Personal Recommendation Hall of Fame VI

[Citizen Rules]

I flat out loved Nightmare Alley (1947) and I rooted for Tyrone Power's character all the way. I love those kind of characters, like Tony Curtis' character in Sweet Smell of Success. And both of those were my noms in former HoFs.

[Hey Fredrick]

Some quick thoughts on the films I've seen:


In Cold Blood - I thought some of the acting felt stiff but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I really do like this one and have recommended it in another HoF.

All That Jazz - Love this one. Only watched it once and have always wanted to recommend it but I can never figure out who I should recommend it for. Roy Scheider is one of my favorite actors of the era and this might be his best work. Well this or that one about the fish.

Marathon Man - Barely remember anything about this except the torture scenes, the throat slitting scene and something about diamonds. I have it at 3.5/5 but maybe I'm due for another go with it.

The Princess Bride - I was very stand offish about this. Eventually saw it and didn't like it. Watched it again, many years later, just because I figured I was missing something because EVERYBODY loved this. Liked it more the second time. Watched it AGAIN with my gf and now I'm a fan. It really is fantastic.

Nashville - Barely remember anything about it. It was one of the first movies I watched when I started to watch movies outside my comfort zone. Altman is very hit or miss for me but this is the rare one I have in the middle. About a 3.5/5

Source Code - Another 3.5/5 that I have a hard time remembering anything about.

Aliens - Cameron approaching his peak. A classic. 5/5

Videodrome - Haven't watched this since high school. I usually like James Woods and Cronenberg but never went back for another slice.

Nightmare Alley - I knew I watched this pretty recently, about the time the remake was released, but had to Wiki it to see what the hell the plot was about. Then it started to come back to me. This was good. 4/5

Rome, Open City - Not a big fan of the Italian realism but this is a stand out. I have recommended this in a previous HoF and if memory is correct (yikes) it went over pretty good, as it should. The second half is fantastic. 4.5/5

Paper Moon - Everyone seems to love this except when I recommend it. I think it's great and not much more needs to be said about Tatum and how awesome she is in this. That has to be one of my favorite performances of all time - adults or kids.

Grave of the Fireflies, Diner and Belle De Jour are all films I've started but never got more than a few minutes in and all are still on my watchlist. Haven't seen enough of them to have any kind of opinion but will get to them someday.

Watched the Sweet Smell of Success a couple weeks ago and will try to get my thoughts on it up shortly, before I can't remember anything about it.

[cricket]

Some quick thoughts on the films I've seen:


In Cold Blood - I thought some of the acting felt stiff but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I really do like this one and have recommended it in another HoF.

All That Jazz - Love this one. Only watched it once and have always wanted to recommend it but I can never figure out who I should recommend it for. Roy Scheider is one of my favorite actors of the era and this might be his best work. Well this or that one about the fish.

Marathon Man - Barely remember anything about this except the torture scenes, the throat slitting scene and something about diamonds. I have it at 3.5/5 but maybe I'm due for another go with it.

The Princess Bride - I was very stand offish about this. Eventually saw it and didn't like it. Watched it again, many years later, just because I figured I was missing something because EVERYBODY loved this. Liked it more the second time. Watched it AGAIN with my gf and now I'm a fan. It really is fantastic.

Nashville - Barely remember anything about it. It was one of the first movies I watched when I started to watch movies outside my comfort zone. Altman is very hit or miss for me but this is the rare one I have in the middle. About a 3.5/5

Source Code - Another 3.5/5 that I have a hard time remembering anything about.

Aliens - Cameron approaching his peak. A classic. 5/5

Videodrome - Haven't watched this since high school. I usually like James Woods and Cronenberg but never went back for another slice.

Nightmare Alley - I knew I watched this pretty recently, about the time the remake was released, but had to Wiki it to see what the hell the plot was about. Then it started to come back to me. This was good. 4/5

Rome, Open City - Not a big fan of the Italian realism but this is a stand out. I have recommended this in a previous HoF and if memory is correct (yikes) it went over pretty good, as it should. The second half is fantastic. 4.5/5

Paper Moon - Everyone seems to love this except when I recommend it. I think it's great and not much more needs to be said about Tatum and how awesome she is in this. That has to be one of my favorite performances of all time - adults or kids.

Grave of the Fireflies, Diner and Belle De Jour are all films I've started but never got more than a few minutes in and all are still on my watchlist. Haven't seen enough of them to have any kind of opinion but will get to them someday.

Watched the Sweet Smell of Success a couple weeks ago and will try to get my thoughts on it up shortly, before I can't remember anything about it.

I was going to comment on this post but now I can't remember what I was going to say.

[StuSmallz]

Some quick thoughts on the films I've seen:


In Cold Blood - I thought some of the acting felt stiff but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I really do like this one and have recommended it in another HoF.Stiff acting, in In Cold Blood? I don't think so, yo: https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/in-cold-blood/

[PHOENIX74]

https://i.postimg.cc/446L3Tzv/forbidden-planet.jpg

Forbidden Planet - 1956

Directed by Fred M. Wilcox

Written by Cyril Hume, Irving Block & Allen Adler

Starring Walter Pidgeon, Anne Francis, Leslie Nielsen & Warren Stevens

Forbidden Planet is one of those landmark films that gave birth to most of the science fiction we see today - it inspired Star Trek and gave the genre credibility, moving it from a mostly b-film status to artistic eminence - it foresaw an expansion in human exploration beyond our solar system, and the technological evolution of alien races to a point where they'd ascend physical reality. Most importantly, it took all of this seriously, so while Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon were played with high camp, the actors in Forbidden Planet took their roles as seriously as actors playing Shakespeare's The Tempest - on which this is partly based. It was accepted by the public with so much enthusiasm that it was released before post-production on it was finished - preview audiences so pleased that MGM felt loathe to change a thing after testing it. It sounds and looks dream-like, successfully projecting the kind of foreign alien-like feel of exploring the unknown and mysterious.

The film takes place in the year 2200, where an expedition in a craft capable of faster-than-light speed is visiting a planet orbiting Altair, 16.7 light years away, but taking just over a year for the crew of United Planets starship C-57D. They're investigating the fate of another starship - Bellerophon, that travelled there 20 years previously. The Commander, Adams (Leslie Nielsen) is warned not to land by radio, but decides to do that despite the caution - and finds a survivor, Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon). He lives on the planet with his daughter, Altaira (Anne Francis) who was born after the mission commenced and has never seen Earth. Thirdly, there's an invention - Robby the Robot, who serves as an assistant, manufacturer and labourer. Morbius explains that after he landed, unseen forces killed all of his fellow crew members, leaving just him, his wife (who has since died from natural causes) and his daughter. While attempting to contact Earth, these unseen forces soon make themselves known, killing C-57D crew members, and while trying to unveil the culprit Adams and Lt. 'Doc' Ostrow (Warren Stevens) learn about an ancient alien civilisation called the Krell, who mysteriously vanished on the verge of a major scientific breakthrough.

It's the Krell that make Fantastic Planet really interesting, and I applaud the fact that the filmmakers resisted the urge to show us what they looked like - instead leaving that very interesting mystery to our imaginations. Instead part of their underground world is explored, where we get some kind of impression of what they were like. Their machines and computers were built so well, that they've self-maintained and kept working for 200,000 years - still powered and in perfect working order. The Krell were a million years in advance of human technological evolution, and had invented something that would eliminate the need for interaction with the material world. It's a fantastic story, originally written as Fatal Planet by Irving Block (who only dabbled very briefly with science fiction cinema) and Allen Adler, a theatrical writer who ended up being a victim of McCarthyism, never to recover. Screenwriter Cyril Hume solidified it into a workable screenplay - with much imagination, forethought and probably without knowing just how important their contribution to the genre would be.

The film got the visuals to match the fascinating story on MGM sound stage sets (the film was shot entirely indoors) that were created by primarily by art director Arthur Lonergan (the crowning achievement of his career - one that would include an Oscar nomination for his set decoration on 1966 film The Oscar.) Those dreamy, freaky matte paintings really work, especially in conjunction with effects that make it seem like vehicles are blowing up dust miles away. He was assisted by the Oscar-making machine Cedric Gibbons - an 11 time winner, and nominated 39 times overall - often being up for multiple films the same year. I'll list his Oscar-winning films below* - and yes, he actually designed the Oscar itself. It's amazing they're not called Cedrics. His 11 wins is a record for the Oscars in any category. Anyway, quite a talented team to dream up the green sky and rocky geology of Altair IV, not to mention the incredible interiors of the Krell science lab, massive computational technology, and other aspects of the extinct alien race. It's Cedric Gibbons and Arthur Lonergan's contribution to the look and feel of Fantastic Planet that helped make it the success it was and propel science fiction forward - and Gibbons wasn't overly well versed in science fiction, despite working on 1057 films from 1918 to 1956. You read that right.

Arthur Lonergan also had a hand in the creation of Robby the Robot - one of the most famous movie props in all cinematic history. Primarily he was conceived by 3-time Oscar winner A. Arnold Gillespie (his wins were for the effects on Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Green Dolphin Street and Ben-Hur - he was nominated 9 other times.) His work earned him a nomination for this film, and Forbidden Planet's sole Oscar nomination for Special Effects - it would go on to be beaten by The Ten Commandments in that category. Robby the Robot is so well designed and conceived that he (I just have to use the word he) would go on to star in other films and television series, such as Forbidden Planet-follow up The Invisible Boy, Lost in Space, The Thin Man, The Twilight Zone and many, many others shows and films. It was a complicated design, with realism a matter of pride and necessity. The robot has many moving parts, lights, and moves in a believable way - inside was a stunt man, small enough to fit into the bulky prop and big enough to be able to move it. It's one of those props that has an iconic look about it, and it recently sold at auction for $5,375,000 - a record price for a film prop. Marvin Miller provided the voice, complete with synched lights - and he also ended up as the voice of Forbidden Planet's trailer.

With a truly haunting and well-conceived story, and fantastic science fiction visuals, the next element in the film that really works to a great degree is the sound, and most specifically, the score of the film - which ended up as another landmark for cinema. The team of Bebe and Louis Barron created what is the first ever electronic score for a film. Louis had designed circuits to make certain beeps, bloops, blips, twangs, whirs, whines, hums and screeches and tweaked them all into a kind of harmonic accompaniment to the action onscreen. It sounds like classic sci-fi, but was revolutionary at the time and the careful attention paid to this unusal method of scoring the film gives another impression of alien strangeness and dream-like distance from normality. It's another part of Forbidden Planet I give top marks to - it sounds perfect for what goes on and matches the visual quality of the film. Unfortunately, with MGM being 'clever' and avoiding union payments by calling Bebe and Louis Barron composers of electronic tonalities instead of musicians, they ended up forfeiting any chance they may have had for being nominated for an Oscar in that category.

With all of these technicians and crew members transforming this story into a sci-fi classic, it begs the question - what of the man who made it? Fred McLeod Wilcox, who had some family in the industry and MGM, started his career in publicity, evolved into a man who directed screen tests and one who hit big with his first full length feature, Lassie Come Home. Forbidden Planet would come at the apex of his film career, and would be his last film with MGM. Wilcox had eyes on his own independently produced films, and you get a sense of where he was heading with his first independent film I Passed for White - an early (and for it's time controversial) look at racial issues that seems to point to the fact that he was a forward thinker. Unfortunately, Wilcox would die in 1964 at the age of 56, planning to direct a big-budget film (and return to MGM) with a sequel to Forbidden Planet which never materialized. His biggest gift to this film was treating the material with respect and getting all of his actors to do exactly the same - it would have been very easy to drift off over into camp, which was what most science fiction films did at the time. Forbidden Planet is played straight, which makes it's allegorical message all the more striking and memorable.

Cinematographer George J. Folsey had an incredible career - one in which he was nominated for 13 Oscars, without winning one*** (a fate Roger Deakins was heading for until he won with Blade Runner 2049) - he shot such classic films as Seven Brides For Seven Brothers and Meet Me in St. Louis. Forbidden Planet was probably his most visually remarkable film, and also one of his most difficult when considering the problems with light he had in the shiny, technical Krell loboratories which reflected light sources. He's stated that the film took two years of research to prepare shooting. He was assisted by an animator loaned from Disney, Joshua Meador - who went uncredited. He created the "Id Monster" whose outline can be seen when laser defenses and guns are pounding it and trying to hold it back. The talent put to work bringing this early science fiction film to life is as great as I've seen in any film I've reviewed so far**. It really does credit to Nicholas Nayfack and MGM for taking the chance to really develop this and not go the cheap route. The scenes in space look great considering the era they were shot in - and while the likes of Star Wars changed our perceptions of what sci-fi could look like, it still provides a great look for Altair IV from a distance.

It's a lot of fun to learn about Forbidden Planet and the way it all came together, leading on to it's success and the fact that it's name is among the dozen or so truly classic science fiction films that came from the 1950s era. I almost get as much pleasure from finding these things out than I do from watching the film - and one enhances the other. The most striking impression I take away from the film is the vanished Krell and the tantalizing hints at who they were, what they looked like and what they were capable of. By this stage in their evolution they were very intelligent, but overlooked the more basic nature of themselves, the subconscious, which led to their downfall. To say much more would mean to give away too much of Forbidden Planet's plot, which relies on a slow reveal of what's going on with Dr. Morbius and the planet. Nearly 70 years old, it has aged slightly (the garden Leslie Nielsen and Anne Francis frolic in after she finishes her nude bathing is a leftover of the Munchkin village from The Wizard of Oz!) and some of the sets and Matt paintings, though gorgeous, are dated. There's a good side to that though, for it still lends the film an off-colour dream/nightmare feel - where nothing is quite real.

The film gives us a lot to think about, for our own technological evolution and our own basic nature. There are times when it really feels like our technology is evolving to the point where it conflicts with our baser instincts. Schoolkids are often bullied on social media - to the point of suicide. The atom bomb gave us the ability to wipe out whole countries and civilizations, but we're not that long from existing in caves and bludgeoning rivals with clubs. We take many technological steps without carefully considering the effects - in fact we always allow invention without much thought as to the by-product, and this is exactly what happened to the Krell. It wiped out their entire species. Nielsen's Adams posits that we'll be at that same stage in one million years, but I think the more real estimate would be 200 years. If there are further unexpected advances in our knowledge, crazy things can and will happen - there's nothing as unpredictable now as our future. I once read a fictional tale about a species who learned how to weave their consciousness into the very fabric of space and time, and freed themselves from the physical world. If not practically possible, it does expand the mind to dream of such things. I think Forbidden Planet did just that.

4

* Cedric Gibbons won Oscars for : The Bridge of San Luis Rey (1929), The Merry Widow (1934), Pride and Prejudice (1940), Blossoms in the Dust (1941), Gaslight (1944), The Yearling (1946), Little Women (1949), An American in Paris (1951), The Bad and the Beautiful (1952), Julius Caesar (1953), Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956)

** Costumer Helen Rose (winner of 2 Oscars) designed the miniskirt Anne Francis wore that got the film banned in Spain. Set decorators Edwin B. Willis and Hugh Hunt had won 10 Oscars between them. Editor Ferris Webster had been nominated for two.

Those 13 nominations (and losses) were for : The Balcony (1963), Executive Suite (1954), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), All the Brothers Were Valiant (1953), Million Dollar Mermaid (1952), Green Dolphin Street (1947), The Green Years (1946), The White Cliffs of Dover (1944), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), Thousands Cheer (1943), The Gorgeous Hussy (1936), Operator 13 (1934), Reunion in Vienna (1933)

Bellerophon (the name of ship that transported Dr. Morbius to Altair IV) is a hero from Greek mythology. His greatest feat was the destruction of the Chimera, a monster who breathed fire. According to mythology, King Proteus sent him to King Iobates to deliver a sealed message and he didn't know what it said. The message instructed King Iobates to kill the bearer of the message

[cricket]

Congratulations Phoenix, you are the 6th member to finish!

[Hey Fredrick]

Stiff acting, in In Cold Blood? I don't think so, yo: https://letterboxd.com/stusmallz/film/in-cold-blood/


Yo, you haven't convinced me that at times it felt stiff.

[Citizen Rules]

I love Forbidden Planet and have seen it several times. It's one of the few films I've rated a 5. My review if anyone is interested Forbidden Planet (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1503846#post1503846)

[SpelingError]

I have some issues with Forbidden Planet, but Citizen Rules posted some insight on the film a while back which convinced me it might be better than I'm remembering, so I'll have to rewatch it one of these days.

[Citizen Rules]

Some quick thoughts on the films I've seen:


In Cold Blood - I thought some of the acting felt stiff but it didn't affect my enjoyment. I really do like this one and have recommended it in another HoF.

All That Jazz - Love this one. Only watched it once and have always wanted to recommend it but I can never figure out who I should recommend it for. Roy Scheider is one of my favorite actors of the era and this might be his best work. Well this or that one about the fish.

Marathon Man - Barely remember anything about this except the torture scenes, the throat slitting scene and something about diamonds. I have it at 3.5/5 but maybe I'm due for another go with it.

The Princess Bride - I was very stand offish about this. Eventually saw it and didn't like it. Watched it again, many years later, just because I figured I was missing something because EVERYBODY loved this. Liked it more the second time. Watched it AGAIN with my gf and now I'm a fan. It really is fantastic.

