Tuesday, May 24, 2022
City of Angels
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Yes, Mom and I watched this movie a long time ago, when it first came out in video. Remembering how Mom enjoyed it (whether or not she believed in angels, I never asked her this, despite her interest in this movie and the Touched by an Angel series), when I noticed it on TV during our channel surfing episodes, if nothing else looked more interesting to her, I'd click into it. I watched the entire movie once. Although I was (and remain) impressed with the visualization of how the angels in the movie exist on earth, since I'd seen Wings of Desire long prior to watching this movie, became interested in this movie because I enjoyed the former and was sorely disappointed that the remake was sooooo much different than the movie upon which it was based, after my first watching, I subsequently paid little attention to it, except, I must mention, the panoramic shots of angels, which I continued to admire.
Then, Mom died, and, well, the rest of the story of my relationship to this movie and why I decided to purchase a copy of it is contained in the link up there in the Mentions section. And, yes, I'm still embarrassed by my late-realized attraction to certain scenes in this movie. It is, for instance, with some chagrin that I'm labeling (below) this movie in the "spiritual" category. Objectively, it's not, really, but I have to say, reluctantly, that the effect of the angel-vision scenes on me after my mother's death is emotional-spiritual (probably the "emotional" aspect is more important than the "spiritual" aspect).
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicolas Cage Seth Meg Ryan Maggie Rice Andre Braugher Cassiel Colm Feore Jordan Ferris Dennis Franz Nathaniel Messinger Robin Bartlett Anne Joanna Merlin Teresa Messinger Sarah Dampf Susan
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Brad Silberling.
Labels: drama7, fantasy2, haunting2, me-favorite2, meg-ryan, nicolas-cage, romance2, spiritual1
Iron Man
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: My initial interest in this movie was that Robert Downey, Jr., plays the title character. I've never been disappointed with his work, even loved and admired some of it, and I couldn't imagine him playing a super hero. "Must really need the money," I thought, but I went for it, anyway. Perfect casting, I decided, just perfect, and good super hero story, too, good enough for me to want to own it after having rented it (and, I don't have a yen to own many super hero movies, although I try to watch as many as possible). Even though I purchased this movie some weeks before Mom's death and we both watched it (she wasn't thrilled with it), after Mom's death I found myself watching this movie several times...introducing it to relatives then watching it more on my own. I can't explain why, but it has provided me with inexplicable comfort since my mother's death. And, LOVE the suit...
By the way, Jim Emerson of Scanners, a blog he writes attached to RogerEbert.com, also wrote an interesting review of this movie, highlighting different aspects of the feature and the actors. In addition, in an ancillary commentary highlighting the tendency of movies the celebrate "free-market principles" (not only super-hero movies, but those, as well) to be more popular (probably because they are more likely to be promoted by those with promotional money, he insinuates) and more lucrative than movies with a socialistic bent. It's very eye-opening. You should check it out, Dear Reader.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Downey, Jr. Tony Stark Terrence Howard James Rhodes Jeff Bridges Obadiah Stane Shaun Toub Ho Yinsen Gwyneth Paltrow Virginia Pepper Potts Paul Bettany J.A.R.V.I.S. Clark Gregg Phil Coulson Samuel L. Jackson Nick Fury
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Jon Favreau.
Labels: action1, adventure3, drama7, fantasy2, jeff-bridges, me-favorite2, robert-downey-jr, samuel-l-jackson, science-fiction1, super-hero2, suspense2, violence3
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Day After Tomorrow
- Who's watched: Watched and bought this movie AMD
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: This is another movie that was released well before Mom's death but which neither of us noticed, until it was too late for her. I'm sure she would have enjoyed it at least as much as me. Another one of those movies I can watch again and again. Yes, I know, this scenario is highly unlikely, but, frankly, considering our continued head-in-the-sand attitude toward the increasing climate change and what we, as humans, think of as climate chaos (what happens probably isn't considered chaotic from the perspective of the climate gods), how would we know what's likely and what's not? This movie has a peculiar effect on me. Every time I watch it (and, actually, I watched it, yet again, last weekend), my unedited emotional reaction is, "Yes! Let it happen! Let it happen!" Pretty much the same as my reaction to Earth 2100, which I don't yet own but probably will, since I no longer have cable, on which it used to show about once every three months.
