John Ford Series, Year-by-Year Picks, Bresson Festival, Norwegian Wood, The Scarlet Letter and Harry Belafonte Documentary on Monday Morning Diary (January 16)

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John Ford Series, Year-by-Year Picks, Bresson Festival, Norwegian Wood, The Scarlet Letter and Harry Belafonte Documentary on Monday Morning Diary (January 16)

January 16, 2012 by wondersinthedark

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Screen cap from Tan Anh Hung's lush "Norwegian Wood" adapted from wildly popular Japanese cult novel by Haruki Murakami

by Sam Juliano

Peter Lenihan’s John Ford series has launched with a terrific informative essay on the silent Just Pals, and will continue on every ‘other’ Wednesday, meaning the off week when Jim Clark isn’t writing. Allan Fish’s challenging year-by-year consideration of the picture, director, actor and actresses also made it’s debut last week, and will be posting every Sunday until completion. The past week saw two Top Tens by Maurizio Roca and Yours Truly, another list from Bob Clark on some highlights, a splendid review on the Iranian gem A Separation by Tony d’Ambra and another superlative installment in the “Getting Over the Beatles” project from Jamie Uhler. Upcoming year-end lists will soon be posted by Jaime Grijalba and by Bob Clark.

The Giants beat the 15-1 Green Bay Packers in a pivotal NFC quarter-final game that has New Yorkers and New Jerseyites in a tizzy!!! This was one of the greatest games the Giants have ever played, and winning in Green Bay against such a great team will forever be in the annals. The Giants will be playing the San Francisco 49ers next week out in Frisco for the right to respresent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Go Jints!!!!!!

The Golden Globes were handed out Sunday night in Hollywood, with The Descendants, The Artist, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jean Dejardin, Michelle Williams, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Plummer and Octavia Spencer all coming out winners.

With the Film Forum’s ‘Robert Bresson’ Festival running full throttle, the M-G-M ‘Silent Roar’ Mondays winding down with another banner week, and a few new releases, Lucille and I had a very busy week in the dark. We saw the following:

Norwegian Wood **** (Friday night) IFC Film Center

Sing Your Song **** (Saturday night) IFC Film Center

The Scarlet Letter (1926) ***** (Monday night) Film Forum

Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne **** 1/2 (Monday) Bresson at Film Forum

The Trial of Joan of Arc **** (Tuesday) Bresson at Film Forum

Mouchette ***** (Wednesday night) Bresson at Film Forum

Lancelot du Lac **** (Thursday night) Bresson at Film Forum

Pickpocket ***** (Friday) Bresson at Film Forum

Diary of a Country Priest ***** (Sunday) Bresson at Film Forum

The new documentary by Susanne Rostock on the life of 84 year-old social activist, musician, actor and nightclub performer Harry Belafonte titled SING YOUR SONG will admittedly be much too hagiographic for many, but it can hardly be denied that the seminal figure was a vital cog in the civil rights movement and a figure who in many ways projected a larger than life image to the many who were inspired by his career, activism and charitible concerns. Belafonte, who appeared at the IFC Film Center on Saturday evening to introduce the film, worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and gained the audience and confidences of John F. and Robert Kennedy, was raised in Harlem, was inspired by Paul Robson, and made several key Hollywood films (including Robert Wise’s Odds Against Tomorrow) while bonding with other thespians who shared his social causes. One of these, Sidney Poiter, traveled to Mississippi shortly after the bodies of the three young liberals were found in the terrible act that inspired the movie “Mississippi Burning.” Belafonte is a magnetic figure, whose life seems a natural for a such a documentary.

French-Vietnamese director Tan Anh Hung, whose debut film The Scent of the Green Papaya won wide acclaim and an Oscar nomination for ‘Best Foreign Film’ helmed NORWEGIAN WOOD, based on a popular 1987 Japanese cult novel of the same name by Haruki Murakami, which deals with loss and heartbreak in a coming-of-age romantic tale. The painterly fabric of the watercolor visuals and lush color and landscape recalls Yoshida’s Akitsu Springs, and even the excessive melodrmatic slant mirrors the earlier film. But Hung’s intimate screenplay is a bit uneven, and the characters are not as well drawn as the images that define the mood. Yet there is profundity in the film’s ability to negotiate the sensory elements, and there is very strong work here from cinematographer Mark Lee Ping Bin (who shot Kar-Wai’s In the Mood For Love) and Radiohead’s Johnny Greenwood, who has again contributed an atmospheric movie score, one that deserves acquisition as a stand alone. The cast is quite good, especially Rinku Kikuchi as Naoko, who received an Oscar nomination for Babel.

Monday evening’s presentation of Victor Seastrom’s 1926 THE SCARLET LETTER was greeted with a sold-audience at Manhattan’s Film Forum, and another splendid piano accompaniment by Steve Sterner. The print was a glorious one, and the re-viewing confirmed this silent classic as masterpiece, and one that contains one of Lillian’s Gish most extraordinary performances.

The Robert Bresson Festival went into high gear over the past week, with screenings of several of the austere French director’s supreme masterworks. It will wind down over the next few days, but not before justly-acclaimed rarities like The Devil Probably, Four Nights of a Dreamer and Une Femme Douce will be screened, and a separate one-week engagement of the universally-praised A Man Escaped will begin on Friday.

I am still pondering the overall situation with links. For teh time being I will leave things status quo, with some updates in this scroll:

Anu at The Confidential Report has checked in with a fabulous Ten Best list that fully warrants everyone’s attention: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/top-ten-of-2011/

Tony d’Ambra is leading up at FilmsNoir.net with a brilliant post on ‘Film Noir and Living in the Past’ that makes some persuasive conclusions: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/film-noir-and-living-in-the-past-if-a-mans-life-can-be-lived-so-long-and-come-out-this-way.html

Laurie Buchanan talks about the ‘Differences That Make the World Go Round at Speaking From the Heart: http://holessence.wordpress.com/2012/01/10/difference-makes-the-world-go-round/

Just Another Film Buff (Srikanth) has posted a spectacular Top 10 at The Seventh Art that raises the bar in every sense: http://theseventhart.info/2012/01/01/favorite-films-of-2011/

John Greco has authored a fabulous review of the Marx Brothers’ anarchic classic “Horse Feathers” at Twenty-Four Frames: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/horse-feathers-1932-norman-z-mcleod/

Samuel Wilson has penned a spectacular work of originality on Godard’s “Film Socialism” at Mondo 70: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2012/01/film-socialisme-socialisme-2010-homage.html

Jason Marshall has penned an excellent takedown of Spielberg’s “War Horse” at Movies Over Matter: http://moviesovermatter.com/2012/01/10/you-can-lead-a-horse-to-war-spielbergs-war-horse/

Pat Perry recaps the past year at Doodad Kind of Town with an engaging look behind and forward: http://doodadkindoftown.blogspot.com/2012/01/looking-forward-looking-back.html

R.D. Finch at The Movie Projector has penned a masterpiece about a masterpiece in his “Vertigo” review at The Movie Projector: http://themovieprojector.blogspot.com/2012/01/deadly-obsession-alfred-hitchcocks.html#comment-form

Roderick Heath at Ferdy-on-Films has penned what could truly be called a “definitive” review of Powell and Pressberger’s “Gone to Earth”: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=12891

