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RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 3:01:03 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

293. Mr. Freedom

Year: 1969
Director: William Klein
Cast: John Abbey, Delphine Seyrig, Donald Pleasence, Phillipe Noiret
Country: France

Synopsis: All-American superhero, Mr. Freedom decides to tackle the communist threat to France.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Mr. Freedom is a boorish American superhero. By day he's a stereotypical redneck sheriff, by night he's an agent of Freedom Inc, an agency of the U.S. government who employ superheroes to save the world from the enemy (anyone remotely left-wing). Freedom is ordered by his boss to travel to France to 'save' them from the threat of communism. When he arrives he finds that the French don't want to be saved. So he decides that if they won't join him, he'll kill them all.

Mr. Freedom is a sledgehammer subtle satire on American foreign policy. Director Klein was an American ex-pat living in France, and the film is merciless in its attacks on his birthland. Freedom's superhero costume looks like a cross between a WWF wrestler and an American footballer. He changes into his costume in a closet hidden behind a giant U.S. flag. Freedom Inc. is on the top floor of a building that also contains various corporations, including an oil company. Freedom has a 'Wanted For Treason' poster of JFK on his wall and during the course of his duties he slaughters black families and spouts racist, sexist and homophobic views.

Klein was also a fashion photographer and he uses this experience to create a staggering visual spectacle. The film aims for the utterly absurd in its approach, Godard-esque agitprop crossed with the pop-art sensibilites of the Batman t.v. series.

Mr. Freedom depicts American foreign policy as being bigoted and blinkered enough to try and force democracy on a country that doesn't want it and then being shocked when the country turns against it. It's a sad commentary on modern day America that a 40 year old satire seems every bit as valid today as it did when it was first released.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 61

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 6:55:22 AM

fernetcontonica

Posts: 8183
Joined: 29/4/2007
From: Everywhere

Many intresting things there, loved to see the Falls getting some love, it's such a unique film with one of the most intresting worldbuildings ever

I'll watch the man who planted trees at some point, I didn't hear enough good things about it.
and got me quite curious about Mr Freedom really

_____________________________

Dettachment 6?/10
The Dead Inside 7?/10
The Haunted Mansion 5/10
Anatomie 2 6/10
Anatomie 6?/10
I, Anna 8/10
Excision 7?/10
The Elephant Man 9?/10
REC 3 Genesis 6/10
Blindness 8?/10

(in reply to rawlinson)

Post #: 62

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 9:15:13 AM

elab49

Posts: 51645
Joined: 1/10/2005

Three Cases - Damndest thing - I have seen this but I had completely forgotten about Welles. Saw it yonks ago because I liked Alan Badel (shortly after greatly enjoying his double act with the equally wonderful Ian Hendry in Children of the Damned). I'd love to see this again though. Must peruse various sites.

Not seen Mr Freedom although I had looked at the Eclipse release but it hadn't overly interested me. The other 2 still don't really, but I'll see if I can find this.

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Post #: 63

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 9:29:39 AM

jamesbondguy

Posts: 6238
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: The Village Green

Nice to see Mr Freedom included, I've wanted to see some of William Klein's stuff for quite a while. I'll probably pick up the Region 1 boxset sometime soon. Have you seen any of his other films?

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Post #: 64

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 2:49:57 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

292. Under Milk Wood

Year: 1972
Director: Andrew Sinclair
Cast: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter O'Toole, Glynis Johns
Country: UK

Synopsis: Dylan Thomas's 'Play For Voices' about the residents of Llareggub is brought to the big screen.

In 1944 Dylan Thomas wrote a short story called Quite Early One Morning. Nearly a decade letter, shortly before he died, he had reworked the story into Under Milk Wood, a play for BBC radio. The end result was probably not his greatest work (For my money that will always be a toss up between Fern Hill and Poem In October), but it was one of the finest expressions of Dylan's talent and a beautiful love-letter to the village of Laugharne.

The plot focuses on one day in Llareggub (Bugger All spelt backwards) a little seaside village based closely on Dylan's beloved Laugharne. We follow the thoughts and dreams of the inhabitants of the village, from Captain Cat (O'Toole) a blind sea-captain who dreams of his long-dead shipmates to Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard, the owner of a b&b who insists on cleanliness and dreams of her dead husbands.

