Monday, November 14, 2005
The Last Emperor
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This movie causes both Mom & me to swoon. I'm pleased we finally own a copy. It's a "mood movie" for me: When I'm in the mood to watch it, nothing can take it's place and when we didn't own it I hungered for it when I wanted to see it.
Here you will find a list of resources about Pu Yi, people surrounding him and his time in history. Excellent resource.
Update 5/13/2022: Yes, I continue to hunger for this movie, at least once a year, sometimes more. It has seemed especially pertinent within the last few years because of the political clashes around the globe over who has a right to govern, and, sometimes, own, countries and regions. Although there is usually some coverage of the challenged governments, these days, there is hardly any coverage of the personal effects on ousted leaders. Covering these concerns regarding the family and staff of those leaders is covered almost never.
Besides this, there are many excellent actors playing these roles.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role John Lone Adult Puyi Joan Chen Wanrong Peter O'Toole Reginald Johnston Ying Ruocheng Camp Warden Victor Wong Chen Baochen Dennis Dun Big Li Ryuichi Sakamoto Masahiko Amakasu Maggie Han Eastern Jewel Ric Young Camp Interrogator Vivian Wu Wenxiu Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Chang Lisa Lu Empress Dowager Cixi Basil Pao Prince Chun Dong Liang Lady Consort Chun Henry O Lord Chamberlain Tijger Tsou Puyi 8 years
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1987
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.
Labels: biography2, coming-of-age2, dramaA, haunting2, historical3, me-favorite2, political4, royals, spectacle2
Twilight Zone: 1st Season
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: Mom and I were both excited about finding this at Costco. Alas, the series, for us, anyway, is much better in memory than in reality. We have no quarrel with its reputation, its place as a cultural icon, its historical significance as literature and television and we concede intellectually that it was a groundbreaking series. But we couldn't help but laugh through several of the episodes. We're keeping this season but I don't think we'll be purchasing anymore. We both, by the way, continue to love Rod Serling's voice during his introductions.
Update 5/13/2022: I did not even think twice about consigning this to the library, once Mom died, although, it should be said, she and I actually never watched any of the episodes, again, after our first "outing" with this. I probably could have donated it long before Mom died. In addition, I'm not going to bother to set up a table of Actors and Roles, there are so many.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 1959-1960
Directed by several people, no women.
Labels: dramaA, fantasy3, mystery2, suspense2, TV2
Shōgun
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I got this as a nod to Mom (see mention) but, lo and behold, I enjoy it, too. It's not even a guilty pleasure for me. It's got some great actors in it, I enjoy the fact that the Japanese is not subtitled in English because it keeps the viewer in the same position as Anjin-San and, well, it's an involving production. Mom could probably watch this 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The interesting thing about this series and the book upon which it is based is that there is much historical background upon which they are based. Check out the Wikipedia article, linked below, and cruise through the actor list with its historical equivalents.
Update 2/9/18: I recently rewatched this series over a few nights, mainly to see if I wanted to donate it to the library. I vaguely noticed some "dating", but was still swept up. It will be remaining in my collection, for awhile, at least.
Update 5/13/2022: You may think that, by now, this series is close to the donate-to-the-library box. Not so! I've actually watched the entire series, over a weekend, about four months ago, in the depth of winter. I know its structure as a mini-series is dated but I continue to find it engaging, worthy of a winter weekend, and, perhaps, even a mid-summer weekend when there's nothing to do but, well, watch a mini-series!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Chamberlain John Blackthorne Toshirô Mifune Yoshi Toranaga Yoko Shimada Lady Toda Mariko Frankie Sakai Kashigi Yabu Alan Badel Father Dell'Aqua Michael Hordern Friar Domingo Damien Thomas Father Martin Alvito John Rhys-Davies Vasco Rodrigues
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1980
Directed by Jerry London.
