Thursday, October 24, 2024
The Warped World of Koreyoshi Kurahara - Eclipse Series 28
- Commentary: Under construction.
For yet another view of this collection, here is a somewhat more contextual (to the time these movies were produced and released in Japan) essay on the importance of these films. Truthfully, I found this article more enlightening than the one I attached to the title, above.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film maker's career.
In addition, you might find this artice about the Japanese New Wave movement helpful in understanding what was going on in the Japan film making community at the time these movies were being made. Yes, yes, yes, I have a heightened interest in East Asian films, for a reason I covered before, in some other post, in case you're interested. Maybe I'll scour this site at later date, find that mention and link to it here. Or, maybe not.
- Intimidation
Commentary: Under construction.
- The Warped Ones
Commentary: Under construction.
- I Hate but Love
Commentary: Under construction.
- Black Sun
Commentary: Under construction.
- Thirst for Love
Commentary: Under construction.
Oh, and, hey, all you people out there in USA's movie land, I'm still waiting for a viable, Region 1 (or Region A) copy of Kurahara's Antarctica, with meticulous production values, DVD or Blu-ray and a reasonable price. It was, and probably still is, one of Kurahara's most popular movies in Japan and around the world. What's the hold-up on this one here in the USA?!?
Ooh, wait! I think I found a passable copy of Antarctica on YouTube. Hold on, let me try it out. Yes, yes! Click on subtitles, adjust them for 0% background opacity and you're good to go! I'll be adding the movie to to my movie list to the left, later, once I figure out if I need to do anything special for this one.
Release Dates: Various
Directed by Koreyoshi Kurahara.
Labels: Criterion9
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Dragon Inn
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Shih Chun Xiao Shao-zi Shangkuan Ling-fung Miss Zhu Bai Ying Cao Shao-qin Miao Tien Pi Shao-tang Han Ying-chieh Mao Zong-xian Hsieh Han Zhu Ji Tsao Chien Wu Ning Hsu Feng Yu Chien's Daughter
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1967
Directed by King Hu.
Labels: Criterion9, wuxia
The Cloud-Capped Star - Meghe Dhaka Tara
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Supriya Choudhury Nita Anil Chatterjee Shankar Gyanesh Mukherjee Banshi Dutta Bijon Bhattacharya Taran Gita Dey Mother Gita Ghatak Gita Dwiju Bhawal Mantu Niranjan Ray Sanat
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1960
Directed by Ritwik Ghatak.
Labels: Criterion9, family-drama
Jubal
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Glenn Ford Jubal Troop Ernest Borgnine Shep Horgan Rod Steiger "Pinky" Pinkum Valerie French Mae Horgan Felicia Farr Naomi Hoktor Basil Ruysdael Shem Hoktor Noah Beery Jr. Sam Charles Bronson Reb Haislipp John Dierkes Carson Jack Elam McCoy Robert Burton Dr. Grant John Cason Ranch Owner
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1956
Directed by Delmer Daves.
Labels: Criterion9, western
The Hero
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Uttam Kumar Arindam Mukherjee Sharmila Tagore Aditi Sengupta Bireswar Sen Mukunda Lahiri Soumen Bose Shankar Nirmal Ghosh Jyoti Banerjee Premangshu Bose Biresh Jogesh Chatterjee Aghore Chattopadhyay Sumita Sanyal Promila Chatterjee Ranjit Sen Haren Bose Bharati Devi Manorama Lali Chowdhury Bulbul Kamu Mukherjee Pritish Sarkar Susmita Mukherjee Molly Subrata Sensharma Ajoy Jamuna Sinha Sefalika Satya Banerjee Swami of WWWW
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1966
Directed by Satyajit Ray.
Labels: Criterion9, reflective, satyajit-ray
Holiday
- Commentary: Under construction.
I know almost nothing about this movie, but, Kathatharine Hepburn and Cary Grant? Romantic comedy? Criterion? On sale? Of course!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Katharine Hepburn Linda Seton Cary Grant Johnny Case Doris Nolan Julia Seton Lew Ayres Edward Seton Jr Henry Kolker Edward Seton Sr Edward Everett Horton Professor Nick Potter Jean Dixon Susan Potter Binnie Barnes Laura Cram
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1938
Directed by George Cukor.
Labels: cary-grant, comedy3, Criterion9, katharine-hepburn, romance6
Monday, October 21, 2024
A Chorus Line
- Commentary: Under construction.