Nashville - Barely remember anything about it. It was one of the first movies I watched when I started to watch movies outside my comfort zone. Altman is very hit or miss for me but this is the rare one I have in the middle. About a 3.5/5

Source Code - Another 3.5/5 that I have a hard time remembering anything about.

Aliens - Cameron approaching his peak. A classic. 5/5

Videodrome - Haven't watched this since high school. I usually like James Woods and Cronenberg but never went back for another slice.

Nightmare Alley - I knew I watched this pretty recently, about the time the remake was released, but had to Wiki it to see what the hell the plot was about. Then it started to come back to me. This was good. 4/5

Rome, Open City - Not a big fan of the Italian realism but this is a stand out. I have recommended this in a previous HoF and if memory is correct (yikes) it went over pretty good, as it should. The second half is fantastic. 4.5/5

Paper Moon - Everyone seems to love this except when I recommend it. I think it's great and not much more needs to be said about Tatum and how awesome she is in this. That has to be one of my favorite performances of all time - adults or kids.

Grave of the Fireflies, Diner and Belle De Jour are all films I've started but never got more than a few minutes in and all are still on my watchlist. Haven't seen enough of them to have any kind of opinion but will get to them someday.

Watched the Sweet Smell of Success a couple weeks ago and will try to get my thoughts on it up shortly, before I can't remember anything about it.Two of those films were my previous HoF nominations. Probably not hard for anyone to guess which they were. Especially if they were in those HoFs:D Two other films, In Cold Blood & Rome, Open City were chosen for me in this PR and I liked them both. I should have loved All That Jazz and Nashville but instead appreciated them only...so need a rewatch someday. I haven't see Source Code or Marathon Man and not to keen on seeing either. And someone did once pick Paper Moon for me in a past PR and I loved it.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’m going to be watching Annihilation within the next day or so. Probably tonight.

[Citizen Rules]

I’m going to be watching Annihilation within the next day or so. Probably tonight.While you're watching Annihilation keep in mind: Stalker, Alien & Aliens and The Thing (1982). Curious to read your thoughts.

[StuSmallz]

Yo, you haven't convinced me that at times it felt stiff.Well, I was trying to convince you of the opposite, so...

[PHOENIX74]

Congratulations Phoenix, you are the 6th member to finish!

It was the best collection of films I'll ever have the pleasure of getting through - felt ridiculous to be putting a film I really liked a lot last, but there's no option when having to rank them. I'm glad to know 'em and I've bought most of them on DVD to add to my collection.

[Thursday Next]

Raw (2016)

I'm not sure how I managed to get not one but two Julia Ducounau horror movies in this hall of fame but here we are :laugh:

Raw tells the story of a young vegetarian student who starts at a strange veterinary college and, after eating some raw meat as part of a hazing ritual, finds herself troubled by strange cravings for meat and even human flesh...

There are a lot of similarities with Titane in themes, motifs, even names... both start with a car crash, both have characters named Alexia and Adrien, the body horror, the strained relationship with the parents, dance scenes etc.

I think Raw is a more coherent film with a more sympathetic protagonist which made it much more watchable (even though I still had to watch some of it through my fingers at times). There was a lot in here that was horrible to watch - besides the cannibalism there's dissections of dogs, uncomfortable sexual situations and unnerving scenes of bullying/hazing. Raw also had a clearer metaphor than Titane- it's absolutely a coming of age film and everything that happens to the main character is an exaggerated, horror-heightened version of things that could happen to teenagers at school/college. There's an added dimension there with the relationship between her and her older sister.

It's very well made technically, in terms of composition and lighting etc. and well acted.

I feel like, although there were things to admire in here, I didn't completely get it or completely enjoy it.

ETA: The hair scene reminded me of Kitchen Sink

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FTPwvo59zeRVza%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=71c10d4a805de101cf6d4eab30be4b98f344a5fa374c32f97d6b799bad118269&ipo=images


Ah yes, The Sweet Smell of Success. Burt Lancaster is J.J, a sleazy, syndicated columnist. The kind of columnist that can make or break people with his writings. He also keeps a glamour shout of his little sister, Susan (Susan Harrison), on his desk. Ye Gahds! Tony Curtis is Sidney, a struggling publicist looking for a way to get back in the game. Susan is dating a jazz musician, Steve, and we all know what jazz musician are into - "But only Jazz musicians were smoking marijuana, yeah." Well, there's that and he's also a filthy communist, allegedly, so he's no good for Susan, J.J determines. Problem is J.J likes to keep his hands kind of clean so a desperate Sidney is the perfect guy to use to foil this relationship. You want back in Sidney, do this thing for me and I'll do this thing for you. Criss-cross. So Sidney sets out on framing Susan's boyfriend as a weed smoking, communist and after one plan blows up in his face, publicly, plan 2 succeeds by pimping out his cigarette girl to some other sleezeball columnist. Effin New York, right? God, I hope the Yankees lose. Sidney, in case you haven't guessed, is also a real sleezeball. They get Steve arrested then J.J comes flying in to save the day, uses his influence with the cops to get Steve out of jail thinking Susan will still leave him while also thinking that he's (J.J) some kind of sweetheart. What J.J wasn't counting on was Steve not being a pushover. After being released Steve lays into J.J hard, in front of everybody, about what he really thinks of the muckraker. It's a pretty good scene and you can see Lancaster playing it cool but fuming beneath the surface. Lancaster is so good. This infuriates J.J and the plot to destroy Steve is back on. Only this time a little more harsh. It all leads up to a really good final couple scenes.

This was solid. I like Lancaster and really liked seeing him as this slimy kind of character. Can't say the same for Curtis, who I haven't seen in much but he's not...I don't know. He's really good in this, I can see the talent but he just rubs me wrong. Maybe it's his voice/accent. It's something. The entire premise, doing all this out of jealousy/protection of your little sister felt soft as well. We never get to really know Steve all that much. He's a decent, stand up guy, caring, definitely loves Susan but he's just an up and coming musician. J.J and Sidney are ruining a soldiers life not taking down the Don is what I'm getting at. The stakes never felt that high to me. Aside from that everything was very well done, the ending is superb and I'll be giving this another watch.

[cricket]

Been a few years since I saw The Sweet Smell of Success but I remember it being terrific, and I also liked Raw a lot.

[SpelingError]

I love Titane, so I should check out Raw as well.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have my review for Annihilation up later today.

[Wyldesyde19]

Annihilation


A meteor strikes the earth and a strange shimmer sprouts forth, ever expanding, slowly. Any group sent inside to investigate fails to return. Parallel to this, a scientist, Lena (Portman) has not seen her husband in over a year, after vanishing during a military expedition.

When he shows up one night with no memory or explanation and an illness, they are both spirited away by government agents.

Eventually a group of 4 women, including Lena, are sent inside to investigate. To see what has happened to the previous groups and to get the bottom of the mysterious shimmer.

I’m being purposely vague here with the plot, because it needs to be seen as it unravels. And sadly, the movie also unravels a bit. We’re presented with mutated animals and plants throughout the film with little time to consider the ramifications, much like the discoveries they make along the way. Little time is given to any kind of actual insight, whereas Stalker, a movie this takes inspiration from, is much more introspective, if a little complex. (Unfair comparison, I know, but it invites it). Annihilation is too in love with it’s visuals without asking why they’re so important. We’re given little dialogue that explains very little of what’s happening and why.

As such, this is an example of a film’s reach exceeding its grasp.

Not a bad film, just a near miss for me.

[Citizen Rules]

Sweet Smell of Success...I like Lancaster and really liked seeing him as this slimy kind of character. Can't say the same for Curtis, who I haven't seen in much but he's not...I don't know. He's really good in this, I can see the talent but he just rubs me wrong... Sweet Smell of Success, is in my top 10, it might be my all time favorite movie....I don't think the viewer is suppose to like Tony Curtis's character so I wonder if it's more like his character vibe that you don't like vs Tony Curtis himself? Myself, I liked his character and to me he's the movie, though of course Lancaster is great too. I haven't seen him in The Boston Strangler (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boston_Strangler_(film)) (1968) but that was one of his acclaimed dramatic roles, usually he did comedy.

[Citizen Rules]

Annihilation


A meteor strikes the earth and a strange shimmer sprouts forth, ever expanding, slowly. Any group sent inside to investigate fails to return. Parallel to this, a scientist, Lena (Portman) has not seen her husband in over a year, after vanishing during a military expedition.

When he shows up one night with no memory or explanation and an illness, they are both spirited away by government agents.

Eventually a group of 4 women, including Lena, are sent inside to investigate. To see what has happened to the previous groups and to get the bottom of the mysterious shimmer.

I’m being purposely vague here with the plot, because it needs to be seen as it unravels. And sadly, the movie also unravels a bit. We’re presented with mutated animals and plants throughout the film with little time to consider the ramifications, much like the discoveries they make along the way. Little time is given to any kind of actual insight, whereas Stalker, a movie this takes inspiration from, is much more introspective, if a little complex. (Unfair comparison, I know, but it invites it). Annihilation is too in love with it’s visuals without asking why they’re so important. We’re given little dialogue that explains very little of what’s happening and why.

As such, this is an example of a film’s reach exceeding its grasp.

Not a bad film, just a near miss for me. Annihilation is for sure making the 2010s movie countdown, but I ain't voting for it:cool:

[Wyldesyde19]

Annihilation is for sure making the 2010s movie countdown, but I ain't voting for it:cool:
Agreed. I know it has its fans.

[Citizen Rules]

Agreed. I know it has its fans.Not trying to pimp my review of Annihilation but if you care to take a gander at my short review feel free to do so🙂
https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1949839#post1949839

[Wyldesyde19]

Not trying to pimp my review of Annihilation but if you care to take a gander at my short review feel free to do so🙂
https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1949839#post1949839

Yeah, your thoughts are close to mine. Although it wasn’t terrible, to me, but it wasn’t nearly as clever as it attempted to portray itself as.

[cricket]

I liked Annihilation but didn't think all that much of it.

[SpelingError]

I liked Annihilation, but I haven't thought much about it since.

[PHOENIX74]

I first saw Sweet Smell of Success when it was nominated for a Hall of Fame a little while back, and it absolutely blew me away - one of my best ever Hall of Fame discoveries. I'd never even heard of it before then.

I really liked Annihilation when I caught that as well - good enough for me to track it down on Blu-Ray and get it. It's probably an 8/10 film for me, but [i]Stalker[i] is probably a 10/10 - they are very similar, but the author of Annihilation (published in 2014), Jeff VanderMeer, insists that his novel is in no way related to for influenced by Tarkovsky's film.

[CosmicRunaway]

Has anyone read The Southern Reach trilogy? I wonder how the novels compare to the film version of Annihilation. I loved the film's visuals, and didn't mind that things weren't outright explained to the audience (as I didn't feel like they needed to be), but I imagine Authority and Acceptance expand on that quite a bit, or possibly even ruin it?

I wish I liked to read so I could find out myself. :lol:

[rauldc14]

American History X

https://www.slashfilm.com/img/gallery/how-american-history-x-made-that-infamous-curb-stomp-so-convincing/intro-1656292235.jpg

It's a pretty good performance by Edward Norton here. Obviously his character seems a bit slimy so it's really hard to have any emotional connection with him with everything that is going on. I think a better angle could have been taken in that regard. The story isn't all too appealing to me but that's not to say it isn't decently done, just not really one that is suited for my tastes. I did quite enjoy the performance from the guy who did laundry duties with Derek Vineyard. He was pretty funny. Overall it's just an ok movie for me. I wouldn't say I won't see it again but could be quite sometime.

[rauldc14]

Annihilation I really dig and the rewatch confirmed it last year.

Sweet Smell of Success is another cool movie too

[cricket]

Raul's out practicing his curb-stomping skills.

[rauldc14]

2 left for me, I'll shoot for another one next week.

[SpelingError]

American History X was among my favorites back in my mid-teen years, but after revisiting it earlier this year, I think it's more of a gateway film that I've moved on from.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

the exorcist
https://gbhbl.files.wordpress.com/2015/07/the-exorcist-regan-happy.jpg

"i thought you were an expert."
"there are no experts."

my mom (and every other person who saw it in the 70s) had always built this up as the scariest movie ever made, which i figured wasn't true anymore but still made me hesitant to watch as a young cinephile, and then as i grew older and unafraid it nevertheless continued to fall by the wayside of Classics I Needed to See. indeed it is not the scariest horror film there is but it is probably one of the most powerful.

it's almost too blandly well-made in the first half, but friedkin is too great a filmmaker and is able to turn the cold, methodical style of a certain strain of Serious Hollywood Filmmaking into something truly sinister, periodically breaking the form with unsettling moments of rupture, much in the same way linda blair's vulgarity punctures the high-minded thematic concerns of the script. this is all particularly interesting for a movie about the failures of our traditional modes of understanding the world when it comes to comprehending true evil. perhaps an inherently reactionary film, but also the ideal basis for a horror movie, and friedkin is exactly the filmmaker i want to watch wrestle with these knotty ideas.

this film really clarifies the notion that the key to making an enduring classic is to make even the minor characters compelling with richly-drawn detail. you could easily see the film spending more time with any of these people and not be disappointed. even with all the supernatural horror, the film maintains a strict psychological focus on its central characters, with each performance deeply internal and perfectly-suited to the tone of the film. jason miller is probably the best out of all of them, and it helps that "priest undergoing a crisis of faith" is one of the most compelling archetypes in cinema when done correctly. the fact that the movie opens with max von sydow and then doesn't come back to him for another hour and 20 minutes is such an incredible called shot, i love it. plus his iconic re-entrance scene just goes so hard. everyone else tries to rationalize and comprehend the evil while he knows it can only be confronted on an elemental level, so its fitting that his entrance should feel almost mythic.

i think people tend to be overly-dismissive of jump scares when even some of the best horror films employ them at times, but this one truly doesn't have a single one. it's a horror film in the truest sense of the word in that what unsettles you isn't necessarily shock or fear or suspense, but the unfathomable capital-h Horror of what you are witnessing. somehow i had never had the ending spoiled for me so i was able to be genuinely surprised, but afterwards it really does feel like the only way it could've resolved.

4.5

[cricket]

Glad it didn't let you down Inmate, one of the most iconic films ever made.

[cricket]

And we are 1 month and 1 day from the deadline.

Let's get this shit finished and we'll do it again.

[rauldc14]

The Edge of Seventeen

https://www.indiewire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/edge-of-seventeen.jpg

I always like a good coming of age story, specifically the ones set up in a high school setting and this one is no different. The obvious highlight here is the great performance by Hailee Steinfeld. I also enjoyed the supporting role of Woody Harrelson as her teacher. The humor in the movie really works for me and the screenplay is very well done. This is something that I will certainly go back to.

4

[Citizen Rules]

I seen The Exorcist but so long ago that all I can remember was it was really effective and seemed like a well made film. Though demons/evil spirits doesn't usually give me the creeps, so I can't say it frightened me.

Not seen The Edge of Seventeen, but now I got that damn song stuck in my head:p

[Siddon]

https://iv1.lisimg.com/image/4731610/640full-caged----------------------------------%281950%29-screenshot.jpg

Caged (1950)

So this made the 1950's list for MOFO and this was fairly mediocre...it's one of those films where I'm really curious how it managed to stick out enough to garner votes. The elephant in the room when watching Caged is how unrealistic the prison seems in today's perspective. An entirely white group of female prisoners spend what is I suppose a year or two under the harsh control of a guard.

This is one of those films that doesn't know if it wants to be a noir or a message movie so it achieves neither. The basic theme of the story is about "dead time" the idea that a woman can't be released if she doesn't have a job. A 19 year old short timer is offered a job as a shoplifter if she joins the gang. She decides this work is beneath her and might have her end up right where she started.

A lot of things happen in this film it jumps from plot point to plot point with very little tying the stories together...and the worst part is most of the plot feels very contrived. Basically every female character exists for a single scene and then they move on. 20 minutes after watching the film I forgot what happened to several of the characters from the first act.

I don't want to crap on the film too much, Hope Emerson got an Oscar nomination for her work as the villain of the story. She's very good in this as a giant ugly woman who hates the women in her custody. But she's also corrupt and neglectful and really in todays lens what you would expect from 90% of the people working that job.

[Citizen Rules]

Caged (1950)

So this made the 1950's list for MOFO and this was fairly mediocre...it's one of those films where I'm really curious how it managed to stick out enough to garner votes...

The elephant in the room when watching Caged is how unrealistic the prison seems in today's perspective.

Not my choice for you but it was my nom in the 50's Hall Of Fame (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=43881) and I'm guessing enough people liked it for it to make the 1950s countdown. I sometimes think you try to pigeon hole movies into specific boxes and judge them against those standards. A film like Caged is best judged by other films from the early 1950s. I don't think classic films need to be judged by 'today's lens'. But that's just my feelings.

[Siddon]

Not my choice for you but it was my nom in the 50's Hall Of Fame (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=43881) and I'm guessing enough people liked it for it to make the 1950s countdown. I sometimes think you try to pigeon hole movies into specific boxes and judge them against those standards. A film like Caged is best judged by other films from the early 1950s. I don't think classic films need to be judged by 'today's lens'. But that's just my feelings.