The film follows the play closely and is as warm, wonderful, gentle and lyrical as the original. Sinclair played wise by casting Richard Burton as 'First Voice' (A role he played in the classic radio broadcast) a stranger to the village who provides background narration. Burton, like Thomas himself, was possessed of one of history's great voices and his distinctive tones add much to the film. Adapting the play for film was always going to be challenging, it needed a director who could fall into the rhythms of the piece. Luckily Sinclair displays a great affection for the play and he follows the flow of Dylan's poetry with ease.

If you want a linear narrative or an action packed plot then the film isn't for you. Nothing much actually happens in the traditional sense. Instead we're treated to the character's deepest dreams, fears, loves and regrets. Probably best suited to fans of films like Waking Life or My Dinner With Andre.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 65

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 2:51:21 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: fernetcontonica

Many intresting things there, loved to see the Falls getting some love, it's such a unique film with one of the most intresting worldbuildings ever
I'll watch the man who planted trees at some point, I didn't hear enough good things about it.
and got me quite curious about Mr Freedom really

Glad you're finding some stuff on interest. Mr. Freedom is one of those films that's just so odd that I'd recommend everyone see it at least, even if they end up hating it.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 66

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 2:54:10 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

Three Cases - Damndest thing - I have seen this but I had completely forgotten about Welles. Saw it yonks ago because I liked Alan Badel (shortly after greatly enjoying his double act with the equally wonderful Ian Hendry in Children of the Damned). I'd love to see this again though. Must peruse various sites.

Not seen Mr Freedom although I had looked at the Eclipse release but it hadn't overly interested me. The other 2 still don't really, but I'll see if I can find this.

Someone else has actually seen Three Cases Of Murder?!

That has just made me incredibly happy. I didn't even realise that Mr. Freedom had been given an official dvd release. I've always wanted to see Who Are You Polly Maggoo so I think I may get the box set at some point.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to elab49)

Post #: 67

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 2:55:45 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: jamesbondguy

Nice to see Mr Freedom included, I've wanted to see some of William Klein's stuff for quite a while. I'll probably pick up the Region 1 boxset sometime soon. Have you seen any of his other films?

Not yet (Unless you count La Jetee) , I've heard great things about Polly Maggoo though.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 68

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 4/9/2008 3:01:07 PM

jamesbondguy

Posts: 6238
Joined: 6/1/2007
From: The Village Green

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson

quote:

ORIGINAL: jamesbondguy

Nice to see Mr Freedom included, I've wanted to see some of William Klein's stuff for quite a while. I'll probably pick up the Region 1 boxset sometime soon. Have you seen any of his other films?

Not yet (Unless you count La Jetee) , I've heard great things about Polly Maggoo though.

Yeah, Polly Maggoo is the other one I really want to see. He certainly sounds like an interesting director, with elements reminiscent of Chris Marker and Godard, while still being completley unique. Can't wait to see some of his films!

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Post #: 69

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 11/9/2008 10:46:54 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

291. Careful

Year: 1992
Director: Guy Maddin
Cast: Kyle McCulloch, Gosia Dobrowolska, Sarah Neville, Paul Cox
Country: Canada

SPOILERS AHEAD

Synopsis: In a remote Alpine village where people have to talk quietly and restrain themselves in order to avoid avalanches, the villagefolk find the everyday repression drawing them into murder and incest.

This is the first of several Guy Maddin films on the list, so I'd better get the standard line out of the way - 'Guy Maddin's films look and feel as if they've been discovered in a vault'. You can't write a review of a Maddin film without mentioning that. With good reason too. His films really do come across as relics from the silent era. Careful is shot in the style of early German cinema with the backdrop of painted mountains and archways being especially reminiscent of The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari. But it's quite difficult to honestly compare a Guy Maddin film to anything other than other Guy Maddin films. He creates worlds that are entirely his and completely immerses the viewer in them. In addition to the artificial sets, the film also creates its world through startling use of colour and the purposely stilted dialogue and performances. This highly stylized but beautiful film manages to cram incest, betrayal, murder, a school for butlers, and blinding by cuckoo clock into a surreal, whimsical and dreamlike world.

The plots of Maddin's films tend to be quite melodramatic and Careful is certainly no exception. The film is situated in a remote village in the Alps where the risk of avalanches is so high that people are terrified of sudden and loud noises. This leads to life in the village being based on a system of complete propriety. People are raised to live a life of restraint where emotions are stifled in order to avoid the risk of creating a noise that could cause an avalanche.