Labels: action3, adventure3, dramaA, mom-favorite2, period5, political4, popcorn-and-soda4, spectacle2, toshirô-mifune, TV2
The Dramatic Works of William Shakespeare: Tragedy
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I used to be a Shakespeare snob. Up until the late 70's when I took a college course in Shakespeare I just didn't get what was interesting or important about Shakespeare's plays despite the fact that I'd studied two of them in high school. The course I took finally opened up the language and the structure for me. The class took place as these BBC produced plays were being broadcast on PBS. They were recommended by the instructor. I bought a television just to see them. I get it, now. Although I have some other favorite productions of some of these plays: Laurence Fishburne's portrayal of Othello, for instance, my favorite version of Hamlet is the production starring Richard Burton and Hume Cronyn, the vocals for which I have on vinyl, and my favorite version of Macbeth is the production by Roman Polanski which I didn't see until the early 1990s, these BBC productions are excellent and do not disappoint. I hope to obtain the entire collection, since I've seen the entire collection.
When I queue up these plays Mom tries her best but I think she's where I was before I took that course and, as well, she has trouble with British accents. It's easy for her to get bored and switch to her tabloids or take a nap.
As for me, I'd love to obtain the entire BBC Television Shakespeare series. It's quite a bit beyond my pocketbook, now, though, so I expect I'll never manage it, which is a shame, because BBC did a masterful job! If you're unsure about your relationship to Shakespeare's works, try checking out a few of these from your library. I think you'll discover, Shakespeare is writing about you, and your world.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this series. It's loaded with information, not only about the series in toto but about each production. If you're interested in these productions, don't ignore this link! - Hamlet
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Derek Jacobi Hamlet Claire Bloom Gertrude Patrick Stewart Claudius Eric Porter Polonius
→ derek-jacobi
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1980
Directed by Rodney Bennett. - Julius Caesar
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Pasco Brutus Charles Gray Julius Caesar Keith Michell Marcus Antonius David Collings Cassius
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Herbert Wise. - Macbeth
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicol Williamson Macbeth Jane Lapotaire Lady Macbeth Tony Doyle Macduff Jill Baker Lady Macduff
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Jack Gold. - Othello
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anthony Hopkins Othello Bob Hoskins Iago Penelope Wilton Desdemona David Yelland Cassio
→ anthony-hopkins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981
Directed by Jonathan Miller. - Romeo & Juliet
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Patrick Ryecart Romeo Rebecca Saire Juliet Celia Johnson Nurse Alan Rickman Tybalt
→ alan-rickman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1978
Directed by Alvin Rakoff.
Labels: alan-rickman, anthony-hopkins, buddy, derek-jacobi, dramaA, haunting2, hume-cronyn, me-favorite2, period5, romance3, royals, shakespeare, tragedy2, TV2, violence3
Saturday Night Fever
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I have, for a long time, been shy about mentioning my adoration for this movie. Something about the way it's put together from the beginning. Something about its nonmusical musical quality. Something about its datedness, which was dated when it was made and thus makes it a period piece. Something about the coarse vulnerability of the characters. Something about the title song. Mom likes watching it because it's a dance movie. That's good enough for me.
Update 2/6/18: Roger Ebert wrote two interesting reviews of this movie: one about his own feelings toward the movie and one about Gene Siskel's veneration of this movie in one of his "Great Movie" reviews. I've included both. Sadly, I was unable to find a complete review of this movie by Gene Siskel. There are bits and pieces all over the internet, mostly of his October 1999 review of the movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role John Travolta Anthony Manero Karen Lynn Gorney Stephanie Mangano Barry Miller Bobby C. Donna Pescow Annette
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1977
Directed by John Badham
Labels: coming-of-age2, dramaA, john-travolta, me-favorite3, musical1, period5, popcorn-and-soda4
Unbreakable
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This movie has an hypnotic effect on me. Aside from enjoying the super hero theory postulated in the movie and loving the way the father/son relationship is portrayed, I have a strong response to its technique, including the choice of shots, film editing, the way the story unfolds, the direction of the understated performances...every time I watch it I discover something new. It is, so far, my favorite Shyamalan movie. Mom likes its atmosphere but finds the story disturbing although she sticks with it when I watch it.
By the way, in addition to Roger Ebert's review of this movie, linked to the title of this post, there is an intriguing article on the cinematographic composition of this movie by Jim Emerson that is fascinating to read, if you're into understanding why this movie keeps you captured, scene to scene.