Update 2/7/18: In case you're interested, here's the link to Earth 2100 on YouTube, with subtitles. As well, the next two links will connect you to the "official" ABC scripts; the first for Act One and the second for Acts Two & Three. These scripts are loaded with links to peripheral information mentioned in the documentary. Guess I don't have to own this one, after all! I'll try to check these links every once in awhile in case they go dead and I have to scavenge others.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dennis Quaid Jack Hall Jake Gyllenhaal Samuel Hall Sela Ward Dr. Lucy Hall Emmy Rossum Laura Chapman Ian Holm Terry Rapson Jay O. Sanders Franklin Harris Glenn Plummer Luther Dash Mihok Jason Evans
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by Roland Emmerich.
Labels: action1, adventure3, apocalyptic, drama6, fantasy2, jake-gyllenhaal, me-favorite2, popcorn-and-soda2, science-fiction1, suspense2
Fracture
- Who's watched: Watched and bought this movie AMD
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: It seems that this movie was released a good year before Mom died, but I didn't hear of it or see it until a few years after she died. Aside from the fact that the story is a nail-biter no matter how many times I see it, it is pure pleasure for me to watch the astonishing, perfect chemistry between Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, over and over and over and over ...
I'm sorry my mother never saw this. Despite being a "pure soul", she loved a good murder mystery, which explains her addiction to Murder, She Wrote, the twistier the better. I also like a good murder mystery, but Murder, She Wrote wasn't twisty enough for me. This movie is.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anthony Hopkins Theodore Crawford Ryan Gosling William Beachum David Strathairn DA Joe Lobruto Rosamund Pike Nikki Gardner Embeth Davidtz Jennifer Crawford Billy Burke Lt. Rob Nunally Fiona Shaw Judge Robinson Bob Gunton Judge Frank Gardner
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Gregory Hoblit.
Labels: anthony-hopkins, bob-gunton, david-strathairn, drama6, me-favorite2, mystery1, rosamund-pike, suspense2
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Yes
- Who's watched: Watched and bought this movie AMD
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Finally, one more AMD movie that isn't fluffy, not even close! I stumbled across this movie by chance when I was browsing Netflix. It sounded interesting. I fell in love with it as I began watching it and became even more intrigued when I realized that the entire script was written in poetry. It is so skillfully written, directed and acted that I can imagine lots of people watching this movie and never realizing it is poetic. It's modern day Shakespeare. The story was also mesmerizing, especially it's peculiar overview of romantic relationships, sly and ironic, erotic in an offhanded way, which makes it hard to call this movie a romance, although I'll include that label on this review. I was so enthralled that when I bought the movie I also bought the script and, as well, had a copy of this movie sent to one of my sisters who I just knew would find it as intriguing as I did. I also excerpted one of the monologues from the movie, over-narrated by a character who is in a nursing home, pretty much comatose and immediately dying, to read at my grief support group because it confirmed something I rather suspected from having attended my own mother's death; that the dying (and the dead) don't necessarily want their survivors not to grieve for them.
I linked the title of this post to the movie's site (which, astonishingly is still up. However, I noticed that Roger Ebert was particularly impressed by this movie. You might want to read his review. He also interviewed Sally Potter and Joan Allen about their involvement in the movie. Even Chaz wrote a blog post about Ebert's admiration for the film. Why he did not christen this movie as one of his "Great Movies", I'll never understand, especially considering the glowing review he gave it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Allen She Simon Abkarian He Sam Neill Anthony Shirley Henderson Cleaner Wil Johnson Virgil Gary Lewis Billy Raymond Waring Whizzer Stephanie Leonidas Kate
Although the website linked to the title of this post is actually interesting, it's a bit daunting to get into and figure out, so, just in case here's the film's Wikipedia page.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by Sally Potter.
