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- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantEva Marie SaintJames MasonA New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.9.9 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJames StewartGrace KellyWendell CoreyA wheelchair-bound photographer spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window and, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend, becomes convinced one of them has committed murder.Voyeurism, the stimulation of the libido and a slick murder mystery are the key instruments used by Hitchcock in Rear Window (1954). However, the most important aspect of this film, that must garner attention, is the incredible sense of timing, in all aspects of this film. Just like the magic he was able to tap into, six years earlier, with Rope (1948), the timing in this film is perfect also. I guarantee something like this could not be duplicated today the way it was then. Today’s filmmakers would wind up using computers, CGI effects and every other technological trick available in the 21st century, but all Hitchcock had was a stopwatch. The fact that Hitchcock was able to orchestrate all of this is incredible. Each window is its own movie or play, that has to start and end on time, so the camera can move onto the next window. Each actor had to be ready to say their line, pick up a newspaper or play a song on the piano in the allotted amount of time needed.
Another incredible aspect, that clearly represented Hitchcock’s greatness, was his ability to exhume emotions from his actors with minimal use of energy. Of course, the actors had a little hand in this themselves. Grace Kelly, with plenty of clothes on, saying appropriate lady-like things, was able to show a sexiness, that is on par with, in today's terms, with Jessica Alba in a bikini. Please don’t tell me, that you are not on the edge of your seat, watching Raymond Burr do whatever the heck he is doing throughout the film. You do not want to close your eyes out of fear of what might come next. The stimulation of the libido, seeing the woman as the stronger character, watching people in a voyeuristic way, would not have worked as well as it does, if this wasn’t a Hitchcock film. This is why, for my money, Rear Window (1954), is the greatest movie ever made. Oh! Did I mention that Jimmy Stewart was in it? As always, he is awesome.
9.9 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKaren AllenPaul FreemanIn 1936, archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones is hired by the U.S. government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can obtain its awesome powers.9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRoy ScheiderRobert ShawRichard DreyfussWhen a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape Cod, it's up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.The famed Summer movie season, became reality, when this film was released in movie theaters, during the Summer of 1975. Jaws (1975), was a groundbreaking film, not just for its impact on a new Summer pastime, but also for the fact, that it freaked-out a generation of people, because it questioned the safety of the beach, most notably, the water. Jaws (1975), is the golden fleece of shark movies. We aren't talking about a little sand shark. We are talking about Bruce. Bruce is a Great White Shark. Bruce is a huge mechanical shark, used by film director Steven Spielberg, to make one of the most influential and iconic movies in film history. It also solidified the legendary careers, of almost everyone involved with the movie.
Steven Spielberg was only 28 years old, when he started pre-production on this film. His only other movies he directed before this, was a made-for-TV movie called Duel (1971) and his theatrical motion picture debut, Sugarland Express (1974). Both Roy Scheider (Chief Brody) and Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper), were still on their separate climbs, with the 15 year-younger Dreyfuss, hitting paydirt in American Graffiti (1973) and Scheider in the French Connection (1971). We also have the extradentary career of film composer John Williams, who's haunting Jaws theme, was the most terrifying aspect of the film. He had already built a 20 year career in films to this point, but this is the one, that made him a household name. The real veteran in all of this, was actor Robert Shaw, who plays professional shark-hunter, Quint.
This film is also timeless, because most of it happens in a beach town, on the beach or on the Atlantic Ocean. Usually, these types of films can work in any era, because there is little to remind us, what year it is. Other than a stray haircut, fashion item or maybe a car, you wouldn't care or even notice, that this film was shot in the mid-1970s. It is Quint's character, that really gives Jaws (1975), its ability to transcend the beginning of the modern day film, with classic Hollywood. While the boys are chasing this killer shark for two or three days, they have a drunken night of nostalgia, comparing wounds they have received, from various sea creatures over the years. Quint then brings us back to the real world, in this fictitious film, by telling us the real-world story of the USS Indianapolis. Even though Jaws (1975), teeters into supernatural territory, by giving Bruce its own personality, in other words, making the shark a character instead of just a thing, the film still jolts us back into reality, by having Quint tell this haunting story from World War II.
Other than the killing-machine, antagonist, character thread of the Great White Shark, this film has three other unique character threads, that come into collision-course, with the 1970s version of the white whale. We have Chief Martin Brody, who is somewhat of a rookie sheriff, in a new job, on his island town of Amity, Massachusetts, who can't swim and never goes in the water. It's this conflict of interests, the almost naivete of the situation, that molds his character into the memorable one it is. Then there is Matt Hooper, the young marine biologist, who has the herculean task of dealing with a killer shark, the intimidating form of Quint and a difficult, greedy, idiot Mayor (played perfect by Murray Hamilton). Finally, we have the looming shape of Quint's character. Jaws (1975), also created a false stigma about sharks being mean and scary. A situation, that is corrected by the end of the film, with the fate of Quint. It is a fate I won't talk about, but I'm pretty sure, after almost 50 years, everyone knows what happens to Quint. I mean, it's usually in, almost every promotional advertisement or nostalgic Hollywood movie video ever made. I don't know how anyone has missed that.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorJohn SturgesStarsSteve McQueenJames GarnerRichard AttenboroughAllied prisoners of war plan for several hundred of their number to escape from a German camp during World War II.9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
- DirectorPhilip KaufmanStarsSam ShepardScott GlennEd HarrisThe U.S. space program's development from the breaking of the sound barrier to selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts, from a group of test pilots with a more seat-of-the-pants approach than the program's more cautious engineers preferred.This film is one of those great films that a lot of people somehow missed. It was released in 1983 and at that time NASA was losing popularity with the general public. The Space Shuttle program had just started, which helped some, but the public wasn't into NASA as much as they were in the 60s. They also released this film right before Halloween, which may have contributed a little bit to the poor theater attendance. It was a box office flop, but it is one of those great movies from the 80s, that more people need to see today. It also won four Oscars and is preserved in the National Film Registry.
It is an epic story, three hours long, a historical drama that tells the story of the space race from the late 1950s to the mid 1960s. It is the early part of the space race that is such an interesting story. America is in the middle of the Cold War, people are very worried about Russia getting into space before the U.S. and NASA is trying to figure out how they can take the lead back. It's that time in our history when the winds of WWII and Korea have died down, the rocket era has begun and computers and the Moon are on the horizon.
Things start out as, pilot Chuck Yeager (Sam Shepard), flies his X-1 into history and the audience gets to witness the life of a test-pilot. Various other test-pilots come and go. Some of them die. Things all change in 1957 when the Russian satellite Sputnik 1 was sent to orbit. It changed the whole game of the Cold War and made the Moon the next measuring stick towards being the best world power.
