Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Dead Poets Society
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: Although Mom and I regularly watched all kinds of teaching movies, this is one of only a few we have in our collection. It's also a late comer, although both Mom and I saw it, both on TV and in the theaters, at least a few times before we bought it. It excites Mom to watch this movie, as it does all well done teaching movies. I like it because it's a Peter Weir production (so, we were destined to own it) and because it's done so well. Every time we watched this movie Mom would say, "This just makes me want to get back to the classroom," and work her arms as though she was revving herself up for a dash to the nearest school.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robin Williams John Keating Robert Sean Leonard Neil Perry Ethan Hawke Todd Anderson Josh Charles Knox Overstreet Gale Hansen Charlie Dalton Norman Lloyd Headmaster Gale Nolan Kurtwood Smith Thomas Perry Carla Belver Mrs. Perry
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1989
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: drama7, mom-favorite1, peter-weir, robin-williams, teaching
City of Angels
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Yes, Mom and I watched this movie a long time ago, when it first came out in video. Remembering how Mom enjoyed it (whether or not she believed in angels, I never asked her this, despite her interest in this movie and the Touched by an Angel series), when I noticed it on TV during our channel surfing episodes, if nothing else looked more interesting to her, I'd click into it. I watched the entire movie once. Although I was (and remain) impressed with the visualization of how the angels in the movie exist on earth, since I'd seen Wings of Desire long prior to watching this movie, became interested in this movie because I enjoyed the former and was sorely disappointed that the remake was sooooo much different than the movie upon which it was based, after my first watching, I subsequently paid little attention to it, except, I must mention, the panoramic shots of angels, which I continued to admire.
Then, Mom died, and, well, the rest of the story of my relationship to this movie and why I decided to purchase a copy of it is contained in the link up there in the Mentions section. And, yes, I'm still embarrassed by my late-realized attraction to certain scenes in this movie. It is, for instance, with some chagrin that I'm labeling (below) this movie in the "spiritual" category. Objectively, it's not, really, but I have to say, reluctantly, that the effect of the angel-vision scenes on me after my mother's death is emotional-spiritual (probably the "emotional" aspect is more important than the "spiritual" aspect).
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicolas Cage Seth Meg Ryan Maggie Rice Andre Braugher Cassiel Colm Feore Jordan Ferris Dennis Franz Nathaniel Messinger Robin Bartlett Anne Joanna Merlin Teresa Messinger Sarah Dampf Susan
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Brad Silberling.
Labels: drama7, fantasy2, haunting2, me-favorite2, meg-ryan, nicolas-cage, romance2, spiritual1
Ben Hur
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: We acquired this movie just before last Easter when I was on a mission to obtain every jesus/bible related movie that we didn't already own. I didn't know whether Mom had ever seen this movie, but she was up for it when I mentioned it to her and was immediately enraptured in it's sprawl. She's also, of course, is a big fan of over-the-top drama of the period in which this was made.
So am I, depending, and this movie didn't disappoint me, but, I have to say, The Ten Commandments is still my preferred movie spectacle film. I think. It depends. If I want some realistic spectacle grit, this is my go-to. If I want silky theatrics, then I opt for The Ten Commandments.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Charlton Heston Judah Ben-Hur Jack Hawkins Quintus Arrius Haya Harareet Esther Stephen Boyd Messala Hugh Griffith Sheik Ilderim Martha Scott Miriam Cathy O'Donnell Tirzah Sam Jaffe Simonides Finlay Currie Balthazar Frank Thring Pontius Pilate Terence Longdon Drusus George Relph Tiberius Caesar
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1959
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: action3, adventure3, bible-movies1, charlton-heston, drama7, jesus-dvds, period3, popcorn-and-soda3, revenge1, spectacle2, violence3
Aguirre, The Wrath of God
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: My mother's interest in this movie was a big surprise for me. I didn't expect her to enjoy it because it is subtitled, it portrays a brutal episode in history and Werner Herzog spared no one and nothing in making this movie, but she was mesmerized by it. Unfortunately, the only copy we were able to obtain was one that had been "formatted for your screen"...big problem with this movie, since it depends on panoramic scenes, especially in the beginning, but I don't think my mother noticed or cared. I will probably keep tabs on versions of this movie and replace my copy with a widescreen version at some time in the future.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Klaus Kinski Lope de Aguirre Helena Rojo Inés de Atienza Ruy Guerra Don Pedro de Ursúa Del Negro Brother Gaspar de Carvajal Peter Berling Don Fernando de Guzmán Cecilia Rivera Flores de Aguirre Daniel Ades Perucho Alejandro Repullés Gonzalo Pizarro
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Werner Herzog.
