The Samoan Lawyer attempts to review

[the samoan lawyer]

Ok folks, so as described in the title, these will be my attempts at reviews, they wont be very good but ive no experience whatsoever at anything like this so please excuse many mistakes.

Also, any feedback is welcome, negative or positive.

Cheers.

Reviewed so far:

Bad Lieutenant
Repulsion
Drive
The Tenant
Get Carter
To Catch a Thief
Night of the Hunter
Hour of the Wolf
Falling Down
Rosemary's Baby
Sorry, Wrong Number
A'Linterieur
Black Christmas
Funny Games
In Cold Blood
Les Diaboliques
Straw Dogs
A Woman Under the Influence
Shock Corridor
Take Shelter
The Exterminating Angel

[the samoan lawyer]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTadTEmPnI1iHhnUkFOuw1ac9txQq1FyRbEx0HB8-jfd84rChzR4GPwNsQ9 (http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://www.movieramblings.com/2012/01/28/from-the-vault-bad-lieutenant-1992/&sa=U&ei=-vLcUqDoLcqrhQeal4CwCg&ved=0CDQQ9QEwAg&sig2=Kt3iW7eW2xvWAwTpKZsvGQ&usg=AFQjCNGAjevGkALUheHJcllhldHvQPFvzA)

Bad Lieutenant (1992)

“I’m Sorry, Lord. I’ve done so many bad things”

Harvey Keitel expertly plays ‘The Lieutenant’, the cop trying to investigate the rape of a young nun whilst simultaneously battling his own demons, including drug and gambling addiction.

The film opens with an illustration of how irresponsible and corrupt The Lieutenant actually is and the more we witness, the more harrowing things become.

Bad Lieutenant almost becomes a character study of Keitel as we observe his erratic and out of control behaviour. His rollercoaster of emotions eventually leading to him begging for forgiveness for his sins in possibly the most moving, emotionally charged scene in the movie.

Director Abel Ferrara’s raw, nihilistic portrayal is intense, engrossing and extremely sombre yet leaves you wanting to feel a hint of sympathy for a man besieged with deviance.

P.s not to be confused with the 2009 film of the same name starring Nicolas Cage.

4+

[seanc]

Have never watched either version of Bad Lieutenant. Is Cage's version a remake?

[cricket]

Nothing wrong with that review at all; better than what I could do. I also really liked that movie because I could relate to the character. Because of that, I could feel his despair.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

Have never watched either version of Bad Lieutenant. Is Cage's version a remake?

Yep, the original is better.

Nice review, Lawyer.:up:

[cricket]

Have never watched either version of Bad Lieutenant. Is Cage's version a remake?

It's not a remake; I guess it's considered a sequel, but one has nothing to do with the other as far as continuity. Cage's version is more of a dark comedy; it's really pretty good.

[cricket]

According to Wiki, it's not a remake or a sequel, but a rethought, whatever that means.

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

I guess it's considered a sequel, but one has nothing to do with the other as far as continuity.

:confused:

[The Sci-Fi Slob]

According to Wiki, it's not a remake or a sequel, but a rethought, whatever that means.


Perhaps Blade Runner 2 is a rethought, hopefully Ridley Scott's last.:D

[the samoan lawyer]

Cheers folks, yeah ive heard the Cage version is neither a remake nor a sequel whatever that means. Really enjoyed this one though. Im gonna try and get a few more up asap. Also would love to get a top 100 completed but im useless at ranking films so it would take forever. who knows, maybe some day.

[mark f]

I liked the Cage one WAY more. :) Get some more up.

[the samoan lawyer]

I liked the Cage one WAY more. :) Get some more up.

REally? Did you not like this one Mark?

[cricket]

I also enjoyed the Cage version more, but I felt a connection to the first one.

Keep in mind, the 1st is a dark drama, the 2nd is a dark comedy.

[mark f]

Keitel is pretty great, but I do have some problems with Ferrara's "take no prisoners" script and technique, although they're undoubtedly what gives it a cult and your rating. :)

[The Gunslinger45]

According to Wiki, it's not a remake or a sequel, but a rethought, whatever that means.

It means Wernor Herzog made his version of Bad Lieutenant without seeing the original.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBpC2nDyBM3_TmdFtjm5X5XnYxvoL8684cEFqbv9wbBBPy9AktBjsJLEc (http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://diariodeunacinefila.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/repulsion-extrano-filme-con-un-interesante-ejercicio-de-psicologia/&sa=U&ei=ojneUpW0EcSBhAeN2IDoDg&ved=0CDgQ9QEwBA&sig2=on_oBrap9L8YOOauRO43aA&usg=AFQjCNFliQevczmPG4lKwPOpYD7Q6-e-6w)


Repulsion (1965)


Directed by Roman Polanski, this is the first film in what was to become known as ‘The Apartment Trilogy’ along with Rosemary’s Baby and The Tenant.

Filmed in London, it tells the story of Carol, played by Catherine Deneuve, who has moved in with her older sister Helen. In a truly unforgettable performance we watch Carol’s paranoia spiral out of control after her sister leaves the apartment for a few days.

