Viewed in
2010
Premise
Kirk Douglas plays a newspaper writer who turns a trapped local man into a national sensation.
Loved
The sharp writing.
Liked
Douglas' performance and old school film-making.
Hated
The awkward love scene.
Thoughts
A very cool, biting film.
Very much like his other works, this film's greatest strength was the excellent writing and dialogue. I was shocked by the themes of sensationalistic journalism and when the media puts itself above the story. These scenes were just timeless and had a harbinger-like quality. I am a huge fan of Network, but now I'm amazed that there was something just as harsh, funny and interesting made 30 years earlier!
In addition to the fantastic story, it was supported by sharp dialogue and strong (pre-method era) acting. I liked Douglas much better here than in Spartacus as the slick, career-driven writer. Jan Sterling balanced Douglas with a restrained, worn-spirit performance as the emotionally trapped wife of the physically trapped man. As for the dialogue, there were some great lines echoing the themes of the film. One of my favorite moments was Douglas' character's rant about being stuck in New Mexico; I could almost see the beautiful words pour out as he punched it out in Shakespearean tempo.
While it has been a long time since I had seen Sunset Boulevard or Wilder's other great works, this film was definitely one of his finest, and arguably his best masterpiece.
What I would change
The extremely out-of-rhythm scene when Douglas' character grabs Jan Sterling's character's hair and places her head between him and the camera. Perhaps they had to deal with the Hays code, and could only imply a kiss (or a love scene)? Otherwise, that was a glaring hiccup in an otherwise awesome film.
Showing posts with label 1951. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1951. Show all posts
Alice in Wonderland
Viewed in
2010
Premise
A Disney animated version of Lewis Carroll's book.
Loved
Card soldiers animation. The Dormouse.
Liked
The Merry Unbirthday song and the Chesire Cat.
Hated
The plot.
Thoughts
I expected to really enjoy this, considering I like animation and trippy movies. However, I was sorely disappointed.
There were some very bizarre and interesting characters, such as the bouncy Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the nonsensical Mad Hatter, and the famous, mischievous Chesire Cat. My favorite of all would be the hilariously drunk Dormouse.
As expected, the animation was quite excellent, and was probably very difficult, considering the different and deviant visual styles that was required. I found the scenes with the armies of card solders to be spell-binding and awesome. Astounding considering there were no computers back then.
What brought this movie down was the stupid plot. It literally had only four meaningful moments, everything else was just a piling on of wacky creatures. As much as I like the weird characters and animation, there still needs to be rhyme and reason for their existence and actions. I became bored very easily as I realized they lacked any of that. After that, it felt like a 20 minute bit stretched beyond watchable.
I never read the book, so if this seemingly lack of plot was just like the original source, then I might give it more leeway (and in turn probably would hate the book).
While I enjoyed the animation and some cool moments, the lame story completely wrecked my experience. I do not understand the hype of this "classic". You may think I am criticizing it too much as an adult, but my inner child was not impressed.
What I would change
Chopped it up into five minute shorts, made them into some sort of weekly adventure series.
Random
Is that a hookah?! Shame on Disney for promoting drug use!
Anyone else notice that the King looked like Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast?
2010
Premise
A Disney animated version of Lewis Carroll's book.
Loved
Card soldiers animation. The Dormouse.
Liked
The Merry Unbirthday song and the Chesire Cat.
Hated
The plot.
Thoughts
I expected to really enjoy this, considering I like animation and trippy movies. However, I was sorely disappointed.
There were some very bizarre and interesting characters, such as the bouncy Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the nonsensical Mad Hatter, and the famous, mischievous Chesire Cat. My favorite of all would be the hilariously drunk Dormouse.
As expected, the animation was quite excellent, and was probably very difficult, considering the different and deviant visual styles that was required. I found the scenes with the armies of card solders to be spell-binding and awesome. Astounding considering there were no computers back then.
