Posts Tagged ‘British Film’
Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
Review:
Stevens (Anthony Hopkins) is the butler of the well-meaning Lord Darlington (James Fox), who is a strong proponent of appeasement to Nazi Germany. Stevens has dedicated his life to his work and is a perfect example of those old school British butlers. Meanwhile, a new housekeeper (Emma Thompson) arrives, but her love for him is not requited since he does not allow himself any feelings, also turning a blind eye to his master’s folly. The film is essentially a costume drama that is elevated by the strong theme of loyalty, dedication, servitude and their ultimate futility. Great performances elevate the romantic sub plot, which is perfectly underplayed.
Random Observations:
The Remains of the Day at the IMDb
Based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, whose When We Were Orphans I always thought was the first novel I ever read in English outside of school. However, since it was only published in 2000 (and I have the paperback, no less), this simply can not be. Further proof that my memory is horrible - how’s that for a completely pointless insight into my life?
Hugh Grant is in this and on the record as stating that this was the best film he ever made.
I never thought much of Anthony Hopkins as an actor, finding him vastly overrated. This film, however, is almost enough to make me change my mind.
Tags: 1993, Anthony Hopkins, Ben Chaplin, book adaptation, Brigitte Kahn, British Film, Christopher Reeve, Drama, Emma Thompson, english, Hugh Grant, James Fox, James Ivory, John Savident, Kazuo Ishiguro, Lena Headey, Michael Lonsdale, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Peter Vaughan, romance, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, The Remains of the Day, Tim Pigott-Smith, When We Were Orphans
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
Review:
In a small Irish town in 1916, resentment over the British occupation is growing. Rose Ryan, meanwhile, is unhappy with how boring life in the town is, wanting something more. She marries the school teacher (Robert Mitchum), a widower who loves her dearly. But still, life isn’t as interesting as it should be, so it’s only natural that she engages in an affair with a British officer - something that surely can’t end well. Director David Lean was criticized for making a terribly expensive film about essentially nothing, but that misses the point. It is actually a beautiful, slowly paced film about love in its many variations, an engaging drama with a plot that keeps you interested despite - or because of - long stretches of nothing much happening. The Irish freedom fight simply serves as the backdrop and catalyst for the story, which is probably how it actually appeared in many of the small towns far removed from the struggle.
Random Observations:
Ryan’s Daughter at the IMDb
The film, or rather it’s negative critical reception, especially by Pauline Kael and the likes, pretty much ended David Lean’s career, prompting him to stop making films for 14 years. It’s a real shame, for if there is one director who knew how to make a truly epic film, it was him.
And yes, this film is not of the same quality as Lawrence of Arabia or The Bridge on the River Kwai, but it’s still very good.
John Mills won an Oscar for his painfully realistic portrayal of a mute, mentally handicapped men who is mistreated by the entire village - and who is one of the five men who love Rose, each in their own way.
This is a film that one really should see on the big screen, preferably the original 70mm print. But since this should be close to impossible, the DVD transfer is actually of decent quality and gives an idea of the beautiful cinematography.
The story is based on or at least very similar to Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, an excellent book that I remember very little of.
Two films (in this review cycle) ago, Mitchum played the adulterer, now he is the loving husband who sticks with his wife despite her adultery. And yes, he manages to convince in both roles.
Tags: 1970, Arthur O'Sullivan, Barry Foster, Barry Jackson, Brian O'Higgins, British Film, Christopher Jones, David Lean, Des Keogh, Donal Neligan, Douglas Sheldon, Drama, english, Evin Crowley, Gerald Sim, Gustave Flaubert, John Mills, Lawrence of Arabia, Leo McKern, Madama Bovary, Marie Kean, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Niall O'Brien, Niall Toibin, Oscar, Owen Sullivan, Philip O'Flynn, Robert Bolt, Robert Mitchum, romance, Ryan's Daughter, Sarah Miles, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Trevor Howard
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Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
Review:
Acclaimed stage actress Marlene Dietrich runs to her lover Richard Todd to help after her husband’s death. When he becomes a suspect, he turns to his amour Jane Wyman to help him. Sure that Dietrich has set him up, she decides to pose as her dresser in order to clear her friend’s name. This Alfred Hitchcock thriller is incredibly slow and boring for the first hour, but really picks up the pace after that. Dietrich as the stage diva is simply superb and a great supporting turn by Alastair Sim make the film worth watching, even if it is one of the director’s lesser efforts.
