Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The World's Fastest Indian
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I rented this movie out of dim curiosity because I enjoy Anthony Hopkins' work and like to see everything in which he acts. Lo and behold, I know this man. This man is my very extraordinary Chandler nephew and this is a portrait of what he will be like when he is middle aged and old. He is in his 20's, now, and is such a natural, as well as, now, well-trained and highly skilled inventor/repairer, and such an adventurer that it could be said that he does both in his sleep. Both Mom and I were astonished at this portrait and practically fell over each other exclaiming, "That's [nephew's name] in sixty or seventy years!" That's why we own this movie. And, yes, I recommended it to the nephew in question. I figured he'd get a kick out of seeing himself in the future.
One of RogerEbert.com's Far Flungers, Omer M. Mozaffar also weighed in on this movie in 2012. Fascinating article.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Anthony Hopkins Burt Munro Jessica Cauffiel Wendy Joe Howard Otto Chris Williams Tina
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Roger Donaldson.
Labels: adventure3, anthony-hopkins, biography1, docu-drama, popcorn-and-soda4, shared-favorite, sport1
Why We Fight
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I think my "mention" says it all. We have, by the way, seen this movie twice since purchasing it. The second time I cued it immediately after we sat through a viewing of The Fog of War, using it as a painlessly painful history reminder.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Eugene Jarecki.
Labels: documentary1, war2
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
Take the Lead
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is strictly a "Mom" movie. She saw a couple of ads on TV after the video was released and was mesmerized by the dance sequence used, in which Antonio Bandaras demonstrates what an impeccable dance relationship can be by doing a sizzling tango with a professional dancer. So, when I saw the movie for sale, I got it. Mom loves it, and, as is typical for her, she's especially fond of the dance class venue, a high school detention class full of unruly kids. I like watching some of the dance sequences but, for the most part, this is a forgettable dance movie for me, which is unusual because I usually love dance movies of all kinds. We'll keep it, though, as it speaks to Mom on a couple of levels. It has become one of those "Now, what?" movies, useful when I am having trouble keeping Mom from sneaking in for a nap.
Update 7/31/21: Almost needless to say, Mom's dead and I no longer have this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Antonio Banderas Pierre Dulaine Alfre Woodard Augustine James John Ortiz Joseph Temple Many Young Actors Playing Student Dancers
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Liz Friedlander.
Labels: dance, drama8, female-director2, mom-favorite1
Strictly Ballroom
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Both Mom and I could watch this movie every day for a year, then turn around and watch to celebrate the following New Year's Day. Plus, this video includes the full length docu-video about the Kendall's School of Dance, which inspired Baz Lurhmann to write this story. This documentary, alone, is worth the price of the video...and then, you get the main feature! What a treat!
Although Paul Mercurio is a professional dancer in real life, his acting is a bit stiff. This has a negligible effect, though, because Tara Morice is as liquid an actor as she is a dancer and the two are supported by a host of excellent Australian actors.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Paul Mercurio Scott Hastings Tara Morice Fran Bill Hunter Barry Fife Pat Thomson Shirley Hastings Antonio Vargas Rico Armonia Benedito Ya Ya Barry Otto Doug Hastings Sonia Kruger Tina Sparkle
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, bill-hunter, dance, drama8, popcorn-and-soda4, romance2, satire2, shared-favorite
The Star - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Both Mom and I found this movie odd, but stayed with it, almost with bated breath. I'm not sure how often we'll watch it. Davis' performance is definitely transfixing. The story of her fall from fame and grace is interesting and well-played. The romance is a little over the top, though.
Once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant! His review of this particular movie is the first review up on the page. The first part of the title is linked to another review of the film by one of the Three Movie Buffs.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Margaret Elliot Sterling Hayden Jim Johannsen Natalie Wood Gretchen Warner Anderson Harry Stone Minor Watson Joe Morrison June Travis Phyllis Stone Paul Frees Richard Stanley Fay Baker Margaret's sister
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1952
Directed by Stuart Heisler.