Enter NASA and the space race. The audience is then treated to a weaving of small biopics on some of the most important people found in the early days of NASA. We also get to meet the first American Astronauts. We see the Astronaut, a career, very popular in the public eye, for about 15 years, become something cool, that is almost as big as being in the Beatles. America loved their Astronauts and it became a country-wide obsession for some.
As the days in NASA are documented we meet the excellent cast of Astronauts. These are the guys who will pilot the early missions of the Mercury program. The list includes, Scott Glenn as Alan Shepard, Ed Harris as John Glenn, Gordon Cooper played by Dennis Quaid and Gus Grissom is perfectly portrayed by Fred Ward. We also feel the pain, frustration and concern from the actresses portraying the wives of the Astronauts. This is what is great about this movie. It gives you the right amount of emotions that help you understand what these guys lives were like. This really isn't an easy job.
Writer/director, Philip Kaufman, who has a ton of great film achievements, found on his resume, totally captures the nature of the original source material for the Right Stuff (1983). Yes, it is history, but it's also based off a book of the same name. He captures the danger and the exaltation of accomplishments, that the Astronauts face, contrasted against the effects it has on their wives and the general American public. We experience the growing pains and the process that NASA has to go through. It also is a period piece, that highlights how the world was like in the race towards outer space.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorOrson WellesStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenDorothy ComingoreFollowing the death of publishing tycoon Charles Foster Kane, reporters scramble to uncover the meaning of his final utterance: 'Rosebud.'This is Orson Welles' amazingly perfect film, that everyone has heard of, especially if they enjoy the art of film. This film is about the fictional life of newspaper publisher Charles Foster Kane (Welles). It is a story, loosely based, on the real life story of publisher William Randolph Hearst. It follows Kane's life from early boyhood to his death, all the while, the world tries to solve the mystery, behind what “Rosebud” means, which you find out, right off the bat, in the beginning of the film, is the last word Kane says before he dies. The film goes from there and tells the fictional biopic of Charles Foster Kane in beautifully styed flashback scenes.
This film is hailed, by most, as the greatest movie ever made. It is massive in in its scale, which totally fills the 4:3 film-noir space. Welles' directing and editing styles are what you find in filmmaking textbooks. Welles implements some of the best cinema tricks known at the time. He uses those tricks to extract an emotional response from the audience. He utilizes flashbacks, tricky editing, audio effect triggers for quick editing segues and many other juxtaposition concepts, in order to make his point. His ability to use the camera to create energy in his scenes and with his cast, rivals his ability to do the same thing with perspectives, shapes and moods.
Citizen Kane (1941), truly is the masterpiece, that it has been labeled, for over 80 years now. It is a brilliant piece of work. Along with an excellent supporting cast of Joseph Cotton, Dorothy Corningore, Everett Sloan and Agnes Moorehead, we learn what drives a man to be the best at everything. We learn about the price of being the richest man in the world. We learn, that with all that power, money and fame, huge figures like Kane also fall prey to the same things everyone else does. We learn what true story-telling is when we watch this film. It is through the art of cinema, that this film encapsulates into a perfect package. This is what cinema gold is supposed to look like, which is one of the best journeys ever on film. I saw this film for the 80th anniversary release in the theaters in 2021, which was a huge treat. It looks majestic up on the big screen. It is somewhat like, a holy grail of the movies.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsToshirô MifuneTakashi ShimuraKeiko TsushimaFarmers from a village exploited by bandits hire a veteran samurai for protection, who gathers six other samurai to join him.In the year 1586, a Japanese village is constantly attacked by bandits, who plague the inhabitants' homes and take whatever they want from the terrified villagers. One day after an attack by the bandits, the villagers go to seek the wisdom from an elder, who tells them, even though they cannot afford weapons, they can find men with weapons, samurai, who will fight for them. If they can find samurai who are down on their luck and wondering where their next meal will come from, they will take the job. They find a very experienced samurai with a good heart who agrees to recruit the rest of the team of samurais for them. He selects five genuine samurai and one who might not be. The seven return to the village to protect it, from the forty plus bandits. It is here where the battle lines are drawn. Seven Samurai (1954), is mesmerizing. It's like reading a great novel. With each turn of the page, another mesmerizing one opens up. It is epic in its design and has many interesting, likeable characters. This film moves along, like a beautiful Japanese melody. Sure, the length is almost four hours long, but it is a nicely paced film, that moves along quickly. I mean if you want a film to feel like an epic novel, an excellent read, than what better way to do it, but with a Japanese film masterpiece, subtitled in English, that moves along, like a fine song.
The leader of the group, Shimada, played by Takashi Shimura, is the perfect choice for this role. His ability to express a kind-hearted, elder persona and combine it with the ferocity of a Ronin is impeccable. Shimura was one of the biggest actors in Japan at the time. He appears in numerous films from the 1950s and 1960s. Among some of the legendary great films he did, was Rashomon (1950), Ikuru (1952) and The Hidden Fortress (1958), just to name a few. He also took part in a little film, near to my heart, called Gojira (1954). Shimura would become a huge part of special effects master, Eiji Tsuburaya’s Godzilla universe. He would appear in, at least, seven of Toho Studio’s, science fiction, monster classics from 1955-1965, ever enshrining him to international fame. He has a fanbase and a respect from film-fans, from all over the world. His character, Shimada, from the Seven Samurai (1954), is the rock that holds everything else together. His facial expressions are amazing. He can show you fear and concern and in the next scene express happiness and joy. His signature rubbing of his head when he needs to think or when his emotions are about to change is one of the best parts of the movie, because, like you, he too isn’t sure what to make of the villagers and the other six samurai. It is one of the best ways I have seen in a film to show what is going on in someone’s mind, without uttering a single word.
As with many of the classic Japanese films of this era, much of the rest of the cast is less notable. You may recognize the faces from various other films and you may know a little bit about them, depending on your knowledge of film, but do not be fooled by this. The acting and the execution of the scenes are as perfect as can be. Even though they are not huge stars, the impact on this film by their performances, is tantamount to the finished piece. Of course, legendary, Japanese film director, Akira Kurasawa, would hire a lot of extras to be the villagers, so much so, that he hired real villagers to make things even more believable. One of the three villagers, who comes to enlist the samurai is played by an actor named, Yoshio Tsuchiya. In my estimation, out of all the other, secondary characters in the film, Yoshio Tsuchiya is the one actor, who fans from the west, might recognize. For he too, like Takashi Shimura, would join with Eiji Tsuburaya and appear in over ten of Toho Studios famous Godzilla-universe films from the 1950s to the 1970s. He is the main character in Godzilla Raids Again (1955) and returned, almost 40 years later, for Gojira vs. Kingu Gidorâ (Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah - 1991).
