Tuesday, May 24, 2022
The Blue Planet
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: This is another excellent series produced by the same people who brought us Planet Earth. I have a preference for nature shows that explore water environments and this one stacks up very well. Unlike March of the Penguins, it lives up to its hype, even if you're a regular watcher of the variety of channels that frequently host animal and geographical specials. While I have tended, over the years, to become a bit jaded in the company of Animal-Vegetable-Mineral programs, seeing as how we view so many of them, this one, like Planet Earth, engages me, every episode, every time, and, because of my sub- and unconscious veering toward water videos, adds an extra "dreamy" dimension for me.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2001
Alistair Fothergill is listed as a director for one episode. No other directors are listed.
Labels: documentary1, dream1, film-art1, political3, science, shared-favorite, TV1
The Corporation
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none
- Commentary: I purchased this DVD while Mom was in rehab in 2008, so it's definitely a late-comer to our library. I'd rented it and was so pleased with the movie and the accompanying website (linked above to the title) that I decided to purchase it. I was sure that Mom wouldn't be interested in watching it and hadn't planned to run it for her but I'd accidentally left the jacket on the coffee table next to her rocker. When she came home she noticed and asked about it. I gave her a little enthusiastic review, than told her I wasn't sure she'd be interested in it, but she wanted to "give it a try". Much to my surprise, she really enjoyed it. It was one of those videos which we occasionally paused to discuss points and issues. She never watched it more than once, it wasn't one of those for her, but, well, suffice it to say this movie taught me never to underestimate my mother's interest in anything, always check, first.
Here's a link to Roger Ebert's review of this movie. Frankly, I was surprised he reviewed it. He even gave it three starts.
Narrated by Mikela J. Mikael.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Mark Achbar & Jennifer Abbott.
Labels: documentary1, political3
Aguirre, The Wrath of God
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: My mother's interest in this movie was a big surprise for me. I didn't expect her to enjoy it because it is subtitled, it portrays a brutal episode in history and Werner Herzog spared no one and nothing in making this movie, but she was mesmerized by it. Unfortunately, the only copy we were able to obtain was one that had been "formatted for your screen"...big problem with this movie, since it depends on panoramic scenes, especially in the beginning, but I don't think my mother noticed or cared. I will probably keep tabs on versions of this movie and replace my copy with a widescreen version at some time in the future.
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 Klaus Kinski Lope de Aguirre Helena Rojo Inés de Atienza Ruy Guerra Don Pedro de Ursúa Del Negro Brother Gaspar de Carvajal Peter Berling Don Fernando de Guzmán Cecilia Rivera Flores de Aguirre Daniel Ades Perucho Alejandro Repullés Gonzalo Pizarro
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Werner Herzog.
Labels: adventure3, drama7, haunting2, historical2, period3, political3, spectacle2, violence3, werner-herzog
Monday, May 09, 2022
Gladiator
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: As covered in one of the above Mentions, this movie was suggested by MFS. I was surprised at how much Mom loved it. I enjoy it, too. It's yet another spectacle movie for me (I should create a "spectacle" category, shouldn't I...I think I will, then add to it later) and I love a variety of the acting performances in this movie, particularly (but not solely) Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius. Before he ever says anything in the movie his acting makes many aspects of Marcus Aurelius' character clear. We watched this movie on TV several times, in "to-fit-your-screen" format, before I finally purchased it. Much better in widescreen. On a whim, I watched the movie last night. I continue to find it supremely entertaining; and, as well, now that Mom's dead, surprisingly emotional, specifically at the end when Juba says, as he buries Maximus' personal idols, "I will see you again, but not yet." If you have any interest in this movie, I urge you to click into the link to the title of the movie, above, which will send you to a thorough and compelling critique of the historicity of the movie. Believe me, despite the astonishing number of historical inaccuracies in the movie, the critique renders watching the movie even more enjoyable.
Update 2/7/18: So much has been written about this film since it aired. Quite a bit has been dumped, as well, including the link I had originally attached to the title above. I've attached another which may be helpful but, just in case, here's the Wikipedia link for Gladiator which may be a good starting place if you're interested in historicity research.
Update 8/2/21: The link I attached in 2018 still holds strong, is still remarkably interesting, and even has a comment attached. Take advantage of it before it disappears into the oligarchic ether.