Random Observations:
Stage Fright at the IMDb
We continue our celebration of American Cinema of the 1950s with this British Film. That’s what I get for just assuming that Hitchcock worked exclusively in Hollywood in the 50s…
The film was dismissed at the time because it “cheated” the audience. I don’t want to go to far into the matter here so as not to spoil the film, but let’s just say that Hitchcock did something nobody had ever done before.
I really liked it when Hitchcock was showing off, having the camera follow an actor inside a house through the door, then have the door close and follow the actor further without any cuts.
Tags: 1950, Alastair Sim, Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville, André Morell, Ballard Berkeley, book adaptation, British Film, crime movie, Drama, english, Hector MacGregor, Jane Wyman, Joyce Grenfell, Kay Walsh, Marlene Dietrich, Michael Wilding, Miles Malleson, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Patricia Hitchcock, Richard Todd, Selwyn Jepson, Stage Fright, Sybil Thorndike, Thriller, Whitfield Cook
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Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Review:
When King Henry VIII., in his desperate search for an heir, seeks a divorce from his first wife to marry another woman, everyone in England eventually goes along with his plan, leading to the split from the Catholic Church. The only one who doesn’t agree is Sir Thomas More, who stands on his principles no matter the cost. This film version of Robert Bolt’s stage play, perfectly portrays a man willing to sacrifice everything for his convictions. You may not agree with More’s stand, but you can’t help but admire him for it, which this expertly made film clearly intends.
Random Observations:
A Man for All Seasons at the IMDb
The dialogue, while certainly (unlike the events) not historically accurate, is simply superb, especially when More is asked to account for his silent opposition.
The film won a boatload of Oscars. Even back in the 1960s the Academy was a sucker for costume dramas…
Vanessa Redgrave plays Anne Boleyn, the woman the King seeks to marry, in an unpaid and unbilled cameo appearance.
A very young John Hurt has a part in this film (as Richard Rich, a name so silly it has to be true). It’s very odd to see him as a young man.
Tags: 1966, A Man for All Seasons, based on play, biography, British Film, Colin Blakely, Corin Redgrave, Cyril Luckham, Drama, english, Fred Zinnemann, history movie, Jack Gwillim, John Hurt, Leo McKern, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Nigel Davenport, Orson Welles, Oscar, Paul Scofield, Robert Bolt, Robert Shaw, Susannah York, Thomas Heathcote, Vanessa Redgrave, Wendy Hiller
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
Review:
Recently released from prison after killing a man, an Englishman drives across Canada and picks up a young hitch-hiker. When the car is hit by a truck and the girl dies, he feels both guilty and lost and thus decides to visit her mother, who turns out to be autistic. Help- and directionless, he decides to stay for a few days, getting to know the mother and falling for her neighbour. The film is a slow drama told with humour and a human touch. There is no happy ending here, but a lot of chances for all characters to grow. Lead Alan Rickman perfectly underplays the depression, guilt and aimlessness of the lead, while Sigourney Weaver makes the autistic woman come to life.
Random Observations:
Snow Cake at the IMDb
Sigourney Weaver is no Dustin Hoffman (who played an autistic man in the incredible Rain Man), but she truly shows her acting chops her, delivering a realistic and engaging performance.
The film was written by Angela Pell, who based many of the mother’s idiosyncrasies on the behaviour of her autistic son. Weaver also spend time with an autistic woman to learn about their behaviour.
One of the best scenes of the film comes at the wake after the funeral, where Rickman convinced Weaver to have people come to her house, only for her to despair at the situation and start to dance. Her mother then stops a social worker from interfering, thus bluntly spelling out the message of the film.
Tags: 2006, Alan Rickman, Angela Pell, British Film, Callum Keith Rennie, Canadian Film, Carrie-Anne Moss, David Fox, Drama, Emily Hampshire, english, James Allodi, Jayne Eastwood, Julie Stewart, Marc Evans, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Rain Man, Selina Cadell, Sigourney Weaver, Snow Cake
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Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
Review:
Mr. Fox has gone straight since the birth of his son, but he still wants nothing more than one last big heist, taking on the hen houses and cider cellars of his three human neighbours. They, in turn, decide to retaliate, and so the war is on. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved book, this stop-motion animation by director Wes Anderson is a fun extension of the story, a funny film that is fun to watch. Anderson’s signature style, a combination of a bright palette, a lot of whimsy and something to far removed from words, lends itself perfectly to the animated format. The film doesn’t have the depth that his best works - Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums - have, but it’s simple good family entertainment.