Labels: adventure3, drama7, haunting2, historical2, period3, political3, spectacle2, violence3, werner-herzog
Iron Man
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: My initial interest in this movie was that Robert Downey, Jr., plays the title character. I've never been disappointed with his work, even loved and admired some of it, and I couldn't imagine him playing a super hero. "Must really need the money," I thought, but I went for it, anyway. Perfect casting, I decided, just perfect, and good super hero story, too, good enough for me to want to own it after having rented it (and, I don't have a yen to own many super hero movies, although I try to watch as many as possible). Even though I purchased this movie some weeks before Mom's death and we both watched it (she wasn't thrilled with it), after Mom's death I found myself watching this movie several times...introducing it to relatives then watching it more on my own. I can't explain why, but it has provided me with inexplicable comfort since my mother's death. And, LOVE the suit...
By the way, Jim Emerson of Scanners, a blog he writes attached to RogerEbert.com, also wrote an interesting review of this movie, highlighting different aspects of the feature and the actors. In addition, in an ancillary commentary highlighting the tendency of movies the celebrate "free-market principles" (not only super-hero movies, but those, as well) to be more popular (probably because they are more likely to be promoted by those with promotional money, he insinuates) and more lucrative than movies with a socialistic bent. It's very eye-opening. You should check it out, Dear Reader.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Downey, Jr. Tony Stark Terrence Howard James Rhodes Jeff Bridges Obadiah Stane Shaun Toub Ho Yinsen Gwyneth Paltrow Virginia Pepper Potts Paul Bettany J.A.R.V.I.S. Clark Gregg Phil Coulson Samuel L. Jackson Nick Fury
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Jon Favreau.
Labels: action1, adventure3, drama7, fantasy2, jeff-bridges, me-favorite2, robert-downey-jr, samuel-l-jackson, science-fiction1, super-hero2, suspense2, violence3
Into the Wild
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom never saw this movie. I suspect she would have found it interesting, but I don't know, for sure. I'm basing my guess on her reaction to Grizzly Man, which was highly favorable and of which I'm surprised we never sought a copy. Anyway, I bought the movie on the cheap because I've always harbored a desire to take off and attempt to live "in the wild" and was curious about this movie, even though much of my reading about it had forewarned me that Christopher McCandless' journey was probably more about mental/spiritual/emotional/social (take your pick) illness than anything else and that he headed "Into the Wild" frighteningly unprepared, despite himself. Some have speculated that the movie is irresponsible. Thus, any leaning toward a romantic viewing of this film had been cleared before I watched it. Still, I enjoyed the story of what this man did, even though the movie is not completely clear on the brain chemistry or social environment behind his character and choice. It's a highly romantic retelling which, opposing the critics, I find appropriate. Despite this man's talent for personal tragedy, watching the movie has a tendency to allow me to (dangerously, I suppose) consider that, well, maybe someday...with quite a bit more preparation than an idea, I can assure you ...
Roger Ebert, by the way, wrote stunning, heartfelt review of this movie. In fact, the only reason I didn't attach his review to the title of this post is because, for some reason, I thought a definition of schizophrenia, in the context of the film, might be more appropriate. I'm not sure I was right, but, still, I'm sticking with my choice.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Emile Hirsch Chris McCandless Marcia Gay Harden Billie McCandless William Hurt Walt McCandless Jena Malone Carine McCandless Catherine Keener Jan Burres Hal Holbrook Ron Franz Kristen Stewart Tracy Tatro Vince Vaughn Wayne Westerberg Zach Galifianakis Kevin Thure Lindhardt Mads Merritt Wever Lori Leonard Knight Himself
So, I was able to find a title link alternate to Wikipedia, an interesting one, too, and it remains up, but, just in case, here's the Wikipedia article.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Sean Penn.
