Film Noir: a genre of mystery, dark lighting, and a deviously psycho wife plotting her husband's death. That can pretty much sum up Double Indemnity for you. Following every rule in the book, Double Indemnity is a classic version of film noir, and sets the standard for many more in that genre.
The movie stars Fred MacMurray as Walter Neff and Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis Dietrichson, who was nominated for an Oscar. The film also recieved nominations for best black and whit cinematography, best Director (Billy Wilder), best music/score, best picture, best sound, and best writing/screenplay.
Double Indemnity is about an insurance agent, Walter Neff, who tries to sell a life policy to an older man unsuccessfully. When the man's wife, Phyllis Dietrichson, approaches him about making a crooked deal, Neff walks away. After thinking it over, Neff becomes very curious about if it is really possible to get away with such a scandal, then decides to take the deal. They get through with the plan, while having a steamy affair on the side, and think they got away with it. But to their dismay, Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) remains suspicious as to how the husband's death really happened, and if it was an accident. Eventually, after several twists and turns, Keyes figures Neff out in a very dramatic ending scene.
I enjoyed Double Indemnity. There were many things that I did not expect to happen and I stayed intrigued throughout the entire film. I thought the scenery really added to the mood of each scene and was a great asset to the film. In addition, the lighting was perfect. Because the film is black and white, lighting is essential, and I thought Wilder did a great job of making sure it was just right. Over all, I give this movie an A- only because some of the lines were cheesy.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Way We Were
The journey of two lovers with a firey connection, The Way We Were almosts surprises audiences with it's original , but at times long, plot.
Director Sidney Pollack leaves it up to his leading lovers, Babs (Barbra Streisand) and Robert Redford, to take seemingly insane and quirky characters and make them somehow relevant and connected to audiences everywhere. The story was written by Arthur Laurents and (though not credited) David Rayfiel. The academy award winning score was written by Marvin Hamlisch, composing the title song, "The Way We Were" (sung by Babs herself) as well as Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, who wrote the lyrics. The three received an Oscar and a Grammy award for the song in 1974 and Hamlisch earned an Oscar for the score. Streisand was nominated for best leading actress at the Golden Globes and the BAFTA awards.
The Way We Were is a story of two opposites, an unlikely pair, that attract. Katie Morosky (Streisand), an avid and very ourspoken supporter of the communist party, spends her college years convincing others of joining the communist party and fulfilling her duties as spokes person for the Young Communist League. Hubbel Gardner, on the other hand, is the typical all-American guy, participating and dominating in many sports and having plenty of options as far as women are concerned. When he sees Katie speaking at an event, he is inspired by her bravery, but disgusted with her political stance. Katie sees him all over town and dotes on him and his very fine physique. When she runs into him 10 years after college has ended, her attraction to him is immediately rekindled, bringing back many memories of their college days. They begin their red-hot romance, although unstable, in her apartment when she lets him spend the night. Hubbell seems uninterested at first, but slowly warms up to her. Katie is a little spastic and possibly has some sort of chemical imbalance, which makes it hard for the audience to understand why Hubbell would even pursue such a psychotic woman, but he does. Morosky realizes that they disagree politically, so in an effort to make things work, she gives up her political voice and marries Gardner. Hubbell sparks an interest in writing screenplays, once WWII ends, which at the time was a very dangerous interest to practice. During the time frame of the film, Hollywood was very corrupt because of the black listing. Once they move to Caliornia, the audience witnesses the slow and painful downfall of their marriage as the passionate and fanatical attraction turns awry. Katie can't help but open her big mouth and fight against the witch-hunts, but Hubbell finds that completely unattractive and implores her to stop her rediculous behavior; but he knows just as well as the audience that no one can stop Katie from doing what she may think is right. She reveals to Hubbell that she is pregnant, but it is not to bring back that lovin' feeling (it's gone gone gone). One fight leads to another until finally Hubell cheats on Katie with his college fling (CLIMAX!!). He stays with Katie until she gives birth to their baby and then the two part ways. When they run into eachother, by chance, years later both are in committed relationships and yet they can both feel their lusty desires for one another. But, alas, they just weren't meant to be. Katie looks on at Hubbell, knowing their political and personality differences could never coincide, and remembers the way they were. (haha I crack myself up)
I thought the film was very interesting. I thought Streisands character was very hard to relate to until the very end when Hubbell cheated on Katie. She came off as a little psychotic and in need of some medication. Although it was long and drawn out at times, I appreciated the storyline. The ending was different than anything I've ever seen before and left the audience with just the right feeling. I think the film should have stuck to one controversial area instead of trying to cover both (Communism and Black listing) so that it could have focused on it a little more and done it justice. For example, I wish we could have seen more of the Hollywood black listing and how unfair it was to everyone. Overall, I give this film a C+ for effort and originality.