Update 2/10/18: This movie began my curiosity about and interest in super hero movies and stories. Not all of them, mind you. I'm a picky customer so there are many I don't like, often, for instance, later installments in super hero series, like Iron Man. I can only stand the first one. Be that as it may, I have a small, particular collection accruing and this is the first.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bruce Willis David Dunn Samuel L. Jackson Elijah Price/Mr. Glass Robin Wright Audrey Dunn Spencer Treat Clark Joseph Dunn Charlayne Woodard Mrs. Price Johnny Hiram Jamison 13-year-old Elijah Eamonn Walker Dr. Mathison Leslie Stefanson Kelly
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Labels: dramaA, fantasy3, haunting2, m-night-shyamalan, me-favorite3, mystery2, samuel-l-jackson, super-hero2, suspense2, violence3
Marvin's Room
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I absolutely had to own this movie. Read the mention linked above to see why. Mom tolerates me when I watch it and usually reads her tabloids. I think it's too quiet for her.
Miscellanous Notes: It is interesting, and curious, to see how many high profile actors were successfully solicited to perform in this relatively low profile film, even though it features what, at the time, would have been a high profile subject. Without them, this film could have turned maudlin, as so many "caregiver films" often do. This film is what I imagine must be called a "small" film, a gem surrounded by rhinestones.
In addition, Carly Simon wrote and performed the theme song "Two Little Sisters", with Meryl Streep adding background vocals.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Meryl Streep Lee Leonardo DiCaprio Hank Diane Keaton Bessie Robert De Niro Dr. Wally Hume Cronyn Marvin Gwen Verdon Ruth Hal Scardino Charlie Dan Hedaya Bob Cynthia Nixon Retirement Home Director Margo Martindale Dr. Charlotte Kelly Ripa Coral John Callahan Lance
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1996
Directed by Jerry Zaks.
Labels: caregiver, cynthia-nixon, diane-keaton, dramaA, hume-cronyn, leonardo-dicaprio, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, robert-de-niro
Crash
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I bought this movie sight unseen on MPNC's recommendation. I enjoyed watching it, am clear on why MPNC found it meaningful and will probably watch it again, although I don't consider it quite as "important" as its advance publicity made it out to be. What I do like is that it is a "show, don't tell" movie. The performances are sharp, I appreciated the characters' predicaments, and especially appreciated Shaun Toub as Farhad, a Persian shop owner. He tends to play hidden but significant roles and when I see him on the screen my attention heightens.
All in all, though, I think Spike Lee did it better in Do the Right Thing. This movie was clearly "Hollywood". As I watched it the first time, I imagined the scriptwriters sitting around a table saying to one another, "Okay, we need one of these, and one of those, and a few of these supportives, and ...", you know, referring to people of different gender, racial and ethnic backgrounds as though they were chess pieces. Like they were playing the game of relevance. Do the Right Thing did not give me this impression. This movie is a presentation. Do the Right Thing is a story. I prefer stories, unless I'm watching a documentary, and, even then ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sandra Bullock Jean Cabot Don Cheadle Det. Graham Waters Matt Dillon Sgt. John Ryan Jennifer Esposito Ria Brendan Fraser DA Rick Cabot Terrence Howard Cameron Thayer Ludacris Anthony Thandiwe Newton Christine Thayer Michael Peña Daniel Ruiz Ryan Phillippe Ofc. Tom Hansen Larenz Tate Peter Shaun Toub Farhad
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by Paul Haggis.
Labels: dramaA, political4, popcorn-and-soda5
My House in Umbria
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Another favorite of mine. I love luxuriating in Maggie Smith's performance in this HBO movie. I love luxuriating in Maggie Smith's performances in any of her movies and TV productions! What a multifaceted actor she is!
I love the ambiance of the voice over in this movie. I enjoy the story. It takes "character driven" to a new level.
Mom has liked this movie on and off. She has to be in the mood for it. I'm always in the mood for it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maggie Smith Emily Delahunty Chris Cooper Thomas Riversmith Timothy Spall Quinty Emmy Clarke Aimee
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Richard Loncraine.
