Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Once Upon a Time in America – Both Cuts
- Who's watched: M & G (G many times)
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Another movie for which I have an unreasonable love which my mother tolerates. All I can say is, the scene where Noodles stirs his coffee? Devastates me every time.
I don't think my mother gets the garbage truck scene, although she gets the rape scene and doesn't like it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert De Niro Noodles James Woods Max Elizabeth McGovern Deborah Joe Pesci Frankie Monaldi Burt Young Joe Tuesday Weld Carol Larry Rapp Fat Moe Danny Aiello Police Chief Aiello James Hayden Patsy William Forsythe Cockeye Darlanne Fluegel Eve Amy Ryder Peggy Jennifer Connelly Young Deborah Scott Tiler Young Noodles Rusty Jacobs Young Max/David Bailey Brian Bloom Young Patsy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 229 minute cut-1983; 251 minute cut-2014
As far as I know, the original 269 minute version has yet to be released to the public, or, at least the the U.S. public. I'm not sure about any other public.
Directed by Sergio Leone.
Update 09/13/2019: I am now a proud owner of the extended director's cut of this movie. Owning director's cuts is not really my style, but this is one of my all-time favorite movies and the extension adds an additional 22 minutes. I've read that the inclusions are not particularly smooth, since the optics put them a bit out of joint with the rest of the picture. I have no problem with them. In fact, since I haven't recently watched the initial European theater version, which is the cut I first owned, I can't actually tell, yet, which are the added scenes. There are special features on this version, as well, which I haven't yet watched, but I'm looking forward to seeing them.
Update 8/27/2024: I've actually had this movie for quite awhile, at least 5 years, but the post became corrupted and I had to salvage what I could, repost and redate it and re-enter it into my Alpha List. It seems to be okay, now.
Labels: dramaC, dream2, gang-movie, james-woods, jennifer-connelly, joe-pesci, me-favorite4, period5, robert-de-niro, tuesday-weld, violence3
Monday, April 17, 2023
Gangs of New York
- Commentary: Under construction.
Although Roger Ebert rated this movie a "mere" 3.5 stars, (his review is linked to the title of this post, above), being the Scorsese fan that he is, he was fascinated enough with this film to interview Scorsese about the making of this movie. It's an interesting, occasionally provocative interview in which Scorsese admits how he played with history in order to increase the tension in the movie. If you find this film at all worthy of attention, you should check out that interview.
By the way, you'll notice that the Actor/Role table (below) for this movie is stacked. This movie is full of historical personages that I wanted to list, I wanted to make sure the one named child actor was represented, as were as many of the female actors as possible and as many racially diverse actors as possible were included in the table.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Leonardo DiCaprio Amsterdam Vallon Cian McCormack Young Amsterdam Vallon Daniel Day-Lewis William "The Butcher" Cutting Cameron Diaz Jenny Everdeane Jim Broadbent William "Boss" Tweed John C. Reilly Happy Jack Mulraney Henry Thomas Johnny Sirocco Liam Neeson "Priest" Vallon Brendan Gleeson Walter "Monk" McGinn Gary Lewis McGloin Stephen Graham Shang Eddie Marsan Killoran Alec McCowen Reverend Raleigh David Hemmings John F. Schermerhorn Lawrence Gilliard Jr. Jimmy Spoils Cara Seymour Hell-Cat Maggie Roger Ashton-Griffiths P. T. Barnum Barbara Bouchet Mrs. Schermerhorn Michael Byrne Horace Greeley Giovanni Lombardo Radice Mr. Legree
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Labels: gang-movie, historical4, leonardo-dicaprio, martin-scorsese, period7, violence5, war3
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Thief
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Caan Frank Tuesday Weld Jessie Willie Nelson David "Okla" James Belushi Barry Robert Prosky Leo Tom Signorelli Attaglia Dennis Farina Carl Nick Nickeas Nick
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981
Directed by Michael Mann.
Labels: Criterion6, gang-movie, survival, tuesday-weld, violence5
Thursday, October 13, 2022
The Town - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I know Ben Affleck has hit-or-miss luck with his productions, but this one is solid and I like it enough to already have watched it twice since I bought this collection and had seen it previously. As well, it's intriguing enough, with enough "little" detail that it keeps bringing me back, knowing I'll discover something new. Good job, Affleck. With this and Gone Girl I think you've finally hit your stride. Here's to continued masterful movement.
Reader, if you're into reviews, you might want to peruse this one by a RogerEbert.com contributor, Gerardo Valero.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ben Affleck Douglas MacRay Rebecca Hall Claire Keesey Jon Hamm FBI Spc. Agt. Adam Frawley Jeremy Renner James Coughlin Blake Lively Krista Coughlin Chris Cooper Stephen MacRay Pete Postlethwaite Fergus Colm Slaine Albert MacGloan Owen Burke Desmond Elden Titus Welliver Det. Dino Ciampa Dennis McLaughlin Russell/Rusty Victor Garber David
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Ben Affleck.
