Thursday, June 09, 2022
There Will Be Blood
- Commentary: This movie is the ultimate meditation on personal, capitalistic greed. It leaves nothing out. It expertly delineates, on both a personal and a corporate level, how increasingly debilitating capitalism becomes in the lives of people who practice it ... and the devastating effect the condition has on those who are in contact with the person who is in singleminded pursuit of satisfying greed. Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is breathtaking. He is flanked by the best of actors, even in the small roles. One of the aspects of this movie that I find most arresting is that the main character, who Daniel Day-Lewis plays, is never good. Many movies about capitalism, whether they are about the effects on one person or on society, attempt to meander through some sort of explanation of how capitalism has turned a good person, or a good group, bad. No such explanation, here. To me, this is a revelation: if you are born into capitalism and accept it, as an infant, you are rotten from the start. You can't ever know good, be good, because the system that nurtured your humanity is bad. Whew! This is an important statement. Potentially depressing, but important.
RogerEbert.com featured many articles about this movie. Here is the search page I pulled on the movie title over there. Have at it.
Update 6/9/2022: 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 Daniel Day-Lewis Daniel Plainview Paul Dano Paul & Eli Sunday Kevin J. O'Connor Henry Ciarán Hinds Fletcher Hamilton Dillon Freasier H. W. Plainview Russell Harvard Adult H. W. Plainview Sydney McCallister Young Mary Sunday Colleen Foy Adult Mary Sunday David Willis Abel Sunday Hans Howes Bandy Paul F. Tompkins Prescott Jim Downey Al Rose
Here is Wikipedia's write-up on this film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
Labels: drama2, historical1, period1, revisionist-western
The Big Country
- Commentary: To me, this is the frontier version of Giant. It's a bit more romancy, yes, but the central conflict is essentially the same: the challenges of capitalistic success in western America. And, anyway, it's a delight to see Jean Simmons and Charlton Heston in such off-track roles. This movie played with Giant back to back (doesn't matter which is played first) is a great way to spend a precipitous afternoon. In fact, there are some precipitous days coming up shortly. Guess what I'll be doing through at least one of them!
Finally, yes, I know, many critics considered it silly and cliché ridden. I know it's silly and cliché ridden. And, still, I consider it one of the ultimate pop-corn-and-soda movies of all time.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 1/16/2021 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck James McKay Jean Simmons Julie Maragon Carroll Baker Patricia Terrill Charlton Heston Steve Leech Burl Ives Rufus Hannassey Charles Bickford Mjr. Henry Terrill Alfonso Bedoya Ramón Gutierrez Chuck Connors Buck Hannassey Chuck Hayward Rafe Hannassey Buff Brady Dude Hannassey Jim Burk Cracker Hannassey Dorothy Adams Hannassey Woman
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1958
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: adventure2, carroll-baker, charlton-heston, drama2, gregory-peck, historical1, jean-simmons, period1, popcorn-and-soda7, romance1, western
Chaplin
- Commentary: The Roll Dance, a piece of music written for, and from, this movie, perfectly encapsulates what I love about this movie. For me, it doesn't just reflect the scene in which it's played. It reflects the entire ambience of this bio-pic: upbeat, with a hint of the unsettled, a hint of trauma, a hint of being provoked simultaneously to a need to be uplifting while also acknowledging the tragedy that dogs one's footsteps throughout life.
Robert Downey, Jr., in my opinion, was the perfect actor to play Chaplin. He has the same tendency as Julia Roberts, to be "Robert Downey, Jr. playing ... ", but, while this irritates me in Julia Roberts it delights me in Robert Downey, Jr. Robert Downey, Jr. is, for instance, Iron Man, as he says in the movie Iron Man. He is Kirk Lazarus in Tropic Thunder. And, he is Chaplin in this movie.
Granted, it is a bit disturbing to see Robert Downey, Jr. in the sequences where he is playing Chaplin as an old man; something about the make-up job. It's not bad and it's not good, but I guess aging make-up hadn't been perfected at the time of this production. Nonetheless, I believe him as old Chaplin.
Finally, it is impossible for me to watch this movie and not be transported by the scintilating perfection of its production. I've been wanting to own this movie forever. I've had it for about three months, now, and, call me crazy, but I've watched it at least three times since I received it. In fact, I think I'll watch it again, tonight!
