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6/10
Cinematography carries plot predictability
5 January 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I liked the actors in this, John Hurt and Trevor Howard are a rich addition to the mix. I found the film fascinating because the "cad", played by Charles Dance, was visually exciting to watch, and moves so gracefully. One of the later scenes in the movie when the two lovers are together in the bedroom is especially memorable because Dance photographs so beautifully. I stayed up late last night just to see this scene in the movie. There's a new cable channel on our provider, and to my great disappointment, they cut this scene to, I presume, eliminate views of Greta Scacci's breasts. So I missed the full frontal view of Charles Dance, but there were still some enjoyable views of a well developed man without all the steroid developed muscles you see in current "thrillers." The movie still retained some beautifully filmed scenes of the ocean, the polo match, and one or two scenes where the rich people do some cross dressing. Charles Dance in a beautiful long dress, wearing ear "bobs" was somewhat alarming, but, even the evil old husband had on a woman's dress and pearls. It's also reminiscent of a time when people smoked cigarettes prodigiously, and, used Western Union to communicate quickly.

There's a lot of detail where the native servants show personality and resourcefulness. That component adds depth to the story of life styles of the rich and shameless, which, seems like, is an eternal theme. Wealthy people now just don't dress nearly so beautifully as the characters in this unique movie.
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A Gathering of Old Men (1987 TV Movie)
9/10
Engaging Plot and realistic issues
25 August 2012
In 2005, some people in my state still want the Confederate battle flag on their state flag. Yes, racism is no longer fashionable for most people, but don't believe that it doesn't still exist - the KKK wants to adopt a highway in the northern part of the state, so they can, in my opinion, get free advertising for their "fraternal organization."

The actors in this movie have familiar faces, but rarely does one get to see this many older experienced black actors together in an ensemble where each one has their own story to share. Holly Hunter delivers a strong role as an advocate for these special men, who all say -- "I did it, I killed him." An undercurrent of humor and a continuing opportunity for the unexpected to happen keeps the plot moving. As a southerner, I cared for all these people - the women who don't want to see their husband beaten and jailed; the sheriff who, like George Wallace, tries to give the voters what they elected him for.

The tragedy for everyone is the continuing disease of racism, which is not confined just to the American South, or even to whites. Every culture tends to have their "we are special because ..." - which is important, but needs to have included Edward James Olmos' visionary statement: " First of all we are all members of the human race." A movie for viewers who want more than "shoot-em-ups" or automobiles that turn into powerful monsters, it delivers the message that not all whites are murdering bigots, but standing up for what you believe in can be liberating, and have an impact.

Visually exciting and remarkable photography and a quirkish musical background makes it easy to keep watching and wondering what will happen next.
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