Labels: chris-cooper, dramaA, dream1, maggie-smith, me-favorite3, TV2
The West Wing: The Entire Series
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: It took me a long time to decide to buy this series. When we watched it first run on TV I was never sure that Mom liked it. Finally, when the price dropped drastically and even more so at Costco, I picked up these seasons. To my surprise Mom was as fascinated with it in arrears as I am. We will probably and eventually purchase all the seasons, even the much maligned fifth and certainly the last season. Mom especially enjoys watching the episodes with the good subtitles and has mentioned that she "understands it a lot better" now that we can "rewind" when she doesn't catch something. When we watch this I am reminded how Mom still enjoys following politics even though she can't remember who the current president is and doesn't anymore care who it is.
I asked her, after we watched the first season on DVD, why she liked the show.
"It's like bartering in shops in Mexico," she said.
12/24/06 Update: You'll notice the designation has changed to "The Entire Series", rather than just seasons 1 & 2. I received the series this year as a surprise gift from a long time friend. It was an extreme surprise because he and I have never been known to exchange gifts, we rarely see each other, we don't email each other, we talk on the phone infrequently, and yet we remain bonded. He is one of the few people I know who is aware of my ambivalent interest in politics and my "secret" desire to become President of the United States. Truth is, I only vaguely remember talking to him about the series once, soon after it started, when Mom and I still lived part of the year in Mesa and, him living in Scottsdale, we spoke more frequently and occasionally visited one another. I do remember I was pretty excited about it, at the time we talked about it. So was he. He was recording the episodes. I wasn't, though. Funny thing, when I noticed that the entire series was available of a piece, I thought about buying it but since I already had the first two seasons and Mom and I hadn't watched it in awhile, I figured, well, maybe I should try it out on her again and see if I should collect the other seasons separately. I couldn't see spending the amount of money involved in purchasing the entire series when it would be cheaper for me to fill in the seasons. So, this was like one of those magical gift moments that blew me away!
Needless to say, I'll be turning the first two seasons in for credit at my usual search-for-bargains video store.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Martin Sheen Josiah Bartlet John Spencer Leo McGarry Bradley Whitford Josh Lyman Richard Schiff Toby Ziegler Allison Janney C.J. Cregg Janel Moloney Donna Moss Stockard Channing Abbey Bartlet Moira Kelly Mandy Hampton Joshua Malina Will Bailey Mary McCormack Kate Harper Alan Alda Arnold Vinick Jimmy Smits Matt Santos Rob Lowe Sam Seaborn Dulé Hill Charlie Young Kristin Chenoweth Annabeth Schott Lily Tomlin Deborah Fiderer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 1999-2006
Directed by, as usual, very few women, scattered throughout all seasons, mostly men.
Labels: aaron-sorkin, dramaA, dylan-baker, edward-james-olmos, female-director2, political4, presidential, TV2, william-devane, željko-ivanek
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Wimbledon
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This was a very pleasant little surprise of a movie. I figured we'd watch it once and trade it in but on the strength of the opening credits sequence alone, I'm keeping it, at least for a little while.
Update: 5/11/2022: I still have this movie in my collection, remember it every couple of years and watch it, yet again, with attention and pleasure. This surprises me because I thought I'd be donating it to my local library long before now. I think Roger Ebert expresses the appeal of this movie to me quite nicely (this quote is from the Wikipedia write-up of the film): "Wimbledon is a well-behaved movie about nice people who have good things happen to them. That's kind of startling, in a world where movie characters, especially in sports movies, occupy the edge of human experience. What a surprise to hear conversation instead of dialogue, and to realize that the villain may actually be right some of the time." That's right, Roger. And, for me, it still hasn't lost this charm. Plus, it's fun to see real-life tennis stars on film, and, there are some surprising bit part players in the film as well.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Bettany Peter Colt Kirsten Dunst Lizzie Bradbury Sam Neill Dennis Bradbury James McAvoy Carl Colt Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Dieter Prohl Jon Favreau Ron Roth John McEnroe Himself/Commentator Chris Evert Herself/Commentator
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by Richard Loncraine.
Labels: dramaA, kirsten-dunst, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, sport1
The Way We Were
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Both Mom and I are late comers to this movie. The first time either of us saw it, believe it or not, was the day I purchased it a month or so ago. All I knew about the movie was that it is an enormously popular chick flick and I intrigued by it's mention in a Sex and the City episode. Both of us were pleasantly surprised, especially with the political exploration of the era in which the movie took place. Excellent contemporary period piece.