Random Observations:
Fantastic Mr. Fox at the IMDb
Saying “cuss” instead of “fuck” or “shit” might have done wonders for the rating, but is damn annoying. (This post has been rated “R” by the MPAA.)
Some great talent is voicing the characters, including George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman.
Who does Eric Anderson, who voices Kristofferson, sound like? He reminded me of another actor, but for the life of me I can’t figure out who.
The film has only 12 frames per second (compared to the usual) 24 to ensure that everybody recognizes the stop motion technique.
Tags: 2009, Adrien Brody, adventure movie, American Film, animation, Bill Murray, book adaptation, Brian Cox, British Film, Comedy, english, Eric Anderson, family film, Fantastic Mr. Fox, George Clooney, Helen McCrory, Hugo Guinness, Jarvis Cocker, Jason Schwartzman, Juman Malouf, Karen Duffy, Mario Batali, Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Noah Baumbach, Owen Wilson, Roald Dahl, Robin Hurlstone, Roman Coppola, Rushmore, stop motion animation, The Royal Tenenbaums, Wallace Wolodarsky, Wes Anderson, Willem Dafoe
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Thursday, May 6th, 2010
Review:
As can be expected from the title, this is they biography of Gandhi, one of the most influential people of the 20th century and a hero to millions. It tells his life story from early days in South Africa until his death shortly after Indian independence was reached through his approach of non-violent non-cooperation. Naturally, as a title card in the beginning states, such a film can never tell the full story, yet despite the more than three hour runtime, many of the stories feel significantly underdeveloped, especially with regards to collaborators or even Gandhi’s wife. This is, existentially, the “Ben Kingsley as Gandhi” show, which is well worth watching, but is not nearly enough to understand the man.
Random Observations:
Gandhi at the IMDb
Another film that begins with a death and a funeral (albeit one featuring 300,000 extras!), before moving on to tell the story. However, since this is a biopic, the ending is known anyway.
The resemblance between Ben Kingsley and Gandhi is really quite startling. They look so much alike, legend has it that during shooting, local extras thought they saw Gandhi’s ghost.
I always thought it somewhat inappropriate that the most famous Indian of all time was played by a Brit. Then I discovered that Kingsley’s name is actually Krishna Bhanji and that his father is/was Indian. I guess that somehow makes it more adequate.
Considering the film was made almost 25 years after Gandhi’s death, a little more weight could have been given to the aftermath of his life’s work and the violent rift between Pakistan and India that continues to this day. It would have nicely shown that one man, however influential and adored, is always soon forgotten. Then again, the film might not be the forum for that.
Second entry in “Western Asian Week” - European or American films set in Asia. One more to come!
Tags: 1982, Alyque Padamsee, Amrish Puri, Athol Fugard, based on true story, Ben Kingsley, Bernard Hepton, biography, British Film, Candice Bergen, Drama, Edward Fox, english, Gandhi, Geraldine James, Günther Maria Halmer, Harsh Nayyar, history movie, Ian Bannen, Ian Charleson, Indian Film, John Briley, John Clements, John Gielgud, John Mills, Martin Sheen, Michael Bryant, Michael Hordern, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Nigel Hawthorne, Om Puri, Richard Attenborough, Richard Griffiths, Richard Vernon, Rohini Hattangadi, Roshan Seth, Saeed Jaffrey, Shreeram Lagoo, Trevor Howard, true story, Virendra Razdan, Western Asian Week
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
Review:
In 1952 Saigon, quiet American Brendan Fraser is murdered. His friend, the British journalist Michael Caine, reflects on their unlikely friendship and their shared love for the same Vietnamese woman while the French colonial power in the country collapses. Based on the novel, the film is an exploration of love and friendship in the face of politics and war. The story is intriguing and well told, but suffers somewhat from the friendship between the two men never being sufficiently explained. Nevertheless, it is a film well worth watching.
Random Observations:
The Quiet American at the IMDb
This is the second adaptation of Graham Greene’s 1955 book. The first was made in 1958 by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Michael Redgrave.
The film was shot on location in Vietnam and in a studio in Australia, financed by German investors and distributed by an American studio. I’m pretty sure that makes it a French film.
The score by Craig Armstrong is simply superb. Apparently, Caine insisted on Armstrong before signing onto the film.
