Sunday, May 12, 2024
Midsommar 2nd Copy - Extended Version
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, why do I have two copies of this film? Well, this is the definitive Director's Cut distributed by A24, which runs for 171 minutes. I've been fascinated with this film since I first saw it (and bought its initial shorter version). When I realized this version existed, I knew I had watch and study it, much like I have my first copy.
Just a note of description: All the reviews attached to this post are from different sources than those on my original post about this movie, simply titled Midsommar.
The covers of the separate editions are different, as well. There are also different special features.
No, I haven't received it, yet, I just ordered it today (5/12/24), so it'll be awhile before I report back. But, I will be back.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Florence Pugh Dani Ardor Jack Reynor Christian Hughes Vilhelm Blomgren Pelle William Jackson Harper Josh Will Poulter Mark Ellora Torchia Connie Archie Madekwe Simon Henrik Norlén Ulf Gunnel Fred Siv Isabelle Grill Maja Agnes Rase Dagny Levente Puczkó-Smith Oracle Ruben Julia Ragnarsson Inga Mats Blomgren Odd Lars Väringer Sten Anna Åström Karin
Here's a link to the Variety write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2019
Directed by Ari Aster.
Labels: A24, drama1, folk-horror, haunting1, suspense1, violence1
Friday, December 16, 2022
Malcolm X - Criterion Edition
- Commentary: Yes, I already own this movie. When I heard, though, that Criterion recently released this movie, complete with its stunning (as usual) restoration work and a slate of Special Features that I can't wait to view, well, I knew I had to add it to my collection, which is probably a good idea, anyway, because, since I first added it to my collection in August of 2016, I've watched it at least once a year, occasionally more. It's one of those movies for which I find myself hungering. So, I have two copies, now. Chances are, I won't view my original copy, again, but I'm going to hang on to it, for awhile, just in case. I don't ever want to be without a copy of this movie.
If the Special Features are intriguing, I'll return here to write about them. The movie, itself, is a wonder to behold, full of amazing acting and Spike Lee's innovative, intriguing auteurism at its best. The design and execution of so many of the scenes grab you by the ears and force you to get each and every moment of this astonishing story of, not only a man, but a people-movement that has yet to achieve ultimate success.
Yes, I've listed it as both a biography and an autobiography. For those of you who are familiar with Alex Haley's and Malcolm X's collaborative book, as well as this movie, you'll understand why I did this.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Malcolm X Angela Bassett Betty Shabazz Albert Hall Baines Al Freeman Jr. Elijah Muhammad Delroy Lindo West Indian Archie Spike Lee Shorty Theresa Randle Laura Kate Vernon Sophia Ernest Lee Thomas Sidney Christopher Plummer Chaplain Gill Lonette McKee Louise Little Tommy Hollis Earl Little Giancarlo Esposito Talmadge X Hayer Wendell Pierce Ben Thomas Leonard L. Thomas Leon Davis Leland Gantt Wilbur McKinley Roger Guenveur Smith Rudy James McDaniel Brother Earl Steve White Brother Johnson Veronica Webb Sister Lucille Rosary Jean-Claude La Marre Benjamin 2X Debi Mazar Peg Karen Allen Miss Dunne Peter Boyle NYPD Captain Green
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Spike Lee.
Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee
Thursday, June 09, 2022
Breaking Bad Complete Series
- Commentary: I would never have watched this series had not one of my sisters, the one who has been the source of more than a few of my very favorite movies, been electrified by it and started sending me the seasons. Nothing else to say. I'm like everyone else, a staunch fan. Many (if not all) of the episodes continue to stick in my head and at least once every couple of weeks I become captured by one and have to watch it. Again. And again. My sister and I are still looking to hear from Jesse.
I want to link to one more review but, since I'm not sure how long it will be available, I'm not attaching it to the title of this post. Forbes published a review of Breaking Bad in 2013 at the end of the series. It's quite interesting. With any luck to me, and you, Dear Reader, it will remain accessible.
Once this series got going, there were many, many notable actors who participated in small and bit parts. I picked out as many as I could without rendering the following Actor/Table overwhelming.