Labels: action3, adventure3, drama7, kristen-stewart, marsha-gay-harden, road-movie, tragedy2, william-hurt
Monday, May 09, 2022
Gladiator
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: As covered in one of the above Mentions, this movie was suggested by MFS. I was surprised at how much Mom loved it. I enjoy it, too. It's yet another spectacle movie for me (I should create a "spectacle" category, shouldn't I...I think I will, then add to it later) and I love a variety of the acting performances in this movie, particularly (but not solely) Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius. Before he ever says anything in the movie his acting makes many aspects of Marcus Aurelius' character clear. We watched this movie on TV several times, in "to-fit-your-screen" format, before I finally purchased it. Much better in widescreen. On a whim, I watched the movie last night. I continue to find it supremely entertaining; and, as well, now that Mom's dead, surprisingly emotional, specifically at the end when Juba says, as he buries Maximus' personal idols, "I will see you again, but not yet." If you have any interest in this movie, I urge you to click into the link to the title of the movie, above, which will send you to a thorough and compelling critique of the historicity of the movie. Believe me, despite the astonishing number of historical inaccuracies in the movie, the critique renders watching the movie even more enjoyable.
Update 2/7/18: So much has been written about this film since it aired. Quite a bit has been dumped, as well, including the link I had originally attached to the title above. I've attached another which may be helpful but, just in case, here's the Wikipedia link for Gladiator which may be a good starting place if you're interested in historicity research.
Update 8/2/21: The link I attached in 2018 still holds strong, is still remarkably interesting, and even has a comment attached. Take advantage of it before it disappears into the oligarchic ether.
Update 5/23/22: Another post I managed to disappear. It's original publication date is 4/9/09.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Russell Crowe Maximus Decimus Meridius Joaquin Phoenix Commodus Connie Nielsen Lucilla Oliver Reed Antonio Proximo Derek Jacobi Senator Gracchus Djimon Hounsou Juba Richard Harris Marcus Aurelius Ralf Möller Hagen Tommy Flanagan Cicero David Schofield Senator Falco John Shrapnel Senator Gaius Tomas Arana General Quintus Spencer Treat Clark Lucius Verus David Hemmings Cassius Sven-Ole Thorsen Tigris of Gaul Giannina Facio Maximus's wife Omid Djalili Slave Trader Giorgio Cantarini Maximus's son Adam Levy Condemned Officer David J. Nicholls Giant Man
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Labels: action3, adventure3, derek-jacobi, drama7, historical2, joaquin-phoenix, oliver-reed, period3, political3, revenge1, richard-harris, ridley-scott, russell-crowe, shared-favorite, spectacle1, suspense2, violence3, war1
Friday, April 10, 2009
John Adams
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Yet another one of those teaching videos, for Mom. The Mention says it all. Yes, we made it through the entire series before she died. Yes, she was shocked and intrigued at the vaccination and breast cancer episodes; worthy of pauses and further discussion between us. During the breast cancer surgery (which wasn't completely displayed), she speculated, aloud, how lucky MCS (who is a breast cancer survivor) was that "we" weren't living during "those days". The surprising aspect of this was that my mother remembered that MCS had breast cancer several years ago.
Update 8/2/21: Well, Whad'ya know! The Washington Post is still allowing access to it's movie reviews, at least. Old ones, anyway. Thanks, WP! Just for that, I'll bold your reference and link to you!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Giamatti John Adams Laura Linney Abigail Adams Stephen Dillane Thomas Jefferson David Morse George Washington Tom Wilkinson Benjamin Franklin Rufus Sewell Alexander Hamilton Justin Theroux John Hancock Danny Huston Samuel Adams Clancy O'Connor Edward Rutledge Željko Ivanek John Dickinson Ebon Moss-Bachrach John Quincy Adams Sarah Polley Abigail Adams Smith Andrew Scott William S. Smith Mamie Gummer Sally Smith Adams Samuel Barnett Thomas Adams Tom Hollander King George III
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Tom Hooper.
Labels: david-morse, drama7, historical2, laura-linney, paul-giamatti, period3, political3, presidential, tom-wilkinson, TV1, war1, željko-ivanek
Requiem for a Dream
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I had wanted to watch this movie ever since it came out and somehow never got the chance. I never mentioned it to anyone, but I thought of it often. When we joined a rental service I put it in my queue but there were always so many other, much lighter movies that I placed before it because, somehow, I knew this wasn't a film Mom would want to watch. Then, during the spring of 2008 when Mom was in the hospital in rehab, out of the blue MFS sent me a copy of this movie...even though I'm sure I never mentioned my interest in it to her...it's become, since, a symbol of our psychic link.
