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Taxi Driver (1973)
Great movie! Great actors! Great Director! Definitely a ride!
"Taxi Driver," is one of those movies i'd always heard praised when brought up. With good reason, apparently. Not only do you have a young Robert De Niro, which is in and of itself a credit, but you also have the seedy streets of New York as seen through his characters' lens. The opening shots of the movie really put you into the main characters' mindset; and i love how the scenery is blurred by the natural loudness of a big citys' lights.
Going in blind aside from the knowledge of the famous "Mirror scene," improved by De Niro; i really couldn't tell how things were going to end. Not to mention, seeing Jodie Foster so young outside of her usual kind of role was awesome. She was really very convincing, and the little things she does when talking to De Niro's character really indicate the age of this girl who is severely misplaced in her environment.
I love the way this story rounds itself out; it felt like a really strong finish that really helps to make the movie as great as it is.
Midnight Cowboy (1969)
A really great example of how to write effective characters
I did not expect to get as attached to Rizo and Joe as i did. The movie takes you through the whole evolution of their friendship, and leaves on a hopeful note at the end. The redemption of Joe is very much tied to his bond with Rizo-and both end up in a better place than they were at the start of the movie; and probably their lives.
This movie deserves all the praise I've heard about it. It's a much watch for writers or anyone who deals in characters. Dustin Hoffman; who plays Rizzo, is in a kind of role I never would have expected to see him play. But it's an impactful one, for sure.
I actually really love the music they chose for this as well. The lyrics and pacing of the music really fit well into this world that has been depicted for us. Though keep in mind it is rated R for some content.
To Catch a Thief (1955)
A fun watch that will keep you guessing
This is probably one of the lighter films of Hitchcock's. The main subject matter isn't intense in nature, compared to "Bate's Motel," or "Rear Window," for example. Aside from the sweeping vistas that this film takes time to really highlight in its long takes, the lighting at night and the "Worms eye view," (that pop up occasionally toward the end) are really some moments where you can really appreciate what your watching.
Looking at this after having learned something about film, I can definitely appreciate both the physical color and the mood that is created through a combination of setting, and dialogue (or lack of it, at times,). Overall; maybe not the best example of what Hitchcock is capable of, but a really enjoyable film with a great cast. Not a bad way to be introduced to his films if this is the first one you or another person are seeing.
Not to mention that the ending is pretty surprising, and chances of just guessing what will happen correctly right out of the gate is very slim. Something that movies made now can sometimes lack.
Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Wonderful, dazing movie with a lot to say
This is a wonderful movie. I say this for a few reasons; the different characters you meet during your time watching each seem to have things to say about the state of Hollywood at the time. Although some of the commentary could carry over into criticisms of the same Hollywood today. I would even argue that some of the things the main actress expresses from the beginning to the end: could speak to some of the affects of Hollywood on child actors.
One of the driving forces of this movie is the actions and behaviors of the former silent screen actress, that ultimately collide with the realities of the changing world. I feel this movie has a lot to say that you may not be able to catch with the first sitting alone. While it's not the kind of movie i'd recommend to relax to after a long day, it is an excellent one to watch.
I promise an impression will be left on you after watching this; and some of the jokes are better understood if you have seen your share of older and a few silent films. Highly recommend.
The African Queen (1951)
Historical Fiction at It's finest
I forgot how much I loved this movie until i saw it again. This is Historical Fiction at its' finest. Both Hepburn and Bogart are a delight to watch; and their charm just exudes in every scene. Bogart plays one of his gruffest roles I've seen; and both characters end up contributing to each other's arch's in unexpected ways.
And of course the setting is beautiful, with very few speaking roles on screen for any length of time outside of the duo. Another reviewer mentioned that lesser actors might have brought this film easily down to a glorified travel tour, and i have to agree with that.
If either role had been cast with an actor whose presence came across as weak; this would at best: be a very boring movie to watch. Fortunately, that's not the case here.
If you haven't seen it, it is so worth the watch! (Now i have to find out how the book and movie differ. I can't imagine what they had to leave out of the film adaptation.)
The Stranger (1946)
'The Stranger,' is not who you think he is.
'The Stranger,' came out only two years after the official end of World War 2. As such, tensions would have still been riding high to someone watching this in theaters at its' release.
This film might actually be a great way to introduce some aspects of the holocaust to someone of a newer generation--it gives some specific highlights of what was done in Europe at the time, after all. And there would be no need to be well versed in the events of the rise of Hitler, or so forth to understand the weight of what Orson Welle's character represents. Although, having some background will certainly make you feel no sympathy for the way things eventually pan out at the end of the film.
It felt a little as though there were some cues taken from 1931's Frankenstein; which felt perfectly used in this small world of a Connecticut Town where usually you would expect nothing out of the ordinary to invade people's daily lives.
Also, the Actress playing Franz's wife gave an awesome performance. By the end, she has really become one of the strongest characters in the film. The detective, played by Edward Robinson is someone i have seen as both a villain and a a hero in movies. As such, his casting in the film felt like a great wild card that kept me on edge on his first appearance.
Beautiful, well done movie. Highly Recommend.
Dracula (1931)
A plethora of dramatic faces, slanted lighting, and the occasional scream
I didn't expect to enjoy this film as much as i did. It's a short, one hour experience that essentially introduced one of the most memorable movie monsters to date. So, be prepared for a plethora of dramatic faces, slanted lighting, and the occasional scream.
