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Reviews
The Apartment (1960)
Hands down, the best dramedy ever made
The Apartment is my all-time favorite movie alongside The Godfather.I've seen it 6 times so far.This is one of the rare movies that made me applaud for 5 minutes after seeing it.Yes,I love Billy Wilder,his "THE BEST OF" collection should probably consist of 15 movies or so,but I think he really excelled himself with this one.I've never seen a witty,sharp comedy and a strong,satirical drama blended so well.This film is filled with witty one-liners and additional script details so typical of Wilder(the suffix -wise,showing four fingers to indicate three by both main characters,etc.),yet it tackles some very serious issues,such are the loneliness in a big city,insignificance of an individual within a system(the opening scene),infidelity,and even an attempted suicide.The direction is great as usual with Billy in charge.But the real gem of this movie are the actors--Jack Lemmon,one of the most versatile and lovable actors of our time gives possibly the performance of his successful career,as C.C.Baxter who decides to become a mensch.Shirley MacLaine is the best active actress alongside Meryl Streep,and she demonstrates her immense skill as Fran Kubelik,the lovable elevator girl,who can't find true love.There's Fred MacMurray in a perfect role of a family-wrecker,so unusual for him.And the priceless supporting cast-Jack Kruschen,Ray Walston and others-made this movie what it is--an absolute MASTERPIECE!!!I don't know what else to say,except SEE IT(whoever didn't),and to the ones who did SEE IT AGAIN!!!It is shameful that Jack and Shirley didn't get Oscars for their wonderful roles,but that's another story.
Pocketful of Miracles (1961)
Touching drama,witty comedy and a drop of a fairy tale combined in another Capra's magical film
I can think only of three directors who were capable of blending drama and comedy in a way that makes you applaud after the film ends.Billy Wilder,his mentor Ernst Lubitsch and of course,Frank Capra.Pocketful of Miracles(1961)is Capra's final feature and he ended his glorious career in a truly miraculous fashion.I have read many reviews which pointed out many flaws of this film,but I have to disagree.There are many elements that make this film a true masterpiece.Firstly,the screenplay based upon the story by Robert Riskin and Damon Runyon is wonderful--it is filled with witty one-liners that make you laugh and cry,and it embodies the spirit of Broadway.It is wrong to say that this film doesn't make you think after seeing it-it is much more than just a morality story,with tastefully and artistically presented characters.Secondly,there is absolutely top-notch cast,most of the actors make truly memorable performances(except for Peter Mann,who was rather stiff).Glenn Ford is a fantastic,somewhat forgotten actor,who embodied Dave the Dude superbly.As a prominent gangster and bootlegger who has a thing for Annie's apples,he is simultaneously tough,ironic,charismatic,and incredibly charming in his obstinacy and tenacity.Bette Davis again demonstrates why she was considered the best actress ever.She masterfully portrayed the complex and nuanced character of an alcoholic beggar who controls the beggary on Broadway.She actually shows that even a beggar can be stylish.And the love she has for her daughter Louise-that's magical.Beautiful Hope Lange is great(as always)in the role of Dave's lover Queenie,who wants to move to Baltimore with him and have children.Her change of heart towards Annie is wonderful.The supporting cast is adorable.Peter Falk deserved an Oscar for his inspirational and truly funny portrayal of a distrustful gangster Joy Boy.Thomas Mitchell made his last performance as a pool-hall-junkie-judge who stands in for Annie's husband.And he did it exceptionally.Ann Margret makes her debut as Annie's loving daughter.The direction is flawless,as usual when Capra is in charge.All these elements should make this film an unforgettable experience,and not just a film you watch for fun(no classic film lover should watch films just for fun). I agree that Lady for a day is a great,memorable film,special in many ways.But,the significance of Pocketful of Miracles should in no way be diminished on account of being a re-make.The sixties differ greatly from today,when irritating blockbusters,re-makes sequels and comic-book adaptations unfortunately prevail.Pocketful of Miracles is a must-see for any Capra lover,classic film lover in general,and for all the people who still believe in miracles.I'm one of them and I truly believe that both Hollywood and Europe will live again through the films who would touch the people over the mental age of three,if you know what I mean.