There is another name in the cast-list, that does stand out, even more so than Takashi Shimura. This man would gain even a larger piece of the international stardom pie, for he would go on and appear in many great films in Japan and around the world. His name was Toshiro Mifune. Mifune would end up doing over 160 feature films in his career. He is most noted in the United States, in the film Midway (1976). He played Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, although his voice had to be dubbed by a guy named Paul Frees, because Mifune's accent was too thick at the time. This aspect did not affect his performance though. Mifune's facial expressions are all you needed to get the message. Mifune's other famous, western role happened on the NBC television, mini-series, starring Richard Chamberlain, called Shogun (1980). In the Seven Samurai, Mifune plays Kikuchiyo. Kikuchiyo is a complex character and if it wasn’t for Mifune, coupled with Kurosawa’s masterful ability to tell stories, without losing the audience, this character would be tough to sell. He is the one, who provides most of the comedy-relief in this film. His character is the one, that helps draw the contrast between samurai and peasant. His character can do what any of the other samurai’s can, even though he is nuts and drunk half the time. His character is the one, that produces the most mystery and the most resolve.
Akira Kurosawa was one of the pioneering directors of classic cinema, who helped build the modern day action film. If it wasn’t for him, we might not have the major blockbuster action movies, that we see today. True, the lessons learned from Kurosawa seem to be lost on today’s emotionless, plastic action films, but the influence is there and in some cases, are used in today’s films, albeit sparingly. He was able to take his characters, along with the scenes and convey through the screen, the tension and urgency felt on either side. He would show you the hero and at the same time show you the death of the bad guy. That was the emotional response, that he wanted to get from his audience. That, even though we need to see our hero in action, it was equally important to see the consequences of that hero’s actions. Death is not a silly video game and killing is a deeply personal thing. It was a way Kurosawa helped the viewer, become more a part of the whole cinematic experience. He knew back in the 1950s how things should be portrayed in film. He was a forward-thinking, visionary. He knew the only way to win over an audience was to keep them enveloped inside the tension on the screen. He knew he needed to get an emotional response from the audience or his job was not complete.
Kurosawa was a pioneer in using certain camera and editing tools, to get his point across. Sure, there were other pioneers before him, in other countries, doing these things, but he was the one to use the camera for story-telling, character development and emotional responses. His tools of the trade, especially as it applies to this film, was incorporating telephoto lenses for close-up shots, quick jump-cuts to enhance the action and slow-motion photography to enhance the consequences, of the finalities of death and killing. This film has so many messages, philosophies and lessons. It is an important film to me, because I am a huge fan of Japanese culture and history, plus it is an earthly film, because it deals with the human element and the natural world around us. There is nothing mystical about this film. There is no need for special effects or fantasy-inspired scenes. It is all real. It is all part of being human. It is part of human history, even though it is told through artistic interpretation. There is no need to be curious in the legitimacy of it. It shows the desolation and impact the horrors of the world can put onto a human being. It reminds us of how lucky we are to be living in the 21st century and not having to make deals and use unscrupulous means just to get something to eat. It shows us how far we have come as a society, when it comes to women issues, respect for the elderly, sick and poor. It is a perfect contrast between good and evil.
9.8 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
The Seven Samurai (1954)
March 23rd - Akira Kurosawa b. 1910
Famed Japanese film director, Akira Kurosawa, was born on this day in 1910. He has many films that we could pick as the one for this day, but usually, which film is the first one that you think of when you hear his name? It’s the Seven Samurai (1954) and most subscribers to the film-world pick this film as the greatest film to ever come out of Japan. This film usually appears on all ‘best lists” that you can find. It shows that all men have to face, head-on, the urge to be bad. We are all born with these traits. It’s just up to you, on how you will act on that urge, as you move through this thing called life. It is up to you on how you want your destiny to look like 500 years from now.
Run Time: 207 mins
Genre: Drama, Action, Japanese
Format: Standard 4:3 Format, Black & White, Subtitled
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Starring: Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Keiko Tsushima and Yukiko Shimazaki
This truly is like an epic novel unfolding in front of you. The length of the film is long, but in this case the success and execution of this film comes with the patience needed to get a point across. It is pure beauty.
It is interesting watching this film, in the fact that, being a fan huge fan of the American remake, The Magnificent Seven (1960), this film helps to give a more detailed explanation of the back-story on certain characters and scenes found in The Magnificent Seven, and answers many questions that actually help make The Magnificent Seven even more enjoyable and understandable on repeat viewings. What you eventually have here is something that comes full circle. Kurosawa said that he was influenced by the American Western filmmakers of the 30s and 40s, such as John Ford. And, to have American filmmakers follow up with the Magnificent Seven, based off of the Seven Samurai, makes one think that this is the outcome that should have happened. It all comes full circle. Kurosawa was a fan of the Magnificent Seven (1960), after he saw it.
Japanese composer Akira Ifukube, who pretty much would end up being one of the most popular composers in Japanese film history, especially from a westerners point of view, because of his work with Toho Studios and the Godzilla franchise, might not have been the most famous composer if it wasn’t for another Japanese composer, named Fumio Hayasaka. Hayasaka was a great friend of Kurosawa’s and would work on a lot of his films leading up to the Seven Samurai. His haunting melodies crossed with traditional Japanese folk music was the perfect sound that Akira Kurosawa was looking for. So much so, that his music would help influence how Kurosawa made his films. It was here that Kurosawa realized that music in films should be used more as a counter-point than a complement. That music has the ability to strengthen the visual scene. It was here that Hayasaka was able to contribute to the visual style seen throughout the film. What derailed the legendary status of Hayasaka? Unfortunately, the following year, after the release of the Seven Samurai, Hayasaka was struck down by tuberculosis at the young age of 41. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsSam NeillLaura DernJeff GoldblumA pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned dinosaurs to run loose.Jurassic Park (1993), became a phenomenon, because of its director, Steven Spielberg. Also, the source material, from a novel of the same name, by Michael Crichton, is adapted to screen so well, because of the advances in CGI technology, that debuted around this time. It's also to note, that the performances of the excellent cast completely help sell the tension, fear and unknown, that the characters have to face.
The film is full of action, in-between a dazzling story about, man tampering with nature, trying to play God. It is a concept that goes all the way back to Mary Shelley. In this case, tampering with DNA, by successfully cloning dinosaurs and letting them live in the middle of a theme park. You then add in Spielberg-faithful, John Williams, majestic trumpets and you have a perfect film. This film tends to appeal to a wide range of audiences. It doesn't just, tickle the heck, out of science fiction fans. It is enjoyed by many. That is what makes it the mot special, because it is something everyone can enjoy.
Jurassic Park (1993), played a huge role in film history, as being one of the earliest films to influence the arrival of digital CGI effects. You see all the pioneers, of the modern age of effects, starting in the mid-90s. It is because of films like this, is why we now enjoy these beautiful, CGI heavy, fantasy films of today. Steven Spielberg, was already a household name by the time we got to here. This film just firmly cemented him in a place in history, where generations will know his work.