Labels: drama6, erotic, female-director3, film-art1, haunting1, joan-allen, me-favorite2, romance1, spiritual1
Flashdance
- Who's watched: Watched and bought this movie AMD
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I admit it. I'm a Flashdance junkie, just like millions (maybe billions, considering its stunning entry into the global cultural lexicon; if you doubt this, watch Caro diario; my library system used to have this film; it doesn't, anymore, I just checked). Yes, the story is dumb, yes it's pretty much badly acted, yes it's a pussy flick, but I don't care. I love the music/dance sequences. My favorite is the Maniac sequence. My second favorite is the Manhunt sequence: LOVE it when the dancer crawls across the floor! My third favorite is the one that features a reaction to television, Imagination. This is not to say that I don't like any of the other dance sequences. I found myself craving this film after my mother died, (much as I craved, with much personal embarrassment, the movie City of Angels) because I felt like I needed to feed off its energy. It worked, and still works. I guess, with City of Angels, I needed to feed off its grief process. Did my mother ever watch it? Possibly, during one of its infamous (but infrequent) television reruns, although I can't remember. Whether or not she saw it, would she have liked it? Absolutely, for exactly the same reasons I like it. I refuse to say any more on the grounds that it might incriminate both of us.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Beals Alexandra Owens Michael Nouri Nick Hurley Lilia Skala Hanna Long Sunny Johnson Jeanie Szabo Cyntha Rhodes Tina Tech Kyle T. Heffner Richie Blazek Lee Ving Johnny C Ron Karabatsos Jake Mawby
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Adrian Lyne.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, audio-visual, coming-of-age1, dance, me-favorite2, musical1, popcorn-and-soda2, pussy-flick, romance1
Friday, April 10, 2009
Thank You for Smoking
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: I rented this, fell in love with it as the ultimate in political instruction and purchased a copy for myself as a reminder of what I'll be up against if I ever decide to enter into politics (which I may) and how to give as good as I get. Although this movie is, of course, a broad satire, it is also a case of a no holds barred portrayal of reality being the satire. It isn't that I haven't been aware that much of politics is froth...it's that this movie made me realize that one can't beat the influence of froth unless one understands it and, as well, is willing to occasionally decorate one's priorities with froth. And, no, Mom never watched it. I made the choice not to show it to her. I was concerned that the speaking was so fast and furious that she would get lost in the shuffle. I now think I may have underestimated her ability to understand the point of this movie, and enjoy it. Maybe I'll do better next life.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Aaron Eckhart Nick Naylor Cameron Bright Joey Naylor Katie Holmes Heather Holloway Maria Bello Polly Bailey David Koechner Bobby Jay Bliss William H. Macy Sen. Ortolan Finistirre Robert Duvall The Captain J. K. Simmons B. R. Kim Dickens Jill Naylor Rob Lowe Jeff Megall Sam Elliott Lorne Lutch Daniel Travis Brad
Since I linked to Roger Ebert's review up there in the title of this post, here's the Wikipedia article on the movie.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Jason Reitman.
Labels: me-favorite2, political3, popcorn-and-soda3, robert-duvall, satire1
State of the Union
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Ah! This movie is a buried gem! I knew nothing about it when I spotted it at Costco. The play from which it is adapted continues to be produced and, apparently, over the last few years, has been considered especially timely: check out this link for proof. I purchased it solely on the strength of it being yet another Tracy/Hepburn movie. When Mom and I enthusiastically cracked the case that afternoon and watched the movie, we were both blown away! Aside from the fact that I can't believe this movie isn't more well known, it's extremely timely. It talks about political and economic issues with which we are still struggling; it suggests the possibility of not only a European Union but a World Union with a World Currency; it discusses the problems of corporate industry and talks about the relationship between management and unions...and, of course, it deals heavily with political corruption by lobbyists and business. Its story line includes a sub-story which is a frank exploration of marriage versus mistresses and the "sacrifices" wives and husbands appear to be obliged to make when one of them becomes involved in politics. It is yet another one of Frank Capra's movies and is clearly identifiable as one. And, it was made in 1948!
