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Reviews
The China Syndrome (1979)
Great Film
Great film from the late 1970's. Says much about corporate corruption at the expense of the common person, so that the powerful can gain gain huge profits and disregard the environment and safety of others.
Nearly 30 years later this film is compelling about the power of certain corporate entities that since the films release have gained ten fold in their ability to control; It shows the need for regulation of the public against powerful business interests whose primary goal is profit.
Jack Lemmon is brilliant- while Jane Fonda and Micheal Douglas are as equally compelling in their roles. The frivolous 70s where damned for much, this film redeems the decade.
A film that becomes better after each watching.
On the Beach (2000)
Interesting remake
I watched this film last night, and enjoyed it very much. Making comparisons with the classic 1959 Stanley Kramer film is unfair however. Film making has progressed much since the late 1950s- and the Stark, black & white very understated 1959 film remains a classic for its time and forever.
This 2000 update is a wee too long- but it keeps your interest most of the time.
The color photography is lush and well done This film certainly takes into account contemporary society's change in 40 plus years, both socially and technologically- The films last hour is exceedingly depressing-even more then the first film. Grant Bowler is incredible in this film, and is as good as Anthony Perkins in the original- and Jackie McKenzie also does a great job as his wife.
Worth watching because it updates Shutes Novel and the original film effectively.
Countdown w/ Keith Olbermann (2003)
Great Show
Mr. Olbermann is smart, witty and funny.
He provides an alternative voice to the right wing domination that has lasted for years in the media.
Straight shooting, fresh, sharp and antagonistic against the Plutocrats that have seized our nation.
Lacking demagoguery, and the mythic trash that comes from the propagandized news from conservative opinions.
I enjoy Mr. Olbermann, and look forward to seeing him on other news venues. I feel he is the most interesting news person that has evolved in many years.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
Historic film from an important era
The films premise is on inter racial relations and marriage being addressed in the late 1960's. Like so many other issues of the time that examined the new thinking of the period, 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' is emblematic of the period.
The film was made at the beginning of the so called 'Summer of Love' 1967 in San Francisco- which in itself is meaningful. New ideas and concepts such as drug use, abortion, the civil rights struggle, the war in southeast Asia, young people of that generation reexamining their parents and values and defining theirs.
The film is important as a social statement of the era. Its fun to listen to the dated music, attitudes, clothes, language, the hair styles- all vintage and iconic for the period.
The film is nonetheless worth watching, for the acting, with excellent performances by the leads.
Hepburn is wonderful, and Tracy who was dying at the time is poignant. Poitier is brilliant as well.
A film that is certainly dated now- but nonetheless makes me remember that time in my life as a teenager.
The Birds (1963)
strangely understated
First saw this film when it was released in the spring of 1963- at that time I was 11 years old. It was scary and compelling to me as a young kid.
I have seen the film countless times since- and own the DVD version. Filmed in early 1962, the film shows those great early 60s' fashions as designed in the film by icon Edith Head- it also harks back in a way to JFK and Camelot.
Tippi Hedren looked great in the French twist hairdo- and those stiletto spiked heels. Taylor at times looks like he was wearing something President Kennedy would have worn then.
The acting is solid, yet unremarkable. All the leads are very good. The cinematography is nearly flawless. There is no musical soundtrack- again very unique- but the soundtrack is the 'birds' and the one conceived by maestro Bernard Hermann.
I have been to Bodega Bay many times (the town burned down mostly in the late 60s) - though the Tides restaurant remains as does the schoolhouse -which is located a bit out of town.
The film remains iconic and fascinating to watch. Hitchcock does a stunningly understated job in his direction.
Although the films premise is rather bizarre- it maintains its integrity and believability. Still fascinating and fun to watch- considering it is 45 years old- a bit dated in many ways bit still a most famous and impressive film for the ages.
A Place in the Sun (1951)
Brilliantly Done
George Stevens directed and won an Oscar for the great job he did in this famous and impressive film.
Filmed in late 1949 to early 1950- the film uses luminous black and white photography (which won it an Oscar) Stevens used huge closeups of Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor that where mind blowing- Taylor and Clift where two of the most beautiful Lovers captured on film.
Most of The films power is derived from Clift's brilliant performance. His hesitations, awkward mannerisms and air of vulnerability where huge breakthroughs in a male leading man for the time. One must not overlook Shelly Winters Great performance either.
Franz Waxman's haunting score won an Oscar for best soundtrack for a dramatic film. The film also won for best screenplay, best film editing, and best costumes (Edith Head).
Clift and Winters nominated for best actor and actress respectively failed to win academy awards for their performances.
The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
Very good remake
Very good update of the 1962 film- which takes into account the evil corporations and tentacles they have gained during the last 30 years in contemporary America.
The evil before (in the 1962 film) was Communism, now in the update its the corporate monsters and their runaway greed; they are able to destroy common workers and people; by chewing them up and spitting them into the street with nothing. All for the benefit of the CEO's and shareholders.
This power has been at least curtailed for now with a new house and senate in power.
Streep does a very fine job in her role; grasping, disgustingly ambitious to the point of murdering people, she epitomizes just about Everything wrong with the USA in the early 21st century.