Labels: ben-affleck, chris-cooper, gang-movie
Heat - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: The first time I saw this I stumbled across it on cable. I thought it was another movie I'd seen and loved, Body Heat. It wasn't, but I loved it anyway.
I wouldn't consider it spectacular, as some do, and the pairing of DeNiro and Pacino was hyped all out of proportion to the lack of relationship their characters had. Additionally, when I perused the list of actors, it was difficult not to consider that this script might have been a bit of a dump for actors who were out of work and scrounging, at the time it was cast. But, I'm glad I own it. I'll watch it again. Good rainy day movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Lt. Vincent Hanna Robert De Niro Neil McCauley Val Kilmer Chris Shiherlis Jon Voight Nate Tom Sizemore Michael Cheritto Diane Venora Justine Hanna Amy Brenneman Eady Ashley Judd Charlene Shiherlis Mykelti Williamson Sgt. Bobby Drucker Wes Studi Lt. Sammy Casals Ted Levine Det. Mike Bosko Dennis Haysbert Don Breedan Natalie Portman Lauren Gustafson Hank Azaria Alan Marciano Danny Trejo Trejo Jeremy Piven Dr. Bob
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Michael Mann.
Labels: al-pacino, gang-movie, neo-noirB, robert-de-niro, wes-studi
Natural Born Killers - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Yeow! I had never seen this movie before! What a production! What a statement! I love it, unabashedly. Kudos, Oliver Stone! You continually surprise and delight me! I'll certainly be watching this one again!
One of the more insteresting aspects of this film is the number of stellar actors that Oliver Stone was able to draw into the production. In addition to all the well known actors who played thoroughly credited roles, there are (at least) four actors who appeared only in the Director's Cut (which is the edition I have) and at least four actors who simply participated without credit. All these actors are represented in their own sections in the table below.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Woody Harrelson Mickey Knox Juliette Lewis Mallory Wilson Knox Robert Downey Jr. Wayne Gale Tom Sizemore Det. Jack Scagnetti Tommy Lee Jones Warden Dwight McClusky Rodney Dangerfield Ed Wilson Edie McClurg Mrs. Wilson Sean Stone Kevin Wilson Russell Means Old Indian Man Lanny Flaherty Earl Evan Handler David Balthazar Getty Gas station attendant Director's Cut Actors Ashley Judd Grace Mulberry Rachel Ticotin Prosecutor Wanda Bisbing Peter & David Paul Simon and Norman Hun Denis Leary & Bret Hart prison inmates Notable Uncredited Actors James Gammon Redneck Buddy Mark Harmon Mickey Knox (TV) Adrien Brody David Pasquesi Arliss Howard Owen Traft
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Oliver Stone.
Labels: gang-movie, oliver-stone, robert-downey-jr, tommy-lee-jones, woody-harrelson
Goodfellas - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I'd seen this movie more than once before I saw it again in this collection, and watching again was absolutely a pleasure. It's a one-of-a-kind gangster movie, and I love both gangster movies and one-of-a-kinds. There is nothing I don't like about this movie and many things I adore about it. Joe Pesci, for instance: a singular performance of a singular character. The generosity of the other stellar actors toward his performance is a thing of beauty to behold. Such a beauty, it seems, that Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
Included at the site is a thoughtful meditation on Scorsese and morality throughout his movies, by Jim Emerson.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ray Liotta Henry Hill Robert De Niro Jimmy Conway Joe Pesci Tommy DeVito Lorraine Bracco Karen Hill Paul Sorvino Paulie Cicero Frank Vincent Billy Batts Catherine Scorsese Tommy's Mother Jerry Vale Himself Samuel L. Jackson Stacks Edwards Illeana Douglas Rosie Kevin Corrigan Michael Hill Debi Mazar Sandy
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Labels: debi-mazar, gang-movie, joe-pesci, robert-de-niro, samuel-l-jackson
Thursday, October 06, 2022
The Public Enemy - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Surprisingly exciting, very melodramatic, although I suspect the melodrama in crime films was a trademark of the time it was made. James Cagney is, as always, astonishing.
Mom and I saw this movie together, once, when she was alive and before I bought this collection. It played on a multi-bill with Yankee Doodle Dandy, the first feature, and others, probably on a TCM James Cagney retrospective. This movie was the second feature. After this movie played, Mom said, "Isn't he something! All those characters!" Yeah, Mom, James Cagney was "something", to say the least!