Mom and I were both wowed by this movie and wondered why it isn't considered among the Tracy/Hepburn classics, or among Capra's classics. We watched it multiple times before Mom died. I've watched it a couple of times since.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Spencer Tracy Grant Matthews Katharine Hepburn Mary Matthews Van Johnson Spike McManus Adolphe Menjou Jim Conover Lewis Stone Sam Thorndyke Howard Smith Sam I. Parish Maidel Turner Lulubelle Alexander Margaret Hamilton Norah
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1948
Directed by Frank Capra.
Labels: drama6, frank-capra, katharine-hepburn, me-favorite2, political3, popcorn-and-soda3, presidential, spencer-tracy, tracy-hepburn
Requiem for a Dream
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I had wanted to watch this movie ever since it came out and somehow never got the chance. I never mentioned it to anyone, but I thought of it often. When we joined a rental service I put it in my queue but there were always so many other, much lighter movies that I placed before it because, somehow, I knew this wasn't a film Mom would want to watch. Then, during the spring of 2008 when Mom was in the hospital in rehab, out of the blue MFS sent me a copy of this movie...even though I'm sure I never mentioned my interest in it to her...it's become, since, a symbol of our psychic link.
This movie is frenetic, tragic and gorgeous, all at the same time. Ostensibly the story of what addiction (to a variety of "things", including dreams) can do to a person. It's wonderfully acted and so succinctly imagined, written, produced, directed and portrayed that, after one scene in which one of the characters sexually compromises herself for drugs, MFS told me she felt like she needed to take a shower. It's true: The movie throws the grime of desperation right through the screen at you. There's something in this movie to make anyone, everyone feel dirty. The desperation never lets up; it's like watching a family version of Titus Andronicus. Which, of course, thrills me. I don't know why I'm attracted to such spot-on portrayals of the dregs of life, but I am, and this one is a masterpiece. I've watched it three times since I've received it. I'll watch it again. I've even created the category of "tragedy" for it, because, oddly, despite my attraction to tragedy, except for some of the video adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, we have no other relentless tragedies. I think I held off while Mom was alive because I suspected that I wouldn't be able to watch them, much. I was right...but, (cackling deleriously and rubbing hands together) THE SCREEN IS MINE, NOW, ALL AND ONLY MINE ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ellen Burstyn Sara Goldfarb Jared Leto Harry Goldfarb Jennifer Connelly Marion Silver Marlon Wayans Tyrone C. Love Christopher McDonald Tappy Tibbons Mark Margolis Mr. Rabinowitz Louise Lasser Ada Marcia Jean Kurtz Rae Sean Gullette Arnold The Shrink Keith David Big Tim Janet Sarno Mrs. Pearlman Dylan Baker Southern Doctor
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Labels: audio-visual, darren-aronofsky, drama7, dream1, dylan-baker, ellen-burstyn, film-art1, haunting2, jennifer-connelly, me-favorite2, tragedy2, violence2
Legends of the Fall
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: I'm truly surprised that I never mentioned this movie in the journals because, after I'd first seen it, the year it was released, I was mesmerized by it and talked it up to everyone who would listen, rented it endlessly and forced relatives to watch it with me, etc. I've often tried to explain why this movie has such a hold over me. Luckily, Mom always enjoyed it, as she does most big country-spectacle-epics. The acting is poor to fair to good to very occasionally excellent (usually the minor characters ring in the excellence in acting); the story is, well, the father-son story at the base of it is reasonably interesting but predictable; but the whole business about bears and the fall...it resonates with my own interest in bears and the fact that I've always been unreasonably proud of being a fall baby and feel "special" because of that accident of birth timing. I tend to feel as though I am in a dream when I watch this movie. Weird, I know. But, I expect to unreasonably love this movie for the rest of my life. I was lucky that Mom enjoyed it, too, I think it was like reading a sprawling novel, for her, thus she indulged my need to watch this at least once a year, if not more.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brad Pitt Tristan Ludlow Anthony Hopkins Col. William Ludlow Aidan Quinn Alfred Ludlow Julia Ormond Susannah Fincannon-Ludlow Henry Thomas Samuel Ludlow Karina Lombard Isabel 'Two' Decker-Ludlow Gordon Tootoosis One Stab Christina Pickles Isabel Ludlow Tantoo Cardinal Pet Decker Robert Wisden John T. O'Banion John Novak James O'Banion Kenneth Welsh Sheriff Tynert
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Edward Zwick
Labels: action1, adventure3, anthony-hopkins, drama7, dream1, haunting2, me-favorite2, period3, spectacle1, tantoo-cardinal, violence2, war1
Mrs. Brown
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I was surprised at Mom's initial reaction to this movie. She is usually chomping at the bit to watch any movie about "the royals", specifically the British royals. I think, though, this movie may have been a bit too restrained, not quite matching her expectations of a "royals" movie. And, it is a quiet movie, unlike most "royals" movies we have in our collection.