This movie is frenetic, tragic and gorgeous, all at the same time. Ostensibly the story of what addiction (to a variety of "things", including dreams) can do to a person. It's wonderfully acted and so succinctly imagined, written, produced, directed and portrayed that, after one scene in which one of the characters sexually compromises herself for drugs, MFS told me she felt like she needed to take a shower. It's true: The movie throws the grime of desperation right through the screen at you. There's something in this movie to make anyone, everyone feel dirty. The desperation never lets up; it's like watching a family version of Titus Andronicus. Which, of course, thrills me. I don't know why I'm attracted to such spot-on portrayals of the dregs of life, but I am, and this one is a masterpiece. I've watched it three times since I've received it. I'll watch it again. I've even created the category of "tragedy" for it, because, oddly, despite my attraction to tragedy, except for some of the video adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, we have no other relentless tragedies. I think I held off while Mom was alive because I suspected that I wouldn't be able to watch them, much. I was right...but, (cackling deleriously and rubbing hands together) THE SCREEN IS MINE, NOW, ALL AND ONLY MINE ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ellen Burstyn Sara Goldfarb Jared Leto Harry Goldfarb Jennifer Connelly Marion Silver Marlon Wayans Tyrone C. Love Christopher McDonald Tappy Tibbons Mark Margolis Mr. Rabinowitz Louise Lasser Ada Marcia Jean Kurtz Rae Sean Gullette Arnold The Shrink Keith David Big Tim Janet Sarno Mrs. Pearlman Dylan Baker Southern Doctor
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Labels: audio-visual, darren-aronofsky, drama7, dream1, dylan-baker, ellen-burstyn, film-art1, haunting2, jennifer-connelly, me-favorite2, tragedy2, violence2
Legends of the Fall
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: I'm truly surprised that I never mentioned this movie in the journals because, after I'd first seen it, the year it was released, I was mesmerized by it and talked it up to everyone who would listen, rented it endlessly and forced relatives to watch it with me, etc. I've often tried to explain why this movie has such a hold over me. Luckily, Mom always enjoyed it, as she does most big country-spectacle-epics. The acting is poor to fair to good to very occasionally excellent (usually the minor characters ring in the excellence in acting); the story is, well, the father-son story at the base of it is reasonably interesting but predictable; but the whole business about bears and the fall...it resonates with my own interest in bears and the fact that I've always been unreasonably proud of being a fall baby and feel "special" because of that accident of birth timing. I tend to feel as though I am in a dream when I watch this movie. Weird, I know. But, I expect to unreasonably love this movie for the rest of my life. I was lucky that Mom enjoyed it, too, I think it was like reading a sprawling novel, for her, thus she indulged my need to watch this at least once a year, if not more.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brad Pitt Tristan Ludlow Anthony Hopkins Col. William Ludlow Aidan Quinn Alfred Ludlow Julia Ormond Susannah Fincannon-Ludlow Henry Thomas Samuel Ludlow Karina Lombard Isabel 'Two' Decker-Ludlow Gordon Tootoosis One Stab Christina Pickles Isabel Ludlow Tantoo Cardinal Pet Decker Robert Wisden John T. O'Banion John Novak James O'Banion Kenneth Welsh Sheriff Tynert
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Edward Zwick
Labels: action1, adventure3, anthony-hopkins, drama7, dream1, haunting2, me-favorite2, period3, spectacle1, tantoo-cardinal, violence2, war1
Ordinary People
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: I picked this up on a whim. The memory of Mary Tyler Moore's performance in this movie haunted me for years. Stunning. When I stumbled upon a copy on the cheap I decided to purchase it. Mom didn't remember having seen it; perhaps she didn't; but she enjoyed it as a family tragedy that "works out in the end". Mainly, my interest is in MTMs performance, the story doesn't interest me, much, but her performance, I could watch certain scenes over and over again. And I have. And I will.