It leaves the viewer not knowing exactly what is real and what is purely imaginative in the claustrophobic, sexually repressed mind of Carol

For me, this is one of the best horror films I have watched and what makes it even more shocking is knowing that it was released to the public almost 50 years ago.

A haunting, psychological masterpiece.

4.5

[Daniel M]

Bad Lieutenant and Repulsion look like two movies that I'd love. Nice reviews :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Bad Lieutenant and Repulsion look like two movies that I'd love. Nice reviews :)

Cheers Daniel, im sure you'd enjoy them both.

[cricket]

I fell asleep a half hour into Repulsion; I will give it another go.

[mark f]

Preferably when you need another good sleep. :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Preferably when you need another good sleep. :)

Not a fan then Mark? What didnt you like about it? ive still to watch The Tenant, what did you think of it?

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/13/Drive2011Poster.jpg/220px-Drive2011Poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drive2011Poster.jpg)

Drive (2011)

“You give me a five minute window, anything that happens in that five minutes and I’m yours”

‘The Driver’ is a stuntman/mechanic by day and a getaway driver by nightcall. Accompanied by his auto shop owner boss in Bryan Cranston, the two get involved in a heist which leads to an ill advised love interest, an out of patience hot headed mafia boss, a blood soaked hotel room and a slight altercation in an elevator.

Ryan Gosling plays ‘The Driver’s’ strong and silent type perfectly and with the scorpion embalmed jacket he evokes the use of the Scorpion and the Frog fable.

Nicolas Winding Refn’s ultra cool Drive has Gosling as a man equally as suited to a certain Sergio Leone western trilogy and along with an electronic pop soundtrack this made Drive a revelation at Cannes in 2011.

4.5

[Mmmm Donuts]

Drive....

http://blogimages.bloggen.be/william_peynsaert/2037427-17ee6d5b8de926983b07d36fe0c7792a.jpg

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a6/Locataire.jpg/220px-Locataire.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Locataire.jpg)

The Tenant (1976)

The last film in Polanski's 'Apartment trilogy'. Another brilliant psychological horror that this time has Polanski himself starring. Again, claustrophobic, disturbing and intense, the film shows how Trelkovsky (Polanski) moves into an apartment in which the previous tenant had thrown herself out of her window. Again, things take a turn for the worse as paranoia and obsession take hold.

The Tenant will leave you with more questions that it does answers but nevertheless, another Polanski masterpiece in my opinion.

4.5

[the samoan lawyer]

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRaiLAQzF57u4SYfOSP26_u3RwOpTKnijZt7Y7NTRQg7J-RQNPHmjfvbFTJ (http://www.google.co.uk/url?q=http://snobberyfields.blogspot.com/2011/07/get-carter.html&sa=U&ei=u97oUt_6FoWN7AbC64GoAQ&ved=0CDYQ9QEwBA&sig2=PZXFkBfi-AGyAEEoqy3GCA&usg=AFQjCNGNVRipwBUuc-uB9nvyZFFuENpvNg)

Get Carter (1971)

“Frank wasn’t like that. Im the villain of the family, remember?”

Get Carter has Jack (Michael Caine) travel up north to discover more about the killing of his brother Frank. As Jack violently meanders through the puzzle of his brother’s death, he leaves a trail of bloodshed that eventually leads him to the disturbing truth.

Superb camerawork and a great score make this vengeful, gritty film an absolute must see for any gangster film fans.

Caine plays his anti-heroic character brilliantly and almost without emotion throughout the whole film barring a few scenes, which incidentally turn out to be some of the best. A cold, unsympathetic man on a mission, Jack Carter will find the truth at any cost.

I found this to be almost like a mix between a Guy Ritchie movie and Liam Neeson’s Taken but don’t let that put you off, Get Carter is better than both.

rating_4

[cricket]

Nice review; it sounds very good. I taped it last night and will watch this week.

[honeykid]

I found this to be almost like a mix between a Guy Ritchie movie and Liam Neeson’s Taken but don’t let that put you off, Get Carter is better than both.

I've not seen Taken, I don't think that's a surprise to anyone :D, but I'm sure you're right in saying that Get Carter is better than it. And it's certainly better than a Guy bloody Ritchie movie.

Glad you enjoyed it, SL. :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Ok folks, have a read and tell me what you think. Remember that this is my first real attempt so be gentle...

http://www.tasteofcinema.com/2014/20-great-movies-with-unnamed-main-characters/

:)

[Gideon58]

When I saw your thread, I was a little surprised with the omission of THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH...Marilyn Monroe's character is simply billed as "The Girl."

[the samoan lawyer]

When I saw your thread, I was a little surprised with the omission of THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH...Marilyn Monroe's character is simply billed as "The Girl."