Babel (2006)
Dreary,tactlessly presented and incredibly unrealistic movie
After seeing"Amores perros" and"21 grams",I really expected a lot from Alejandro Inarritu's latest feature"Babel".Pretty pompous and masterpiece-wise announcements increased my interest.I heard this was the piece that completes the trilogy,so I couldn't wait to get it and see it.I expected a true refreshment in comparison to today's irritating blockbusters,sequels,re-makes and comic-book adaptations. Boy,was I wrong!That was one of the most unpleasant surprises in my entire life.This movie did not satisfy me in any respect.Let's start from the alleged depth that it has:people should be more tolerant,caring,loving,etc. to one another.Illegal immigrants,non-white races and challenged people should be treated as equal members of society.I agree.But,this movie presented the message as if it were written on a piece of paper and distributed among the listeners of some lecture on equality.Without any style,without intelligent script,without thoroughly explained interpersonal relationships,cultural differences or backgrounds.We know very little about the characters.Misfortunes happen one after another,but the circumstances of every one of them are inexplicably unrealistic.(Maybe the part of the message was that misfortunes are essentially needless and senseless.)But,as I said before,the artistic touch is missing.Arabic children test the gun by firing at least ten bullets randomly,one of which magically hits an American tourist in a crowded bus.What are the odds for something like that?Haley's comet is more regular.I would love to meet a father who would give a rifle to his 8-to-10-year-old sons and leave them be.Secondly,what's the point of watching a kid masturbating behind a rock?The shooting scene lacks continuity.Blanchett kisses Pitt right after urinating!?As far as Mexican immigrants are concerned,the director is biased to the point of irritation.I am very aware of the position that minorities have,but the degree of their humility in this movie is ridiculous at times.Gael Garcia Bernal's character starts a conflict with the police without any obvious reason,but his own stubbornness and drunkenness.But,why did he actually disobeyed the police and run?We cannot possibly know.And the only message the director left us when it comes to the deaf Japanese girl is that challenged people should be treated equally as everybody else and their parents should spend more time with them.But,why did her mother commit suicide?Does she maybe want to have her father actually?What is really happening in her head?No answer.This part of the story is very shallow and superficial.There have been many movies dealing with human handicaps,and this is one of the weakest.Inarritu's message again lacks style,originality,sensitivity and art.It simply grabs you,it is like a violent penetration,leaves you at a loss.I was astounded by the number of awards it was nominated for.This is a film with a solid commercial background,trying to pass for a masterpiece,supported by some famous actors.But,the movie is,for the most of the time,simply senseless.None of the actors was a standout-it is a shame for Cate Blanchett,she is one of few good young actresses.Ladies,if you like Brad Pitt,see him in "Legends of the Fall" or "Seven".This movie is also too long for its own good.An utter disappointment.
The Country Girl (1954)
Another magnificent movie based upon the stage play
Lately,I have seen many movies based on stage plays(such are Sleuth,Johnny Belinda,A man for all seasons,etc.)which are perfect tens.I am glad to say that"The Country Girl"(written by Clifford Odets,adapted and directed by George Seaton)is no exception.A touching story of a has-been actor/singer,whose life,marriage and career are devastated by alcohol.This is Bing Crosby's finest hour when it comes to drama,and his musical talent is used very well(the original script is re-written in order for him to play the part of Frank.)He is a bit too old for the part,but he still managed to express all the complexities of his character.His friend Bernie(superbly played by William Holden)sees the next play as an opportunity for Frank to come back on top.That won't be an easy job,for Frank is constantly haunted by the death of his little son and he seems to be controlled and manipulated by his wife(Grace Kelly).The plot thickens when Bernie starts to think that she is Frank's constant stumbling block,and that her possessiveness and selfishness are the main problem(even that she is a primary drunk of the family)But,as the story progresses,we see something completely different-that is a marvelous twist!The son's death is only an excuse,a cover-story for Frank's own psychological weakness.Georgie is actually a long-suffering,"loyal and steadfast" wife,who stood by her man in times of trouble.I have read many bad things considering Grace's acting and I have to disagree.She played against type and her character is very complex and nuanced.It took a lot more than a pretty face to pull it off properly.And she did it.She played with feeling and poignancy and made Georgie absolutely believable.I'm glad she proved herself as a dramatic actress and got an Oscar for her blistering performance.The only thing that I have to agree with is that she doesn't look like a country girl,no matter how simple and cheap clothes she wears.She is too beautiful and sophisticated.When it comes to William Holden,he is in his own backyard here-he portrayed a long-trusting friend superbly and his change of heart towards Georgie is beautiful-he couldn't be more wrong about her,and that change is marvelously presented.The script is magnificent,sort of Wilder-like with many witty one-liners.I liked most the one about Juliets and Lady Macbeths.Most of the numbers are also fantastic,sometimes the whole movie looks theater-like. All in all,this is another gem of the fifties and a must-see for classic film-lovers-at least because of wonderful script and impressive acting.
