30th Hall of Fame

Lawerence of Arabia (1962)

Words like "epic saga" and "iconic" can, at times, get tossed around easily; there is no denying just how apropos they are for this. A film that I had never taken the time to watch in its entirety and fully appreciated. Often filing them under heartfelt regret for not doing so much earlier in my life. An exception to the rule, I do believe my appreciation of not only the film but the full course of the story of T.E. Lawrence and what transpires affects and draws me in far more now than when I was a far younger man—making for ideal viewing and leaving only my continual wish and desire (especially in the first twenty mins) to witness it all in an old-time movie theater, seeing the gorgeous landscape that traversed the usual dunes and explored the colors, vegetation, and mountains of the desert. These impeccable shots represent why Lawrence fell in love with the desert.
A very deserving win for cinematography and one that truly stands out amongst its peers. This says a lot coming from someone who rates his enjoyment of any given film by how captured I am by camera work. Just. F@ckin. Beautiful.

It is almost redundant to commit to words the overall experience of such a movie, along with the subtle magic of the actors.
I was unaware that this was Peter O'Toole's Introduction! Holy crap! The toll plays out so deeply in every expression.
Alongside such folks as Omar Sharif, Claude Reins, and Anthony Quinn, and a wonderfully serene performance by the master Alec Guinness, just to name a few.
EDIT: after reading @Thief's review, it's important to me to include the equally exceptional portrayal and depth by Jose Ferrer of the Turkish Officer who captures and tortures Lawrence. An actor I so rarely get to see and count my blessings when I do.

A truly exceptional film that I am utterly delighted to finally and fully enjoy viewing.

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What I actually said to win MovieGal's heart:
- I might not be a real King of Kinkiness, but I make good pancakes

~Mr Minio

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

This was a fun and pretty enjoyable watch, especially with its uncharacteristic noir-influenced twists during a plethora of heroic cops doggedly pursuing bad guys in the Eighties. Taking a more dramatic, dark realism to the usual "at all costs" with good intentions, we happily rally behind others Like Beverly Hills Cop or Lethal Weapon. It creates an almost Anti Cops and Robbers film as our lead cop is really more corrupt and dangerous than the ad guy; he's willing to commit crime after crime to pursue.
Freidkin's willingness to explore police corruption when everyone else celebrated Cowboy Tactics in a grand style without repercussions really created an almost palate cleanser for the usual tropes that I loved during this decade.
BRAVO.

If you need a couple extra days it's not a problem.

For me I'll be watching Dead Man's Letters and knocking out more reviews by tomorrow night.
Very much appreciate the extra couple of days, CR!

Ok, I started Ship of Fools last night. I'm halfway through. I plan on finishing it tonight, but I'm also behind on some podcast editing I wanted to do before the Oscars this Sunday. Hustle, hustle.

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Hope you enjoy SoF. I had SOOO Loved Ida; that was wonderful!

The Hustle, hustle made me think of the magician from Frosty the Snowman lol

Annnd, vote sent



Scattered Reviews following

THANK YOU, everyone. Thoroughly enjoyed a very large majority of these films. Fantastic job everyone!!!

So far, I liked the first half a lot!

CR, I have yet another podcast recording tonight. Not sure if reviews will be up tonight, but I'll keep you updated.

No worries here you can always send in your ballot if your done and post the reviews when you have the time.

Shortly after being sent deep into the Arab desert, Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole) receives the above warning from his superior, Mr. Dryden (Claude Rains). Bedouins (desert dwellers) and gods are the only ones who would enjoy their time or feel comfortable in the harsh conditions of the desert. With time, it can be said that Lawrence became both.

Lawrence of Arabia follows the life of Lawrence as he joins the Arab forces of Prince Faisal (Alec Guinness) in order to provide help in their fight against the Turks. As he goes deeper and deeper into the desert, and into the Arab culture of his companions, Lawrence rises in power and becomes a key figure in what came to be known as the Arab Revolt. The film focuses greatly on Lawrence's infatuation with this power, and the cult-like following that surrounded him during his time in the desert.

This is only the second David Lean film I've seen, both within the last few months, and it might be one of the most visually striking films I've seen. Lean uses frequent panoramic and wide shots that showcase the vast landscape against which our "hero" has to fight. This "burning, fiery furnace", as Dryden puts it, that dwarfs most men that live in it. But not Lawrence. From the beginning, the film makes an effort not to portray him to be the typical "strong leader", but rather as a mild-mannered, ordinary man that uses his sensibilities and his ability to empathize with his companions and their culture to become one of them, and eventually become the central figure of their rebellion.

O'Toole's portrayal is great as he moves almost seamlessly between charming naivete and dangerous egotism. However, the rest of the cast isn't far behind with most of them having great performances. From Guinness' subtle turn as the manipulative Prince Faisal, to Omar Sharif's blunt but loyal companion. Anthony Quinn, who I also saw recently in Barabbas, has another great performance as the leader of one of the main tribes (and has probably my favorite line of the film), and my fellow Puerto Rican José Ferrer has a very brief, but great moment as a Turkish officer.

I'm pretty sure somebody here, or in another forum, once told me to see this film "widescreen and in the biggest TV you can". After seeing it, I can see why. Even if the story doesn't resonate with you, the film is worth seeing only for Lean's magnificent direction. Fortunately, he has a good story and great performers to match it.

Grade:

Then that sounds like a plan, cause I will surely finish Ship of Fools tonight.

Ballot just have to be the list of ranked films, right? No points, nothing more?

Finished Ship of Fools and already sent my ballot. Great set of films, so thanks to everybody.

For what it's worth, my lowest one was a 3/5, so these were all really solid films.

5 in a row!

Thanks Thief glad you enjoyed the films I'll have the reveal sometime today, I hope.

Unrelated, but I'm thinking of kicking off the nominations for the 31st the day after Easter if people are cool with that.

I’m cool with it only if you dress up like the Easter Bunny when you do it.

That's cool. Maybe I'll nominate something themed for Easter

Sounds like excellent timing, Raul!!

I'm going to nominate a wholesome classic comedy with no naked people.