What a sinister delight, Josef Von Sternberg guided Marlene to become Dietrich. He knew something about her that nobody knew, maybe not even her. But whatever it was it's still magic. When Gary Cooper sees her for the first time, she's dressed as a man and look at what happens in Cooper's eyes. Von Sternberg knew what he was doing. Deliciously twisted. She's in charge and yet she allows herself to surrender. Her masculinity blends to perfection with Cooper's femininity - It is clear now in 2018, I wonder how the 1930 audiences saw it. If you love movies, Morocco is a gift.
Reviews
7 Reviews
Always
(1989)
Marg Helgenberger
23 April 2018
After seeing a movie with Marg Helgenberger made in the 90's "Death Dreams" with Christopher Reeve, I felt the need to look for other Marg Helgenberger performances besides her famous turn in CSI - To my surprise, not many, except "Death Dreams" where she gives a performance that goes straight to something truly personal. She is amazing, amazing! That's how I got to Always. The only Spielberg film I hadn't seen. The film is a sort of remake of "A Guy Named Joe" charming with a lovely central performance by Holly Hunter but where is Marg? She's way back in the background. Beautiful and real but way too far away in the background. The most memorable memorable moment, at least for a film buff - is the last film appearance by Audrey Hepburn, as an angel.
Unconditional Love
(2002)
Not The Salad But The Dressing
20 March 2018
A mish mash of things you don't actually know what you're seeing, but it is delicious anyway. We know by now that Rupert Everett is a great actor a courageous man and downright irresistible. Unconditional love reminds you that unconditional means unconditional so you're going to love it, no matter what. From Julie Andrews to Don't Look Now, yeah why not. I had a lot of fun.
AFI Life Achievement Award: AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Jane Fonda
(2014)
Jane Fonda's Day
Season 1, Episode 42
20 March 2018
"It's better to be interested than interesting" with those words Jane Fonda closed the AFI Lifetime Achievement. A richly deserved tribute to her life and career. Meryl Streep talked about Jane's focus and kindness the kind of kindness that can and will be passed on. For me she always represented the best of America. Truthful, passionate, fearless. Her mistakes were tried in public and she apologized and explained, again and again. I believe in her, totally.
Russians In The War Room
17 May 2017
Spectacular and chilling to watch Dr. Strangelove in May 16, 2017. I'm not going to talk about prophecy not even coincidence. Art has a way to warn, express or simply entertain in a way that its relevance will always be renewed. That opening with George C Scott's secretary, in her underwear, answering the phone for her boss in the most professional tone imaginable, is a masterful way to introduce us to the normal absurdity we're about to embark on. Terry Southern's extraordinary script (sharing credit with Peter George and Stanley Kubrick himself) is a masterpiece of intention and execution. The film doesn't have a moment of emptiness nor a single cheap shot. Everything works with the irrational logic of tradition and set standards. How can something so serious and ultimately terrifying can be so funny. I think that's the definition of film art. I don't want to sound pompous but that's exactly how I feel. I've seen a 1966 movie by Stanley Kubrick in 2017 that's better, more relevant, ingenious and even revolutionary than anything we've seen in a long, long time. Peter Sellers, fantastic three times over (and he was also going to play the Slim Pickens part) George C Scott in one of the greatest comic performances ever put on film and Sterling Hayden in a frighteningly credible show of abuse of power, complete the pleasures of this remarkable film.
Snatched
(2017)
The Big Question
17 May 2017
I just couldn't believe it. Amy Schumer, the comedian of the moment and iconic Goldie Hawn decide to make a movie together, wow! But this is the best they could come up with? So depressing. Have they heard of Preston Sturges, Billy Wilder. No of course not. Goldie Hawn must know. She was in "Overboard" and in that original, witty and phenomenal comedy with Meryl Streep "Death Becomes Her" She was with Ingrid Bergman and Walter Matthau in "Cactus Flower". My point is, she must have known, reading the script that this was going to be offensive to an audience who loves her. There is nothing to recommend here but lots to reprimand.
The Substitute
(1993 TV Movie)
An Explosive Amanda Donohoe
8 April 2017
Wow! I had a lot of fun, I was taken and manipulated in the most delicious way. Amanda Donohoe creates a very human monster. She is spec-ta-cu-lar! That pain that you perceive in every one of her smiles is like an emotional ticking bomb that sooner or later is going to explode. I had to be reminded this movie was made for cable TV about two decades ago and that may explain its inconsistencies. Martin Donovan, the director, has an eye and an elegance so beautifully present in his Apartment Zero. There is a clear ambition, visual and dramatic in this surprising movie - look at that triangular moment at the school party. Father, son and teacher. Or the computer search with images and words taking over the screen. Also, the performances are totally cinematic. It bears repeating that Amanda Donohoe's performance deserves some kind of trophy. Dalton James, Natasha Gregson Wagner, Molly Parker and even Mark Wahlberg making his film debut have moments of beauty and power. All the characters even the smallest have a chance to shine. I've been trying to buy it in Amazon or Netflix - they never heard of it! I can't find it anywhere but I'm determined to see it again.
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