Tuesday, April 25, 2023
The Beguiled
- Commentary: Under construction.
Within the last week or so I've begun a consideration of Clint Eastwood film work in all his various Film guises, so, I can guarantee you, I'll be adding more of his movies to my collection in the coming months (I already have a few). All I can tell you about my Decision to Consider Clint Eastwood is that I rewatched Unforgiven last week, was suddenly captivated by Eastwood's heavy hand in that film and this piqued my curiosity about the products of his film career in general. I've spent the time since rewatching all the Eastwood movies I already have and found myself hungering for more. Some, I'll be checking out of the library (just in case I'm not captivated by this one or that one enough to add it to my collection). But some I'll be adding sight unseen, depending on how strongly my curiosity it piqued. This movie is one of which I'd not heard. It sounded very interesting, indeed, and was selling cheap, so I decided to acquire it, sight unseen.
I will, of course, write more once I've received it and watched it.
I had a devil of a time trying to find a review for this movie. There are loads of reviews for Sofia Coppola's 2017 remake, but almost none (left online and easily accessible, anyway) for this original movie. However, the review I was able to find is detailed, laudable and attached, above, to the title of this post. Because of it, I am looking forward, even more, to watching this movie. Thank you ScreenAnarchy.
This is, by the way, the first time I've used the label "southern-gothic". I wonder how far the inventory of this genre extends and whether I've been missing out on loads of interesting movies of which I've been unaware; or, if that label applies to movies I already have.
More later.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Clint Eastwood Cpl John 'McBee' McBurney Geraldine Page Martha Farnsworth Elizabeth Hartman Edwina Dabney Jo Ann Harris Carol Darleen Carr Doris Mae Mercer Hallie Pamelyn Ferdin Amelia 'Amy' Melody Thomas Abigail
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by Don Siegel.
Labels: clint-eastwood, southern-gothic
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Eve's Bayou
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Samuel L. Jackson Louis Batiste Jurnee Smollett Eve Batiste Meagan Good Cisely Batiste Lynn Whitfield Roz Batiste Debbi Morgan Mozelle Batiste Delacroix Jake Smollett Poe Batiste Ethel Ayler Gran Mere Diahann Carroll Elzora Vondie Curtis-Hall Julian Grayraven Roger Guenveur Smith Lenny Mereaux Lisa Nicole Carson Matty Mereaux Branford Marsalis Harry Afonda Colbert Henrietta Lola Dalferes Lynette Marcus Lyle Brown Hosea Alverta Perkins Dunigan Paige
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by Kasi Lemmons.
Labels: Criterion5, father-daughter-dynamics, female-director3, folk-horror, samuel-l-jackson, southern-gothic
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Ruby Gentry
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Jones Ruby Gentry Charlton Heston Boake Tackman Karl Malden Jim Gentry Tom Tully Jud Corey Barney Phillips Dr. Saul Manfred/Narrator James Anderson Jewel Corey Josephine Hutchinson Letitia Gentry Phyllis Avery Tracy McAuliffe Herbert Heyes Judge Tackman Myra Marsh Ma Corey Charles Cane Cullen McAuliffe Sam Flint Neil Fallgren
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1952
Directed by King Vidor.
Labels: §5, charlton-heston, goflexB, karl-malden, melodramaB, romance5, southern-gothic, tragedy2
Tuesday, March 08, 2022
The Story of Temple Drake
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Miriam Hopkins Temple Drake Jack La Rue Trigger William Gargan Stephen Benbow Florence Eldridge Ruby Lemarr Irving Pichel James Goodwin Jobyna Howland Miss Reba Guy Standing Judge Drake Elizabeth Patterson Aunt Jennie Harlan Knight Pap James Eagles Tommy James Pier Mason Van Louise Beavers Minnie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1933
Directed by Stephen Roberts.
Labels: §3, Criterion4, louise-beavers, miriam-hopkins, pre-code, southern-gothic
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Written on the Wind
- Commentary: I haven't yet watched this movie, although the write-up on the back almost makes me feel as though I have. Pretty much, it sounds like a follow-up to Giant, or, perhaps, vice versa. Both movies were released in 1956 (I don't know which one was released first), which means they were being produced at the same time. Both star Rock Hudson (my goodness he was a busy actor), although in completely different roles. Both take place on oil "plantations" (so to speak). Both involve the reprobate behavior of a key male character and some twitchy moves by children.
If you read the Wikipedia articles about both movies, though, it's clear they had nothing to do with one another. Each has different source material. Character arcs are, well, similar, but not the same, and not attributed to the same types of characters, nor are those characters played by the same types of actors. I think the character of the times produced both of these movies at the same time ... but with clearly individual and peculiar emphases that do not cross-over with the other film. I'm guessing on this next musing, but it also sounds like this movie is going to be much more tragic than Giant, which I anticipate with relish.