What is it with death scenes at the beginning of films? Why are so many stories that end with a main character dying told as a flash back? I always feel it lessens the impact, especially when it is murder. After all, this is not the story of the investigation.
First entry in “Western Asian Week” - European or American films set in Asia. Expect two more such films!
Tags: 2002, American Film, Australian Film, book adaptation, Brendan Fraser, British Film, Christopher Hampton, Craig Armstrong, Do Thi Hai Yen, Drama, english, Ferdinand Hoang, French film, German Film, Graham Greene, Holmes Osborne, Jeff Truman, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Kevin Tran, Lap Phan, Mathias Mlekuz, Michael Caine, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Pham Thi Mai Hoa, Phillip Noyce, Quang Hai, Rade Serbedzija, Robert Schenkkan, Robert Stanton, romance, The Quiet American, Tim Bennett, Tzi Ma, war movie, Western Asian Week
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Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Review:
After World War II, Vienna is occupied by Russian, American, British and French forces, with growing resentment by the Austrians. In that climate, Joseph Cotten comes to the city to take an old friend up on a job-offer, only to find out that said friend was killed in a car accident. Not satisfied with the police’s portrayal of his friend as a racketeer, he decides to investigate for himself, thereby uncovering some truths he had rather would have remained hidden. The Third Man is an absolute classic, a portrait of Vienna and the times, while also a suspenseful thriller. Great performances throughout make for a truly memorable film.
Random Observations:
The Third Man at the IMDb
The screenplay by Graham Greene was based on a novella he wrote earlier, but which was not published until after the film’s release. Does that make this film an adaptation?
The old landlady is played by Hedwig Bleibtreu, the great-grandaunt of popular German actor Moritz Bleibtreu. How is that for movie trivia?
Personally, I’m not a big fan of Anton Karas’ zither music used throughout the film, but one can’t deny that it is authentic and innovative.
Orson Welles played a small, but significant part, in this film. Since people like to credit Welles with just about every bit of cinematic genius possible, let me just remind them that he was nothing more than an actor here. He didn’t direct and he also he didn’t write his own dialogue (except for one improvised scene, which is good, but also factually wrong). Welles’ work is amazing, but this film was made great by Carol Reed and Graham Greene. (Oh, and Welles as an actor is pretty good, too.)
The scenes shot in the Vienna sewers might be amongst the most memorable in film history.
The title refers to a third man who witnessed the accident and who nobody but a porter thought to mention.
Tags: 1949, Alida Valli, Bernard Lee, book adaptation, British Film, Carol Reed, english, Erich Ponto, Ernst Deutsch, film noir, Graham Greene, Hedwig Bleibtreu, Joseph Cotten, minute movie review, Moritz Bleibtreu, movie review, Movies, Orson Welles, Paul Hörbiger, Siegfried Breuer, The Third Man, Thriller, Trevor Howard, Valli, Wilfrid Hyde-White
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Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Review:
In 1914, Central Africa is besieged by the war in Europe. Drunken captain Humphrey Bogart, commanding a rusty 30-footer, and missionary Katherine Hepburn, are thrown together and decide to undertake an impossible journey downriver to sink the German ship preventing the British Army from crossing a lake. The story (and most of all the ending) is patently silly, but director John Huston and the real African scenery - shooting in such exotic locations was unheard of at the time - almost make for an entertaining film, but it’s not nearly as good as everyone claims it is.
Random Observations:
The African Queen at the IMDb
It’s been a while since I have last seen Katharine Hepburn in anything, but I was thoroughly annoyed by her performance here. Considering that she was called “The Queen of Cinema” and has four Oscars to her name, I am probably alone in that judgement, however.
Humphrey Bogart, however, despite the oddity of being in colour, was simply superb, and absolutely deserved the Oscar he finally got for this film.
I was finally getting to like the film in the second half, when the ridiculously stupid Hollywood ending ruined it all over again.
Pretty much all of the cast and crew got sick in Africa, except for Bogart and Huston, who insisted their heavy alcohol intake was the reason.
Tags: 1951, adventure movie, American Film, book adaptation, British Film, C.S. Forester, Drama, english, Humphrey Bogart, James Agee, John Huston, Katharine Hepburn, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Peter Bull, Peter Swanwick, Richard Marner, Robert Morley, romance, The African Queen, Theodore Bikel, Walter Gotell, war movie
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
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