town beginnings, and remembering what it was like to look down the street and see old, empty buildings with all the life worn out of them. I remember thinking that I couldn't wait to get out...and go do something, anything. This movie gave me a little life perspective.
The reference to the "last picture show" was directed to the closing of the local movie house. As the picture show closed, so did a chapter in the life of the town, its people and their innocence.
Just as a side note, I was very surprised by the role Cloris Leachman played, and humored by the goofy, lanky kid played by Randy Quaid. You can see already that he will be perfect for National Lampoon's Vacation movies!
Stark. Cold. Flat. These words describe the environment in which the movie's characters lived. Everything on the surface seems this way. Still and dead. The town, a fictional town in Texas in the 1950's, reminded me of my own small town upbringing. My first real job was as the local newspaper reporter in that same town, Marshall, Ill. I remember days where the biggest news was when someone walked in with the big tomato of the week!
The film starts slow...just like the town, but once you get into it, you understand that the life--the warmth--is in the characters, who are trying to break out of the sparse, bleakness that surrounds them. The main character, Sonny, is just a boy. This is a coming of age story, that is gritty...dirty...real. Shot in black and white, the movie shows a raw nature. It leaves nothing to the imagination, and deals with some difficult situations even for today's standards.
The best scene in the movie is where Sonny is at the lake, which they call the "tank," talking with the local pool-hall owner, Sam the Lion, who also happens to be the closest thing Sonny has to a father. As I said, the entire movie scenery is unbelievably flat. This scene shows the water blowing in the wind behind Sam, who starts talking to the camera. It is a very touching moment in the movie, where Sam shares a private, intimate memory with Sonny.
There are two things that stand out in this movie. The quiet nature of the main character, who takes almost the entire movie to find his voice, and the music. According to Wikipedia, this was the first movie to use a contemporary popular soundtrack--and now we know who to thank for the soundtrack to Footloose!
This movie was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won two. Although it was long, and we had to read subtitles because we are not very adept at using the VCR, it was worth the look. It wasn't what I thought it would be, and I'm not sure that it is appropriately named, but it definitely has me thinking of my own small town beginnings, and remembering what it was like to look down the street and see old, empty buildings with all the life worn out of them. I remember thinking that I couldn't wait to get out...and go do something, anything. This movie gave me a little life perspective.
The reference to the "last picture show" was directed to the closing of the local movie house. As the picture show closed, so did a chapter in the life of the town, its people and their innocence.
Just as a side note, I was very surprised by the role Cloris Leachman played, and humored by the goofy, lanky kid played by Randy Quaid. You can see already that he will be perfect for National Lampoon's Vacation movies!
Monday, September 5, 2011
One down, 99 to go!
Movie Review #1: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969
This movie was one that I thought I knew, but had never really watched. I only knew a few scenes—the famous bicycle one where Paul Newman rides around with Katharine Ross on the handlebars to the now iconic song of “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.”
I selected this movie as the first, not because of a burning desire to see Paul Newman, but because the movie rental store did not have “Some Like It Hot,” which I had decided to rent first in honor of the near 100 degree temperatures that we had been experiencing. I also wanted to watch a movie that Brian would like for our first movie out of the 100 that we’re planning to view. As I am a huge old movie fan and Brian is not so much so, I thought I would try to make this as enjoyable for him as possible. So, as you can see, we will not be watching AFI's 100 Years 100 Movies list in order--or we would have started with "Citizen Kane."
I have to admit that I began this movie with the attitude of “I’m not going to like this as much as one of the old black and white movies we could be watching.” But, I was wrong. The movie opened with sepia-toned images of Robert Redford in an old west saloon...beautifully shot. There was tension from the start, and an unnatural quiet that heightens your visual senses.
However, the director takes you from the yellowish-brown tones of the old west into bright, colorful images, and you realize that this is not going to be the old standard shootem’ up western. Turns out we get to see the personal, real-life side of the western gunman—the human side. The movie is funny. It’s light hearted, and just when you think that it’s going to get serious—when it becomes clear that they are going to hunted down and killed—it doesn’t. I actually laughed out loud when Paul Newman declared that if the railroad would simply pay him the money that they are paying their hired guns, he’d stop robbing them!
The most beautiful scene in the whole movie is just a few moments long, and if you are not paying attention, you may miss it. During the bicycle scene, the camera is watching the couple ride through the countryside. At one point, the camera goes behind a fence, and you see the scene play out as if it is a roll of film…in slow motion so that you see each frame. The images and light are just perfect, and you understand that you and the camera are one—you are an outsider looking in on a moment in the life of Butch. The camera continues to take you on this journey throughout the film—always framing the shots, and showing you images, and telling the story visually as much or more than it does through the dialog.
If you haven’t seen this movie, or have not watched it in a very long time, I recommend that you give it a view. It shows up on the AFI’s movie list at #73.
One last thought before I post, does anyone else think that Robert Redford looks like Brad Pitt?
Welcome to My Movies, My Thoughts!
My Movies, My Thoughts
In an effort to get back into the habit of writing, and in preparation for working on loftier writing goals, I have decided to embark on a writing exercise that pairs my long love of movie watching with journaling. An English major by training and a movie lover by practice, I thought I’d start with what I know and love.
I invite you to join me on my journey. Watch the movies. Write about your thoughts: How does the movie make you feel? What does it make you think? What makes this movie stand out as one of the “best of” all time?
The List
After reviewing several “best of” movie lists, I chose as the focus of my little writing project the movies listed on AFI’s "100 Years 100 Movies, the 10th Anniversary Edition." I decided this list was most appealing in that it is composed of many movies that I have loved, and also ones that I have wanted to see but have never taken the time to watch. I will watch, review and write about each of the 100 movies on the list. I'm excited about this journey, partly because I'm not sure where it will take me!
The AFI list was originally completed in 1997 and updated in 2007. I am focusing on the revised list, however I may choose, from time to time, to add a movie from the original "100 Years" list. You may find the list of AFI’s movies by following this link: http://www.afi.com/100years/movies10.aspx . You may even download your own movie checklist to help you in checking movies off and rating them as you watch along with me! The AFI website also features other "100 Years" lists, including such lists as "100 Passions" and "100 Laughs," which I may choose to select from as well.
I make lists…lists for the normal things like groceries and supplies, as well as “to do’s” for work, but also for goals. One of my goals this year is to write my first book. If it’s on the list, then I’m going to do my best to check it off! Which is how I came to land on blogging…something I never really thought about doing before.
My “Best Of” Movie List
One of the first things that I did after I read the AFI list aloud to my fiancé Brian, was to begin writing my own favorite movie list…on a napkin at Mama Bear’s Pizzaria in Bloomington! Brian has agreed to watch all the movies with me, and as we love to see movies together, I’m glad to have a partner in my efforts.
The following is my list and Brian's—some are favorites from childhood—some are movies that are tied to a special time in our lives--others are simply the ones that we love to watch over and over:
Karen’s list:
Wizard of Oz (my favorite since the first time I watched it on television)
Sound of Music
Gone with the Wind
Shawshank Redemption
Brigadoon
Rear Window
Vertigo
North by Northwest
Harry Potter (all, but the first is the best)
Lord of the Rings (all)
Matrix (all)
Indiana Jones (all, but The Last Crusade is the best)
Miracle on 34th Street (the original)
Wurthering Heights
Quiet Man
Harvey
Brian’s List:
Shawshank Redemption
Forest Gump
Princess Bride
Driving Miss Daisy
Rocky
Caddyshack
Castaway
It’s a Wonderful Life
Dirty Harry
Groundhog Day
The Jerk
Smokey and the Bandit
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