At any rate, I'm exceedingly excited to watch this one. Seeing it may trigger yet another watching of Giant, just for the fun of comparison.
Wow! Look at how much I've written and I haven't even yet watched this movie! Stay tuned.
By the way, I'm guessing at all the stuff I've written above, having not seen the movie yet, so there's a good possibility that my label assignments will change after I watch the movie.
Update 5/17/2022: Okay, I've seen this movie, now. At least twice. Possibly a third time. Primarily to watch, yet again, Dorothy Malone's riot of a performance as MaryLee Hadley! The character, herself, packs a harloty punch and Dorothy Malone knows just how to twist it up and let it loose. One of the aspects of her part that I admire is that it includes more than a few scenes where she is simply thinking, remembering, and Malone is spectacular at this.
Although, of course, the movie focuses on the men, one dubious, another stalwart, and I think the message has something to do with the virtues of growing up poor versus growing up rich, this story clearly belongs to the women. Lauren Bacall, herself, is no slouch in the "I'm thinking" department. Between the two women and their internal assessments of the situations that arise due to the career machinations of the men, really, this is a women's picture par excellence. The men just sort of go about their somewhat dull, sometimes nasty, business, and nurture these lusts for the women from the side. The women play the judge and the jury and their verdict is what decides the trajectory of this picture. Fun, fun, fun! I cannot recommend this movie enough!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Rock Hudson Mitch Wayne Lauren Bacall Lucy Moore Hadley Robert Stack Kyle Hadley Dorothy Malone Marylee Hadley Robert Keith Jasper Hadley Grant Williams Biff Miley Robert J. Wilke Dan Willis Edward Platt Dr. Paul Cochrane Harry Shannon Hoak Wayne John Larch Roy Carter Roy Glenn Sam Maidie Norman Bertha
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1956
Directed by Douglas Sirk.
Labels: Criterion3, douglas-sirk, melodramaA, popcorn-and-soda7, rock-hudson, romance5, southern-gothic, tragedy2
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Wise Blood
- Commentary: I don't know why (although, maybe it's because, on my mother's side, two of my ancestors were preachers, one of whom was a fire-and-brimstone circuit rider; another ancestor was a deaconess; a third was a PhD trained church organist as well as a music professor; I never met any of them, they were long dead when I was close enough in the world to meet them, but, you know, DNA and all ...) but I love "preacher" movies, especially the weird ones (weird preachers, that is) and this one sounds like a delightful doozy.
This is definitely the first and likely the last movie write-up in which a car is one of the characters. Hazel's car, though, plays an important part in this story and in Hazel's life. Remember, although this story takes place after an unspecified war, car culture was clearly in its prime throughout most of the 20th century, so it should be no surprise that Hazel's car is an extension of himself, his "home", as he casually christens it, and he treats it as such. In a way, Hazel's car narrows the time frame of the story, at least in the movie. Its model speaks to the Vietnam War era, although Motes could have been returning from service in any part of the world within the time frame suggested by the car. It was an old car, remember.
More later. Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brad Dourif Hazel Motes John Huston Grandfather Dan Shor Enoch Emory Mary Nell Santacroce Landlady Harry Dean Stanton Asa Hawks Amy Wright Sabbath Lily Hawks Ned Beatty Hoover Shoates William Hickey Preacher J.L. Parker Karl Marvin Sapp Raymond Betty Lou Groover Leora Watts Hazel Motes' Car 1958 Fairlane 500 Town Sedan
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by John Huston.
Labels: brad-dourif, Criterion1, harry-dean-stanton, ned-beatty, religion2, southern-gothic
Monday, February 05, 2018
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Romantic Dramas
- Commentary: I'm putting no labels on this collection other than the "collection" label, since this write-up includes four very different movies. It is interesting to note that the collection is named "Romantic Dramas" by TCM, who put it together, which I like because, having watched all of these movies at least once, they are romantic in the old tradition. Yes, they include relationship material, but in a much more complicated way than we tend to think of "romance" today. In addition, each of these films, in one way or another, follows the old, nuanced definition of "romantic": "marked by the imaginative or emotional appeal of what is heroic, adventurous, remote, mysterious, or idealized". This is not a collection of Pretty Woman fantasy type romantic dramas. This is a collection of "real life" romantic drama.
Update 5/26/21: Well, I put another label on this collection, popcorn-and-soda2, which is appropriate to all four movies, especially if watched on a binge-worthy afternoon.
Update 8/3/21: And, another label, I finally relented and placed these in the romance4 category.