A bynote: Roger Ebert (who's review is linked to the title of this post) did not like this movie. He considered it an insult to the man it portrayed. I have no quibble with his criticisms, but, damnit I really like the film. I've watched it a lot. I'm not opposed to Ebert's criticism, but neither am I swayed by it.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 1/16/2021 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Downey Jr. Charlie Chaplin Marisa Tomei Mabel Normand Geraldine Chaplin Hannah Chaplin Paul Rhys Sidney Chaplin John Thaw Fred Karno Moira Kelly Hetty Kelly Francesca Buller Minnie Chaplin Nancy Travis Joan Barry Anthony Hopkins George Hayden Dan Ackroyd Mack Sennett Penelope Ann Miller Edna Purviance Kevin Kline Douglas Fairbanks Matthew Cottle Stan Laurel Maria Pitillo Mary Pickford Milla Jovovich Mildred Harris Kevin Dunn J. Edgar Hoover Deborah Moore Lita Grey Diane Lane Paulette Goddard James Woods Joseph Scott David Duchovny Roland Totheroh
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Richard Attenborough.
Labels: anthony-hopkins, biography1, charlie-chaplin, dramedy1, historical1, james-woods, kevin-kline, period1, political1, reflective, robert-downey-jr
Friday, May 07, 2021
Danton
- Commentary: Under Construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gérard Depardieu Georges Danton Wojciech Pszoniak Maximilien Robespierre Patrice Chéreau Camille Desmoulins Bogusław Linda Louis de Saint-Just Angela Winkler Lucile Desmoulins Andrzej Seweryn François Louis Bourdon Serge Merlin Pierre Philippeaux Roland Blanche Jean-François Delacroix Jacques Villeret François Joseph Westermann Anne Alvaro Éléonore Duplay Roger Planchon Antoine Quentin Fouquier-Tinville Franciszek Starowieyski Jacques-Louis David Alain Macé François Héron Krzysztof Globisz Amar Ronald Guttman Herman Tadeusz Huk Couthon
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Andrzej Wajda.
Labels: §1, Criterion1, drama1, gérard-depardieu, historical1, period1, ronald-guttman
Monday, April 05, 2021
The Witch
- Commentary: I finally watched this film last night, 6/30/21. I know. I've had it since April. My only excuse is that, although since that time I've added several movies (seen and unseen previous to purchase) I've wanted to own, at the same time I entered into a period, not the first I've experienced, when I just didn't want to spend much time staring at the screen, no matter how much any particular movie excited me.
Anyway, interesting, interesting film! First of all, there's not a false performance in it. Second, the setting is exquisitely managed. Third, the story, itself, slips, expertly between "witches, yes" and "witches, no". Third, character development and relational portrayal between characters are never neglected. I ended the movie with no questions or holes in my understanding. In addition, my attention was riveted from beginning to end.
Truthfully, having been born on Halloween, I have a special relationship with horror movies that focus on witchery. I have, by no means, seen all of them and tend to avoid the hundreds (if not thousands) of horror films, witched or not, that cluster-release around Halloween. This movie, though, is designed, I think, to be thought provoking and decidedly eerie any time of the year, especially since it unfolds slowly. Impressive job for a directoral first. It would, in fact, be an excellent job for a film made in the middle or end of a long film-making career.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anya Taylor-Joy Thomasin Ralph Ineson William Kate Dickie Katherine Harvey Scrimshaw Caleb Ellie Grainger Mercy Lucas Dawson Jonas Julian Richings The Governor Bathsheba Garnett The Old Witch Sarah Stephens The Young Witch Charlie Goat Black Phillip Wahab Chaudhry Human Black Phillip Axtun & Athan Dube Samuel
Here's the Wikipeda write-up on this film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Robert Eggers.
Labels: A24, drama1, feminist, folk-horror, period1, popcorn-and-soda1, psychological1, spiritual1, women's-movie2
Thursday, March 18, 2021
The Last King of Scotland
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, I have three reviews for you. The title is linked to one that questions the movie's veracity. Here is a review that simply praises the movie and its motives (and, twice, mispells "ensue" as "ensure") without question. Here is Glenn Erickson's review (of DVD Savant) that treads a moderate, thoughtful path between the two previous reviews.