Not much to say about this except I love dance movies (except Take the Lead) and this is "one of those" dance movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Douglas Zach, choreographer Alyson Reed Cassie Terrence Mann Larry, asst choreographer Sharon Brown Kim, Zach's secretary Michael Blevins Mark Tobori-dancer Yamil Borges Diana Morales-dancer Jan Gan Boyd Connie Wong-dancer Gregg Burge Richie Walters-dancer Cameron English Paul San Marco-dancer Tony Fields Al DeLuca-dancer Audrey Landers Val Clarke-dancer Nicole Fosse Kristine Evelyn Erlich-DeLuca-dancer Vicki Frederick Sheila Bryant-dancer Michelle Johnston Beatrice Ann "Bebe" Benson-dancer Janet Jones Judy Monroe-dancer Pam Klinger Maggie Winslow-dancer Charles McGowan Mike Cass-dancer Justin Ross Greg Gardner-dancer Blane Savage Don Kerr-dancer Matt West Bobby Mills-dancer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1985
Directed by Richard Attenborough.
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Henry V - Kenneth Branagh Production
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Derek Jacobi Chorus Kenneth Branagh King Henry V of England Paul Scofield Charles VI King of France Ian Holm Fluellen Brian Blessed Duke of Exeter Emma Thompson Katherine daughter of King Charles VI Judi Dench Mistress Quickly Christian Bale Robin the luggage-boy Robbie Coltrane Sir John Falstaff Alec McCowen Bishop of Ely James Larkin Duke of Bedford James Larkin Duke of Gloucester James Simmons Duke of York Charles Kay Archbishop of Canterbury Paul Gregory Earl of Westmorland Nicholas Ferguson Earl of Warwick Tom Whitehouse John Talbot Fabian Cartwright Earl of Cambridge Stephen Simms Lord Scrope Jay Villiers Thomas Grey Edward Jewesbury Sir Thomas Erpingham Daniel Webb Ofcr Gower Jimmy Yuill Jamy, Scott Ofcr John Sessions Macmorris, Irish Ofcr Shaun Prendergast Bates, soldier Pat Doyle Court, soldier Michael Williams Michael Williams, soldier Richard Briers Bardolph Geoffrey Hutchings Cpl. Nym Robert Stephens Pistol, ensign Michael Maloney The Dauphin Richard Clifford Charles, Duke of Orléans Nigel Greaves Duke of Berry Julian Gartside Duke of Bretagne Harold Innocent Duke of Burgundy Richard Easton Constable of France Colin Hurley Grandpré, French Lord Geraldine McEwan Alice, Katherine's attendant David Lloyd Meredith Governor of Harfleur Governor of Harfleur Montjoy, a French herald David Parfitt Messenger Nicholas Ferguson Earl Richard Beauchamp of Warwick Tom Whitehouse Sir John Talbot Nigel Greaves Duke Jean of Berri
There are actually more in the cast, some listed as "uncredited", but the list above is by far most of the cast. Many people acted in this production. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the actors' dogs were represented, as well, but they weren't listed by name or number (that's a joke, people). For a much illuminating meditation on this monstrosity of a production, be sure to read Roger Ebert's review, linked, above, in the title of this post.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1989
Directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Labels: dramaG, shakespeare, war3
Chicago
- Commentary: Under construction.
After years (literally, two decades) of having seen this film in theaters a couple of times and then going through periods where I hunt down clips of it (specifically, the musical numbers) I finally decided to purchase the movie. I should mention that I've never seen it performed on stage. In fact, I believe the only production I've seen of it, besides YouTubers posting short clips of some of the musical numbers, is this production. And, I love it. It's shiny and energetic and so full of pizzazz it's hard to stop it, including for bathroom breaks, until it's done.
Likely, I'll post more commentary, but then again, maybe not. We'll see.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Renée Zellweger Roxy Hart Catherine Zeta-Jones Velma Kelly Richard Gere Billy Flynn Queen Latifah Matron "Mama" Morton John C. Reilly Amos Hart Lucy Liu Kitty Baxter Taye Diggs Master of Ceremonies Colm Feore Martin Harrison Christine Baranski Reporter Mary Sunshine Dominic West Fred Casely Mýa Harrison Mona Deidre Goodwin June Denise Faye Annie Ekaterina Chtchelkanova Katalin Helinszki Susan Misner Liz Chita Rivera Nickie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Rob Marshall.
