My Journey Into Classical Films. - Page 4

MovieBuff801 · 04-13-2012, 01:24 PM

I feel pretty much the same way about Rear Window, though I like it a LITTLE BIT more than you do.

IanTheCool · 04-13-2012, 01:32 PM

So, is that B in comparison to other Hitchcock? Because if you said it was better that 98% of films today, shouldn't that be a little higher?

MasterChief117 · 04-13-2012, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moviebuff801

I feel pretty much the same way about Rear Window, though I like it a LITTLE BIT more than you do.

Probably. I was hoping for more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

So, is that B in comparison to other Hitchcock? Because if you said it was better that 98% of films today, shouldn't that be a little higher?

Both comparison and added. I threw in the fact that I felt like it was better than most movies today. That being said if I compared Transformers to this. I'd give this film probably an A. If this doesn't make sense, believe me, I'm aware.

PG Cooper · 04-13-2012, 02:00 PM

I love Rear Window, I think it's one of Hitchcock's strongest films. Jimmy Stewart steals the show acting wise, but I think the entire cast is great. It's highly suspenseful, the dialogue is great, and the whole thing is just excellent filmmaking. I prefer Psycho and Vertigo, but I'd say there all in the same league as far as quality goes.

Rating: A+

MasterChief117 · 04-13-2012, 02:04 PM

I was especially harsh on this film.

MovieBuff801 · 04-13-2012, 03:06 PM

I'd give Rear Window 3 1/2 out of 4 stars, which is the same as an A-.

MovieBuff801 · 04-16-2012, 05:08 PM

From the current round of the CS Film Club:

The Third Man

Film noir isn't neccessarily a genre I pine over a lot, but it's still one that interests me all the same.Films of that sort generally provide intriguing stories and palpable atmospheres, and Carol Reed's 1949 film "The Third Man" is no exception.

The story starts off with Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), a popular pulp novelist arriving in post-World War II Vienna intending to visit an old friend, Harry, (Orson Welles), but finds out that Harry recently died in an accident. After the funeral and a few visits with some of Harry's acquaintances in Vienna, though, something about Harry's death starts to seem fishy to Holly. So, Holly mounts an investigation of his own, attracting the attention of a detective (Trevor Howard) and a mysterious woman (Alida Valli) in the process.

First of all, the story intrigued me and was able to pull me in rather quickly. The script itself is fairly tightly written, but I still felt there were a few parts where things dragged. But overall, though, the story held my interest and I enjoyed trying to piece together the clues before everything fell into place.

I really enjoyed Joseph Cotten and Trevor Howard, though, and thought they brought a lot of charm, assuredness and life to the screen, especially the scenes that featured the both of them. Alida Valli was good, too, but I think it's Cotten and Howard who carry most of the film. And when Orson Welles shows up, he certainly has the air of a professional.

One other thing that caught my attention was the score. I'm not sure exactly what instrument was used for most of it, but it gave the film a very interesting flair. Kind of half-noir and half...I'm not sure. But that's a good thing, I assure you.

All in all, though, I found "The Third Man" to be a very intriguing and enjoyable film.

***1/2 /****

Doomsday · 04-17-2012, 10:31 PM

I enjoy Rear Window as well but it's not my favorite Hitchcock movie.

Dracula · 04-17-2012, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moviebuff801

One other thing that caught my attention was the score. I'm not sure exactly what instrument was used for most of it, but it gave the film a very interesting flair.

That was a traditional Eastern European instrument called a Zither by the way.

MovieBuff801 · 05-23-2012, 05:19 PM

Another one down...

It's A Wonderful Life

Of all the classical films that have earned such a status over the years, there's bound to be some that are good, but not really capable of living up to the hype. Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" is such a film.

We all know the story: a man raised in a small town (Jimmy Stewart) leads a life that he believes isn't the life he COULD have had if events had played out differently, and is thus treated to a glimpse of what life would've been like for his loved ones if he'd never existed.