Perhaps...though I've seen plenty of good prison movies that were made before and after Caged. What makes Caged an average to below average film is that you have several times when actors do soliloquies on what Prison is. You have about four or five scenes when the audience is being basically directly spoken to and the version of Prison that we are seeing is a highly idealized version of it. You have a scene in the film where the prisons riot and assault the guard. The result is the leader gets three days in solitary.

[cricket]

I enjoyed Caged and The Edge of Seventeen, the latter was recommended to me by Captain Spaulding and it made my ballot for the female directors countdown.

[cricket]

Had a few things I was concerned with so went to the Dr yesterday. Gave me 4 prescriptions and a blood test. He called me at the end of the day and said I need to go to the ER. My D-Dimer level was over 3000 and normal level is 50. ER Dr thought I had either blood clots or cancer. Got EKG, ultrasound, X-Ray, and Cat-Scan. Everything fine. Today a little swelling left in feet but can walk perfect and feel perfect. Like what the hell.

[rauldc14]

Hope all is well

[cricket]

Hope all is well

Yea I'm fine, both my feet got swollen from jumping out of a new higher truck all day, and at the same time I got an allergic reaction. Drs just thought it was something but it was nothing.

[Citizen Rules]

Yea I'm fine, both my feet got swollen from jumping out of a new higher truck all day, and at the same time I got an allergic reaction. Drs just thought it was something but it was nothing.Allergic reaction or side effects from meds sucks. Glad to read it was nothing.

[CosmicRunaway]

Man, that must've been scary waiting for all those test results. Glad you're okay, other than the swollen feet! <3

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lovehkfilm.com%2Fpanasia%2Faj6293%2Fdepartures.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=bf877ee65a2f424c15530976f316b5499df0ceeedae3e47109a7cf10500dc6be&ipo=images

Departures


A cellist loses his job in a Tokyo symphony and has to move back to his hometown with his wife. He starts looking for work and comes across an add that he thinks is some kind of travel agent thanks to a misprint. I suppose you could call it kind of a travel agent but nobody is looking forward to this vacation. It's actually a job for encasking (?), I think that's what they called it. People who prepare the dead for their next journey. It's quite the ceremony. Well, the Boss hires him on the spot. So we follow Daigo around as he learns his new job, catches up with old acquaintances and everything that comes with it.

I thought this was going to be a light comedy and it certainly, kind of, started off that way but it turns into something else completely and I was not ready for it. I don't know if it was the mood I was in or what but this was the right movie, at the right time, for me. I don't have any complaints at all. I usually don't get misty from movies but there's a moment that got to me. It's a scene where Daigo performs the ceremony on a lady he knew. In this scene everything kind of becomes clear and comes together for him. This scene was set up perfectly, earlier in the film, through interactions with Daigo's wife and a childhood friend and really delivers in a kind of happy/sad moment.

There's more going on with the story than just that. Daigo is also dealing with some personal issues about abandonment and a few other things (he is married after all) and it's all handled seamlessly. Nothing feels out of place or rushed or overstays it's welcome and it may be the best written movie I've seen in quite a while. The cast is great. There isn't a wasted character and they all feel genuine. I really liked the Boss - a man of few words and very perceptive. Right away he see's something in Daigo and knows this, this job, is what Daigo needs to be doing.

One final thought. Thanks for making Daigo a cellist and not a trumpeter or tromboner or French Horner (no offense to any of you brass sectioners). I'm a fan of string instruments and the sound of the cello is perfect for this story. This was absolutely fantastic.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll be getting to one of these tonight

[Hey Fredrick]

Quick catch up on a few movies:

Raw - I just watched this about a week ago and thought it was okay. Certainly delivered on the body horror. GF started gagging during the hair scene and walked out so that was fun. Wish she had hung around for the rooftop scene. I had a few questions about that just to needle her a little.

Annihilation - Was not a fan of this.

American History X - This is good. I didn't care for it the first time I watched it but that probably had more to do with me not liking Ed Norton (Salma? How did that happen?) than the movie. It was better the second time around but I don't see any reason to see it again. The curb stomp always gets the "most memorable scene" title from this and rightfully so but the basketball scene always sticks with me because it doesn't look like Norton ever held a basketball until the day they shot that scene

The Exorcist - This is top five all time for me and I don't think of it as a horror film. I don't know why I don't consider it horror it just feels more psychological/thriller than horror. Maybe it's because I have a hard time picturing a horror film being this good.

Night and Fog - Another one I just watched. Like Frightened Inmate mentioned, how do you rate something like this? Very powerful. Some of the images are likely to stick with you forever.

[gbgoodies]

Had a few things I was concerned with so went to the Dr yesterday. Gave me 4 prescriptions and a blood test. He called me at the end of the day and said I need to go to the ER. My D-Dimer level was over 3000 and normal level is 50. ER Dr thought I had either blood clots or cancer. Got EKG, ultrasound, X-Ray, and Cat-Scan. Everything fine. Today a little swelling left in feet but can walk perfect and feel perfect. Like what the hell.


I'm sure that was a very stressful day, but I'm glad that you're okay.

89677


Maybe this cute picture will make you feel better:

89678

[cricket]

I know nothing of Departures besides that it is highly acclaimed.

[Wyldesyde19]

City Lights


A front runner has emerged.

Chaplin’s City Lights is a delightful film, filled with many gags punctuated with some sweet moments and some rather tragic moments as well. I laughed several times, especially the beginning scene with the statue being unveiled, and the boxing match. His talent were on full display, as usual. What made this even more amazing was it had been made during the advent of the sound era.

The fact that Chaplin refused to film this in sound (although it does have sound effects, such as the whistle he inadvertently swallowed), all dialogue was presented in inter titles. He didn’t believe the “talkies” would survive. Perhaps he was really just paranoid at how well The Tramp would transfer over to the “talkies”.

At its heart, there’s a sweet romance here, an innocent one where he just wants to help the girl, played by Virginia Cherrill, in a fragile, yet confident performance. She easily convinced us of her blindness. He doesn’t see her as a conquest or some charity case. He legitimately adores her.

But this all Chaplin’s film, so he is the focus of the film, and rightly so. He makes every scene work, with his little gestures, and his facial expressions.


Great film, one that will difficult to top.

[cricket]

Good job Wyldesyde!

[SpelingError]

I love City Lights.

[Citizen Rules]

Big fan of Chaplin's films. City Lights wasn't my favorite of his but still a good film.

[PHOENIX74]

Looking back over everything and catching up :

American History X - It's been a while since I last saw this, but I remember it being pretty solid. I'd say 7/10 stuff, and I guess it's worth seeing again. I've got it in my DVD collection along with American Gangster, American Gigolo, American Graffiti, American Hustle, American Mary, American Psycho, American Sniper, American Beauty...

The Exorcist - A real classic, and a film I've enjoyed multiple times. I'm much in preference of the original cut, which shouldn't have been messed around with. If you're interested in it's sequel (one of the worst films of all time), Exorcist II : The Heretic, then by all means purchase yourself a copy of "Horrible and Fascinating – John Boorman's Exorcist II: The Heretic" by Declan Neil Fernandez - a great read, which you'll never forget!

The Edge of Seventeen - I saw this for the first time sometime in the last 18 months I think - another solid film that ranges around my 7/10 rating mark - funny and sweet, with the super fantastic Hailee Steinfeld.

I'm not sure, but I have a feeling I watched Departures a long time ago.

City Lights is my favourite Charlie Chaplin film - possibly because of the many varied elements that get folded into the narrative. It's so much more than just pratfalls and slapstick, and this blending of drama and pathos into the comedy makes for something special. Probably revolutionary for it's day.

Stay well cricket!

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qeDp-xOl2i8%2FUoTPHlo5IHI%2FAAAAAAAAB6g%2FSmwPAfKaeM0%2Fs400%2Ffive4.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=ea67362df10a5147360ae1fa6ddca441efe383b39b2b13800c181dfdfe7c34fb&ipo=images

Five Easy Pieces


Jack plays Bobby, a guy trying to find his place in the world. The film starts off showing Bobby working a very rough job, living a very ordinary life with his girlfriend and hanging out with his "buddy". We get the sense early that Bobby, he's not a good guy. He's a prick to his girlfriend, thinks little of his friend and once he hears word about his father being sick (his gf's pregnancy may have had an influence as well) he see's it as a chance to split. A lesser of two evils. There's a pretty good moment, right before Bobby takes off, where he announces to his boss that he's quitting, he's gonna stick it to the boss kind of moment, only for the boss to pretty much say "Good. Glad to be rid of ya." Bobby looks dumbfounded at the boss' reply as if to say "What? Me? Seriously?" And that's the thing with Bobby. He thinks he's more important than he is.

The movie then continues with a small road trip up to his fathers place. Bobby reluctantly brings his GF and picks up a couple of filthy hitchhikers along they way who are consumed by consumerism. This is the part of the film that leads to the iconic diner scene. A scene, I'm happy to say, that lives up to the hype.

Bobby finally arrives at his fathers home - alone. He leaves his gf at a motel because he's a dick and it would be embarrassing showing up with a woman who is not quite up to his standards. Also, by this time we know that Bobby is a fantastic musician, he used to play in Vegas, which leads to another pretty good scene where the fiance of Bobby's brother asks him to play her something on the piano, which he does. To her, that piece and him playing it means something. To him - nothing. "It was the easiest piece I could think of." A few more things happen and the movie ends the only way it could.

I can see why this movie is well regarded. It's a 70's movie to the core. Like many of the era, it's about a seriously flawed character. It's very well acted, Jack is great and Karen Black who plays his gf is really good as well. I love the cinematography and the locations they filmed especially the first 2/3 of the film. This is one of the big movies of the 70's that I felt I needed to see. Was a big blind spot for such a long time so I'm glad to have finally been urged to watch it.

[Hey Fredrick]

I'm having a hard time finding Amour. Found it on Netflix Germany but it doesn't have English dubs or subs. Anybody have a link?

[cricket]

I'm sure I've never gotten all there is to get out of Five Easy Pieces, but I do love that diner scene.

[SpelingError]

I'm having a hard time finding Amour. Found it on Netflix Germany but it doesn't have English dubs or subs. Anybody have a link?

Sent!

[Citizen Rules]

I didn't get the love for Five Easy Pieces. I liked it well enough and it was an interesting watch for cinema history.

I'll be real curious to see Hey Fredrick's reaction to Amour.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zpravSkhZ0M%2FUeSFy4ot1dI%2FAAAAAAAAJNg%2FqmcyiwcDkKs%2Fs400%2Fautumn6.png&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=cbaeb591de4177d55cc5a03f896102881d497e2356c1ba34ac6d0fb2195b8156&ipo=images


Autumn Sonata

Ingrid Bergman is Charlotte, mother to Liv Ullman's Eva. Charlotte was a very successful concert pianist whose career was always top priority. Eva is the daughter who tried everything to please her mother but to no avail. After seven years apart Charolette visits Eva. Let the fireworks begin.

The film starts off with Eva's husband Victor telling us a little about Eva and her inability to love anybody. So right off the bat we know somethings is off. Once Charlotte arrives you feel the tension between the two. At first they seem to play little games with each other. Eva plays some Chopin on the piano and she's not very good but her mom is all like, no darling, that's not bad. Apparently, a common refrain from Eva's childhood, but we can see it on Charlotte's face. She thought it was a pretty awful rendition. Eva knows what she's thinking so they kind of dance around it. There are a couple moments like this the director, Ingmar Bergman, films wonderfully by cutting between the two talking about how well they know each other and what the expectations are for each other. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're not. They both know somethings wrong, we know there's something wrong but they try, a little, to give the appearance all will be fine. So it builds for a bit until finally Eva, with the help of some wine, lays everything out on the table. She recounts her life growing up with Charlotte as her mother and it's brutal. Charlotte does her best to explain things from her perspective but is it enough? Can this relationship be mended?

This is a very intimate movie. A lot of close ups are used. Bergman (Ingmar) also uses flashbacks very effectively. More than anything this is really a masterclass on acting. Both Ingrid and Liv deliver big time. The scene where Eva let's it all out, is fantastic as far as their performances go. Ingrid is so good I was surprised at how much she tells us without saying anything especially when Eva is putting it all out there. She also has you wondering if any of Eva's rant is really getting through to her. In the moment it really seems to be getting to her but...well, did it?

I had started watching this before but didn't make it very far. Needless to say I was a bit apprehensive about sitting through this but it was very good.

[PHOENIX74]

Loved Karen Black, as well as Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces, and Autumn Sonata was one of those rare movies I gave a rating of 10/10 to.

[cricket]

I've only seen Autumn Sonata once but I consider it one of my favorites from Bergman.

[Siddon]

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/gettyimages-843907664-h_2017.jpg?w=1296

A Prairie Home Companion (2006)

Robert Altman's film is an odd duck of a film...this is a genre blending of several stories of humor, fantasy, and music. The collection of which doesn't really come together to give the audience a cohesive look. Kevin Kline plays Guy Noir and he's dealing with a Dangerous Woman played by Virginia Madsen who is the angel of death. A different filmmaker would have used that as the opening and closing of the film to structurally hold everything together. But the story just kind of rambles off into different directions leading us back to short radio comedy bits and musical numbers.

In a shock of shockers Meryl Streep is really good in this and she has fun with Lily Tomlin but the film also has Lindsey Lohan. Lohan is pretty bad in this her vocals are notably the weakest and her character is fairly limp. The best moments are with Keilor and his segments he has a bit on duct tape that is pleasant enough and really that's what I would describe this film as...pleasant enough. Altman is one of those directors who can become so self indulgent that my eyes roll to the back of my head and I drift away...this wasn't that.

[cricket]

Good job Siddon, I don't know anything about that movie.

[Thursday Next]

I'm sure I've never gotten all there is to get out of Five Easy Pieces, but I do love that diner scene.

I kind of hated the diner scene. An obnoxious guy being obnoxious to a waitress?

[cricket]

I kind of hated the diner scene. An obnoxious guy being obnoxious to a waitress?

All I can say is that I can't recall a time that I ordered something so simple and met that kind of resistance.

[Citizen Rules]

Regarding the restaurant scene in Five Easy Pieces...My review touches on the reason why people loved that scene back in the day (IMO of course).

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=32820&stc=1&d=1500775588
Five Easy Pieces (1970)


At the 43rd Academy Awards in 1971 the youth orientated film, Five Easy Pieces caused a bit of a stir when it was nominated for four Oscars:
Best Picture, Best Lead Actor Jack Nicholson, Best Lead Actress Karen Black and Best Screenplay...it won none of them.

Was it ripped off? Is this baby boomer cult classic really as good as some claim? Let's find out.

At the heart of the story is Bobby Dupea (Jack Nicholson)who's a young wreck loose, adrift and trying to find meaning to his life, as he refuses to follow in the footsteps of his wealthy family. This theme of disillusioned youth struck a cord with the then young baby boomer generation, who like Bobby Dupea was looking for more meaning to life than just the 9-5 grind. Such films were popular at the time, the most well known is Easy Rider.

Here Jack Nicholson plays a more mainstream character, but true to his acting persona is still a free spirit. And that spirited rebellious streak is what struck a note with the baby boomers who longed to chart their own course in life, disregarding conventions of the past.

So it's no surprise that one of the most celebrated parts of the film is the restaurant scene where an older waitress, who represents the older generation refuses to take Bobby's special order and staunchly says no special orders, just what's on the menu. She's adamant and inflexible. Bobby smarts off to the waitress...and when he has had enough, in an act of rage over the inflexibility of the older waitress he swipes the table with his arm knocking dishes and glasses onto the ground.


Some would call him a hero for taking a stand and that's why this film has resonated with a generation. I can't deny Jack Nicholson is a colorful character so he fits this movie like a glove. I personally didn't find much depth to his performance as he seems so flippant in many of his movies that it's hard to take him seriously. Still his scenes with his father who just had a stroke, were very powerful.

For me what makes this film is Karen Black's performance as Rayette Jack Nicholson's waitress girl friend and mental punching bag. And verbally abuse her he does. I'd just seen Karen Black in Hitchcock's film Family Plot and there she was no more interesting than the background furniture, but here she really gets to act, and act she does.

Rayette is simple but loyal, she allows Nicholson's character to show what a lout he really is, by her being such an enabler. I couldn't help caring about her plight and yet with her pouting ways and strange make up that could scare a cat on Halloween...I ultimately believe she belonged with Bobby Dupea. They're a forlorn couple, with no future, who live for the day and hope for a better tomorrow, without ever trying to make their lives any better.

[Thursday Next]

All I can say is that I can't recall a time that I ordered something so simple and met that kind of resistance.

It's one of those scenes that sort of encapsulates the movie. He wants something, he's not getting what he wants because of the system so he gets angry and abusive to people around him, especially the women who are in a worse position than him.

[Thursday Next]

The Scarlet Empress

I watched this ages ago and typed up my thoughts... But apparently forgot to actually post them on here and now I've lost the file. I'll see what I can remember about what I was going to say...

The Scarlet Empress is a really interesting movie time wise because it sits just on the cusp of the Hays code. There's a lot more sex and violence in this movie than I was expecting, little montages of torture, for example, and it makes me wonder how different cinema would have been without the Hays code.

Marlene Dietrich is pretty great, transforming from naive ingenue to scheming empress following an arranged marriage and a series of disappointments and humiliations at the hands of her mother-in-law, unwilling husband and would-be lover.