Labels: comedy3, dance, musical3
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Truth
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Cate Blanchett Mary Mapes Robert Redford Dan Rather Topher Grace Mike Smith Dennis Quaid Col. Roger Charles Elizabeth Moss Lucy Scott Bruce Greenwood David Heyward David Lyons Josh Howard Mark Wrolstad John Benjamin Hickey Stacy Keach Bill Burkett Dermot Mulroney Lawrence Lanpher William Devane Gen. Robert Hodges Connor Burke Robert Mapes
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by James Vanderbilt.
Labels: biography3, cate-blanchett, journalism, political6, robert-redford
Tuesday, October 08, 2024
Planet of the Apes - Tim Burton's 2001 Reboot
- Commentary: Under construction.
More, likely much more, later. This is, after all, the one installment out of the movie franchise that Mom and I went to see in the theater. See here for earlier reference to this.
Apes Character Table
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tim Roth General Thade Helena Bonham Carter Ari Michael Clarke Duncan Colonel Attar Paul Giamatti Limbo Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa General Krull David Warner Senator Sandar Lisa Marie Nova Glenn Shadix Senator Nado
Human Character Table
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mark Wahlberg Cpt. Leo Davidson Kris Kristofferson Karubi Estella Warren Daena Erick Avari Tival Luke Eberl Birn Evan Dexter Parke Gunnar Freda Foh Shen Bon Chris Ellis Lt. Karl Vasich Anne Ramsay Lt. Col. Grace Alexander Michael Jace Maj. Frank Santos Andrea Grano Maj. Maria Cooper Kam Heskin Friend at Leo's Party
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2001
Directed by Tim Burton.
Labels: cgi-animation, super-hero3
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
- Commentary: Under construction.
OF COURSE I'm adding a copy of this movie to my collection! In memory of The Mom and for me. I mean, who knows, maybe she'll be able to watch it over my shoulder. I hope so. She'll be sorely pissed if she misses any of "the Apes" movies!
Anyway, I'll watch the movie, later, and write it up, as much as I do, which means it might be awhile before I comment on it. I mean, I don't even have the physical movie yet!
Apes Character Table
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Owen Teague Noa Kevin Durand Proximus Caesar Peter Macon Raka Lydia Peckham Soona Travis Jeffery Anaya Sara Wiseman Dar Neil Sandilands Koro Eka Darville Sylva
Human Character Table
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Freya Allan Mae William H. Macy Trevathan Dichen Lachman Korina
Additionally, I plucked an interesting retrospective of the entire Planet of the Apes franchise up to this point: Ape Shall Not Kill Ape: A Look at the Entire Ape Francise by Gerardo Valero. If you're at all invested in the Apes series, for whatever reason, you might find it worth a read.
[In my case, as I mention above, my reason is that my mother was enthralled with each movie as it was released, except the Tim Burton 2001 reboot; my mother was so excited about that movie we actually went to the theatre to see it during its initial release, after which my mother said something along the lines of, "Well, that was unnecessary." I think I recorded her actual comment somewhere here, but I haven't found it, so I'll look for it "later". Needless to point out, that was one Apes film we didn't add to our collection.]
You know, I probably should create a Planet of the Apes label, considering how many of these movies I've added to the collection and, reportedly, this iteration won't be the last installment. Remind me to do that, will you?
Yep, I just checked and I have all the Planet of the Apes movies in my collection (minus the animated and TV series productions) except the Tim Burton one. My collection also includes a documentary hosted by Roddy McDowell about the making, and success, of the initial five films.
Well, I just checked and I found a relatively cheap DVD copy of Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes effort, the one my mother (and I, and, it seems a lot of other people, including fans of this franchise, frankly) didn't care for. So, Dear Reader, I ordered it. The more I thought about it while writing this post, the more it occurred to me that I really ought to have the entire compliment of the original franchise that my mother so enjoyed and that, now, so do I, which is why I keep up with the franchise even though my mother died at the end of 2008. This edition includes several special features about Tim Burton's production, as well. They should be helpful in my understanding of why this attempted reboot pleased neither my mother, nor me.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2024
Directed by Wes Ball.
Labels: cgi-animation, super-hero3
Sunday, October 06, 2024
Traffic
- Commentary: Under construction.
It's been almost one and a half decades since I first saw this movie, the year it came out. One of my nieces encouraged me to see it, then watched it with me when it was first available for rental. Frankly, it wasn't what I was expecting, considering who recommended it to me. It was gritty, ethically and politically ambiguous. Nothing I would have expected my niece to enjoy, well, except that it was so well-acted, full of stunning performances, large and small. She's an actor and she was drawn to the performances in the movie, the way they expertly intermingled with the subject matter and with each other.