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 Bryan Cranston Walter White Anna Gunn Skyler White Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman Dean Norris Hank Schrader Betsy Brandt Marie Schrader RJ Mitte Walter White Jr. Giancarlo Esposito Gustavo Fring Bob Odenkirk Saul Goodman Jonathan Banks Mike Ehrmantraut Laura Fraser Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Jesse Plemons Todd Alquist Raymond Cruz Tuco Salamanca Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis John de Lancie Donald Margolis Danny Trejo Tortuga Steven Bauer Don Eladio Vuente
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2008-2013
Directed by mostly men, some women each season, a few female regulars.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama5, female-director1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, john-de-lancie, me-favorite1, satire1, thriller2, tragedy1, TV1, violence2
Saturday, June 04, 2022
Miss Hokusai
- Commentary: There are so many reasons why I could have missed this film, not the least of which is that I was unfamiliar with the manga series. Suffice it to say, I am ever grateful to the movie gods that I didn't. This evocative film is right up my alley. The animation, as well, is stunning. It roils underneath while observing a startling surface propriety. Just a gem.
Here's a second review that I found interesting, as well.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role O-Ei Erica Lindbeck Katsushika Hokusai Richard Epcar Ikeda Zenjiro Ezra Weisz Utagawa Kuninao Robbie Daymond Koto Barbara Goodson O-Nao Courtney Chu Iwakubo Hatsugoro Marc Diraison Kichiya Kevin T. Collins
The Wikipedia write-up for this film (and manga series) is here.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Keiichi Hara.
Labels: animated, drama5, father-daughter-dynamics, film-art1, haunting1, historical2, period2, spiritual1, women's-movie1
The Way Back
- Commentary: I own this, in large part, because it is a Peter Weir film and I strive to own most of his films. It is a crazily involving film, for me. Trek films are one of my weaknesses. This one suits me and, besides, contains many of the hallmarks that make Peter Weir films great in my eyes: startling landscapes, curious and difficult relationships, complicated conflicts, minutely specific characterizations, a sense of time standing still.
I notice, in the Wikipedia write-up, some critics considered this film not up to his usual quality, not one of his best, as Roger Ebert points out in his review, linked to the title of this post. I quibble with him and others who have "Peter-Weir-expectation" problems with it. This is a Peter Weir film. That's why I own it. Peter Weir, through his films, owns me, this film, included. It is, as well, a "spectacle" film, if for no other reason than the landscape, which is so involving that, well, it demands to be in a Peter Weir film.
In addition to the Actor/Role table, below, Mark Strong plays escapee Andrei Timofeyevich Khabarov.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jim Sturgess Janusz Wieszczek Ed Harris Mr. Smith Saoirse Ronan Irena Zielińska Colin Farrell Valka Dragoș Bucur Zoran Alexandru Potocean Tomasz Horodinsky Gustaf Skarsgård Andrejs Voss Sebastian Urzendowsky Kazik
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: §, adventure1, drama4, haunting1, historical2, period2, peter-weir, political2, popcorn-and-soda2, saoirse-ronan, spectacle1
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Malcolm X
- Commentary: I initially saw this years ago, and it has haunted me, since, as an innovative biography as well as its depiction of the man. Yet another serendipitous going-out-of-business find.
This is another one of those movies where several people working for and contributing to RogerEbert.com wrote articles pertaining to this movie. Just search it at the site.
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published August 14, 2016. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Malcolm X Angela Bassett Betty Shabazz Albert Hall Baines Al Freeman Jr. Elijah Muhammad Delroy Lindo West Indian Archie Spike Lee Shorty Theresa Randle Laura Kate Vernon Sophia Ernest Lee Thomas Sidney, Fruit of Islam Christopher Plummer Chaplain Gill Lonette McKee Louise Little Tommy Hollis Earl Little Giancarlo Esposito Talmadge X Hayer Wendell Pierce Ben Thomas Leonard L. Thomas Leon Davis Leland Gantt Wilber McKinley Veronica Webb Sister Lucille Rosary Jean-Claude La Marre Benjamin 2X Debi Mazar Peg Peter Boyle NYPD Cpt. Green
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Spike Lee.
Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
The Attack
- Commentary: Curiously, the Wikipedia page for this movie is a sad affair. It contains not even a plot summary, just a list of the cast, some links to other films by Ziad Doueiri and a list of "External Links" to critical sites that write about this movie. In fact, there is more written about this film in the Wikipedia write-up for Zaid Doueiri, the director, than there is in Wikipedia's write-up about the movie.
I do not remember when I first saw this movie, or how. It was certainly between 2012 and now, probably on a streaming service, definitely at no charge. It seems to me that it may have been within the last five years. I also have a vague recollection of watching it at least twice, perhaps more.