Update 5/23/22: Another post I managed to disappear. It's original publication date is 4/9/09.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Russell Crowe Maximus Decimus Meridius Joaquin Phoenix Commodus Connie Nielsen Lucilla Oliver Reed Antonio Proximo Derek Jacobi Senator Gracchus Djimon Hounsou Juba Richard Harris Marcus Aurelius Ralf Möller Hagen Tommy Flanagan Cicero David Schofield Senator Falco John Shrapnel Senator Gaius Tomas Arana General Quintus Spencer Treat Clark Lucius Verus David Hemmings Cassius Sven-Ole Thorsen Tigris of Gaul Giannina Facio Maximus's wife Omid Djalili Slave Trader Giorgio Cantarini Maximus's son Adam Levy Condemned Officer David J. Nicholls Giant Man
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Labels: action3, adventure3, derek-jacobi, drama7, historical2, joaquin-phoenix, oliver-reed, period3, political3, revenge1, richard-harris, ridley-scott, russell-crowe, shared-favorite, spectacle1, suspense2, violence3, war1
Friday, April 10, 2009
John Adams
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Yet another one of those teaching videos, for Mom. The Mention says it all. Yes, we made it through the entire series before she died. Yes, she was shocked and intrigued at the vaccination and breast cancer episodes; worthy of pauses and further discussion between us. During the breast cancer surgery (which wasn't completely displayed), she speculated, aloud, how lucky MCS (who is a breast cancer survivor) was that "we" weren't living during "those days". The surprising aspect of this was that my mother remembered that MCS had breast cancer several years ago.
Update 8/2/21: Well, Whad'ya know! The Washington Post is still allowing access to it's movie reviews, at least. Old ones, anyway. Thanks, WP! Just for that, I'll bold your reference and link to you!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Giamatti John Adams Laura Linney Abigail Adams Stephen Dillane Thomas Jefferson David Morse George Washington Tom Wilkinson Benjamin Franklin Rufus Sewell Alexander Hamilton Justin Theroux John Hancock Danny Huston Samuel Adams Clancy O'Connor Edward Rutledge Željko Ivanek John Dickinson Ebon Moss-Bachrach John Quincy Adams Sarah Polley Abigail Adams Smith Andrew Scott William S. Smith Mamie Gummer Sally Smith Adams Samuel Barnett Thomas Adams Tom Hollander King George III
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Tom Hooper.
Labels: david-morse, drama7, historical2, laura-linney, paul-giamatti, period3, political3, presidential, tom-wilkinson, TV1, war1, željko-ivanek
Yentl
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This is the second movie I've bought since Mom died, strictly in memory of Mom, this time. This was one of her favorites. Although it didn't play on the cable channels often, I doubt that we ever missed a showing of it. There are many reasons she liked it: Its portrayal of a bright, gutsy young woman refusing to give up her dreams and desires in the face of a woman-stifling culture; its periodicity; its intriguing presentation of a woman who is so successful at masquerading as a man that she marries a woman who thinks she's an exceptional (because she's a woman) man (Mom has always loved gender-benders); the very messy, thus very realistic resolution. Although its not one of my favorites, I have to say that certain scenes have the power to mesmerize me, despite the outlandishness of the story. The movie wasn't released on video until this year, some months after Mom died. When I saw it at Costco I knew it was necessary for me to purchase it. And watch it, multiple times, I'm sure. In honor of Mom...and Momandme.
Rewatched: 3/5/22 - Today, 3/6/22, I read the Isaac Bashevis Singer story upon which this movie is based. The story is much more subtle and complicated than the movie. As I rewatched the movie yesterday, I realized, and was frustrated, that Hadass is only barely drawn. This is even more true of the written story. However, I find the character of Anshel deeper and more compelling in the written story than in the movie, except that Anshel's sympathy toward Hadass is far more evident in the movie than in the written story, which is something I prefer about the movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Barbra Streisand Yentl Mendel Mandy Patinkin Avigdor Amy Irving Hadass Vishkower Nehemiah Persoff Rebbe Mendel Steven Hill Reb Alter Vishkower Allan Corduner Shimmele David de Keyser Rabbi Zalman Miriam Margolyes Sarah Doreen Mantle Mrs. Shaemen Lynda Baron Peshe Ruth Goring Esther Rachel Jack Lynn Bookseller
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Barbra Streisand.