The films I included were only the ones I've seen. Haven't watched The Seven year itch yet.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/To_Catch_a_Thief.jpg/220px-To_Catch_a_Thief.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:To_Catch_a_Thief.jpg)

To Catch a Thief


Released in 1955, Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief, stars Cary Grant as a retired jewel thief nicknamed ‘The Cat’ and Grace Kelly, the elegant daughter of a millionaire widow. Predominantly filmed in the alluring surroundings of the French Riviera, To Catch a Thief is a charming almost romantic thriller from the master of suspense.



John Robie (Grant) is enjoying life in Nice, when rather abruptly, his peace is interrupted by the police, after some well-executed jewel robberies nearby. Determined to evade questioning and prove his innocence, he flees. With Robie seemingly the only man capable of such professional-like robberies, he plans to catch the imitator himself. This is where we meet Frances Stevens (Grace Kelly), currently in the area with her mother Jessie and both coincidentally, owners of expensive jewels. Knowing John’s past and with his hard-to-get act seemingly working, Frances take a fancy to him. However when her jewels go missing, she feels conned and has the police alerted once again. With the all familiar man on the run theme from the director, can John catch the culprit before the police catch him? With roof-topclashes, a bitter love flame and a testy relationship with his old ex-con ‘friends’, it’s up to John to solve the mystery and reclaim his most prized jewel, Frances.


Whilst not the most powerful of Hitchcock films, To Catch a Thief is a fun,riveting, piece of cinema. The pacing is effortless and containing such witty dialogue, it could easily pass as a James Bond film. With Oscar-winning cinematography and superb chemistry from Grant and Kelly, this is a glamorously slick and entertaining adventure.

4+

[the samoan lawyer]

http://demonsresume.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/nightofthehunter.jpg?w=212&h=300 (http://demonsresume.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/nightofthehunter.jpg)
Night of the Hunter

Based on the novel of the same title, Night of the Huntercasts Robert Mitchum in the lead role as Harry Powell, an unethical preachercum murderer. Alongside Shelley Winters, the film is loosely based on a truestory, as he attempts to romance the unsuspecting widow and steal the hiddenmoney. It was to be the last film directed by Charles Laughton.



Set in 1930’s West Virginia, Harry Powell is a self-labelledpreacher who has been travelling the country attracting widows, then killingand robbing them, all the while convinced that this is what God wants him todo. Arrested for driving a stolen car and temporarily jailed, he meets prisonerBen Harper, a convicted killer and bank robber facing execution. Despite not beingable to convince Ben to disclose where the loot is hidden, Powell hatches aplan to target his next widow, Willa Harper (Shelley Winters). However, withthe two Harper children being the only ones who know where the spoils are,Powell certainly won’t have things his own way.



With Mitchum giving such a skin crawling and menacingperformance, Night of the Hunter is now known to be one of the mostfrightening movies around, for its time. Containing possibly the mostnotoriously twisted, on-screen villain in cinematic history, this is a film youwill either LOVE or HATE.

4+

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/86/Hour_of_the_wolf.jpg/220px-Hour_of_the_wolf.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hour_of_the_wolf.jpg)
Hour of the Wolf

Regarded by many as one of the most important andinfluential directors of all time, Ingmar Bergman made many great films, a lotof which handled death, disease and the downfall of the human mind. Hour of the Wolf is no different.

The film is set on a modest, harsh looking island, whereJohan, played by Max Von Sydow, has sought refuge, along with his wife Alma(Liv Ullman). Johan is a painter who is battling insomnia and is haunted by thedemons of his past. Despite coming across as being very cold and a bit of abully, his loving wife is loyal and helps him through his obvious psychologicalillness. Things however take a turn for the worst, as Alma discovers Johan’ssecret diary, followed by an eerie invitation for dinner with fellow islanders,who live in a nearby castle. As ‘the hourof the wolf’ approaches, the truth is unravelled and the shocking past thathas been torturing Johan is frighteningly revealed.

This gothic horror is a chilling, claustrophobic journey,that displays the psychological torment one man suffers. A gritty, surreal workof art from a genius director, Hour ofthe Wolf is a beautiful butbleakmovie that easily stands the test of time.

4.5

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/22/Falling_Down_%281993_film%29_poster.jpg/220px-Falling_Down_%281993_film%29_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Falling_Down_(1993_film)_poster.jpg)


Falling Down


Joel Schumacher’s crime drama, Falling Down, stars Michael Douglas in the lead role of William Foster, a man hell bent on getting to his estranged daughter’s birthday party, at any cost. Although this may be a crime-drama film with plenty of action, it is also a very powerful, emotiona lfilm exhibiting one man’s life completely dismantling.



Laid off from his job and with an ex-wife armed with a restraining order to keep him away from her and their daughter, Foster’s frustration begins on a sweltering hot L.A day in traffic, when the in car air con fails. This sparks a chain of events that Foster converts into obstacles. These obstacles that are preventing him from making his daughter’s party are all faced with violence and confrontation. With Robert Duvall expertly (as ever) playing the role of Sergeant Prendergast, hot on the trail of Foster, how can the psychotic behaviour of our anti hero be stopped peacefully? And will he make his daughter’s party?