Chris Vognar at RogerEbert.com also weighed in on how seeing this movie when he was young affected him.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Donald Sutherland Calvin Jarrett Mary Tyler Moore Beth Jarrett Timothy Hutton Conrad Jarrett Judd Hirsch Dr. Tyrone C. Berger Elizabeth McGovern Jeannine Pratt M. Emmet Walsh Coach Salan Dinah Manoff Karen Aldrich Fredric Lehne Joe Lazenby James Sikking Ray Hanley Elizabeth Hubbard Ruth Scott Doebler Jordan Jarrett Adam Baldwin Kevin Stillman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1980
Directed by Robert Redford (directorial debut).
Labels: donald-sutherland, drama7, robert-redford
Mrs. Brown
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I was surprised at Mom's initial reaction to this movie. She is usually chomping at the bit to watch any movie about "the royals", specifically the British royals. I think, though, this movie may have been a bit too restrained, not quite matching her expectations of a "royals" movie. And, it is a quiet movie, unlike most "royals" movies we have in our collection.
Despite the unresounding reception Mom gave this film when we first watched it, after some extensive wrangling I finally obtained a copy of it, solely because I wanted to watch it again, and again, and probably again. After a second watching of it, Mom warmed to it. It's a subtle movie, restrained acting in display of a restrained household...which is part of its magic. Judi Densch and Billy Connolly are wonderful in it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Judi Dench Queen Victoria Billy Connolly John Brown Geoffrey Palmer Henry Ponsonby Antony Sher Benjamin Disraeli Gerard Butler Archie Brown David Westhead Prince of Wales Bertie Richard Pasco Dr. Jenner Georgie Glen Lady Churchill
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by John Madden.
Labels: biography1, drama7, historical2, judi-dench, me-favorite2, period3, political3, royals
Mongol
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: One of the advantages, for Mom & me, of subscribing to a DVD rental service was (and remains) the availability of foreign films. Slowly, because of my interest in films from everywhere, if they're good, she learned to handle foreign language films with subtitles. Our favorites, though, were the sweeping epics that communicate mostly without language. This movie became one of our favorites in 2008. You'd think, because it is mostly about conflict, sometimes bloody, short on specific cultural information, etc., we would have found it boring. Quite the opposite. Mom loved the scene-after-scene sprawl of the steppes and the detailed portrayal of every day life. I loved the mythical ambience of the film.
Update 8/2/21: Oh! I noticed I forgot to mention, this film is about the ultimate Mongol, Ghengis Khan, before he was the Great Khan.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tadanobu Asano Temüjin/Genghis Khan Sun Honglei Jamukha Chuluuny Khulan Börte Amadu Mamadakov Targutai Ba SenTD> Yesügei Sai Xing Ga Chiledu Bu Ren Taichar Aliya Oelun He Qi Dai-Sechen Deng Ba Te Er Daritai Zhang Jiong Garrison Chief Ben Hon Sun Monk
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Sergei Bodrov.
Labels: action1, adventure3, biography3, drama7, historical2, period3, political3, spectacle1, violence2, war1
Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Godfather
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is a movie I've avoided purchasing for a long time, even though Mom and I enjoy watching it every time it appears on TV, whether uninterrupted by commercials and uncut or otherwise. It is, plain and simple, riveting. Frankly, a perfect movie, in my estimation. However, for some reason I could never bring myself to pay for it. Finally, I noticed what looked like a relatively unplayed copy of it at my favorite trade-in movie store really cheap (I later discovered that Costco was selling it cheap, by then, too, although not as cheap as the copy I purchased) and decided, yeah, we should have it.
Good choice. As soon as Mom hears the theme music, she settles back in her rocker with a subtle smile, as though someone is preparing to read her a Dickens novel cover to cover.
It should not surprise you to learn that Roger Ebert christened this movie a Great Movie.
