Posts Tagged ‘Oscar’
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
Posted in Minute Movie Reviews, Movie Reviews, Movies | No Comments »
Friday, July 16th, 2010
Review:
Gene Kelly is an American painter in Paris, barely scraping by. Things change, however, when a rich young woman becomes his sponsor - and romantically interested in him. Meanwhile, he falls for a girl that is, unknown to him, already engaged to another man. Along the way, they song Gershwin songs while Gershwin music plays and dance a little, before the film appears headed for a dramatic ending, at which point everything stops for fifteen minutes for the most elaborate dance sequence of all time, at the end of which Hollywood gets its happy ending. The film features great music and some nice scenes, but overall it is tiresome, boring and that last sequence actually put me to sleep. Instead of the light entertainment that musicals can be, this tries to add gravitas, but fails spectacularly.
Random Observations:
An American in Paris at the IMDb
This concludes the first week of our studies of American Cinema of the 1950s. What have we learned so far? Mostly that 1951 most either have been a horrible year for film or that the Academy was seriously whacked when it awarded this film the Best Picture Oscar. Just a hint: some great movies were made in 1951.
The final dance sequence (which actually clocks in at over 15 minutes, I was not exaggerating) is impressive, with spectacular sets and amazing choreography, but unless you are a fan of interpretative dance, you will be bored beyond belief.
First film for Leslie Caron, who was discovered by Gene Kelly while in Paris, and got the part for her actually being French.
The film was shot entirely on set, except for some aerial footage of Paris.
Tags: 1951, Alan Jay Lerner, American Film, An American in Paris, english, Gene Kelly, George Gershwin, Georges Guétary, Ira Gershwin, Leslie Caron, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, musical, Nina Foch, Oscar, Oscar Levant, romance, Vincente Minnelli
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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 »
Monday, May 31st, 2010
Review:
Unemployed and unemployable actor Dustin Hoffman decides to dress up as a woman in order to get work. Surprisingly, this works out as he is given a part in a daytime drama (those things commonly known as “daily soaps”). Through it, he discovers the sexism of men, the advantages of being a woman and the gentler side in himself. Too bad that he falls in love with one of his co-stars… The film, directed by the legendary Sidney Pollack, is both extremely funny and an engaging examination of gender roles. Hoffman is utterly brilliant as both a man and a woman and with a great supporting cast he makes this film truly memorable.
Random Observations:
Tootsie at the IMDb
This continues Dustin Hoffman Week. Two more instalments to come!
Bill Murray plays Hoffman’s room-mate - his name was omitted from the opening credits so that audience wouldn’t think this was one of his typical comedies. He is also extremely funny, playing the straight man to Hoffman’s antics.
“I was a better man with you as a woman than I ever was with a woman as a man. Know what I mean?”
This was the first film for Geena Davis, who went on to an illustrious career (and less appearances in her underwear).
Tags: 1982, American Film, Bill Murray, Charles Durning, Comedy, Dabney Coleman, Don McGuire, Doris Belack, Drama, Dustin Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman Week, english, Geena Davis, George Gaynes, Jessica Lange, Larry Gelbart, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Murray Schisgal, Oscar, romance, Sydney Pollack, Teri Garr, Tootsie
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Friday, May 28th, 2010
Review:
One day, Meryl Streep just abandons husband Dustin Hoffman and their little son. For fifteen months, Hoffman struggles with being a single father, doing his very best. Then, Streep returns and wants custody of her child back, an issue both will fight in court (Hence the title!). The 1979 film is a compelling drama about divorce and the effect it has on people, but it’s also the story of a workaholic father learning to take care of his child. Great performances all around - especially from the father and son duo - make this a moving story that seems to be taken right out of real life.
Random Observations:
Kramer vs. Kramer at the IMDb
One of the reason for the realism of the film is that many people involved, including Hoffman, had lately dealt with divorce themselves, and thus had plenty of experience to draw from.
The film won the “Big Five” Oscars - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Actress.
Justin Henry was also nominated as a supporting actor for his incredible turn as the son.
I can not stress enough how incredibly touching the scenes between Hoffman and Henry are. Great acting, great writing, great everything.
Despite the very dramatic nature of the story, the film has some lighter elements, mostly due to Hoffman’s struggles with being a “mommy”.
See, I promised this would be Dustin Hoffman Week!