Director Sidney Pollack leaves it up to his leading lovers, Babs (Barbra Streisand) and Robert Redford, to take seemingly insane and quirky characters and make them somehow relevant and connected to audiences everywhere. The story was written by Arthur Laurents and (though not credited) David Rayfiel. The academy award winning score was written by Marvin Hamlisch, composing the title song, "The Way We Were" (sung by Babs herself) as well as Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, who wrote the lyrics. The three received an Oscar and a Grammy award for the song in 1974 and Hamlisch earned an Oscar for the score. Streisand was nominated for best leading actress at the Golden Globes and the BAFTA awards.
The Way We Were is a story of two opposites, an unlikely pair, that attract. Katie Morosky (Streisand), an avid and very ourspoken supporter of the communist party, spends her college years convincing others of joining the communist party and fulfilling her duties as spokes person for the Young Communist League. Hubbel Gardner, on the other hand, is the typical all-American guy, participating and dominating in many sports and having plenty of options as far as women are concerned. When he sees Katie speaking at an event, he is inspired by her bravery, but disgusted with her political stance. Katie sees him all over town and dotes on him and his very fine physique. When she runs into him 10 years after college has ended, her attraction to him is immediately rekindled, bringing back many memories of their college days. They begin their red-hot romance, although unstable, in her apartment when she lets him spend the night. Hubbell seems uninterested at first, but slowly warms up to her. Katie is a little spastic and possibly has some sort of chemical imbalance, which makes it hard for the audience to understand why Hubbell would even pursue such a psychotic woman, but he does. Morosky realizes that they disagree politically, so in an effort to make things work, she gives up her political voice and marries Gardner. Hubbell sparks an interest in writing screenplays, once WWII ends, which at the time was a very dangerous interest to practice. During the time frame of the film, Hollywood was very corrupt because of the black listing. Once they move to Caliornia, the audience witnesses the slow and painful downfall of their marriage as the passionate and fanatical attraction turns awry. Katie can't help but open her big mouth and fight against the witch-hunts, but Hubbell finds that completely unattractive and implores her to stop her rediculous behavior; but he knows just as well as the audience that no one can stop Katie from doing what she may think is right. She reveals to Hubbell that she is pregnant, but it is not to bring back that lovin' feeling (it's gone gone gone). One fight leads to another until finally Hubell cheats on Katie with his college fling (CLIMAX!!). He stays with Katie until she gives birth to their baby and then the two part ways. When they run into eachother, by chance, years later both are in committed relationships and yet they can both feel their lusty desires for one another. But, alas, they just weren't meant to be. Katie looks on at Hubbell, knowing their political and personality differences could never coincide, and remembers the way they were. (haha I crack myself up)
I thought the film was very interesting. I thought Streisands character was very hard to relate to until the very end when Hubbell cheated on Katie. She came off as a little psychotic and in need of some medication. Although it was long and drawn out at times, I appreciated the storyline. The ending was different than anything I've ever seen before and left the audience with just the right feeling. I think the film should have stuck to one controversial area instead of trying to cover both (Communism and Black listing) so that it could have focused on it a little more and done it justice. For example, I wish we could have seen more of the Hollywood black listing and how unfair it was to everyone. Overall, I give this film a C+ for effort and originality.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Citizen Blame... A commentary on Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane is a controversial movie depicting the life of the infamous "yellow journalist" during the Spanish American War, William Randolph Hearst. The film recreates a troubled childhood and a rapid rise to success, intertwining troubled romances, as a reporter tries to unravel the mystery of Rosebud and unlock Kane's mysterious life.