This is a haunting movie that I should have included in my list of Movies I've Seen, Do Not Own but Can't Forget, as I think about it often. This movie lays out a peculiar story about a Palestinian-Islamic physician practicing in Israel whose Palestinian Orthodox Catholic wife is killed in a terrorist bombing. The physician discovers something about his wife's death that horrifies and befuddles him. The bulk of the movie documents his journey to understand her and Israel's and Palestine's roles in her death.
There are no simple answers in this movie, for either the physician or the audience. It will keep you ruminating about The Human Condition long after you've completed watching the movie. In this sense, it is a priviledge for every member of the audience to be invited along on this physician's journey to discover the truth about his wife's life and death, and more. The number of labels I've appended to this film should be an indication of its overwhelming impact.
Finally, if you are in doubt about the impact this film may have on you, read this eloquent review by someone unknown to me who was also gob-smacked by this film.
Warning: This is not a popcorn-and-soda movie. Prepare to be moved, not entertained.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ali Suliman Amin Jaafari Reymond Amsalem Siham Jaafari Evgenia Dodina Kim Dvir Benedek Raveed Uri Gavriel Captain Moshe Ruba Salameh Faten Karim Saleh Adel Nisrin Siksik Leila Bassem Lulu Yasser Ezra Dagan Ezra Benhaim Ramzi Maqdisi Priest Arieh Worthalter The Man
Release Date: 2012
Directed by Ziad Doueiri.
Labels: drama1, film-art1, haunting1, me-favorite1, mystery1, political1, psychological1, reflective, spiritual1, tragedy1, violence1
Saturday, May 15, 2021
The Last Wave
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This movie has haunted me since I saw it when it was first released. My mother has watched it a couple of times with me. She likes the background digideroo music, the otherworldliness of the movie...but she's not interested in trying to make sense of it. Neither am I, so we just watch it in awe on a fairly frequent basis.
Update 5/15/21: This post was originally published on February 9th, 2005. I had to replace it because some glitches had developed in its labels and it wasn't coming up when I corralled most of the labels applied to it. Everything is working fine, now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Chamberlain David Burton Olivia Hamnett Annie Burton David Gulpilil Chris Lee Fred Parslow Reverend Burton Vivean Gray Dr. Whitburn Nandjiwarra Amagula Charlie Walter Amagula Jerry Lee Roy Bara Larry
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1977
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: apocalyptic, Criterion1, drama1, dream1, fantasy1, haunting1, me-favorite1, mystery1, peter-weir
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Midsommar
- Commentary: I don't favor horror movies. I have a few, but I tend to avoid them. Generally, they strike me as fake, as containing elements that could never happen. In fact, the first full length movie effort by Ari Aster, who is reponsible for this movie, too, fell into the category, for me, of unbelievable, which is why I don't own it. [Yes, I entertain exceptions to my horror movie preferences. For instance, the premise of Rosemary's Baby is wholly ludicrous, but it was crafted so well that it remains one of my favorite movies.]
Well, here's a horror movie that isn't fake. Everything in this movie could happen. The movie, to me, is so good, so well crafted in both story and production, that it made me wonder if this story had happened, or if it is in the process of happening.
The first time I saw this movie was through it's placement on a video service. It was free for me to watch. So was Aster's other effort, Hereditary. I liked Midsommar so much that I immediately watched Hereditary, Aster's first major effort. And was disappointed. Curiously, critics were not. In some cases, Hereditary was rated more highly than this movie.
I would love to purchase the extended director's cut (with an extra 33 minutes) of this movie. It's availability, here in the U.S., is confusing, though. On those copies I can find, either the price is so high it's waaaay out of my range or its region playback ability appears to be questionable. Hopefully, access to it will be smoothed out and cheapened in the coming months. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out. In the meantime, I am completely satisfied with the version I have. I've not only watched it more than a few times, I enthusiastically encouraged MFS to watch it (for free on the video service).
I'm still waiting for a reasonably priced (the lowest price I can find is $45), Region 1 Director's Cut of this movie that will play on my standard blu-ray player. Come on, Retail Oligarchs, get your heads out of your asses and make one available! Do you think, after the last few years of bailouts for you and nothing to speak of for us plebes, that we plebes are made of money?!? You took it all! Do you have any idea how much money you'd make if you made available a reasonably priced, Region 1 Director's cut?!?
I have to mention before closing, RogerEbert.com went absolutely crazy over this movie, posting no less than three articles about or featuring this film and the issues it addresses in addition to its straightforward review: first article, second article and third article. Am I surprised? Well, a little, but, I have to tell you, in my opnion it's a great movie and I can't remember how many times I've watched it, so many has it been.