Bits and pieces of dialogue and gestures from this film have melded with my thoughts. It's one of those movies where, when I watch it, yet again, I find these continue to bring up memories of past movie moments, including those of much more recent movies. Puts me in mind of wanting to watch this movie yet again. Perhaps, I'll do that, when my own personal copy arrives later this week.
Obviously, more later.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Steven Soderbergh.
Labels: Criterion9, neo-noirD, political6, violence5
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
In the Line of Fire
- Commentary: Under construction.
I saw this some years ago, although not when it was first released. However, it left me with strong memories, specifically Malkovich's voice and images of Presidential motorcades. More later.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Clint Eastwood SSA Frank Horrigan John Malkovich Mitch Leary/James Carney/Booth Rene Russo SSA Lilly Raines Dylan McDermott SSA Al D'Andrea Gary Cole SSA Bill Watts Fred Dalton Thompson White House Chief of Staff Harry Sargent John Mahoney SSD Sam Campagna Gregory Alan Williams SSA Matt Wilder Jim Curley U. S. President/Traveller Clyde Kusatsu SSA Jack Okura John Heard Professor Riger Joshua Malina SSA Chavez
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen.
Labels: clint-eastwood, john-heard, john-mahoney, thriller4
Rawhide
- Commentary: Under construction.
Rawhide was not a show I, personally, watched when it was first run TV. During almost it's entire run (minus episodes in Season 1 shot in 1959) I lived outside of the U.S. It wasn't until I was in late high school and college that TV was a thing where I lived and, even then, we were exposed to nothing like the full array of what had been available to U.S. denizens for years and years. I can't even remember if this series ever even aired on our TV "network". It may not have.
I'm not sure what possessed me but a bit less than a year ago I decided to type the name into my search engine and, low and behold, it came up on Amazon. For free viewing. So, I settled in and found myself surprised by not only the stories but the production values. I was so pleased with its quality that I even contacted one of my sisters to tell her how much I was enjoying the show. I didn't binge. Somehow, I assumed it would be available forever. Wrong. When I went back to it after maybe four or five episodes, it had switched to a streaming service not available to me (I subscribe to almost no streaming services, especially if they require a fee for access). So, off and on, when I think of it, I've been checking to see if it's appearing on any of the very few services to which I have access. I have also been periodically checking for a reasonably priced full-season set of the show. Once again, this afternoon, I was checking and discovered that the series was coming up on Amazon at the same price, check after check, that it had been since I started looking. So, I decided, well, the price isn't dropping, but it isn't rising, either, so, yeah, I think I'll order it. It will be arriving soon.
I remember, when I contacted my sister after watching a few free episodes I told her that I thought serious (i.e., not comedy) story telling appeared to be much better, in the writing, acting and production, when we were kids than it seems to be, now. Of course, I was not exposed to much TV in my youth, since it mostly wasn't available at home. So, I wasn't really "trained" in any style of TV storytelling. Which is probably why I collect movies, almost exclusively. I was exposed to more movies (and even of those, not many) than I was TV shows, at least enough to "learn the language" of movie watching. So, this show, and many others, fell through the cracks for me. I'm not of the mind to collect any more shows that I might have watched had I not been located elsewhere than the U.S. I find it interesting, though, that perhaps the quality of television story telling was quite a bit better in my youth than it is now. But, then again, I don't watch much TV now, either.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Eric Fleming Gil Favor Clint Eastwood Rowdy Yates Sheb Wooley Pete Nolan Paul Brinegar George Washington "Wishbone" Haggerty Robert Cabal Hey Soos Patines James Murdock Harkness "Mushy" Mushgrove III Steve Raines Jim Quince Rocky Shahan Joe Scarlet
The only actors listed above are regulars. Even then, I listed less than half of them. I didn't even try to set up a list of guest stars, as everyone and their dogs (likely) who were actors at some point guest starred in this series. It is a bit of low-brow fun, in fact, to watch episode after episode and notice yet another familiar face playing an isolated role in an episode.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1/59 - 12/65
Directed by Various.
Labels: clint-eastwood, TV3, western
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Secretary
- Commentary: Under construction.
Just a delightful sexual comedy that I first watched some years ago (perhaps even the year it came out), have since checked out of our library system a few times, about which I always thought, "Yeah, I should add that movie to our/my collection," but never did, possibly because Mom was still alive and you know how ravenous she was to watch any movie that became a part of the collection in this house and I may have had my doubts about showing her this one. Then, today, I remembered it, how much I enjoyed it and rethought my doubts about having it in our/my collection. As I think about it now, in fact, I may have been wrong about what I guessed her reaction might have been to this film. Well, Mom, sorry about that, truly. When it arrives, I'll send a quick message "skyward" so you can be sure and settle in, here, while it plays. As you may know, your rocker remains, in it's usual place, and hasn't been used since you left. I'll make sure it's dust-free before I put this in the player.