Quick note: I also remember putting it in my "take-to-the-library" box, without hesitation. I was sure I'd never watch it again, once Mom died.
And, yet, I sometimes yearn to watch this movie, usually because I've watched the episode of Sex and the City - Ex and the City (Season 2 - Episode 18) in which the movie is mentioned, its theme is partially sung by the four friends and Carrie quotes a line from the movie when confronting Mr. Big in connection to him being engaged to Natasha (I know, scary how much I've absorbed of this show), but not enough to ever buy it. In fact, just now, I checked it out on Amazon and, despite a reasonable price, decided, nah, not today, anyway. Maybe, if it were around $5.00 (it was $11.99 on 7/31/21 and there is some confusion as to whether this particular edition is even playable in the U.S.), but, I don't know. Maybe some other day. Maybe not.
Ah. Well. I cleared up the region code issue, and the only edition that will play in my region is the blu-ray edition, which costs around $25.00. Also, I checked on Barnes & Noble. Their DVD was only $9.99, but shipping was $4.99 and, of course, there's tax. Turns out, too, that my local library has 9 copies, none checked out (kind of reminds me why I got rid of it in the first place), and my closest branch has one on the shelf (probably the one I donated to them). So, buying it? No thanks.
Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Update 11/18/21: I finally repurchased this movie, new, at a good price. Forgetting that I had already written it up, I wrote it up again. You can access that write-up in the list to the left, referred to as The Way We Were - 2. That post is where I attached the Actor/Role list, as well.
Labels: dramaA, james-woods, political4, robert-redford, romance3
Stolen Summer
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This was a surprise. It came to us as the "freebie" in a very reasonably priced two pack. I think Mom enjoyed it more than me, although I liked many of the performances. There are other dead people movies I prefer to this one: The Sixth Sense and even Wide Awake, and am more likely to rewatch. So, my local library got it.
There are, however, quite a few stand-out actors and performances in this movie, so I wanted to record their performances. You never know, I may be inspired to reacquire this movie.
Update: 5/11/2022 I have not yet been inspired to reacquisition, although I checked the movie out of the library, a few years after my mother died, when I was seeking comfort in the odd moments when the reality of the death of others was restricting my breath. I used City of Angels to the same purpose.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Adi Stein Pete O'Malley Mike Weinberg Danny Jacobsen Aidan Quinn Joe O'Malley Bonnie Hunt Margaret O'Malley Kevin Pollak Rabbi Jacobsen Brian Dennehy Father Kelly Ryan Jonathan Kelley Seamus O'Malley Eddie Kaye Thomas Patrick O'Malley
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Pete Jones.
Labels: dramaA
Possessed - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: Neither
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). Yet another in the we haven't watched, although it sounds as tantalizing as the rest.
We finally watched this film and it had the same effect on us as The Damned Don't Cry. It's not only fascinating to watch Joan Crawford emote her way through this movie, the breadth of this movie is huge, which makes it treacherously engaging. I mean, if you think you can watch bits of it here and there, forget it. Once you start this picture, you will be cancelling whatever activities you had planned to interrupt the film into sections.
Update: 9/23/21: I've watched this film many times since Mom's death. For some reason I find the old style psychiatric babble spewed as Louise is being diagnosed fascinating. It's pretty much old school, now, but it's, hmmm, educational, I guess, to listen to. In addition, Louise's murderous rage seems likely to this day, and, yes, Louise, David is surely a cad, you should have given him up, but it's hard, isn't it, when you love someone and even you can't explain why, because he's a cad. Plus, there's all the drama going on with the man she marries, Dean Graham, and his daughter, who is maturing before her eyes and becomes an imaginary threat to Louise. Such a delectable movie! So full of Louise's internal histrionics! This one's a keeper!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Louise Howell Van Heflin David Sutton Raymond Massey Dean Graham Geraldine Brooks Carol Graham Stanley Ridges Dr. Willard Nana Bryant Pauline Graham Peter Miles Wynn Graham Griff Barnett Coroner
Here you can find a link to the Wikipedia write-up on this film. The first link attached to the title of this post will take you to TCM's article on this film. In addition, if you move your cursor through to the second link in the title above, you will find DVD Savant's review of this movie in second place on the page.
