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enlewellyn
Reviews
Alla ricerca del piacere (1972)
One of the best "true" gothic tales I have ever seen
Probably one of the harder to find horror films from Italy, that is actually worth seeking out. I wasn't expecting too much from this film. I usually go by the idea that when a film has drawn artwork for a cover there is usually not to much substance to the film. And from reading the back of the film it sounds like any other, "girl's friend is missing, girl searches for friend from last place she was, these people are strange, girl ends up like friend, or something like that.
This however has to be the absolute exception to the rule. The ladies are all beautifully stunning and not a bit shy. The plot twists to the point that you are as uncertain as the heroine what exactly is real and what exactly happened, is happening, very disarming. An intelligent horror/mystery film. Convincing acting all around, suspense, psychological drama, some gore and lots and lots of nudity and sex that just never seems to end. Considered by some as euro-sleeze due to the nudity, and it does fit the catagory easily but I find that if gore or nudity are pertinent to the plot they are welcomed, gratuitous this is not. The seduction scene between Grete (Barbara Bouchet) and Eleanora (Rosalba Neri) will most likely be enblazed in my memory till I die. Hard to explain. The scene is erotica with a twist. The cinematography is great throughout but superb during this scene.
An intelligent story that turns out to be different than I expected and I have watched alot of horror films great and small. Recommended if you want something far different than the down to the last teenager horror flic I was impressed.
Ice Palace (1960)
I'm keeping my copy!
The growing tension between Richard Burton and Robert Ryan is amazing. Both actors were as serious, driven, righteous (in their own minds), and caring as the other. All performances were believable and interesting. The change from generations to generation was seamless. And character change melded nicely with Ryan and Burton. Carolyn Jones however did not impress me as much as she did in the beginning. She somehow lost her luster as the film seemed to continue without her. Strangely this also was her role through the duration of the film. And I felt she seemed to be going through the motions towards the end. Just my opinion. I also found the characters of Christopher and Grace charming at first and utterly brainless towards the end. You have to see it and the circumstances to believe it. The innocent bliss that leads them throughout the film culminates. To mention Jim Buckus, his performance was quite an agitation to most every event in the film due to his characters business interests. Believable even if you still see him as Mr Howell! LOL! Four years later, character development, who can say, Recommended if you looking for a (mini) epic that might just keep your interest.
I'm keeping my copy!
Otherwise outstanding performances
See How She Runs (1978)
Drive, determination and the spirit to win
This is an outstanding film that unfortunately has been lost in the sea of Celluloid on the now defunct Lightning Video Label. Joanne Woodward is brilliant in this film and the supporting cast members back her full hearted all the way. Perhaps the best performance of her career and well deserving of the Emmy she won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama.
This is a compelling drama about a strong-willed woman's desire to run in the Boston marathon. Although she initially begins her jog in the desire to take a few pounds off, she soon yearns to take it one step (after another) further. Betty Quinn (Woodward) is a 40 year old divorced school teacher with the middle age blues. Her two daughters and ex-husband dump their problems on her and she patiently copes. It isn't until Betty starts to jog that her life changes dramatically. Despite snapping dogs and would-be attackers, Betty is determined to run in the Boston marathon. But the grueling event may prove to be physically and emotionally impossible. I will admit I had some reservations about watching and reviewing this film. Why? I'm not sure. But like me, you will find yourself cheering for SEE HOW SHE RUNS!