Despite the unresounding reception Mom gave this film when we first watched it, after some extensive wrangling I finally obtained a copy of it, solely because I wanted to watch it again, and again, and probably again. After a second watching of it, Mom warmed to it. It's a subtle movie, restrained acting in display of a restrained household...which is part of its magic. Judi Densch and Billy Connolly are wonderful in it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Judi Dench Queen Victoria Billy Connolly John Brown Geoffrey Palmer Henry Ponsonby Antony Sher Benjamin Disraeli Gerard Butler Archie Brown David Westhead Prince of Wales Bertie Richard Pasco Dr. Jenner Georgie Glen Lady Churchill
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by John Madden.
Labels: biography1, drama7, historical2, judi-dench, me-favorite2, period3, political3, royals
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Mr. Jones
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I was reminded of this movie when I heard that James Brown died early Christmas morning last year. The "Feel Good" song will forever be linked with this movie, for me, because it was perfect "song" casting. And, this movie will forever be a touchstone movie for me.
It is the acute portrayal of a man with whom I was in love and involved for many years, until his death by suicide (jumping out of a window) in a mental hospital, to which he had voluntarily committed himself because of, well, a bout of suicidal depression. At his death, he was the same age as Mr. Jones is portrayed to be in the movie. He was, in fact, like Mr. Jones in every respect, including delusions of being able to fly, except that his raw talent was not in music but in graphic art, and, his name was Ralph, not Mr. Jones, although his last name was, ironically, Flyte. When I saw the movie, by accident, actually, the year after it was released (it ended up on TV, as I recall) I was astonished at the portrayal. I have, since, used it as the dictionary to which I refer when my former, dead lover comes up in conversation.
The day James Brown died I remembered the movie and decided I wanted it in our collection. For reference. Cheap DVD on Amazon. I noticed, over and over, as I found myself reading the comments (which I almost never do), everyone's story with this movie is the same as mine. It describes, perfectly, someone they love. As well, everyone had problems with the trajectory of the relationship between psychiatrist and patient and what it implies about "love conquers all". If you've loved one of these extraordinary people who has succeeded in taking his or or her own life, you know that love is not enough. The problem wasn't lack of love, or the type of love you offered.
I can now afford to be lax about this problem with the movie. When I watched the movie again, with Mom, this time, I was once again electrified, from the very beginning, by Richard Gere's performance. If Ralph had lived to see this movie (he died in November, 1993) he would have danced gleefully and chanted, "That's me, that's me!"
I'm not going to come out with a of vote of grandeur for this movie that it doesn't possess. For some reason, though, because this movie exists, it is a comfort to those of us who have our Ralph Flytes (R.I.P., sweet man) or our Mr. Joneses.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Gere Mr. Jones Lena Olin Dr. Elizabeth Bowen Anne Bancroft Dr. Catherine Holland Tom Irwin Dr. Patrick Shaye Delroy Lindo Howard Lauren Tom Amanda Chang Bruce Altman David Lisa Malkiewicz Susan
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Mike Figgis.
Labels: delroy-lindo, drama8, me-favorite2, richard-gere, romance2
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The Year of Living Dangerously
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of what I consider to be Peter Weir's more mysterious movies. Every time he does a movie about obvious political conflict, I come away with a sense that the big picture is disastrously easy to miss in the detail of living politically.