Likely more later.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Spader E. Edward Grey Maggie Gyllenhaal Lee Holloway Jeremy Davies Peter Patrick Bauchau Dr. Twardon Stephen McHattie Burt Holloway Oz Perkins Jonathan Jessica Tuck Tricia O'Connor Amy Locane Lee's sister Lesley Ann Warren Joan Holloway Michael Mantell Stewart Sabrina Grdevich Allison Ezra Buzzington Typing Teacher
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Steven Shainberg.
Labels: comedy3, james-spader, maggie-gyllenhaal, relationship, sexual
Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Halloween
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, here's the thing: I was born on Halloween. My parents even took a picture of my eldest sister dolled up for trick-or-treating on the evening of the morning I was born. I, of course, was comfortably in hospital with my mother.
Because I was born on that day, I've always had a curiosity about Halloween. I have not, however, particularly enjoyed Halloween, including the act of trick-or-treating. I never understood the connection between Halloween and trick-or-treating and fun when I was a child. I didn't mind receiving candy, of course, but threatening people in order to receive candy, well, that made me uncomfortable. For that matter, even before I was of age for trick-or-treating, I thought it was a mean act to which to pledge oneself. I went, of course. Being the second oldest of four girls, I was, with my older sister, part of the corraling section of the four of us. When I was close to hitting 10 years of age, though, I initiated a discussion with my mother about Halloween, in general, and trick-or-treating, in particular. I was very uncomfortable about all of it and needed to work through my misgivings.
We had a set of encyclopedias at home and I remember my mother and I indulging in an enlightening afternoon searching for everything we could find in those pages regarding Halloween, trick-or-treating and anything else related. That, of course, gave me a completely different perspective on the celebration. From that point on through my childhood I had even more difficulty with trick-or-treating, wondering if, somehow, even though I had never been taught to believe in ghosts and spirits, if they did exist and descended upon the home, so to speak, they'd abandoned at their death, what could it possibly mean to them that I was born on their day? Would these spectres think that I existed as an offering to them?
That mystery, as you can imagine, was never solved. However, when I meet people who were also born on Halloween, I feel a special kinship with them, knowing that they also exist with that mystery inside them.
And, yes, because of my birthday and my mother's and my investigation of the holiday, I have always understood and enjoyed the Peter, Paul and Mary version of "The Souling Song" (which is very old, by the way).
So, you see, I have a special reason for being curious about this film, even though I suspect that it has nothing to do with the traditions of Halloween as I understand them. Doesn't really matter. I'm looking forward to the debut of The Ultimate Scream Queen and the horror, and all. And Donald Pleasence. Can't wait (although I'll have to) to see him perform in yet another role.
More later, I'm sure.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Donald Pleasence Dr. Samuel Loomis Jamie Lee Curtis Laurie Strode Nick Castle The Shape Tony Moran Michael Myers age 21 Will Sandin Michael Myers age 6 Nancy Kyes Annie Brackett P. J. Soles Lynda Van Der Klok Charles Cyphers Sheriff Leigh Brackett Kyle Richards Lindsey Wallace Brian Andrews Tommy Doyle John Michael Graham Bob Simms Nancy Stephens Marion Chambers Arthur Malet Angus Taylor Mickey Yablans Richie Castle Brent Le Page Lonnie Elam Adam Hollander Keith Robert Phalen Dr. Wynn Sandy Johnson Judith Myers Peter Griffith Morgan Strode David Kyle Foster Judith's boyfriend
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1978
Directed by John Carpenter.
Labels: horror3
To Kill a Mockingbird - 60th Anniversary Edition
- Commentary: Under construction.