Tags: 1979, American Film, Avery Corman, Bill Moor, book adaptation, Drama, Dustin Hoffman, Dustin Hoffman Week, Ellen Parker, english, George Coe, Howard Duff, Howland Chamberlain, Jack Ramage, Jane Alexander, Jess Osuna, JoBeth Williams, Justin Henry, Kramer vs. Kramer, Meryl Streep, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Nicholas Hormann, Oscar, Robert Benton, Shelby Brammer
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010
Review:
Despite the title, this is not your regular biopic, instead just telling the story of how Truman Capote become involved in the murder story in Kansas that served as the basis for his extraordinary true crime fiction book In Cold Blood. The film is a bleak retelling of history, somewhat elevated by the interesting subject and a superb performance of Philip Seymour Hoffman in the lead role, who has no qualms about depicting the vile nastiness and arrogant narcissism of Capote - a portrayal that garnered him a (arguably long overdue) Best Actor Oscar. This awesome performance also is the film’s biggest weakness, for together with the brutal killers it takes centre stage, meaning that no character the viewer could identify with is left. More sympathetic figures like Harper Lee (the always reliable Catherine Keener), Capote’s boyfriend Jack Dunphy (Bruce Greenwood) or police investigator Alvin Dewey (Chris Cooper) are reduced to little more than cameo appearances.
Random Observations:
Capote at the IMDb
You know how all famous people know each other? Watching this film, you could almost believe that is true.
I always knew Capote was a nasty piece of work, but if his depiction in this film is correct, he hardly qualified as a human being. That doesn’t mean that he wasn’t a great writer, but still.
I like the story Capote tells about shooting a film with Humphrey Bogart and John Huston. Those two men are as close to being my idols as anyone.
Tags: 2005, Allie Mickelson, American Film, Amy Ryan, based on previously published material, based on true story, Bennett Miller, biography, Bob Balaban, book adaptation, Bruce Greenwood, Capote, Catherine Keener, Chris Cooper, Clifton Collins Jr., crime movie, Dan Futterman, Drama, english, Gerald Clarke, history movie, Humphrey Bogart, In Cold Blood, John Huston, Kerr Hewitt, Mark Pellegrino, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Philip Seymour Hoffman, true story, Truman Capote
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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Review:
After suspecting each other of infidelity, married couple Cary Grant and Irene Dunne decide to get a divorce. But during the 90-day waiting period for it to be finalized, they both do everything in their power to undermine the other’s attempt to find someone new. Based on a play (and adapted on film even before this 1937 classic), the film is a charming romantic comedy that works because both partners, despite their many flaws, are exceedingly sympathetic characters. Fine performances all around - also from the supporting cast - make this an enjoyable, if shallow film.
Random Observations:
The Awful Truth at the IMDb
Director Leo McCarey won an Oscar for this, one of very few directors ever to win for a comedy film.
Did you know that American every-man Cary Grant was actually British?
The story is a bit uneven, with her new partner definitely being wrong (and as such it being easier for the viewer to cheer for the husband to break them up), while no such indication is ever made about his new girl - meaning that her sabotage comes off decidedly more mean-spirited.
Tags: 1937, Alexander D'Arcy, American Film, Arthur Richman, based on play, based on previously published material, Cary Grant, Cecil Cunningham, Comedy, english, Esther Dale, Irene Dunne, Joyce Compton, Leo McCarey, Mary Forbes, minute movie review, Molly Lamont, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Ralph Bellamy, Robert Allen, Robert Warwick, romance, romantic comedy, The Awful Truth, Viña Delmar
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Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
Review:
In early 20th century Brooklyn, Francie grows up in a poor family. She adores her father, a dreamer with big ideas and no perspective, while her mother is the uber-strict counterpoint. Based on the book, the film tells of the family’s struggles in an intriguing and honest matter. It’s a look at a world that is both bleak and yet filled with hope and love. Occasionally, the film becomes a little too saccharine-sweet, but for the most parts it’s an obviously inspired by real events drama that keeps you engaged in the story. This is mostly due to the amazing lead performance by 12-year old Peggy Ann Garner, whose natural acting garnered her a special “Juvenile Award” at the 1946 Oscar ceremony.
Random Observations:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn at the IMDb
In many ways, this is a love story between father and daughter, him trying everything to make her happy and her just being happy when he is around. Until, eventually, she moves on.
James Dunn also won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the father.
First film by legendary director Elia Kazan. He went on to make such classic films as On the Waterfront.
The book, which I haven’t read, apparently features a much more intense look at a wider variety of characters, as well as a longer story about the family’s past and future. The film, however, is a pretty close adaptation of the story.