Michael Douglas gives the performance of his career in this tense portrait of just an average man, pushed beyond breaking point, a man that shares the same thoughts as you, only he acts them out!!

4

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ef/Rosemarys_baby_poster.jpg/220px-Rosemarys_baby_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rosemarys_baby_poster.jpg)

Rosemary's Baby


The most acclaimed in ‘the apartment trilogy’, Rosemary’sBaby stars Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes as husband and wife that just moved into an old fashioned New York City apartment.



Thrilled with their new surroundings, Rosemary (Farrow) and Guy (Cassavetes) decide that having a baby is the next step in their relationship. With her interfering, yet supportive neighbours (Minnie and Roman), she embarkson her journey through pregnancy and is somewhat shoved in the direction of Dr Sapirstein, who insists that Rosemary drink a concoction that her helpful neighbour will bring her daily. However, after burrowing deeper into the bizarre behaviour of those all around her, including her husband Guy; she speculates that they all have very sinister intentions for the unborn child.

Can Rosemary unravel the plot in time to save her baby AND her sanity? Or has this all been a cruel illusion of mind tricks?



Mia Farrow produces the performance of a lifetime in Polanski’s brilliant psychological horror. Released in 1968, this truly terrifying film effortlessly stands the test of time.

rating_4_5

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/6f/Sorrywrongnumber.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Sorrywrongnumber.jpg)


Sorry, Wrong Number

Starring Hollywood heavyweights, Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster, Sorry, Wrong Number is a slick film-noir released in 1948 andset in New York. The story is told in a series of flashbacks and is almost played in real time.


Leona Stevenson (Stanwyck) is the bedridden daughter of a rich pharmaceutical business owner. Whilst trying to ring her already late from work husband Henry (Lancaster), she experiences a cross-wire connection and overhears a plot to murder a woman at 11.15. Without hearing any more details,she desperately calls the police to inform them, however with so little information; the policeman advises that they are powerless to investigate any further. Certainly a film where the less known the better, you can look forward to a compelling and suspenseful ending. With death creeping outside her door,can Leona devise an escape? And where has her husband been all this time?

Very Hitchcockian in style, Sorry, Wrong Number is a classic insight into paranoia and helplessness. Containing superb cinematographyand fantastic performances from both Stanwyck and Lancaster, this is a nerve-racking film that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you are a fan of Rear Window, you’ll love this.

4

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/47/Insideposter.jpg/220px-Insideposter.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Insideposter.jpg)


Inside (À l'intérieur)





The French have a reputation for generating some of the best movies in the horror genre. À l'intérieur is no different. Released in 2007 and directed by Alexandre Bastillo and Julien Maury, the film stars Alysson Paradis and Beatrice Dalle.



The movie opens, in devastating, if not spectacular fashion, with a fatal car crash injuring the pregnant Sarah (Paradis) and killing her husband. We travel months later to Christmas Eve and the still-grieving Sarah is putting the final steps in place for the birth of her child the following day. As a strange woman in black (Dalle) arrives at the door, insisting she enters the house to use the telephone, the shocked Sarah rejects her advances and calls the police. When the police arrive and with the would-be intruder out of sight, Sarah can get back to her labourpreparations.



Au contraire….



As part of the youthful New Wave of French horror, À l'intérieur, is an extreme, gory and twisted film, shot on a typically low budget. A graphic and relentless splatterfest, this is an emotionally draining and graphic piece of French cinema that is not for the faint hearted (or those pregnant or suffering Aichmophobia).

3.5

[cricket]

That's an awesome horror film. I loved how it tied things up at the end.

[Swan]

Inside rocks!

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/98/Black_christmas_movie_poster.jpg/220px-Black_christmas_movie_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_christmas_movie_poster.jpg)

Black Christmas (aka Silent night, Evil night)

Often cited as the first slasher movie in modern cinema, Black Christmasis a 1974 horror, directed by Bob Clark. Using innovative camerawork and clever POV shots, the director exquisitely creates a tense and menacing atmosphere throughout the film. The story concerns a group of girls staying in a sorority house that are bothered by a disturbed prank caller. What at first seems to be just a twisted deviant turns into a suspected homicidal maniac.



Despite constant phone calls from the man they call ‘the moaner’, most of the girls dismiss the pest as nothing more than a nuisance. That is, until one of the sorority girls goes missing and along with another young girl reported missing, a search party is initiated. When the tragic young girl’s butchered body is found, it is not before long that the body count starts rising and panic amongst the sorority ensues. With the police now firmly on the case, is there a link between the killer and the caller? And will anyone in the sorority be left alive to find out?



With fantastic performances from Olivia Hussey and Margo tKidder as members of the sorority, Black Christmas is a scandalously overlooked gem from the horror genre. A film that will leave you with more questions than answers, Black Christmas asks, if you make sure you have locked your windows and doors, how do you know that the killer isn’t already inside?