Release Date: 1947
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, joan-crawford, melodramaA, van-heflin
Mildred Pierce 1945 film - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). Each of us had seen this at least once before we acquired it. Both of us are fascinated by the emotional violence in the film.
Update 9/23/21: I often watch this version and Kate Winslet's Mildred Pierce mini-series back-to-back. They both feature terrific actors in all parts. The actors who play Veda are both equally electrifying. Despite the fact that Joan Crawford has a penchant for playing "bad women", she was equally effective in this movie as a good woman, a woman who values her cohorts, a woman who expects nothing but the same from her husband but is not devastated when he fails, and a woman who over-values a talented but uncompassionate daughter. Granted, the daughter in this version isn't really much to hang one's hopes on, while Kate Winslet's daughter Veda is promising. And, in the mini-series, no one gets killed. But, the overall effect is the same, and quite delicious to watch!
An added delight with this version is Eve Arden as Ida Corwin, the role Mare Winningham plays in the miniseries. Eve Arden is sassy and smart as Ida Corwin, but we don't get a lot of her character development in the movie. In the mini-series, Ida's trajectory expands and becomes a mini-story in its own right.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Mildred Pierce Jack Carson Wally Fay Zachary Scott Monty Beragon Eve Arden Ida Corwin Ann Blyth Veda Pierce Bruce Bennett Bert Pierce Lee Patrick Maggie Biederhof Moroni Olsen Inspector Peterson
The link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film can be found here.
Release Date: 1945
Directed by Michael Curtiz.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, joan-crawford, me-favorite3, melodramaA, mystery2
Humoresque - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). Both of us were surprised at the drama and melodrama. I enjoyed Joan Crawford's performance. It was much more vulnerable that I expected. As usual, Mom and I loved the clothes of the period. Mom hasn't seen the movie all the way through but has seen all of it in fits and starts.
I'm beginning to think that this collection, alone, has turned me into a staunch Joan Crawford fan! This movie is one of the most rapturous and elegant she did that I've seen. John Garfield's performance is stellar. The inclusion of Oscar Levant as the deadly comical Sid Jeffers is perfect for alleviating what could have been a smothering disaster. Instead, this film is quite blatant in its description of the patron and the artist on all counts. I think the lesson of the movie is that patrons simply cannot expect the same devotion from their artists as they give to their artists. My guess is that this is a lesson that continues to be played over and over in the art world, which means this movie, which has already stood the test of time, despite, or, perhaps because of, being pilloried, the object of satire and misunderstood will remain a spectacular referent of a potent object lesson for years to come. And, the music! Oscar Levant and Isaac Stern! Who couldn't love this combination?
For DVD Savant's review of this movie, click down the page connected to the second link in the title, up there, and you'll find his review as the first of three Joan Crawford movies reviewed on that page. TCM also has an informative write-up about the movie that you can access by clicking on the first link in the title above.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Helen Wright John Garfield Paul Boray Robert Blake Paul Boray child Tommy Cook Paul Boray child J. Carrol Naish Papa Rudy Boray Ruth Nelson Mama Esther Boray Peggy Knudsen Florence Boray Tom D'Andrea Phil Boray Joan Chandler Gina Oscar Levant Sid Jeffers Richard Gaines Bauer John Abbott Conductor Bauer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1946
Directed by Jean Negulesco.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, joan-crawford, melodramaD, romance3
The Damned Don't Cry - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: Neither
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review), only two of which either of us had seen. The name, alone, causes us to mention reminders to each other to watch it.
When we finally watched this movie, we were both mesmerized. My mother's comment after watching it was: "My goodness, she's good at playing desperate characters! I can't take my eyes off her, no matter what she does!" My sentiments, exactly.
The DVD Savant's review of this film can be found by scrolling down to the last movie review on the page connected to the second link in the title of this post. In addition, at the first link in the title to this post you can find links to two TCM articles loaded with information about this movie.
Update 9/29/19: An argument can be made for not including this in my "gang-movie" category, but, it is a gang movie, just from a mid-20th-century woman's perspective. As well, Joan Crawford is stupendous in the role of a gangster's moll.
