A day in the life, Aug 6, objet trouvé
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Black Angel (1946)
When a man is convicted of a singer's murder, his wife tries to prove him innocent...aided by the victim's ex-husband.
Exemplary Film Noir gem, and an excellent Cornell Woolrich adaptation, complete with a 'happy ending' that isn't happy at all.
On second view: Good little Noir thriller, a bit pedestrian, but reaches Woolrich dimensions of dark dread in the finale.
Halliwell*: "Stylish but empty version of a tired theme, interesting for performance and atmosphere."
Friday, August 7, 2015
First Lines: Michael Innes - The Journeying Boy
On the morning of Monday, the 4th of August 1947, Mr Richard Thewless walked in pleasant sunshine through the West End of London.
The Man Who Saved the World (2014)
The actions of Stanislav Petrov, a retired Soviet military officer, prevented the start of a worldwide nuclear war and the devastation of much of the Earth.
Competent docu-drama that centers its attention to Stanislav Petrov's life and personality, intense and very touching in certain moments.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
First Lines: Barbara Vine - A Fatal Inversion
The body lay on a small square of carpet in the middle of the gun-room floor.
.jpg)
A Boy and His Dog (1975)
In a post-apocalyptic world a boy communicates telepathically with his dog as they scavenge for food and sex.
Unusual, at times surreal and crude, but not fully convincing science fiction tale with quite a cynical ending.
Halliwell*: "Quirky science fiction, not to be taken too seriously, and managing a surprise ending."
Maltin**1/2: "Cult black comedy is definitely not a kiddie movie, despite its title."
Friendly Persuasion (1956)
The pacifist attitude of a Quaker family is tested as a result of the American Civil War.
Lovingly produced an excellently cast Hollywood period piece that also manages to say something about pacifism.
Halliwell**: "Sentimental, homespun Western fare, well done without being especially engrossing."
Maltin****: "Charming account...Warm, winning performances in this beautifully made film."
Monday, August 3, 2015
The Movies I Watched in July
A Private Affair 2002 6
A Star Is Born 1937 7
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy 2011 6
Amazing Grace 2006 7
Captain Cook: Obsession and Discovery 2007 7
Charles Bradley: Soul of America 2012 7
Donnie Darko 2001 8
Four Brothers 2005 6
Good Kill 2014 6
Horrible Bosses 2011 5
Johnny Guitar 1954 8
Just Like a Woman 2012 6
Killer Elite 2011 5
Ma vie en l'air 2005 5
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003 7
Message in a Bottle 1999 5
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster 2004 7
Ministry of Fear 1944 7
Ordinary People 1980 7
Showdown 1973 6
The Big Clock 1948 7
The Big Sleep 1946 8
The Blue Dahlia 1946 6
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 1966 8
The Help 2011 8
The Lincoln Lawyer 2011 6
The Man Who Fell to Earth 1976 6
For a Few Dollars More 1965 7
The River Murders 2011 6
The Woman in Black 2012 6
Written on the Wind 1956 7
A Star Is Born 1937 7
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy 2011 6
Amazing Grace 2006 7
Captain Cook: Obsession and Discovery 2007 7
Charles Bradley: Soul of America 2012 7
Donnie Darko 2001 8
Four Brothers 2005 6
Good Kill 2014 6
Horrible Bosses 2011 5
Johnny Guitar 1954 8
Just Like a Woman 2012 6
Killer Elite 2011 5
Ma vie en l'air 2005 5
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003 7
Message in a Bottle 1999 5
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster 2004 7
Ministry of Fear 1944 7
Ordinary People 1980 7
Showdown 1973 6
The Big Clock 1948 7
The Big Sleep 1946 8
The Blue Dahlia 1946 6
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 1966 8
The Help 2011 8
The Lincoln Lawyer 2011 6
The Man Who Fell to Earth 1976 6
For a Few Dollars More 1965 7
The River Murders 2011 6
The Woman in Black 2012 6
Written on the Wind 1956 7