The excellent review linked to the title of this movie is provided by Matt Zoller Seitz at RogerEbert.com, who even picked up on something I always think when watching this movie: "Is Cagney wearing eyeliner ...?" I laughed when I read that in the review!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Cagney Tom Powers Jean Harlow Gwen Allen Edward Woods Matt Doyle Joan Blondell Mamie Donald Cook Mike Powers Leslie Fenton Nails Nathan Beryl Mercer Ma Powers Robert Emmett O'Connor Paddy Ryan
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1931
Directed by William A. Wellman.
Labels: film-noir-p1, gang-movie, melodramaC, pre-code
Thursday, June 02, 2022
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, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama5, gang-movie, harry-dean-stanton, period2, revenge1, robert-de-niro, robert-duvall, 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, al-pacino, andy-garcía, diane-keaton, drama5, eli-wallach, gang-movie, period2, popcorn-and-soda2, revenge2, violence2
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Blood In Blood Out
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: My devotion to this movie is one of my dirty little movie secrets. I am so devoted to it that I prefer to refer to it by its original name, above, rather than it's retooled title "Bound by Honor". That's how it was billed when I originally saw it in the theater. My devotion to it is why my mother has seen it. Aside from owning the dvd, whenever it appears on network or cable, abridged or unabridged, if we're watching TV we're watching this movie. My mother tolerates it, watches it from the corner of her eye, occasionally comments on The Day of the Dead scenes (which she loves) and patiently waits for it to be over.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published February 6, 2005. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Damian Chapa Miko Velka Jesse Borrego Cruz Candelaria Benjamin Bratt Paco Aguilar Enrique Castillo Montana Seguera Delroy Lindo Bonafide Victor Rivers Magic Tom Towles Red Ryder Carlos Carrasco Popeye Lanny Flaherty Big Al Billy Bob Thornton Lightning Danny Trejo Geronimo Theodore Wilson Wallace
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Taylor Hackford.
Labels: delroy-lindo, dramaD, enrique-castillo, gang-movie, jesse-borrego, me-favorite4, revenge2, taylor-hackford, violence3
Wednesday, September 01, 2021
A Better Life
- Commentary: I've seen snippets of this movie, which is why I decided I not only wanted to see the whole movie, but that I wanted to own it. I'll be watching it, in toto, tonight. In the meantime, I've seen enough of it to wonder why Roger Ebert gave both this movie and the other directed by Chris Weitz to which he compared it, About a Boy, the same number of rating stars, three and a half. Although I enjoy About a Boy and own a copy of it, just from what I've seen of this movie, if I'd seen About a Boy before this movie and given it three and a half stars, I'd be inclined to give this movie four stars.
It's not that I always agree with Roger Ebert. In fact, I whole-heartedly agree with him a little less than a quarter of the time, although I rarely find one of his reviews in which I don't agree with something he's said, and, anyway, I appreciate his insights and the extra movie info he provided in his reviews, which is why I link to a lot of them. His reviews continue to point me toward movies I haven't yet seen but might find interesting. But, I notice, of all the Chris Weitz movies Ebert reviewed (they're listed in the immediately previous link), Ebert gave only one a full four stars: The Golden Compass, a movie I really tried to get into but just couldn't. It was full of razzle dazzle, yes, but the story, to me, was old and tired and leaning so heavily on its artistic presentation that the whole of the movie just kind of crumpled. When considering Ebert's reviews against my own, I always have to remind myself, he gave The Polar Express an enthusiastic four stars both times he saw it (one review was of the IMAX version), whereas I had a dim view of that movie (my write-up of it is linked to the title, further back in this sentence) and, out of two watchings, my mother didn't like it the first time around, although she enjoyed it the second time. Nonetheless, I got rid of it. She never asked to see it again and turned an offered viewing of it down after she'd seen in a second time.
Perhaps I'll feel differently about this movie, A Better Life, after I watch the whole thing. Perhaps I'll even feel the same as Roger Ebert and consider it not-quite-a-four-star-movie. We'll see. Stay tuned.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Demián Bichir Carlos Galindo José Julián Luis Galindo Dolores Heredia Anita Carlos Linares Santiago Eddie "Piolín" Sotelo Himself Joaquín Cosío Blasco Martinez Nancy Lenehan Mrs. Donnely Gabriel Chavarria Ramon
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Chris Weitz.
Labels: §1, character-study, coming-of-age2, dramaD, father-son-dynamics1, gang-movie, reflective
Monday, August 30, 2021
Fresh
- Commentary: I just received this movie today, 8/30/21. I haven't yet seen it. I'm excited, though, by its reviews, including the one by Roger Ebert, linked to the title of this post, and yet another review written, importantly, 17 years later, for Roger Ebert's website by Seongyong Cho. If you're interested in this movie, read both of them, and you'll understand why it is important that the movie was reviewed, again, 17 years after its initial released.