Three brothers live with their mother in this subdued and repressed world. One of the brothers has an erotic dream about his mother and proceeds to drug her with a love potion before mutilating himself in punishment and then throwing himself off the mountain. Another brother challenges the local aristocrat who loves his mother to a duel. While the third is imprisoned in an attic and visited by the ghost of his blind father.

It's easy to dismiss Maddin's films for being too weird or inaccessible, but the melodrama of the plots and the artificial landscapes combine to create something that's funny, moving and incredibly human. For all his theatricality, Maddin manages to create films that speak to me every bit as much as the more realistic films of a director like Cassavetes.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 70

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 12/9/2008 2:46:35 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

290. They Drive By Night

Year: 1938
Director: Arthur B. Woods
Cast: Emlyn Williams, Ernest Thesiger, Anna Konstram
Country: UK

SPOILERS AHEAD

Synopsis: An ex-convict and a female friend go on the run when he's accused of a murder he didn't commit.

Generally far less well known than the Humphrey Bogart film of the same title, this 'quota quickie' is one of the most atmospheric horror/thrillers of its era. It could also be argued as an early example of British noir.

In what could easily be described as a Hitchcockian plot, Shorty Matthews is a man trapped in circumstances beyond his control. Upon his release from prison he visits a female friend and finds her dead, strangled with a silk stocking. Fearing he will be blamed for the crime he goes on the run. Heading North he rescues another female friend, Molly, from being raped by a truck-driver. She believes in his innocence and resolves to help him clear his name. Together they meet Walter, an amateur detective and student of psychology who offers to help them find the real killer.

The plot is nothing amazing, you could find it in any number of films from that period. What makes the film work is the incredible atmosphere that Woods brings to the film. 1930s British society is depicted a world of spivs, rapists and petty criminals. The night is depicted as a strange and frightening place, always gloomy, windswept and raining where murky roadside cafes stay open and all night and no-one is to be trusted. Basil Emmott's cinematography is incredible and I wish he'd made more of an impact in his career. Judging by his work here he was capable of being one of the best.

Emlyn Williams is fine as the wronged man and Anna Konstram puts in a good turn as Molly, but (as you'd expect) Ernest Thesiger steals every scene as Walter. Almost as camp as his Dr. Pretorius and (obviously) hiding a dark secret.

Like many of the quota quickies, They Drive By Night seems to have almost disappeared. A real shame as it deserves to be widely seen, re-evaluated, and given some acceptance as a strong example of 30s Brit cinema.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 71

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 12/9/2008 4:27:35 AM

Gimli The Dwarf

Posts: 73480
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Central Park Zoo

More I haven't seen (though I'm sure I have a taped copy of Under Milk Wood knocking about). I quite like the sound of Careful.

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Fellow scientists, poindexters, geeks.

Yeah, Mr. White! Yeah, science!

Much more better!

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Post #: 72

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 12/9/2008 10:00:57 AM

elab49

Posts: 51645
Joined: 1/10/2005

Every 6 months or so I try to remember the name of Careful. I was wondering yesterday as my rental sent my La Antena (the synopsis reminded me a little of it), so this is quite handy! I'm not a great fan of him - I've seen this and some of the shorts like Heart of the World - just a bit too weird for me. Although I'll probably have a look at My Winnipeg for Ann Savage. Gimli might want to have a look though - peer more closely at the other title on that case

They Drive By Night - far more my thing and one I do like. Given the number of remakes of earlier US and French films in the classic period I was quite surprised this was ignored - I guess the backgrounds of most of the directors just meant they didn't really watch British films. One of the crime books things mentioned the book is getting a rerelease as well.

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Post #: 73

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 12/9/2008 10:04:38 AM

Gimli The Dwarf

Posts: 73480
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Central Park Zoo

_____________________________

So, sir, we let him have it right up! And I have to report, sir, he did not like it, sir.

Fellow scientists, poindexters, geeks.

Yeah, Mr. White! Yeah, science!

Much more better!

(in reply to elab49)

Post #: 74

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 14/9/2008 6:32:24 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gimli The Dwarf

More I haven't seen (though I'm sure I have a taped copy of Under Milk Wood knocking about). I quite like the sound of Careful.