Director, Orson Welles, also takes a starring role in the film alongside Joseph Cotton as Jedediah Leland, Dorothy Comingore as Susan Alexander Kane, Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane, and Ray Collins as James W. Gettys. This cast took to heart the historical importance of the film, each leaving their own memorable stamp. Citizen Kane won an Oscar for best original screenplay and was nominated for eight more, including best actor.
The film begins with the death of Kane (Welles) as he utters his last word, 'Rosebud.' A reporter (Collins) takes great interest in finding out who or what Rosebud was and why he would choose that as his last word. As he interviews several people close to Kane, the audience has a hard time making up its mind as to whether they can become attached to this man or not. He is depicted in some scenes as being a selfish, ego maniac, power hungry newspaper tycoon and in others as a lost, lovesick man that life hasn't treated well. After many interviews with people such as his best friend, Jedediah (Cotton) and his second wife (Warrick) the reporter is even more confused than before, but still continues his renegade to discover the life of a business tycoon.
A very riveting story, Citizen Kane keeps the audience on the edges of its seat while bringing out several emotions. The film keeps us even more engrossed when we are unable to decide how we feel about Kane. Even once the movie ends the members find themselves still trying to decide. He is not only portrayed as a lucrative business man, but a man with dreams, ambitions, and a heart. He is shown through the good times and the bad, making him even more real to the audience. In addition, the cinematography is excellent, the lighting is perfect for the mood and feel of every scene, making it easy for the audience to completely immerse itself in the story, and the shots that are taken, such as a ceiling shot, are the first of their kind.
I highly recommend this film. It is revelutionary, and although it cost two men their careers, it takes film to a new level.
Director, Orson Welles, also takes a starring role in the film alongside Joseph Cotton as Jedediah Leland, Dorothy Comingore as Susan Alexander Kane, Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane, and Ray Collins as James W. Gettys. This cast took to heart the historical importance of the film, each leaving their own memorable stamp. Citizen Kane won an Oscar for best original screenplay and was nominated for eight more, including best actor.
The film begins with the death of Kane (Welles) as he utters his last word, 'Rosebud.' A reporter (Collins) takes great interest in finding out who or what Rosebud was and why he would choose that as his last word. As he interviews several people close to Kane, the audience has a hard time making up its mind as to whether they can become attached to this man or not. He is depicted in some scenes as being a selfish, ego maniac, power hungry newspaper tycoon and in others as a lost, lovesick man that life hasn't treated well. After many interviews with people such as his best friend, Jedediah (Cotton) and his second wife (Warrick) the reporter is even more confused than before, but still continues his renegade to discover the life of a business tycoon.
A very riveting story, Citizen Kane keeps the audience on the edges of its seat while bringing out several emotions. The film keeps us even more engrossed when we are unable to decide how we feel about Kane. Even once the movie ends the members find themselves still trying to decide. He is not only portrayed as a lucrative business man, but a man with dreams, ambitions, and a heart. He is shown through the good times and the bad, making him even more real to the audience. In addition, the cinematography is excellent, the lighting is perfect for the mood and feel of every scene, making it easy for the audience to completely immerse itself in the story, and the shots that are taken, such as a ceiling shot, are the first of their kind.