4

[honeykid]

As you know, I love this film and I'm pleased to see you liked it too. :)

[cricket]

Nice review and I agree too. I just saw it for the first time a couple weeks ago. They don't seem to make them like that anymore.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Funny_Games1997.jpg/220px-Funny_Games1997.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Funny_Games1997.jpg)


Funny Games


Funny Games is a 1997 Austrian crime drama directed by Michael Haneke. Notorious for breaking the fourth wall of film, the audience here, is invited to join in on the games and are challenged through how much we want to involve ourselves. An American version was made by the same director in2007 however never hit the heights of the original.


The Film opens with the journey of a young family making their way to their lakeside holiday home. The family consist of Georg and his wife Anna (Ulrich Muhe and Susanne Lothar), their son Georg jr and dog Rolfi. Upon arrival at the holiday home, the family are introduced to two unfamiliar young men (named Peter and Paul) by the neighbour Fred. When the two seemingly pleasant visitors turn up unannounced at the property, Anna is more than willing to provide them with what they need. However, when both the guests start to become a nuisance, clearly intent on causing aggravation, Anna demands they leave.


And so the games begin…..


The movie that made Michael Haneke universally known, Funny Games is a disturbing and cruel tale of two psychotic young men holding an innocent family hostage. An important and controversial piece of cinema, muchhas been made over the meaning of Funny Games and of violence in the media in general.

rating_4

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/In_cold_blood99.jpg/220px-In_cold_blood99.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In_cold_blood99.jpg)

In Cold Blood

Based on what is arguably the quintessential crime novel,which was written by Truman Capote, In Cold Blood is a chilling account of the murder of an innocent family. Despite approaching 50 years old, this film still sets the bar for any up and coming crime drama.

Two ex-cons, Perry Smith and Dick Hickock, decide to act on a robbery tip off from Dick’s old cellmate Floyd. A seemingly straight forward job, the aim is to gain access to the farmhouse home of the clutter family, locate the safe containing $10,000 and escape safely with the loot. In Dick’s own words, it was a ‘sure-fire cinch’. However, instead of this routine heist, the two men wound up slaughtering the entire family, consisting of mother and father, brother and sister, after no safe or money was found. We then watch the two immature and unstable criminals, as they go on the run, dodging police and border jumping back and forth from USA to Mexico. With a stunningly powerful conclusion, we witness the downfall of the felons as both guilt and justice close in on the killers.


Hauntingly filmed in black and white, with sensational cinematography, (particularly the scene with Perry discussing his childhood, whilst the rain on the window reflects his tears) In Cold Blood is a compelling and emotional portrayal of a shocking story.

rating_4_5

[seanc]

Adding In Cold Blood to my que for the 60's list. Sounds fantastic.

[the samoan lawyer]

Adding In Cold Blood to my que for the 60's list. Sounds fantastic.

Good call Seanc, its a fantastic film that certainly deserves a high standing for 60's list.

[cricket]

Great review bud; this is definitely one I'll be watching within the next couple months. I think I'm going to love it.

[the samoan lawyer]

Great review bud; this is definitely one I'll be watching within the next couple months. I think I'm going to love it.

Cheers mate, make sure you let me know what you think. I reckon its right up your street.

[cricket]

I will, and I also put Onibada on my list.

[Daniel M]

I have In Cold Blood recorded, so I'll definitely have to watch it soon :)

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/37/Lesdiaboliquesposter.jpg/225px-Lesdiaboliquesposter.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lesdiaboliquesposter.jpg)


Les Diaboliques

Directed by Henri-George Clouzot, this 1955 black and white French masterpiece, features on many top horror film lists.

The film revolves around a boarding school, owned by the vulnerable Christina, (Vera Clouzot) but controlled by her repressive husband Michel (Paul Meurisse) with his mistress, teacher Nicole (Simone Signoret) in tow.



With both women possessing a closeness and confidentiality in each other, due to the abusive Michel, they formulate a plan to take care of this tyrant. However, between an intrusive private investigator, incorruptible schoolboys and a missing corpse, things take a mysterious turn for the worse.



Legend has it that Alfred Hitchcock was first approached to direct Les Diaboliques, however, when the deal came to nothing, Henri-Georges Clouzot was the inheritor.

4+

[cricket]

That's another that I haven't seen. It sounds quite good.

[christine]

Les Diaboliques is a fantastic film. You should watch it Cricket.

[honeykid]

That's another that I haven't seen. It sounds quite good.
I agree. It's on my 100. ;)

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/ce/Straw_dogs_movie_poster.jpg/215px-Straw_dogs_movie_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Straw_dogs_movie_poster.jpg)


Straw Dogs

Directed by the brilliant Sam Peckinpah, 1971’s Straw Dogs, is a notoriously controversial film, renowned for its scenes of violence and rape. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Susan George as a young married couple who make plans to renovate their newly acquired property. With a fascinating and thrilling climax, we witness the transformation of a man, seemingly trampled upon his entire life, turned into a maddened guardian, involuntarily pressurised into defending not only his property but his pride.