Just a side note: The following Actor/Role Table is nowhere near an exhaustive list of actors and characters participating in this movie that, despite sometimes have little screen time, left an indelible impression on both my mother and I as viewers. Some of those actors and characters, I'm sure, will be covered in the tables of The Godfather II and The Godfather III. Some will not.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Vito Corleone Morgana King Carmela Corleone Al Pacino Michael Corleone James Caan Santino Corleone John Cazale Fredo Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Robert Duvall Tom Hagen Richard Castellano Peter Clemenza Sterling Hayden Cpt. Mark McCluskey John Marley Jack Woltz Al Lettieri Virgil Sollozzo Richard Conte Emilio Barzini Diane Keaton Kay Adams Corleone Abe Vigoda Salvatore Tessio Gianni Russo Carlo Rizzi Al Martino Johnny Fontaine Lenny Montana Luca Brasi Salvatore Corsitto Amerigo Bonasera Vito Scotti Nazorine Gabriele Torrei Enzo Aguello Johnny Martino Paulie Gatto Simonetta Stefanelli Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone Alex Rocco Moe Green Richard Bright Albert Neri
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action3, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama7, gang-movie, marlon-brando, period3, revenge1, robert-duvall, violence3
Cheers for Miss Bishop
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: We first saw this movie on TCM one evening about a month before I ordered it. Mom became so involved in it that she visibly cried at the end, and she doesn't cry easily. It's extremely idealistic.
My mother did become a teacher, of elementary school and in the military as a gunnery instructor (that's how she met my dad, he was one of her students). She did not, however, have any intention of becoming a spinster teacher. I can well imagine, though, her attitudes toward teaching and education were much the same as portrayed in this movie.
As well, I couldn't help but recall the line in Mona Lisa Smile in which the president of Wellesley, in 1953, states that higher education for women was unheard of a century ago. This movie accurately states that it was well heard of, which I already knew, anyway. Watching this movie in view of Mona Lisa Smile reminded me to be ever ready to reflect on the fact that, just as the 1950's clearly rewrote women's history according to its dictates for women, all history is rewritten, by era, according to what we want to see in it and get out of it. Made me wonder, too, as I have before, if this glitch in Mona Lisa Smile was intended or inadvertent. You'd think Julia Roberts' character, considering her championing of women's education, would have been aware of the presidents' blatantly incorrect reinterpretation of history and would have (mildly, probably) countered the president.
I found this movie so charming and so much fun as far as watching Mom watch it that first we rented it, then, when Mom yet again, sobbed at the end of the movie, I decided we had to have a copy. I ran across it in the A2ZCDS.com remastered version at my favorite local movie trade-in store and snatched it up. Not a good copy, though; not nearly as clear, visually or audibly, as the copy we saw on TV. I'm going to hunt for a better copy. I notice TCM has one on sale...hopefully, it will be the same as the one they broadcast. So, eventually this one will go back to where I purchased it; but not before I obtain a better copy of it. We've watched it twice since I've purchased it and I'm sure it will become one of our most watched movies.
TCM has two links for this film. The first, linked above in the title of this post, contains an interesting video of a bit of the history of the film that is run previous to broadcast. The second page contains links to two articles that have been written about the movie.
Update 1/17/21: Well, I've obtained yet another copy, yes, remastered, but it is about the same quality as the one above. I've scoured the internet, including the most likely place to find a good copy, TCM, but the best version they sell, like at other outlets, is not available. How strange. I suspect, considering how much my mother liked it and how I warmed to it, that this movie is popular. But, it remains hard to get a really good, pristine copy. I'll keep this one in my collection, this time, until I can obtain a good one. This version is watchable. It's just, well, dark and muddy around the edges.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Martha Scott Ella Bishop William Gargan Sam Peters Edmund Gwynn Professor Corcoran Sterling Holloway Chris Jensen Dorothy Peterson Mrs. Bishop Sidney Blackmer John Stevens Mary Anderson Amy Saunders Donald Douglas Delbert Thompson Marsha Hunt Hope Thompson John Archer Richard Clark Lois Ranson Gretchen Clark Rosemary De Camp Minna Fields
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1941
Directed by Tay Garnett.
Labels: drama7, mom-favorite1, period3, popcorn-and-soda3, teaching
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Nativity Story
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Yes, this is yet another jesus dvd that is a Jesus movie. We rented it first. For some unknown reason, I had the idea that maybe we had enough Jesus movies for Mom and she'd consider this one overkill, but I was wrong, which is why I purchased it for her. We've watched it several times.
I appreciate it for the explanation it contains of certain cultural customs to which members of "The Holy Family" would have been obligated, but, more than this, some of the oblique symbology of the birth of Jesus is explained, such as the signficance of the gifts received from "the wise men". There is strong enough emphasis on the importance of the visiting of the shepherds that I finally understood this aspect of the Jesus Nativity Story. And, the parallel story of Elizabeth and Zechariah is well woven into the presentation.