Labels: barbra-streisand, buddy, drama6, fantasy2, female-director3, gender-bender, mom-favorite1, nehemiah-persoff, period3, political3, popcorn-and-soda2, religion2, romance2
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
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
Mongol
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: One of the advantages, for Mom & me, of subscribing to a DVD rental service was (and remains) the availability of foreign films. Slowly, because of my interest in films from everywhere, if they're good, she learned to handle foreign language films with subtitles. Our favorites, though, were the sweeping epics that communicate mostly without language. This movie became one of our favorites in 2008. You'd think, because it is mostly about conflict, sometimes bloody, short on specific cultural information, etc., we would have found it boring. Quite the opposite. Mom loved the scene-after-scene sprawl of the steppes and the detailed portrayal of every day life. I loved the mythical ambience of the film.
Update 8/2/21: Oh! I noticed I forgot to mention, this film is about the ultimate Mongol, Ghengis Khan, before he was the Great Khan.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tadanobu Asano Temüjin/Genghis Khan Sun Honglei Jamukha Chuluuny Khulan Börte Amadu Mamadakov Targutai Ba SenTD> Yesügei Sai Xing Ga Chiledu Bu Ren Taichar Aliya Oelun He Qi Dai-Sechen Deng Ba Te Er Daritai Zhang Jiong Garrison Chief Ben Hon Sun Monk
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Sergei Bodrov.
Labels: action1, adventure3, biography3, drama7, historical2, period3, political3, spectacle1, violence2, war1
Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Queen
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I bought this movie sight unseen, the day it was released, based strictly on Mom's (and, now, my) love of stories about English Royals and my admiration for Helen Mirren. One of my best purchases to date! Mom and I so loved the movie that we watched it twice the day it arrived, then again the next day. We (almost) endlessly discussed details of the movie, including: The appearance of the stag, that it was actually a 15 pointer and wondered if odd numbered points were excluded when rating a rack; the importance of Diana as an icon; the likelihood that the portrayal of Prince Charles was accurate; the difficulty of being a monarch in today's world, depending on where one lives; the history of the political significance of the English monarchy and whether it would outlive this century; Queen Elizabeth II's dogs; the ick factor of lamb stew, especially when it's cold; Mirren's astonishing range, considering her performance in Elizabeth I and this movie; and many other aspects of the movie.
Yet another movie we'll watch over and over and over.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Helen Mirren Queen Elizabeth II Michael Sheen Tony Blair James Cromwell Prince Philip Helen McCrory Cherie Blair Alex Jennings Prince Charles Roger Allam Robin Janvrin Sylvia Syms The Queen Mother Tim McMullan Stephen Lamport
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Stephen Frears.
Labels: biography1, docu-drama, helen-mirren, historical3, period3, political3, royals, shared-favorite
Planet Earth
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Don't tell me you're suprised we purchased this series! Thank the gods, the version with David Attenborough narrating was available. Although we watched the series on TV when it aired on Discovery at the beginning of April (and immediately pre-ordered it), both of us had problems with Sigourney Weaver's narration. I didn't say anything until Mom spoke up and said, "That woman sounds like an old-time school marm! Couldn't they get someone better?!?"
Yes, they could and did.
Even if you're a veteran of animal and nature shows, as many Ancient Ones and their caregivers are, this series is a stunner. The addition of the three episode "Planet Earth-The Future" is oddly intriguing, since it involves interviews with died in the wool Greens and those who take issue with all the propositions included in the current global warming hysteria (yes, it is an hysteria, even if it turns out to be reliable), as a well as a smattering of people who are depressed by the realities inherent in trying to get humans to cooperate across the board in changing the ways we live on our planet.
I noticed that the script is, first, a little contradictory. In one place it mentions that glacial movement is the most devastating eroder of landscape. Then, in another episode, it states that moving water is. Granted, they both states of H2O, but their different states and properties have vastly different impacts upon the land. I vote for glacial movement. As well, I'm not sure how long this series was in development from the very beginning, but it inaccurately states, in the forest section, that a redwood is the largest living organism on Earth. A few years ago it was discovered that a mushroom was, in fact, the largest living organism. Truth is, we'll probably discover something that's even larger, one of these days.