Careful is (I think) still only available on region 1 dvd, so it may be worth checking out some of Maddin's films that have been released over here first. Some of his stuff crops up on Sky Arts from time to time (if you have access to it) If you do have Under Milk Wood taped then it's definitely worth giving it a look. The animated version isn't bad either.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to Gimli The Dwarf)

Post #: 75

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 14/9/2008 6:38:16 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

Every 6 months or so I try to remember the name of Careful. I was wondering yesterday as my rental sent my La Antena (the synopsis reminded me a little of it), so this is quite handy! I'm not a great fan of him - I've seen this and some of the shorts like Heart of the World - just a bit too weird for me. Although I'll probably have a look at My Winnipeg for Ann Savage. Gimli might want to have a look though - peer more closely at the other title on that case

They Drive By Night - far more my thing and one I do like. Given the number of remakes of earlier US and French films in the classic period I was quite surprised this was ignored - I guess the backgrounds of most of the directors just meant they didn't really watch British films. One of the crime books things mentioned the book is getting a rerelease as well.

I hadn't come across La Antena, I just looked it up and it sounds fascinating. Thanks for mentioning it.

I haven't had chance to see My Winnipeg yet. Think it's the only Maddin feature I've missed so far. I'm hoping Chapter show it sometime soon.

On the silent film tribute theme, did you ever see the recent Call Of Cthulhu film? A Lovecraft fanclub made the film but shot it to look as if it had been made the year the story was written (1926). It's obviously quite low budget and amateur but it's a fascinating effort.

< Message edited by rawlinson -- 14/9/2008 6:46:30 AM >

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to elab49)

Post #: 76

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 14/9/2008 8:02:12 AM

fernetcontonica

Posts: 8183
Joined: 29/4/2007
From: Everywhere

La Antena is a rather amazing film, and besides the intrest your Careful's review just drew by itself, the point of comparison adds up to my curiosity

I always welcome films with competent worldbuilding like "La Antena" and "The Falls". I'll check for it as well

I'm liking your list, althought I only seen one of its films

, really brought some films to my attention.

_____________________________

Dettachment 6?/10
The Dead Inside 7?/10
The Haunted Mansion 5/10
Anatomie 2 6/10
Anatomie 6?/10
I, Anna 8/10
Excision 7?/10
The Elephant Man 9?/10
REC 3 Genesis 6/10
Blindness 8?/10

(in reply to rawlinson)

Post #: 77

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 14/9/2008 10:11:25 AM

elab49

Posts: 51645
Joined: 1/10/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson
On the silent film tribute theme, did you ever see the recent Call Of Cthulhu film? A Lovecraft fanclub made the film but shot it to look as if it had been made the year the story was written (1926). It's obviously quite low budget and amateur but it's a fascinating effort.

I've never been, directly, a Lovecraft fan - although I'll have seen the influences elsewhere. I'll try and look it out though.

Gimli seems impressed - d'ya think he'll look up his place of rest while ill?

_____________________________

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Films watched 2012

Annual Poll 2012 Countdown Started.

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Post #: 78

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 14/9/2008 2:16:03 PM

Professor Moriarty

Posts: 8596
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: the waters of Casablanca

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson

Generally far less well known than the Humphrey Bogart film of the same title, this 'quota quickie' is one of the most atmospheric horror/thrillers of its era. It could also be argued as an early example of British noir.

I like the Bogart film, even if it is a bit like two films somehow joined together. Ida Lupino is just such a great actress anyway.

This one sounds a lot of fun though. I'll have to remember to look it out sometime.

(in reply to rawlinson)

Post #: 79

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 20/9/2008 4:54:48 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

289. The Fog

Year: 1980
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Hal Holbrook, Tom Atkins
Country: USA

SPOILERS AHEAD

Synopsis: A small coastal town is attacked by a fog containing the ghosts of murdered sailors.

Antonio Bay is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On what should be a joyous time for the small fishing town, the local priest discovers the dark history of murder that the town was founded on. Six of the founders of Antonio Bay deliberately sunk a ship of lepers. Now the lepers have returned from the grave to seek revenge.

The Fog is often seen as the weak link in John Carpenter's early career. Coming between Halloween and Escape From New York (with the exception of a couple of t.v. movies) its often overlooked in their favour. It's important that the tradition the film stems from is understood. The opening scene sets the tone of the film, a ghost story told around a campfire to a group of children. The Fog is Carpenter's attempts to create a cinematic version of a literary ghost story. The storyteller (John Houseman in a cameo role) is named Machen, a nod to Arthur Machen, one of the greatest horror writers who ever lived, and a hugely influential figure. The film also includes nods to H.P. Lovecraft and many critics have seen it as a very Lovecraftian tale. Personally I always felt as if it could have been adapted from a short story by William Hope Hodgson. Hodgson's ghost stories often took place at sea, and The Fog feels like it could settles nicely alongside his work.