Labels: bette-davis, drama8, natalie-wood, popcorn-and-soda4, satire2
The Sixth Sense
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I've assiduously avoided owning this movie for a long time, thus, although I was mesmerized by it when I saw it in the theater (not so much by the story, but the technique, the acting, and the interplay between the characters) and my intrigue about M. Night Shyamalan began with this movie, I just never thought I'd own it. Then, Mom expressed interest in it once when it was on cable and she was fascinated with it. Soon after, someone had it on deep sale, so I picked it up. Shyamalan has made enough movies now, so that my initial intrigue with his career has cooled considerably, starting with Signs. Although I am devoted to Unbreakable, I don't know, I was expecting something, hmmm...more, I guess, from him, and he hasn't delivered for me for a long time. I tried The Village, too, and it did nothing for me.
So, here I am, supposedly writing about The Sixth Sense, but saying absolutely nothing about it. I love Bruce Willis' performance. I love Toni Collette's performance. I love the way it's framed. I love what it promised about Shyamalan. I like the solution to the young medium's problem. Mom and I have watched it twice since I bought it and both watchings have been satisfying. When I watch it, though, I mourn my expectations of Shyamalan that this movie provoked and Unbreakable seemed to underline. Maybe he has more in him. I hope so.
Update 2/10/18: An unassuming super-hero, yes, but a super-hero nontheless. The entire movie, in fact, is devoted to one super-hero-of-sorts helping another nascent super-hero with his peculiar super-power.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bruce Willis Malcolm Crowe Haley Joel Osment Cole Sear Toni Collette Lynn Sear Olivia Williams Amanda Crowe Donnie Wahlberg Vincent Grey Glenn Fitzgerald Sean Mischa Barton Kyra Collins M. Night Shyamalan Dr. Hill
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1999
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Labels: drama8, fantasy3, horror2, m-night-shyamalan, super-hero2, suspense2, toni-collette
Now, Voyager - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: Ahhh...be still my heart! I love this movie so much it's hard for me to decide whether this or All About Eve is my favorite Bette Davis movie. First, of course, Bette Davis. What a character she plays in this! What a wonderful job she does! Second, the story. I consider the end strikingly unusual, but, I reminded myself that this movie played in 1942: Women were losing men to war, revelling in their independence and sudden ability to make a living and be both needed and wanted by the workforce...I guess I shouldn't consider it quite so striking. And then, of course, there's Claude Rains. My infatuation with this man is absolutely unreasonable. I kept wanting and expecting Davis' character to become romantically involved with his character, a psychiatrist. And, then, of course, the cigarettes. Read the mentions for information about how they went over in our household...definitely a surprise.
I can't, unfortunately, comment much about Paul Henreid's performance. For me, he was simply an object off which Davis bounced. However, there was one other performance in the movie I considered devastating: Gladys Cooper as Mrs. Vale. Not only was her character wickedly written, her performance was flawless. her portrayal was so subtle, she transformed Mrs. Vale into a quiet horror; always much better than an obvious horror.
The first part of the title is linked to an alternate review in which quite a bit of dialogue is quoted. As well, once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). His review of this movie is the fourth down the page. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Charlotte Vale Paul Heinried Jeremiah Duvaux Durrance Claude Rains Dr. Jaquith Gladys Cooper Mrs. Windle Vale Bonita Granville June Vale John Loder Elliot Livingston Katharine Alexander Miss Trask Mary Wickes Dora Pickford Frank Puglia Giuseppe Ilka Chase Lisa Vale Franklin Pangborn Mr. Thompson Janis Wilson Tina Durrance
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Irving Rapper.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, bette-davis, claude-rains, drama9, mother-daughter-dynamics1, popcorn-and-soda4, romance2, shared-favorite
Mr. Skeffington - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Although I'm nowhere near a Bette Davis expert, this movie seemed to me like a Bette Davis miscast, at first, although my inordinate love of Claude Rains took my mind off this for quite awhile. Despite this, it didn't take long for me to believe her portrayal; a credit to Davis, not the casting, I think. Mom loved the intense, obvious melodrama. She also got lost in the lush period flavor and imagined, afterward, that the movie had been in color; which I understand is a typical reaction to both this movie and Jezebel. I'd watch this movie again, just for the pleasure of watching Claude Rains again.