Bela Lugosi's performance as Dracula feels over the top, but in the best way possible. He is't given an exhaustive back story; as Hollywood feels the need to do with most every hero and villain on screen now, and that works in its favor. Not having an explanation as to how Dracula came to be actually opens up a lot of doors for storytelling with this character.
Something that film-makers evidently knew, if the sequels are anything to go by. I was surprised at the way Van Helsing was portrayed; modern interpretations seem to take this character in varied ways. Dwight Frye, who played the role of 'Renfield' was massively entertaining, erratic and energetic in a way that the dignified Dracula was not. Together, they make an interesting pair on screen. This and its sequels would be great bing material for Halloween night.
Fantasia (1940)
I can't believe I haven't seen this until now!
I grew up with the 2000's fantasia, which I have seen many times over. Maybe that's why I was so partial to it when I would hear that the first fantasia was so much better than the one I already knew. It turns out those people had a point. Nothing feels forced as the conductor and the musicians around him actually stop to breathe in between the pieces they're playing.
In addition, many of the musical bits with their animation; (which I have inevitably come across on the Internet) are really so much more impact-full in context. More time and attention seems to be given to each piece, which leads to numbers that can slowly fade in or out at the musics' pace-unhurried.
There are a lot of moments throughout that will make someone familiar with the 40's and some of its ideas laugh for sure. I also feel as if the orchestra is more connected to what they are playing; rather than being swept aside by the animation. Though, the animation is stunning. When you consider that computers and just technology surrounding film, (let alone that in everyday life,) was nowhere near it is today; it's hard not to appreciate the time and skill that it really took to create an animation: let alone a Disney Animation. So glad I watched this! Though I still recommend seeing the later 200's version as well, because there are a few breathtaking numbers to be seen within; just know that the atmosphere of the two films do differ some.
Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)
Great watch for a history buff or someone drawn to courtroom drama.
Young Mr. Lincoln from Director John Ford, is engaging and simple. Engaging in that Henry Fonda plays up some of the more well known qualities that we know and love about the real-life man. Such as his aptitude for speaking in front of a crowd: and the charisma he exuded that told people to listen when he spoke.
The movie paints him as a simple man from a small town. He's amiable enough, with a good head on his shoulders and a sense of justice that colors his interactions with the hot-headed and weeping alike. Though this movie only covers a very short span of his life: and the Hollywood lens has no doubt had some influence in this-- (and in the case of most portrayals of historical figures,)it still feels as though Lincoln, as well as the other characters that are introduced throughout the duration of the movie are all very tangible and possible versions of who may have been a part of his early life at the time.
About a quarter-way through Young Lincoln; as the main plot reveals itself, it's surprising just how much it keeps you guessing as to how it will all end. I highly recommend this movie for history buffs as well as those interested at all in the innate drama of law and courtrooms.
His Girl Friday (1940)
Going in blind will let this movie have its max effect!
"His Girl Friday," is one of those movies that i could never quite catch on t.v. from start to end. But, having finally seen it in all its' glory, I can say it's definitely worth a watch. Carey and Russel are both dynamic actors who really play their characters fully here, as always. While they both fit the roles they were given perfectly; I do feel that together their performances sort of tug at the limelight one way or the other in a number of scenes. This, at least to me; kind of muted their respective charisma's; at least until the second half.
By the time the second half comes around, the characters gel together much more seamlessly. Having come into this with little idea of what to expect; I was pleasantly surprised when the climax of the movie made its' appearance. The moments where his 'Con-man,' persona comes to light are hilarious; his talent to make an innocent bystander feel guilty for something that Carey himself has done wrong is pure delight. Highly recommend going into this as blind as possible!
City Streets (1931)
"City Streets," shows a different side of Gary Cooper
Every time I think I've seen my favorite of Gary Coopers' performances, I find yet another movie where he plays a stand-out character. City Streets is no exception.
Maybe the earliest of his films I've seen thus far; there's a cockiness and confidence in his performance that is a bit grittier than one might expect coming from watching a handful of his newer movies. Examples that come to mind are "Meet John Doe," and "Great Balls of Fire," which both came out in 1941 (10 years after City Streets,).
The confidence he carries in his role as "The Kid," is louder and more apparent than in these later films. But both the more quiet sense of assurance and the louder work as they need to in the roles he's given.
The actress who plays his love interest, Sylvia Sidney or "Nan," also gives a very strong performance as a young woman who must save face and have nerves of steel to deal with the Gangster world she's been dragged into. Even in her few moments of weakness, she makes an effort to change the situation around her for the better.
Every actor in this movie is so immersed in the reality of what they could lose (save for "Blackie" and "Pop", who aren't shaken my much of anything,) that you can immediately feel the weight of the world that these characters are tangled in together.
Highly recommended!
Girl Shy (1924)
Adorable Movie!
I had never seen a Harold Lloyd film before this, but definitely plan to see more of them after watching Girl Shy! He portrays a Dorky, socially awkward character that you'll instantly gel with on a few different levels. The actress who plays "The Rich girl," in this film- Jobyna Ralston is charming and someone I would have loved to meet if I'd been born a few decades earlier. Another notable Character would include Harold's uncle. He is portrayed as as sweet, older man who has pretty much accepted that his Nephew is a strange one; but doesn't push him to change.
There are also some very sweet moments shared between the two leads that remind me of two kids falling in love. If you're a fan of Romantic Comedies you will absolutely love this!