Monday, May 22, 2006
Two Great Films
I watched two totally different yet totally great films this weekend. Ok, I'm kind of dorky when it comes to films, bit if you don't like one you're bound to like the other. Neither one is feel-good hollywood fluff though, you've been warned.
The Misfits (1961) Written by Arthur Miller, directed by John Huston.
Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift
The picture on the dvd makes it look some cheesy western, possibly with singing and dancing, but it's so not that at all. It's a depressing and emotional story of four directionless misfits each with his/her own issues. Monroe's character is especially over-sensitive and the conscience of the group (I admit she's a better comedic actor but holds her own here.) Montgomery Clift is great as the strong silent cowboy type, but poor Clark Gable looks like he's wearing a diaper most of the time. By the end you'll be emotionally drained, despite the attempt at what seems a tacked on happy ending.
THX 1138 (1970) Written and directed by George Lucas, starring Robert Duvall
This is Lucas' first full-lenght film, pre star wars and all that. I found this while looking for American Graffiti, which is not available for rental in Germany, but THX 1138 the director's cut is, figure that one out.
But wow, what an amazing find. It's very abstract filmmaking, as was popular in the late sixties/early seventies, with a very loose plot and almost no dialog it's not for everyone. But the look, feel, and sound give a very convicing feel of futuristic foreigness. It's full of the kind of detail of early star wars movies--Lucas is (was) brilliant at creating believeable foreign enviroments and using sound and camera to amazing effect.
It's so completely obvious how set and costume design of The Island was a pathetic rip off from TXH, in fact Island was just a fluffed up, cheesy hollywood take on it. See if you agree.
Just amazing filmmaking, and you can't help thinking "what happened?!" How could someone with this brilliant a start make 'Revenge of the Sith'? ¶ 7:09 PM
The Misfits (1961) Written by Arthur Miller, directed by John Huston.Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift
The picture on the dvd makes it look some cheesy western, possibly with singing and dancing, but it's so not that at all. It's a depressing and emotional story of four directionless misfits each with his/her own issues. Monroe's character is especially over-sensitive and the conscience of the group (I admit she's a better comedic actor but holds her own here.) Montgomery Clift is great as the strong silent cowboy type, but poor Clark Gable looks like he's wearing a diaper most of the time. By the end you'll be emotionally drained, despite the attempt at what seems a tacked on happy ending.
THX 1138 (1970) Written and directed by George Lucas, starring Robert DuvallThis is Lucas' first full-lenght film, pre star wars and all that. I found this while looking for American Graffiti, which is not available for rental in Germany, but THX 1138 the director's cut is, figure that one out.
But wow, what an amazing find. It's very abstract filmmaking, as was popular in the late sixties/early seventies, with a very loose plot and almost no dialog it's not for everyone. But the look, feel, and sound give a very convicing feel of futuristic foreigness. It's full of the kind of detail of early star wars movies--Lucas is (was) brilliant at creating believeable foreign enviroments and using sound and camera to amazing effect.
It's so completely obvious how set and costume design of The Island was a pathetic rip off from TXH, in fact Island was just a fluffed up, cheesy hollywood take on it. See if you agree.
Just amazing filmmaking, and you can't help thinking "what happened?!" How could someone with this brilliant a start make 'Revenge of the Sith'? ¶ 7:09 PM
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