The real stars of the film, though, are the set and costume design. The Russian court is an elaborate, gothic vision of hell, with gargoyles galore and doors that take several women to open them. You can see the fur trembling on Dietrich's outfits, it's all quite a visual spectacle.

[cricket]

It's one of those scenes that sort of encapsulates the movie. He wants something, he's not getting what he wants because of the system so he gets angry and abusive to people around him, especially the women who are in a worse position than him.

I see it a little different, but I also forget most of the rest of the movie. I don't view the waitress as a woman, but rather a person in the customer service industry. I don't see him as obnoxious in that scene, just the opposite in fact, until he reacts to her rudeness. There is really no excuse for her to not help him get what he wants, other than she shouldn't be in that business. His reaction as far as I can tell is how most people feel like reacting in a situation like that. I would be stunned if a waitress or anyone in customer service treated me like that, and I wouldn't react well either, especially given the fact that I would go into the interaction as nice as pie, which I believe he did as well.

The Scarlet Empress was on my list of contenders for you. My only HoF winner, a 30's HoF with about 6 members but I'll take what I can get.

[Citizen Rules]

...The Scarlet Empress was on my list of contenders for you. My only HoF winner, a 30's HoF with about 6 members but I'll take what I can get.It was an excellent movie, I thought highly of it.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-CLPUSV9y0XE%2FV1JpVepxKKI%2FAAAAAAAAKvY%2Fl1AYPEKzPGgJ_SdnPCzw9uKZT8RlO_CWACLcB%2Fs1600%2FAmour.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=46a96e97887d307379a8794bca48b50db850c34e67678b9a8cad0eef2426b969&ipo=images

Amour


This is a pretty a pretty simple story. A husband is tasked with caring for his stoke victim wife. It's an emotionally heavy film and it's the kind of film that is especially tough for me to watch. I can appreciate the performances, they're all great, I can appreciate what Haenke was doing but at the end of the day the subject matter is something I try to avoid. Watching people deteriorate from sickness hits a little too close.

The biggest thing that bothered me is that George should not be trying to do this on his own but that's the movie. Yeah, he had issues with the care that was helping (the helper was rightfully admonished for her performance) but George and Anne appear to be people of means with connections - find somebody new. If you slap your dying wife out of frustration, you're not helping anybody at that point. The movie almost takes the PoV of look how tough this is on George, which it obviously is, which is why he needs help. These events are tough on everybody, but there is somebody having a worse go of it than you, George.

George's love for his wife was unquestioned from me and I think the ending supported this. He's just out of his league trying to care for Anne. This is a good movie but one I'll never watch again.

[seanc]

Amour gets rough in patches which isn’t surprising with the director. I can tell you that spouses trying to help each other long past their ability is not uncommon though. In fact it’s probably more common than the alternative.

[cricket]

Yea that's a tough one to watch. My wife and I will probably be in that situation as we really have no other family besides out of state or distant relatives.

[Hey Fredrick]

I have a customer who is dealing with this right now. They're looking for a place for her husband to stay because she just can't do it anymore. It's a pretty messed up situation as all the places they're looking at want a minimum two year commitment. They are not rich people so what's she to do? She does have help that stops by daily but the help is only there for an hour or so.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

speaking of michael haneke...

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

the white ribbon
https://shots.filmschoolrejects.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/THE-WHITE-RIBBON.jpg
have never really been a haneke guy but i'd heard good things about this one so i was excited to finally see it, hoping this would be the one that clicked with me. unfortunately that wasn't the case and it mostly just clarified for me the reasons i don't care for him.

the main complaint people seem to have with him is his unrelenting bleakness, which i can agree with insofar as i don't his particular strain of miserabilism to be all that worthwhile or interesting from a thematic perspective, but i would be far more sympathetic to his cinematic worldview if any of his movies actually left me depressed instead of just bored. sorry to say that there is just nothing compelling here. i think the only scene i liked in the whole movie was when the kid asked his dad if he could keep the bird, mainly because the kid is pretty adorable and the actor who plays the father finds some interesting notes in his performance. otherwise the characters are just empty vessels, interior-less means to an end, the dullest elucidations on innocence and cruelty and blah blah blah. if haneke doesn't care about them, then i certainly won't be able to, and then the whole thing kinda falls apart. you're just left with sub-par bergman without any of the humanity or poetry.

i will say that it does look nice, and theoretically i am intrigued by the conceptual hermeticism of this fictional town, situated at this very specific point in history. it's probably too allegorical for its own good, but i do think there's something there. still think this was a good nomination for me, and i will probably continue to give haneke more chances even if i'm less optimistic. amour has intrigued me since it came out, and i've heard positive things about cache, code unknown, and the piano teacher even from fellow haneke-skeptics so we'll see.

2

[Citizen Rules]

Ugh, I hated Amour and I'm pretty sure I hated every Hacknye movie I've had to see.

[CosmicRunaway]

I remember The Scarlet Empress having some great aesthetics, including really interesting architecture.

I know I saw The White Ribbon at some point as well, but I really don't remember much about it. I recall not watching it all in one sitting, and that's about it haha.

[Siddon]

https://www.fullframefest.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/brotherskeeper.jpeg


Brother's Keeper (1992)

Documentaries have come a long way since 1992. This is a film of four brothers when one night one of them passes away. The film tells the stark contrast of the rural people of this upstate new york town and the city people who want to throw one of the brothers in prison for murdering his brother. Stylistically the film is dated 70% of it is just talking heads most of the characters are fairly one dimensional and interchangeable. Yet still the movie packs a punch.

Delbert the accused becomes a bit of a local celebrity you see the camera causes him and the people around him to change a bit. I think that would have been a better subject for the film than what was a fairly weak murder mystery plot. We don't get a lot in the way of answers or even compelling cases from each side. As true crime documentaries evolved this is something that would be unacceptable today but it's tolerable here.

When you are watching this film you feel a little bit of a gross sense of exploitation. The Lawyers, news people, and the worst the pathologist all come off as really fake. It's a startling contrast to the folksie townspeople who are rallying around Delbert. End of the day this was watchable and fairly good the sociological aspects are strong the murder stuff not so much but I'm glad I watched it.

[Siddon]

https://deepfocusreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/manofthewest5.jpg

Man of the West(1958)

A train robbery leaves three people stranded in the west 100 miles from the nearest town. This one of Gary Coopers last films it's called a "noir" but that's a stretch to me this is a prototypical western almost completely generic and sadly somewhat forgettable. He runs into his old gang led by an unhinged Lee Cobb. Cobb is good in this but he's not great the standout is Jack Lord the man that basically replaced Coopers character in the gang.

The film does a decent enough job building up the body count but nobody would confuse this for a Peckinpah film. Cooper just doesn't really work as a man with a past, I would almost say he's miscast. Anthony Mann does a serviceable job directing the film...it's a western so it's gorgeous but it feels cheap at times you have a lot of emptiness and isolation in the filming. This could be a good thing but Mann never really captures that tone it's another flaw in the film. But these are more small things that fade away over time.

Two of the scenes in the film could have been a bit more impactful but stand out as mirror scenes where two characters are stripped. It's the scenes that elevate this from a bad movie to an average one had they been handled better this might have even been a classic. But still it was alright

[cricket]

I take a nap and when I wake up I find out it must be slacker day. Great I'm going back to sleep.

[SpelingError]

Haneke is generally too cold to register with me, but I do like The White Ribbon quite a bit. Amour is also pretty good.

[Allaby]

I love Haneke. I thought The White Ribbon was excellent and Amour was very good too,

[cricket]

I liked The White Ribbon ok but it was some effort on my part.

Someone picked Brother's Keeper for me in a different personal rec and it did well on my ballot.

I can't remember Man of the West offhand. I likely watched it at a time when I was watching a lot of similar films.

Good work slackers!

[cricket]

Anyone hear from our man Ed?

[Hey Fredrick]

Someone picked Brother's Keeper for me in a different personal rec and it did well on my ballot.

Good work slackers!


That was me! You're only the second person I ever recommended it to. I think it's a very good documentary but that one scene, I'm sure you know the one I'm talking about, is kind of a no go for a lot of people. I remember watching Siskel and Ebert rave about it and it always stuck with me.

[Citizen Rules]

Anyone hear from our man Ed?I haven't heard from him but I've checked his profile and the last time he logged in was 2 days ago.

[Citizen Rules]

Oh and I liked but not loved Man of the West (1958). Though I would say Anthony Mann is my favorite western director.

[cricket]

I haven't heard from him but I've checked his profile and the last time he logged in was 2 days ago.

Ok that's good. I just saw that his last post was 29 days ago so I started wondering.

[Citizen Rules]

Ok that's good. I just saw that his last post was 29 days ago so I started wondering.Hopefully he's just busy with work and all's well. I'm sure he'll be around.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll be finally subscribing to the criterion channel tonight, so a lot of this will open up for me

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

hud
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/13b669_858ccc6a76e441ef8a7e3e8e542d8756~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_640,h_272,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/13b669_858ccc6a76e441ef8a7e3e8e542d8756~mv2.jpg

really dug this one. fundamentally an elegiac film about change, but also just a really superb human drama. newman's performance lives up to it's reputation as one of the greatest of all time, and yet patricia neal somehow steals every scene with him. douglas is great too of course, and even brandon de wilde is surprisingly understated in a role that could easily have been a thankless cloying archetype.

the film posits hud's vile personality as a result of life under capitalism and the logical conclusion of a particular brand of rugged individualism. when the world seems like a series of grifts layered one on top of the other, playing by the rules seems an awful lot like shooting yourself in the foot. it's the kind of disaffection that only comes with the feeling that you're living at the end of something, as hud will never get to experience the promise of the west in the same way his father did. certainly a lot of parallels with modern works that deal with "the end of history" as was suggested in the 90s, as well as the other "revisionist" westerns from the same era (e.g. the misfits, the man who shot liberty valance, etc.). not surprising that this was based on a book by the guy who wrote the last picture show, and i'd say bogdanovich certainly borrowed quite a bit from martin ritt cinematically as well. the movie isn't exactly subtle in its evocations of the death of the west and the generational divide, and there are perhaps a few too many cutesy aptly-poetic lines, but otherwise the script is near-flawless so it's not a huge problem.

4++

[Wyldesyde19]

Martin Ritt is an underrated director in my opinion.

[cricket]

Hud is awesome

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

the red shoes
https://www.film-foundation.org/images/news/red-shoes.gif

i've had the criterion of this one sitting on my shelf for years but was waiting for the right moment to finally watch it. obviously it's a masterpiece, i'm not sure what else i can say about it that hasn't been said a million times before. it's one of maybe a dozen movies ever made that feels like it's tapping into the full potential of what the cinematic medium can achieve. the famous ballet sequence in the middle is truly one of the best and most cinematic things i've ever seen. only real issue is that the character stuff, while perhaps better than your average backstage musical, suffers in comparison to how immaculate every other aspect of the film is. there are certain beats where it really works– the ending in particular is incredible– and the two lead performances are great, but i can't even imagine how much i would adore this film if i found the drama as compelling as the craft.

4.5

[Wyldesyde19]

Going to jump into In The Mood For Love tonight

[Wyldesyde19]

Started In the Mood for Love last night, as promised. Going to finish it tonight

[Wyldesyde19]

In the Mood for Love

There are few more crushing experiences than knowing your significant other is having an affair. To share that experience with the wife of whoms husband your wife is having an affair with is somehow even not as cathartic as you might expect. Both husband and wife depicted here are fully aware of the adultery. Neither are brave enough to call them out on it. So they become friends, a shared loneliness and disappointment in where their lives have ended up. He wanted to write martial arts serials, after all.

She helps him with this, their mutual attraction obvious. But they’re careful to avoid making the same mistakes as their respective spouses. “We won’t be like them.” She tells him.
“I don’t want gossip.” He mentions to her her in an earlier conversation. It is a unrequited love. One that is maddening to watch unfold on screen, knowing they are showing their spouses a respect they themselves aren’t afforded.

And that’s the point. WKW (it’s easier to use initials) makes a point to show their relationships through unspoken glances, and gestures. The little private moments when they’re alone. Time seems to slow or outright freeze when they’re with each other. He HS a way of framing them when they’re alone as if they are the loneliest souls in the world.

Which they are. Both trapped by circumstances, stuck in disappointing marriages, and unable to convey their true feelings for each other. When they finally do, they realize they must part, for fear of acting on their impulses. So he heads to Singapore, and when they part, her sadness is indescribable. Conflicting emotions swarm over her. Remain with her cheating husband? Or run off with her new found love? These decisions will effect the rest of their lives. It comes to the only ending we can imagine.

WKW has a distinct way of showing us a scene that tells us so much more than any line of dialogue ever could. It’s true in this film. The loneliness and longing is captured perfectly without uttering a word.

[edarsenal]

https://cdn2.highdefdigest.com/media/2015/04/21/660/56520/river2.jpg
https://s3.amazonaws.com/static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/great-movie-the-river-le-fleuve-1951/EB20060212REVIEWS08602120301AR.jpg
https://www.film-foundation.org/images/news/river-news.jpg

The River (1951)

Narration: The day ends. The end begins.

I've wanted to revisit Director Jean Renoir, one of the first French Directors of the Old Guard of the 30s and 40s that I had ventured into a few years back with The Grande Illusion, The Lower Depths, La Bête Humaine, and The Crime of Monsieur Lange, most of which featured MyMan! Jean Gabin. So, to experience one of his later achievements was a tantalizing prospect.

With a wholesome family's daily life format, Renoir ventures to one of the holy rivers of Bengal, India. With a widowed/remarried British nationalist, a daughter from his first marriage to an Indian woman, his present wife, and their five children, the eldest being the Narrator reflecting on her time as a young teenager.
Renoir takes full advantage of the locale, featuring (with respect and admiration) the heritage and culture of India while centering the story through the children and the American son of a neighbor who, having returned from the war missing a leg, becomes a three-way competition between our Narrator, Harriet, her half-sister, Melanie and a young friend of the family, the daughter of a manager at the father's plant named Valerie.
A serene, gentle, idyllic story of British idealism (so everyone was very, VERY polite) told in the rich environs of Bengal, India. Hitting all the marks with ardent precision for its genre kept me invested. The genre's usual rural backgrounds transported, adding curiosity to the mix.
All the adults were wise, nurturing, gracious and loving—even the war-torn Captain John. Among the children, I got a serious kick out of the youngest, little blond-haired, rambunctious, and wondrously imaginative Victoria. I did go, total old fart dad, "Boyyyy," to the only son, Bogey, and his fascination with insects and serpents. The occasional vindictive outbursts remained verbal only for our Narrator/Harriet, a fiery redhead. Another redhead, who I found the most intriguing with a casual curiosity with not-so-British idealism without ever experiencing any of them.

While I am not head over heels, I greatly enjoyed and loved this idyllic sojourn.
THANK YOU

[edarsenal]

Been quite absent but not completely gone for a bit. Been overwhelmed with life - in a very good way, to find the time to participate.

I also have The King of Kong finished and ready to write up a review leaving me three to knock out before December 2 and make time to/read and comment on the films watched during my absence.

I hope everyone is Happy, Healthy. . . or at least, Head Above Water with the necessary grit to stay the course. ;)

TAKE CARE and --

https://media.tenor.com/MK3U9VAdNq4AAAAC/talk-soon-talk-to-you-soon.gif

[Citizen Rules]

Been quite absent but not completely gone for a bit. Been overwhelmed with life - in a very good way...Very glad to hear that! Not the overwhelmed part but the in a very good way part.:)

[edarsenal]

THANKS, CR!

[Wyldesyde19]

Welcome back Ed!


I’ll have my review for Samurai Rebellion up today. I watched it yesterday and forgot to write a review.
Just remembered a few minutes ago

[Thursday Next]

CODA

Struggling to review this a little bit because it basically boils down to 'nice remake of nice film'. I feel like I'm damning it with faint praise - it's not that it isn't good, in fact I liked it more than a few other films I've watched for this hall of fame. It's very likable. I did see a review of it that said something like, 'its nothing you haven't seen before but it's a very good version of that' and that's about right. It's well made. It's a little more slick than your average teen performer coming of age Disney channel movie with a few more adult jokes but it doesn't stray too far from that path. As a remake, I did think it improved on the original in a few ways, mostly small changes.

I'm glad I saw it in my quest to watch all of the best picture Oscar winners.

[cricket]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything

[Citizen Rules]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anythingNo rush and Take Care Bro.

[SpelingError]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything

I hope you feel better soon :heart:

[Wyldesyde19]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything
Hope you feel better, man.

[Allaby]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything

Feel better soon.

[gbgoodies]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything

89926
89923

89925

[CosmicRunaway]

Take your time and rest, cricket. I hope you won't have to make more trips to the ER anytime soon. <3

[Wyldesyde19]

Samurai Rebellion

“It’s an old custom,” he says to the nanny sent to feed his grand daughter, “The mats are to keep us from slipping in blood.”
He knows what’s coming. He accepts the coming fight not with glee, but with a certain resolution.

Much like Kobayashi’s earlier Hara-kiri, Samurai Rebellion delves into the honor of the samurai. A lord forces a marriage into a Clan, one they object to, much to the Stewards displeasure. His son interrupts to agree to the marriage, sensing his father losing face for being stubborn. It turns out to be a happy marriage.