David (Hoffman) and Amy (George) hire several local men to renovate their new residence, an isolated cottage-like building, surrounded by the lonely countryside. Despite this being Amy’s hometown, David is met with hostility and being the introvert that he is, does not retaliate to the natives’ adolescent jibes. Things however, begin to get serious, when social boundaries are broken; confrontation inevitably leads to catastrophic circumstances. Very much the case of the wounded beast being at its most dangerous, the inner David is unleashed, with explosive and savage results.

Regarded as one of Peckinpah’s best, this film confirms that anyone is capable of violence when their constraints are breached. Straw Dogs is a violent and gritty cult favourite that is both thought provoking and emotional.

rating_4

[honeykid]

I've only seen it twice, but I've felt let down by Straw Dogs both times. I just don't think it delivers on the controversy and, without that level, it hasn't had anything else for me.

[the samoan lawyer]

I've only seen it twice, but I've felt let down by Straw Dogs both times. I just don't think it delivers on the controversy and, without that level, it hasn't had anything else for me.

I get what you're saying HK, I really liked it for its entertainment value more than anything plus I thought Hoffman was outstanding in it. It wasn't particularly close to making my 70's list but its definately got that gritty feel than i love, especially from that decade.

[cricket]

Straw Dogs was #23 on my 70's list:)

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ec/Awomanunderinfluence.jpg/225px-Awomanunderinfluence.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Awomanunderinfluence.jpg)

A Woman Under the Influence



Known, for his ability to capture the honesty and nakedness of human emotion, director John Cassavetes was a visionary of independent film who changed the face of cinema forever. His 1974 tour de force, A Woman Under the Influence, is testament to the brilliance of his work. Gena Rowlands gives an astonishing performance as an eccentric, insecure and emotionally vulnerable woman, living with her three young children and loyal yet volatile husband.


From the beginning of the movie, all eyes are on Mabel (Rowlands)as she is seen erratically getting her kids ready for a weekend with their grandmother. As she looks forward to a night alone with her hardworking husband Nick (Peter Falk), we witness her neurotic behaviour, which is also conceivably witnessed and understood by Nick. With her husband’s patience dwindling due to her unbalanced demeanour, Mabel’s own mental welfare declines and the situation erupts to a harrowing and disturbing breaking point for all the family.


As Rowlands so effectively portrays a woman on the road to madness, Peter Falk gets somewhat overlooked for another tremendous performance as the temperamental and irritable husband. A gripping and shockingly-real character drama within a marriage, A Woman Under the Influence is an emotional and personal masterpiece, detailing the heart-breaking results in the loss of self-control. An absolute must-see.

rating_5

[cricket]

That's an excellent film. I watched a couple movies with Falk for the countdown and didn't realize how great an actor he is. Rowlands goes without saying. It was easily my favorite 70's movie that was directed by Cassavetes, but I liked one that he starred in better(Mikey and Nicky).

[the samoan lawyer]

That's an excellent film. I watched a couple movies with Falk for the countdown and didn't realize how great an actor he is. Rowlands goes without saying. It was easily my favorite 70's movie that was directed by Cassavetes, but I liked one that he starred in better(Mikey and Nicky).


I have Mikey and Nicky on my watchlist, i remember you giving it a high rating i think.

[cricket]

Yea you know it doesn't seem to be all that popular but I related to the situations and characters very well. I'm not sure what that says about me lol.

[the samoan lawyer]

Yea you know it doesn't seem to be all that popular but I related to the situations and characters very well. I'm not sure what that says about me lol.

haha which character?

[BlueLion]

A Woman Under the Influence is indeed a great film with superb acting. Straw Dogs is also terrific.

[cricket]

haha which character?

Both, at different points in my life

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c4/ShockCorridor_Poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:ShockCorridor_Poster.jpg)


Shock Corridor


Already known for his usually low-budget and controversial material, director Sam Fuller added his new project to this list in 1963. With his mystery-thriller Shock Corridor, he created an unsettling,disturbing and at times outrageous cult favourite. A film clearly well ahead of its time, it can be noted as being the inspiration behind several other psychological drama’s such as One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Shutter Island. Following a man feigning mental illness to get institutionalized in order to solve a murder, we look on as the closer he gets to cracking the case,the further away he detaches from his own mental disposition.



Johnny Barrett (Peter Breck) is an ambitious journalist, hell-bent on winning the Pulitzer Prize, and he figures that uncovering the details of a murder in a mental hospital is his sure-fire way in achieving his goal. He masterminds a plan that will enable him to be admitted to the hospital as a patient, talk to the three witnesses to the murder, thus solving the crime and collecting his award. However, as Johnny’s greed and aggression gets the better of him, it soon becomes a race against time to accomplish his task before insanity catches up and results in much more than just a so called ‘act’of madness.