9.7 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorMel BrooksStarsGene WilderMadeline KahnMarty FeldmanAn American grandson of the infamous scientist, struggling to prove that his grandfather was not as insane as people believe, is invited to Transylvania, where he discovers the process that reanimates a dead body.For my money, this may be the greatest comedy film ever made. This is an example of how to make a great movie and a great comedy. This is absolutely one of the top 10 greatest comedies ever made. It is perfect from beginning to end. It is a laugh riot from the start. On top of the great execution of comedic lines from the likes of Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Gene Hackman, Madeline Kahn and Cloris Leachman, Mel Brooks took it upon himself to create a world that was a believable spoof of the classic Universal Pictures Frankenstein movies. He does this by shooting this film on the same Universal sets used by Universal, with the same gadgets and gizmos, so that it really looked like Colin Clive and Boris Karloff had morphed into Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle. It is one of the examples of why this is a masterpiece and why it shares the same place with other great comedy moments in film history. It is a beautiful piece of work and one of my favorites.
9.7 (A+ MyGrade) = 10 IMDB - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJames StewartJohn DallFarley GrangerTwo men try to convince themselves they've committed the perfect murder by hosting a dinner party after strangling a former classmate to death.9.6 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsYul BrynnerSteve McQueenCharles BronsonSeven gunfighters are hired by Mexican peasants to liberate their village from oppressive bandits.If you are looking for a film, that has it all, when it comes to the action, drama, intensity, color and spirit, the Magnificent Seven (1960), has it all. All these great aspects are depicted with great execution in this film. The Magnificent Seven (1960), is required viewing for film-buffs. It is a film about the 19th century world and the human need to survive in it. It is an American film adaptation, based on a Japanese film masterpiece, the Seven Samurai (1954). The change found in the Magnificent Seven (1960), is the setting is in the old-west, but not in the American old-west, but in the old-west of Mexico. It is the 1960 version of what a blockbuster film would look like today. It also contains an all-star cast, who perform their roles perfectly. It arguably has one of the top ten greatest film soundtracks of all time, provided by the great film composer, Elmer Bernstein. Much like the director, John Sturges’ other famous film, the Great Escape (1963), this film intricately examines the details, on how things would occur if the situation required outlaws, teaching civilized farmers to kill. We are handed a plot, that involves outlaws coming to the rescue of a small Mexican village, that has been overrun by an even lower, unscrupulous band of outlaws. The details that develop in the film, involve training the villagers on how to fight and setting up the village in preparation for an invasion of 40 gun-slinging Mexican bandits. At the same time, trying to keep the villagers calm, on their side and the keep the momentum going during the fight.
We are introduced to a colorful array of different personalities. Yul Brynner plays Chris Larabee, the leader and organizer of the seven. Steve McQueen was cast as the playful and comedy-relief character of the film. James Coburn, plays the quiet, master of the knife. Charles Bronson, is the brooding bad-guy, who gets adopted by the children in the village. Robert Vaughn, is the civilized killer, who also has the most demons of any of the seven. Brad Dexter plays the money-loving gambler and Eli Wallach plays the antagonist bandit leader, Calvera. He is the force, that leads the bandits, as they go up against the seven. There really is only one scene in the film, that keeps it from getting a perfect rating from me, but it is still important nonetheless. In all likelihood, it probably had something to do with the way Hollywood tries to market a new star. This was the case with new “up and coming” star, Horst Buchholz, who plays our seventh outlaw, Chico. Horst was a German actor, born in Berlin, but had a striking Mexican-look to him. He was being marketed as the next James Dean, so it only made sense, that the studio wanted to push him harder and give him bigger and better roles to do.
In one of the scenes, Horst is featured as a drunk, angry young man trying to prove himself to career-outlaw, Chris (Yul Brynner). Chico is just trying to agitate Chris or get a response from him, but not intentionally trying to kill him. However, in any case, alcohol mixed with guns is a bad idea and a drunk with a gun should be stopped, but the scene seems silly, because no one else in the room moves at all or makes any attempt to stop what is happening. I would think somebody would try to subdue this drunk kid, no matter how sincere his intentions are. Chris, doesn't move an inch and neither does anyone else in the room. The reason I bring this scene to your attention, however, is it features some great framing and cinematography in the shots throughout this whole scene. It has our angry drunk youth yelling at Yul Brynner, while Brynner ignores him and turns away from him. On the other side of the shot is a terrified villager watching this unfold and tucked in perfect frame, just behind Brynner’s shoulder, is Brad Dexter’s head perfectly framed keeping an eye on the whole situation. Chico releases his anger by drunk-shooting, at point blank range, all-around Yul Brynner’s uninterested physique. It just seems forced and silly, but it is the only blemish in this film. It is not a big deal, because of the masterful filmmaking around it.
Every shot in this film is beautiful. It helps to energize every scene and gives this film the jolt it needs to bolster the mood in the entire film. The camerawork in Magnificent Seven (1960), is brilliant. The cinematography comes with an assist, from the great Director of Photography, Charles Lang. Sturges creates beautifully framed shots and action scenes. Lang was more proficient with black and white cinematography, but made it clear that he could handle Vista-Vision too. With no problem involving that technical issue, it made for a stunning, visually beautiful, epic tale of the old-west, in vibrant color. I even love the acting, dialogue and the story is great, with many lessons and philosophical thoughts throughout the film. There are some great one-liners in this film. A lot that comes from Steve McQueen and Vladimir Sokoloff, who plays the old elder of the village. The dialogue is the best part of Robert Vaughn’s character, Lee, as well. For me, campy dialogue works sometimes, especially if we are dealing with gun-slinging outlaws. Sure, legend says that Billy the Kid and Jesse James were actually pretty smart, educated, civilized guys, but the majority of outlaws back in the day probably were not the brightest lights on the range. I always felt, that the campy-dialogue helps reinforce the uncivility of the characters. The dialogue made the outlaws look dumber and thus, more believable as characters.
This film couldn’t have happened at a better time too. It was sandwiched between the old western films of the 1930s to the 1950s and the spaghetti westerns of the 1960s and 1970s. Some would say, this is the movie that bridged the gap between those two eras of western film. Magnificent Seven (1960), is definitely different than most of the old westerns, but not so gritty that it was like a spaghetti western. On top of the fact that it had the right amount of grit and color, it also happened at a moment when seven very good actors were about to become superstars. You can feel the energy coming from these guys. You can see each of them competing for screen time and executing some of their best work, just to come out on top. McQueen, Brynner, Coburn, Vaugh, Bronson and Wallach would eventually go on to be huge stars on stage, screen and television.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRichard DreyfussFrançois TruffautTeri GarrRoy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches.9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroRay LiottaJoe PesciThe story of Henry Hill and his life in the mafia, covering his relationship with his wife Karen and his mob partners Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito.If you have not seen the film, Goodfellas (1990), yet, make it a goal to do so. Robert De Niro was already a huge heavyweight in Hollywood when this film came out. Joe Pesci and Ray Liotta would become household names, once this film was released. Martin Scorsese used his skills, as a film auteur and editor, to craft an amazing piece of Mafia crime drama. It is based on true events and characters found in the book “Wiseguy”. The film chronicles the story of Mafia associate Henry Hill JR. from the years 1955-1980.
