Saturday, June 04, 2022
1900
- Commentary: This is one of those "sprawling historical epics" that tends to put me in a dream state. I am a fan of the director, even though his movies are sometimes difficult on the public. I am a fan of the musical scorer and always delight when I notice his name in the credits before watching a movie, including his collaboration on what general movie mavens consider the questionable compilations The Bible Collection and The Bible Series, both to which I remain devoted and continue to watch on a regular basis. I love all the actors in this movie, including the minor ones.
I can't remember how I learned about this movie, but I checked it out of our library a few years ago, thinking I might enjoy it, despite its length and convolusive structure. I did. Once I watched it, I couldn't get it out of my head. It is a depiction of the struggle between capitalism and communism/socialism (in several guises), but on a very personal level. At the time I first watched it, I was deeply involved in the vagaries of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and Bernie had not yet been discarded by the Democratic Party in favor of Hillary. By the time I ordered it for my movie collection I was no longer smarting from debacle of the actual election. I was, however, deep into a reading campaign of literature disparaging capitalism/neo-liberalism and arguing for socialism. Watching this movie again, owning it, helps me put politics into perspective and calms me down, especially in light of everything that's happened since. If you're really into politics and you enjoy movies, you should watch this one.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert De Niro Alfredo Berlinghieri Gérard Depardieu Olmo Dalcò Dominique Sanda Ada Chiostri Polan Francesca Bertini Sister Desolata Laura Betti Regina Donald Sutherland Attila Mellanchini Stefania Sandrelli Anita Foschi Werner Bruhns Ottavio Berlinghieri Stefania Casini Neve Sterling Hayden Leo Dalcò Anna Henkel-Grönemeyer Anita Dalcò Ellen Schwiers Amelia Alida Valli Signora Pioppi Burt Lancaster Alfredo the Elder Romolo Valli Giovanni Berlinghieri Giacomo Rizzo Rigoletto
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1976
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.
Labels: §2, anti-fascist, burt-lancaster, donald-sutherland, dream1, gérard-depardieu, historical2, political2
The Jungle Book 2016
- Commentary: This movie crept up slowly on me. The first time I checked it out of the library, mostly because of the personal draw of the animated trailers I saw, I enjoyed it but wasn't wowed by it. I found, however, that I retained several moments of the movie in my mind and checked it out twice more. After the third viewing, I knew I had to own it. The story isn't particularly engaging. Frankly, I never saw the original Disney movie nor read that book upon which it was based for a reason. I just wasn't interested. The animation, though, in this version, surrounds me with its magic and I continue to go back to it. The choice of voice actors is excellent, as well. I've instituted a new category for it: "pseudo/cgi-animation". There are a few other movies I should move into this category, most notably, Maleficent. That will come.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Neel Sethi Mowgli Ritesh Rajan Mowgli's Father Bill Murray Baloo Ben Kingsley Bagheera Idris Elba Shere Khan Lupita Nyong'o Raksha Scarlett Johansson Kaa Giancarlo Esposito Akela Christopher Walken King Louie Garry Shandling Iki Brighton Rose Grey Brother Jon Favreau Fred Sam Raimi Indian Giant Squirrel Russell Peters Rocky Madeleine Favreau Raquel Sara Arrington Nilgai
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2016
Directed by Jon Favreau.
Labels: ben-kingsley, fantasy2, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, popcorn-and-soda2, pseudo-cgi-animation, spectacle1
Funny Face
- Commentary: Yes, yes, yes, I own this silly, cotton candy movie. Let me explain. When I had cable TV it used to show up often enough on TCM to satisfy my need for a Funny Face fix. Once I disconnected, though, at least once a year I would find myself on my local library site placing a hold on the movie (it comes from another library in the local system) so I could watch it yet again. And, no, I don't watch it for the story, I watch it for the fashion, for the dances and for the delight that was and is Audrey Hepburn. I know Hepburn has been in many other movies, most notably Breakfast at Tiffanys. Movie gods forgive me, I don't like it. I don't like the "thriller" she's in with Peter O'Toole. I don't like Charade. I can handle Roman Holiday (it reminds me of The Princess Diaries, which I can also handle but wouldn't bother to own) and Sabrina (a bit more than Roman Holiday) but would never seek them out. The Nun's Story is interesting and I might check that one out again but, well, maybe not. The Children's Hour is equally interesting, but I'm not sure I'd check that one out again, either. There are, of course, others. Many. I just don't seek them out. Maybe I will. Maybe I won't. But Funny Face, all I can say is, when I find myself in an Audrey Hepburn mood, only Funny Face will do! And, by the way, Kay Thompson is a hoot, a perfect foil for, and as much of a draw in this film as, Audrey Hepburn. Think pink!
