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srschulz
Reviews
Week End (1967)
This one gave me nightmares.
I saw this film in a Cinema-Club in Germany in 1970. Most of the attendees were from the local private school at which I was teaching. I had seen a few Godard films previously while I lived in France, and, though they hadn't been my favorites, I could at least make sense of them. Being able to speak French helped.
The fairly innocuous beginning of "Le week-end" soon turned into a kaleidoscope of images, very well, maybe too well photographed, that soon made no sense to me. For me, films, like books, must have some clear sort of meaning. This didn't for me. I suppose I'm not "into" artsy films. Images still haunt me from the film. To this day I refuse to eat rabbit meat, well-loved by the French. Those who've seen the film might realize why. Yes, the theme of materialism came through, but the cannibalism, the car wrecks, and all the other scenes of destruction and horror only sickened me. I'm not sure if I walked out before the end, but I certainly felt like it. I promised myself that I'd never watch another Godard film, and I haven't and never knowingly will.
My rating: nothing. It was the most disgusting film I've ever seen. Others may have been more inept, silly or stupid. I've forgotten those while scenes from this one will haunt me forever.
The Four Feathers (1939)
Lives in my memory as a true classic of the British Empire
I cannot recall when I first saw this movie, certainly more than 30 years ago, but it is one that I've never forgotten and watch again whenever I can. Of the actors, only Ralph Richardson and C. Aubrey Smith are familiar. However, the ensemble play of the lesser known actors is certainly outstanding. I can still remember the determination of young Faversham desperately trying to regain his honor and his girl. After all these years I don't remember the finer details, but the film as a whole, as well as the book on which it is based are classics, and I'm certain Miklos Rozsa's lush strains added much to the overall effect. It's a film well worth seeing for those who enjoy derring-do and historical drama. I've never seen any of the other versions to see if I enjoyed them even half as much.
One, Two, Three (1961)
Non-Stop fun in this post World War II comedy
There's never a dull moment in this movie. James Cagney plays Coca Cola's representative in West Berlin as a wise-cracking, somewhat lecherous executive with consummate ease. Everyone else falls in line until his boss's daughter weds a young man who is Communist as well as without a shred of humor in his whole makeup. How is the office going to manage this one? A wonderful Billy Wilder comedy, using both American and up-and-coming German stars like Horst Buchholz and the irrepressible Lilo Pulver. It's the only true comedy I can remember seeing Cagney in. Although it helps somewhat to understand the political and cultural aspects of the time, it is not essential. Anyone can enjoy this rapid-fire comedy. Get it and enjoy.
Tiger Bay (1959)
Unforgettable. Worth any effort needed to see it.
It's been a long time since I first saw this movie, but it's one that I'll likely never forget. Hayley Mills is truly a joy to watch. She portrays the many moods with ease and is deservedly one of the best-loved child stars. Horst Buchholz gives a very believable portrayal of a young man betrayed and bewildered by the action of his girlfriend and of his murdering her. Hayley as Gillie is the strong one in this movie. She is the one who hides him and protects him after getting the gun from him. She seems to relish her role. As others have said already the ending seems to be lacking true zest. I actually can't remember what happened. However, the rest of the movie, showing the wonderful interaction between Gillie and the sailor is more than worth the price of admission or the DVD.
12 Angry Men (1957)
Excellent. As close to perfect as possible.
Since I first saw this movie when it came out on TV about 40 years ago, I have watched it numerous times. It is a movie that never becomes stale or dated. It was one of the few movies that I actually bought on VHS. Although I have seen only (or mainly) the B&W version, I think that color would detract from the starkness of the scene, the seriousness of the role these men play in the life of one young man. The ensemble play of these very differing characters is remarkable, and there are many moments that are unforgettable: E.G. Marshall taking off his glasses and massaging the bridge of his nose, thus unwittingly raising another point of doubt; Lee J.Cobb vehemently condemning young punks and at last breaking down over his own failure as a father; the old immigrant who brings a totally different perspective to justice. The slow character revelation is outstandingly written and directed and had the movie not had the blockbuster action picture "Bridge on the River Kwai" to contend with, it should have won numerous awards. Although there is virtually no real action in the movie, the tension is unrelenting as the jurors try to decide whether there is reasonable doubt. A film to savor again and again.
I have not seen it for a little over a year now. I did not see the TV movie version and would like to compare the two.
West Side Story (1961)
Rates a 9.5; in my view: only one flaw
I couldn't, in all conscience, give this film a perfect 10, although it certainly is one of my all-time favorites, and I have seen it, in whole or in part, at least a dozen times.
The one flaw I see here is the casting of Richard Beymer; he just does not fit my idea of the hero. Yes, he's supposed to be an ordinary guy, but for me his acting does not come up to expectations. This may be an unfair prejudice on my part, but he just doesn't fit into the film.
And what a film it is. I think I know all the songs by heart, at least to sing them along. The story is powerful from many aspects: the slums, the gangs, the pop psychology in the famous "Officer Krupky" song. The music is dynamic and the dances, especially "America" totally memorable. For some tastes today, everything might be a little too pat and the music definitely old-fashioned, but for its time, it was truly a great achievement and worthy of every Oscar it received.