The fairly large ensemble cast work well together. Adrienne Barbeau is the particular stand-out as the town's dj. Having her broadcast from the lighthouse was a nice touch. It ties her in directly with the town's history while allowing her to almost act as a narrator figure.

The film's slow pace has led to some criticism, but the pacing isn't that far removed from Halloween. The power of The Fog doesn't come from the sudden ghost attacks, if anything the more graphic death scenes can break the mood of the film at times. The chill of The Fog lies in what we can't see, not in what we can. Much like Halloween, the film is at its most effective when the characters are being stalked. The fog effects are superbly spooky while the atmospheric cinematography adds to the haunting feel of the film.

I don't delude myself into thinking that The Fog is for everyone, fans of the more action-packed Carpenter films may be very disappointed. But those willing to lose themselves in its chilly atmosphere and those with a deep love for classic ghost stories will find many rewards here.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to Professor Moriarty)

Post #: 80

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 20/9/2008 4:55:48 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: fernetcontonica

La Antena is a rather amazing film, and besides the intrest your Careful's review just drew by itself, the point of comparison adds up to my curiosity I always welcome films with competent worldbuilding like "La Antena" and "The Falls". I'll check for it as well
I'm liking your list, althought I only seen one of its films , really brought some films to my attention.

Thank you

I'm glad I've been able to provide you with a few recommendations so far.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to fernetcontonica)

Post #: 81

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 20/9/2008 4:58:49 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson
On the silent film tribute theme, did you ever see the recent Call Of Cthulhu film? A Lovecraft fanclub made the film but shot it to look as if it had been made the year the story was written (1926). It's obviously quite low budget and amateur but it's a fascinating effort.

I've never been, directly, a Lovecraft fan - although I'll have seen the influences elsewhere. I'll try and look it out though.

Gimli seems impressed - d'ya think he'll look up his place of rest while ill?

Not giving too much away to reveal that Hospital will be cropping up later in the list, maybe I'll be able to sell Gimli on it then

The Cthulhu film is probably a lot more entertaining if you are a Lovecraft fan but it's still interesting to see what an amateur company have been able to do.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to elab49)

Post #: 82

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 20/9/2008 5:00:30 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Professor Moriarty

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson

Generally far less well known than the Humphrey Bogart film of the same title, this 'quota quickie' is one of the most atmospheric horror/thrillers of its era. It could also be argued as an early example of British noir.

I like the Bogart film, even if it is a bit like two films somehow joined together. Ida Lupino is just such a great actress anyway.

This one sounds a lot of fun though. I'll have to remember to look it out sometime.

It's certainly worth seeing if you can get hold of it. I like the Bogart film too and I agree 100% on Lupino. She wasn't a bad director either.

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to Professor Moriarty)

Post #: 83

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 5:04:58 AM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

288. Mikey And Nicky

Year: 1976
Director: Elaine May
Cast: Peter Falk, John Cassavetes, Ned Beatty, William Hickey
Country: USA

SPOILERS AHEAD

Synopsis: A hit is put out on a low-level gangster (Cassavetes) and he calls on an old friend to help him survive and escape through the treacherous Philadelphia night.

Ask most people to identify a Peter Falk role and most will say Columbo and some will say the grandfather in The Princess Bride. As much as I adore both Columbo and The Princess Bride, that seems to be doing an injustice to what a superb actor Falk actually was in his prime. I think his best performance was in A Woman Under The Influence, but Mikey And Nicky runs it a very close second.

Set almost entirely on the streets of Philadelphia, Mikey And Nicky is the story of two old friends, both low-level gangsters. Cassavetes has had a hit put out on him by the gangland boss he betrayed and he turns to his old friend Falk for help.

Both actors turn in uncompromising performances. Neither of the lead characters are perfect and they spend large stretches of the film being very difficult to like. Their journey through the night opens old wounds in the friendship and the men become suspicious, bitter and jealous of each other. By all accounts May would just put the camera on Cassavetes and Falk and allow them to riff off each other for hours at a time. The pair were old friends who had worked together often and their obvious friendship adds a greater depth to the relationship of the characters.