Update: 9/23/21: This movie expertly portrays the heat (both physical and emotional) and the brittleness of Las Vegas. It's not a wonder that it does this so well. There's an umbilical link between Las Vegas and Hollywood that has existed for decades. It also well accentuates what might cause someone seeking their fortune to seek out either of these places and do what they have to do to succeed. It does this not through just Joan Crawford's character, but through many others, major and minor. The end is raw and devastating, as it shows what happens when the last good character has to make bad choices.
Update: 5/12/22: I've included Strother Martin in the table, below, because, although it's a walk-on, dive-off part which probably refuses any on-film recognition to the actor, he became ubiquitous as a character actor in both film and television after this and a few other parts (this part was his very first on-film part) and is generally celebrated as a premiere character actor. Check out his credits in his Wikipedia write-up, to which I've linked above. He's instantly recognizable. The guy was everywhere, in everything, for good reason. He died too young, but he made the absolute most of his time. Thank you, Strother. Do they make them like this, anymore? Let's hope so.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Ethel Whitehead/Lorna Hansen Forbes David Brian Joe Cavany/George Castleman Steve Cochran Nick Prenta Kent Smith Martin Blackford Selena Royle Patricia Longworth Morris Ankrum Mr. Whitehead Richard Egan Roy Whitehead Strother Martin Springboard Diver
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1950
Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, gang-movie, joan-crawford, melodramaD
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Dancing at Lughnasa
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I consider this movie chiefly a tour de force for Streep. It is an incredibly dark movie, almost too dark for me, although I can't resist Michael Gambon's performance. I've gone back and forth over whether I'll keep this movie or trade it in. I doubt that I'll ever think to show it to Mom. I may not ever watch it again, either.
Stay tuned for my final decision, which I will report.
Update 2/11/21: And, Dear Reader, I didn't ever watch this film, again, and took it to the library during my first culling of my collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Meryl Streep Kate Mundy Michael Gambon Father Jack Mundy Catherine McCormack Christina Mundy Kathy Burke Maggie Mundy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Pat O'Connor.
Labels: dramaA, meryl-streep, period5
Kramer vs. Kramer
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This, as is turns out, is one of my mother's favorite movies, for Dustin Hoffman's performance and the character he plays. She is of the generation who considers men a little retarded (as compared to women), naturally thoughtless, not very quick, but necessary. "They have their place and are potentially redeemable" would be an excellent summation of her thoughts on men.
Interestingly, she seems not to notice Meryl Streep's character and her actions in regards to the shared child at all. I think this is a reflection of the fact that, for much of Mom's adult life, women were the do-it-alls and men were the family-moneytary-supports, so, you know, "we" know how much women do. We don't need to rehash it. "We" also know how little of consequence men do. That deserves some contemplation.
She also likes the boy, especially when he's being difficult.
She has never, by the way, expressed any opinion about the couple's divorce proceedings.
I like this movie, too. For some reason, the Bach guitar at the beginning imprinted on me.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dustin Hoffman Ted Kramer Meryl Streep Joanna Kramer Justin Henry Billy Kramer Jane Alexander Margaret Phelps Howard Duff John Shaunessy George Coe Jim O'Connor JoBeth Williams Phyllis Bernard Howland Chamberlain Judge Atkins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Robert Benton.
Labels: dramaA, gender-bender, meryl-streep
Adaptation.
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is part of that "Meryl Streep" set. I was pleased about this addition because I love this movie. It's one I've done instant replay in order to cull quotes from it.
My recollections, dim as they are, inform me that Mom did see (and, I use that word, purposely, instead of "watch", the words of which imply lesser and greater levels of mental involvement, the former more appropriately describing Mom's engagement in this film) this movie. She likely dozed through it, or worked crossword puzzles. This type of comedy and satirical rendering of character and motivation do not appeal to her. She's a Real Life Woman.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicolas Cage Charlie & Donald Kaufman Meryl Streep Susan Orlean Chris Cooper John Laroche Cara Seymour Amelia Kavan Brian Cox Robert McKee Tilda Swinton Valerie Thomas Ron Livingston Marty Bowen Maggie Gyllenhaal Caroline Cunningham
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up on this movie.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Spike Jonze.
Labels: chris-cooper, dramaA, maggie-gyllenhaal, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, nicolas-cage, satire2