Of course it can’t last long. The lord wants her back after 2 years and a daughter. They refuse. And we see Kobayashi delve into the inner thinkings of the lord, who by this time has stepped aside to allow his son to take over the Clan, and why he has declined. There is a code, but there is also pride and reason. Sometimes the code won. A Samurai was to obey, after all. Sometimes, however, pride and reason overwhelms the Code.

The father, of course, doesn’t want his son to have an unhappy marriage like his own. Forced into a marriage with a wife who is deliberately belligerent, often mocking her husband, despite his status. He doesn’t wifi his son to marry a woman as domineering as her. So imagine how happy he is to see the real love and respect between the two. As such, he can not bring himself to separate them.

As in Harakiri, the ending leaves you with a certain sadness. You might be amazed at some of the samurais actions, in fact. All to bring the Clan to heel.

The important thing is the Code after all. The Clan has dared to go against it, in rejecting the lords demands. So they must be punished for their “dishonorable” reaction. But before that happens there will be blood.

[Hey Fredrick]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything


That sucks. Hope you feel better soon.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_RKKikXErBM%2FTlcE7P9iRiI%2FAAAAAAAAfyU%2FQbAtteSKkFQ%2Fs800%2FThe-Wild-Bunch-4.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=576834042fd49514bd4c5c2ce4aa344ae00b610a4adddfdbf4c2a2b9220bd5b4&ipo=images

The Wild Bunch

After a botched robbery of a bank, where they walked into an ambush, a group of aging outlaws go on the run. They stop in a village where one of the outlaws, Angel, the only Mexican in the posse, was born. We learn a little about Angels history and the Mexican General we will soon be meeting. The guys head out to another village where Angel spots his ex on the arm of the Mexican General. He gets insanely jealous and shoots her which puts into motion the remainder of the film. In order to set things right, the leader of the Bunch offers his services to the General. The job the General gives them is to rob a train carrying American weapons. While all this is happening the Wild Bunch is still being sought after by a group of bounty hunters, led by a former partner of the Bunch's leader. It's a very good story yet...

It didn't work for me. This is one of those movies I really want to love but don't. Generally, movies where the line between good guys and bad guys is blurred is right in my wheelhouse and this is certainly one of them, however, aside from Warren Oates' character, a drunken, whoring doofus, the other main characters are too stoic for me to grab onto. All the action sequences are great - the initial robbery, the train robbery, the final shootout - it's the in between stuff that loses me. It feels sluggish.

If I was picking a movie for me this is the one I'd feel was almost a sure shot, in fact I expected to watch this during the first PRHoF. It's a great recommendation for me. I see everything that makes this such a revered classic in the genre and maybe someday I'll get it, but that day isn't here yet.

[PHOENIX74]

Had to go to ER for 3rd time since May, totally unrelated. I'll be fine and back on forum in couple days have to rest and can't focus on anything

Here's hoping that streak ends at 3

https://i.postimg.cc/wTWDJj1y/get-well-soon.jpg

[cricket]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Thank you all for the well wishes, had a kidney stone and an infection but back to normal now:leo:

[SpelingError]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Thank you all for the well wishes, had a kidney stone and an infection but back to normal now:leo:

Glad you're feeling better now.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll be knocking out two more films in the next two days.

[gbgoodies]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

Thank you all for the well wishes, had a kidney stone and an infection but back to normal now:leo:


I'm glad you're feeling better.

https://media.tenor.com/1b4xyTSzi0UAAAAC/thanks-thanksgiving.gif

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

leaving las vegas
https://brianwelk.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/nic-cage-leaving-las-vegas.jpg
the genius of nicolas cage is in how, unlike most other actors, it never feels like he's trying to thread a needle, but rather he's trying to tear the whole thing apart. this can certainly overpower some movies, but leaves him uniquely suited to performances of self-destruction because that apprehensive feeling in the audience of "oh no you shouldn't be doing that" applies equally well to actor as it does to character.

unfortunately cage is the only thing that really works about this movie. don't get me wrong, elisabeth shue is also great, but that only makes it more galling that her character is so horribly written. the foulest of "hooker with a heart of gold" cliches. we're given no real insight into why she might be drawn to someone as messed up as cage other than, well, she's a hooker so she must be messed up too. her job basically defines her and its unfortunate to see such a great performance wasted on such reductive characterization, but she at least manages to bring a ton of humanity to the thing, and her naturalism serves as a nice counterpoint to cage doing his thing. there are a lot of people far more qualified to talk about what makes a good vs. bad depiction of sex work in cinema, but this one sets of all sorts of red flags for me. its depiction of addiction does a bit too, but it seems downright tasteful in comparison to, for instance, every line of dialogue between shue and julian sands, or the obligatory scene where she gets beaten up. cage and shue have some touching moments together and if you lifted certain aspects of their dynamic into another movie you might have something, but the foundation is too shoddy and surrounded by too much bullshit for me to be moved.

i don't think mike figgis is much of a director and he's an even worse screenwriter, as the only thing separating this from a million other addiction dramas is an overload of sub-lynchian stylistic flourishes designed to distract from how reductive and dumb the whole thing is, basically the 90s-indie equivalent of throwing shit at the wall and seeing what sticks. nevertheless, his commitment to this gonzo-expressionism is really what keeps this compelling aside from the performances. in sum, a movie of incredible performances struggling to hold up a terrible script, backed by boneheaded direction that occasionally succeeds in spite of itself.

2.5

[cricket]

Leaving Las Vegas wasn't my pick for you but it's a major favorite of mine. I see it as extremely realistic since I basically lived it for a while. People who saw it before me would tell me that Ben was me and I knew right away that he was. It may sound strange to some but I find it absolutely hilarious, but of course I was always drunk when watching. I may see it a different way next time now that I am better.

[cricket]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-_RKKikXErBM%2FTlcE7P9iRiI%2FAAAAAAAAfyU%2FQbAtteSKkFQ%2Fs800%2FThe-Wild-Bunch-4.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=576834042fd49514bd4c5c2ce4aa344ae00b610a4adddfdbf4c2a2b9220bd5b4&ipo=images

The Wild Bunch

After a botched robbery of a bank, where they walked into an ambush, a group of aging outlaws go on the run. They stop in a village where one of the outlaws, Angel, the only Mexican in the posse, was born. We learn a little about Angels history and the Mexican General we will soon be meeting. The guys head out to another village where Angel spots his ex on the arm of the Mexican General. He gets insanely jealous and shoots her which puts into motion the remainder of the film. In order to set things right, the leader of the Bunch offers his services to the General. The job the General gives them is to rob a train carrying American weapons. While all this is happening the Wild Bunch is still being sought after by a group of bounty hunters, led by a former partner of the Bunch's leader. It's a very good story yet...

It didn't work for me. This is one of those movies I really want to love but don't. Generally, movies where the line between good guys and bad guys is blurred is right in my wheelhouse and this is certainly one of them, however, aside from Warren Oates' character, a drunken, whoring doofus, the other main characters are too stoic for me to grab onto. All the action sequences are great - the initial robbery, the train robbery, the final shootout - it's the in between stuff that loses me. It feels sluggish.

If I was picking a movie for me this is the one I'd feel was almost a sure shot, in fact I expected to watch this during the first PRHoF. It's a great recommendation for me. I see everything that makes this such a revered classic in the genre and maybe someday I'll get it, but that day isn't here yet.



I was going to pick this for you in the first personal rec but then I saw a post where you mentioned it. I liked the movie for many years, but mainly for the parts that you enjoyed. The last time I watched it, it all clicked for me in a big way. Now I think it could be top 10 material for me. I think there is something to identifying with the aging gunslingers.

[rauldc14]

I'll sneak in Die Hard Monday or Tuesday to get this thing wrapped up.

[cricket]

I'll sneak in Die Hard Monday or Tuesday to get this thing wrapped up.

Been looking forward to this

[Wyldesyde19]

Come and See


Hess warned from the beginning about digging up a gun so he can join the local freedom fighters. The Village Elder wants him that such actions would bring nothing but misery. The boy and his friend ignore him, and are spotted by a plane flying overhead. His fate has been sealed.

The film tells the story from the young boys point of view. Through him we witness the horrors of war, and while the boy himself never actually participated in an actual battle, he often finds himself swept up in events that expose him to the reality of war. Through it all, he never fires his gun, especially at anyone…until the very end. And even then, it’s never fired at a person.

He’s quickly enlisted into the local militia against his mothers wishes. He finds the life of a soldier tedious. Mostly given menial jobs, he is eventually left behind, deemed too young and inexperienced to participate in the coming battles. He’s even ordered to give up his boots in the process. Alone and crying, he finds a young woman also abandoned. Both have been rejected by the leader of the militia. They bond, but that bond is interrupted by a bombing raid.

The boy is subjected to several harrowing moments throughout the film. Along the way, he learns the consequences of his ignoring the elders warnings.

Kik mic fills these scenes of unimaginable horror with scenes of quiet beauty throughout. There’s even some striking images to be gleaned from the burning villages. It’s all done without the need to give big speeches or any grandstanding. The scenes speak for themselves. Nothing is explained, and we’re left to contemplate the scenes themselves.

The film would serve as a nice companion piece to All Quiet on The Western Front, as both deal with similar themes.

[SpelingError]

Come and See


Hess warned from the beginning about digging up a gun so he can join the local freedom fighters. The Village Elder wants him that such actions would bring nothing but misery. The boy and his friend ignore him, and are spotted by a plane flying overhead. His fate has been sealed.

The film tells the story from the young boys point of view. Through him we witness the horrors of war, and while the boy himself never actually participated in an actual battle, he often finds himself swept up in events that expose him to the reality of war. Through it all, he never fires his gun, especially at anyone…until the very end. And even then, it’s never fired at a person.

He’s quickly enlisted into the local militia against his mothers wishes. He finds the life of a soldier tedious. Mostly given menial jobs, he is eventually left behind, deemed too young and inexperienced to participate in the coming battles. He’s even ordered to give up his boots in the process. Alone and crying, he finds a young woman also abandoned. Both have been rejected by the leader of the militia. They bond, but that bond is interrupted by a bombing raid.

The boy is subjected to several harrowing moments throughout the film. Along the way, he learns the consequences of his ignoring the elders warnings.

Kik mic fills these scenes of unimaginable horror with scenes of quiet beauty throughout. There’s even some striking images to be gleaned from the burning villages. It’s all done without the need to give big speeches or any grandstanding. The scenes speak for themselves. Nothing is explained, and we’re left to contemplate the scenes themselves.

The film would serve as a nice companion piece to All Quiet on The Western Front, as both deal with similar themes.

Since you enjoyed it, you should also check out The Ascent from Larisa Sheptiko, Elem Klimov's wife. It's an easier watch since most of the horror in it is internalized and represented in psychological ways, like several facial close-ups (which, as if it wasn't obvious, I'm a huge sucker for), rather than the externalized horrors of Come and See. It's also great and among my favorite war films.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caUnJDiWh40

[cricket]

Come and See is a hell of a movie

[rauldc14]

Die Hard

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/607d9bb64afcb51ff8ffa174/1640709459212-PAHBIOONKC52GYZWZTS8/DIE+HARD+%281988%29+Bruce+Willis+and+Alexander+Godunov.jpeg

Definitely one of my biggest blind spots and I figured that wouldn't be a good thing as this is a film that seems to play a lot off of nostalgia. For the most part that seemed to be a correct assessment. Like always I have a hard time enjoying Bruce Willis a lot in movies. He certainly isn't bad here, actually he really plays the part pretty well. And the story itself is decent, the problem for me is the action sequences usually feel a bit bland and there isn't a lot of suspense for me especially for it being a hostage film. I never quite feel McClane is in jeopardy if that makes sense. Especially after Karl has a weapon straight to his head for like a minute and he still survives. Interesting to see Carl Winslow in this movie too. I have to think it feels a tad outdated, I prefer a hostage movie more like Inside Man than something like this. Had I seen this maybe twenty or so years ago maybe I'd feel different about it. But I didn't so I would call the film decent but not an all timer like a lot of people believe it is.

3.5-

[cricket]

Oh Raul why'd you have to go and ruin Christmas?

[cricket]

Congratulations Raul, you are the 7th member to finish!

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have a write up for Sansho the Bailiff tonight.

[Hey Fredrick]

https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.giphy.com%2Fmedia%2FdCWZNkAg6Kv6w%2Fgiphy.gif&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=09cf0a912a09670c30cea3e12f4a7bf65838d70f8a9c333ab186165ba240d210&ipo=images




Akira

Tokyo is in chaos. Tetsuo is a low rank member of a Tokyo biker gang. One evening, in a dust up with another gang, he comes into contact with a kid, a kid who happens to have the military after him and has some unusual power. In the confrontation between the kid and the military, the kid unleashes some of his power in the form of a bomb and this event awakens something in Tetsuo. Apparently everybody has this power in them it just needs something to jar it loose. Once it's loose in Tetsuo he has no idea how to control it. At first, all is cool. He's super powerful, indestructible really, and he uses this to kind of rise up against whomever pissed him off. Give a little back, so to speak and he's pretty destructive. Soon all this power begins to get out of control and, thanks to the first scene in the movie, we know what may be in store for Tokyo if Tetsuo doesn't get this under control. Akira, a young boy who also had some issues controlling the power, may be the key so Tetsuo seeks him out.


This is a movie that felt much longer than it was but that's how most anime feels to me so, eh. At one point I paused the movie, saw that I was an hour in, started playing it again, paused it again thinking maybe 20 minutes remained only to find out 20 minutes had passed. Oof! That being said, it's not a bad movie at all but like most anime I had a hard time grasping on emotionally to any of the characters. It's also a movie that needs your full attention. Snooze for a second and you could be lost for the rest of the movie. I watched this a couple months ago but felt that I didn't give it a fair shot as that viewing took place over a couple days. I have to say, sitting down and actually getting it all in in one viewing, I liked it more. And....that's all folks!

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

mildred pierce
https://andrewsidea.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/vlcsnap-630062.png

this movie surely holds the coveted record for "movie i've recorded off tcm the most times but have never got around to watching before it gets deleted due to lack of space," so i was very happy to finally have an excuse to pull the trigger on it. perhaps unsurprisingly, the noir passages are more my speed than the melodrama, but it's all still very well-acted and curtiz always knows how to frame a scene. this is my 17th curtiz film and the dude just doesn't really miss. it's practically a given that he's not an auteur on the level of ford, hitchcock, etc., but there's really nobody better when it comes to wielding the machinations of the studio system to create a clean piece of hollywood entertainment that ticks all the boxes it needs to.

with that said, there are long stretches in the middle for which curtiz's hand is almost too steady, the melodrama too controlled and respectable, leaving me longing for something closer to douglas sirk than john m. stahl. the performances are very good (it goes without saying that crawford is incredible, but jack carson in particular nearly steals every scene) and the characters fulfill their function, but it lacks the dynamism of the opening scenes. i think i might just generally have a hang-up with movies that follow the ups and downs of a character's life over a period of years, as the periodic emotional resets tend to dampen whatever tensions the film had built up in me (not that there aren't countless great movies within this mode). there was still plenty to like about these parts however, and i was particularly holding on to its conception of all relationships as driven by financial negotiation in place of love, excepting the (unrequited) devotion of mother to daughter. in that sense it's one of the most cynical films i've ever seen really, and i was quite taken by every moment in which ann blyth reveals herself to be an even bigger monster.

also of interest is the pretty straightforward feminist reading of the film, showcasing a truly independent woman living for herself and her shitty daughter. sure there are men in her life, but she never relies on them except out of convenience and by choice, and her character arc isn't defined by them except as plot devices. this also ties into the queer subtext made obvious in eve arden's character, as we get a glimpse of a somewhat masculine, independent woman for whom men are barely even a consideration at this point.

the final revelation isn't the most shocking thing in the world, but it is inevitable and necessary considering all that had come before. it's a strong ending, but perhaps i was just relieved to be back under the oppressive shadows of pure noir as opposed to its intimations. the final shot in particular is quite lovely.

3.5

[Citizen Rules]

Mildred Pierce is a 5/5 for me and is in my top 10 profile. It's one film that I've seen several times and could watch again. The miniseries from a few years ago with Kate Winslet is pretty darn good too and while similar to the 1945 movie it's also different.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

yeah i've always been interested in the miniseries because i love todd haynes, but i wanted to check out the movie first. maybe now i'll get around to it.

[Wyldesyde19]

Sansho the Bailiff

"Without mercy, man is like a beast. Even if you are hard on yourself, be merciful to others."*


Zushio’s father was a man of quiet honor. *When he was told to tax the peasants, he refused. His stubbornness leads to his exile, but before he leaves, he tells his son the above quote as a reminder to be kind to those less fortunate. *

Some time later, Zushio, his sister Anju, and his mother and kidnapped. Tricked by supposed priestess, they are separated and sold into slavery. *His mother is forced to become a courtesan. *Zushio and Anju become slaves to the eponymous Sansho. *

His cruelty knows no bounds. Escaped slaves are always captured and, upon return, are scarred and mutilated. *After 10 years, Zushio has become subservient to Sansho and Carrie’s out these mutilations. *He has forgotten his fathers teachings. *

The films sprinkles the acts of barbarism with random acts of kindness from others. *Anju never gives up hope, and helps others when she can. Zushio, on the other hand, doesn’t have any use for kindness. *He believes it to useless in this world. *His journey from slavery to realizing his fathers teachings makes for a impactful journey of self discovery. *

The film is one of the human condition, as we see the motivations of some (greed) and others who try to help (sympathy). *There is a stark contrast between Sansho and his own son, Taro (?) who refuses his fathers barbaric ways. *

In between The films is also one of some great cinematography, which was typical of the times. *

Great pick here, again.*

[cricket]

Congratulations Hey Fredrick, you are the 8th member to finish!