Despite essentially thought of as a B-movie, Shock Corridor is a visually brilliant and shocking expedition into a man’s willingness to achieve his dream at any cost.

rating_4_5

[cricket]

I added this to my watchlist when you first watched and rated it. You've watched a few interesting movies recently; I'm going to watch at least one of them this week. Great review:up:

[the samoan lawyer]

I added this to my watchlist when you first watched and rated it. You've watched a few interesting movies recently; I'm going to watch at least one of them this week. Great review:up:

Cheers cricket, i think you would enjoy Shock Corridor, it does have its wtf moments but overall its excellent.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/63/Take_Shelter_poster.jpg/215px-Take_Shelter_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Take_Shelter_poster.jpg)


Take Shelter


Many films involve the theme of a middle class family being jeopardized by crime or a mental illness of some sort. However few have such a powerful impact as 2011’s Take Shelter. A drama thriller directed by Jeff Nichols and starring Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain, this masterpiece chronicles how a man deciphers whether his frightening dreams of an approaching storm are real, or if this is just the beginning of a mental illness that he has dreaded his whole life.



The story takes place in Ohio, USA with Curtis (Shannon) a quiet, thoughtful, working-class husband and father, who experiences daunting illusions and nightmares of a near-apocalyptic storm hitting his hometown, effectively killing his family. As the resulting paranoia worsens, Curtis seeks professional help and attends a counsellor whilst starting to build a storm shelter in his back garden. With all of this being shielded from his wife loyal wife Sam (Chastain) and their hearing-impaired young daughter, Curtis spends all his money and time on the shelter, until he suffers a seizure, forcing him to explain the situation. However, despite being given the understanding and space from his family, it is not long before circumstances unravel and the powder keg is lit, sending Curtis spiralling uncontrollably in a crazed state of mind. In an emotional and thought-provoking finish, the impending doom catches up with our protagonist in a truly memorable and gripping performance.



Despite a low budget and being relatively little known, Take Shelter is a compelling and intelligent stroke of genius from a hugely talented and up and coming director. Jeff Nichols shows a man trying to protect himself and his family from what he anticipates is coming, whether or not anyone believes him. With no shortage of paranoia and deception, Take Shelter is a phenomenal character study that will ignite debate with its lucky viewers.

rating_4_5

[nebbit]

Just caught up on your reviews Shark oops Lawyer :laugh: Thanks for your reviews :)

Some great movies there, a lot of my favourites :yup: The first time i saw repulsion was in the theatre, it was why i was learning psychiatry so i found it very interesting :yup:

[Yoda]

Great stuff! And I really love Take Shelter.

I'd love to hear more of your own thoughts, though! Those are more interesting to me (and others, I'd wager) than plot descriptions. The reviewer's opinion is always the one thing I can't get from anywhere else, so that's the most valuable part. :)

[the samoan lawyer]

Just caught up on your reviews Shark oops Lawyer :laugh: Thanks for your reviews :)

Some great movies there, a lot of my favourites :yup: The first time i saw repulsion was in the theatre, it was why i was learning psychiatry so i found it very interesting :yup:

Cheers Nebbit. Yes, Repulsion is definately 'interesting', its one of my absolute favourites. To be honest the films I have listed here are all films I really like. As its all kinda new to me I have yet to think about how I would even go about reviewing a film i didnt like. That probably sounds a bit strange but hey.

Cheers again.

[the samoan lawyer]

Great stuff! And I really love Take Shelter.

I'd love to hear more of your own thoughts, though! Those are more interesting to me (and others, I'd wager) than plot descriptions. The reviewer's opinion is always the one thing I can't get from anywhere else, so that's the most valuable part. :)

Thanks Yoda, I agree too. Like i said in my last post, ive only really started reviews in the last few months so its still new to me but i will start to make them a bit more personal.

Thanks for the input.

[Yoda]

Well, you're off to a great start. :)

And yeah, I think it's common to mostly review films we like. A lot of the reviewers here do that. Reviewing films we hate is usually fun/easy, too. I think the toughest challenge is reviewing a film that's pretty good, but fails in important, subtle ways.

[the samoan lawyer]

Well, i have Sharknado 2 coming up soon..... :D

[Yoda]

Ha. Perfect. :D

[cricket]

Take Shelter is a very good movie; nice to see the notoriety it's been getting on this forum.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/26/Angelexterminadore.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Angelexterminadore.jpg)
The Exterminating Angel


Directed by Spanish film master Luis Bunuel, The Exterminating Angel is a 1962 fantasy drama that is as baffling as it is humorous. Regarding a group of Bourgeois guests inexplicably finding they are unable to leave a dinner party, a surreal and claustrophobic atmosphere looms, as feelings of isolation and imprisonment overwhelm the diners.


After a night out at the opera, the party return to the extravagant mansion home of Edmundo Nobile for a dinner party catered by servants. Despite appearing to be the only people left in the building, bar the butler, the party move themselves into the music room, where one of the womenplays the piano. As morning approaches, the group mysteriously find it impossible to leave and now feel hostage to this plush but joyless estate. As time continues to pass, they become argumentative and hostile to each other,resorting to desperate measures in order to survive.