My mother, of course, is enthralled with the movie. The more apparently realistic Bible movies are, the more she likes them. This one rang a bell for her. She even enjoyed the offhand comic relief of the three wise men.
I may have mentioned this before: I'm not Christian, never have been, actually, even though I was raised in what would be considered a typical Christian household of the 50's and 60's, which is to say, only mildly religious but with a strong emphasis on morality and ethics, not necessarily connected to but often echoing Christianity in particular. Because my mother is deeply spiritual, though, and uses Christianity as her spiritual touchstone (and, for a few other reasons, as well), I spent a fair amount of time (still do, in fact) investigating and thinking about Christianity. I've been at the point, for some years, where I firmly doubt the existence of the historical Jesus as presented in Christianity (even the Christian gospels hint that the Jesus they present never existed) but, because much of the symbology and beliefs are ubiquitous in many theistic and nontheistic religious doctrines and practice, the entire area of spirituality bounded by religion fascinates me and Christianity, being the first religion to which I was introduced, thus the one with which I am most familiar, is a good jumping off point for me. This movie, in particular, is a succinct reminder of the power of the Jesus story, Jesus mythology and Christian dedication. As well, while I was absorbing Elizabeth's story alongside Mary's, I was suddenly struck by the importance of the mothers of gods, in stories such as these, always being in some way barren, or, in the case of the births of great leaders of a theistic religion, the birth itself or the baby being threatened, thus the birth of the god or the leader is usually (except, for instance, in the case of Abram/Abraham), somehow miraculous. I don't know why I never before paid attention to this.
Soon after we watched this movie a few times and had some stimulating conversations about Christianity in particular and spirituality in general, I decided to rent The God Who Wasn't There so Mom could get a better idea of why Christianity interests me but doesn't cause me to "fall on [my] knees". No, this isn't a movie we'll be purchasing. I was familiar with most of the stuff in it when I originally saw it and don't need it as a resource. But, Mom found this movie interesting and worthy of discussion, although it didn't sway her belief in her religion. I didn't expect this. Even those of us who aren't swayed by beliefs in gods and the ritual detail of god centered religions often have belief systems that make no rational sense but hold sway over us, anyway. At any rate, something I realized when we discussed spirituality and religion from the point of view of The God Who Wasn't There is that Mom is firmly centered in life-here-and-now rather than death-in-the-sweet-by-and-by. This, I think, is the important difference between her spirituality and that of many people who consider and call themselves Christians.
The Nativity Story is not nearly as spiritually powerful for me as, say, The Little Buddha, for instance, but it's provocative, nonetheless, and I can count on it to trigger interesting discussions about religion and spirituality between my mother and me.
Well, well, well. I found loads of Christian reviewers covering this movie, usually positively (if there was any negativity at all in these reviews, it was a minor haggle over biblical representation of the story vs. this movie's representation), but I was able to find only two secular critics weighing in. Of those, I chose the, well, the longest, to connect to the title of this post. It was also the better of the two I found, and the kinder. I think what most secular critics wanted was more of a The Last Temptation of the Christ presentation. Although I'm a secularist, myself, I notice that most secularists who go to the movies are allergic to any religious presentation even when it is sincere and subtle. Guys, this story is well acted by some extraordinary actors, well directed, well filmed and well told. It's not trying to convert you. It's just telling an old, old story. Relax. It's not going to jump into the theater (or your living room) and strangle you until you become Christian.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Keisha Castle-Hughes Mary Oscar Isaac Joseph Hiam Abbass Anna Shaun Toub Joachim Shohreh Aghdashloo Elizabeth Stanley Townsend Zechariah Ciarán Hinds Herod the Great Alexander Siddig Angel Gabriel
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
Labels: bible-movies1, Christmas, drama7, female-director2, jesus-dvds, mom-favorite1, oscar-isaac, period3, religion1, spiritual1
Saturday, March 10, 2007
An Unfinished Life
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie surprised us both. I rented it on the strength of Lasse Hallström's, Morgan Freeman's and Robert Redford's participation, even though it's gotten little favorable press. While it's true that it's an example of Hallström's uneveness as a director, it's also true that it's a solid story solidly presented with so few stilted scenes that these are easily ignored. Mom refers to this movie as "the bear movie" and we've watched it several times. It's not hard for me to watch repeatedly, either. It has more than a few interesting, subtle moments that catch one's eye: the smile on Griff's face when she's driving the truck; Jean's handling of a couple of assholes in the restaurant in which she's waitressing; several of the scenes between Griff, Einar and Mitch. The bear, as well, is commanding. There is a priceless scene in which the bear is roaming a neighborhood and during one section of the scene a woman exits, sees the bear, and quickly reenters her home. It's a short, sweet, telling little scene of what it's like to live in bear territory.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Redford Einar Gilkyson Jennifer Lopez Jean Gilkyson Morgan Freeman Mitch Bradley Josh Lucas Sheriff Crane Curtis Lynda Boyd Kitty Damian Lewis Gary Winston Camryn Manheim Nina Becca Gardner Griff Gilkyson
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Lasse Hallström.