I'll report back once "the deed is done".
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sean Nelson Fresh Giancarlo Esposito Esteban Samuel L. Jackson Sam N'Bushe Wright Nichole Ron Brice Corky Jean-Claude La Marre Jake Jose Zuniga Lt. Perez Luis Lantigua Chuckie Yul Vazquez Chillie Cheryl Freeman Aunt Frances Anthony Thomas Red Curtis McClarin Darryl
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Boaz Yakin.
Labels: §2, character-study, coming-of-age2, dramaD, father-son-dynamics1, gang-movie, giancarlo-esposito, reflective, samuel-l-jackson
Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Gomorrah
- Commentary: If you want to watch a film about the mob, this is the film you want to see. This film isn't, like the Godfather trilogy, deadly but beautiful and somewhat sympathetic. This film is gritty, grim and deadly. There is no sympathy for the organization it portrays, nor the actors and their motivations within the organization. There is no beauty in this dump of corruption. At times, it's like watching a documentary shot undercover. This is probably due to the fact that it is based on a non-fiction book of the same name written by Roberto Saviano.
If you want a romantic portrayal of crime syndicates that, despite it's savagery, manages to put on gorgeous weddings and muster a certain ethical construct that is almost understandable to "just regular people", watch the Godfather Trilogy. This movie is not that trilogy.
Although this movie garnered much acclaim, not everyone appreciated it. Dan Schneider of Critical Movie Critics had several bones to pick with the movie and, frankly, he's not wrong. In fact, what disturbed me about the movie is that, typically, even documentaries attempt to entertain, if only to keep eyes on the screen. This movie, whether objectively considered a documentary, docudrama or the term Dan Schneider attaches to it, cinema verité, allows the viewer, me, that is, no place to seek a little sultry refuge for awhile. It's bare bones dread and death. Many times for no discernable reason. And that's it. Which fascinates me. So, I'll watch it, again. I'm glad I have it in my collection. To my (paltry) knowledge of film, it's one of a kind. What does that admission say about me?
This movie has a list of Actors/Characters as long as my two arms. The following table contains only the first twelve, even though, in some movie tables, I've gone as far as listing twenty. So many of the characters in this movie die, though, after a few minutes on screen ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Toni Servillo Franco Gianfelice Imparato Don Ciro Maria Nazionale Maria Salvatore Cantalupo Pasquale Gigio Morra Iavarone Salvatore Abruzzese Totò Marco Macor Marco Ciro Petrone Ciro Carmine Paternoster Roberto Giovanni Venosa Don Giovanni Vittorio Russo Zio Vittorio Bernardino Terracciano Zio Bernardino
Here is the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Matteo Garrone.
Labels: §, Criterion2, dramaD, gang-movie, violence3
Friday, September 13, 2019
American Me
- Commentary: This movie (as is the next, above), is a necessary addition to my DVD library. I have a "thing" for gang-movies and if I don't own them, I check them out of my library system on a regular basis. It's grittier than Blood In Blood Out, not nearly as colorful and produced with much less hubris than the former. In addition, the fellow who plays the older "J.D." in this movie (William Forsythe) plays "Cockeye" in one of my other favorite gang-movies, Once Upon a Time in America.
Considering how many times I've seen this movie, I was surprised when, upon first receiving it, I watched the movie so intently, rewinding moments and scenes, stopping the film to investigate something on the internet that I noticed in the movie ... seeing as how it's not unusual for me to do this, I'm surprised I'd not previously done it with this movie.
I can't really say which of my gang-movies is my favorite. All of them are intense in a way that I favor and, to me, so different. Now that my collection of gang-movies is expanding, though, I think it might be time to add this as a category to my labels. I'll start with this movie.
By the way, Roger Ebert was so impressed with this movie, even though he gave it 3 1/2 stars, rather than four, that he interviewed Mr. Olmos about the movie. It's an interesting interview. In case you are further interested in Mr. Olmos' accomplishments, his Wikipedia write-up is here.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Edward James Olmos Montoya Santana William Forsythe J. D. Pepe Serna Mundo Daniel A. Haro Huero Sal Lopez Pedro Santana Vira Montez Esperanza Santana Danny De La Paz Puppet Daniel Villarreal Little Puppet Evelina Fernández Julie Roberto Martín Márquez Acha Dyana Ortelli Yolanda Jacob Vargas Paulito Santana
The Wikipedia write-up for this movie is here.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Edward James Olmos.
