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
Monday, January 17, 2022
The Day After
- Commentary: I don't actually have this movie in my collection, yet; it's on the way. But, I watched it last night, uncut, without commercials, at this link, The Day After, courtesy of Super Critical Podcast. Thank you, Super Critical Podcast! In case, Dear Reader, you're interested in knowing the ruminations of Super Critical Podcast about this movie, the link for that episode is here. I recommend you check it out. In fact, I've fallen in love with this channel and recommend it to you if you have any interest in movies featuring nuclearity.
So, yes, I've watched it. It is the most devastating nuclear apocalypse movie I've seen, thus far. It is not for the faint of heart, but, despite its high level of tragic believability, it's worth it. There was a small but not annoying issue of video fuzziness at the beginning of the movie but I think that may have been due to either my TV or connection, because it corrected itself almost immediately. It is loaded with well-defined characters and scenarios that won't let go of your mind, even after the final credits.
It was a TV production broadcast during the hey-years of nuclear apocalyptic films, the early 1980s. Of all the nuclear apocalyptic movies I've seen, so far, I have to say that this is the most riveting because it is the most well done and leaves nothing to the imagination. It's been less than 12 hours since I finished the movie and I continue to have images from it pop up, unbidden, in my memory. As you watch, you'll recognize several actors who hadn't yet become readily recognizable when this film was released who later went on to become big-deal-actors. You'll also notice the obvious seriousness with which this production was approached. This was one of the best blendings of message and movie I can recall, without a hint of preachiness in the script. Just daily life lived under a literal nuclear cloud.
I'll be watching it again, later after I receive it, so I may have more to say about it. Or, you know, not. It was devastatingly realistic and I have a feeling that sense of devastation doesn't let up after multiple viewings. This movie, by the way, is the film that had a huge impact on U. S. President Ronald Reagan and was responsible for causing him to rethink his nuclear war policy.
Update 1/25/22: Extra Credit Question: Who do you know (including yourself) who you think would be capable of ordering the launch of a nuclear bomb? Don't worry, Dear Reader, I'll explain and elaborate later.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jason Robards Dr. Russell Oakes Georgann Johnson Helen Oakes John Cullum Jim Dahlberg Bibi Besch Eve Dahlberg Lori Lethin Denise Dahlberg JoBeth Williams Nurse Nancy Bauer Calvin Jung Dr. Sam Hachiya Steve Guttenberg Stephen Klein John Lithgow Joe Huxley Amy Madigan Alison Ransom William Allen Young Airman 1st. Billy McCoy Arliss Howard Tom Cooper
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Nicholas Meyer.
Labels: apocalyptic, bibi-besch, dramaE, haunting3, jason-robards-jr, john-lithgow, nuclear, reflective, tragedy2, TV3, war3