Judy Geater at Movie Classics has penned an utterly delightful essay on the critically-praised and awarded “The Artist” which homages silent cinema: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/the-artist-michel-hazanavicius-2011/

Jaime Grijalba has unveiled his towering Top 10 list over at Exodus: 8:2: http://exodus8-2.blogspot.com/2012/01/las-mejores-peliculas-del-2011-chilean.html

Joel Bocko offers up “Highlights For the Holidays” at The Dancing Image, which showcases some of the great posts from the past year: http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2011/12/highlights-for-holidays.html

Dee Dee has posted a wonderfully informative and engaging piece on the origin of lobby cards at Darkness Into Light: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2011/11/holding-auctiontaking-look-at-eleven.html

Jon Warner at Films Worth Watching has penned a terrifically insightful review of Visconti’s “Senso”: http://filmsworthwatching.blogspot.com/2012/01/senso-1954-directed-by-luchino-visconti.html

Kaleem Hasan’s Satyamshot blog offers a New Year’s greeting to all readers: http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/2011/12/31/happy-new-year-folks/

At Roderick Heath’s solo movie blog “This Island Rod” the great writer offers up a classic takedown of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”: http://thisislandrod.blogspot.com/2011/12/tinker-tailor-soldier-spy-2011.html

At Heath’s literature blog, English-One-O-Worst, the great writer takes on the Bard’s “King Lear” and the result is a scholarly masterpiece: http://englishoneoworst.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-he-rightly-is-king-lear-as-king.html

Craig Kennedy’s always engaging Watercooler post is leading the way at Living in Cinema: http://livingincinema.com/2012/01/15/movie-vacation-all-i-ever-wanted/

Ed Howard at Only the Cinema is presently leading up with a marvelous review of the multi-taled “Paris je t’aime”: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2012/01/paris-je-taime.html

Murderous Ink, in Tokyo examines ‘Nuclear Noir’ in a brilliant new post at Vermillion and One Nights: http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/2011/12/nuclear-noir.html

At Patricia’s Wisdom, our friend and proctor of the same name has authored a tremendous review of Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life”: http://patriciaswisdom.com/2011/12/the-tree-of-life/

At Scribbles and Ramblings Sachin Gandhi has penned a brilliant piece on ‘Three Films by Mohammad Al-Daradji”: http://likhna.blogspot.com/2011/12/three-films-by-mohamed-al-daradji.html

At the always-spectacular Creativepotager’s blog, artist Terrill Welch offers up a new post for the new year that will ravish the senses in an ocean of blue: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/mayne-island-dawn-of-2012/

At The Long Voyage Home, Peter Lenihan offers up an incredible list of “key films” that screams out “essential” in every sense: http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/

The gifted and always brilliant Jason Bellamy takes a fascinating and perceptive look at “J Edgar” that in some measure differs from the majority stand. It’s at The Cooler: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2011/11/solid-weight-j-edgar.html

Filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman at The Late Lullaby has posted a stupendous round-up of the best cinematic experiences he’s enjoyed in 2011: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-top-10-or-so-films-for-2011.html

Again Stephen Russell-Gebbett offers an original piece on the artistic worth of the “remake” at Checking on my Sausages: http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2012/01/remakes-why-not.html

At The Schleicher Spin our very good friend David frames expectations for 2012. take a look: http://theschleicherspin.com/2012/01/01/are-you-ready-for-dun-dun-dun-2012/

At Cinemascope Shubajit Laheri has penned a fantastic capsule on Bresson’s “Mouchette”: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2012/01/mouchette-1967.html

Adam Zanzie at Icebox Movies has authored a marvelous essay on “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”: http://www.iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-torture-and-revenge-in-girl-with.html

Michael Harford, the erstwhile ‘Coffee Messiah’ offers up an engaging video about the beverage’s worldwide popularity: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2011/11/coffee-break.html

Troy Olson announces plans to commence with his Robert Bresson project at Elusive as Robert Denby: http://troyolson.blogspot.com/2011/11/argh.html

At Radiator Heaven J.D. has penned a superlative piece on 2005′s “Mirrormask”: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2011/12/mirrormask.html

At Petrified Fountain of Thought Stephen Morton has penned a masterful takedown of “Melancholia” http://www.petrifiedfountainofthought.blogspot.com/2012/01/review-melancholia.html

Drew McIntosh is a real scholar and good skate, as he just gave away a blu-ray of Tarkovsky’s “The Sacrifice” at The Blew Vial: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2012/01/take-two-tarkovsky-blu-ray-giveaway.html

Kevin Olson offers up a postscript to his recent Horror Blogothon at Hugo Stigliz Makes Movies: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/italian-horror-blogathon-postscript.html

Tony Dayoub at Cinema Viewfinder offers up an interview with the Self-Styled Siren: http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2011/11/gone-to-earth-conversation-with-self.html

At The Man From Porlock Craig takes down both “War Horse” and “Melancholia” with his usual impressive analytical prose: http://themanfromporlock.blogspot.com/2011/12/tears-for-fears-war-horse-and.html

Hokahey has penned a terrific review of “War Horse” at Little Worlds: http://hokahey-littleworlds.blogspot.com/2011/12/spielbergs-war-horse.html

Dave Van Poppel is gearing for some updates at Visions of Non Fiction, but presently is still leading up with his very fine review of “Project Nim”: http://visionsofnonfiction.blogspot.com/2011/08/project-nim.html

At The Reluctant Bloger Jeff Stroud has offered up some stunning beautiful images in a post titled “Autumn Leaves”: http://jeffstroud.wordpress.com/

Posted in Uncategorized | 80 Comments

80 Responses

on January 16, 2012 at 6:52 am | Reply anubhavbist

The Giants victory was a huge upset for a franchise that has an already impressive track record for knocking off Goliath (Super Bowl wins against the Buffalo Bills in 91 and the New England Patriots in 08 to name a few). But its hard for a Cowboys fan to join in on the fun after enduring one of the worst seasons in a long time (thanks partly to the Giants). But it was a surprising upset and a fitting way to end the playoff weekend which featured one of the greatest games I’ve ever watched (the Saints and 49ners is nothing short of an instant classic) and one that I actually felt embarrassed sitting through (the Patriots and Broncos game should have ended midway through the third quarter).
I did watch the Golden Globes and couldn’t help that wrong foreign film got all the attention this season. Switch the The Artist with A Separation and maybe things would make more sense. Also was I the only one who thought it was just plain idiotic an American film was nominated for the Foreign Film award? My second biggest problem was seeing George Clooney winning another award for playing George Clooney. And of course Gary Oldman, whose brilliant performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, wasn’t even nominated. But I’ll hold in my other criticisms until the Oscar nominations are revealed.
Its great seeing my blog, TheConfidentialReport for those who don’t know, make the Monday Morning Diary again after taking a long time off. Award season is great time for film blogs everywhere with everyone presenting their top tens for the year and taking time to shred overrated Hollywood Oscar bait in excellent essays. Man I love this season. Thank you again Sam and Happy MLK Day to all!
- on January 16, 2012 at 8:09 am | Reply sachin
  
  >>second biggest problem was seeing George Clooney winning another >>award for playing George Clooney.
  Come on, it takes talent to play the same character that could slot in Oceans Eleven, The Descendants or any other film for that matter. Although he did deviate a bit in The Ides of March but that was maybe the camera was focussed on others.
  