Why in the world has it taken me so long to add this world famous and beloved movie to my collection? Truth is, I don't really like it. In fact, as I recall (which may be in error) I've never watched the entire film. There are a few standout scenes and sections of dialogue that I like. And, frankly, I love Mary Badham's portrayal of Scout, but never enough to purchase the film. Until now, that is. What caused my change of, if not heart, then thought? Roger Ebert's pointed, two and a half star review, which I'd not read until today, by accident. I was surprised and pleased that he and I were pretty much in agreement about this film. Truth is, I rarely add a movie to my collection that I don't like, unless I dislike it so much that I can't get it out of my head and find myself mentally analyzing why I don't like it, which is usually an indication that I can see how it could have been improved, a lot. Sometimes my opinion resonates with other film makers who then attempt to create a better version and succeed. That is not the case with this film. Roger Ebert certainly disliked this movie at least as much as I did. As well, his analyzation of his dislike lent me a cogent understanding of what bothered me about the film. Turns out, it's easy to find a cheap copy of this film, no doubt because so many people disagree with Roger and me. So, it's winging it's way to my home and will likely arrive within the week.
More, later, when I receive a copy and finally watch it all the way through.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck Atticus Finch Mary Badham Scout Phillip Alford Jem John Megna Charles Baker "Dill" Harris Frank Overton Sheriff Heck Tate Rosemary Murphy Maudie Atkinson Ruth White Mrs. Dubose Brock Peters Tom Robinson Estelle Evans Calpurnia Paul Fix Judge John Taylor Collin Wilcox Mayella Violet Ewell James Anderson as Robert E. Lee Ewell Alice Ghostley Stephanie Crawford Robert Duvall Arthur "Boo" Radley William Windom DA Horace Gilmer Crahan Denton Walter Cunningham
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1962
Directed by Robert Mulligan.
Labels: gregory-peck, mary-badham, robert-duvall
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
I Origins
- Commentary: This is not a typical "catch" movie (see descriptions of other of her movies below) of Brit Marling's. It hit me as a "trick" movie and left me a bit uncomfortable with the story. The elements were fine, but the design into which they were put was a little too mushy for me. Otherwise the production is top notch, as is Marling's usual. Her single job in this production was as an actor. The writer is one she's worked with before, but her own thoughtful magic was missing. Maybe that's what was wrong with this movie for me. It certainly scored well with other "members of the audience".
This movie generated three articles at RogerEbert.com. The first, linked in the title to this post, a "general review", is Brian Tallerico's. The second, also by Brian Tallerico, is an interview with Mike Cahill and Michael Pitt "dissecting" (word lifted from the title) the movie. The third, by Alan Zilberman, is a curious and very interesting meditation on the eye, Lenses and Reflections: "I Origins" and the history of the eye closeup, in film.
The eye is the subject of the movie. Why shouldn't it be the subject of an essay about the eye in film?
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Pitt Ian Gray Brit Marling Karen Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey Sofi Elizondo Steven Yeun Kenny
Archie Panjabi Priya Varma Cara Seymour Dr. Jane Simmons Venida Evans Margaret Dairy William Mapother Darryl Mackenzie
The cast also includes Kashish Kumari as Salomina.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Mike Cahill.
Labels: brit-marling, drama5, fantasy2, mystery1, romance1, science-fiction1
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
- Commentary: This is the first movie in the Planet of the Apes Reboot series, and it's a honey of a movie. It's one of the best super-hero origin stories I've seen. Andy Serkis, an extraordinary actor, plays the role of Caesar, the chimpanzee who is born into super-hero ape status.
My mother, who was famous in our family for her love of the original Planet of the Apes series, did not live long enough to see this reboot. I think she would have loved it, even though there are several differences, the first and most significant being that the apes don't speak English, they speak Ape. There are a few words they pick up, here and there, most significantly, the word, "No!", but communication between apes is handled so well that a watcher is never in doubt as to what is communicated. Really a magnificent reboot of the series. I often hope, as I watch each of the three reboot movies, that, if there is a survival of consciousness after death, my mother is watching over my shoulder as I watch these movies.
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 James Franco Dr. William Rodman Freida Pinto Dr. Caroline Aranha John Lithgow Charles Rodman Brian Cox John Landon Tom Felton Dodge Landon David Oyelowo Steven Jacobs Andy Serkis Caesar Karin Konoval Maurice Terry Notary Rocket/Bright Eyes Richard Ridings Buck Devyn Dalton Cornelia Christopher Gordon Koba
Here is the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
This Wikipedia article provides an excellent overview of all the Planet of the Apes movies. It also hints at a fourth installment of the Reboot series.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Rupert Wyatt.
Update 8/27/2024: I've actually had this movie for quite awhile but the post became corrupted and I had to salvage what I could, repost, redate it and re-enter it into my Alpha List. It seems to be okay, now.
Labels: action2, adventure2, andy-serkis, animal, biography1, cgi-animation, drama2, fantasy1, political1, reflective, science-fiction1, super-hero1, tragedy1, violence1, war1