Frst off, I gotta say I was surprised that particular aspect of the plot, which the film is widely known for, doesn't kick in til the 100-minute mark out of a 130-minute film. I understand Capra's intention here was to better establish the circumstances of Stewart's life in the film, but nonetheless, there were quite a few moments throughout where I went, "Get to the point already." I think this movie could've been trimmed just a bit.

Plus, I was sort of disappointed that for most of the time, this movie is a pretty standard romance film. I'm not saying that's a BAD thing in the long run, in fact I was more invested in this than I have been most movies of the genre these days, but I was just expecting more from a film that's number 11 on this edition of the AFI list. There's also a degree of predictability to the plot.

Though I can't deny the charisma of Jimmy Stewart, which is really this movie's saving grace. He singlehandedly makes the film better than it should be.

In the end, I'd say "It's A Wonderful Life" is good, I still enjoyed it, but I was just expecting better.

***/****

SnoBorderZero · 05-28-2012, 03:45 PM

Capra's films always have a high amount of "cheese" to them, including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "It Happened One Night" which are considered his better films. I think Dracula called the style once "Capracorn" which is pretty fair. I generally enjoy Capra's films and he's certainly got a definitive style that has dubbed him an auteur, but he's certainly not my favorite.

Dracula · 05-28-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoBorderZero

I think Dracula called the style once "Capracorn" which is pretty fair.

For the record, I didn't invent that term, I just agree with it.

Neverending · 05-28-2012, 04:22 PM

Capra might be too happy-go-lucky for film snubs.

PG Cooper · 06-24-2012, 08:31 PM

Taken from the film club:

It's A Wonderful Life

This review might be really brief given that I have a minor injury which makes typing awkward. Moving right along....

It's A Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart). George lives in a small town called Bedford Falls. He yearns to leave, but finds himself being sucked back to Bedford time and time again so he may help others. George ponders the relevance of his own life before being confronted by an angel (Henry Travers) who shows George what the world would be like if George didn't exist.

Alright, so the thing that everyone knows about this film is the aspect of the angel showing George what life would be like had George never existed. Surprisingly enough, this material doesn't really make an appearance until during the third act. Most of the film looks at George's history. The film looks at his failed attempts to leave Bedford, how he become a hero to the people, and his love with his future-wife Mary (Donna Reed). All of this material is well-executed and compelling.

The acting here is great. Jimmy Stewart is marvelous as George Bailey. He's insanely likable and you root for him the whole way through. He's a very honest, kind, and giving human being. Near the end, when George starts to break down, as sad as it is you feel like he's earned the right to finally unload his anger. Stewart carries the film really, and he does an excellent job. Donna Reed his great as the central love interest, and Lionel Barrymore makes for a truly despicable villain.

The film has a very whimsical nature to it, and I can see it turning a lot of viewers off. Personally, I was enchanted throughout. The third act is where the film really began to move me. I only have two small nitpicks. One, I feel the way the film portrayed heaven was uninspired. I can see why they wanted to be fairly ambiguous, but I think something more interesting could have been accomplished. Second, the event that causes things to go so wrong for George near the end was kind of stupid. But these are minor gripes. At the end of the day, It's A Wonderful Life is a great film that left me feeling very happy.

Rating: A

Ramplate · 06-24-2012, 08:45 PM

I like Capra films

MovieBuff801 · 06-25-2012, 12:56 AM

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as you did, Cooper.

PG Cooper · 06-25-2012, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moviebuff801

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as you did, Cooper.

Me too. Sorry you didn't enjoy it more.

IanTheCool · 06-25-2012, 07:55 AM

I also like Capra films. There's nothing wrong with some wide-eyed sentimentality every once in a while.

PG Cooper · 06-25-2012, 08:38 AM

Particularly when it's done so well.