  The Hollywood Foreign Press will always find a way to nominate Angelina Jolie. Last year, they nominated The Tourist in the comedy/musical category which was quite embarrassing. And this year, they managed to do so again. The day won’t be far when they will nominate her in the TV acting category as long a commercial of her film is aired in the TV series.
- on January 16, 2012 at 5:25 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks Anu for the terrific assessment of the Giants’ recent past and of their remarkable run. As you are a Cowboys fan I can see exactly where you are coming from. I watched both of the Giants wins over America’s Team this year, and the first one especially was a nail biter and a stunner. I am happy for Tom Coughlin, who again was being mentioned as a possible fall guy for their difficulties until this miraculous run, which has probably saved his job for as long as he wants it. The 49er’s of course will give teh Giants all they handle next week, and that one is impossible to call I would think, even though I have confidence in the Giants. But it was all whooping and yelling yesterday at the home of a good friend who hosted a get-together for the game yesterday. I completely agree with you about the Saints-49er’s game being an all-time classic!!!
  I continue to stand by THE ARTIST as one of the year’s best films. I can point to the awards and the spectacular reviews, but I’d rather just say it’s as charmiong a film as I’ve seen in years. Such a gleeful entertainment should never be set aside for weightier dramas, though A SEPARATION is a masterpiece with a capital M. Yes, Anu I must say I completely agree with you that the nomination of IN THE LAND OF BLOOD AND HONEY in the foreign film category is ludicrous indeed.
  It is great to have THE CONFIDENTIAL REPORT back on the diary link list, and siutting on top no less!!
  Thanks as always my very good friend. This is indeed an exciting time of the year!
on January 16, 2012 at 7:16 am | Reply creativepotager

Sam thank you as always for the mention. Tomorrow I have a surprise for Creative Potager readers. The title of the post is “A Whale of a Story” and shall be up early. You won’t want to miss it. Now for movies…

FISH TANK (2009) directed by Andrea Arnold which I loved but just wanted things to be easier for the young woman. Sometimes life just seems to be too hard. There is an honesty to this film which almost leaves out hopefulness.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE (1932) directed by Ernst Lubitsch and is a gem I am so glad we were able to get. Strong women characters and acted in the expressive style which is often evident in the first “talkie” films. Creative setting of scenes that is impressionist rather than direct. Impressive.

Best of the week to you Sam and Wonders in the Dark friends! It is a painting week for me so maybe I will have something new up by next Monday.
- on January 16, 2012 at 6:27 pm | Reply wondersinthedark
  
  There is no hopefulness in the world, Potager. It’s hell.
- on January 16, 2012 at 8:14 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Terrill, the ‘whale of a story’ was really something as I noted in my response to you!
  http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/a-whale-of-a-story/
  
  Thanks for the wonderfully insightful response to Andrea Arnold’s FISH TANK and the Lubitsch classic TROUBLE IN PARADISE, two films I do like a lot, especially the Lubitsch. But your sympathies for Mia (Katie Jarvis) are well applied. The film was unflinching and the acting from Jarvis and the amazingly prolific Michael Fassbender is outstanding. Completely agree with you when you note the expressionistic elements in TROUBLE.
  
  Have a creative week my friend! Many thanks as always.
on January 16, 2012 at 8:18 am | Reply Stephen

Sam,

Thanks for the link and the mention. This week I managed to see:

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (Almodovar) ***1/2
V.Interesting if not that engaging. It has ideas and surfaces but no real flesh. You could spend weeks studying it, but I probably won’t!

IT’S KEIKO (Sion Sono) ****1/2
Really good one hour film about a 21 year old woman whose father has just died. I was considering approaching you or Allan about writing a piece for WitD on it (in a ‘fixing a hole’ or ‘hidden gem’ way) depending on if I can write anything worth reading. Sono is well known for Suicide Club and Love Exposure but this is widely unseen .

I haven’t seen Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne. Is it of a different style to the one he became famous for?
- on January 16, 2012 at 8:24 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Stephen–
  
  Happy to see that solid 3.5 rating for THE SKIN I LIVE IN, an Almodovar film that I accidentally left off my ‘honorable mention’ list of the 2011 films that followed the ten-best. As you note it’s an intriguing piece, even with the more deep rooted inadequacies you feel it yields.
  
  I have seen and greatly admired LOVE EXPOSURE, but not the Sono are praising here.
  
  To be honest (and I’m sure Allan will agree) I think it would be fantastic to have a piece on the film from you here at WitD. It would post on a selected Monday right over teh Diary, as soon as you complete it and are ready!
  
  You can certainly make some pertinent comparisons of LES DAMES to his subsequent work, It’s as austere as his other films, but perhaps more plot driven it’s it study of upper class mores and vapidity. At this early stage Bresson was still using professional actors.
  
  Many thanks my friend! Have a very good week.
  - on January 16, 2012 at 8:46 pm Stephen
    
    Thanks Sam. As I said, if I can put together my thoughts I’ll show it to you for consideration. Thanks for the insight into the Bresson film too.
    
    “Many thanks my friend! Have a very good week.”
    
    Thank you. You too.
on January 16, 2012 at 8:20 am | Reply sachin

I would have loved to seen that Bresson series Sam. I am still waiting to see if our local cinematheque will pick up any titles but I don’t think the whole series will make it. I would love to see even just one of his films in a cinema.

Watching the Golden Globes, I can’t help think that the Hollywood Foreign Press must hate the Foreign film category as that is the only category where they are forced to choose a winner not based on star power but on merit. Although even that is not always the case as last year’s In a Better World showed. But it seems if a film actor acts in a TV series, then they have a good chance to get nominated or win a GG. I have no stats to back what I am saying but maybe my view is based on who the camera chooses to focus on during the show itself.
- on January 16, 2012 at 5:52 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Sachin—
  
  Yes, Bresson is one director who benefits enormously from the indoor venue. His films are intimate, with intricate sound and visual tapestries that deserve larger images, and the silence in the theatre among the most passionate of cineastes would be hard to replicate at home. The print of MOUCHETTE this past Wednesday was a real stunner. BALTHAZAR last week was another one that can never be appreciated to the max without a theatrical presentation, I would think. Same for lANCELOT, seen on Thursday.
  
  Ha! So true what you say there about the Foreign Film category at the Globes. That always throws them for a loop. I think your elaboration there is sound enough. Anyway it was great to see Ashgar Farhadi step up to the stage for the award for A SEPARATION. One of the highlights of a show with too few of them in fact.
  
  Thanks as always my friend! Have a great week!
on January 16, 2012 at 11:27 am | Reply Jeffrey Goodman

Sam, thanks so much for the wonderful mention!

First off, congratulations to the Giants! What a great win that should set up an extremely interesting game next week with the 49ers. Eli, and the whole team, were just really impressive.

And, of course, you know I’m so, so jealous hearing about the Bresson series. If I were there, I would certainly catch each and every film. Some of the more rare ones, I still need to track down and look forward to hearing about your experience with them.

This week, I took in Hitch’s MR & MRS SMITH, THE LAW AND JAKE WADE, and four early Keaton shorts THE GARAGE, NEIGHBORS, ONE WEEK, and THE BALLOONATIC. I was very happy to seem them all with probably my favorite of the bunch being Keaton’s ONE WEEK. He really was one of the most inventive filmmakers we’ve ever had, and seeing his work just reminds me of all the silent riches that I still need to see.