Nonetheless, this series is a stunner. We watched it again tonight (which is last night, now). I know we'll watch it again. And again.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
The series was co-directed by Alastair Fothergill & Mark Linfield.
Labels: documentary1, film-art1, interview, mom-favorite1, political3, popcorn-and-soda3, science, sigourney-weaver, spectacle2, TV1
Bobby
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie was given to us by a friend who is interested in politics, clearly remembers the 1960's (better than me, actually, since I went through a somewhat different 60's experience on Guam) and was sure she'd love the movie. She picked it up at Costco, where it was being sold with a free copy of a biography of RFK. She was completely disappointed in the movie, although not in the book, but said she wouldn't read it again and passed that off to us, too.
Mom only sat through half the movie. I watched all of it. I understand what Estevez did in the movie and think he accomplished his goal, but I also understand why the critics were so divided on this movie. If I'd rented the movie, I'd've made a mental note not to buy it, even though many of its moments have stuck with me. I felt cheated that a lot of it was fictionalized...it seemed to me there was little to no reason to do this. However, I also found the vignettes involving and many of the performances excellent (I especially liked the vignette with Helen Hunt and Martin Sheen). Interesting and effective splicing of actual newsreel footage, too, although, frankly, The Queen does this better and more effectively.
I don't think this is a movie that, on a second attempt at watching, Mom would discover she enjoyed. It isn't one I expect to watch again, at least not soon. I may add it to our ever expanding pile of movies for trade-in. I'll probably read the book, although I may not get around to it until after Mom dies.
Update 5/21/2022: By the way, this cast is so loaded with stars that some of them aren't even mentioned in either Wikipedia, or IMDb. Sidney Poitier for instance. This is the reason I used the particular capsule review that I attached to the title of this post: it mentions Sidney Poitier's involvement in the film, whereas no one else did.
At any rate, I never question why a movie was made. Someone involved in its creation always has a reason. I do, however, often question why a movie was released. This is one of those questionable movies. I can only "blame" the star power behind it. And, believe me, there is so much blame to be had that the movie deserved an overwhelming star list in order to smooth the blame a bit thinner. I can't imagine that it was hard to solicit so much star power, either. Actors are, if nothing else, eager to participate in something that promises high visibility. Unfortunately, it was a promise that didn't deliver.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Harry Belafonte Nelson Joy Bryant Patricia Nick Cannon Dwayne Clark Emilio Estevez Tim Fallon Laurence Fishburne Edward Robinson Dave Fraunces Robert F. Kennedy Jeridan Frye Ethel Kennedy Lindsay Lohan Diane Howser Anthony Hopkins John Casey William H. Macy Paul Ebbers Demi Moore Virginia Fallon Martin Sheen Jack Helen Hunt Samantha Stevens Sharon Stone Miriam Ebbers Elijah Wood William Avary Shia LaBeouf Cooper
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Emilio Estevez.
Labels: anthony-hopkins, docu-drama, historical3, laurence-fishburne, period3, political3
Friday, March 09, 2007
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Yet another that is well covered in the one mention of it in the main journal. Can't think of much else to say except that Mom remains highly entertained by this movie...and, for all it's datedness and its pertinent faults which Roger Ebert points out meticulously in his excellent review (despite his perception of its faults, he still gave it four stars, although, thank the movie gods, he didn't assign it "Great Movie" status) so do I.
Update 5/19/2022: Should I be embarrassed to say the following, that I continue to watch this movie at least once a year? I do. It's another one of those movies that transports me to watching it with my mother, recalling her comments as she watches it, absorbing her enjoyment ... yes, another one of those. No, I'm not embarrassed, I've decided. Just grateful that I have such clear memories of Mom watching this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Spencer Tracy Matt Drayton Katharine Hepburn Christina Drayton Sidney Poitier Dr. John Wade Prentice Katharine Houghton Joanna Drayton Cecil Kellaway Monsignor Ryan Beah Richards Mary Prentice Roy E. Glenn Sr. Mr. John Prentice Sr. Isabel Sanford Tilly Virginia Christine Hilary St. George Alexandra Hay carhop Barbara Randolph Dorothy D'Urville Martin Frankie Tom Heaton Peter Grace Gaynor Judith Jacqueline Fontaine Cocktail Lounge Singer Skip Martin Delivery Boy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1967
Directed by Stanley Kramer.