MovieBuff801 · 06-25-2012, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanTheCool

I also like Capra films. There's nothing wrong with some wide-eyed sentimentality every once in a while.

I don't mind sentimentality, either, but again, I was just expecting more from this.

Ramplate · 06-25-2012, 10:59 AM

My favorite Capra films (in no particular order)
It's a Wonderful Life
Arsenic & Old Lace
It Happened One Night
Mr Smith Goes to Washington
You Can't Take it With You
Lost Horizon

Note: I've never seen the original Mr Deeds

SnoBorderZero · 06-28-2012, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neverending

Capra might be too happy-go-lucky for film snubs.

I don't agree there, he's considered an auteur of cinema and his movies appear on numerous film lists. His films reflect the Depression's need for fun escapism movies to take people's minds off the country's hardships, elements of which don't always translate well today. So yeah, you're wrong.

Justin · 07-01-2012, 12:02 PM

Right. Even people like Ray Carney like Capra. His vision is something more sentimental, sure, but his films have just as much truth as a Herzog or Antonioni.

PG Cooper · 07-01-2012, 01:34 PM

I don't have time for a full review, but I just watched Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon for the first time and I must say, that is one hell of a film. The acting was great, and I especially loved Toshiro Mifune's crazy and over-the-top performance as Tajomaru. The entire cast was great though. The pacing was awesome, the story-telling top notch, and the overall themes very interesting. Great, great movie. My second Kurosawa film and he's becoming one of my favourite filmmakers.

Rating: A+

SnoBorderZero · 07-03-2012, 01:54 AM

Rashomon is fantastic, I was surprised in my film class at how many people had yet to see it. Kurosawa's first great film in my opinion.

04-13-2012, 01:24 PM	#76
MovieBuff801 Fringe Division Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Walter's Lab Posts: 10,885	I feel pretty much the same way about Rear Window, though I like it a LITTLE BIT more than you do. __________________ AFI Top 100 Movies (1998) Seen: 67 out of 100

04-13-2012, 02:00 PM	#79
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,138	I love Rear Window, I think it's one of Hitchcock's strongest films. Jimmy Stewart steals the show acting wise, but I think the entire cast is great. It's highly suspenseful, the dialogue is great, and the whole thing is just excellent filmmaking. I prefer Psycho and Vertigo, but I'd say there all in the same league as far as quality goes. Rating: A+ __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

04-13-2012, 02:04 PM	#80
MasterChief117 I believe in you Jim Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gotham City Posts: 13,345	I was especially harsh on this film. __________________ "I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. I only know what I can do." "There's greatness in you. But there's not an ounce of humility. You think that you can't make mistakes, but there's gonna come a moment when you realize you're wrong about that. And you're gonna get yourself and everyone under your command killed."

04-13-2012, 03:06 PM	#81
MovieBuff801 Fringe Division Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Walter's Lab Posts: 10,885	I'd give Rear Window 3 1/2 out of 4 stars, which is the same as an A-. __________________ AFI Top 100 Movies (1998) Seen: 67 out of 100

04-16-2012, 05:08 PM	#82
MovieBuff801 Fringe Division Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Walter's Lab Posts: 10,885	From the current round of the CS Film Club: The Third Man Film noir isn't neccessarily a genre I pine over a lot, but it's still one that interests me all the same.Films of that sort generally provide intriguing stories and palpable atmospheres, and Carol Reed's 1949 film "The Third Man" is no exception. The story starts off with Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), a popular pulp novelist arriving in post-World War II Vienna intending to visit an old friend, Harry, (Orson Welles), but finds out that Harry recently died in an accident. After the funeral and a few visits with some of Harry's acquaintances in Vienna, though, something about Harry's death starts to seem fishy to Holly. So, Holly mounts an investigation of his own, attracting the attention of a detective (Trevor Howard) and a mysterious woman (Alida Valli) in the process. First of all, the story intrigued me and was able to pull me in rather quickly. The script itself is fairly tightly written, but I still felt there were a few parts where things dragged. But overall, though, the story held my interest and I enjoyed trying to piece together the clues before everything fell into place. I really enjoyed Joseph Cotten and Trevor Howard, though, and thought they brought a lot of charm, assuredness and life to the screen, especially the scenes that featured the both of them. Alida Valli was good, too, but I think it's Cotten and Howard who carry most of the film. And when Orson Welles shows up, he certainly has the air of a professional. One other thing that caught my attention was the score. I'm not sure exactly what instrument was used for most of it, but it gave the film a very interesting flair. Kind of half-noir and half...I'm not sure. But that's a good thing, I assure you. All in all, though, I found "The Third Man" to be a very intriguing and enjoyable film. *1/2 / __________________ AFI Top 100 Movies (1998) Seen: 67 out of 100**