As you see young Henry grow up from selling and moving stolen cigarettes, to his days as an FBI informant, it is not the story that totally drives the film, but the execution by director Scorsese and the actors. It is an Academy Award winner that captures the feeling of the Mafia, as well as, the period pieces that it chronicles. Even though it takes place in a recent history, it still captures a charm from the olden days, which probably owes a gratitude to the great vast Italian culture, that gives it that galvanizing, vintage appeal. It is a film with everything and a modern classic of extraordinary proportions.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGene HackmanMorgan FreemanRetired Old West gunslinger William Munny reluctantly takes on one last job, with the help of his old partner Ned Logan and a young man, The "Schofield Kid."This is probably one of the most realistic western movies ever made. It takes away the Hollywood action cowboy, buries the Roy Rogers cowboy and takes that new cowboy and turns him into an aging, angry killer, who you shouldn't mess with. The film tells its story and at the same time does not hold back on proving the seriousness of the content. It hits on many topics and situations that showed how bad it was in the wild west.
The cast is supreme. This film came out at a point in Clint Eastwood's career, when he just finished all the Dirty Harry movies. He moved on to the type of films that an older star should take on. He was starting to get too old for all of that running around, so he decided to explore this character, Bill Munny, a retired outlaw, who also is a widower with two kids. One day, he decides to go out of retirement, at the urging of a younger outlaw. Coupled with the fact that the money would help, he sets out, but because he is older and less involved in the outlaw business, he finds the road a little bit tougher. He eventually acquires the aid of his old friend and partner, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman).
The character that becomes the main focus of Bill and Ned, Sheriff Little Bill Daggett (Gene Hackman), is the sheriff of the town of Big Whiskey, Wyoming. A man, who is wreaking havoc in the area, turning his head at crime in his own town and he seems to have some kind of connection to the troubles stirred up in the rest of the plot. It's Hackman's performance that really brings out the brutality of everything going on in the film. It was so convincingly good that he won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this film.
Rounding out the cast is Richard Harris as English Bob. A rich bureaucratic, kind-of-guy, who is also good with a gun, who also fractured some laws when he was younger and has had dealings with Sheriff Daggett in the past. Richard Harris doesn't disappoint when the two finally meet. It is pure brutality.
One other major component also found in the film, is its attack on the abuse of women. An issue that is still a problem today, but is ten-folded when we speak of the wild west. The spark that unites all the other components of the film revolves around an attack on a female prostitute. In her anger she decides to hire Bill and Ned to hunt down the outlaws, who attacked her and slashed her face.
This film is pure, gritty, old west style, not seen before, but with a modern twist. It has fun with the positive things that made westerns great in the past 90 years, but throws in that much needed reality. It is the definitive western that helped mature its transition from old Hollywood.
9.5 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsKevin CostnerSean ConneryRobert De NiroDuring Prohibition, Treasury agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster Al Capone, and assembles a small, incorruptible team to help him.The year 1987 was a highly competitive and productively, busy year in the motion picture industry. You should see all the titles, that came out that year. It is an incredible list of films. This one is at the top of that list. This biopic, crime-drama is the story of Al Capone (Robert DeNiro) and Elliot Ness (Kevin Cosner), as they wage their Prohibition war against each other, in 1920s Chicago. Ness needs help competing with the corrupt police force, at his disposal, so he gets help from a semi-retired, Irish, beat cop, named Malone (Sean Connery). They form a team (with Andy Garcia as George Stone and Charles Martin Smith as Oscar Wallace), name themselves the Untouchables and learn, that not only do they have to fight Al Capone, but they also have to fight the politically, corrupted, Hell-hole, known as Prohibition Chicago. We are transported back to the 1920s.
It is a fascinating film to see in the 21st century. The controversial idea of Prohibition, attitudes towards alcohol and different ideas, involving the role of law enforcement, are much different in the 21st century. This film offers a cinematic recreation of a period in our history, from 100 years ago, albeit with the Hollywood punch. Things are so different in our world today, that while you watch this film unfold, these 100 year old ideas, create an interesting, blurring of the lines, between good and bad. It creates a new dimension to this film. It allows you to look at it from many different angles. The Untouchables (1987), may well be one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. It is definitely one of De Palma's best. Director Brian DePalma weaves a great story around a time in our history, that has become more like folklore, than history, from a 21st century standpoint.
The cinematography, editing, pacing, intensity, along with the riveting soundtrack by legendary film composer, Ennio Morricone, make this a heart pounding, action thriller, with a little taste of history thrown in too. Robert DeNiro makes you speechless, with his performance. Sean Connery is his normal greatness in this film. When this film was released in 1987, I got the pleasure of seeing it in the theaters, during its original release. After I saw the film, for weeks and weeks, all I read about or heard about, was how much everyone loved Sean Connery in this film. He deserves the credit too, because he would go on and win the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, the following year, at the Academy Awards. This film also made Kevin Cosner's star soar from this point. He was already on the rise, but after this film, he became a major Hollywood hero, because of his portrayal of Elliot Ness.
The Untouchables (1987), places you right into Prohibition-era Chicago. It rolls out the plot with a high amount of energy and gives you a cast, that does not insult you, with actors, just doing their jobs. The cast puts everything they have into it. DeNiro will not disappoint those, who haven't seen the film yet. This film is a brilliant piece of work, which Brian DePalma has done many times before. You are transported to a place, time and history, that happened a century ago. It puts you at the crime scene, completely with action-packed moments, dramatic character development and the serious intensity of blood-soaked violence. You love the good guys and you love to hate the bad-guys, is the ultimate reward when watching a piece of work like this. Whenever anyone mentions this film in conversation, the first thing I think of is Ennio Morricone pulse-pounding soundtrack. This film is excellent.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansScarlett JohanssonEarth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.It was no small secret, that the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU's), whole intention of making an Iron Man film in 2008, would eventually lead to a film about The Avengers, which, interestingly enough, was the same evolution, that happened in the original comics in the 1960s. Sure, Spiderman had his own thing, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four had their own thing, but Stan Lee and his group needed to figure out what to do with the rest of Marvel's early original characters. Beginning in 1961, after the release of the first Fantastic Four comics, through the early 60s, eventually, popular titles, like The Incredible Hulk and Captain America had their own growing pains, mostly related to bad sales at the newsstands, plus reworking of titles or experimentation with other supporting characters. This even happened with Thor. The sales on his comic book were up and down too.