Thanks so much, Sam, for all that you do. Here’s to an awesome week!
- on January 16, 2012 at 9:25 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jeffrey—
  
  Thanks for the congrats on the Giants win yesterday! I must say I was surprised that your Saints had lost in a nail-biter on Saturday, and can imagine there must have been some disappointment. The 36-32 score, the last second heroics did provide you with one of the greatest games ever though. I have my fingers crossed for the Giants’ prospects next week against San Francisco, but they have done it before in the big games. Any (above) does rightly note their previous miracles. Yes indeed what you say about Eli too! That “Hail Mary” pass that ended the first-half had us all jumping up and down when it ended up in Nicks’ hands! It was Tyree all over again!
  Jeffrey, as the Bresson series is starting up in the Windy City next week and in Toronto shortly thereafter, I’m thinking you may have it down in the Bayou as well. It appears to be making the rounds. But yes, the harder to screen titles are what make this one special.
  Your viewing of the four Keaton silents is super-exciting in it’s own right! Couldn’t agree with you more on ONE WEEK, one of Buster’s greatest shorts, though I do love NEIGHBORS and BALLOONATIC quite a bit. And MR. & MRS. SMITH (not to be confused with the inferior re-make) is most fine.
  Have a great week my friend! Many thanks as always fort your cherished weekly report!
on January 16, 2012 at 12:59 pm | Reply dennis

Once again the Golden Globes set up a party and the ones that did the most wining and dining went on to win awards.

Although I WAS glad to see the Globes hand out, rightfully, some love to Kate Winslet for MILDRED PIERCE, most of the winners were questionable.

Kelsey Grammer, while one of my favorite and most beloved personalites on TV (I adored his work on FRASIER-one of my ten favorite TV shows of all time) absolutely did NOT deserve the trophy for BEST ACTOR on a Dramatic TV show. Yes, his work on BOSS is excellent, but anyone with a brain in their head knew that the real fire burning on a dramatic TV series was, and has been for four straight years now, the white hot Bryan Cranston on BREAKING BAD. Most of the major publications that rate and review television not only had him pegged for best performer of the year but ranked BREAKING BAD as the MUST SEE TV series of 2011. Well, we’ll just have to wait for the Emmy’s to correct what went wrong at the globes last night. On a happier note, it looks like the steam for Meryl Streep is really welling up and this Golden Globe win as BEST ACTRESS has now increased her chances ten fold for the win come Oscar night…

Allan’s alternate awards series was really interesting this week and in picking PAYDAY by Chaplin as my choice for the BEST SHORT of 1921 I found it a surprizing coincidence that Netflix had sent UNKNOWN CHAPLIN in the mail yesterday. This critically acclaimed 1984 THAMES documentary production for the BBC looks at Chaplin’s career and his techniques as a director in this three part series and reminds all that watched it what a deeply complex, amazingly talented and driven artist Chaplin was. Narrated by the late, great James Mason, the doc includes interviews with Chaplin associates, friends and stars of his films like Viginia Cherill (the blind girl from CITY LIGHTS) and the amazing Jackie Coogan (who went head to head with Chaplin as a little boy in his star turn in THE KID-doing the impossible and, literally, stealing the film from Chaplin-no small feat). For anyone interested in Chaplin or who is teter-tottering between who is greater (Chaplin or Keaton), this documentary should inform and settle most bets… UNKNOWN CHAPLIN is a must see…
- on January 16, 2012 at 4:02 pm | Reply Jon
  
  Dennis do you really think Streep is going to be the favorite to win? She has the historical figure nomination every year it seems and doesn’t win. Do you think it will be different this year? I’m thinking no. She has to step out and do a fictional character to win again. That’s my impression.
  - on January 16, 2012 at 9:24 pm dennis
    
    Her last several nominations were for FICTIONAL characters (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, ADAPTATION and DOUBT) and none of them panned out. The feeling of the Academy has always been that the nominations for the two time winner had to suffice and that they wanted “fresh flesh” at the podium to take the prize. Time also hasn’t been kind to Streep with the Academy always thinking she’s won so many of the thing (actually her last win was for SOPHIES CHOICE in 1982). She came damn close to snagging it for DOUBT, as she had taken many of the critics prizes for her work in that film but it wasn’t enough to get around the whole lotta love that was turning towards the one-two punch year of Kate Winslet (THE READER-which she won it for-and the no-less impressive REVOLUTIONARY ROAD).
    
    This year, however, there really seems to be NOBODY in her path and the critics prizes as the lions share of the critics prizes have gone to Streep, her notices for THE IRON LADY are astonishing and now the Globe win. Unless she cannot grab the SAG award (which I think is a done deal that she’s gonna take it), it looks like the old war-horse has tempered time and is gonna barrel into this Oscar without any competition.
    
    In my mind, the BEST ACTRESS field at the Oscars this year is really weak and this can only add to Streeps momentum. Viola Davis for THE HELP really seems to be Streeps only major competitor here as she was the star of one of the more popular films that will go up for BEST PICTURE, but that film seems to be floundering. The rest of the truly great actresses that could dot the category came mostly from foreign films (which the Academy, for shame on them, never really nominate) and the few that will nominate are either good enough for the nom but not the win (MICHELLE WILLIAMS for MY WEEK WITH MARILYN) or “bold” choices (I predict Rooney Mara for THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO will nominate) that the Academy throws in there to say they have an open mind or a career thet’re looking to help out.
    
    Nope, I think my thinking is sound here.
    
    Unless a meteorite hits her limo on the way to the ceremony it looks like Streep will take her third Oscar. Besides, look at the reviews for THE IRON LADY, just about every critic breathing on this earth has called her performance “staggering” or “ferocious”…
    
    Doesn’t surprize me at all (I happen to love Streep as an actress and would have thrown her the trophy at least two or three times more than they already have-for DOUBT particularly) and it’s time for her to be recognized again…
    
    (I’m gonna go tighten the supports on my email box now as I know I’ll probably get an onslaught of messages from Sam telling me my thinking is way off course-but he and I go through this every year. We don’t really pay much attention to the Academy, think the awards are superficial at best, but we’ve been having fun for so many years predicting these things that it’s impossible to stop now…)
    
    Keep your eyes on WITD in the near future as I’m sure our annual video (directed brilliantly by Jason I might add) seeing me and Sam hash the predictions out, will be coming soon…
  - on January 16, 2012 at 9:39 pm dennis
    
    BTW-Most of Streeps nominations (and all of her wins) are for FICTIONAL characters…
    
    THE DEER HUNTER-FICTIONAL
    KRAMER VS. KRAMER (she wins here): FICTIONAL
    THE FRENCH LIEUTENANTS WOMAN: FICTIONAL
    SOPHIES CHOICE (she wins again): FICTIONAL
    IRON WEED: FICTIONAL
    POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE: FICTIONAL (with slight hints to Carrie Fisher)
    THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY: FICTIONAL
    ONE TRUE THING: FICTIONAL
    MUSIC FROM THE HEART: FICTIONAL
    ADAPTATION: FICTIONAL
    THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA: FICTIONAL
    DOUBT: FICTIONAL
    