Update 8/12/2021: Can you handle it? One more excellent, in depth review of Funny Face researched (that's right, I do mean researched!) and written by The Blonde at the Film, Cameron.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Audrey Hepburn Jo Stockton Fred Astaire Dick Avery Kay Thompson Maggie Prescott Michel Auclair Prof. Émile Flostre Robert Flemyng Paul Duval Dovima Marion Jean Del Val Hairdresser Virginia Gibson Babs Sue England Laura Ruta Lee Lettie Alex Gerry Dovitch Suzy Parker Specialty Dancer Pink Number
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 1957
Directed by Stanley Donen.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, comedy1, dance, fred-astaire, me-favorite1, musical1, period2, romance1, spectacle1
Miss Hokusai
- Commentary: There are so many reasons why I could have missed this film, not the least of which is that I was unfamiliar with the manga series. Suffice it to say, I am ever grateful to the movie gods that I didn't. This evocative film is right up my alley. The animation, as well, is stunning. It roils underneath while observing a startling surface propriety. Just a gem.
Here's a second review that I found interesting, as well.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role O-Ei Erica Lindbeck Katsushika Hokusai Richard Epcar Ikeda Zenjiro Ezra Weisz Utagawa Kuninao Robbie Daymond Koto Barbara Goodson O-Nao Courtney Chu Iwakubo Hatsugoro Marc Diraison Kichiya Kevin T. Collins
The Wikipedia write-up for this film (and manga series) is here.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Keiichi Hara.
Labels: animated, drama5, father-daughter-dynamics, film-art1, haunting1, historical2, period2, spiritual1, women's-movie1
Mildred Pierce 2011 TV Miniseries
- Commentary: I've been a fan of the original Mildred Pierce movie with Joan Crawford for a long time. The story so intrigued me that I borrowed a copy of the James Cain novel upon which it was based. In fact, I did this while Mom was alive and we read it, together, out loud. Were we surprised! The novel and the movie are much different. This did not dampen my love for the movie. We decided, though, after the introduction to Mildred's plight at the beginning, the movie and the novel had to be considered different stories, not just different takes on the same story. Then, this miniseries arrived. I was intrigued by the publicity and was able to check it out of the library when it was released on DVD. I was not disappointed. So, which do I prefer, the miniseries or the movie? I love that the miniseries adheres so closely to the novel. It's so well produced and acted. It's one of my favorite series. I have to say, though, I have no preference between it and the movie. I love both equally well. I notice that the Wikipedia article, to which I've linked in the title, above, recorded some significant criticism of the miniseries, but I have none. Each rendering is different. Both are equally satisfying for me. I like, in fact, to watch them back-to-back, the movie first, always. Joan Crawford sets the tone. Kate Winslet embellishes it. Funny, isn't it, that the movie could not be considered a period piece since it is true to the time it was filmed, but the miniseries definitely is.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kate Winslet Mildred Pierce Guy Pearce Monty Beragon Evan Rachel Wood Veda Pierce Miriam Shor Anna Melissa Leo Lucy Gessler Morgan Turner Young Veda Pierce James LeGros Wally Burgan Brían F. O'Byrne Bert Pierce Mare Winningham Ida Corwin Hope Davis Mrs. Forrester Quinn McColgan Ray Pierce Waltrudis Buck Mrs. Temple
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Todd Haynes.