Once again, as with the Joan Crawford Collection, I've linked the second part of the title to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). The review for this movie is the second review on the page. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis 'Fanny' Trellis Skeffington Claude Rains Job Skeffington Walter Abel George Trellis Richard Waring Trippy Trellis Jerome Cowan Suitor Edward Morrison Dorothy Peterson Manby Marjorie Riordan Fanny Rachel Trellis Johnny Mitchell Johnny Mitchell, Fanny's daughter's husband
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1944
Directed by Vincent Sherman.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, bette-davis, claude-rains, drama9, melodramaA, period4, romance2, shared-favorite
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
The Letter - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: It took us two tries to get through this one, even though it was the shortest of the Bette Davis movies we bought in the collection with which this one came. Neither of us found it disturbing, but we just couldn't get into the story. When we finally watched it, at the end Mom and I looked at one another.
"Well," she said, "we don't have to do that again."
"Yeah, I know what you mean."
I'm not sure what our problem with it was. It could simply be that we're both hard sells for this type of movie. I have to say, though, since watching it, I've found that several of the scenes have continued to haunt me, probably because of both the staging and framing. As well, I have to admit, Bette Davis was, as usual, a dazzling intepreter of this character. I may, indeed, watch it again. Not soon, though.
I've linked the title of this post to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant! His review of this movie is the fifth review on the page.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Leslie Crosbie Herbert Marshall Robert Crosbie James Stephenson Howard Joyce Frieda Inescort Dorothy Joyce Gale Sondergaard Mrs. Hammond Bruce Lester John Withers Elizabeth Earl Adele Ainsworth Cecil Kellaway Prescott Sen Yung Ong Chi Seng Doris Lloyd Mrs. Cooper Willie Fung Chung Hi Tetsu Komai Head Boy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1940
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, film-noir2, melodramaA, suspense2
Jeremiah Johnson
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This was the other movie I ordered for Mom's birthday. Truth is, I could only vaguely remember whether she had a marked interest in it. As it turns out, she did. When I cued it, she remembered, almost immediately, having seen it.
"Oh," I said, "I hope it isn't one of those movies you only wanted to see once."
"Oh, no," she replied, "I think I remember liking this movie."
She loved it, maybe even more than How the West Was Won. We saw the movies back to back and she even mentioned, regarding the portrayals of Native Americans, "Yes, now this seems more realistic."
Since I'd never watched the entire movie, I settled down and was surprised, pleased and inspired. "Well, Mom, that's what I'd like to do, figure out how to be completely self-sufficient, in landscape similar to that."
She looked at me approvingly. "I know what you mean," she said. "So would I. Even with all the problems and difficulties."
I know we'll be watching this one again...probably every time I have multiple Abandoning Fantasies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Redford Jeremiah Johnson Will Geer Bear Claw Chris Lapp Stefan Gierasch Del Gue Delle Bolton Swan Josh Albee Caleb Joaquín Martínez Paints His Shirt Red Allyn Ann McLerie Crazy Woman Paul Benedict Reverend Lindquist Jack Colvin Lt. Mulvey Matt Clark Qualen Richard Angarola Chief Two-Tongues Lebeaux Charles Tyner Robidoux
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Labels: adventure3, biography1, period4, revenge1, revisionist-western, robert-redford
Japanese Story
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: The above comment in the "Mentions" pretty much says it all, from which I'll take the liberty of quoting: Last night, Mom rearose as I was about 10 minutes into watching Japanese Story. This is one of those movies I rented, when it first came out on DVD, strictly on the strength of Toni Collette being in the cast. I fell so in love with the movie that I have continued to think of it since. Mom didn't watch it at that time. When I ran across a barely used (probably only watched once), cheap copy of it some days ago when turning in movies for credit at my favorite get-rid-of-DVDs-you-don't-want place, I snatched it using some of my accumulated credit. When Mom joined me last night, I told her what I was doing and restarted the movie. Although she expressed interest, I expected that at a point after about 15 minutes of watching the movie she'd become bored and I'd stop it for viewing at another alone-time. I was wrong. She was riveted, too. When the movie ended, she surprised me by saying, as the credits rolled, "I really enjoyed that! Let's buy that movie. I'd like to see it again."