One more mention before closing: If you're as fascinated with this movie as I am, you might find this commentary interesting.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Florence Pugh Dani Ardor Jack Reynor Christian Hughes Vilhelm Blomgren Pelle William Jackson Harper Josh Will Poulter Mark Ellora Torchia Connie Archie Madekwe Simon Henrik Norlén Ulf Gunnel Fred Siv Isabelle Grill Maja Agnes Rase Dagny Levente Puczkó-Smith Oracle Ruben Julia Ragnarsson Inga Mats Blomgren Odd Lars Väringer Sten Anna Åström Karin
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2019
Directed by Ari Aster.
Labels: A24, drama1, folk-horror, haunting1, suspense1, violence1
Falling Down
- Commentary: I almost feel like I have to explain my affection for this movie. Michael Douglas portrays such a tortured, confused character, one with whom I don't identify. And, yet, in my opinion, he plays it brilliantly and the story within which he unfolds this character is believable and thrilling. Initially, I think he was brave to take on this role. On second and third thought, though, Michael Douglas is refreshingly ready to surprise his audience with the range of the characters he takes on. This is one of his more complicated characters. For me, it's a Michael Douglas coup. I am always ready to watch this movie, which is why I have it in my collection.
One last mention: Roger Ebert wrote an interesting article about the rise of Donald Trump (pre-election) that used four different movies as grist for his mill. It's quite interesting. This movie is one of his four. And, BTW, all the movies he mentioned are in my collection and are favorites of mine. Who'd-a-thunk!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Douglas William Foster Robert Duvall Sgt. Martin Prendergast Barbara Hershey Beth Trevino Rachel Ticotin Det. Sandra Torres Tuesday Weld Amanda Prendergast Frederic Forrest Nick Lois Smith Foster's Mother Joey Hope Singer Adele Foster-Trevino Michael Paul Chan Mr. Lee Raymond J. Barry Cpt. Bill Yardley D. W. Moffett Det. Lydecker Steve Park Det. Brian
Here is the Wikipedia article on this film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Joel Schumacher.
Labels: action2, adventure2, barbara-hershey, drama1, economic, haunting1, lois-smith, michael-douglas, political1, psychological1, robert-duvall, satire1, thriller1, tragedy1, tuesday-weld, violence1
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
The Ballad of Narayama
- Commentary: I have seen two of the three filmed versions of this story. The other one I've seen is covered here. Frankly, I wouldn't mind owning both, but the price of the second remains prohibitive. Of the three versions that have been made of this movie, though, this version is my preferred version. It's hard to explain why, considering that the second version referred to above is the more movie-like. This version, aside from telling the story well and totally involving me, is also an experiment in presentation for the filmmaker. For me, it is more jolting than enjoyably somber. The second is more enjoyably somber than jolting. I guess I prefer being jolted, when it comes to this movie.
You'll notice I'm not labeling this movie a "tragedy". That's because, all things considered, it's not. It's a meditation on death, yes, but not tragic death, just death. One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kinuyo Tanaka Orin Teiji Takahashi Tatsuhei Yūko Mochizuki Tamayan Danko Ichikawa Kesakichi Keiko Ogasawara Matsu-yan Seiji Miyaguchi Matayan Yūnosuke Itō Matayan's Son Ken Mitsuda Teruyan
For the Wikipedia write-up on this film, click here.
Release Date: 1958
Directed by Keisuke Kinoshita.
Labels: §2, aging, Criterion1, drama3, haunting1, historical1, period1, psychological1, spiritual1
Friday, September 13, 2019
Dolores Claiborne
- Commentary: Did you know that the material in this movie is not only a book written by Stephen King, but inspired an opera, as well? I'm not surprised. The themes are sturdy, well-portrayed with a lack of sentimentality and an abundance of complication and so incredibly well acted and ever-inspiring: mother vs daughter, employee vs employer, wife vs abusive husband, community vs stalwart, self-protective woman. I swear, someday, when you and I are long dead, Stephen King will be considered the Shakespeare of our age.
This movie has had a hold on me for years. I purchased it because I've checked it out of our library system so many times I believe I am partly responsible for the fact that at least one copy is always being "mended" by the staff. That's why I own it, now.