Labels: drama5, guy-pearce, me-favorite1, neo-noirC, period2, TV1
Random Harvest
- Commentary: Why, oh why, do I own this movie, especially since, after Mom's death, I quickly passed Mrs. Miniver, a favorite of hers, on to the library? Aren't they both Greer Garson movies? Aren't they both painfully poignant, an attitude that Greer Garson was particularly adept at playing? Isn't Greer Garson as uniquely beautiful, stunning, really, in both? Yes, yes and yes. I can only say, I was indifferent to the WW II promotion of Mrs. Miniver and oddly intrigued by the WW I fallout of this movie. This movie, however, was not one of Mom's favorites, even though it was and is one of mine. So, I didn't own this movie until after she died.
What do I love about this movie? Well, first, Greer Garson. She has the same effect on me as Audrey Hepburn. I can't stop looking at her. The story, while bizarre, is involving. I love how Garson portrays the duality of her situation as an employee of her husband when he doesn't realize she's his wife. Her glossed over loss of her child is a bit jarring, but that's the only false note in the movie, for me, other than the fact that the story, itself, is implausible. Finally, I enjoy this movie so much that, between watchings, I forget that it's black-and-white! By which I mean, remember the scene where her husband-by-convenience (once her husband by love) gives her the bejeweled necklace and she fishes out the beaded necklace he once gave her and fondles it? I always remember those necklaces in color and am always shocked when I watch that scene, yet again, in real time and realize those necklaces are portrayed in black-and-white! It's that effect on me that I love about this movie.
It's also the best of a snuggle-in-on-a-snowy-or-ho-hum-day movie for me.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ronald Colman Charles Rainier/John Smith Greer Garson Paula Ridgeway/Margaret Hanson Philip Dorn Dr. Jonathan Benet Susan Peters Kitty Chilcet Henry Travers Dr. Sims Reginald Owen Biffer Bramwell Fletcher Harrison Rhys Williams Sam Una O'Connor Tobacconist Margaret Wycherly Mrs. Deventer Ivan F. Simpson Vicar Marie De Becker Vicar's Wife
You want the Wikipedia write-up? Here it is.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, drama5, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2, romance1
Moana
- Commentary: Truth is, I first watched this movie when it was on Netflix and I was in the middle of an at-ends evening and didn't want to do anything, let alone watch a movie that would require mental involvement on my part. I figured this would be a good movie to watch and expected it to be the first in an evening that promised a lot of movie switching. I couldn't imagine I would like the movie or stay with it long. See, I was raised on an island for the bulk of my childhood and young adulthood. I was absolutely positive that Moana would get everything, everything psychological and emotional, anyway, about the island experience wrong. Turns out, I was wrong.
Despite the fact that it featured yet another wide-eyed, plucky, Disney heroine, the type I loathe, it got a surprising number of island-heart things right. The fear of swimming, for one thing. This was standard on the island on which I was raised. The chickens, Cuban Cocks, to boot. Ye gads! Cuban chickens were everywhere on my home! I wasn't pleased with the protrayal of the Cuban Cock sidekick. I thought he either could have been improved, along the lines of the mini-dragon in Mulan, or dropped altogether from the story. The resolution of the conflict in the movie, which ends with Te Fiti curling up and "going to sleep" as an island was intriguing in light of the legends I'd learned about the creation of my home island. And all the characters were well drawn, particularly Moana and Maui. "Yep," I thought after watching it, "this movie I have to own, even if it is a Disney cartoon."
Update 2/10/18: I know, Moana isn't the classic super-hero, but Te Fiti is, and Maui is a demigod with possibilities of becoming a super-hero. By the end of the movie it's easy to wonder if Moana might have turned him around in his tracks through her display or non-super heroism.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Auliʻi Cravalho Moana Dwayne Johnson Maui Rachel House Tala, Moana's Grandmother Temuera Morrison Tui, Moana's Father Nicole Scherzinger Sina, Moana's Mother Jemaine Clement Tamatoa, Coconut Crab Alan Tudyk Heihei, Rooster/Villager #3 Oscar Kightley Fisherman
Release Date: 2016
Directed by Don Hall & Chris Williams.