I never think of this movie when Mom and I are deciding what to watch together. I expect she will never see it, simply because I don't think of it, even when we have a Peter Weir fest, which we do about once a year. I think she would find Linda Hunt's performance entertaining and noteworthy, but in a Samuel Johnson kind of way. Otherwise, I don't think she would find the story at all involving. Although I may be wrong. If I ever discover that I am, I will certainly update this report.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mel Gibson Guy Hamilton Sigourney Weaver Jill Bryant Bill Kerr Colonel Henderson Michael Murphy Pete Curtis Linda Hunt Billy Kwan Noel Ferrier Wally O'Sullivan Bembol Roco Kumar Mike Emperio Sukarno
As often happens, the title for this post, above, is linked to an alternate source, other than Wikipedia. Here is the Wikipedia article on this movie, if you're interested.
Release Date: 1982
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: adventure3, drama8, historical3, journalism, me-favorite2, mel-gibson, peter-weir, political3, sigourney-weaver, war2
The Truman Show
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: The first time my mother watched this she said, enthusiastically, that she enjoyed it. The second time I watched it in her presence, she paid no attention to it. The third time, not too long ago, she stared at the screen in a daze but insisted on sticking with it, then announced at the end that "...it doesn't seem to have much of a point." In some ways, I consider this movie a barometer of my mother's mental acuity on the day she happens to see it.
This is, by the way, one of my favorite Weir movies.
Once again, the title for this post is linked to an alternate source.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jim Carrey Truman Burbank Laura Linney Hannah Gill/Meryl Ed Harris Christof Noah Emmerich Louis Coltrane/Marion Natascha McElhone Sylvia/Lauren Garland Holland Taylor Truman's Mother Brian Delate Truman's Father Paul Giamatti Simeon
Here is a link to the Wikipedia article on this film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: coming-of-age1, drama8, fantasy3, laura-linney, me-favorite2, paul-giamatti, peter-weir, popcorn-and-soda4, satire2
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Japanese Story
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: The above comment in the "Mentions" pretty much says it all, from which I'll take the liberty of quoting: Last night, Mom rearose as I was about 10 minutes into watching Japanese Story. This is one of those movies I rented, when it first came out on DVD, strictly on the strength of Toni Collette being in the cast. I fell so in love with the movie that I have continued to think of it since. Mom didn't watch it at that time. When I ran across a barely used (probably only watched once), cheap copy of it some days ago when turning in movies for credit at my favorite get-rid-of-DVDs-you-don't-want place, I snatched it using some of my accumulated credit. When Mom joined me last night, I told her what I was doing and restarted the movie. Although she expressed interest, I expected that at a point after about 15 minutes of watching the movie she'd become bored and I'd stop it for viewing at another alone-time. I was wrong. She was riveted, too. When the movie ended, she surprised me by saying, as the credits rolled, "I really enjoyed that! Let's buy that movie. I'd like to see it again."
We discussed it, mostly the landscape, about which Mom commented, more than a few times during the movie, "Where is this? Australia? We should move to Australia," despite me reminding her that we probably couldn't live in the environments shown in the movie with which she particularly fell in love [You can take the woman out of the desert, I guess, but you can't take the desert out of the woman]; and about the subtle appreciation that grew between the main characters (the wife of the businessman included, even though she appears only in the last quarter of the movie), despite their extreme cultural differences.
At one point I mentioned something about my reaction when I first saw the movie.
"You've seen this movie? Why don't I remember seeing it?"
"You didn't see it the first time, Mom. I wasn't sure you'd like it."
"Well, from now on, check with me before you decide what you think I'd like."
Yes m'am!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Toni Collette Sandy Edwards Gotaro Tsunashima Hiromitsu Tachibana Matthew Dyktynski Bill Baird Lynette Curran Mum Yumiko Tanaka Yukiko Tachibana Kate Atkinson Jackie Bill Young Jimmy Smithers Reg Evans Bloke in a Boat
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Sue Brooks.