We discussed it, mostly the landscape, about which Mom commented, more than a few times during the movie, "Where is this? Australia? We should move to Australia," despite me reminding her that we probably couldn't live in the environments shown in the movie with which she particularly fell in love [You can take the woman out of the desert, I guess, but you can't take the desert out of the woman]; and about the subtle appreciation that grew between the main characters (the wife of the businessman included, even though she appears only in the last quarter of the movie), despite their extreme cultural differences.
At one point I mentioned something about my reaction when I first saw the movie.
"You've seen this movie? Why don't I remember seeing it?"
"You didn't see it the first time, Mom. I wasn't sure you'd like it."
"Well, from now on, check with me before you decide what you think I'd like."
Yes m'am!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Toni Collette Sandy Edwards Gotaro Tsunashima Hiromitsu Tachibana Matthew Dyktynski Bill Baird Lynette Curran Mum Yumiko Tanaka Yukiko Tachibana Kate Atkinson Jackie Bill Young Jimmy Smithers Reg Evans Bloke in a Boat
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Sue Brooks.
Labels: drama9, dream1, female-director2, me-favorite2, toni-collette
How the West Was Won
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This is one of my parents' historical favorites. I remember watching it in the theater but discovered, upon rewatching it (I got it for my mother's birthday this year) that I'd misremembered quite a bit of it and apparently mixed it up with another movie that featured the great prairie land grab, which isn't covered in this film. My mother, who has become much more sophisticated about the depictions of Native Americans in movies, although there is actually little in this film but N.A. hearsay, was unsettled enough by what it included to voice her objections. Otherwise, we both enjoyed the sprawl, became surprisingly involved in the stories, loved some of the individual performances (Will Geer's, in particular, as the patriach of a river pirate family and Carroll Baker's surprisingly subtle performance as a pioneer wife). I was intrigued by the Civil War sequence, as well. My mother devoured the entire movie and breathed a satisfied sigh through a satisfied smile when it was over. "Let's start that again," she said. Luckily, we had another movie which she was equally anticipating, Jeremiah Johnson. This movie will be one of those "snowy/rainy day when I'm baking" movies, I'm sure. I don't think I'll become as fascinated with it as I have The Ten Commandments, of which I often find myself needing a fix, but I don't think I'll ignore it when I'm playing it for Mom, as I do some movies.
P.S. There are so many stars in this movie that I almost considered only listing one per section. The point of these listings, though, is to highlight actors in whose work I might like to luxuriate on, say, a couple of back-to-back snow or monsoon days. Leaving this movie out would be a travesty to that desire.
Thus, in order to make the listings a bit less jumbled, I'm setting them up as did Wikipedia, by section in the multiple tables below.
The movie is narrated by Spencer Tracy.