Good job guys!!

[edarsenal]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTUyMzU3OTAxNl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMTIzMDA3._V1_.jpg
https://uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/stevewiebekingofkong.jpg
https://images2.vudu.com/background/129219-576a.jpg

The King of Kong; A Fistful of Quarters (2007)

Walter Day: "I wanted to be a hero. I wanted to be the center of attention. I wanted the glory, I wanted the fame. I wanted the pretty girls to come up and say, "Hi, I see that you're good at Centipede."

Initially realized as a Documentary on the competitive rivalry of High Score Arcades, the creators came upon the bluff, self-promoting High Score Donkey Champion Billy Mitchell since forever and an up-and-coming good guy Steve Wiebe looking to break "thumbs up" Mitchell's long-running title. And it's that underdog struggle that keeps things interesting to where this is more movie drama than documentation of events. And that is in no way a critique in any form or fashion.
A well-told, pretty in-depth, and an evenly-paced bit of geek lore that I quite enjoyed watching.

The filmmakers of this documentary do a very good build-up of not only the major players but also of the minors as well without overloading the viewer with unnecessary backstories. A well-balanced story that, while omitting an item or two for dramatic effect, kept me not only invested but cheering the outsider/underdog Weib as he diligently tackled one of the most iconic and utterly impossible arcade games to play nevermind beat but bend over backward to adhere to rules of High Scoring and achieve legitimate scores regardless of the obstacles before him.
A fun and enjoyable Cinderella Story.
BRAVO

[edarsenal]

Alright, just finished The Trial (1962). Orson Welles Directs etc. etc., a based on Franz Kafka story starring Anthony Hopkins and featuring Jeanne Moreau.

What. A. Trip.

[SpelingError]

Alright, just finished The Trial (1962). Orson Welles Directs etc. etc., a based on Franz Kafka story starring Anthony Hopkins and featuring Jeanne Moreau.

What. A. Trip.
Huge fan of that one.

[CosmicRunaway]

Initially realized as a Documentary on the competitive rivalry of High Score Arcades, the creators came upon the bluff, self-promoting High Score Donkey Champion Billy Mitchell since forever and an up-and-coming good guy Steve Wiebe looking to break "thumbs up" Mitchell's long-running title. And it's that underdog struggle that keeps things interesting to where this is more movie drama than documentation of events.
If it were remade today, it would actually be even more of an underdog story, since a couple of years ago it was revealed that Mitchell had been cheating the entire time. He's since lost all of his titles and records, so it's even more impressive that Wiebe was actually giving him a run for his money.

[edarsenal]

I had seen that and there was hints of such a possibility though at the time it was speculation only. A great little sidenote to it all.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

diabolique
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzA3ODkwOTQtMTU5Yi00MDE2LWFlZjctMDc0YWNkYmQwNDY5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjgwNDk3MDY@._V1_.jpg
really cool little exercise in suspense and paranoia. don't know if i have a lot to say about this one, as the hitchcock comparisons basically write themselves, but i really liked pretty much everything about it. i did see the ending coming about 20 minutes before but the scene leading up to the reveal was so well-executed i didn't really care. both the leads were great, especially simone signoret. also shoutout to charles vanel as french colombo.

4

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

all the president's men
https://uproxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/all-the-pres-grid-uproxx.jpg
perhaps too blandly competent be genuinely thrilling, but i also think it kinda elevates bland competence to high art. so smooth, so logical, so strangely termitic. there's really no holes to be poked in its pristine surface. i was never exhilarated but was always engrossed, if that makes sense. sure, it maybe relies a bit too much on the audience having a working knowledge of every little detail of the investigation, but in 1976 i imagine that wasn't too much to ask. even when you get a bit lost as to where they're at in the investigation, the movie has such a steady hand that you never doubt it knows exactly what it's doing even if you don't.

aside from the general vitality that comes with being the ur-text of a particular sub-genre, the main thing this has going for it over every subsequent journalism movie is the photography of gordon willis. so textured and well-lit, almost single-handedly turning the a newsroom into one of the great classically-cinematic backdrops.

one of the hardest things to do in acting is to be compelling while playing a boring normal guy, but redford makes it look so easy. it's written as such a down-the-middle character, neither especially charming nor off-putting. his only real character trait is being determined and good at his job, yet his natural, unaffected charisma is somehow enough to make it one of the most memorable performances of the 1970s. hoffman is also very good, although it's slightly more jarring to see him play a normal guy. robards is great of course, as is the whole cast of legendary "hey, it's that guy"s.

it's surely status quo propaganda and inherently a piece of journalist myth-making meant to show you that the system works in the end, but pakula is clear-eyed enough about wide-spread governmental corruption (including intelligence agencies) and keeps this refreshingly devoid of grandiloquent speechifying, always opting to root the film in material reality over naked ideology. it's honestly a little shocking how little dramatic underlining or embellishing there is whenever there's a new revelation about how deep the conspiracy goes or whatever. it's fitting that it should have such a perfectly understated conclusion, trusting the audience to appreciate the significance of what's taking place in the way it's acolytes never would.

4-

[edarsenal]

https://64.media.tumblr.com/32b68f7884beda491ad2dd288a2161cb/298eea86adb506cb-d1/s540x810/cdc9b82cac09ad0bf03226628687ef459f2c9759.gifv
https://64.media.tumblr.com/89eef8567b2173e0f876703790bd5cf6/e907ce287eee9b2e-d3/s250x400/c9fa6d4bdc9b22d403ea1b46c329ba9f3e316ec5.gifvhttps://i.pinimg.com/originals/9e/cf/3e/9ecf3e71050c929beca76adf3d1ba0ce.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/29/20/99/292099a6c3b323c9023fb3c0e41274d5.gif



The Trial (1962)

Hastler: To be in chains is sometimes safer than to be free.

I am very much in mind of the line from the Grateful Dead song, "What a strange, strange trip it's been," as I think back and while I experienced this film in every good way possible. I very easily see this securing a prominent position on my Ideal Films To Trip By List. My knowledge of Kafka's literary work is exceedingly limited, with only cursory research of his tragic life, and wish that his work be destroyed after his death but instead, obviously, was published posthumously. So I am unable to gauge Orson Welles' interpretation except for its cinematic excellence, which is the norm of any Welles film I've had the pleasure of viewing. I did appreciate a bit of his "slight of hand" in a scene where his character is in bed, and he pulls the covers over his head. Imagining a Behind the Scenes decision to not be tied down in several shots of that particular scene. It caused me to smirk.

An abstract story that is quite approachable for intellectually disabled folks like me. Accepting the dreamlike/nightmare surreal chain of events as easily as if slumbering and meandering through this concept of superior justice, deigning it unnecessary to inform the person arrested not only the charges but anything at all.
One of the numerous things that stuck out for me was the legions of people that seemed to swarm into Anthony Hopkins' claustrophobic realm of awkward guilt and continual seduction by each woman he comes in contact with. These legions are not average or nondescript but very unique caricatures in themselves.
This a film that easily stays with you and is worthy of repeat viewings.
BRAVO

[Wyldesyde19]

Obviously I’ll need some extra time on this. I’m should be able to finish it within the next week. Only 4 to go

[cricket]

Obviously I’ll need some extra time on this. I’m should be able to finish it within the next week. Only 4 to go

Ok you got it

[cricket]

I'm thinking around January 15th for the next one, after the holidays and 4 days after my scheduled surgery. Raise your hand if that works for you.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm thinking around January 15th for the next one, after the holidays and 4 days after my scheduled surgery. Raise your hand if that works for you.Works for me, as long as it works for you.

[Allaby]

I'm thinking around January 15th for the next one, after the holidays and 4 days after my scheduled surgery. Raise your hand if that works for you.

I object! :mad:

[cricket]

I object! :mad:

Ok maybe 1/14

[Allaby]

Ok maybe 1/14

I'm just teasing. That sounds good to me.

[edarsenal]

HELLLOOOOOO
https://media1.giphy.com/media/IThjAlJnD9WNO/200w.gif?cid=6c09b9527wbsy2jfv36jhp8wecz1amnj9vcxoy00syf95jpm&rid=200w.gif&ct=g

Just finished Paris, Texas, my roommate is making popcorn, and we'll be watching my last movie, Peeping Tom.
I will shoot over my vote after or in the morning and post reviews for both tomorrow evening.

I'm thinking around January 15th for the next one, after the holidays and 4 days after my scheduled surgery. Raise your hand if that works for you.

F@ck yes!

[Siddon]

https://thane62.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/el-sospechoso-7.jpg?w=505&h=379

The Suspect (1944)

Charles Laughton's career is an interesting one, a go to character actor on the 30's who ended his career making classic after classic until his death the 1940's was sort of a down period for the man. You wouldn't know it watching The Suspect a routine guy kills his wife when a far better woman comes along. What makes The Suspect a good noir is that your sympathies are with the killer not his victims. Phillip Marshall is a polite man of good humor who is only trying to live his best life in spite of his battle axe of a wife played with cartoonish villianry by Rosalind Ivan. Ella Raines is charming and gorgeous as the woman that sets the plot off.

The film isn't perfect...Richard Siodmark gives the film a flat daytime TV soap opera look to it. The exceptional second arc scene in a single is the highlight of the film I do wish it was shot with more of a hitchcockian flair to it. While everthing in the film is familiar it's still a solid made enjoyable little tale that goes down smoother than the poison Phillip uses in the second act.

[Siddon]

https://i1.wp.com/www.filminquiry.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/pic-1.png?fit=1050%2C700&ssl=1


It's Such a Beautiful Day(2012)

Don Hertzfeldt experimental film feels at times like a Spalding Gray monologue animated to perfection with homemade flare and dark humor. This is something where you never really know what you are going to get with each twist of the lines. This is one of those films that's very hard to talk about because it's so stylized and specific. It doesn't have a traditional plot yet the story is still told in a strange linear form. A young man goes about his day until he gets sick and the story moves on.

A film like this you really have to embrace the short runtime. It tested my patience fifteen minutes in but I was able to move along with it and connect to the piece of work by the end. I don't know if it were feature length I would be able to do that. The film really is just a strange long monologue told in a stylistic way. I can understand why this is a beloved film by so many because of it's weirdness it's just going to be a tricky thing for me to rank.

[Thursday Next]

I will be watching my last film this weekend.

[edarsenal]

As always, a wonderful fellow ensemble of "Cheezy crackers, how much farther??" honorees--
Hey All!!!
https://media.tenor.com/M_rKi12n2LMAAAAM/hi-mr-bean.gif

As for me,
fell asleep in the middle of Peeping Tom. LOVE the use of a color palette. But then, for the Director of such films as Black Naricisus and The Red Shoes, how could it NOT? The music's a bit off when it gets frantic. My roommate pondered when he sat alone watching his latest kill on a projector if the music was supposed to imply him masturbating though he isn't. Well, now it does for me. lol

So we'll be finishing it tonight with vote and reviews pending :)

[Thursday Next]

3 Women

I had never heard of this film prior to it being nominated for me here and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

Sissy Spacek joins a care home as a care worker and becomes fixated on a co-worker, the self-absorbed Millie played by Shelley Duvall. They become roommates but after an accident, their personalities seem to shift.

It's an unusual film for sure, slow and hazy and dreamlike. It's weird and deliberately awkward about awkward, lonely, weird and at times delusional characters who seem to become each other over the course of the film. It's all a little bit Persona, a little bit Mulholland Drive.

I thought it was really good. I didn't know where it was going and I liked that. I found the characters frustrating at times, but I think you are meant to. At times I did want it to be saying or meaning something more concrete, and the ending was frustrating too, but on the whole I liked it quite a bit.

[Thursday Next]

OK, that's me done. Ballot sent :)

[cricket]

Congratulations Thursday Next, you are the 9th member to finish!

[Siddon]

http://www.tasteofcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/little-dieter-needs-to-fly-watching-02-videoSixteenByNineJumbo1600-v2.jpg

Little Dieter Needs to Fly (1997)

Having already seen Rescue Dawn I was familiar with the story this being a 90's documentary it's a film that focuses on the subject not the style. Sadly this confluence of events hurts my viewing of the film. It sucks because it's not a bad film, Dieter is a compelling figure for Herzog to interview but the production quality is youtube level.

And really what am I left to talk about or reviewing this film, the guy comes to US from Germany ends up getting his pilots license and then he's caught by the enemy and tortured. It's just one of those stories that passes time and then you move onto something else.

[cricket]

Keep rolling Siddon!

[Wyldesyde19]

Will get to 8 1/2 tonight and start Red Beard tomorrow.

[Siddon]

https://www.moma.org/d/assets/W1siZiIsIjIwMTgvMTAvMjMvOTFmM3FicjgxY19MaXR0bGVfQ2Flc2FyXzE5MzFfUm9iaW5zb24uanBnIl0sWyJwIiwiY29udmVy dCIsIi1xdWFsaXR5IDkwIC1yZXNpemUgNzc1eDUyNV4gLWdyYXZpdHkgQ2VudGVyIC1jcm9wIDc3NXg1MjUrMCswIl1d/Little_Caesar_1931_Robinson.jpg?sha=f9f847ef65bcee5c

Little Caesar (1931)

You always have something to say when you are the first to do it. Little Caesar came out in 1931 at the dawn of the gangster picture era. It predates Scarface(Paul Muni), White Heat (Cagney), High Sierra (Bogart)...so I have to temper my review and realize that the cliche'd dialogue wasn't really cliche'd back in 1931. And Edward G Robinson improves as an actor and gangster in following years.

But for me this film is just dated to the point of obsoletion. Robinson plays a crime boss who spouts off crime dialogue that just sounds fake and dumb. These people feel less human and more what a poor interpretation of said characters are. Robinson has a lot of energy and sells the bad writing as well as he can and I'm not sure it's fair to call it bad writing based on the time frame. But like Caged it has a corniness to it that I couldn't get passed. It's well shot but I just didn't think this was any good.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have a write up for 8 1/2 tonight. Starting up Red Beard, but going to have to split it up into two viewings.

[Wyldesyde19]

8 1/2

8 1/2 is Fellini’s attempt at explaining his biggest vices and fears and doubts, while trying to reconcile them all. It is him at his most vulnerable. Here, he present a film about a character who serves as his proxy, riddled with guilt for his affairs, the pain he has caused his wife, and the guilt he has from being catholic. He presents himself as a man who isn’t sure if his films are as “honest” as he hopes them to be. He fears himself a fraud.

All of these pathos are on display with Fellini bearing his soul for all to see. It tells the tale of a director filming a Sci Fi epic that he is unable to be enthusiastic about. During the production we meet the various women in his life. Mistresses and actresses. Each demanding more and more of his time while a producer pushes him to complete the film.

The film has been copied multiple times. Stardust Memories from Woody Allen comes to mind first. Day for Night is another, by Francois Truffaut. Both lacked the existential angst needed, although Allen comes closest.

The direction is simply amazing. I say transfixed but this film. Every screen pops out. I may even consider this Fellinis best, over La Dolce Vita.

[SpelingError]

I've yet to rate a Fellini film higher than a 8/10 for some reason. Nights of Cabiria came the closest though and I plan on revisiting 8 1/2 someday.

[rauldc14]

La Dolce Vita is my only 8/10 for Fellini but I have only seen 5 of his.

[Citizen Rules]

I've never seen 8 1/2, maybe some brave soul will choose it next PR. I've liked all the Fellini I've seen so far.

[matt72582]

I've yet to rate a Fellini film higher than a 8/10 for some reason. Nights of Cabiria came the closest though and I plan on revisiting 8 1/2 someday.


Probably doesn't deserve it... I swear, those guys who are referred by one name are usually cult of personality types. The "I-Think-I'm-Supposed-To-Like-This-Director". In music, it's Syd Barrett. In comedy, it's Lenny Bruce.


"La Strada" is my #2 all-time, but I love it, and can't always explain why, either. Obviously the script and acting do it for me, but there's humor in it, which I find rare in movies (I don't like slapstick/screwball), when he tells her to say, "Here is.... ZAMPANO!"


(with no energy) "Zampano is here", and then there's the scenes with Basehart, most which are funny. "Zampano, telephone call for you", "Zampano, want a cigarette?" or just teasing him over his 'act' when it's Gelsomina partly responsible, but she won't go with him. But, he tells her about his "pebble philosophy" how everything has a cause. And hers is to be the one who saves Zampano basically.



By "La Dolce Vita", I start to lose interest. There's something about that movie. I watched it 2-3 times in the first few days, and felt different every time. I remember the first time I wasn't digging it, and then it started to come together, until the decadent scene. Definitely couldn't stand 8 1/2 (and gave it a second chance, even being under the influence to help the surrealism) and never found anything after that I would consider great. Not even good. But i vitelloni and nights of cabiria are fine movies. I just saw "Variety Lights", 7/10. Like any director, I'd start with their first movie and watch them chronologically.