There is only one aspect of the story with which I quibble: Dolores inheriting Vera's estate. On the one hand, she certainly deserves it, the inheritance places Vera in a kinder light, and Dolores' character certainly isn't changed by the news of the inheritance, although I suspect her circumstances are. On the other hand, you know, every time I watch this movie, I imagine Dolores not inheriting and realize, yet again, it wouldn't matter to the overall effect of the movie and the story. At any rate, it's a tiny quibble I have. Doesn't change my undying love for this movie, this character and the character of Vera.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kathy Bates Dolores Claiborne Jennifer Jason Leigh Selena St. George Judy Parfitt Vera Donovan Christopher Plummer Det. John Mackey David Strathairn Joe St. George Eric Bogosian Peter John C. Reilly Cons. Frank Stamshaw Bob Gunton Mr. Pease
The Wikipedia write-up for this movie (not the opera, that's earlier in this post) is here.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Taylor Hackford.
Labels: bob-gunton, christopher-plummer, david-strathairn, drama3, haunting1, jennifer-jason-leigh, journalism, period1, psychological1, taylor-hackford, tragedy1, women's-movie1
Thursday, August 08, 2019
The Three Faces of Eve
- Commentary: What actor doesn't love a chance to display their skills by playing a character with DID (Dissociative Personality Disorder - Multiple Personality Disorder)? Many try; a surprising number succeed. After all, what is an actor but someone who has the desire and the ability to take on character after character after character ... which accounts for the fact that, having seen many of these movies (and owning a few), I can't recall ever seeing a bad one. The Three Faces of Eve with Joanne Woodward was made in 1957 and continues to show up on lists with titles like "The [Number] Best DID Movies". Yes Virginia, there are such lists, scads of them, I just discovered. Before I wrote up this movie, I couldn't help but recall that Split is such a movie, and that, throughout my life, I can remember several actors playing DID people. A few of the articles include certain superhero characters in the DID category. This had never occurred to me, but, surely, The Hulk would qualify.
So, anyway, Joanne Woodward in The Three Faces of Eve is neither the first, nor the last actor to take on multiple-characters-in-one, but she certainly turned in a fine performance [or, would that be "performance'S'"?]. Yes, I've seen this movie before, and, although this movie isn't the reason I bought the four-pack, it's certainly an attractive addition. Characterizations of multiple characters are guaranteed to be poignant, for better and worse, but, if my memory serves me correctly, this is one of the better poignant performances of such a disorder.
Update 1/12/21: A few days ago I noticed this missing from the four pack of movies which included this one. At first I figured I must have misfiled it in another movie jacket and mildly despaired at trying to find it among the hundreds of movie jackets I own. Then, yesterday, I recovered a faint memory of giving it to one of my nieces a few years ago, the one who is an actress. I even recall, at the time, thinking she'd really enjoy it, where as I probably wouldn't watch it, again, even though I didn't dislike it; I was, however, put off by the melodramatic aspects of the movie. I'll have to check with her. I hope I'm right about this. If not, well, who knows how long it will take me to discover where I misfiled it!
Update 3/29/21: I finally found this movie, lurking in a blu-ray case I'd bought for splitting collections into separate movies. Why I'd taken this out of it's original collection case and placed it in it's own case without doing that to the others, I'll never know, but, oh, well, I've found it now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joanne Woodward Eve White/Eve Black/Jane David Wayne Ralph White Lee J. Cobb Dr. Curtis Luther Edwin Jerome Dr. Francis Day Alena Murray Secretary Nancy Kulp Mrs. Black Douglas Spencer Mr. White Alistair Cooke Narrator
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1957
Directed by Nunnally Johnson.
Labels: drama3, haunting1, joanne-woodward, lee-j-cobb, popcorn-and-soda1, psychological1
Monday, January 28, 2019
A Touch of Zen
- Commentary: Welcome to the ultimate possession of my movie collection!
I'm going to quote from a few letters I sent to my sister about my discovery of and affection for this movie. Any other information you can probably glean from the Wikipedia article attached to the title of this post.