Finding good reviews of this movie is incredibly hard. Roger Ebert spoke of it many times, reviewed it on his television program, but either didn't write a review or, if he did, it's unavailable. Everywhere.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Forest Whitaker Idi Amin James McAvoy Dr. Nicholas Garrigan Kerry Washington Kay Amin Gillian Anderson Sarah Merrit Simon McBurney Stone David Oyelowo Dr. Junju David Ashton Garrigan Sr. Barbara Rafferty Mrs. Garrigan
I, frankly, find Whitaker's performance and the story riveting, no matter how much of it is fact, or, for that matter, truth.
Here is the Wikipedia write-up on this movie, which, as well, disputes some of the elements of the movie. It even reminds us that the movie is based on a novel and characterizes Giles Foden, the author as indicating, "...the film's depiction of Amin is comparable with the Shakespearean character Macbeth, whom he had in mind when writing the novel."
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
Labels: drama1, forest-whitaker, historical1, me-favorite1, period1
The Emigrants
- Commentary: Under construction.
As well as the review, linked to the title of this post, Roger Ebert also wrote an interesting article containing a mini-interview with one of the two screenplay writers. More than an interview, though, it is a reflection on many aspects of Swedish cinema with the views of multiple people respresented.
This movie is a companion to and encased with The New Land.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Max von Sydow Karl Oskar Nilsson Liv Ullmann Kristina Nilsson Eddie Axberg Robert Nilsson Sven-Olof Bern Nilsson Father Aina Alfredsson Nilsson Mother Allan Edwall Danjel Andreasson Monica Zetterlund Ulrika Pierre Lindstedt Arvid Hans Alfredson Jonas Petter Ulla Smidje Inga-Lena Andreasson Eva-Lena Zetterlund Elin Gustaf Färingborg Provost Brusander Åke Fridell Aron Agneta Prytz Fina-Kajsa Halvar Björk Anders Månsson Bruno Sörwing Sherriff Lönnegren
Here is the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by Jan Troell.
Labels: §3, Criterion1, drama1, immigration, max-von-sydow, period1
The New Land
- Commentary: Under construction.
The essay above is about the companion movies "The Emigrants" and "The New Land".
This movies is a companion to and encased with The Emigrants.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Max von Sydow Karl Oskar Nilsson Liv Ullmann Kristina Nilsson Eddie Axberg Robert Nilsson Pierre Lindstedt Arvid Allan Edwall Danjel Andreasson Monica Zetterlund Ulrika Hans Alfredson Jonas Petter Agneta Prytz Fina-Kajsa Halvar Björk Anders Månsson Tom C. Fouts Pastor Jackson Per Oscarsson Pastor Törner Oscar Ljung Oscar Ljung
Here in the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Jan Troell.
Labels: §3, Criterion1, drama1, immigration, max-von-sydow, period1
Sunday, January 17, 2021
The Untouchables
- Commentary: This is such a smooth, well crafted story and movie that, of course, I own it, have watched it more than once and expect to watch it again. And, again. Highlights are Sean Connery's character and performance, of course, followed closely by Robert DeNiro's (who is almost unrecognizable in his part) characterization of Al Capone. Kevin Costner's ubiquitous "cool" is perfect for this part. Andy Garcia is, appropriately, subservient to the script, thus, I think it's one of his best performances.
By the way, see my write-up for Battleship Potemkin for information on the baby carriage scene in this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kevin Costner Eliot Ness Sean Connery Jim Malone Robert De Niro Al Capone Charles Martin Smith Oscar Wallace Andy García George Stone Billy Drago Nitti Patricia Clarkson Edna Ness Richard Bradford Mike
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1987
Directed by Brian De Palma.
Labels: action2, adventure2, andy-garcía, brian-de-palma, detective1, drama1, historical1, period1, political1, popcorn-and-soda1, robert-de-niro, violence1
- Commentary: This is such a smooth, well crafted story and movie that, of course, I own it, have watched it more than once and expect to watch it again. And, again. Highlights are Sean Connery's character and performance, of course, followed closely by Robert DeNiro's (who is almost unrecognizable in his part) characterization of Al Capone. Kevin Costner's ubiquitous "cool" is perfect for this part. Andy Garcia is, appropriately, subservient to the script, thus, I think it's one of his best performances.