[Wyldesyde19]

I've yet to rate a Fellini film higher than a 8/10 for some reason. Nights of Cabiria came the closest though and I plan on revisiting 8 1/2 someday.

So far, Satyricon was a dud for me, and I, Clowns was only ok.

Most of what I’ve seen of Fellini, which is less than half, has been good to great.

[edarsenal]

My list of Italian films is downright dismal, with only a paltry few, of which I have loved, including Fellini's La Dolce Vita. I have started Nights of Cabiria and truly NEED to finish it.

[edarsenal]

https://mkefilm.org/getattachment/d4b24841-4907-4615-9be1-cade309e6367/ParisTexas-(1).jpg.aspx?lang=en-US
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMWM1YzNhZTktNjliZS00YzNkLThjM2YtMzk5NmViMTQyMmZhXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzU1NzE3NTg@._V1_.jpg
https://cinematalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/41.jpg

Paris, Texas (1984)

More often, a truly slow-paced film can take you so far out of a film that when the discoveries occur, you find yourself indifferent. But not Paris, Texas, and a lot of that has to do with the stilled deep waters of the lead, Harry Dean Stanton. Subtle, silent, the epitome of a "lost soul" who has meandered the Mojave Desert for the past four years. The whys of it, like much of the film, is a long time coming as we follow the long sojourn of walking and the slow awakening of the man he was, his relationship with his brother (Dean Stockwell), the son he left behind who is now eight and the much younger wife (Natasha Kinski) who had also disappeared from their son's life at the same time.

One of the aspects that place this film apart is the writing. Veering clear of obvious story points or flashbacks to fill in the holes, we, like the characters, must wait for the answers to what happened while attempting to reconnect with one another. Something the writing steers clear of more dramatic, cliched situations for something far more concrete in its subtlety.
The third act, with the final meeting of Stanton's and Kinski's characters, follows suit delivering an original and far more deeply emotional impact.

Long-running and slow-moving, refusing to spoon-feed its viewers, Paris, Texas still, quite strongly, engages and stays very much with you after viewing it.
BRAVO

[edarsenal]

https://i.gifer.com/F7fb.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bc/1a/34/bc1a34399272d776304bc426d82c8ae4.gif
https://www.quartertothree.com/fp/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/its_too_late_ive_seen_everything.jpg

Peeping Tom (1960)

One of the wonderful consistencies of these Personal Rec HoFs is the "surprises." Where I felt iffy or flat out wondered WHY someone picked something for me only to discover how d@mn good a choice it was. This is one of them. In fact, it is the second by the same director, Michael Powell. Though my fascination isn't as palpable as Black Narcissus, it still entertained me, and I loved how Powell uses such a broad spectrum of colors in any singular shot. Adding an almost macabre, nightmare effect to this camera-obsessed serial killer at the height of his murdering spree and the deep-rooted psychosis inflicted by his father during childhood.

I'm not much of a Horror fan beyond Universal Studio Monster films or the gothic Hammer films, so this was a brave nomination that paid off quite nicely.
Unlike this genre's recent turn of characters/victims you looked forward to being savagely murdered, we have several we care about and for. Such as the blind mother (Maxine Audley) who knows in her gut there is something very, very wrong with the quiet, polite lodger () who has smitten her only beloved daughter. Surprisingly it is mutual and set apart from his usual fatal interaction with women.
Delving more deeply into the whys of how our Peeping Tom became infatuated with preserving the fear moments before he kills them on celluloid. Something that freaked out audiences and critics at its release. Its place of reverence in the Horror genre placed very much after the fact, as well as its influence on future generations of filmmakers and Horror fans alike.
Making for an excellent finale to a list of splendid movie experiences.

[edarsenal]

and, FINALLY, my last two write-ups of an excellent batch of recommendations. My only frustration was having to place the lower end of my vote knowing full well none of them deserve it.

[Wyldesyde19]

Sorry, work got in the way the last few days. I’ll be finishing this up over the weekend. Going out to rent Hedwig and Magnolia now.

[Frightened Inmate No. 2]

come and see
https://rogermooresmovienation.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/see3.jpeg
watched this a week ago and submitted my list but haven't gotten around to writing about it until now. there are a handful of war films i like better, but this certainly has a strong claim to the most anti-war film in that it spends the majority of the film alienating us from the narrative, rejecting traditional structure in favor of these nightmare vignettes that often operate according to their own unpleasant logic as a means of denying us any thrills or catharsis. the character development, such as it is, is just us witnessing a child growing increasingly shell-shocked and non-verbal until he's basically a husk. there's a reason his facial reactions are the most iconic aspect of this film, as it may be the closest approximation of what it must feel like to come face to face with such unimaginable horror. until the barn scene, i'd argue that the film is more deliberately unsatisfying than it is disturbing, but then you realize what's happening to the village and it just hits you like a wave. what follows is maybe the closest thing there is to "catharsis" in the film, but it's come at such a cost that it can't register as such.

not much else to say about this that isn't self-evident, but i also feel the need to mention how incredible the sound design is. quite possibly the best ever.

4.5-

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have a review of Magnolia tomorrow followed by viewing of Hedwig and Red Beard.

[cricket]

Congratulations Ed and Inmate, you are the 10th and 11th members to finish!

[Wyldesyde19]

Magnolia

PTA’s Magnolia is a film about guilt, regret and the inability to reconcile the two.

Most of these people portrayed in this film are running from a past they don’t care to revisit, or are dealing with unresolved conflicts with a parent. In two cases separate fathers seeks to reconcile with their respective daughter and son. Both fathers, both ostensibly rich, with one being a famous game show host, are dying of cancer and are looking to somehow make amends for the past. The daughter is a drug addict, and the son, played with gusto by Tom Cruise, is a misogynistic self help guru who promises men that he can teach them the art of the seduction (years before an actual self help guru and self proclaimed pick up artist by the name of ‘Mystery’ ran a show that also taught the art of seduction). He barks out his catch phrase, Respect the Cock, while gyrating around on stage He lies about his past, claims it holds no interest to him.

There are other characters that populate this film. Many of whom interact with each other throughout. Such is the template of a hyperlink film.

There’s the inept police officer (John C Reilly) , who meets and asks the daughter out on a date. There’s the former wonder kid Donnie Smith (William H Macy) and the current owner kid, who both knew all the answers to the show What do Kids Know? hosted by the ailing father of the drug addicted daughter. There’s the distraught wife of aiming father #2, played by Julianne Moore, carrying a secret with herself that the guilt overwhelms her.

Confused? Lost? You won’t be watching this film, as PTA handles them and interweaves their stories better than I ever could describe.

The acting band the writing are both great here, with the exception of Moore who I found to be rather weak, and Macy who was a little weak as well. Those are minor quibbles, as the story is worth the watch alone.

Great pick.

[cricket]

I really loved Magnolia once I saw it for a 2nd time.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll have a-review for Hedwig soon.

[Hey Fredrick]

Quick recap of the few I've seen:

Brothers Keeper - I really liked it even if it is a bit rough on the eyes. Would probably be on my top 25 Doc list if we ever get around to one of them.

Hud - Just watched this a couple weeks ago and loved it. As good as Newman was, and he was great, Patricia Neal was even better when she was on screen.

The Red Shoes - Is probably going to be pretty high on my ballot. Number 1? Don't know, but of all the movies I watched this go around, The Red Shoes is the one that seems most likely to get a jump in appreciation from a rewatch.

Leaving Las Vegas - Can't say I loved it but it was good. Cage was great, Shue was great but watching a guy trying drink himself to death isn't exactly a good time unless it's in Beerfest.

Come and See - I should probably watch it again, but I don't really want to, as I'm obviously missing something. Thought it was good not great.

Die Hard - The perfect 80's action flick. We had Stallone, Schwarzenegger and... the guy from Moonlighting? Was a bit surprised that it was as good as it was.

Peeping Tom - Need to see it again. Didn't like it at all but it's been over 20 years and it seems to be growing in stature.

King of Kong - Another top Doc. If it wasn't for Donkey Kong and DK Junior I could probably retire tomorrow. The amount of suck up to that cheating, mullet wearing, hot sauce pushing, d-bag was astonishing and infuriating.

Little Dieter Needs to Fly - Can hardly remember it. Clicked on IMDb to see what I thought of it right after I watched it and...I must've watched it before IMDb was a thing.

Diabolique - One of my favorite French films.

It's Such A Beautiful Day - It has a good shot at cracking my top 25 of the 2010's. Seen it three times since it was recommended to me in the last PRHoF. The animation fit perfectly with the narration which fits perfectly with the subject.

Magnolia - I used to love this but the last time I watched it it was a little meh. Still has great performances and PTA somehow keeps it all flowing but it was so fresh when it came out I think the oooooh feeling of that first watch has worn off.

[Wyldesyde19]

Hedwig and the Angry Inch


A flamboyant film told about an equally flamboyant woman, born Hansel in East Germany before a botched surgery left her with…..an angry inch.

Hedwig is a self absorbed, bitter, woman, who tours with her band. They play in what seems like little cafe type places. Small crowds attend, and mostly are probably just there for the food

Hedwig narrates her story beginning from her time as a child, and unfolds as a series of unfortunate events. Her first husband leaves her for another man. Her protege/lover steals their songs and takes sole credit, becoming a sensation. We see her controlling her band members and berates them for minor issues. Thai leads to the inevitable moment of self discovery.

I wish I had more to say, but honestly? I just didn’t get into this film. Sure, the performances are great, but I found the story pretty uninteresting, maybe because I didn’t find Hedwig a very compelling character.

[Miss Vicky]

Shame you didn't like Hedwig.

I first watched it back in 2012 after it made the Millennium Countdown. Mark F and honeykid thought I would like it. I wasn't sure what to think of it the first time, but I rewatched it right away and it clicked more the second time. Obviously I absolutely adore the movie now.

[Hey Fredrick]

I don't know if Miss Vicky thought I would like it or not but that's who recommended it to me. I enjoyed it on the first watch and it was pretty much because of Hedwig, who I thought was a great character.

[rauldc14]

Hedwig is lame IMO

[Allaby]

Hedwig is fantastic.

[Thursday Next]

Every time I watch Hedwig I've thought it was fantastic and then instantly forgotten all of the songs.

[cricket]

1 more Wylde!

[Wyldesyde19]

1 more Wylde!
I started it last night. Will finish it tonight

[PHOENIX74]

I've never been more certain of finishing last in anything than I am finishing last in this - but the films that were nominated for me were brilliant, so nice work everyone else 👍

[Siddon]

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0b/41/80/0b418036f9615f51a830a3a22a1acd21.png

Body and Soul (1947)

If this was a film made before The Champ I'd call this a masterpiece the fact that this movie came out in the later forties makes it feel dated. 85% of this film feels like it was made as an early talkie it's the story of a poor guy who decides to get into boxing to escape poverty gets in trouble with a group of gangsters and has to deal with all the moral elements of his life in boxing.

This film leans heavy into melodrama and one of the characters dies in very uncomfortable way, like the character exists just to teach the other character a lesson. But while the film is dated and poorly paced the last 15 minutes are pure cinema and why it's considered a classic. The actual boxing match is the climax of the film and it looks like it was shot 20 years later. The filming is just night and day between the majority of the film which I would describe as rote and uninteresting and the fight which was exceptional.

I don't know if I can really blame the film for being so old fashioned because it's an old film. It just tries to be a noir but it's just such a melodrama. John Garfield is solid in this but to me he just felt like he was doing a James Cagney impersonation. He actually got an Oscar nomination which I was floored by until I saw everything else that came out that year and realized this was a post-war film and was likely rushed. Still it was fine for what it was I just needed to watch it twice.

[cricket]

I really liked Body and Soul and Garfield. He died too young.

[Citizen Rules]

I've never been more certain of finishing last in anything than I am finishing last in this - but the films that were nominated for me were brilliant, so nice work everyone else 👍I've been finished with this for a long time so I've forgotten who chose what for me. I don't remember your film BUT I just looked at all the films that were chose for me this round and all I can say is excellent pickin' everyone:)

[Citizen Rules]

I really liked Body and Soul and Garfield. He died too young.Gosh he did! I just looked that up. It depresses me everytime I read about one of these old stars, so many went to early and a lot of sad endings.

[Wyldesyde19]

Red Beard

Akira Kurosawa is mostly known for his samurai epics and his noir. But on occasion, he directed some films that explored the human psyche. Ikiru, for example. And now Red Beard.

It starts with a young, brash doctor who has been sent to learn under a Dr who many call Red Beard, okayed with some solemn, and somewhat gruff. Under this gruff exterior, lies a gentle soul, who just wants to help everyone but recognizes his inability to do so. So he does the only thing he k owns how to do. He treats people.

The young Doctor scoffs at working for him. He finds the position beneath him, with a clear commentary on social issues pointedly made about the poor and the rich. While many poor people gather, waiting to be treated or, in some cases, to die, there is a rich lord who suffers from obesity, a life made of luxury but at what cost to himself?

The two doctors have a initial clash of wills, both being stubborn. Eventually, the young doctor starts to see Red Beard in a different light. He finally relents, and starts to do his chores and wear the uniform that is required of him.

Align the way we’re introduced to the many patients and staff of the hospital. A crazed woman who kills the men she mates with, earning her the Nick name Mantis, and Sahachi, who thinks only of others because of a self inflicted atonement, while carrying a tragic secret. Otoyo, a young girl rescued from prostitution. All have compelling stories in their own right.

At the center is Red Beard, with a performance from Mifune that shows his depth. The way he absent mindedly tugs his beard, lost in thought. A man who abhors violence, but isn’t above it, particularly when he breaks the arms and legs of several men who attempt to accost him. Afterwards, he then patches them up and bandages their wounds. He is a doctor after all

Kurosawa is, of course, at the top of his game here. With several great tricks with the lighting, particularly on Otoyo’s face. And the earthquake scene followed by Sahchi’s wife standing in the dust as it blows around her.

Great pick that really got better as the film went along

[cricket]

Congratulations Wyldesyde, you are the 12th member to finish!

[Wyldesyde19]

Ballot sent earlier, but 1-9 were all 4 star films for me. Was tough narrowing it down past #4

[rauldc14]

Are we done yet

[cricket]

Almost, just waiting on Siddon

[Citizen Rules]

Ballot sent earlier, but 1-9 were all 4 star films for me. Was tough narrowing it down past #4Damn that's impressive picking by the other members...I hope my choice was one of those 4 star ones.

[Wyldesyde19]

Damn that's impressive picking by the other members...I hope my choice was one of those 4 star ones.
Yeah, it was, overall, a great set of nominations and reminded me how much I’m ”behind” on so many of these great directors.

[Citizen Rules]

Yeah, it was, overall, a great set of nominations and reminded me how much I’m ”behind” on so many of these great directors.Just looking at what was picked for you I see some pretty powerful stuff there. Of your movies I've seen all of them except: 8 1/2, Marathon Man, Red Beard
Wyldsyde19 watches:
8 1/2 (1963)
Annihilation (2018)
City Lights (1931)
Come and See (1985)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Magnolia (1999)
Marathon Man (1976)
The Lives of Others (2006)
Red Beard (1965)
Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Sansho the Bailiff (1954)

[Siddon]

https://www.filmlinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CRY006AL_640x391-1600x900-c-default.jpg

Cry of the City (1948)

A cop killer is on the run in Richard Siodmark's Cry of the City. It's sort of a cat and mouse game between Richard Conte(The Godfather) and Victor Mature (The Robe). Both are basically character actors who are given time to shine in this story. While the film doesn't have the visual flares of other man on the run films what it lacks in vision it makes up for in plot. It's not a long film but it bounces from scene to scene with great effect. And credit to the writer for doing such a great job with all the minor characters. While most to the dialogue is straight out of a dime store novel it kinda works here.

One of the things that I really enjoyed in this film was the role of women. Each chapter of the film has a different woman and her relationship with Martin. The villain from Caged shows up here as a battleaxe that helps Martin escape from jail and attempts to get the jewels and money on her own. Shelly Winters is also in this film as an ex-girlfriend who Martin uses. And that is something that I enjoyed about this story...Martin is a bad guy he's a cop killer and while the story is mostly from his perspective he always feels like he's the bad guy but we understand him. Conte is not Bogart, he's not really cool but he is smart and cynical and that comes across well.

The other thing that is great about this one is while Siodmark isn't a great visual storyteller he does save his best shots for last. The climax is really well framed and that makes it stand out from other parts of the film. Debra Paget also plays Teena the girlfriend and the basic plot device, the character that Martin is getting to. The film uses a great sense of restraint hiding her until the very end and Paget knocks it out of the park with her one scene. I wish more films would do stuff like that Martin loses so much in this film that it becomes clear the one thing he is after is this woman.

While Cry of the City never really elevates itself into classic noir territory it is as solid a B picture you will get. It has scope and scale of the man on the run that's important. While the cops are underwritten I felt like that worked here. Mature is a figure and spectre chasing Conte it's Conte's story and its a good one. Solid nom.

[cricket]

1 more!

[edarsenal]

Red Beard

Akira Kurosawa is mostly known for his samurai epics and his noir. But on occasion, he directed some films that explored the human psyche. Ikiru, for example. And now Red Beard.