Labels: drama9, dream1, female-director2, me-favorite2, toni-collette
All About Eve
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I think this is the first Bette Davis movie I watched with attention, and it will remain my all time favorite of hers, edging out Now, Voyager only because I saw this one first. I love the presentation of the story; I love the way Davis plays the part; I love all the supporting characters, including Eve. Addison DeWitt strikes exactly the right tone, from beginning to end. It's funny, in the review to which I connect in the title, much mention is made of Marilyn Monroe's bit part, how her legendary luminosity is evident in this movie, how she steals all her scenes and how this appearance pre-figures her stardom. When she is in scene with Davis, though, I only have eyes for Davis. Monroe's luminosity may have drawing power, but it doesn't compare to Davis', which, I suppose, could be compared to that of a black hole, sucking viewers in beyond the power of a nascent star.
Mom, of course, loves this movie because it features Bette Davis.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Margo Channing Anne Baxter Eve Harrington George Sanders Addison DeWitt Celeste Holm Karen Richards Gary Merrill Bill Sampson Hugh Marlowe Lloyd Richards Thelma Ritter Birdie Coonan Gregory Ratoff Max Fabian
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1950
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, me-favorite2, thelma-ritter, women's-movie1
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
{proof}
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm surprised that I haven't mentioned this movie in the journal. It made such an impression on me that I bought it the same day I rented and watched it. This is yet another movie that doesn't mention caregiving but is about caregiving. Although the detail is specific, the caregiver daughter shares an unusual talent for math with the father, the extent to which the caregiver comes to identify with the care recipient is not dependent on a shared talent. Watching the movie continues to give me goose flesh. My mother and I are not linked by an unusual talent but we are, now, linked by concern and proximity as well as a very dynamic love. I was also impressed by the relationship between the two daughters, how it spoke of the other daughter's relationship with her father...some subtle things were said about why certain people take over the care of their parent and others don't. As well, I certainly know the feeling of not needing to have someone take care of me but the fear that one (or more) of my sisters will feel the need to "care" for me. This movie is the second in my "library" of films that show an interest in caregiving, the first being Marvin's Room.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gwyneth Paltrow Catherine Llewellyn Anthony Hopkins Robert Llewellyn Jake Gyllenhaal Harold Dobbs Hope Davis Claire Llewellyn
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by John Madden.
Labels: anthony-hopkins, caregiver, drama9, hope-davis, jake-gyllenhaal, me-favorite2
Friday, February 10, 2006
Lord of War
- Who's watched: M (half) & G (all)
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Well, I'm thrilled with this movie. It engaged me from the very beginning and entranced me to the very end. I bought the DVD immediately after seeing it so I could watch the special features and would have many chances to watch the movie again. It engaged Mom, too, but I guess I started it too late, she decided to take a nap about halfway through, then, remembering that it didn't keep her from taking a nap, has refused to watch it since, even though she watched the special features with me. I think I'll pop it on her by surprise. It's not as though she's unfamiliar with the subject or prey to what are considered the standard female predilections against fire arms. She used to be a crack shot and a gunnery instructor in the Navy, after all.
In addition to Roger Ebert's review linked to the title in this post, there's a second review written by Omer M. Mozaffar, RogerEbert.com site contributor. If you watched this movie, its special features, and enjoyed them all, read his review. It's delightfully unsettling.
RE-WATCHED: 7/29-30/2020 Including bonus material on disc 2. Weapons of the Trade and Making a Killing were particularly interesting. Weapons of the Trade includes a history of each weapon featured. Because of the information included in the documentary, I learned what "submachine gun" meant. Funny, too, because I remembered, as I watched this feature, that it held more interest for my mother than the actual movie. My mother was never a fan of war, but she was a fan of gunnery. Of course, even in the Navy, my mother was never required to use weaponry in fighting ... only in teaching and for sport.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicolas Cage Yuri Orlov Ethan Hawke I. A. Jack Valentine Jared Leto Vitaly Orlov Bridget Moynahan Ava Fontaine Eamonn Walker André Baptiste Sr. Sammi Rotibi André Baptiste Jr. Ian Holm Simeon Weisz Eugene Lazarev Gen. Dmitri Volkov
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Andrew Niccol.
Labels: drama9, haunting2, me-favorite2, nicolas-cage, political4, violence3, war2
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
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