Labels: adventure1, animated, coming-of-age1, drama5, musical1, popcorn-and-soda2, road-movie, super-hero2
The Way Back
- Commentary: I own this, in large part, because it is a Peter Weir film and I strive to own most of his films. It is a crazily involving film, for me. Trek films are one of my weaknesses. This one suits me and, besides, contains many of the hallmarks that make Peter Weir films great in my eyes: startling landscapes, curious and difficult relationships, complicated conflicts, minutely specific characterizations, a sense of time standing still.
I notice, in the Wikipedia write-up, some critics considered this film not up to his usual quality, not one of his best, as Roger Ebert points out in his review, linked to the title of this post. I quibble with him and others who have "Peter-Weir-expectation" problems with it. This is a Peter Weir film. That's why I own it. Peter Weir, through his films, owns me, this film, included. It is, as well, a "spectacle" film, if for no other reason than the landscape, which is so involving that, well, it demands to be in a Peter Weir film.
In addition to the Actor/Role table, below, Mark Strong plays escapee Andrei Timofeyevich Khabarov.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jim Sturgess Janusz Wieszczek Ed Harris Mr. Smith Saoirse Ronan Irena Zielińska Colin Farrell Valka Dragoș Bucur Zoran Alexandru Potocean Tomasz Horodinsky Gustaf Skarsgård Andrejs Voss Sebastian Urzendowsky Kazik
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: §, adventure1, drama4, haunting1, historical2, period2, peter-weir, political2, popcorn-and-soda2, spectacle1
Elmer Gantry
- Commentary: This is one of those films I've watched so many times I can quote dialogue from it. The story is incendiary (literally). The production is spot on. The acting is masterful. Although I wouldn't ordinarily label a film like this a "spectacle" film, it certainly isn't in the mode of, say The Ten Commandments, the spectacle film against which to judge all spectacle films, there is something spectacular about every element of this film, not the least of which are Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons. Both were made for these roles.
Roger Ebert wrote an extraordinary essay in memory of Burt Lancaster. I thought it was fitting to include it in this post since this movie belongs to Burt Lancaster. This was a movie that Mom enjoyed, as well, although it was one we caught on TCM and checked out of the library rather than owned. I own it, now. It's the kind of movie that makes me want to read the book. I haven't, yet, but I have a copy. I'll be cracking it soon.
And now, dear reader, an essay by Roger Ebert, the famous film critic, you will note, on reading. I remembered this essay, which I read a while back, immediate after I wrote "It's the kind of movie that makes me want to read the book." Since, in fact, I have realized that I did read the book, in high school, along with several other Sinclair novels. And yet, the reading of the book has vanished, in my memory, below the watching of the film. Hmmm. This essay reminds me that if I love the movie and it's based on a book, I need to read (or reread) the book. The two are tangled media. Employing both, I think, enhances one's intelligence with perspicuity. Consider my write-up of Rosemary's Baby. Rarely does a movie follow a book so closely, usually only in the case where the book was written with the movie in mind. Which is the point. If the book was written long before the movie was even a twinkle in someone's eye, and, if you enjoyed the movie, I guarantee, you'll really enjoy the book. Think you don't have the time for the book? Time doesn't put demands on us, we put demands on Time. Make some demands. I think you might be pleasantly surprised at what results.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Burt Lancaster Elmer Gantry Jean Simmons Sister Sharon Falconer Arthur Kennedy Jim Lefferts Dean Jagger William L. Morgan Shirley Jones Lulu Baines Patti Paige Sister Rachel Edward Andrews George F. Babbitt John McIntire Rev. John Pengilly
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1960
Directed by Richard Brooks.
Labels: burt-lancaster, dean-jagger, drama4, jean-simmons, period2, spectacle1
Thursday, June 02, 2022
The Ghost Writer
- Commentary: Maybe it's because this is a Roman Polanski movie and I have yet to watch one of his that I don't love, but I love this movie. So well done, so intriguing, great mystery, great thriller. Come to think of it, that's a category I should add, "thriller". I'm sure I've already got some listed that I didn't think of as "thrillers" but, rather "suspense", but this is a good time to add that category, as, no matter how many times I watch this movie, it's definitely a thrill for me.