In fact, Thor and the Hulk didn't even have their own named titles by the time the Avengers comics debuted in 1963. The Hulk's series ended with issue #6 and after bouncing around, guest starring in other titles, along with a brief time with the Avengers, he moved into the comic series Tales to Astonish in 1964. Astonish came with smaller stories for the Hulk, so he could share the book with Antman/Giant Man or Namor, the Submariner later on. In regards to Thor, he started right off the bat in the comic series Journey Into Mystery. He wouldn't get his own named title until 1966. Captain America would end up returning to comics by 1964. He debuted in the fourth Avengers issue. He wouldn't get his own named title until 1968. To solve some of these problems with the single characters, Marvel Comics decided it was time to bring these characters together into one title.
So, just like the comics themselves, the MCU set forth with a plan for the film franchises, which started with 2008's Iron Man, starring Robert Downey JR. The films that followed featured the Hulk (Ed Norton and for this film, Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Captain America (Chris Evans). In the Avengers (2012), they bring the heroes together and add in the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson, who debuted in the second Iron Man in 2010) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, who has a cameo in Thor (2011). There was no Antman or the Wasp yet in the MCU. It was too bad too, because they actually were original founding members of the Avengers in the comics. Along with Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), an incredibly pieced together film is given to us by director, Joss Whedon. There are various other subplots going on throughout the film. The dialogue is believable, with many nice highlights for comic fans. It is a near perfect film, which also explains why it appealed to the average filmgoer. It is a perfect representation of what a comic book would look like if it came alive on film. In my estimation, it could be the best comic book film ever, even though there have been many contenders since 2012.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorBrian G. HuttonStarsClint EastwoodTelly SavalasDon RicklesA group of U.S. soldiers sneaks across enemy lines in WWII France to get their hands on a secret stash of Nazi treasure.Clint Eastwood began drifting away from the westerns, that made him famous, near the end of the 1960s. He was expanding his roles and began tackling dramas, modern-crime, comedy and even a musical (Paint Your Wagon (1969). Eventually, this role experimentation would lead to Clint classics like, Play Misty For Me (1971) and Dirty Harry (1971). He also tried out some war films. This film, being, one of his earliest greats, is a fictitious story, that utilizes aspects from real-life events, in this case, WW2. It follows a similar idea, that is seen in a more modern film, Three Kings (1999), involving the search for a lost treasure of some kind, that is behind enemy lines, has no strings attached for tracking and is ripe for the taking.
While interrogating a German prisoner, Lieutenant Kelly (Clint Eastwood), stumbles upon the discovery of a captured stash of gold, hidden in a bank, behind enemy lines. He starts putting together a small squad to go to the town, which houses the bank. Interesting characters, like Big Joe (Telly Savalas), Oddball (Donald Sutherland) and Crapgame (Don Rickles), who have resources Kelly needs, join in on the search and also a cut from, the 16 million dollars worth of gold. Oddball has three tanks. Crapgame has the connections and Big Joe has the toughness, needed to get them out alive. While on their adventure, they unwittingly clear a path, that Allied forces have been trying to break through for months, much to the delight of commanding General Colt (Carroll O'Connor). Colt, who has no idea about the gold, starts moving his forces into the area, thinking these great soldiers are changing the course of the war. From there the entertainment and thrills begin.
The film takes place in the 1940s, but it has a totally 70s feel to it. None is more evident than, the character of Oddball, who is completely an incarnation of a 1970, grass-smoking, hippie tank chief, who barks like a dog and dreams of positive vibes in a beautiful world. Also, powering along the 70s vibes, is the main theme song for the film. "Burning Bridges" from the Mike Curb Congregation and the film's music composer, Lalo Schifrin. The theme totally expresses a 1970s vibe, reminding you of when it was made, but because it is a WW2 film, it doesn't date the film at all. It is a film that works in any era. Lalo Schifrin is also notable for being the composer on many other films, including a bunch of Clint Eastwood films. He is a legend in the business and this soundtrack is like gold.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorSergio LeoneStarsClint EastwoodEli WallachLee Van CleefA bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.Let's backtrack for a minute here. The Good, The Bad and the Ugly (GBU), is the most famous of the Spaghetti Westerns, however, the Spaghetti Western was around a little bit before the release of GBU. The term basically describes Western films, based on American history, that were made in Europe, most notably Italy and Spain. Some also were made in Mexico and they all came out in the theaters in the 60s & 70s. It is actually a critical term that American critics coined in the 60s, making fun of these films, because America was so used to the TV westerns that filled the airwaves. But, as time moved forward, the term became acceptable, as well as, the movies themselves. It turned into a positive term, because these films were really good, but a little too different for some. These films now have achieved critical acclaim today, long after their release.
GBU is the third film in a series known as "The Man with No Name" trilogy, directed by legendary, Italian film director, Sergio Leone. The musical score was done by master film composer, Ennio Morricone. He would later go on to do the score for Brian De Palma's Untouchables (1987), another great movie and favorite of mine.
GBU is that classic story about three completely different guys, the good one (Clint), the bad one (Van Cleef) and the ugly one (Wallach). It has a wonderful collection of colorful, interesting supporting characters that help propel this film to its exciting end. Its so well, craftily done that you don't even notice the basic, simple plot of three outlaws, in the ultimate struggle to see, who can find the gold from a heist that was hidden away. This also helps to bring forward the time period that the film wants to establish, being as the gold was stolen from a Confederate stash during the Civil War. Eastwood and Wallach's characters get intertwined with each other, while Van Cleef's, Angel Eyes, always is looking for an opportunity to kill them both. It's a great story.
Eli Wallach almost killed himself a couple times in this film. Issues with stunts and poor safety measures almost did some of the work for Angel Eyes. Eli Wallach is brilliant and funny in this film too. This is Clint Eastwood at his best. Clint's character also influenced Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), in Back to the Future III (1990). Having mixed language-speaking actors also complicated matters. Eastwood, Van Cleef and Wallach all spoke English, but most of the rest of the cast was Italian or Spanish, hence the need for dubbing. Sergio Leone spoke hardly any English, so he and Wallach communicated by speaking French to each other and the others had interpreters.
Charles Bronson was originally chosen to be in Lee Van Cleef's "Bad" roll, but declined to be in the film. There is no dialogue in the first eleven minutes of the film, but who cares. GBU's strongest link is its dreamy-like imagery mixed in with amazing, mesmerizing music. This is what film is all about and this is the definitive Western.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorDavid LeanStarsWilliam HoldenAlec GuinnessJack HawkinsBritish POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors in occupied Burma, not knowing that the allied forces are planning a daring commando raid through the jungle to destroy it.Long before Obi-Wan Kenobi, Alec Guinness had a busy career in the late-1940s and 1950s. Twenty years before Star Wars (1977), he was cast in this WW2 action, drama, which was a fictitious story, based off of a novel, that used elements from a real-life WW2 event. When the Japanese invaded Thailand in 1941, one day after Pearl Harbor, it allowed them to invade Burma the following year. But, this caused them to have supply chain issues, because of the vast expand of water they needed to travel on, to go back around the continent. They decided they would need to add a railway and construct a bridge, that would really help speed up the supply chain. In history the railroad would eventually become the Burma Railway.