A delicious, surrealist fantasy, The Exterminating Angel is loaded with Bunuel’s distinct swipes at both the upper classes of society and indeed the church itself. I can admit that I have seen very little from this director but from those i have, I have nothing but adoration. For many, watching this film may become monotonous, for the premise of a group of upper-class citizens unable to leave a room may not appeal to everyone, however the real fascination lurks behind the movie's design. Certainly one of the best films from the sixties, The Exterminating Angel deserves to be watched with no prior skepticism.A film best summarised by Bunuel himself in, ‘the best explanation of this film is that, from the standpoint of pure reason, there is no explanation’.

rating_4_5

[cricket]

I just watched this a couple days ago. I liked it and it kept me interested, but it did frustrate me a little. I have become a fan of the director.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8d/Mary_and_max_poster.jpg/220px-Mary_and_max_poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mary_and_max_poster.jpg)
Mary and Max

Written and directed by Adam Elliot, Mary and Max isa clay-animated dark comedy, based on an unlikely friendship between pen palsMary, an 8 year old girl in Australia and Max, an ageing 44 year old Jewish manliving in New York. Made almost entirely in different tones of brown and grey,this melancholic tale is a heart-breaking yet touching feature film, fullyequipped with excellent narration from Barry Humphries and a wonderfullyambitious soundtrack.

Set in the 70’s, we see Mary Dinkle, a lonely and depressed8 year old girl who is neglected by her parents Noel, her taxidermist fatherand Vera, her chain smoking alcoholic mother. After randomly selecting a namein the Manhattan phone book, she decides to send the man, named Max Horowitz, aletter. Rather surprisingly but to her delight, she receives one back, thusbeginning the start of a new and improbable friendship that is not without itscomplications. Issues such as disability, mental illness, suicide, obesity andsex all play their part in this bittersweet and ominous emotionalrollercoaster.

Sickeningly comical and adorably downcast, Mary and Maxis a heartfelt and compassionate animation that explores several topical issuesin fantastic fashion. With elements that are based on a true story this is anintelligent film that is an absolute joy to watch. It will amost certainly rank high on my animated list.

rating_4_5

[cricket]

Mary and Max was one of the first movies I watched for the animation list and I agree with everything you said. I envision it to end up pretty high on my list as well.

[christine]

I love Mary and Max. Claymation is my most favourite kind of animation

[the samoan lawyer]

I love Mary and Max. Claymation is my most favourite kind of animation

I wasn't a huge fan at the beginning Christine but i'm warming too it now, much thanks to Mary and Max.

[the samoan lawyer]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/48/Wildstrawberriesposter.jpg/225px-Wildstrawberriesposter.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wildstrawberriesposter.jpg)


Written and directed by the wonderful Ingmar Bergman, WildStrawberries is not a far cry from most of his other work, in that it dealswith thought provoking questions and themes of self-discovery. However, in thisquite sublime drama, we are treated to a warmer, more optimistic Bergman andwith fantastic results.

Victor Sjostrom plays Isak, a widowed 78 year old professorwho is due to make the long journey by car, to receive an award for services tohis occupational field. Along the excursion he is forced to confront recurringnightmares and visions, of fractured human relationships from his past. Thesecontests are only heightened, when he is challenged by several encounters withpeople that are directly related with this anguish. The closer he gets to hislifetime achievement, the nearer he comes to the realisation of how thingscould have been.

Wild Strawberries is a metaphorically moving andexceptionally nostalgic road trip that in true Bergman fashion is jam packedwith symbolism. Although maybe not his best film it is easily top 3 for me, behind Persona and Hour of the Wolf, at the time of writing. This is a work of art from a genius director in the form of hislife.

4.5

[cricket]

I find Bergman's movies to be fascinating, and Wild Strawberries was no exception. I still need to see Persona and Hour of the Wolf. Nice review:up:

[the samoan lawyer]

I find Bergman's movies to be fascinating, and Wild Strawberries was no exception. I still need to see Persona and Hour of the Wolf. Nice review:up:

Cheers Cricket, you will without doubt, love both those movies.

[Gideon58]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/13/Drive2011Poster.jpg/220px-Drive2011Poster.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Drive2011Poster.jpg)

Drive (2011)

“You give me a five minute window, anything that happens in that five minutes and I’m yours”

‘The Driver’ is a stuntman/mechanic by day and a getaway driver by nightcall. Accompanied by his auto shop owner boss in Bryan Cranston, the two get involved in a heist which leads to an ill advised love interest, an out of patience hot headed mafia boss, a blood soaked hotel room and a slight altercation in an elevator.

Ryan Gosling plays ‘The Driver’s’ strong and silent type perfectly and with the scorpion embalmed jacket he evokes the use of the Scorpion and the Frog fable.

Nicolas Winding Refn’s ultra cool Drive has Gosling as a man equally as suited to a certain Sergio Leone western trilogy and along with an electronic pop soundtrack this made Drive a revelation at Cannes in 2011.

4.5
I tried to watch Drive once and turned it off about 25 minutes in but your review made me want to give it another go.