Quote 1 [dated 8/27/2009]: I've been searching for years (on the internet) for another movie I saw at a Chinese film festival in Sacramento in either 1984 or 1985. It was an old movie at the time I saw it ... although not as old as I have been thinking (I thought it was made in the early 1960's; turns out it was made in 1969 and released in 1971). It was a long and mesmerizing movie ... one of the first that used magical martial arts (although not THE first; the first Chinese martial arts movie was made in, get this, 1927; I learned that on the way to finding the movie I was looking for). For years I thought I remembered the name as being "The Golden Buddha" because at the end of the film a Buddhist monk bleeds gold ... a scene I've not been able to forget. I don't know why, but, not until today did it occur to me to try searching "classic chinese films" with a description of that scene, "golden blood" ... and, I found it, you'll never believe this, on Wikipedia (fie on those who dismiss Wikipedia): "A Touch of Zen". Seems it's actually a very popular movie; rated, among moviephiles (especially Asian moviephiles) as one of the best to come out of China. Turns out, there is a DVD available, Region 1, for rental at Netflix and to buy at Amazon. However, I'm not going to buy it (yet, anyway), because, although most of the reviews of the movie on Amazon were favorable to ecstatic, there were complaints, even in the best reviews, about the sound and the darkness of some of the more spectacular martial arts scenes and landscape scenes (I also had this memory from the movie of a river valley with spectacular oblong rock formations, sort of like natural obelisks) ... so I'm renting it on Netflix, first ... will probably get it sometime next week. It may not be worth buying if the quality is bad, but it will certainly be worth watching again. I was sad, actually, a little, finding the movie, because one of the reasons I looked so diligently for it all these years (but, obviously, not diligently enough) was because Mom loved Hero (we have a copy of it) and I figured she'd love this movie even more. Who knows, maybe she's able to look at it over my shoulder. I hope so. [This was written about 9 months after my mother's death.]
Quote 2 [dated 10/23/2018]: So, I ordered myself a "birthday present" (That's my story and I'm sticking to it; aren't birthdays handy?!?) and it came today. ... there's a little story behind it. You may know some of it.
When I lived in Sacramento from 1983 - 1985 I lived in the middle of a mixed Asian community (primarily Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese). I became acquainted and friendly with several people and was often invited over for dinner and to Asian-specific events. So, some time in 1984 the community became very excited about the possibility of a particular movie (which was around 10 years old at that time) that was going to be showing in Sacramento, "A Touch of Zen". I knew nothing about the movie. The Chinese people I knew in my neighborhood were insistent that I should go with them and the whole mixed group of Asian Americans to see the movie when it arrived. So, I did. I was mesmerized. Yes, it's a martial arts movie (of sorts). It's also this long, elegant, somewhat confusing epic story full of magnificent and evocative cinematography and thought provoking moments (not necessarily related to one another in a traditional European-centric story sense). Although I've seen the movie twice since then (one time I found it on the internet; I think I wrote you about that; at the time I was looking for it I thought it was called "The Gold Buddha", which made it somewhat harder to find), I can't tell you what it's about, although the heroine has a baby and there are some great martial arts scenes in it, full of magical moves. And, the comic relief character actually plays the second largest and most important part in the movie. The "hero" is almost a sperm donor afterthought. My neighbors and friends and I talked about the movie for days afterward.
So, about a week ago, for some reason unknown to me, although it's not unusual for it to occupy my thoughts unbidden, that movie was suddenly on my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about it, so I went on the internet and tried to find the original site where I watched it some years ago. Never found it, but, I did find that the movie has been remastered by Criterion (I love Criterion edition movies; I only own a few because they are usually very expensive, but they do a damn good job of restoration, when that's necessary, and they sponsor some excellent movies, like Antonia's Line, for instance) and was for sale at a reasonable price (reasonable compared to the prices I'd been following in previous years) AND, included a whole second disc devoted to special features about the movie! So, I decided, hmmm, my birthday's just around the corner, in fact, I see it peeking at me, so I think I'll get myself a birthday present!
Current Comment [1/28/19]: I've had the movie for just over three months, now, and have watched it three times. It remains amazing and mysterious to me and evokes all the times I've watched it and hunted for it in the past. 'Nuff said, I think.
Update 10/02/19: Well, I was wrong, Antonia's Line is not a Criterion movie. It should be. I recently signed up to their website, for the articles and newsletter about movies. Maybe I'll suggest it to them as a possible acquisition. Also, I noticed I've not labeled this movie. That is being corrected now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Hsu Feng Yang Hui-zhen Shih Chun Gu Sheng-tsai Bai Ying General Shi Wen-qiao Xue Han General Lu Ding-an Roy Chiao Abbot Hui-yuan Tien Peng Ouyang Nian Cao Jian Xu Zheng-qing Zhang Bing-yu Sheng-tsai's mother Wang Rui Mun Ta Miao Tien Nie Qiu Han Ying-chieh Chief Cmdr. Xu Xian-chun Wan Zhong-shan Lu Qiang
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by King Hu.