Not only was Roger Ebert surprised and pleased by this film, one of his colleagues, Jim Emerson was, as well, and weighed in twice [first article, second article] on Polanski's achievements vis a vis this movie. I can't agree with Ebert and Emerson more.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ewan McGregor The Ghost Writer Pierce Brosnan Adam Peter Bennett Lang Olivia Williams Ruth Lang Kim Cattrall Amelia Bly Timothy Hutton Sidney Kroll Tom Wilkinson Paul Emmett Jon Bernthal The Ghost Writer's Agent James Belushi John Maddox Robert Pugh Richard Rycart Tim Preece Roy Quigley David Rintoul Grieving Father Eli Wallach Old Man
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Roman Polanski.
Labels: adventure1, drama6, eli-wallach, mystery1, neo-noirC, political2, roman-polanski, thriller2, tom-wilkinson, tragedy1
Michael Clayton
- Commentary: I've been a shameless fan of this movie since I first saw it, as recommended by one of my sisters. Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson and George Clooney are matchless, especially the first two. The story is pertinent and revealing. The production is perfect. When I subscribed to cable TV I would endlessly search this movie out, no matter how many times I'd seen it. Now, I don't have to do that, which is good since I can't.
When pulling a search for this movie on RogerEbert.com, I discovered a raft of articles written by many people at many times. This movie has apparently, captured the imagination of so many more than just me.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role George Clooney Michael Clayton Tom Wilkinson Arthur Edens Tilda Swinton Karen Crowder Sydney Pollack Marty Bach Michael O'Keefe Barry Grissom Sean Cullen Gene Clayton Ken Howard Don North Merritt Wever Anna
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Tony Gilroy.
Labels: drama6, legal, mystery1, political2, thriller2, tom-wilkinson
Where to Invade Next
- Commentary: Although it's good enough for me to own, this is not my favorite Michael Moore movie. It's funny and satirical, it's involving and I felt I owed it to my collection of his movies to own it. Maybe it's because I already knew all this stuff and, for the others of his I always learned something. Not sure, but, well, we'll just leave it at not being one of my favorites of his.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Michael Moore.
Labels: documentary1, michael-moore, political2, satire1
Copycat
- Commentary: Part of Warner Brothers 4 Film Favorites collection. It's also one of my two favorites in that collection. Both actresses, Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter, are great and Harry Connick, Jr. is wonderfully slithery. The sub-story of Weaver's character overcoming her extreme agoraphobia is interesting, too. If I hadn't run across this movie (collection) at Hastings' going-out-of-business sale I probably wouldn't ever look to own any of the four movies, but getting all four for much, much less than the price of one clinched the deal. The four movies in the collection are this one, Diabolique, The Crush and Pacific Heights.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sigourney Weaver Dr. Helen Hudson Holly Hunter Ins. Mary Jane Monahan Dermot Mulroney Ins. Reuben Goetz Harry Connick Jr. Daryll Lee Cullum
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Jon Amiel.
Labels: drama6, mystery1, popcorn-and-soda2, sigourney-weaver, thriller2
Pacific Heights
- Commentary: Part of Warner Brothers 4 Film Favorites collection. This is the other one-of-two in this collection that I had seen and enjoyed, in the theater, in fact, in Seattle, with a friend. Michael Keaton's portrayal of the apartment scam psycho is delicious. The story was, and is, fun, novel and creepy. I wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't gotten it so cheaply and serendipitously, but I'm glad I own it. The four movies in the collection are this one, Diabolique, The Crush and Copycat.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Melanie Griffith Patricia Palmer Matthew Modine Drake Goodman Michael Keaton Carter Hayes/James Danforth Mako Toshio Watanabe Nobu McCarthy Mira Watanabe Laurie Metcalf Stephanie MacDonald Luca Bercovici Greg Tippi Hedren Florence Peters
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by John Schlesinger.