    Of her nominated turns, only…
    
    OUT OF AFRICA
    A CRY IN THE DARK
    SILK WOOD
    and
    JULIE AND JULIA
    are based on real people…
    
    My prediction is she will best the competition and prevail to the Oscar for her fist win as a real life person…
  - on January 16, 2012 at 10:09 pm Jon
    
    Yeah I was thinking more of Julie and Julia I guess. Nobody in her path? Okay I’m the biggest biggest Michelle Williams fan there is so I’ll say that up front, but are you completely dismissing her here? We all know it’s not necessarily the performance that wins, but the person and their story. I can agree Streep has a real shot here, but so does Williams. It’ll come down to whether people want to see Streep win her Third or Williams win her first when she’s already overdue. She should have won for Blue Valentine last year. I have heard very mixed reviews on both films they’re in so you can’t point to that either as a deciding factor.
  - on January 16, 2012 at 10:22 pm dennis
    
    You get no argument from me on Williams. I sang her praises as the BEST ACTRESS of the five last year for her remarkable turn in BLUE VALENTINE (and it was criminal that Gosling didn’t even nominate as he gave the best performance by a male actor hands down). But, I see her in MARILYN being a sentimental choice and, if that’s the case, she and Viola Davis in THE HELP (also a sentimental performance) will probably shave points off each other. Streep seems to have this one in the bag…
    
    As for want? The Academy will have no problem now, with veritable newbies in the category, with bringing a legend onto the stage for their third Oscar. But, mind you, should Streep win, she’ll never see another Oscar in her life after this… The performance as Thatcher is the kind of big, bold, all encompassing morphing that the Academy loves…
  - on January 16, 2012 at 10:46 pm Jon
    
    Well considering Davis didn’t win the Globe I would say she has almost no chance to overtake the other two. Yeah if Streep wins another, case closed on her Awards career. I’ll throw out two other things to note. If Williams doesn’t win, it would be 0/3. That’s tough to swallow. 2nd, compare the speeches last night. Williams poised, graceful, and moving. Streep incoherent (drunk?). Seriously, what was that she did up there? She embarassed herself.
  - on January 17, 2012 at 12:07 am Sam Juliano
    
    I’ve over in the city now Jon, around the corner from the Film Forum.
    
    God you are right about Streep being incoherant up there last night. She was embarrassing, and I would have to assume was drunk. She (arguably) gave the best performance this past year (the Korean lady in POETRY and Anna Pacquin in MARGARET in my view are just as great) but at the podium she is bizarre.
  - on January 17, 2012 at 12:34 am Jamie
    
    Williams best turn this year was for the brilliant MEEK’S CUTOFF.
  - on January 17, 2012 at 12:37 am Jamie
    
    The most embarrassing thing that Streep did wasn’t that she got drunk (who could blame her at an ‘event’ like that, I’d want to black it out too), but rather that she was in a film that treats Old Hag Thatcher with a modicum of respect. That’s what’s embarrassing.
  - on January 17, 2012 at 12:44 am Maurizio Roca
    
    I rather give the Oscar to Anna Pacquin for Margaret or Tilda Swinton for Kevin. In fact what about Keira Knightley for Method or Carey Mulligan for Shame/Drive? It was not a weak year for American (or English Language) actresses this year in my opinion. The young girl in the Descendants was great (though that could be considered supporting) and so was Jessica Chastain for Tree of Life/Take Shelter and both female leads in Melancholia (my dislike has less to do with performances in the Von Trier).
  - on January 17, 2012 at 3:25 am Sam Juliano
    
    Ha! I would think you probably have a very good point there Jamie. (about Streep playing Thatcher).
  - on January 17, 2012 at 3:45 am Sam Juliano
    
    Maurizio, I agree Pacquin was electrifying and Swinton would certainly make for a great choice as well.
  - on January 17, 2012 at 1:19 pm Jon
    
    @Jamie, no argument from me on Meek’s Cutoff, one of my favorite films of the year and Williams was excellent in it.
    
    @Sam and Maurizio- Swinton and Pacquin are great actresses but we all know that it’s totally political on how this stuff works. It’s gotta be the right film with the right backing from the studio and high profile enough to win, let alone usually get nominated. Rarely does the Academy get anything right. Sometimes it seems they give the award to someone after they really deserved it before.
- on January 17, 2012 at 7:25 am | Reply Jack Marsh
  
  Ooh Dennis I am not surprised you like Broken Band I knew it was your kind of show the first time I saw it and I agree with you that guy with the glasses he deserved an award. People love Chelsey from when he was on Cheers but give me a break how many times can you root for the same person to win an award. I am happy for the guy with the glasses because he plays a very good part on that show and even though he doesn’t always do nice things you believe he is really capable of the bad things and that’s what makes a good actor and what makes people like an actor. Merlie Streopes has been a beloved actress for many years and I think she will be favorite because there are a lot of British people who vote for the awards and they are going to have a prejudice toward remembering all the wonderful things their president did during the World Wars and how she helped the economy for many years. She was beloved and I think they will give her the award because she was so popular. I haven’t seen Helpers but I know it’s supposed to be good because it’s against racism and Oprah was a big supporter of it and the last time she supported a movie with the heavy girl who had the baby people stood behind it so I think Helpers will do very well at the Oscars. But ask Sammy, he’s the oscar expert. He always wins the pool. Peace and Blessings
  - on January 20, 2012 at 5:19 pm Sam Juliano
    
    Not always Jack! Ha! I lost last year to Bobby McCartney. I’d be most interested in hearing what you think of THE HELP. Thanks for your unique perspectives as always!
- on January 17, 2012 at 7:33 am | Reply Jack Marsh
  
  Dennis be careful you don’t jinx Merlot Stropes like you did when you picked In McKellehar for the Rings and then you also guaranteed that Daniel Louis would win and then Adriana B took the prize for the Pianoist and everyone was shocked even you I remember looking at your face and you couldn’t even believe. So I agree with you that it’s looking good for her for now but remember if you wanna know who’s gonna win you have to read the newspapers and look at the computer because they tell you who’s supposed to win closer to the show. When people’s nominations come out Sam waits a little while before making his picks and that’s why he’s so successful in the pool so I advise you and everyone else to wait a little while but I do think it’s nice that you are talking about things already and have opinions because enthusiasms are good things especially when they can be shared with other people. Good luck to you this year! Peace and Blessings
  - on January 17, 2012 at 12:00 pm dennis
    
    Jack…
    
    Does your inbecility and bad spelling have to plaque these boards for the rest of time?
    
    Take a walk…
  - on January 17, 2012 at 5:17 pm Maurizio Roca
    
    I’m with Dennis here…. your schtick has worn thin Jack. I don’t mind you trolling but be funny at least. Try a new approach towards comedy please….
- on January 18, 2012 at 2:49 pm | Reply Jon
  
  @ Dennis- I just did a quick check, and I normally don’t adhere to stuff like this. IMDB for Iron Lady has a ranking of 6.1 and Rotten Tomatoes is 55%. My week with Marilyn is 7.5 and Rotten Tomatoes is 83%. Take this for what it’s worth, but I think the appeal of the movie also has something to do with the winner in this case.
on January 16, 2012 at 1:16 pm | Reply John Greco

Sam, Thanks again for the shout out! You had a great week at the movies (Bresson is a filmmaker I still need to dive into). Glad to see the Giants moving on to meet SF next. Should be interesting.