So, that is the real-life part to this equation. It is an interesting part of WW2 history, especially from an American point of view, because this was one of those areas of the war, that affected the British more. It wasn't a part if the war, that the Americans were involved with much. This is actually a story about the British verses the Japanese. This is what brings Alec Guinness into the fold. He plays the British commander, Colonel Nicholson. It is he, who is the focal point of how everything moves forward in the film. After constant mistreatment from the Japanese and a brutal exile to solitary confinement, he manages to strike a deal with the Japanese leader, Colonel Saito (Sessue Hayakawa), to finish building the bridge the Japanese want to use for their new railroad.
There is, however, an American presence in the film. It comes from a US naval officer, played rather coolly by William Holden, named Commander Shears. His time at the prison has been a brutal one, but we can tell, that he is a special variety of survivor. Also, he is the only American in camp, which allows the script-writers to, sort of, pull him away from the bigger story involving the British and the Japanese. He escapes, is injured, nursed back to health and reaches a British outpost. He thinks he has left behind him the prison camp part of his life. Guess what? Sometimes when making a film, less is more. In an attempt to show the awful, barren, hot, jungle, wasteland that these men are in, the art direction was fairly light for this film, which is good. By keeping it simple, it shows how awful the conditions are. You need to make sure that the suffering is felt from the screen, in order to get the best out of the performances. This is definitely some of Alec Guinness' best work, so much so, that he won the Best Actor Oscar for this film.
Gifted director, David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia (1962), who has done a bunch of films with Alec Guinness, gives us a story, that focuses on the psychological side of prison-camp life, as much as, the physical toll it takes on a human being. The main story, revolving around the railroad, is laid out nicely for the audience to follow. The informational explanations, about the construction and modifications for the bridge, are plot points that really help the pace of this 161 minute epic. It is interesting how the British approach the situation. Meanwhile, William Holden is off doing his thing. Bridge on the River Kwai (1952), is a very good, methodically exciting classic film. It won the Best Picture Oscar in 1953. It has a clever soundtrack by Malcolm Arnold, which is one for the ages.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorCarol ReedStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenAlida ValliPulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime.9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsDonald SutherlandElliott GouldTom SkerrittThe staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and high jinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war.When you mention the original theatrical film MASH (1970), sometimes people get confused and think it's part of the famed television series, of the same name, that aired on the CBS television network from 1972-1983. Sure, both had the same characters, took place during the Korean War and even sported the same MASH unit number of the 4077th, but the TV show really was just inspired by the movie, more than anything else. There even was a carry-over actor, from the film to the television series, with Gary Burghoff returning as Radar O'Reilly, but comparing the film to the TV show, doesn't totally work. They really are different animals when you think about it. The TV show, which is one of the best ever (it's my favorite TV sitcom of all time), was limited by the TV censors of the time, while the theatrical film had the luxury of being one of the first films to enjoy the newly formed MPAA rating system. So, the film was able to take advantage of the new R-rated movie tag and was able to test the limits of mature subject matter, that helped the success of the film. That meant more blood, moments of nudity, tougher language and the dark comedy, that couldn't be done on television.
Director Robert Altman, takes the job of assembling this comedy, which takes place during the Korean War. We also must remember, that the war ended, just a mere 17 years before the release of this film. In the same year that Patton (1970) and Kelly's Heroes (1970), came out, Altman wanted to give the audience a different approach to the genre of the war film. Along with screenwriter Ring Lardner Jr. and based off the book "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors" by Richard Hooker, Altman creates a comedy, not seen before in film history. It does what most R-rated comedy films, of the 1970s did, by taking a situation and testing the MPAA's limits, with a more brutal, sexy, degenerately, violent approach, in order to attract an audience over the age of 17. Real cinephiles can watch movies with any rating applied to them. You need to be able to watch a G-rated film, as much as, an R-rated film, in order to enjoy the art of film fully. The R-rated tag for this film, as seen from a 21st century perspective, is now just a frame of reference for its place in film history.
Getting back to this film, the serious side to it is the fact that, the characters in this film work at a MASH unit in Korea, during the Korean War (1950-1953). The Mobile Army Surgical Hospital was first established during the Korean War, so it was a good topic for the writers to tackle. The film surrounds the exploits of the doctors and nurses serving at the MASH. Taking the lead roles are Donald Sutherland as Hawkeye Pierce, Elliot Gould as Trapper John McIntyre and Tom Skerritt as Duke Forrest (a character that never appeared on the TV show). They are brought in as surgeons under the command of Colonel Henry Blake (Roger Bowen). They quickly become the ire of Major Frank Burns (Robert Duvall) and Major Margaret O'Houlihan (Sally Kellerman), known to the camp as, Hot Lips O'Houlihan (the TV show had her name just as Houlihan). In-between all the military shenanigans, fifteen hours standing in blood soaked OR (operating rooms) and trying to avoid being killed in a war thousands of miles from home, the film tells the story of how they cope with the whole situation.
However, this film was a comedy first and foremost. It just happened to take place during the war. In fact, the script for this dark comedy, that used, such a serious setting, won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. They utilize the serious side so well, that the comedy doesn't reduce the message that is in the subplot. That message being, that war is hell. One of the most interesting techniques, that Altman used in making this film, was the use of wild-sound audio recorded along with all the sequences. He shoots his scenes, by allowing the noisiness of the OR to over-shadow the dialogue sometimes. It helps emphasize the chaos, as the doctors do their best to save the soldiers brought in by helicopters. The helicopters are another noise, that sometimes takes over the scene. It is a technique that drives up the reality factor, even with the comedy popping in throughout.
The television show had set up a soundstage of the camp and also had a camp set up outside in northern California, which allowed them to shoot their scenes inside the tents easier, so that the audio was more crisper for television. Altman had the same setup (shot in the same parts of northern California), but he chose to shoot many of his scenes from outside the tents, giving the viewer a, fly-on-the-wall, viewpoint of what transpires in the scene. It is a form of cinematic voyeurism. None of this is more evident, but in the scene when Hawkeye and Trapper, help the camp dentist, Captain 'Painless' Waldowski (John Schuck), try to commit suicide, after he comes to the revelation that his sex drive has died. The entire scene is shot from outside the tent.