What brought this movie down was the stupid plot. It literally had only four meaningful moments, everything else was just a piling on of wacky creatures. As much as I like the weird characters and animation, there still needs to be rhyme and reason for their existence and actions. I became bored very easily as I realized they lacked any of that. After that, it felt like a 20 minute bit stretched beyond watchable.
I never read the book, so if this seemingly lack of plot was just like the original source, then I might give it more leeway (and in turn probably would hate the book).
While I enjoyed the animation and some cool moments, the lame story completely wrecked my experience. I do not understand the hype of this "classic". You may think I am criticizing it too much as an adult, but my inner child was not impressed.
What I would change
Chopped it up into five minute shorts, made them into some sort of weekly adventure series.
Random
Is that a hookah?! Shame on Disney for promoting drug use!
Anyone else notice that the King looked like Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast?
Day the Earth Stood Still, The
Viewed in
2000, 2008
Premise
A mysterious alien arrives with a message, but will 'primitive' humans listen?
Who should watch
Movie buffs.
Thoughts
Antiquated, but still quite interesting. It felt like a standard sci-fi film, but that is probably because this set the standard for the genre.
Everyone has seen Gort the robot, but it's Klaatu the alien who made the film go. I was surprised by the story, as he tried to accomplish his mission from a grassroots approach. Given when it was made, the special effects were effective, and made me appreciate the film makers' creativity to overcome their obstacles. Also, gotta love that theremin music!
Naturally, the film was outdated, from the Cold War implications to the 'Gee whiz!' dialogue to Klaatu looking very human. I found that charming. One of Klaatu's complication was his inability to reach out to everyone on Earth, in today's world of internet and mobile technology, this seems silly.
Aside from the outdated feel, it was an honest attempt to create a story filled with imagination, moral ambiguity, and social commentary. For those who want to see how science fiction started, this is a must see.
What I would change
I might have taken the film more seriously without the subplot with the kid Klaatu befriends.
Spoiler Section!
I cannot believe I completely missed the Jesus references for Klaatu throughout the film. His resurrection and pseudonym of 'Carpenter' are dead giveaways! Had I been aware while watching, I might have appreciated it even more, as it added a layer of spirituality to the film. I am very curious if the remake will embrace or avoid this aspect.
Lastly, I liked the film's themes of peace and Klaatu's patience with human squabbling. I was expecting brain-sucking monsters, and got something with brains and heart.
2000, 2008
Premise
A mysterious alien arrives with a message, but will 'primitive' humans listen?
Who should watch
Movie buffs.
Thoughts
Antiquated, but still quite interesting. It felt like a standard sci-fi film, but that is probably because this set the standard for the genre.
Everyone has seen Gort the robot, but it's Klaatu the alien who made the film go. I was surprised by the story, as he tried to accomplish his mission from a grassroots approach. Given when it was made, the special effects were effective, and made me appreciate the film makers' creativity to overcome their obstacles. Also, gotta love that theremin music!
Naturally, the film was outdated, from the Cold War implications to the 'Gee whiz!' dialogue to Klaatu looking very human. I found that charming. One of Klaatu's complication was his inability to reach out to everyone on Earth, in today's world of internet and mobile technology, this seems silly.
Aside from the outdated feel, it was an honest attempt to create a story filled with imagination, moral ambiguity, and social commentary. For those who want to see how science fiction started, this is a must see.
What I would change
I might have taken the film more seriously without the subplot with the kid Klaatu befriends.
Spoiler Section!
I cannot believe I completely missed the Jesus references for Klaatu throughout the film. His resurrection and pseudonym of 'Carpenter' are dead giveaways! Had I been aware while watching, I might have appreciated it even more, as it added a layer of spirituality to the film. I am very curious if the remake will embrace or avoid this aspect.
Lastly, I liked the film's themes of peace and Klaatu's patience with human squabbling. I was expecting brain-sucking monsters, and got something with brains and heart.
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