Labels: drama3, edward-james-olmos, gang-movie, historical1, political1, violence1, war1
Monday, January 28, 2019
American Gangster
- Commentary: By now you should know that I like gangster movies. Not all, mind you, but the complicated ones, the touching ones, the ones that are created out of reverie rather than a desire for action. Thus, it shouldn't surprise you that this movie has made it into my collection. I rank it up there with my (so far) favorite three gangster movies of all time, Once Upon a Time in America, The Godfather (the first, although I love the second and like the third and always watch all three together, even though the third causes me to involuntarily cringe, at times) and, you'll never guess, or maybe you will, The Public Enemy. Now, I have a list of four favorite gangster movies.
In all but one of the above movies (The Public Enemy) the primary action is emotional, not physical. The melodrama is understated, which is why I don't include Godfather III in this line-up, which is all melodrama. Considering this second point, why do I include The Public Enemy as one of my top four gangster movies? That one is all melodrama, as well. Mainly, I think, because I identify with Tom Powers, so the melodrama is beside the point. I've known people like him. Personally. I dealt with one last year. I don't identify with anyone, let alone Michael Corleone, in Godfather III, even though I identified with him in both The Godfather and The Godfather II. Finally, why, then, do I not include The Godfather II as one of my top gangster movies? It's not far below but I don't consider it a gangster movie. I consider it a family saga about the establishment of both the Corleone blood-related and business-related families.
So, yes. This movie, American Gangster (this link is to the Wikipedia write-up of this movie), is detailed, involving, polished. There has been plenty of criticism of its accuracy. According to Wikipedia, "...Johnson described the real life Lucas as 'illiterate, vicious, violent, and everything Denzel Washington was not.'" Okay. The Frank Lucas in this film is "'almost noble'", which the real Richie Roberts contrasts with the real object of his law enforcement attention. I think that other character, the "real" Frank Lucas, would be a great subject for a great film, as well. In fact, that character is the subject of a great film: The Public Enemy. I have no quarrel with this, even as I really love Denzel Washington's gangster depiction. Every gangster is a person and every person is different. The character Denzel Washington played may have been different than the real Frank Lucas, but I like his characterization, this story. I think, frankly, after having seen Training Day, Denzel could play that Frank Lucas successfully, as well. That's a movie I'd definitely see and probably buy. Is anyone in the film community listening?
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Frank Lucas Russell Crowe Richie Roberts Chiwetel Ejiofor Huey Lucas Josh Brolin Det. Trupo Clarence Williams III Bumpy Johnson Lymari Nadal Eva Ted Levine Lou Toback John Hawkes Freddy Spearman Ruby Dee Mahalee Lucas Cuba Gooding Jr. Nicky Barnes Armand Assante Dominic Cattano Ritchie Coster Joey Sadano Idris Elba Tango KaDee Strickland Richie's Attorney Roger Guenveur Smith Nate John Ortiz Javier J Rivera
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Labels: action1, adventure1, biography1, denzel-washington, drama3, gang-movie, historical2, john-hawkes, josh-brolin, legal, neo-noirB, period2, ridley-scott, ruby-dee, russell-crowe, violence2
Spartacus
- Commentary: Yet another film I was surprised to discover I didn't own. This was a Mom favorite and it was through me watching her savoring the movie (especially the love story and the plight of Varinia) that I came to appreciate it to the point that, a good year or so ago, after checking the movie out of the library several times, decided to purchase it.
Yes, it's clearly dated in its portrayal. It rather reminds me of my reaction to The Story of Ruth, when I blurted, in response to watching the priestesses preparing for a sacrifice to Chemosh, "Isn't it interesting that the priestesses gowns look exactly like 1960's evening gowns. Do you think the state of dressmaking, at that time, included all those stays and breast shapers?" My mother ignored me.
At any rate, I continue to find this movie involving. The write-up of the movie on the back of the case in which the movie came characterizes it as a portrayal of a "triumphant" slave revolt. Maybe idealogically and politically it was "triumphant" but, certainly, the fate of the slaves who participated in the revolt was, well, not particularly triumphant. Looking back at the revolt from 2100 years, noticing the current failings of imperialism, the nascent revolt of everyone but the plutocrats, the years-long dismissal of Christianity, let alone religion, and the success of various social democracies versus the burgeoning torpor of a variety of neo- and post-imperial regimes, well, however inspirational it might have been in 1960, it is mildly depressing, now.
Update 9/29/19: Is this a "gang-movie"? Yeah, it is. More of a "good-gang" movie, but a gang-movie, nonetheless. Still fun to watch.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kirk Douglas Spartacus Laurence Olivier Crassus Jean Simmons Varinia Charles Laughton Gracchus Peter Ustinov Batiatus Tony Curtis Antoninus John Gavin Julius Caesar John Dall Marcus Glabrus Nina Foch Helena Glabrus John Ireland Crixus Joanna Barnes Claudia Marius Charles McGraw Marcellus
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up for the movie.
