Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Don't Look Now
- Commentary: Although I just received this movie today (1/18/2022) and haven't yet watched it, I already have something interesting to relate about it. You'll note that the link to the movie in the title of this post takes you to a review by Roger Ebert in which he consecrates the movie as one of his "Great Movies". That was in 2002 when he reconsidered his initial review of the same movie which he wrote in 1973.
Roger Ebert was not the only film critic who reconsidered their initial opinions of this film. Wikipedia devotes an entire section of their write-up on this film to its Re-evaluation in years subsequent to its initial release by not only film critics but other professionals in the industry. In addition, if you pull a search for this movie on Roger Ebert's site, all the reviews but one on at least the first page mention this movie, whether or not they were written by Roger Ebert. This continues through the second page of search results, as well. I didn't go any further, I didn't need to. It seems this movie, slowly but surely, gained an authoritative reputation through the years within the industry. This almost makes me salivate at the prospect of watching it, for my first time, tonight.
Another mention: In 2018 at Roger Ebert's site Matt Zoller Seitz wrote a ranging and provocative memorium article about Nicolas Roeg on the occasion of his death. It's both informative and enjoyable reading.
Finally, Wikipedia's article on Nicolas Roeg is a delightful addition to all the information above. Aside from listing all his films done as a director and cinematographer (take a look, I'm sure you've seen and enjoyed a few; chances are, more than a few) the article is littered with acknowledgements from others in all corners of the film industry citing Roeg's influence on their work. I, myself, own two of his films (this one and Samson and Delilah), have seen several [one of which, Far From the Madding Crowd, ranks as one of my all time favorites; I know, I know, why don't I own it then? Why don't I own it?!?], would like to see several more and hanker to own some of those.
At any rate, I'll definitely be back here within the next few days to write about my reaction to the film. Stay tuned, Dear Readers.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Julie Christie Laura Baxter Donald Sutherland John Baxter Hilary Mason Heather Clelia Matania Wendy Massimo Serato Bishop Barbarrigo Renato Scarpa Inspector Longhi Leopoldo Trieste Hotel Manager David Tree Anthony Babbage Ann Rye Mandy Babbage Nicholas Salter Johnny Baxter Sharon Williams Christine Baxter Bruno Cattaneo Detective Sabbione
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1973
Directed by Nicolas Roeg.
Labels: §, donald-sutherland, dramaE, folk-horror