Here’s my movie list of the week….

Iron Lady (***) Worth seeing for Streep’s magnificent uncanny performance. There are times you swear it is Thatcher on screen. The overall structure of the film is weak, unfolding as if the filmmaker was presenting a greatest hits package; her early years, her breakthrough as the first woman PM, the Falklands War, etc.

Blue Valentine (****) Brutally realistic tale of the deterioration of a marriage. Strong performances from both Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams.

King Kong (*****)- Made close to 80 years ago the originally King Kong remains one of the greatest fantasy films ever put on celluloid. After watching this film more times than I can remember, I still marvel at its excitement, special effects, animation and the brilliant Max Steiner’s score that adds volumes to the film’s emotional impact.

Yellow Sky (****) Underappreciated western from William Wellman. Released the same year as “The Treasure of Sierra Madre,” the film contains the similar theme of man’s greed for gold. Joe MacDonald’s stark black and white cinematography and fine performances from Gregory Peck and Richard Widmark add to the pleasure.

Tomorrow Is Another Day (***)The film starts off well with Steve Cochran as a chump just out of prison who is desperate for female companionship and falls for a cheap blonde dancehall dame (Ruth Roman) who soon pegs a murder on him she committed. They run off together to avoid the law only to fall in love. It’s at this point the film begins to deteriorate into melodrama as cheap as Roman’s blonde wig. Most unconvincing is Roman’s character change from a hard bitten, tight dress wearing floozy to a nurturing caring wife.

Columbiana (***1/2) French action film in the vein of “La Femme Nikita” and “Leon: The Professional.” Nothing new but the film has a face pace that keeps you involved.

The Big Country (****) Epic western from William Wyler. The themes (pacifism, range war, bickering families) are all familiar, still this film is beautifully photographed and engrossing.

The Moon Is Blue (**1/2) Considered daring for its use of “adult” subject matter back in the early 1950′s this lightweight romantic comedy from Otto Preminger has with time lost its audaciousness and controversy, still it retains charming performances from William Holden, David Niven and Maggie McNamara.
- on January 17, 2012 at 10:35 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  John—
  
  I had a busy week for sure, but looking at your own incredible submission here it is clear that YOUR week is this week’s winner!!!
  
  OK let’s see, THE BIG COUNTRY does indeed deserve that 4 star rating. I’d add Jerome Moross’s sweeping epic score to the mix of memorable components you rightly point to. As far as I see it your rating on Preminger’s THE MOON IS BLUE is dead on! I did go the distance with BLUE VALENTINE, but your 4 star rating and great capsule are more than fair enough. I went lower with COLUMBIANA and TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY but a half star higher with THE IRON LADY which you frame superbly. As far as YELLOW SKY and KING KONG I agree with the ratings and the beautifully-penned capsule descriptions.
  
  Yep the Giants are one game away from a Super Bowl appearance. Everyone here is tense and excited, but even if the Giants lose, they’ve really had a remarkable season.
  
  I’m sure you’ll be getting to Bresson soon enough!
  
  Thanks as always for the sensational wrap my friend, and wish you and Dorothy a great week!
on January 16, 2012 at 1:59 pm | Reply Laurie Buchanan

Sam –

It’s clear that our neighbors just across the border in Wisconsin — who we lovingly refer to as “cheese heads” — got trounced, but good!

I’m thrilled that MERYL STREEP was among the Golden Globe recipients. Is there anything that woman can’t do?!

SING YOUR SONG is a documentary film that Len and I definitely want to see.

I’ve never seen a silent film on the big screen. It’s got to be quite the experience with a piano being played live throughout the movie. I’m pretty sure my attention would be divided equally between the two.

Thank you for pointing to Speaking from the Heart.
- on January 16, 2012 at 9:42 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Laurie—
  
  Ah yes Laurie, the “cheeseheads!” I know too that New York’s Mayor Bloomberg will be getting soem kind of a cheese based reward for the bet that was made with Green Bay’s Mayor. LOL! Yep, Streep was in her glory last night, and I agree her versatility is astounding! There is no question Laurie, that SING YOUR SONG is right up your street (and Len’s) and I have my fingers crossed you’ll get a shot at it. Otherwise a DVD is imminent soon enough. But it was great listening to the incredibly articulate Belafonte introducing the film. And a great sense of humor too as he chided two people in the back row for “loud popcorn eating!”
  
  Yes, the silent film experience does divide your attention in precisely the two ways you mention here. Yet it does all come together for a unified whole.
  
  Thanks as always my great friend for the terrific comment and hope you have an especially creative week!
on January 16, 2012 at 2:43 pm | Reply Pat

Sam -
Good morning. I always look forward to being here on Mondays and seeing what’s been on your filmgoing agenda. I’ve read a few good reviews of SING YOUR SONG, and I’ll be looking out for it. The Bresson Festival arrives at the Siskel this week, and I’m hoping to get to the initial double feature of THE TRIAL OF JOAN OF ARC and UNE FEMME DOUCE next weekend.
This week, for me, wound up being miserable and uproductive on the viewing front, due to a major bout of food poisoning suffered mid-week. During a brief period of relief, I had the the less-than-brilliant idea that, since I was off work for the day, I might as well rent MYSTERIES OF LISBON from OnDemand. HA! Let me assure there are few activities so incompatible as attending to ‘urgent symptoms’ of food poisioning and watching a 6 1/2 hour Portrugese costume drama. I did not get far into the film! Another day…. Meanwhile, my best of 2011 post will be delayed a few days, as I finish watching the last three films I had promised myself I’d get to before posting.
I did, however, get to see A DANGEROUS METHOD, not once, but twice. On the initial viewing, I thought it was a wonderful, intelligent film, although I was not particularly a fan of Keira Knightley’s performance which seemed WAY over the top in her early, hysteria scenes. But yesterday, I returned for a second look, along with Marlon and a friends of ours who is not only a psychotherapist but a Wanger afficianado. After seeing it with him, my appreciation of the film grew exponentially. I had not known the Wagner pieces that were so cleverly used as musical references in the film for starters. Plus we learned that Knightley’s performance was actually quite brilliant as the exaggerated contorted poses she struck are actually very faithful representations of those suffered by hysterics. Returning home to the Golden Globes – where A DANGEROUS METHOD was not even mentioned – was a letdown. Funny, 2011 was a an unusally rich and rewarding year for cineman, but no year’s awards shows have ever left me so unmoved and uninterested. Even the evening gowns were predictable and boring.
Till next week…
- on January 16, 2012 at 10:36 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Pat–
  
  I know from Marilyn and Jamie (and from Jim Clark in Chicago) that Bresson is heading out to the mid-west in the coming weeks, and the Chicago retrospective is a major event. I am very happy that you plan to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, and with TRIAL and UNE FEMME DOUCE you have targeted two essential titles the way I see it.
  
  Oh I am very sorry to hear about the food poisoning episode. I am mortified to hear of it actually. I’ve never had such a terrifying time, but Lucille has and can fill me in on the lamentable specifics. Hope you are feeling much better now, though yes, watching MYSTERIES OF LISBON on top of it would have been impossible in every sense. Well, that’s a fantastic reaction to the second viewing of A DANGEROUS METHOD. I like the film a lot too (it did make my honorable mentions) and would like to negotiate a second viewing at some point. You really had the right people attending with you as well. Nice. It is too easy for some to rail into Knightley’s performance based on the original perceptions, but I agree with your final conclusions.
  