Labels: action2, adventure2, audio-visual, Criterion2, drama3, fantasy1, film-art1, gender-bender, haunting1, historical1, period2, spectacle1, thriller1
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
Talk Radio
- Commentary: I'll bet you've never heard of this movie. I saw it in 1988 when it was released theatrically and I've never forgotten it. It was an absolute must-have when I decided to beef up the Oliver Stone section of my movie collection. All the movies in this posting, in fact, were procured at the same time, for the same reason. This movie is strange and, yes, "haunting". It was the first movie I watched of the three when I received them, just to see if my memory of its impact on me was correct. It was.
Although you might think the movie would be dated 30 years later, it's not. American talk radio has not calmed since 1988. If anything, it's gotten more virulent, and now includes Canadian talk radio.
Although I'm labeling this movie a "period" movie, it wasn't meant to be that. It hit the theaters only four years after the assasination of Alan Berg, the talk radio host about which this story was written, so, obviously, no period inflection had to be invented during the production of this movie. It seems "period" now, though.
One more thing: I don't usually notice the juxtaposition of a musical score with a movie, especially if it's done well. In this movie it's done so well that it actually adds editorial comment, especially at the end. If you decide to watch this movie, watch, and listen, through the end credits.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Eric Bogosian Barry Alec Baldwin Dan Ellen Greene Ellen Leslie Hope Laura John C. McGinley Stu John Pankow Dietz Michael Wincott Kent Zach Grenier Sid Greenberg Anna Levine Basketball Game Woman Robert Trebor Jeffrey Fisher Linda Atkinson Sheila Fleming Allan Corduner Vince
Interested in the Wikipedia write-up? Here it is.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Oliver Stone.
Labels: biography1, drama4, haunting1, historical2, oliver-stone, period2, political1
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Rosemary's Baby
- Commentary: I originally saw this movie in the theater during its first release, on Guam, after having read the book by Ira Levin. It was the first time I'd seen a movie that so closely followed the book that, I swear, I'd imagined the movie exactly as it appeared before I saw it. Typically, every year, around Halloween, some film service to which I have access features this movie. I always watch it. At least once. However, I often yearn to watch it when it's not being featured on a film service, so I've checked it out innumerable times from the library. Now, I own it.
I can't say much about this movie that hasn't already been said. It has loquacious fans all over the world. I can, however, say something about my interest in Roman Polanski movies. I'm surprised I don't own more than three. One, in particular, I wish I owned is Tess [P.S. 8/16/21: I own this movie, now]. I even wrote a published review of that film. I've seen several of the movies he's directed, including: Chinatown, such a "cool" (in the Marshall McLuhan sense) film; Knife in the Water, an interesting, eerie film, loads of promise; Carnage, a sardonic delight; Macbeth, which, unlike many critics, I thoroughly enjoyed, it is, in fact, my favorite film adaptation of this play; and The Ninth Gate, with which I was disappointed, to say the least. I wish he'd done something more, well, spectacular, with Johnny Depp. Oh well, when you've got a line-up like Roman Polanski's, they can't all be winners, I guess. There are several more I haven't seen but intend to. I would say it's possible that I will end up owning more of his films. There's something about the Polanksi directing touch, which, while unobtrusive, is unique and powerful.
Turns out, much to my surprise, I don't have a "horror" label for my film collection. That will be corrected with this film.
And, by the way, yes, Mom and I watched it together, more than a few times, and, yes, she loved it, too. She especially enjoyed Mia Farrow's characterization of a pregnant woman. Every time she watched the walking-around-in-the-street scene she'd say, "That's exactly how a pregnant woman walks!"
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mia Farrow Rosemary Woodhouse John Cassavetes Guy Woodhouse Ruth Gordon Minnie Castevet Sidney Blackmer Roman Castevet/Steven Marcato Maurice Evans Hutch Ralph Bellamy Dr. Abraham Sapirstein Charles Grodin Dr. Hill Patsy Kelly Laura-Louise McBirney Angela Dorian Terry Gionoffrio Philip Leeds Dr. Shand Elisha Cook Mr. Nicklas Tony Curtis Donald Baumgart
Just in case, the Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 1968
Directed by Roman Polanski.
Labels: drama4, erotic, fantasy1, folk-horror, haunting1, roman-polanski, shared-favorite, suspense1
The Rapture
- Commentary: I know, I know, what am I doing with this movie, relatively unknown, certainly a peculiar take on Christianity's final judgment doctrine, in my collection? Let me explain. I saw this movie when I was living in Seattle, when it premiered in the theater. I decided to see it after reading Roger Ebert's remarkable review of the movie, linked to the title of this post.