I highly recommend this film. It is revelutionary, and although it cost two men their careers, it takes film to a new level.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Review Redo
"Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance!" Singin' In the Rain is one of the most famous movie musicals ever made. Between it's ornate costumes and thrilling dance scenes, it provides one of the most memorable movie experiences for all movie goers.
Singin' In the Rain Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, Donald O'Connor as Cosmo Brown, Debbie Reynolds as Kathy Selden, and Jean Hagen as Lina Lamont. This star-studded cast gives a wonderful performance as each character. Singin' In the Rain was nominated for 2 Oscars, a BAFTA Award, and 2 Golden Globes (winning one of them). It was directed by Stanley Donan and Gene Kelly.
The story begins with Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont at a premier of one of their famous silent movies. After the film, Lockwood goes to a celebratory after party, on his way running into Kathy Seldon (who greatly affects him). At the party, there is talk of a new notion: talking pictures! The film deals with Hollywood in a special time of transition from silent to talking movies and how the actors handled it, most unable to work any longer. Lina Lamont, for example, was not "well endowed" for talking movies and struggles with the entire transition. Meanwhile, Cosmo, Don, and Kathy try to find a solution to the problem of Lina. The movie is filled with ironic surprises and great hilarity.
Singin' in the Rain is one of the most creative movie musicals, as far as choreography goes. The dynamic duo of Kelly and O'Connor soar to new heights and certainly raise the bar for future dancers and choreographers. My favorite number was "Make 'Em Laugh". In addition, the costumes are fantastic and ornate. Hagen gives a wonderful performance as Lena and keeps the audience laughing.
Singin' in the Rain is a must-see in the progression of film.
Singin' In the Rain Gene Kelly as Don Lockwood, Donald O'Connor as Cosmo Brown, Debbie Reynolds as Kathy Selden, and Jean Hagen as Lina Lamont. This star-studded cast gives a wonderful performance as each character. Singin' In the Rain was nominated for 2 Oscars, a BAFTA Award, and 2 Golden Globes (winning one of them). It was directed by Stanley Donan and Gene Kelly.
The story begins with Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont at a premier of one of their famous silent movies. After the film, Lockwood goes to a celebratory after party, on his way running into Kathy Seldon (who greatly affects him). At the party, there is talk of a new notion: talking pictures! The film deals with Hollywood in a special time of transition from silent to talking movies and how the actors handled it, most unable to work any longer. Lina Lamont, for example, was not "well endowed" for talking movies and struggles with the entire transition. Meanwhile, Cosmo, Don, and Kathy try to find a solution to the problem of Lina. The movie is filled with ironic surprises and great hilarity.
Singin' in the Rain is one of the most creative movie musicals, as far as choreography goes. The dynamic duo of Kelly and O'Connor soar to new heights and certainly raise the bar for future dancers and choreographers. My favorite number was "Make 'Em Laugh". In addition, the costumes are fantastic and ornate. Hagen gives a wonderful performance as Lena and keeps the audience laughing.
Singin' in the Rain is a must-see in the progression of film.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Another Review
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19980618/REVIEWS/806180301/1023
This is a great review of Singin in the Rain by Roger Ebert for the Chicago-Sun Times. Check it ooouuut!:)
This is a great review of Singin in the Rain by Roger Ebert for the Chicago-Sun Times. Check it ooouuut!:)
Singin in the Rain
Singin In the Rain is one of my favorite musicals. The story line is so original and has cleverly placed irony. One of my favorite parts about the movie version verses the stage adapted version is the dancing sequences. I sat in disbelief as I watched the two leading men tap my face off! It was amazing! but, of course, this comes from the girl who can barely do a wing.. I also loved Lena Lamont. The character voice she created was very believable and also very funny. I also admired the many stunts that were performed flawlessly. Make 'Em Laugh is one of my favorite numbers, and I could appreciate it even more knowing that he created it all on his own. Singin In the Rain was a revolutionary movie musical that challenged all the great comedians to step up their acts.
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