Labels: drama6, horror1, matthew-modine, mystery1, neo-noirB, popcorn-and-soda2, thriller2
Diabolique
- Commentary: This is not the original 1955 Diabolique, which is cool and creepy. This is the 1996 Hollywood remake which is, eh. This may end up at the library the next time I thin my collection. Yet another in the Warner Brothers 4 Film Favorites collection. The four movies in the collection are this one, Copycat, The Crush and Pacific Heights.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Update 6/2/2022: You'll notice, I never passed this movie on, as I thought I might. I kept it because I couldn't believe how many excellent actors ended up in a film that was worse than a middling remake of a very famous film. I think it's a case of all these actors needed money, thus, needed work, thus, got together and scrounged up work, without much passion but with a definite purpose. That's how things go sometimes, in every profession; why not in the entertainment profession!?! I have one other movie I can think of, right of the bat, that gave me this same feeling: Fallen. With Denzel Washington and John Goodman, no less! And, although it occurred to me that that movie was "fun to do", the performances of the actors in this one indicate to me that this one wasn't. Which is exactly why I'm keeping it. I like collecting movies for a variety of reasons, one of them being to answer the question, what's the value of a schlock movie to the actors, to the audience? Comparing these two movies tells me, it's not necessarily clear.
Although neither of these movies got good reviews, Fallen's reviews were significantly better than the reviews for this one. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it was because of Denzel Washington's and John Goodman's participation.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sharon Stone Nicole Horner Isabelle Adjani Mia Baran Chazz Palminteri Guy Baran Kathy Bates Shirley Vogel Spalding Gray Simon Veatch Shirley Knight Edie Danziger Allen Garfield Leo Katzman Clea Lewis Lisa Campos
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1996
Directed by Jeremiah Chechik.
Labels: drama6, mystery1, popcorn-and-soda2, suspense2
The Crush
- Commentary: Yet another eh movie in the Warner Brothers 4 Film Favorites Thrillers collection. This movie was made two years before Alicia Silverstone's break-out film Clueless. Her acting ability is clear from this film but the story just didn't grab me. Another that may end up at the library. The four movies in the collection are this one, Diabolique, Copycat and Pacific Heights.
Update 7/30/21: I decided, some time ago, to keep this film because it was Silverstone's first film. Seems wise, in movie maven logic, to have a copy of it.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Cary Elwes Nicholas Eliot Alicia Silverstone Adrian/Darian Forrester Jennifer Rubin Amy Maddik Kurtwood Smith Cliff Forrester Gwynyth Walsh Liv Forrester Amber Benson Cheyenne Matthew Walker Michael Deborah Hancock Samantha
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Alan Shapiro.
Labels: drama6, mystery1, popcorn-and-soda2, suspense2
JFK
- Commentary: It shouldn't surprise anyone that I own this film, the director's cut with a second disc of extras. I'm not someone who constantly talks political conspiracies, or even thinks about them, but I love a good, real life political mystery and this is one of biggest. Although it is clearly not a documentary, it has a documentary feel about it, which I love and which Stone handles with mastery. This is definitely one of the films he was born to make.
Roger Ebert's site contains several reviews and commentaries on this film:
- Firstly, of course, is his initial review, attached to the title of this post.
- Secondly, Ebert interviewed Oliver Stone specifically about this movie of his in 1991.
- Thirdly, in 1992 Ebert published a touché article criticizing others who criticized this film.
- Fourthly, Ebert christened it one of his Great Movies in 2002.
- Fifthly (is there such a word), in 2012 Gerardo Valero, a compatriot reviewer on the site, questions whether ths movie should have been made in a very interesting historical analysis of the film.
- Some months after Roger's death, Matt Zoller Seitz published an interview with Oliver Stone regarding Ebert's critiques of many of his movies, including JFK. It's likely that I'll include a link to that article in a few other write-ups here.
- And, that's not all. The film comes up as a mention in several articles having nothing, directly, to do with it. Pull a search and see.