Labels: drama8, historical3, katharine-hepburn, political3, popcorn-and-soda3, romance2, spencer-tracy, tracy-hepburn
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Dr. Strangelove
- Who's watched: G, I think
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: My confession is this: I think I've probably seen this entire movie, but I've never seen the entire movie in one sitting. I have memories of seeing parts of it while watching a football game. Weird, I know.
I got it because this, also, was at a very low sale price, not Costco, and I have, for some time, very much wanted to see the movie of a piece.
I don't think my mother has ever seen the movie, in whole or part, and I don't think it would command her attention. I think she'd consider it boring.
Aside from the review linked to the title of this post, which is excellent, I'm sure you won't be surprised to know that this movie has also been reviewed more than a few times by Roger Ebert's site. This paragraph will contain all those writings I consider pertinent: initial review (remember, Ebert was 12 when the movie was first released); Great Movies review; a 2018 re-review of the film and it's relevance today and to ex-President Trump.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Peter Sellers Cpt. Lionel Mandrake Peter Sellers U. S. Pres. Merkin Muffley Peter Sellers Dr. Strangelove George C. Scott Gen. Buck Turgidson Sterling Hayden Brig. Gen. Jack D. Ripper Keenan Wynn Col. Bat Guano Jack Creley Mr. Staines Slim Pickens Mjr. T. J. "King" Kong Peter Bull Alexei de Sadeski James Earl Jones Lt. Lothar Zogg Tracy Reed Miss Scott Shane Rimmer Cpt. Ace Owens
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1964
Directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Labels: apocalyptic, nuclear, period4, political3, satire2, stanley-kubrick, war2
Saturday, November 11, 2006
I, Claudius
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: My mother and I discovered this separately, together, many years ago when it first came out. I think we weren't even in the same state, but were in close touch and both of us mentioned it. Unfortunately, this version has no CC, and, whereas Mom had trouble with British accents at the time, now they wreak havoc upon her ears. But she remembers the story, loves watching it unfold again and loves the spectacle.
Damned fine cast, by the way!
In addition to the review above, which is stunning, you might be interested to know some reviews of "ordinary" watchers of the series. Three people responded to the Quora question, "What is your review of the TV mini-series 'I, Claudius'?" The first response is particularly meticulous and includes a video snatch from the show.
Update 2/7/18: I have two sets of this production, now, the original without subtitles and the 35th Anniversary Edition with subtitles. I'm sad this wasn't produced before Mom's death. She missed the subtitling by 3 years. Oh well, I'm enjoying it now and discovering there are a few delightful phrases I missed in the original, regardless of how good my hearing was (and still is, actually), i.e. Augustus often using the phrase "...as boiled asparagus", when he's annoyed or troubled, which is hilarious in the various contexts to which he puts it. I never quite heard it right, until I could access it on the screen in the subtitles. That's when it became funny to me!
Update 5/16/2022: Even if you haven't seen this series, you likely know that the cast is huge and ever adds new principal actors in new principal roles. I'm not going to attempt to list everyone in the table below, just those standouts who I think likely, or know, go on to star in other productions I have in my collection and those who delivered standout performances in this series like, for instance, Young Herod Agrippa. Even at that, the table may be overwhelming. I apologize in advance.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Derek Jacobi Claudius Siân Phillips Livia George Baker Tiberius John Hurt Caligula Beth Morris Drusilla Robert Morgan Young Caligula Brian Blessed Augustus Margaret Tyzack Antonia Patricia Quinn Livilla Kevin McNally Castor John Paul Agrippa Frances White Julia Christopher Biggins Nero David Robb Germanicus John Castle Postumus Fiona Walker Agrippina James Faulkner Herod Agrippa Michael Clements Young Herod Sheila White Messalina Patrick Stewart Sejanus John Rhys-Davies Naevius Sutorius Macro Bernard Hepton Marcus Antonius Pallas John Cater Tiberius Claudius Narcissus Barbara Young Agrippinilla Jo Rowbottom Calpurnia Peter Bowles Caractacus John Bennett Gaius Stertinius Xenophon Patsy Byrne Martina Nicholas Amer Mnester Moira Redmond Domitia Lepida Charlotte Howard Scylla Tony Haygarth Claudius' Slave
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1976
Directed by Herbert Wise.