Despite a strong supporting cast, the strengths of the film lie mainly with Cassavetes and Falk. If either of them had made a mistake in their performances then the entire film could have fallen apart. Luckily both men do some of the finest work of their careers. The film's other great strength is the location. My wife is a Philly native and I spent some time living there and the film makes great use of the darkness that is present on certain Philadelphia streets. Philly is one of those odd cities where half the population live in relative affluence while the other half is a ghetto. In Mikey And Nicky every street corner and alleyway feels alive with danger.

The film was a real change for May. Until this point in her career, Elaine May was regarded as a female Mike Nichols (indeed they were a couple in real life), but here she seems to fall under the spell of Cassavetes and you could be forgiven for thinking he'd directed this himself, almost as a companion film to Killing Of A Chinese Bookie. If the film had been given more attention it'd be looked on as one of the groundbreaking films of the 70s right now. Instead, it's become one of the era's most undeservedly neglected films.

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quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

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Post #: 84

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 10:50:17 AM

elab49

Posts: 51645
Joined: 1/10/2005

I only vaguely remember this. At the time I wouldn't have seen any of Cassavetes own films and I'm not really a fan of those - so May channelling him might be the reason I've not tried to rewatch.

I'm not sure what I think of first when I think of Falk. Possibly Columbo. Maybe The Great Race

And hokey though it is I do like Pocketful of Miracles.

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Post #: 85

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 3:13:49 PM

ElephantBoy

Posts: 7361
Joined: 13/4/2006

I've only seen the Bogat version of they Drive by Night which I thought was very good, so i'll have to track down this one. Have to disagree about the Fog however, a Film which never gets off the ground and is not scary and totally unconvicing. One of Carpenters low points.

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Post #: 86

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 3:19:04 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

I only vaguely remember this. At the time I wouldn't have seen any of Cassavetes own films and I'm not really a fan of those - so May channelling him might be the reason I've not tried to rewatch.

I'm not sure what I think of first when I think of Falk. Possibly Columbo. Maybe The Great Race And hokey though it is I do like Pocketful of Miracles.

If you're not a Cassavetes fan then you'll find much to disagree with as the list continues

. Are there any of his films you like?

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to elab49)

Post #: 87

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 3:21:29 PM

rawlinson

Posts: 40229
Joined: 13/6/2008
From: Timbuktu. Chinese or Fictional.

quote:

ORIGINAL: ElephantBoy

I've only seen the Bogat version of they Drive by Night which I thought was very good, so i'll have to track down this one. Have to disagree about the Fog however, a Film which never gets off the ground and is not scary and totally unconvicing. One of Carpenters low points.

They Drive By Night can be difficult to find but it's worth the effort. What did you find unconvincing about The Fog?

_____________________________

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I would plough my way through MonsterCat

quote:

ORIGINAL: matty_b

I desire MonsterCat to go down on me.

(in reply to ElephantBoy)

Post #: 88

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 3:29:46 PM

ElephantBoy

Posts: 7361
Joined: 13/4/2006

Lets see, the acting, the effects(ok it does look quite creepy at least at first) the story and in the whole the fact that it's just such a silly idea for a horror film. Once you get beyond the idea of the Fog being intimdating the film has noting else to it. It's not like something like the Birds where, where they have faces and can be vicous and chase you, there's just not much you can do with the Fogs plot and for me it shows.

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Post #: 89

RE: Favourite 300 Films - 25/9/2008 3:34:56 PM

elab49

Posts: 51645
Joined: 1/10/2005

quote:

ORIGINAL: rawlinson

quote:

ORIGINAL: elab49

I only vaguely remember this. At the time I wouldn't have seen any of Cassavetes own films and I'm not really a fan of those - so May channelling him might be the reason I've not tried to rewatch.

I'm not sure what I think of first when I think of Falk. Possibly Columbo. Maybe The Great Race And hokey though it is I do like Pocketful of Miracles.

If you're not a Cassavetes fan then you'll find much to disagree with as the list continues . Are there any of his films you like?

I'm tempted to say Big Trouble!

I think Opening Night is the most watchable, and I haven't seen all of his by any means. I have about 7 recorded from various places. But they've rarely engaged me. I see some wonderful performances working hard to make me give a damn - but the film just doesn't work.

Looking at IMDB - his Colombo had Myrna Loy in it! I could pick that.

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Lips Together and Blow - blogtasticness and Glasgow Film Festival GFF13!

Films watched 2012

Annual Poll 2012 Countdown Started.

(in reply to rawlinson)

Post #: 90