This Collection Includes:
East of Eden: To my mind, this is a good adaptation of the second half of the novel. My preference is for the novel, but the film is excellent, as well, and handy to keep in mind as you read the novel.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Julie Harris Abra Bacon James Dean Caleb Trask Raymond Massey Adam Trask Richard Davalos Aaron Trask Burl Ives Sheriff Sam Jo Van Fleet Kate Ames/Cathy Trask Albert Dekker Will Hamilton Harold Gordon Gustav Albrecht Nick Dennis Rantani Lois Smith Servant Anne Timothy Carey Henchman Joe Barbara Baxley Nurse
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1955
Directed by Elia Kazan.
→ lois-smith, elia-kazan
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof: This is my favorite film adaptation of this play. Sometimes film adaptations of Tennessee Williams' plays don't hold my interest, but this one does. Paul Newman adds a vulnerability to Brick that is hard to beat and Elizabeth Taylor as Maggie is perfect. The convolutions revealed, as lies unravel, is compelling. This is a true troubled family drama. The only characters outside of family who appear in this are the clean-up crew, so to speak.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Elizabeth Taylor Margaret Pollitt Paul Newman Brick Pollitt Burl Ives Harvey Pollitt Judith Anderson Ida Pollitt Jack Carson Cooper Pollitt Madeleine Sherwood Mae Flynn Pollitt Larry Gates Dr. Baugh Vaughn Taylor Deacon Davis
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1958
Directed by Richard Brooks.
→ southern-gothic, paul-newman
A Streetcar Named Desire: Although I enjoyed the acting, it's certainly stellar, I studied this play in college and found the film adaptation confusing and lacking. Read the play, or see it in the theater, before watching the movie.
Here's what Three Movie Buffs have to say about this film. Interesting, informative reviews from all three.
In addition, look! Another 1951 film I didn't even realize I had!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Vivien Leigh Blanche Marlon Brando Stanley Kim Hunter Stella Karl Malden Mitch Rudy Bond Steve Nick Dennis Pablo Peg Hillias Eunice Wright King Collector Ann Dere Matron Edna Thomas Mexican Woman Richard Garrick Doctor Lyle Latell Policeman
A miscellaneous note ripped from the Wikipedia page, linked below: As of May 2022, Mickey Kuhn, who played The Sailor and is not listed in the Actor/Role table, above, is the last surviving cast member of this movie.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1951
Directed by Elia Kazan
→ marlon-brando, southern-gothic, birth-year, elia-kazan
Rebel Without a Cause: Perhaps I wasn't the right age when I first saw this movie, well into my 50's, but it just doesn't attract me. As far as James Dean's acting is concerned, my favorite movie is Giant. That one makes me wish his life had been longer so he could develop as an actor. This movie, well, I'm sure it was a money maker, and I guess he acted well, but I found the story tedious and his character nothing to write home about. I know. It's sacrilegious to say that, but, well, I'm glad he got two other really involving films under his belt before he died.
Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies. I've linked his review to the of this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Dean Jim Stark Natalie Wood Judy Sal Mineo John Crawford Jim Backus Frank Stark Ann Doran Carol Stark Corey Allen Buzz Gunderson William Hopper Judy's Father Rochelle Hudson Judy's Mother Edward Platt Ins. Ray Fremick Marietta Canty Crawford Family Maid Virginia Brissac Grandma Stark Dennis Hopper Goon Jack Grinnage Moose Frank Mazzola Crunch Ian Wolfe Dr. Minton Beverly Long Helen Robert Foulk Gene Jack Simmons Cookie Tom Bernard Harry Nick Adams Chick
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1955
Directed by Nicholas Ray.
Labels: birth-year, elia-kazan, karl-malden, lois-smith, marlon-brando, natalie-wood, paul-newman, popcorn-and-soda2, romance4, southern-gothic
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Winter's Bone
- Commentary: So, I bought a copy of this movie for my dramatist niece. And, remembered it (and the book) so fondly that I had to have my own copy. Which I watched immediately upon its arrival. I love this movie so much that I've checked it out of the library too many times to remember exactly the number. It's just one of those. You know. This movie is the first time I'd seen or heard of Jennifer Lawrence. It's a spectacular performance. I've seen her in other stuff, since. She's a talented, stand-out actress but, in my mind, she has yet to best her performance in this piece. It is, as well, yet another in my collection that, immediately upon watching it, makes me feel as though I've just dreamt it.
One of Roger Ebert's Far Flung Correspondents, Wael Khairy weighed in, also, with a haunting review.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jennifer Lawrence Ree Dolly Isaiah Stone Sonny Dolly Ashlee Thompson Ashlee Dolly Valerie Richards Connie Dolly John Hawkes Teardrop Dolly Garret Dillahunt Sheriff Baskin Dale Dickey Merab Milton Sheryl Lee April
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Debra Granik.
Labels: drama5, dream1, female-director3, haunting1, john-hawkes, mystery1, neo-noirC, southern-gothic, thriller1
