The western margin of this continent is built of a succession of mountain chains folded in broad corrugations, like waves of stone upon whose seaward base beat the mild, small breakers of the Pacific.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
First Lines: Clarence King - Mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada
The western margin of this continent is built of a succession of mountain chains folded in broad corrugations, like waves of stone upon whose seaward base beat the mild, small breakers of the Pacific.
The Haunting (1963)
A scientist doing research on the paranormal invites two women to a haunted mansion, and one of the participants soon starts losing her mind.
This ghost story works effectively with cinematic shocks only, supported by excellent cinematography, but the plot barely makes sense, and Julie Harris' performance is so intense - and irritating, you can consider it over-the-top.
Halliwell*: "Quite frightening but exhausting and humourless melodrama with a lot of suspense, no visible spooks, and not enough plot for its length. The wide screen is a disadvantage."
Maltin***1/2: "Don't see this one alone!"
The Straight Story (1999)
An old man makes a long journey by lawn-mover tractor to mend his relationship with an ill brother.
Another surprising masterpiece by David Lynch, unusual in its simplicity and obvious celebration of Americana, although there are still tinges of his typical images and soundscapes; this time around its and uplifting and touching story, and Richard Farnsworth's performance in itself is worth the watch.
Halliwell***: "A gentle, folksy road movie that takes its time but establishes a mood of quiet enjoyment of simple pleasures, mixed with a little regret for some past events; Farnsworth epitomises a man who knows his own worth and that of the others he meets on his journey."
Maltin***1/2: "Wonderful, deceptively simple slice of Americana...Its measured pace and episodic quality may not appeal to everyone, but its charm and belief in the basic decency of people make it very special indeed. Farnsworth shines in the leading role. Director Lynch's most benign film."
Friday, April 7, 2017
First Lines: Slavomir Rawicz - The Long Walk
It was about nine o'clock one bleak November day that the key rattled in the heavy lock of my cell in the Lubyanka Prison and the two broad-shouldered guards marched purposefully in.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Shanghai (2010)
An American expat returns to Shanghai in the months before Pearl Harbor due to the death of his friend.
Nicely produced and photographed spy thriller as a homage to the 40s Noir series; however, it's all on the surface, the star cast work only perfunctory, and the movie fails to spark any emotions.
Enemy (2013)
A man seeks out his exact look-alike after spotting him in a movie.
Somnambulant psychological drama conceived as one large riddle fascinates as a complex mystery, but the surprise end scene is grafted and quite a letdown.
Maltin**: "Ponderous psychological thriller...Strange, off-putting story, told in hushed tones,invites comparison to David Lynch's dreamlike films."