The Rivers Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role James Stewart Linus Rawlings Carroll Baker Eve Prescott Rawlings Debbie Reynolds Lilith Prescott van Valen Karl Malden Zebulon Prescott Agnes Moorehead Rebecca Prescott Walter Brennan Col. Jeb Hawkins Brigid Bazlen Dora Hawkins Lee Van Cleef River Pirate
The Plains Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck Cleve Van Valen Robert Preston Roger Morgan Thelma Ritter Agatha Clegg David Brian Lilith's attorney John Larch Gambler Grimes Clinton Sundberg Hylan Seabury
The Civil War Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role George Peppard Zeb Rawlings Andy Devine Cpl Peterson Harry Morgan Gen. Ulysses S. Grant John Wayne Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman Russ Tamblyn Confederate Deserter Raymond Massey President Abraham Lincoln Ken Curtis Cpl. Ben Jay C. Flippen Huggins
The Railroad Actor Role Actor Role Henry Fonda Jethro Stuart Richard Widmark Mike King
The Outlaws Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Lee J. Cobb Marshal Lou Ramsey Eli Wallach Charlie Gant Carolyn Jones Julie Rawlings Mickey Shaughnessy Deputy Stover Harry Dean Stanton Member of Gant's Gang Jack Lambert Member of Gant's Gang
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1962
Directed by Henry Hathaway, John Ford and George Marshall.
Labels: adventure3, carroll-baker, dad-favorite, debbie-reynolds, drama9, eli-wallach, henry-fonda, james-stewart, karl-malden, mom-favorite1, period4, popcorn-and-soda4, spectacle2, spencer-tracy, thelma-ritter, western
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
Dog Whisperer - 1st Season
- Who's watched: M & G (marginally)
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This video was a surprise I would not have considered on my own. One of my sisters sent it to me for my 2006 birthday. It was an excellent choice. Aside from the comments above, I think it is turning Mom into a watcher of the TV show. I noticed, when she watched the video, that she smiled through the entire three episodes, which were watched, pretty much, back to back. The reason I list myself as having watched it "marginally" is that I was doing chores and preparing dinner while it was on. However, I caught quite a bit of the episodes; enough so that, Mom and I had extended conversations about dogs, our previous ownership of dogs and possible future ownership (I'm still thinking, out of the question, but, you never know).
In order to access the article linked to the title of this post, you might have to register for a free account with The Age, an Australian newspaper. I had to register to access the whole article.
Update 2/7/18: I no longer have this DVD in my collection, unfortunately. I didn't voluntarily weed it. A few years ago I lent it to a friend who always owns a passel of dogs and sometimes has trouble controlling them. She must have found the DVD valuable because she never returned it and has left the neighboring city in which she lived for parts unknown. I've designated it, by color, as a "no longer owned" video, but I have hope ... I think it would be one of those videos where I'd watch it and remind myself of Mom and me watching it.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004-2012
Directed by SueAnn Fincke & Jim Milio.
Labels: animal, audio-visual, female-director1, TV2
Dark Victory - The Bette Davis Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: We watch this one more than I'd like, as it is one of my mother's favorites. I enjoy Davis' portrayal of the character but I have trouble with the quick switch from breezy, self-involved young heiress to philosophical, unselfishly doomed young matron. I've never known my mother to be an easy touch for movies about young, tragic death, but this one gets her every time. I'm not sure why. Maybe, if I would pay more attention to her as she watches it I'd discover the reason. Good idea. I know I'll have plenty of chances to do this.
Update 8/7/21: Once again, I infested the title of this post with two links. The first part is linked to a site that reviews the movie, alone. The second part of the title is linked to a site that gets it done when it comes to collections (and other reviews, as well). You'll find his review for this movie as the second review down his page. Incidentally, I have this Collection, so I'll be using this link in other posts, as well. Thank you, DVD Savant, now CineSavant!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Judith Traherne George Brent Dr. Frederick Steele Humphrey Bogart Michael O'Leary Geraldine Fitzgerald Ann King Ronald Reagan Alec Hamm Henry Travers Dr. Parsons Cora Witherspoon Carrie Spottswood Doroty Peterson Miss Wainwright
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1939
Directed by Edmund Golding.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, popcorn-and-soda4
Commander in Chief - Parts 1 & 2
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: Mom initially discovered this series through her tabloids, insisted we tune in from the very first episode and was so addicted to it that she actually registered the news that it would be cancelled and was heartbroken. Thus, it was necessary, when it came up for sale, that we purchase it.