No, I am not a believer, for all practical purposes I've never been, but I lived, in my teenage years, with a relative who became a rabid Christian fundamentalist and spent quite a bit of her time at home (which was, in those days, less time than she spent at church functions) trying to convert the rest of the family (which she never accomplished; an unusual defeat considering that the usually successful tactic of the church with which she was associated was to snatch the teens and badger them to convert their families). I was particularly affected, to the point of studying scripture, despite my lack of faith, and presenting her with an essay about how, if her beliefs were true, I was willing to be eternally damned. Some years later this relative renounced her belief, with her husband, whom she met in the church, and became a staunch atheist and Unitarian Universalist. I've remained an agnostic atheist with a fascination for religious rabidity and the media it inspires. This is my favorite movie of that genre. Notice all the labels I've attached to it. It affects me on several levels, of which I am reminded at least once a year since I obtained it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mimi Rogers Sharon David Duchovny Randy Kimberly Cullum Mary Darwyn Carson Maggie Patrick Bauchau Vic James LeGros Tommy Will Patton Deputy Foster Sam Vlahos Wayne
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1991
Directed by Michael Tolkin.
Labels: adventure1, apocalyptic, bible-movies1, drama4, dream1, fantasy1, film-art1, haunting1, jesus-dvds, me-favorite1, neo-noirB, prophecy, spiritual1, suspense1
Monday, February 05, 2018
Outback/Wake in Fright
- Commentary: I originally saw this movie when it was first released outside of Australia in 1971 under the name Outback. It made such an impression on me that I will always think of it by that name. It is an unrelentingly horrifying film and purely Australian. Couldn't have been made anywhere else. Seeing this film marked the beginning of my fascination with Australian cinema and filmmakers.
I was terribly young when I saw it; not yet 20. For years after that single theater viewing I unsuccessfully searched high and low for further showings of this movie. When DVDs became available I regularly looked for this movie under the title by which I'd known it. Couldn't find it anywhere, in libraries or for sale. Turns out, it was released in 2012 as Wake in Fright. I didn't realize this until I performed yet another search for it a few weeks ago, found a blue ray transfer of it and promptly bought it. Under that name, one of the branches of my library system has a copy. But, that's okay. I needed to own a copy. It is just as startling and unsettling as I remember it. More so, in a way, because I now know, through a special feature on the disc, how the kangaroo hunts were filmed.
I wouldn't willy nilly recommend this film to just anyone. I'm glad I have a copy, though. It is, only slightly arguably, the bravest, most frightening piece of cinema I've ever seen. Leave it to the Australians.
In my Movie Cabinets, by the way, it is filed under "Wake in Fright".
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gary Bond John Grant Donald Pleasence Clarence F. Tydon Chips Rafferty Jock Crawford Sylvia Kay Janette Hynes Jack Thompson Dick Peter Whittle Joe Al Thomas Tim Hynes John Meillon Charlie John Armstrong Atkins Slim De Grey Jarvis Maggie Dence Hotel Receptionist Norman Erskine Cook Joe
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by Ted Kotcheff.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama4, haunting1, horror1, suspense1, thriller1, tragedy1, violence2
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Winter's Bone
- Commentary: So, I bought a copy of this movie for my dramatist niece. And, remembered it (and the book) so fondly that I had to have my own copy. Which I watched immediately upon its arrival. I love this movie so much that I've checked it out of the library too many times to remember exactly the number. It's just one of those. You know. This movie is the first time I'd seen or heard of Jennifer Lawrence. It's a spectacular performance. I've seen her in other stuff, since. She's a talented, stand-out actress but, in my mind, she has yet to best her performance in this piece. It is, as well, yet another in my collection that, immediately upon watching it, makes me feel as though I've just dreamt it.
One of Roger Ebert's Far Flung Correspondents, Wael Khairy weighed in, also, with a haunting review.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Lawrence Ree Dolly Isaiah Stone Sonny Dolly Ashlee Thompson Ashlee Dolly Valerie Richards Connie Dolly John Hawkes Teardrop Dolly Garret Dillahunt Sheriff Baskin Dale Dickey Merab Milton Sheryl Lee April
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Debra Granik.
Labels: drama5, dream1, female-director3, haunting1, john-hawkes, mystery1, neo-noirC, southern-gothic, thriller1