Release Date: 1960
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama4, fantasy1, gang-movie, historical2, jean-simmons, kirk-douglas, mom-favorite1, period2, political1, spectacle1, stanley-kubrick, tragedy1
Full Metal Jacket
- Commentary: As I mention in my write-up for Platoon, this movie, here, is my favorite Vietnam movie. I finally purchased it a while ago. I've watched it a few times since. It is always a thrill. I am ever aware that the movie was, in its time, still is, in fact, controversial. It is not an actor's movie, that is true. Neither was the Vietnam War an actor's war (in the sense that, for instance, WWII became an actor's war). It was a brutal, bloody mess of a capitalist imperial "adventure". It deserved to be lost, as did all the connected wars in Southeast Asia that the U.S. perpetuated. This movie makes that fact abundantly clear.
Although the war, itself, was carnage on a grand scale, the movie is not. As a director's movie, it is a prime example of the interpreting art of film directing. As such, it gets the misdirection/misadventure of the actual war and the global (let alone U.S.) reaction to it right. I will never tire of wanting to watch this movie. It's probably a generational thing. So be it.
Update 9/29/19: I've added this film to a category that I feel I need to defend: the "gang-movie" category. Although the group of men portrayed in this movie are a military unit, they are, clearly, also a gang, as well as part of a larger gang, the overwhelming military gang of professional warriors. It's impossible for me to consider them different than a street gang. Watch the movie. You'll see what I mean.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matthew Modine Pvt./Sgt. J. T. Davis Vincent D'Onofrio Pvt. Leonard/Gomer Pyle Lee Ermey Gunnery Sgt. Hartman Adam Baldwin Animal Mother Arliss Howard Pvt./Sgt. Evans Kevyn Major Howard Rafterman Dorian Harewood Eightball Tim Colceri Doorgunner Ngoc Le VC Sniper Ed O'Ross Lt. Walter J. Schinoski John Terry Lt. Lockhart Bruce Boa POG Colonel
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1987
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Labels: action1, coming-of-age1, gang-movie, haunting1, historical2, horror1, matthew-modine, military, period2, spectacle1, stanley-kubrick, vincent-d'onofrio, violence2, war1
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Platoon
- Commentary: This movie was an obvious choice for my Oliver Stone movie section. Of course. And, it's a favorite of mine. I'm surprised I didn't own it before now. I'm not sure it's my favorite Vietnam film. I've seen several, for obvious reasons. The young men of my generation were drafted into fighting this war, many of whom I knew. I was coming-of-age during the protest of this war, so, in a sense, it's "my" war. I haven't seen every movie about the Vietnam war. There are a few I've missed that I still want to see. But, of all the Vietnam war movies I've seen and those I own, it's right up there at the top. What's my favorite? This may surprise you: Full Metal Jacket. It's such a favorite, in fact, that I thought I had a copy of it and just discovered that I don't. Well, I'll have to remedy that. In the meantime, Platoon is my third favorite Vietnam movie, the other (which vies with Full Metal Jacket for most favorite) being Jacob's Ladder. I know, I have strange tastes in Vietnam movies. So sue me.
Speaking of additional links, you might find Sense Memory: "Platoon Through a Veteran's Eyes" interesting. It's from the RogerEbert.com website. Roger Ebert wrote a review of this film, linked to the title of this post, but, years later, in 2016, a writer for Roger's website wrote a memoir of his experience viewing the film for the first time, as a veteran.
Update 9/29/19: Yet another military movie that highlights military gang behavior in an excruciating manner and more realistically, in some ways, than Full Metal Jacket, so, I believe it has earned a place in my "gang-movie" category.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Charlie Sheen Chris Taylor Tom Berenger Sgt. Barnes Willem Dafoe Sgt. Elias Keith David King Forest Whitaker Big Harold Francesco Quinn Rhah Kevin Dillon Bunny John C. McGinley Sgt. O'Neill Mark Moses Lt. Wolfe Johnny Depp Lerner Corey Glover Francis Reggie Johnson Junior
Also, as usual when I haven't linked it to the title of one of these posts, here's the Wikipedia write-up of the movie.
Release Date: 1986
Directed by Oliver Stone.