  The Globes are a complete sham of course. Ha!
  
  Have a great week, and feel better. I am so sorry you went through that bad episode my friend! Many thanks!
on January 16, 2012 at 3:04 pm | Reply wondersinthedark

A really strange week capped by the glimpse of Neil Hughes alluded to in the Up post yesterday. Watched two new films at the cinemas; Shame (****½) and War Horse (***½ – review tomorrow). Also saw again on Blu Ray The Skin I Live In (***½ confirmed), finished off the full Brett Holmes (**** overall), half of the Douglas Wilmers (***½, but Wilmer pushes Brett quite close). Also been watching old episodes of Brass Eye, still cutting edge stuff, the special on paedophiles is probably as close to the bone as comedy gets.

Wrote pieces on The Peach Thief, Shame, Tuesday After Christmas, Thirst for Love, A Hometown in Heart, A Reason to Live, Neighbours (McLaren) and Elgar (all ****½).

Also, last episode of season two of Sherlock (****) last night. Magnificent fun. Not for stick in the mud purists, but Cumberbatch and Freeman remain superb, Andrew Scott a hilariously manic Moriarty by way of Paul McCartney, Mark Gatiss still superb as Mycroft. The ending shocked many online, but we know that Holmes doesn’t die, it’s just a question of looking at the clues. SPOILERS!

1 Remember that Holmes/Moriarty was the basis for The Doctor/The Master and then think of the similarities in plot this year between the Doctor having to make the Silence believe he died at Lake Silencio and Holmes having to make everyone believe he was a dead fake.
2 Notice how the paramedics rush to take his body away quietly
3 In the original stories, it was Mycroft who was the only person who knew Holmes wasn’t dead. The fact that he seemed to turn traitor in the episode cannot lead nowhere.

Also, thank you Moffat and Gatiss for having Douglas Wilmer appear in a cameo in the Diogenes Club (he must now be 90) in a homage to his 1960s series.
- on January 17, 2012 at 3:42 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well, you had an incredible week yourself there, comparable in quantity to any other single person, and with a good mix including where you saw the films. The SHAME rating is well-deserved. I’m sure you will be reviewing that one. Great explanation on Sherlock there after the spoilers! OK, I now see you indicate you did write about SHAME and looking forward to your piece on TUESDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, a very good film I just saw a few days ago.
  
  Fantastic round-up. Thank you!
on January 16, 2012 at 3:59 pm | Reply Jon

Well Sam I thank you as always for your kind mention and for stopping by my blog as you do every week. This week has been an eventful one here. We’ve all come down with a nasty stomach flu over this weekend so I’m home today sick and we’re embarking on a Julie Andrews marathon. Mary Poppins then Sound of Music. Keeps us all somewhat happy. Anywho. How about those Giants! For a Bears fan such as myself, it gave me great pleasure to see Eli and crew take down the mighty pack. Oh I was happy.

How about Michelle Williams!? Oh I swear that woman is an angel in disguise. So poised and eloquent. I find it really hard to believe the Academy will award Streep for her “annual mimickry” rather than give it to Williams who is overdue to win her first award. True Streep is due and she’s probably one of the 5 greatest actresses of all time, but I honestly feel she needs to step out and play a truly fictional character again if she’s going to win another.

So I saw War Horse and I do feel that you and I are on the same side of the fence on this one. It was just plain great old fashioned storytelling and I thought it plays as a great family film, albeit one that kids probably need to be about 10 years old to appreciate perhaps. I am planning my own essay to go up this week. I didn’t cry, but it was a terrifically moving story. I’ve taken some offense to those that say the plot services the extermination of several characters to reunite the boy and horse. I have still not heard a convincing argument that takes all the plot points into account to arrive at this conclusion.

I also rewatched Wilder’s One, Two, Three and confirmed my feelings that it might be Wilder’s most underrated films, and one of the top-notch comedies of the cold war era. Brilliant stuff and Cagney is simply a marvel.

I also saw Certified Copy, good but suffers from a leading male actor who did not engage Binoche on the same level.

Also watched Incendies and also felt it was good, but not the highest rating. I felt it suffered a bit with the flashback structure that felt really manipulative as it went along. I’m generally not a fan of flashbacks, especially when the director uses it as a convenient way to avoid a “reveal”. I found the arrival of information through this structure to be redundant as I picked up it on way before I was “supposed to” and thus the moment held not much for me. It still has some brilliant sequences and through it all was worth the watch.

This is an incredible week for me ahead. Tree of Life again. Cave of Forgotten Dreams. Antichrist, Pandora’s Box. I hope you have a super week Sam!
- on January 17, 2012 at 12:18 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  God Jon, you have prescribed the perfect anecdote there to the stomach flu!!! I’d seriously consider the same myself!!! But I am sorry that you have come down with this and know well what a downer it is to get over it.
  
  Great to hear you and I are on the same page and the same line in fact on the football Giants and WAR HORSE! Defending the latter with some on these boards has been no enviable task! The reviews were actually quite solid, but Spielberg isn’t the most popular director with the bloggers. The departed Joel Bocko was a noted exception though with his tenacious defense of the veteran helmer and noted billionaire.
  
  OK, I’ll admit I like INCENDIES and CERTIFIED COPY more than you, but can well understand the issues you have with both. The flashback structure in particular with the former film is certainly not easy to negotiate. Some sequences like the one with the bus in the desert though are unforgettable, as is the conclusion. Agree with you fully on the Wilder.
  
  And yes, Williams was wonderful on the podium last night, while Meryl Streep was embarrassing. I wouldn’t quite go as far as to say her performances as Maggie Thatcher was mimicry, but I understand this is a kind of acting that won’t dazzle all. It was one of her greatest performances ever, for whatever that is worth.
  
  You have some lineup there for this coming week Jon! I hope ANTICHRIST doesn’t get you down. That one is well-made with a spectacular opening, but it’s nightmarish.
  
  Get over that flu my friend! Thanks as always for your tremendous submission here!
on January 16, 2012 at 4:38 pm | Reply Marilyn

Hi Sam – The Bresson retro has me revisiting in my mind all the great films he has made, my favorites being A Man Escaped, Diary of a Country Priest, Pickpocket, The Devil, Probably, and Mouchette. I hope to catch a few I haven’t seen yet when they show up in Chicago.

The muse has temporarily abandoned me, so my writing has been limited. I have been watching a few films, however, including Carnage (funny but not much more) and Outrage (grim, nihilistic, and hamfisted). We have a Naruse/Takamine film every Monday for eight weeks at one venue – hope to catch most of them – tonight is the famous Floating Clouds. Also planning to see Taking Shelter this coming weekend.
- on January 16, 2012 at 10:00 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Marilyn—
  
  I have indeed noticed that for the past few weeks the muses have been speading their time with Roderick Heath, deserting you unfairly but surely promising some equalibrium in the coming months! Ha! But you did need a break after that incredible run you had leading into December. Funny, or “unfunny” but I must say in large measure I agree with you on the CARNAGE source material (I still haven’t seen the film, but did see the Broadway show “Gods and Carnage” which was only funny in spots. I liked it far less than most. But I see your issues with Polanski’s film are more in line with disposable context. I am a huge fan of Naruse’s FLOATING CLOUDS, which I think I must identify as my favorite film by the director, even with with several other masterpieces to his credit. That’s a great venue there Marilyn. I can bet you’ll be inspired to have a few Naruses up at FERDY-ON-FILMS. The muses will be swarming. Ha! TAKE SHELTER too will be one I’m sure you’ll be engaged with, even if teh ending may be an isue with you. I could be wrong there too.
  