04-13-2012, 01:32 PM	#77
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,395	So, is that B in comparison to other Hitchcock? Because if you said it was better that 98% of films today, shouldn't that be a little higher?

05-23-2012, 05:19 PM	#85
MovieBuff801 Fringe Division Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Walter's Lab Posts: 10,885	Another one down... It's A Wonderful Life Of all the classical films that have earned such a status over the years, there's bound to be some that are good, but not really capable of living up to the hype. Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life" is such a film. We all know the story: a man raised in a small town (Jimmy Stewart) leads a life that he believes isn't the life he COULD have had if events had played out differently, and is thus treated to a glimpse of what life would've been like for his loved ones if he'd never existed. Frst off, I gotta say I was surprised that particular aspect of the plot, which the film is widely known for, doesn't kick in til the 100-minute mark out of a 130-minute film. I understand Capra's intention here was to better establish the circumstances of Stewart's life in the film, but nonetheless, there were quite a few moments throughout where I went, "Get to the point already." I think this movie could've been trimmed just a bit. Plus, I was sort of disappointed that for most of the time, this movie is a pretty standard romance film. I'm not saying that's a BAD thing in the long run, in fact I was more invested in this than I have been most movies of the genre these days, but I was just expecting more from a film that's number 11 on this edition of the AFI list. There's also a degree of predictability to the plot. Though I can't deny the charisma of Jimmy Stewart, which is really this movie's saving grace. He singlehandedly makes the film better than it should be. In the end, I'd say "It's A Wonderful Life" is good, I still enjoyed it, but I was just expecting better. */ __________________ AFI Top 100 Movies (1998) Seen: 67 out of 100**

05-28-2012, 03:45 PM	#86
SnoBorderZero There is no bathroom Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kindergarten Terminator Posts: 8,081	Capra's films always have a high amount of "cheese" to them, including "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "It Happened One Night" which are considered his better films. I think Dracula called the style once "Capracorn" which is pretty fair. I generally enjoy Capra's films and he's certainly got a definitive style that has dubbed him an auteur, but he's certainly not my favorite.

05-28-2012, 04:22 PM	#88
Neverending sex Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,115	Capra might be too happy-go-lucky for film snubs. __________________ "Would you like some boob action?" -Conan O'Brien July 13, 2004 12:55 AM "We’re No. 1 in TBS’ key demographic: People who can’t afford HBO." - Conan O'Brien May 18, 2011 "I honestly don't know who gives me a bigger boner: Zoe Saldana OR Chris Pine. Star Trek Into My Pants!" - Kevin Smith February 24, 2013 The Batman Appreciation Thread