Labels: action1, coming-of-age1, drama4, forest-whitaker, gang-movie, historical2, oliver-stone, period2, war1, willem-dafoe
Monday, February 05, 2018
The Elia Kazan Collection
- Commentary: This collection, dear Reader, is my prize. I stumbled across it while looking for a copy of one of my all time favorite movies, A Face in the Crowd. After Donald Trump was elected U.S. President, I couldn't get this movie out of my head. I was not alone in this. Four Films That Explain the Rise of Donald Trump, a thoughtful article written by Sean Mulvihill on the Roger Ebert website, meditates on this, as well. Interestingly, long before Donald Trump was elected U. S. President, I owned all of the four films Sean Mulvihill talks about. Our library, at the time I was ravenous to watch A Face in the Crowd, didn't have a copy (it does, now; I suspect there were several people requesting it after Trump's election). Every copy I found for sale was horribly expensive. Then, I noticed this collection that included this movie. It was priced out of my range but I kept my eye on it, day after day, month after month. Finally, it dropped by half, which brought the price down to just under $2.00 a movie. That I could afford. I scanned the collection of the other 14 movies. Some I'd seen, some I hadn't, two I already owned (which meant I could give copies of those movies to my actor niece, both of which are classics). I knew of all of them and was excited about seeing all of them. The list below is what was contained in the collection. There are still four (or, maybe five, I can't remember) that I haven't seen. Owning this collection is a delight. I'd never paid much attention to Elia Kazan as a director. Now, I'm much better educated!
- A Letter to Elia: The collection includes an "intensely personal and deeply moving tribute" to Elia Kazan by Martin Scorsese and a coffee table type book about the films and Kazan's development. The tribute is pretty much a vanity project, but the book is interesting and the tribute is not a complete waste of time.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010 - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dorothy McGuire Katie Nolan Joan Blondell Aunt Sissy James Dunn Johnny Nolan Lloyd Nolan Officer McShane James Gleason McGarrity Ted Donaldson Neeley Nolan Peggy Ann Garner Francie Nolan Ruth Nelson Miss McDonough John Alexander Steve Edwards B.S. Pully Christmas Tree Vendor Ferike Boros Grandma Rommely Charles Halton Mr. Barker
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1945 - Boomerang: Pretty interesting legal drama. Made me wonder if this created a standard by which all legal dramas are now measured.
Arthur Miller appeared in this movie as a suspect in a police lineup.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dana Andrews Henry L. Harvey Jane Wyatt Madge Harvey Lee J. Cobb Chief Harold F. Robinson Cara Williams Irene Nelson Arthur Kennedy John Waldron Sam Levene Dave Woods Taylor Holmes T. M. Wade Robert Keith Mac McCreery Ed Begley Paul Harris Karl Malden Det. Lt. White William Challee Stone Lewis Leverett Whitney
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1947
→ film-noir1; lee-j-cobb - Gentleman's Agreement: Dated but engaging film about anti-Semitism in the U.S. Disturbing despite its datedness.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck Philip Schuyler Green Anne Revere Mrs. Green Dorothy McGuire Kathy Lacey June Havoc Elaine Wales John Garfield Dave Goldman Albert Dekker John Minify Celeste Holm Anne Dettrey Jane Wyatt Jane Dean Stockwell Tommy Green Nicholas Joy Dr. Craigie Sam Jaffe Prof. Fred Lieberman Harold Vermilyea Lou Jordan
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1947
→ gregory-peck - Pinky: An unusual take on discrimination in the U.S. South. Shows, obliquely, how idiotic, and yet how powerful, it is.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeanne Crain Patricia "Pinky" Johnson Ethel Barrymore Miss Em Ethel Waters Dicey Johnson William Lundigan Dr. Thomas Adams Basil Ruysdael Judge Walker Kenny Washington Dr. Canady Nina Mae McKinney Rozelia Griff Barnett Dr. Joe McGill Frederick O'Neal Jake Waters Evelyn Varden Melba Wooley Raymond Greenleaf Judge Shoreman Juanita Moore Nurse
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1949 - Panic in the Streets: An early plague movie with a film-noir twist. Engaging.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Widmark Lt. Cmdr. Reed, M.D. Paul Douglas Cpt. Tom Warren Barbara Bel Geddes Nancy Reed Jack Palance Blackie Zero Mostel Raymond Fitch Alexis Minotis John Mefaris Dan Riss Nef Guy Thonajan Poldi
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1950
→ film-noir2; jack-palance - A Streetcar Named Desire: My write-up, including Actor/Role table, is linked to the title.
- Viva Zapata!: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Emiliano Zapata Jean Peters Josefa Zapata Anthony Quinn Eufemio Zapata Joseph Wiseman Fernando Aguirre Arnold Moss Don Nacio Alan Reed Pancho Villa Margo Soldadera Harold Gordon Francisco Ignacio Madero Lou Gilbert Pablo Frank Silvera Victoriano Huerta Florenz Ames Señor Espejo Richard Garrick Old General Fay Roope Porfirio Díaz Mildred Dunnock Señora Espejo Henry Silva Hernández Ross Bagdasarian Officer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1952 - Man on a Tightrope: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Fredric March Karel Černík Terry Moore Tereza Černík Gloria Grahame Zama Černík Cameron Mitchell Joe Vosdek Adolphe Menjou Fesker Robert Beatty Barović Alexander D'Arcy Rudolph Richard Boone Krofta
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1953
→ marlon-brando - On the Waterfront: I am ashamed to admit that I have not watched this yet. I keep avoiding it, despite my curiosity. I'm not sure why but will report back when I've watched it.