Whew! Someone, and other of his compatriot reviewers, were deeply impressed, in many ways, by this film over the years. I must admit, I'm with him. I'm with them all. I find myself watching this film at least twice a year, for a variety of reasons.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Update 6/3/2022: Oliver Stone packed his cast with notables. I listed as many as I recognized, in order to make sure this role came up when any of them are searched individually. One notable cast member I did not insert in the Actor/Role table includes a non-actor who deserves to be mentioned: Jim Garrison played Earl Warren in this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kevin Costner Jim Garrison Kevin Bacon Willie O'Keefe Tommy Lee Jones Clay Shaw/Bertrand Laurie Metcalf Susie Cox Gary Oldman Lee Harvey Oswald Jay O. Sanders Lou Ivon Sissy Spacek Liz Garrison Joe Pesci David Ferrie Jack Lemmon Jack Martin Walter Matthau Sen. Russell B. Long Donald Sutherland Mr. X Ed Asner Guy Banister John Candy Dean Andrews Jr. Sally Kirkland Rose Cheramie Tony Plana Carlos Bringuier Vincent D'Onofrio Bill Newman Lolita Davidovich Beverly Oliver John Larroquette Jerry Johnson Ron Rifkin Mr. Goldberg/Spiesel Bob Gunton News Anchor
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1991
Directed by Oliver Stone.
Labels: bob-gunton, docu-drama, donald-sutherland, mystery1, oliver-stone, political2, presidential, sissy-spacek, tommy-lee-jones
The Godfather II
- Commentary: For years, ever since I've owned The Godfather, I've wanted to own the trilogy. This part, of course, rivals the original. It has a different style, a different mood, a different feel, but it's great. I don't think I need to say anything else. I'm sure you know why I'm the proud owner of this trilogy.
Once again, no surprise, to me, anyway, Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
Update 8/17/2016: Last night I watched this movie after having watched The Godfather on the previous night. Although I continue to enjoy this one and was thoroughly involved, I realized that, to me, The Godfather is a far superior movie. It's so tight nothing leaks. It is complete in and of itself, while The Godfather II (and The Godfather III, for that matter) demand that you watch the one or two parts previous to get everything. Additionally, they both contain extraneous scenarios that aren't really needed, even though they're interesting. When The Godfather ends you do not wonder what happens to Michael Corleone and everyone else, you "know". You don't wonder about anything at the end of the original, not even individual character biography. Granted, the Vito Corleone biography contained in The Godfather II is interesting and illuminating, but if the trilogy had not become a trilogy parts II and III would not be missed. Neither of the other two is necessary to be overwhelmed by the saga of The Godfather. To be overwhelmed by either Part II or Part III, the original is necessary. This is what makes The Godfather the superior film in the trilogy.
Update 8/12/2021: And of course, somebody disagrees with me. Gerardo Valero, one of Ebert's site "far flunger" correspondents, has posted this argument as to why Part II is the best of the trilogy.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Michael Corleone Robert Duvall Tom Hagen Diane Keaton Kay Adams-Corleone Robert De Niro Vito Corleone John Cazale Fredo Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Lee Strasberg Hyman Roth Michael V. Gazzo Frank Pentangeli G. D. Spradlin Sen. Pat Geary Richard Bright Al Neri Gastone Moschin Don Fanucci Bruno Kirby Peter Clemenza Morgana King Carmela Corleone Troy Donahue Merle Johnson Joe Spinell Willi Cicci Abe Vigoda Salvatore Tessio John Aprea Young Tessio Harry Dean Stanton FBI Agent Danny Aiello Tony Rosato Dominic Chianese Johnny Ola
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1974
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action1, diane-keaton, drama5, gang-movie, pacino, period2, revenge1, violence2
The Godfather III
- Commentary: I know, I know, this is, overall, a third rate movie, even though it's aligned with the trilogy. Some of the actors absolutely suck, those who don't simply throw away their parts, probably because those they were acting with sucked, and the story is a little over the top. But, hey guys, its a trilogy. This part completes the epic. It's important to know how the saga ends, and, believe me, this ends it. It's almost as though Coppola was thinking, "Okay, okay, we have to round it out. I don't really want to do this again, but it's necessary. If I'd stopped after the first, well, no problem, but the second begs the third. So, let's get this over with and we can all go home." Ended, it is. Everyone's either dead or finished. Tawdry, yes, but fun to watch if you're doing a Godfather marathon.