Labels: biography1, derek-jacobi, drama8, historical3, john-hurt, political3, shared-favorite, TV2
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
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
United 93
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: The "mention" is so complete that it may as well be a review of how Mom and I related to this movie. No need to add anything, I think.
Aside from his formal review, linked to the title of this post, Roger Ebert.com published more than once about various aspects of this movie and the actual incident: The missing facts in 'United 93'; "United 93:" What came before "Let's roll!"; NORAD, 9/11 and United 93; 'United 93': A study in empathy; Debunking 'United 93' debunkers; Whose story is 'Flight93'?. Additionally, the film is mentioned in at least half a page of reviews about other "disaster" movies, fiction and non-fiction. I find it fascinating that a film made about the United 93 disaster so captured the imagination of film watchers and film critics. I don't have much to say about this, but I thought recording it might be, hmmm, helpful? Interesting? Not sure what word to use, here.
The cast for this film was huge, and largely actors I don't recognize, so I'm only recording the first four on the Wikipedia list in the table below. If you're curious, the link to the article, below, will take you directly to the cast list. You can peruse the rest of the article from there.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Christian Clemenson Tom Burnett Cheyenne Jackson Mark Bingham David Alan Basche Todd Beamer Peter Hermann Jeremy Glick
Although the exclusive use of little known actors to play the roles in the film is nowhere discussed (at least not that I've found), my (uneducated) guess is that the anonymity of the actors is meant to enhance the possibility of audience members identifying with the passengers and crew on the flight.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Paul Greengrass.
Labels: docu-drama, historical3, political3, popcorn-and-soda4, violence3
A Man for All Seasons
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is one of those movies that, when we stumble across it on TV we always watch. It enthralls both of us. We never tire of it. There isn't a false note in the casting. As well, Shaw brings a special, light, provocative touch of madness to his portrayal of Henry VIII that is thrilling to glimpse. This will be a perennial favorite of ours.
Update 5/15/2022: I have to mention, this movie remains a perennial favorite of mine. I watched it last a few months ago. It's partly the actors, partly the setting and partly the politics, especially in the subtle ways Henry asserts his dominance on everyone, and in the ways subtly defies Henry's dominance.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Scofield Sir Thomas More Wendy Hiller Alice More Leo McKern Thomas Cromwell Orson Welles Cardinal Wolsey Robert Shaw Henry VIII Susannah York Margaret More Nigel Davenport Duke of Norfolk John Hurt Richard Rich Corin Redgrave William Roper Colin Blakely Matthew Cyril Luckham Archb. Thomas Cranmer Vanessa Redgrave Anne Boleyn
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1966
Directed by Fred Zinnemann.
Labels: drama9, historical3, john-hurt, political3, religion1, royals, shared-favorite, wendy-hiller
Elizabeth I
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: See, also, commentary on Elizabeth R. Although I confessed to preferring, by a minor edge, Glenda Jackson's epic, truth is, it depends on my mood. They are both lush, but in this HBO production the lushness is almost palpable. They are both dramatic but, in this production, there is more emphasis on Elizabeth's emotional life. The curiosity, to me, is that Mirren's and Jackson's portrayals are side-by-side excellent and, rather than competing with one another, it is as though one fleshes out the other. Neither my mother nor I ever tire of watching either.
Sidebar: My mother prefers the hairstyles in this one.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Helen Mirren Queen Elizabeth I Jeremy Irons Earl of Leicester Hugh Dancy Earl of Essex Toby Jones Robert Cecil Patrick Malahide Sir Francis Walsingham Ian McDiarmid Lord Burghley Barbara Flynn Mary, Queen of Scots Ewen Bremner King James VI Geoffrey Streatfeild Sir Anthony Babington Toby Salaman Dr Lopez Charlotte Asprey Frances Walsingham Eddie Redmayne Southampton
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Tom Hooper.
Labels: biography1, drama9, elizabeth-I, helen-mirren, historical3, period4, political3, royals, TV2