Yes, Roger Ebert christened this movies as one of his Great Movies.
Yet another movie, by the way, that has actors who were later stars playing small, uncredited roles.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Terry Malloy Karl Malden Father Pete Barry Lee J. Cobb Michael J. Skelly Rod Steiger Charlie Malloy Eva Marie Saint Edie Doyle Pat Henning Timothy J. Dugan John F. Hamilton Pop Doyle Ben Wagner Joey Doyle Fred Gwynne Mladen Sekulovich Martin Balsam Gillette Pat Hingle Jocko Nehemiah Persoff Cab Driver
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1954
→ pat-hingle; nehemiah-persoff; marlon-brando; lee-j-cobb - East of Eden: My write-up, including Actor/Role table, is linked to the title.
- Baby Doll: This is a dark, satirical romp that is multi-layered. I've watched it twice in astonishment. Each time I notice something else bizarre. Everyone performs exquisitely.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Karl Malden Archie Lee Meighan Carroll Baker Baby Doll Meighan Eli Wallach Silva Vacarro Mildred Dunnock Aunt Rose Comfort Lonny Chapman Rock Eades Hogue Town Marshal Madeleine Sherwood Nurse Rip Torn Dentist
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1956
→ southern-gothic; eli-wallach - A Face in the Crowd: Watch this movie because Donald Trump is President of the U.S. Watch it because Andy Griffith's performance will blow you away. It will make you wonder how the hell he got stuck in Mayberry.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Andy Griffith Larry Rhodes Patricia Neal Marcia Jeffries Anthony Franciosa Joey DePalma Walter Matthau Mel Miller Lee Remick Betty Lou Fleckum Percy Waram Gen. Haynesworth Paul McGrath Macey Rod Brasfield Beanie Marshall Neilan Sen. Worthington Fuller Kay Medford 1st Mrs. Rhodes Lois Nettleton Nurse Rip Torn Barry Mills
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1957 - Wild River: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Montgomery Clift Chuck Glover Lee Remick Carol Garth Baldwin Jo Van Fleet Ella Garth Albert Salmi R.J. Bailey Jay C. Flippen Hamilton Garth James Westerfield Cal Garth Barbara Loden Betty Jackson Frank Overton Walter Clark Malcolm Atterbury Sy Moore Bruce Dern Jack Roper Robert Earl Jones Sam Johnson Ross Apperson Attorney Armstrong
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1960
→ southern-gothic; pat-hingle - Splendor in the Grass: The first time I saw this movie I was unmoved. After I received this collection I watched it again and became surprisingly caught up in it. The final scenes are perfect.
Both TCM and Emmanuel Levy have a flurry of pages about this movie. I've linked the title of the movie to the TCM posts. A list of Emmanuel Levy's posts about this movie is here. They all look interesting.
In addition, DVD Savant has a review well worth reading in this post about the Natalie Wood Signature Collection. The review for this movie can be found as the third movie reviewed down the page.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Natalie Wood Wilma Dean Loomis Pat Hingle Ace Stamper Audrey Christie Mrs. Loomis Barbara Loden Virginia Stamper Zohra Lampert Angelina Warren Beatty Bud Stamper Fred Stewart Del Loomis Joanna Roos Mrs. Stamper John McGovern Doc Smiley Jan Norris Juanita Howard Martine Bartlett Miss Metcalf Gary Lockwood Allen Tuttle Sandy Dennis Kay Crystal Field Hazel Marla Adams June Lynn Loring Carolyn Phyllis Diller Texas Guinan Sean Garrison Glen Mark Slade Rusty William Inge Reverend Whitman
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1961
→ pat-hingle - America America: Haven't watched this yet but I suspect I am going to fall in love with it. It's an old world/new world historical drama with an emphasis on character; right up my alley. I'll report back.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Stathis Giallelis Stavros Topouzoglou Frank Wolff Vartan Damadian Harry Davis Isaac Topouzoglou Elena Karam Vasso Topouzoglou Estelle Hemsley Grandmother Topouzoglou Gregory Rozakis Hohannes Gardashian Lou Antonio Abdul Salem Ludwig Odysseus Topouzoglou John Marley Garabet Joanna Frank Vartuhi Paul Mann Aleko Sinnikoglou Linda Marsh Thomna Sinnikoglou
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1963
Labels: carroll-baker, eli-wallach, elia-kazan, film-noir1&2, gang-movie, gregory-peck, jack-palance, karl-malden, lee-j-cobb, marlon-brando, martin-scorsese, melodramaB, natalie-wood, nehemiah-persoff, pat-hingle