Saturday, January 16, 2021
Wonder Woman
- Commentary: I really enjoy the part of this movie which focuses on Diana's Amazonian life. The rest of it, once she leaves Themyscira, eh. My reaction to the story of how Diana becomes embroiled in World War I and, as the blurbs say, discovers her true destiny, left me flat. Yes, the underplot of Diana actually battling Ares as she becomes involved in WWI is interesting, but frankly, anti-climactic. I'm not sure why. You'd think this mission would be exciting. That's certainly the secondary reason why I purchased the movie. The primary reason was because I collect certain super-hero movies and I wanted this particular origin story in my catalog. Will I watch it again? Probably. As I do, though, I'll always wish ...
Update 8/7/2021: I haven't decided whether I want to obtain Wonder Woman: 1984. I've read synopses (some detailed) of the movie, so I know the story, but, of course, that's not important, since, if I like a movie, I'll watch it multiple times, with the story already firmly in mind for all but one of those watches. And, as well, I don't particularly care about the conflicted reviews, like the one immediately above in this paragraph. Thing is, I've watched the original only once and, despite my adoration for the character as played by Gal Gadot, I may never watch this movie, again. My copy won't end up at my local library, since I consider it a must-keep in my super-hero caches (both caches linked, by the way; one to "super-hero" and one to "caches"). But, unlike Iron Man, for instance, I'm not drawn back to yet another watching. Then, again, this movie features Kristin Wiig as a villian, and that sounds like fun. Perhaps I'll check it out of my local library and see how I like it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gal Gadot Diana/Wonder Woman Chris Pine Steve Trevor Robin Wright Antiope Danny Huston Erich Ludendorff David Thewlis Sir Patrick Connie Nielsen Hippolyta Elena Anaya Dr. Isabel Maru Lucy Davis Etta Candy Saïd Taghmaoui Sameer Ewen Bremner Charlie Eugene Brave Rock Chief Lisa Loven Kongsli Menalippe
The Wikipedia article on this movie is here.
Release Date: 2017
Directed by Patty Jenkins, as is the second film in this series.
Labels: action2, adventure2, don't-ask-me-why, drama1, fantasy1, female-director3, military, period1, political1, popcorn-and-soda1, pseudo-cgi-animation, super-hero1, suspense1, thriller1, violence1, war1
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
Agora
- Commentary: This movie isn't well known here in the U.S. It got middling reviews, in the sense that about half the reviewers praised it and the other half either panned it or didn't bother to review it. I own it because I'd seen it somewhere on some channel and couldn't get the portrayal of Hypatia out of my head. I knew nothing about this woman when I first watched the film. It seems, if you refer to the article to which I've linked in the title, that a fair amount of the "facts" in the movie were drafted onto the story from either before or after Hypatia's life, or have no reference, at all. Still, I like the movie, I like the story, and I especially like Rachel Weisz's portrayal of Hypatia. There are a few special features. I know I watched them. I always watch special or bonus features. I remember nothing about the ones for this movie, however. I'll need to check on them, again, when I rewatch the movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Rachel Weisz Hypatia of Alexandria Max Minghella Davus Oscar Isaac Orestes Michael Lonsdale Theon of Alexandria/Hypatia's Father Homayoun Ershadi Hypatia's Research Asst. Sami Samir Cyril of Alexandria Manuel Cauchi Theophilus of Alexandria Rupert Evans Synesius of Cyrene
For those who care, here's the Wikipedia write-up on this film.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Alejandro Amenábar.
Labels: biography1, drama2, historical1, oscar-isaac, period1, rachel-weisz, teaching
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Confucius
- Commentary: I almost didn't acquire this movie. I found out about it, looked for it at the local library, couldn't find it and figured, well, I don't want to take a chance on it if I can't pre-view (yes, the dash is intentional) it. I mean, I'm familiar with some of Chow Yun Fat's work, martial arts stuff, find him riveting as an actor but knew almost nothing about Confucius except for the dubious details that our culture pawns off on us. When I discovered the movie, by accident, I was intrigued enough to go looking for information on the man, himself. It was this research, which is voluminous, that whetted my interest in the movie. There is a great deal of information on Confucius, but the most intriguing bit of information is that there is some (little) historical doubt as to whether he or his renowned teacher, Laozi, even existed in anything other than legend. Regardless of whether either figure actually existed or were combinations of several Chinese philosophers and legends, the impact of both figures on both Chinese and global society cannot be denied.
So, based only on Confucius' impact, my appreciation for Chow Yun Fat's work and finding the movie, new, at a good price, I decided to purchase it.