I can watch it, and often do, with her. It's more interesting to me than some series: For me, a cut above, for instance, Murder, She Wrote. I am not, though, generally, a fan of Bellisario series; they all have a fawning quality that bothers me. As well, I am not nearly as fascinated with the idea of a woman U.S. president as my mother is; just surprised, continually, that we haven't yet had one. I think my mother forgets that, in the history of the world, female rulers are not an anomaly, though certainly not as frequent as men. She also tends to think that just the fact that a ruler is a woman somehow means that ruler will be "better". I do not nurse similar sentiments. All that being said, it's entirely possible that this series, without thinking, was aimed at my mother's generation (and, maybe, one generation beyond), because it may have been conceived by still active executives who are of my mother's generation (or one generation beyond).
Please note, reader, that I've linked the title of this post to the first of two meticulous reviews of each of the seasons of this series. The review for the second season is here.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Geena Davis U. S. Pres Mackenzie Allen Donald Sutherland Nathan Templeton Harry Lennix Jim Gardner Kyle Secor Rod Calloway Ever Carradine Kelly Ludlow Mark-Paul Gosselaar Richard McDonald Polly Bergen The President's Mother Peter Coyote U. S. Vice Pres Warren Keaton
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005-2006
Episodes directed by various directors, none female, which seems particularly pertinent, considering the subject matter.
Labels: donald-sutherland, drama9, geena-davis, mom-favorite1, political4, popcorn-and-soda4, presidential, TV2
The Birdcage
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I think Mom considers this a type of gender bender movie. It's one of her favorites, one of those that, when ever it played on television previous to us buying it, I'd cue it, knowing that Mom would love it, yet again. I like it. There are certain scenes, in this movie, like the dance direction scene, the initial diva-trauma scene and the reminscing dance scene between Val's mother and father that I never get tired of watching. I saw the original La Cage aux Folles many, many years ago, enjoyed that movie, and have no problem with the existence of both, although I tend to consider them different movies. For some reason, though, certain scenes in this movie grate on me and, when Mom wants to watch it, I find it a good time to catch up on chores or my journals.
Update 2/6/18: Thought I should mention, in tribute, although my Chandler sister has not visited for a few years, almost every time she comes she insists on watching this movie. I think it may be one of her favorites, if not her absolute favorite. Come to think of it, I haven't watched it since one of her last visits and, now, I can't remember which of the scenes grates on me. Perhaps I should watch it again.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robin Williams Armand Goldman Nathan Lane Albert Goldman Christine Baranski Katharine Archer Dan Futterman Val Goldman Hank Azaria Agador Spartacus Calista Flockhart Barbara Keeley Gene Hackman Sen. Kevin Keeley Dianne Wiest Louise Keeley
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1996
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Labels: comedy1, gender-bender, mom-favorite2, popcorn-and-soda4, robin-williams
All About Eve
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I think this is the first Bette Davis movie I watched with attention, and it will remain my all time favorite of hers, edging out Now, Voyager only because I saw this one first. I love the presentation of the story; I love the way Davis plays the part; I love all the supporting characters, including Eve. Addison DeWitt strikes exactly the right tone, from beginning to end. It's funny, in the review to which I connect in the title, much mention is made of Marilyn Monroe's bit part, how her legendary luminosity is evident in this movie, how she steals all her scenes and how this appearance pre-figures her stardom. When she is in scene with Davis, though, I only have eyes for Davis. Monroe's luminosity may have drawing power, but it doesn't compare to Davis', which, I suppose, could be compared to that of a black hole, sucking viewers in beyond the power of a nascent star.
Mom, of course, loves this movie because it features Bette Davis.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bette Davis Margo Channing Anne Baxter Eve Harrington George Sanders Addison DeWitt Celeste Holm Karen Richards Gary Merrill Bill Sampson Hugh Marlowe Lloyd Richards Thelma Ritter Birdie Coonan Gregory Ratoff Max Fabian
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up for this film.
Release Date: 1950
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
Labels: bette-davis, drama9, me-favorite2, thelma-ritter, women's-movie1