Johnny Belinda (1948)
The true gem of the 40s.Oh,Johnny,what a movie!
I have read some great things about this movie before I saw it and I am very glad to say-it was all true!The screenplay,based upon the stage play by Elmer Harris,is fascinating,and all the characters are absolutely believable-at times you would say that you actually know these people.Their habits and beliefs are beautifully presented,so are all the beauties and drawbacks of village life.This is a touching drama with elements of romance about a modest doctor who sees hidden potentials and talents in a deaf-mute girl Belinda McDonald and does his best to show her and her family that she could live a normal life.He treats her as a human being and an intelligent girl which she is.He also helps her father and aunt to realize how smart and sensitive Belinda actually is.Things change for the worse after she was raped by a village rascal Locky.When the doctor finds out she is pregnant,the scandal is inevitable... I won't tell you the rest,you just have to see this magnificent movie.The direction is flawless,even though Negulesco is a relatively unknown director of the 40s(there were Huston,Ford,Wilder,Capra,Lang,Mankiewicz,etc.)Still,he manages to draw viewers' attention to important things-he used the script very well.Every member of the cast is the story of his own,but I simply must point out Jane Wyman.A strikingly beautiful woman,whom I saw before only in The Lost Weekend,was really mesmerising.Her stellar performance represents the best-played challenged person ever,and one of the most deserved Oscars in Hollywood history.You can see every her feeling and thought on her pretty face-I was swept off my feet by her power of expression.The scene in which she prays in sign language over her father's deathbed is among the most poignant ever made.I was lost for words when I saw it.The great accomplishment of the great actress.Lew Ayres portrayed the doctor marvelously-he experienced the same hell as Belinda,and still,he stood by her all the way.Certainly,one of his best roles.This is the first movie in which Jane Wyman and Agnes Moorehead starred together-they continued their partnership over the years.Agnes did great and also deserved the Academy award for her role of strict,but good aunt Aggie.(Claire Trevor got the Award,because she portrayed an alcoholic-a pure cliché.)Charles Bickford was very good as the patriarch who does all he can to keep his family together.He and Jane make beautiful father-daughter chemistry on screen.Other actors gave their own contribution to make this film a true masterpiece,which it is.This is a must-see for any classic film-lover and another proof that you can learn many,many things about life from classic movies.Every man carries the substance that makes him human inside his own heart.This is a monumental movie.
Legends of the Fall (1994)
A masterpiece with impressive acting
This great Zwick's film is a serious and sad drama about a family and a woman who broke it.Brad Pitt as wild and just Tristan is surprisingly good and pretty convincing as a big shot Romantic hero.He even resembles Heathcliff,I would say.The death of the youngest brother and falling in love with Susanna(Julia Ormond)will change his life and the lives of his father and brother.This is a must-see movie.Anthony Hopkins is marvelous, fabulous, great, superb,and much more-he is a true artist.See this film if you did not-you won't regret.This is certainly one of the saddest and the most serious movies made in the nineties-you will certainly think about it after you see it and it is rather depressive.Still,this is one of the best dramas I've ever seen and it is worth watching More than once.