Tags: 1945, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, American Film, B.S. Pully, Betty Smith, book adaptation, Dorothy McGuire, Drama, Elia Kazan, english, Frank Davis, James Dunn, James Gleason, Joan Blondell, John Alexander, Lloyd Nolan, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, On the Waterfront, Oscar, Peggy Ann Garner, Ruth Nelson, Ted Donaldson, Tess Slesinger
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Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Review:
On the day of his wedding to Quaker Grace Kelly, city marshal Gary Cooper learns that a murderer he once sent up has been pardoned and is returning on the noon train. The town fathers urge him to leave the place immediately, but he knows that he has to stick around. Over the next 80 minutes, he desperately tries to raise help in defeating the man who has come to kill him. John Wayne once called this “a western for people who don’t like westerns” and that’s somewhat true. It’s depiction of the old West is much closer to Sergio Leone’s work than Wayne’s and Cooper’s useless search for help readily deconstructs the hero myth. The tension builds over the (almost) real time development before it unleashes itself in the final confrontation.
Random Observations:
High Noon at the IMDb
Writer Carl Foreman wrote the script as an allegory for the McCarthy witch-hunts of the HUAC - probably one of the reasons Wayne disliked it so much. The producers later purchased the rights to the story The Tin Star by John Cunningham because Foreman was unsure whether he had read it and subconsciously based the story on it.
This was Foreman’s last Hollywood project before he became blacklisted. Lloyd Bridges (father of Jeff Bridges), who played a dissatisfied deputy, befell a similar fate, but the actor was “only” greylisted.
Despite the modern day Los Angeles skyline clearly visible in the background, the shots of the deserted town have become rightfully iconic.
Interestingly, John Wayne accepted the Best Actor Oscar on Gary Cooper’s behalf, who was absent at the ceremony.
The film’s theme song “High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’)” was the first non-musical song to win the best original song Oscar. The score of the entire film is also a variation on the theme, which is very unusual, was a first at the time, and is actually annoying, despite the song being completely awesome.
Tags: 1952, American Film, based on previously published material, Carl Foreman, Drama, english, Eve McVeagh, Fred Zinnemann, Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Harry Morgan, Harry Shannon, Henry Morgan, High Noon, Ian MacDonald, Jeff Bridges, John W. Cunningham, John Wayne, Katy Jurado, Lee Van Cleef, Lloyd Bridges, Lon Chaney Jr., minute movie review, Morgan Farley, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Otto Kruger, Robert J. Wilke, Sergio Leone, Sheb Wooley, The Tin Star, Thomas Mitchell, Thriller, Western
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Sunday, April 25th, 2010
Review:
Eve (Anne Baxter) has just won the most prestigious award theatre has to offer - as the youngest person to do so. The film tells the story of how she achieved that by carefully studying the successful actress Margo (Bette Davis, in a career-saving turn), charming her and her friends, and slowly undermining them to get what she wants. The film’s story isn’t all that great, but the film is due to two factors: the sharpest dialogue ever written and the finest acting by any ensemble I have ever seen. From the two leads down to the supporting cast, everybody is simply perfect - which is of course easier when the lines are as brilliant as they are here.
Random Observations:
All About Eve at the IMDb
The film is based on the short story The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr first published in 1946, although the work is not credited.
The film was nominated for 14 Oscars and won six. Incidentally, Anne Baxter lobbying for being nominated as an Actress in a Leading Role probably lead to Bette Davis not winning, with the two great performances splitting the vote. Funny how reality often mirrors fiction.
I especially liked Gary Merrill and Hugh Marlowe in supporting roles. Both are actors that never got much recognition and are hardly remembered today, but their performance here (and in other roles) was quite as good as anything by the leads.
Also, just to put the names out there, George Sanders won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, while both Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter were nominated as Supporting Actress.
The film marked the second year in a row that Joseph L. Makiewicz won Oscars as Best Director and for Best Screenplay. I wonder if that is some kind of record.
You know how people sometimes say “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore”? This is the kind of film they are talking about.
A young Marilyn Monroe has a small part in one of her earliest credited roles.
Tags: 1950, All About Eve, American Film, Anne Baxter, Barbara Bates, Bette Davis, Celeste Holm, Drama, english, Gary Merrill, George Sanders, Gregory Ratoff, Hugh Marlowe, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Orr, minute movie review, movie review, Movies, Oscar, Randy Stuart, The Wisdom of Eve, Thelma Ritter, Walter Hampden
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