Denzel Washington plays the micro chipped brainwashed burned out veteran with much pain and emotional dissonance. At times vulnerable, other times confused and detached.
While Liev Schrieber is totally diabolical.
A truly good remake that brings to light there are powers beyond our control in todays' America that can easily said to be evil.
Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Brilliantly done
A great film that personifies the totally and wild experimentation of the late 60's via Roman Polanksi-(that would be tame today nearly 40 years later) Which is nonetheless timeless, with great performances by all -Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon and Sydney Blackmer.
It rates with other tripped out films of the late 60's- rating with such as 2001: A Space Oydessy.
Done very well filmed at the Dakota apartments in NYC and with a great late 1960's attitude, that today nearly 40 years later remains a classic Gothic horror story. One on the greatest horror films ever done, that us done with a great amount of aplomb.
The Sand Pebbles (1966)
Very well done
A great film, which truly captures human emotion. Although I am not a huge fan of Steve McQueen, he delivers a wonderful yet multi faceted performance, which is both sensitive and tough,
that I feel was the best in 1966. Filmed in Taiwan, it captures the culture of the period.
Richard Crenna and Richard Atenborough deliver exemplary performances as well. While a very young Candice Bergen is equally sensitive and thoughtful.
This wonderful film from the mid 1960's offers much, and can be seen over and over and totally retains in integrity.
Seven Days in May (1964)
One of the best of all time
A truly excellent film- with a stellar cast- all giving excellent performances. The films premise- extremism in the 'pursuit of liberty' is as meaningful today, and shows how dangerous those who try and manipulate the truth, scapegoat and smear others as being 'un American' can be applied totally to today's political culture.
One can easily Draw parallels with certain political leaders we have today in the USA. The President in the film played by Frederic March- calls the views and attitude of one Senior Officer as 'fascism'.
Part of my film collection. Frankenheimer does a fabulous job, in this political thriller. While Lancaster, Douglas, March and Gardner are in top form- with a great supporting cast as well.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Brilliant and eloquent
I saw this film first in June 1968- during its American Premiere nationally on the large Cinerama screen. I was 16 years old. When I walked out of the theater nearly 3 hours later I was totally mesmerized.
Firstly seeing the film in Cinerama gives a far superior view- and shows how brilliantly it is done.
The film cannot be called 'conventional'- and that is the concept that Kubrick wanted to create. It is an 'experience' into a genre of art and science with profound ideas of the past and future direction of humankind's journey- Yes an 'Oydessy' if you want to call it that. The actors are merely secondary to the grand design.
The concept of HAL 9000 is unique, and for its time incredible. Clarke nor Kubrick had no idea that HAL would not be around in 2001- but computers would be- in a way they never imagined.
The use of the Classical music is done perfectly throughout. 2001 is not a movie- but an experience- and that is what makes it so special.
Auto Focus (2002)
Disturbing but very well done
A brilliant look into how a human being can decline into sex addiction, (or any kind of addiction)and virtually destroy their life. Greg Kinnear and Willem Defoe are excellent, while Rita Wilson does a shaded performance as the emotionally destroyed spouse. Also a really good performance by Ron Liebman.
Nice mid 60s fashion, interior decor and music - The sexual exploits of Crane and Defoe are done with much spice- and show the absolute depravity that these two 60's swingers engaged in.
As the years grind on, Crane and Carpenter continue their bizarre lifestyle (Crane's wife divorces him) and Crane marries Klinks secretary from Hogan's Heroes- which does little to stop his addiction. However after over 10 years of living this kind of lifestyle, he breaks off his friendship with Carpenter- and shortly after wards meets his end.
Lots of nudity, sexual behavior and talk- but a very well done and vastly under rated film.
Play Misty for Me (1971)
Retro looking, interesting.
A good film- has a few weak spots and filler (The Jazz festival, The love scenes between Eastwood and Mills) The early 70s styles are funny, and I remember now how BAD people actually dressed then. The photography is subtle but nice, with the California coast, and Carmel. Eastwood is understated, and gives a decent performance. Walters is crafty, clingy, dangerous, and explosive. In the restaurant, she yells back at Eastwoods business partner at lunch. 'She couldn't get laid in a leper camp'.... oh my! The music is interesting (abeit a bit hokey at times) A really fun film, because of the subject matter (obscessed and psychotic love) and good all around performances by all.
On the Beach (1959)
Haunting images, great performances
'On the Beach' is one of my all time favorite films. I saw it while I was very young when it was first released, and still recall how scared I was.
Fine performances by all, that try and portray a group of ordinary people with limited time to live after a nuclear war. One of the best post apocalyptic films ever made- and done with class and integrity.
Filmed down under in the largest city this far in the southern latitudes - Melbourne AU. Done in stark but appropriate black and white, On The Beach as directed by Stanley Kramer is a fine film, that has been somehow forgotten after 46 years- but as I see here being rediscovered and enjoyed in the early 21st century. The films premise may be dated (the cold war) but its message can easily be transfered into present times with Terrorism, Bio warfare, Climate change and a plethora of other modern day denizens that could produce the same outcome.
A haunting musical score (Waltzing Matilda) Is used in various renditions throughout- adding to the futility and melancholy of a city and group of people at worlds end.