Labels: animal, drama7, jennifer-lopez, mom-favorite1, morgan-freeman, popcorn-and-soda3, robert-redford
Friday, March 09, 2007
Fiddler on the Roof
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm not sure it's even necessary to talk about why my mother loves this movie. It has been easy for me to forget to purchase because there is something about Topol's performance that irritates me, but, I like everyone else's performances, love the dances, love the fiddler, love most of the songs, usually sing along to them when the movie plays...so, when it showed up on cable one day a month or so ago and Mom was so sure we owned it that she asked me to replay the dancing at the wedding party, I realized, oops, it's time to purchase it!
Update 8/2/21: Funny thing about this movie. Although I donated it to my local library branch quite a while ago, like, years ago, every time I run across it on television, I watch it, once per appearance on whatever channel. I continue to feel exactly the same way I wrote, above, but, I don't know, maybe it's the musical numbers, maybe it's that watching this movie brings my dead mother back into my living room ... I'm not sure. As long as my library has copies of this movie, though (and, it has several, it remains very popular and easily viewable), I'll not be replacing it in my collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Chaim Topol Tevye Norma Crane Golda Rosalind Harris Tzeitel Michele Marsh Hodol Neva Small Chava Molly Picon Yente Paul Mann Lazar Leonard Frey Motel Kamzoil Paul Michael Glaser Perchik Raymond Lovelock Fyedka Elaine Edwards Shprintze Candy Bonstein Bielke
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by Norman Jewison.
Labels: dance, drama7, musical1, period3, romance2
Elizabeth
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Yes, that's right, yet another "Elizabeth" movie, just as good and just as involving as the others. I almost feel as though I should have a category label of "elizabeth movies" or, perhaps, "english royals movies", as A Man for All Seasons definitely qualifies for the same category. Mom has already mentioned that she wants to see the movie The Queen, as well, and I suspect we will end up owning it. So far, the only English Royals movie she's seen and in which she lost interest halfway through was Mrs. Brown, which I immensely enjoyed. She was so distracted through it, though, that I haven't yet considered purchasing it; although it has occurred to me to rent it again, run it by her once more and see how she likes it. Could be that this one is not "period" enough for Mom. Could also be that the movie about Elizabeth II will be the same kind of experience for her. We'll see.
Update 2/7/18 & 8/2/21: We did, indeed, purchase The Queen, to which I've linked my write-up. We also purchased Mrs. Brown, to which I've also linked my write-up. I've left the first link to this movie, above, as it is, though, since it links to a mini-review of the movie. You'll notice, I haven't purchased the sequel, released 9 years later, Elizabeth: The Golden Age. I have no quibbles with this movie, its successor, but, by the time the dvd came out, I was pretty much Elizabethed out and Mom was dead. Don't get me wrong. I continue to watch the Elizabeth movies I have. I just don't want anymore. At least not now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Cate Blanchett Elizabeth I Geoffrey Rush Francis Walsingham Joseph Fiennes Robert Dudley Richard Attenborough William Cecil Christopher Eccleston Thomas Howard Kathy Burke Queen Mary I Fanny Ardant Mary of Guise Vincent Cassel Francis, Duke of Anjou Emily Mortimer Kat Ashley Kelly Macdonald Isabel Knollys John Gielgud Pope Pius V Daniel Craig John Ballard
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Shekhar Kapur.
Labels: biography1, cate-blanchett, drama7, elizabeth-I, emily-mortimer, historical3, john-gielgud, mom-favorite1, period3, royals