It starts with a young, brash doctor who has been sent to learn under a Dr who many call Red Beard, okayed with some solemn, and somewhat gruff. Under this gruff exterior, lies a gentle soul, who just wants to help everyone but recognizes his inability to do so. So he does the only thing he k owns how to do. He treats people.

The young Doctor scoffs at working for him. He finds the position beneath him, with a clear commentary on social issues pointedly made about the poor and the rich. While many poor people gather, waiting to be treated or, in some cases, to die, there is a rich lord who suffers from obesity, a life made of luxury but at what cost to himself?

The two doctors have a initial clash of wills, both being stubborn. Eventually, the young doctor starts to see Red Beard in a different light. He finally relents, and starts to do his chores and wear the uniform that is required of him.

Align the way we’re introduced to the many patients and staff of the hospital. A crazed woman who kills the men she mates with, earning her the Nick name Mantis, and Sahachi, who thinks only of others because of a self inflicted atonement, while carrying a tragic secret. Otoyo, a young girl rescued from prostitution. All have compelling stories in their own right.

At the center is Red Beard, with a performance from Mifune that shows his depth. The way he absent mindedly tugs his beard, lost in thought. A man who abhors violence, but isn’t above it, particularly when he breaks the arms and legs of several men who attempt to accost him. Afterwards, he then patches them up and bandages their wounds. He is a doctor after all

Kurosawa is, of course, at the top of his game here. With several great tricks with the lighting, particularly on Otoyo’s face. And the earthquake scene followed by Sahchi’s wife standing in the dust as it blows around her.

Great pick that really got better as the film went along

LOVED reading the synopsis of Red Beard. This just launched it from A Need To See to an ANTS REAL SOON. That was awesome, and f@ckin cool to read you enjoyed it. Double YAY
https://media.tenor.com/nH1S2A13mO4AAAAM/hooray-sponge-bob.gif

[Wyldesyde19]

LOVED reading the synopsis of Red Beard. This just launched it from A Need To See to an ANTS REAL SOON. That was awesome, and f@ckin cool to read you enjoyed it. Double YAY
https://media.tenor.com/nH1S2A13mO4AAAAM/hooray-sponge-bob.gif

It’s one of Kurosawa’s best, especially with it being a non samurai film, essentially.

[edarsenal]

It’s one of Kurosawa’s best, especially with it being a non samurai film, essentially.

I actually knew bumpkis regarding the story and simply the name and Director. But I really love that storyline ala Kurosawa, and now a Wylde Seal of Best Of; f@ck me, I'm on a mission now. LOL

[edarsenal]

Just looking at what was picked for you I see some pretty powerful stuff there. Of your movies I've seen all of them except: 8 1/2, Marathon Man, Red Beard

Wyldsyde19 watches:
8 1/2 (1963)
Annihilation (2018)
City Lights (1931)
Come and See (1985)
Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
In the Mood for Love (2000)
Magnolia (1999)
Marathon Man (1976)
The Lives of Others (2006)
Red Beard (1965)
Samurai Rebellion (1967)
Sansho the Bailiff (1954)


That truly is a powerful set of nominations. I LOVE the sets we all get in these.
Let's see; I haven't seen Annihilation (2018), Come and See (1985), the first I'd watch for Portman and the visuals, and the second sounds too brutal for me. Magnolia (1999) Magnolia (1999) are ones I never ventured after but should and see other dialogue for Red Beard (1965) lol

[edarsenal]

https://www.filmlinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/CRY006AL_640x391-1600x900-c-default.jpg

Cry of the City (1948)

While Cry of the City never really elevates itself into classic noir territory it is as solid a B picture you will get. It has scope and scale of the man on the run that's important. While the cops are underwritten I felt like that worked here. Mature is a figure and spectre chasing Conte it's Conte's story and its a good one. Solid nom.

Hmm, I AM intrigued. May have to keep an eye out for that one.

[Siddon]

https://www.themoviedb.org/t/p/original/v32nMXlb23b2HA7LXwStd1GIcjX.jpg

Diary of a Lost Girl (1929)

One of the common problems I had with my lot of films I saw in this hall is the difference between films that were "dated" and films that are "classics". And also going through the recent Sight and Sound poll what is a good female prostitute film and what is a bad one. Diary of a Lost Girl is an almost 100 year old film and it's good.

It tells the story of Thymian a young girl who is raped and then sent away to a reform school (basically a Magdalene House) where she flees and ends up a prostitute. The film covers issues of class and gender and sexuality of women of the time that feels more real than some other films I saw. I think he helps not having to go through the dialogue in that you see the film through Louise Brooks. Who fun fact ended up as a writer and a prostitute later in life. The extremes of typecasting.

Having already seen the documentary Looking for Lulu I had already seen most of this film in that film so I never bothered to watch the two hour version. And I would be lying if I didn't end up having to watch it a couple times over the last week because it is long and predictable. But I still enjoyed it for what it was. Brooks is an incredible actress and Papst managed to do an amazing job with casting as she feels like the star in the film because everyone else is ugly and normal looking. Andrew Engelman is especially creepy as a guy working in the reformatory.

[cricket]

Congratulations Siddon, you are the last one to finish, dead last!

[Siddon]

B
B
B-
B-
B-
B-
C+

C+
C
C

C

C-

This is what my ballot looks like grade wise, I watched several of the films two or three times to try and get an accurate list but their was very little variety is quality for me.

[cricket]

Going to try to do the reveal tomorrow evening. For anyone who can't be here live, so what read it some other time.

[Citizen Rules]

B
B
B-
B-
B-
B-
C+

C+
C
C

C

C-

This is what my ballot looks like grade wise, I watched several of the films two or three times to try and get an accurate list but their was very little variety is quality for me. That looks pretty good to me.

I'm wondering where my choice for you falls on that chart? Of course you don't know what I chose for you, or can you guess?

[Citizen Rules]

Going to try to do the reveal tomorrow evening. For anyone who can't be here live, so what read it some other time.I should be here at that time. Just got some shopping to do with the wife earlier in the day.

[cricket]

The votes have been tabulated and we have a winner. More importantly, we have 12 losers. I'll probably start posting the results in about an hour

[cricket]

Only 6 of the 13 members nominated a film that received a 1st Place vote. That's pathetic lol

[CosmicRunaway]

I don't think I nominated anything that was particularly well-received, so I'm sure I'm one of the 7. :cool:

[cricket]

Might have to take a break but let's get this shit show started

[cricket]

Friggin Last Place
Hey Fredrick-54 points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m940twNxM41rvcjd7o4_250.gif

Raul - The Gunfighter (5th)
Thursday Next - Bridges of Madison County (5th)
Cricket - Tsotsi (6th)
Frightened Inmate - Diabolique (6th)
Allaby - Santa Sangre (7th)
CosmicRunaway - All About Eve (9th)
Edarsenal - Paris Texas (9th)
Siddon - Little Dieter Needs to Fly (10th)
Phoenix - Dances With Wolves (11th)
Sean - Roxanne (11th)
Citizen Rules - T-Men (11th)
Wyldesyde - Hedwig and the Angry Inch (12th)

[CosmicRunaway]

I really liked All About Eve, but unfortunately I also really liked the 8 other films I ranked before it.

[cricket]

12th Place
Cosmic-57 points

https://animesher.com/orig/1/184/1840/18404/animesher.com_grave-of-the-fireflies-setsuko-gif-1840454.gif

Siddon The Suspect (2nd)
rauldc14 Source Code (3rd)
seanc Seconds (7th)
Allaby Millennium Actress (8th)
Frightened Inmate No. 2 Ikiru (8th)
Citizen Rules Grave of the Fireflies (9th)
Edarsenal The Iron Giant (10th)
Hey Frederick Akira (10th)
PHOENIX74 Laura (10th)
Thursday Next Alphaville (10th)
Wyldesyde19 Annihilation (11th)
cricket Naked Lunch (11th)

[cricket]

11th Place
Raul-58 points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/20a5a36b4f985cd3dadbc375d3b4cdac/71666461b18842a6-d3/s540x810/bb2ce070e3ce009f2017ac930331db60ddf1eefa.gif

Allaby- Wolf Children (2nd)
Fredrick- Autumn Sonata (5th)
Phoenix- Make Way for Tomorrow (6th)
Cricket- Life is Sweet (7th)
Wylde- Sansho the Bailiff (7th)
Cosmic- The Best Years of Our Lives (7th)
Sean- Silver Streak (9th)
Citizen- Collateral (10th)
Inmate- Mildred Pierce (10th)
Thursday- Quiet Man (11th)
Edarsenal- King of Kong (12th)
Siddon- Caged (12th)

[CosmicRunaway]

I was quite confident raul would like Source Code, and I guess I was at least right about that haha. While I did choose one of the films that Siddon mentioned previously in the thread, it actually would have been one I considered for him without that input, if that counts for anything.

[cricket]

10th Place
Siddon-67 points

https://media.tenor.com/DQzFKvSaeIAAAAAd/william-hurt-concerned.gif

Thursday Next - 3 Women (4th)
Wyldesyde - Magnolia (4th)
CosmicRunaway - Black Narcissus (4th)
Hey Frederick - The Red Shoes (4th)
Citizen Rules - Body Heat (5th)
Cricket - The Draughtmen's Contract (8th)
Sean - The Innocents (8th)
Phoenix74 - Forbidden Planet (8th)
Allaby - Dheepan (9th)
EdArsenal - The River (11th)
FrightenInmate - The White Ribbon (12th)
Rauldc - Au Revoir Les Enfants (12th)

[cricket]

9th Place
Cricket-68 points

https://media.tenor.com/w0nCUGTCGFsAAAAd/the-long-good-friday-bob-hoskins.gif

Citizen Rules-A Separation (2nd)
Sean-The Long Good Friday (3rd)
Frightened Inmate-Hud (4th)
Phoenix-Nashville (4th)
Edarsenal-Another Round (5th)
Siddon-Body and Soul (7th)
CosmicRunaway-Being John Malkovich (8th)
Raul-American History X (10th)
Wyldesyde-Marathon Man (10th)
Allaby-Underground (11th)
Thursday Next-Titane (12th)
Hey Fredrick-Fail-Safe (12th)

[cricket]

8th Place
Edarsenal-72 points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/959b5bd66cc8bd50590ccb56ec511dee/tumblr_pb3go8USjC1s68o3jo1_400.gif

Hey Frederick = The Wages of Fear (2nd)
Cricket = The Servant (3rd)
Phoenix74= Pepe le Moko (5th)
Citizen Rules = The Madness of King George (6th)
CosmicRunaway = Ratatouille (6th)
Thursday Next = The Scarlet Empress (6th)
Frightened Inmate No.2 = Aliens (7th)
Rauldc = Rango (7th)
Wyldesyde = Samurai Rebellion (9th)
Allaby = Lion in Winter (10th)
Siddon = Little Caeser (11th)
Sean = I am A Fugitive From a Chain Gang (12th)

[CosmicRunaway]

Loving the gifs by the way, cricket. :up:

[cricket]

7th Place
Frightened Inmate-76 points

https://64.media.tumblr.com/2ebe0f013a58afd64a00e902fb90ff9f/tumblr_pd2k8wYKzG1r1ult6o3_500.gifv

Wyldesyde - 8 1/2 (1st)
Citizen Rules - A New Leaf (1st)
Raul - Edge of Seventeen (2nd)
Sean - A Man and a Woman (5th)
Allaby - They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (5th)
Edarsenal - All that Jazz (7th)
Hey Fredrick - Sweet Smell of Success (7th)
Siddon - Man of the West (9th)
Thursday Next - Raw (9th)
Cricket - The Age of Innocence (10th)
CosmicRunaway - The Night of the Hunter (12th)
Phoenix - Strange Days (12th)

[CosmicRunaway]

Our first 1st place recommendations! Congrats Inmate!

[cricket]

6th Place
Phoenix-80 points

https://i.gifer.com/21J3.gif

Edarsenal : Secrets & Lies (2nd)
ThursdayNext : Nights of Cabiria (2nd)
Wyldesyde : Come and See (3rd)
Cosmic : The Seventh Seal (3rd)
Allaby : Wings of Desire (3rd)
Sean : Howard's End (6th)
Hey Frederick : Amour (6th)
Siddon : A Prairie Home Companion (8th)
Cricket : The Square (9th)
Frightened Inmate : Leaving Las Vegas (11th)
Raul : Twelve Monkeys (11th)
Citizen Rules : Magnolia (12th)

[Wyldesyde19]

Your welcome, haha

[cricket]

5th Place
Allaby-88 points

https://media.tenor.com/QnskN63gNIAAAAAM/bruce-willis-smoking.gif

Sean- Blow Out (1st)
Phoenix- Double Indemnity (1st)
Wyldesyde- City Lights (2nd)
Edarsenal- In the Heat of the Night (3rd)
Cricket- Nomadland (4th)
Siddon- It's Such a Beautiful Day (5th)
Thursday Next- Coda (7th)
Citizen Rules- Raising Arizona (8th)
Frightened Inmate- All the President's Men (9th)
Hey Fredrick- Moonlight (9th)
Raul- Die Hard (9th)
CosmicRunaway-CODA (10th)

[cricket]

4th Place
Thursday Next-92 points

http://31.media.tumblr.com/12df7e2dbf2bf7956c43cbaa6b22c4d9/tumblr_msl5ddlb0r1rj600zo1_500.gif

Hey Fredrick: Departures (1st)
Edarsenal: Brief Encounter (1st)
Raul: The Wrestler (1st)
Citizen Rules: In Cold Blood (3rd)
Siddon: Diary of a Lost Girl (3rd)
Phoenix: Dead Man (3rd)
Frightened Inmate: Night and Fog (5th)
Allaby: Open Your Eyes (6th)
Wyldesyde: In the Mood for Love (8th)
Sean: Forbidden Games (10th)
Cosmic: Heathers (11th)
Cricket: Tank Girl (12th)

[cricket]

3rd Place
Wyldesyde-93 points

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b2/26/c5/b226c5d966df61b750d574c50b29c726.gif

Allaby Wendy And Lucy (1st)
Cricket CODA (1st)
Frightened Inmate The Exorcist (2nd)
sean The Tenant (2nd)
CosmicRunaway A Girl Walks Home Alone At night (2nd)
Siddon Ida (4th)
Citizen Rome, Open City (7th)
Edarsenal The Trial (8th)
Thursday The American President (8th)
RaulDC the Princess Bride (8th)
Phoenix Paper Moon (9th)
Hey Frederick The Wild bunch (11th)

[cricket]

2nd Place and best loser!
Citizen Rules-101 points

https://i.gifer.com/4VOt.gif

CosmicRunaway: Predestination (1st)
Cricket: The Ballad of Narayama (2nd)
Thursday Next: Mrs. Miniver (3rd)
Frightened Inmate No. 2: Come and See (3rd)
Hey Fredrick: The Hidden Fortress (3rd)
Edarsenal: Belle de Jour (4th)
SeanC: Two for the Road (4th)
Raul: Catch Me If You Can (4th)
Siddon: Cry of the City (6th)
WyldeSyde19: The Lives of Others (6th)
PHOENIX74: Videodrome (7th)
Allaby: Raise the Red Lantern (12th)

[cricket]

1st Place and Winner!
Sean-108 points

https://giffetteria.it/archivio/ceraunamericafinale.gif

Frightened Inmate- Red Shoes (1st)
Siddon- Brother's Keeper (1st)
Thursday Next- Nightmare Alley (1st)
Phoenix- The Wicker Man (2nd)
Allaby- Once Upon A Time In America (4th)
Citizen Rules- Army Of Shadows (4th)
CosmicRunaway- Children Of Men (5th)
Wyldesyde- Red Beard (5th)
Cricket- Chop Shop (5th)
Edarsenal- Peeping Tom (6th)
Raul- Diner (6th)
Hey Fredrick- Five Easy Pieces (8th)

[Thursday Next]

Hey, 4th place, I'm happy with that. And three people put my pick first! I sabotaged myself nominating Tank Girl, clearly.

Congratulations to Sean!

[CosmicRunaway]

I had so many great films nominated for me, it's too bad that I couldn't return the favour for you guys. Maybe along the way I've learned something for next time...but probably not haha. Congrats to Sean, and thanks Cricket for hosting! :up:

Outside of my #1 pick and the bottom two, the rest of my list was really hard to settle on. #2-5 in particular could pretty much go in any order. Here's all of them together for reference:

01. Predestination (2014)
02. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
03. The Seventh Seal (1957)
04. Black Narcissus (1947)
05. Children of Men (2006)
06. Ratatouille (2007)
07. The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
08. Being John Malkovich (1999)
09. All About Eve (1950)
10. CODA (2021)
11. Heathers (1989)
12. The Night of the Hunter (1955)

[seanc]

Hey I won something. Thought I was doing pretty well this time. Thanks Cricket for all the work. Going to look back through the reveal a couple times.

[Allaby]

I'm content with 5th place. Congratulations Sean! Good job hosting Cricket. This was fun! Let's do it again sometime!

[cricket]

Thank you to everyone for participating, we'll do it again in about a month!

[Allaby]

Thank you to everyone for participating, we'll do it again in about a month!

A month???? :mad: I can't wait that long!