I'm pleased I did. Whether Confucius is legend or fact, the movie is so well done and very involving. It swept me up and delivered me into a life full of action and intrigue. Extraordinary man. His life, legendary, actual, whatever, was a touchstone. If such a person hadn't have lived, he surely would have been invented, by the best minds of his day and the days to come.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Chow Yun-fat Confucius Zhou Xun Nanzi Xu Huanshan Laozi Yao Lu Duke Lu Dinggong Ma Jingwu Duke Jing of Qi Bi Yanjun Duke Ling of Wei Wang Huichun Li Chu Li Huan Kuai Kui Chen Jianbin Jisun Si Lu Yi Jisun Fei Wang Ban Shushun Wu Wu Liansheng Mengsun He Kai Li Lady Qiguan Qiao Zhenyu Kong Li Chen Rui Kong Jiao Ren Quan Yan Hui
In case you're curious, here's the Wikipedia page on this film. It's a sad affair, especially since most of its wordage is about (some) of the controversies surrounding the film. The review linked to the title of this post is from ScreenAnarchy and, I think, is a much fairer representation of the film, including the constroversies it stirred. Don't be surprised if I link to more of their content in the future.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Hu Mei.
Labels: §2, action2, adventure2, biography1, cgi-animation, drama2, female-director1, historical1, period1, political1, reflective, spectacle1, spiritual1, war1
Mulan: Rise of a Warrior
- Commentary: I didn't know this movie existed until recently. Yes, I enjoy the Disney cartoon version of Mulan, I have it in my collection. When I discovered that this live action version existed, though, I immediately checked it out of our library system and watched it. Although it dramatizes many of the same themes, including romance, although a thwarted one, it is a much more serious take on the legend, especially since any comic elements this one contains (and, there are a few soft moments that could be considered comic) do not have anything to do with Eddie Murphy or a dragon and a chicken. However, there is a striking parallel between the portrayal of the Mulans.
Much to my surprise, I'm not sure which version I prefer. Immediately after I watched this version (when I initially checked in out of the library), I found myself hankering to watch Disney's version ... and I did. Both movies have such a high degree of respect for the heroine that I find them both satisfying, and mutually complementary. Which is why I now own a copy.
You'll notice the number of tags I have attached to this movie; and the fact that the same number is not attached to the Disney version of Mulan. I think all the tags I've attached to this version could apply to the Disney version, but I think this movie had more of an impact on me than the Disney version. Truth is, I'm curious about the 2020 live action Mulan put out by Disney. At some point I'll check it out of the library and watch it, but I'm not sure I'll purchase it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Zhao Wei Hua Mulan Chen Kun Wentai Hu Jun Mendu Jaycee Chan Fei Xiaohu Nicky Lee Hu Kui Liu Yuxin Rouran Princess Yu Rongguang Hua Hu Vitas Guide
If you feel the need, here's the sparse write-up on this film at Wikipedia.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Jingle Ma.
Labels: §2, action2, adventure2, cgi-animation, coming-of-age1, drama2, fantasy1, father-daughter-dynamics, gender-bender, historical1, military, period1, political1, romance1, spectacle1, tragedy1, war1
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
The Age of Innocence
- Commentary: Truth is, I read this novel long, long, long before I saw this movie, which is why I was reluctant to see it. I read the book at a time, being an older teen, when I found the story poignant and troubling. This is no longer true for me. The movie exists for me, now, as an opulent drama of manners, well done by Scorsese, well acted by the entire cast and a great way to spend a rainy (or snowy, which was the weather the last time I watched it) afternoon in a mountain community.
Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his "Great Movies", as well. In addition, he conducted an interview with Martin Scorsese specifically about this movie and Scorcese's history with it, among other issues highlighted by the movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Daniel Day-Lewis Newland Archer Michelle Pfeiffer Ellen Olenska Winona Ryder May Welland Miriam Margolyes Mrs. Mingott Geraldine Chaplin Mrs. Welland Michael Gough Henry van der Luyden Richard E. Grant Larry Lefferts Mary Beth Hurt Regina Beaufort Robert Sean Leonard Ted Archer Norman Lloyd Mr. Letterblair Alec McCowen Sillerton Jackson Siân Phillips Mrs. Archer Carolyn Farina Janey Archer Jonathan Pryce Rivière Alexis Smith Louisa van der Luyden Joanne Woodward Narrator
Just in case, as always, here's the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Martin Scorsese.