NOTE: I've purposely linked the title to Roger Ebert's fine, forgiving review of this last movie in the trilogy. I sought it out wondering why the movie didn't seem to make the cut. Although I'm sure there are plenty of other reasons, including the speculations I wrote above, Ebert has some more which I found eye-opening and, in fact, cause me to always watch the trilogy as a unit, now.
Just because I can't resist, one more link, to an interesting and insightful article by Pablo Villaça, another of Ebert's "far flungers" about Kay Corleone's clothes throughout the trilogy. Ebert was still with us at the time this was published. I'm sure it must have amused and delighted him.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Michael Corleone Diane Keaton Kay Adams-Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Andy García Vincent Corleone Eli Wallach Don Altobello Joe Mantegna Joey Zaza George Hamilton B. J. Harrison Bridget Fonda Grace Hamilton Sofia Coppola Mary Corleone Raf Vallone Cardinal Lamberto Franc D'Ambrosio Anthony Corleone Donal Donnelly Archbishop Gilday Richard Bright Al Neri Al Martino Johnny Fontaine Helmut Berger Frederick Keinszig Don Novello Dominic Abbandando
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action1, andy-garcía, diane-keaton, drama5, eli-wallach, gang-movie, pacino, period2, popcorn-and-soda2, revenge2, violence2
The East
- Commentary: Okay, so I am so pleased with certain work of the dramatist (which is to say writer/producer/director/actor/et al) Brit Marling that I've established a label category for the movies of hers I own, including this one. This story is unique, involving and, by the way, watch it through the credits. The movie polishes itself off through those. If you miss the credits, you'll miss the point of the movie. I've been pushing this woman's work on one of my nieces, who is involved in drama, so far as an actor, and I own four of Marling's DVDs. I try to follow her work in other efforts, such as The Keeping Room and Arbitrage, both of which were satisfying to watch. I am really looking forward to watching her (with others with whom she's worked) scheduled Netflix series, The OA, which hasn't yet been released. Click her label to the left to see everything of hers I own, watch those, then look up the rest of her work. You won't be disappointed.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brit Marling Sarah Moss/Jane Owen Alexander Skarsgård Benji Ellen/Elliot Page Izzy Toby Kebbell Doc/Thomas Ayres Shiloh Fernandez Luca Julia Ormond Paige Williams Patricia Clarkson Sharon Danielle Macdonald Tess
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2013
Directed by Zal Batmanglij.
Labels: adventure1, brit-marling, drama5, political2
Another Earth
- Commentary: This is the movie that introduced me to the marvel of Brit Marling and started me on the journey of following her work. The story is strange and super-real, which I love. The acting is subtle and involving. The production quality is amazing. This movie made me a Brit Marling fan and I will be ever grateful.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brit Marling Rhoda Williams William Mapother John Burroughs Jordan Baker Kim Williams Robin Lord Taylor Jeff Williams Flint Beverage Robert Williams Kumar Pallana Purdeep Diane Ciesla Dr. Joan Tallis Dr. Joan Tallis Keith Harding
This film also includes a narrator, Richard D. Berendzen, an astronomer and physicist.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Mike Cahill.
Labels: aliens, brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, science-fiction1
Sound of My Voice
- Commentary: This is the first Brit Marling movie I sought out after having fallen for Another Earth. As before, as is true of all her work, the story is unusual and a touch unbelievable, so much so that even characters in the movie don't believe it, which leads to a "catch" at the end, a feature of many of Marling's productions. It's brooding, which also seems to be a Marling trademark, but not heavily so. After I watched this movie it occurred to me that Marling and her regular work colleagues seem to be fooling with the science-fiction/fantasy formula, adding a little here, subtracting a little there, playing around to see what's possible.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Christopher Denham Peter Aiken Jack Griffo Young Peter Nicole Vicius Lorna Michaelson Brit Marling Maggie Davenia McFadden Carol Briggs Kandice Stroh Joanne Richard Wharton Klaus Christy Myers Mel Alvin Lam Lam Constance Wu Christine James Urbaniak Mr. Pritchett Avery Pohl Abigail Pritchett
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Zal Batmanglij.
Labels: brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, mystery1, science-fiction1