06-24-2012, 08:31 PM	#89
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,138	Taken from the film club: It's A Wonderful Life This review might be really brief given that I have a minor injury which makes typing awkward. Moving right along.... It's A Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart). George lives in a small town called Bedford Falls. He yearns to leave, but finds himself being sucked back to Bedford time and time again so he may help others. George ponders the relevance of his own life before being confronted by an angel (Henry Travers) who shows George what the world would be like if George didn't exist. Alright, so the thing that everyone knows about this film is the aspect of the angel showing George what life would be like had George never existed. Surprisingly enough, this material doesn't really make an appearance until during the third act. Most of the film looks at George's history. The film looks at his failed attempts to leave Bedford, how he become a hero to the people, and his love with his future-wife Mary (Donna Reed). All of this material is well-executed and compelling. The acting here is great. Jimmy Stewart is marvelous as George Bailey. He's insanely likable and you root for him the whole way through. He's a very honest, kind, and giving human being. Near the end, when George starts to break down, as sad as it is you feel like he's earned the right to finally unload his anger. Stewart carries the film really, and he does an excellent job. Donna Reed his great as the central love interest, and Lionel Barrymore makes for a truly despicable villain. The film has a very whimsical nature to it, and I can see it turning a lot of viewers off. Personally, I was enchanted throughout. The third act is where the film really began to move me. I only have two small nitpicks. One, I feel the way the film portrayed heaven was uninspired. I can see why they wanted to be fairly ambiguous, but I think something more interesting could have been accomplished. Second, the event that causes things to go so wrong for George near the end was kind of stupid. But these are minor gripes. At the end of the day, It's A Wonderful Life is a great film that left me feeling very happy. Rating: A __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

06-24-2012, 08:45 PM	#90
Ramplate Muwahahaha!...Hamster. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 25,665	I like Capra films __________________ "When I said 'nuke the Chinese' I meant put the take out in the microwave!" "We're not spies, mate. I don't even speak Russian." "What?" "I don't...Am I speaking Russian? How come I'm speaking Russian?"

06-25-2012, 12:56 AM	#91
MovieBuff801 Fringe Division Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Walter's Lab Posts: 10,885	Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as you did, Cooper. __________________ AFI Top 100 Movies (1998) Seen: 67 out of 100

06-25-2012, 07:55 AM	#93
IanTheCool Executive Lego Producer Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 13,395	I also like Capra films. There's nothing wrong with some wide-eyed sentimentality every once in a while.

06-25-2012, 08:38 AM	#94
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,138	Particularly when it's done so well. __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

06-25-2012, 10:59 AM	#96
Ramplate Muwahahaha!...Hamster. Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 25,665	My favorite Capra films (in no particular order) It's a Wonderful Life Arsenic & Old Lace It Happened One Night Mr Smith Goes to Washington You Can't Take it With You Lost Horizon Note: I've never seen the original Mr Deeds __________________ "When I said 'nuke the Chinese' I meant put the take out in the microwave!" "We're not spies, mate. I don't even speak Russian." "What?" "I don't...Am I speaking Russian? How come I'm speaking Russian?"

07-01-2012, 12:02 PM	#98
Justin Executive Producer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 11,896	Right. Even people like Ray Carney like Capra. His vision is something more sentimental, sure, but his films have just as much truth as a Herzog or Antonioni.

07-01-2012, 01:34 PM	#99
PG Cooper Raging Bull Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 6,138	I don't have time for a full review, but I just watched Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon for the first time and I must say, that is one hell of a film. The acting was great, and I especially loved Toshiro Mifune's crazy and over-the-top performance as Tajomaru. The entire cast was great though. The pacing was awesome, the story-telling top notch, and the overall themes very interesting. Great, great movie. My second Kurosawa film and he's becoming one of my favourite filmmakers. Rating: A+ __________________ PG Cooper's Movie Reviews Our Youtube Channel CS! Recod Holder: Quickest Review in the Film Club (2 hours 19 minutes). April 18th, 2013, 9:24 PM-???? "Terminator 2's a pretty awesome movie."- Paul Thomas Anderson

07-03-2012, 01:54 AM	#100
SnoBorderZero There is no bathroom Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kindergarten Terminator Posts: 8,081	Rashomon is fantastic, I was surprised in my film class at how many people had yet to see it. Kurosawa's first great film in my opinion.