Labels: Criterion1, drama3, historical1, joanne-woodward, jonathan-pryce, martin-scorsese, period1, popcorn-and-soda1, romance1, spectacle1
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
Gaslight
- Commentary: Of course I was bound to own this movie! I am, after all a self-respecting movie maven-of-sorts. And, of course, it is this version I chose to own. Ingrid Bergman; Angela Lansbury; Charles Boyer; Joseph Cotten. Are you kidding? Is there any other version?!?
This movie is not only a pure delight of a thriller, for me, I love the way it's done. The planning of the contrasts between outside and inside, light and dark, expansive and claustrophobic, are, yes, thrilling for me to watch. Angela Lansbury is a delicious tart. Ingrid Bergman is a surprisingly unshrinking violet. Charles Boyer plays against type so well, it's hard to remember his performances as a romantic male lead.
The main reason I thought to buy it recently is because of the current craze for using the word "gaslight" and its derivatives, especially in news and commentary. When I hear these young ones using it, I chuckle internally. I'm sure a majority of these earnest politicos have no idea of the term's derivation. In fact, when I watch this movie, I often think of my niece, who shares my love of movies (and is an actor) and I partly bought the movie so I would have it the next time she visits because, you know, she's of the generation of people who is tossing this term around and I have a sneaking suspicion she doesn't know where it comes from.
To this day, an utter gem of a movie. And, yes, the site to which I linked the title of this post gives a review of both the 1940 and 1944 movies. Mine is the 1944 version with Ingrid Bergman, although I've wished to see the 1940 one, just out of curiosity.
By the way, I've linked Bergman's name to an article featuring interviews of three people done for Roger Ebert's site in 2015.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Charles Boyer Gregory Anton/Sergis Bauer Ingrid Bergman Paula Alquist Anton Joseph Cotton Brian Cameron Dame May Whitty Bessie Thwaites Angela Lansbury Nancy Oliver Barbara Everest Elizabeth Tompkins Emil Rameau Maestro Guardi Edmund Breon General Huddleston Halliwell Hobbes Mr. Mufflin Heather Thatcher Lady Mildred Dalroy Lawrence Grossmith Lord Freddy Dalroy Jakob Gimpel Pianist
As well, just in case, here's the Wikipedia write up to this particular film.
Release Date: 1944
Directed by George Cukor.
Labels: angela-lansbury, drama3, film-noir1, ingrid-bergman, melodramaA, mystery1, period1, suspense1, thriller1
The Group
- Commentary: Ah, yes! The Group! I did not see this film until years, decades, in fact, after it came out. I believe I first saw it on TCM while my mother and I were companions. I had read the book around the time when the movie came out. And loved it. I didn't relate to the time period but the writing and story telling were so good I didn't need to. I never forgot the passages about Dottie and her initial sexual adventure. When I finally saw the movie, I was delighted with how that was portrayed in the film. I also found Joan Hackett mesmerizing in the part, although I had, for a long time, been a fan of her work, mostly through her appearance in character roles on television.
The ensemble of actors in this movie is incredible. The story is an exceptionally thoughtful and thought provoking description of a particular period in the lives of privileged young women. The movie, itself, is so well done it is a miracle to watch. I've seen it twice since I bought it and it snatches me into it with every viewing. When it finishes, I'm ready to watch it again.
I've been trying for some years to obtain a copy of it but, although all the places that sell movies have had it advertised, it's also been unavailable. Recently it came back on the market. I'd been keeping my eye on its availability for some years and as soon as it was re-released, I snatched up a copy.
Watching it twice has made me hungry to read the book, again.
As a curious side note, searching for reviews of this movie was oddly frustrating, considering my interest in it. It seems, the movie attracted more attention overseas than it did in the U.S. The one review I could find, had access to and attached to the mention of the movie in the first paragraph seems to sum up, in short shrift, the U.S. reaction to it.
As a continuation to the above side note, TCM has a very interesting background review of the film, which I've linked to the title of this post. When the link comes up, click into the title of the review. For some reason, TCM won't let bloggers link directly into their articles.