The film takes a different turn into another direction, in the last 20 minutes. After all the MASH stories are told, the plot turns completely towards comedy, as the men of the 4077th take part in a football game (very Longest Yard (1974), against the 325th Evac for a $5000 bet. The 325th Evac team is coached by Henry's boss General Hammond (played by G. Wood, who also came back for the TV show, as General Hammond, but just for 3 episodes of the first season). It is a wonderful final act for the film. MASH (1970), is a fantastic film, that uses its source material as a way to express unconventional dark comedy, making fun of a serious subject. It is no wonder it was nominated for five Oscars and the TV show was one of the most successful TV shows in history.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorDavid LeanStarsPeter O'TooleAlec GuinnessAnthony QuinnThe story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.Director, David Lean does something incredible with this film. First off, he kills off the main character right at the beginning of the film. He then, through three and a half hours worth of flashbacks, tells the epic story of the rise of T.E. Lawrence (Peter O'Toole), in the deserts of Arabia. This is a historical biopic of sorts, based off of the book, that Lawrence had written before his death. The film then goes back to the days of WWI. The British need help against the Turks and the Ottoman Empire, during the Middle East theatre of WWI, so Lawrence is sent to Arabia in order to create an allegiance with the Arabs, by assisting them with their fight against the Turks, thus opening up shipping lanes for the British and French to Syria.
As Lawrence begins to tally up victories, survive life threatening situations and makes himself the leader of men, he begins to really believe he is the chosen one. His success was going to his head. Before the madness could take over, he successfully captures the port city of Aqaba on the Red Sea. This opens up things for the British and French, thus sealing his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. This also sets up the fight through the rest of the war, his return to Britain, and the successes and tragedy of his post-war life. Along this epic journey, he meets a wide array of classically great actors, who give this film their all.
Sir Alec Guinness plays Prince Faisal, who is key to the alliance between the British and the Arabs. Anthony Quinn is Auda Abu Tayi, the man who aligns himself with Lawrence, but really is just in this for his own pound of flesh. The most brilliant performance, I felt, was from Claude Rains as Mr. Dryden. Rains' character was fictionalized, but contained a mix of many of the real-life people that Lawrence met during this time. In other words, there were so many influential people, who took part in this piece of history, that even three and a half hours of film couldn't cover it all. They blended some of the contributing figures into one person for time and plot sake.
David Lean uses the widescreen space beautifully in this film. Lawrence of Arabia (1962), was that film that explained why wide-screen was invented. When you see this on the big screen it is almost like you are there in the desert. It works even when you watch it on your flat screen tv at home. The vastness, barren wasteland of the desert presents itself as the true god of the film. It is the desert that is the biggest enemy of any soldier there. This is a brilliant film to watch and it is no surprise it is hailed as one of the best ever.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsCharlton HestonRoddy McDowallKim HunterAn astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.Based on the French novel "La Planète des Singes", published in 1963 by Pierre Boulle, this would be the first ever film adaptation, released just a mere five years after the book was published. The idea behind the Planet of the Apes takes a lot of its inspiration from concepts like, space travel, time travel, evolution of the human species, as well as, the simian species. It parallels a lot of the social, economic and cultural issues affecting society in the 1960s, such as war, racism and political feelings of the day. The cast is led by one of the biggest stars of the day, Charlton Heston as Taylor. It is such a good film that you don't even notice the make-up effects, even today. The film is over 50 years old now and probably wouldn't be as good as it is if it hadn't been produced in 1968. It fits in with its 1968 background beautifully. The make-up effects are state of the art at this point in film history. There was no CGI. There wasn't even computers yet really. It all had to be done with physical effects and hand-made prosthetics. It is that physicality that gives Planet of the Apes (1968) its fantastic charm. I bet it was a very exciting experience for a movie-goer to see this film on the big screen in 1968. It probably blew their mind.
The film creates many interesting, philosophical ideas and entertains the viewer all the way through. Director Franklin J. Schaffner, crafts a clean, well-constructed masterpiece, which just happens to contain many iconic moments. The charm of the make-up prosthetics comes from the chimpanzee scientists, who also exhume compassion towards their captive human pets. They are portrayed by Roddy McDowall as Cornelius and Kim Hunter as Zira. It is their presence that helps bring some sanity into Taylor's situation. They allow us to take a breath in between the chaos that the apes bring to the plotline. Also on tap is Maurice Evans as Dr. Zaius. It is his character that bridges the gap between the angry apes and the compassionate chimpanzees. He has to be like an anti-hero in the film. He has no real care for the humans, but allows his scientists to do their work, so long as they don't untap too many hidden secrets. You can't fault him for that, because he is just protecting his people, but his methods make him look like a jerk, especially from a human's viewpoint.
Amidst all the chaos going on throughout the film, mixed with the action, is a very cerebral storyline. It always keeps you thinking about what is unfolding from the plot. Right off the bat, during the opening crash-landing sequence, our mind is racing with Taylor's, as he tries to escape the ship, while noticing on a digital clock how many years they have been away from planet Earth. For the next couple of scenes you are trying to grasp the situation, that these guys are really in. Before things start to really get rough for Taylor, he explains things to us and his two fellow, stranded astronauts, what they have really left behind on Earth. It is a lonely concept. Why would someone take a mission like this. As the film moves onto Ape City, for the rest of the movie, you are trying to figure out how a planet has apes, who evolved from humans. It is a completely backwards idea from what we are used to. For those of the few, who don't know how the film ends, you will be shocked. I have seen this movie over 20 times and the story still thrills me.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsCillian MurphyEmily BluntMatt DamonThe story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.Directing great, Christopher Nolan, is back with his vision, of how the events of the Manhattan Project, resulted in the creation of the atom bomb. Nolan film alumnus, Cillian Murphy, plays the titular character in this film, J. Robert Oppenheimer. This film has a great cast in it, which incudes Matt Damon as General Leslie Groves. It is a role originally done by Paul Newman, in the slightly criticized, but still worthy motion picture, about those events, in Fat Man and Little Boy (1989). Oppenheimer (2023), also utilizes the great acting prowess of Iron Man, Robert Downey JR., as Lewis Strauss. Nolan film alumnus, Gary Oldman, gives another brilliant performance as Harry S. Truman.
This film is riveting, stunning, mesmerizing, stressful in some ways and edited together, with a brilliant pace. Its massive three hour runtime moves along just fine. The way Nolan intercuts images, like the mushroom cloud, at pivotal moments of the film, in-between the scenes documenting Oppenheimer's life and the events at the Manhattan Project, is one of the best editing jobs I've ever seen in 21st century cinema. Nolan also shows his prowess, with audio tricks, that help emphasize the images and emotions, coming across the screen. And, speaking about audio, the music soundtrack is perfect for this film. You would think, that Nolan film alumnus, music composer, Hans Zimmer was involved with this film, but he was not. Equally brilliant film composer, Ludwig Göransson does the soundtrack for this film and it is beautiful. This was a memorable three hours at the movie theater. What an epic.
9.4 (A MyGrade) = 9 IMDB