Rewatched: 3/5-6/22 - I've decided to reread the novel by Mary McCarthy upon which this movie is based. I've been meaning to reread the novel since I obtained a copy of the movie, but hadn't yet gotten around to it. Then, today, I read (a first reading) the story upon which another one of my [RW]s is based and the process so illuminated my understanding of the movie that I decided I should proceed apace with rereading the novel upon which this movie is based. It'll probably take me a few, or more, days. Luckily, I have a copy of that novel. I'll report back when the deed is done.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Candice Bergen Elinor Eastlake Joan Hackett Dottie Renfrew Latham Elizabeth Hartman Priss Hartshorn Crockett Shirley Knight Polly Andrews Ridgeley Joanna Pettet Kay Strong Peterson Mary-Robin Redd Mary Prothero Beauchamp Jessica Walter Libby MacAusland Kathleen Widdoes Helena Davison James Broderick Dr. James Ridgeley James Congdon Sloan Crockett Larry Hagman Harald Peterson Hal Holbrook Gus Leroy Richard Mulligan Dick Brown Robert Emhardt Henry Andrews Carrie Nye Norine Blake Baruch Lumet Mr. Schneider
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1966
Directed by Sidney Lumet.
Labels: buddy, candice-bergen, coming-of-age1, drama3, historical1, joan-hackett, period1, popcorn-and-soda2, satire1, women's-movie1
Monday, July 01, 2019
Mary Poppins Returns
- Commentary: Yep, yep, yep, I bought this movie on a whim when I saw it at Costco (which, by the way, almost never carries movies anymore, unless the movies are theater blockbusters), without consideration, even though my initial reaction to the first Mary Poppins was disappointment (which I wrote about in the review for that movie).
Not disappointed, this time. First of all, I adore Emily Blunt's work and was excited to see her as Mary Poppins. She is, yes, Mary Poppins' (Julie Andrews') improved-edition daughter. Second, I knew that even if I was ambivalent about this one, I would watch it with much nostalgia and would want to buy it. So I didn't bother to check it out of the library (which the length of the hold list promised wouldn't be available to me for at least a couple of months) before purchasing it. Third, I don't know, something about Mom and her enjoyment of the first Mary Poppins movie, something about my sisters and me as kids in Honolulu that summer when we saw the first Mary Poppins, blah, blah, blah ... well, Mary Poppins Returns more than met my expectations. Emily Blunt kills it! The script is, well, it's a "Mary Poppins" script, but it's interesting and the historical timing works with the story. The songs are fun and catchy and, frankly, in my opinion, the musical accompaniment is better, more musically magical, than in the first Mary Poppins movie. I like Jack better in this movie than Bert in the last, but I think that's because it was impossible, in the first, to think of Bert as not-Dick-Van-Dyke. In this movie Jack is just Jack for me. I find it interesting, though, that Bert, who was a jack-of-all-trades (primarily a chimney sweep), is transformed into "Jack" in this sequel. Also, I seem to remember that Bert was more integral to the story than is Jack, but that's one of the reasons I'm planning on watching the 1964 movie again before rewatching this one. Oh, yeah, and the star cameos! Yikes! It seems that everyone wanted to get into this one, including some of the cast for the original Mary Poppins! Hello, Bert ...
I have yet to watch this new one a second time, but I want to watch the original before watching this one again. Just for some comparison fun.
You know, I'd like to see Mary Poppins updated for the 1960's ... can you imagine that? With the music and fashion revolutions that were going on, especially in England, but in the U.S., as well, and, how about an update for the 2000's ... and, say, for every thirty-five to forty years, for every generation, as MCN would say, "Wouldn't that be fun?" I wonder if anyone (with greedy pockets, of course), is considering that ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Emily Blunt Mary Poppins Lin-Manuel Miranda Jack Ben Whishaw Michael Banks Emily Mortimer Jane Banks Julie Walters Housekeeper Ellen Pixie Davies Annabel Banks Nathanael Saleh John Banks Joel Dawson Georgie Banks Colin Firth William Wilkins Meryl Streep Topsy David Warner Admiral Boom Jim Norton Mr. Binnacle Jeremy Swift Hamilton Gooding Kobna Holdbrook-Smith Templeton Frye Angela Lansbury Balloon Lady Dick Van Dyke Mr. Dawes Jr.
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up for the movie.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Rob Marshall.
Labels: angela-lansbury, colin-firth, emily-blunt, emily-mortimer, kids, meryl-streep, musical1, period1, popcorn-and-soda2