  The five Bressons you mention there at the outset are alll masterful films. Again the Chicago retro may well have you with pen in hand afterwards. Look forward to it. I am still pondering a response to Rod’s GONE TO EARTH (Powell and Pressberger) a rare instance where I have not seen one of their films.
  
  Anyway have a great week! Thanks as always my friend!
on January 16, 2012 at 5:28 pm | Reply Samuel Wilson

Sam, thanks as always for the plug for my morbidly timely Socialisme riff. On a warmer note, I ventured out into the cold yesterday to see The Artist at a crowded arthouse that will likely get more crowded for future showings. I watched the film “wizz pleasure,” but those little words left me wondering whether it didn’t cheat just a little in manipulating the audience. I’ll address that question soon enough, but I will say it’s still one of the year’s best. At home it was mostly minor fare like Phil Karlson’s Tight Spot, which was marred by Ginger Rogers’s over-the-top star turn — rather like putting Roxie Hart in a film noir; Joseph H. Lewis’s A Lawless Street, which like most pre-Boetticher Randolph Scott films simply has too much going on to no effect; and Ralph Nelson’s Once A Thief, which feels like a missing link between American noir and Melville’s films, insofar as it may have taught Melville what not to do with Alain Delon. Anyway, enjoy those Bressons.
- on January 16, 2012 at 5:44 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Samuel—
  
  I can’t say how thrilled I am to here that an ultra-discerning film fan as yourself feels THE ARTIST is one of the year’s best films. It certainly is, and fans worldwide have been rightly singing it’s praises for months dating back to Cannes, where of course it was a big hit. Yeah, few films aren’t manipulative in one way or another as it’s part of the craft I guess, but agin it’s all part of the allure. And yes, when you say venturing out into the cold, I know you surely did that! Ha! Thanks for the economically astute assessments of the Karlson, Lewis and Nelson, which I’d be hard-pressed to contest. I’m also assuming you caught that big Giants victory yesterday! Yep the Bressons continue tomorrow with a double of UNE FEMME DOUCE and THE DEVIL PROBABLY, but tonight it’s the Monday Silent Festival with the delectable horror collaboration of Browning and Chaney, THE UNKNOWN with the usual Steve Sterner piano accompaniment. My two oldest boys should love this one.
  
  Thanks as always my friend for the wonderful wrap. And by all means stay warm this week.
on January 16, 2012 at 6:07 pm | Reply Jaime Grijalba

Hello Sam and everyone! And as always thanks for the mention in the link zone, but wait! The list presented isn’t my top 10 of 2011, but the top 10 of 2011 as if I made it in your style, with the movies released in theaters on Chile commercially, and that’s the list we get. And so, the final list, that will have its exclusive premiere on Wonders in the Dark and my site, as you know Sam! Just have to wait a bit for it.
You had Quite the week Sam, with some great classics and new releases, let’s see. Oh that Scarlet Letter movie needs to be seen, as well as the Bressons (I’ve only seen Balthazar and L’Argent and bits of Pickpocket and A Man has Escaped). Well, I have the time.
HEY! The fact that the Socialisme cruise sunk is amazingly metaphorical.
Anyway, I’ve been having a good week, my girlfriend left for a trip with her schoolmates for a few days and I’m all by myself, and I just watch movies, go out a bit, but nothing much, I’m on a vacation so that’s that.
My week, movie wise:
- Another Year (2010, Mike Leigh) ****1/2 What a great film. I saw it on a 35mm print on the opening of a film festival that is around here (hah, 2 years later and they call it exclusive). This one has a great amount of amazing performances and just the exact mood and really well constructed characters that make this a sad comedy of sorts that goes into the realms of the psychological and the familiar. If I saw it two years ago, it’d made my list.
- Blutige Exzesse im Führerbunker (1984, Jörg Buttgereit) *** This is a short film from the underground master of the horror gore and sex, Buttgereit, which I had the chance of getting to know thanks to a fanzine. Now this one is a trashy film featuring Hitler reviving two zombies. Fun, but not well made at all.
- Captain Berlin – Retter der Welt (1982, Jörg Buttgereit) *** This is almost a home movie that wins just because it’s wild and fun. It’s a bunch of friends dressing up as superheroes fighting each other with the classic story of saving the girl.
- Deadball (2011, Yûdai Yamaguchi) **** This is one of the great Sushi Typhoon movies. filled with blood and crazyness and over the top acting. This one is about a kid who kills people due to his enormous talent at playing baseball, he shoots fire balls and kills the people who are bad. When he enters juvenile, he is put in a team for a strange sport called deadball, which consists of killing the opposite team. Wild and crazy and sometimes offensive for those weak of mind.
- Enter the Void (2009, Gaspar Noé) ****1/2 A visual experience. A movie from another universe, Noé manages to create and mantain a style of greatness and personalistic rammifications that create a great movie that is on its own league. It is a daring enterprise and when I compare this to something like the Tree of Life, Void is the great visual experience. I saw this on the theater, so I know what I like, it is great indeed.
- Yakuza Weapon (2011, Tak Sakaguchi, Yûdai Yamaguchi) ***1/2 One of the most self-aware and funniest of the Sushi Typhoon series, but maybe this one is an overkill, but then it becomes interesting when a group of japanese female nurses come to fight a guy who is practically immortal with all his new weapons. And the ending is so hilarious you just have to applaud the freaking film.
- Horror Heaven (1984, Jörg Buttgereit) ***1/2 A hilarious string of short films that are based on other horror movies, made at home and incredibly hilarious. This one is one of the best efforts from Buttgereit, which is becoming one interesting to see evolve.
- Hot Love (1985, Jörg Buttgereit) ***1/2 This is one of the most serious efforts from this german director, a 30 minute short that features most of his interests with suicide, death, blood, love and sex. It’s about a couple and a lover and how death means revenge from beyond the grave. Quite well done for being home made.
- Manne the Mowie (1981, Jörg Buttgereit) *** A silly short film about a man who goes to a soccer match and then pisses on grass. Heh.
- Mein Papi (1982, Jörg Buttgereit) ***1/2 A documentary on the filmmaker’s dad, portrayed sometimes as a figure of love and then a figure of hate and death and supression. Quite interesting visual style and associative imagery and editing. Quite impressive.
- Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011, Tomas Alfredson) **** One of the most well made films I saw in the recent memory. It’s sound design, editing, cinematography, acting, art direction, production design, score are pitch perfect and they blend into a good enough story that takes its time and branches to go to its important point and center about the relationship between work companions that is not always one of friendship, but more like a competence.
- Treasure Island (2012, Steve Barron) **1/2 A mediocre British movie made for TV 3 HOURS LONG based on the classic story of R.L. Stevenson with some impressive cast but a lackluster take of filmmaking, strange choices and just a bore overall. Shame, this is my first movie of 2012, and it wasn’t a good one.
- War Horse (2011, Steven Spielberg) ***1/2 A beautiful movie about a horse, a subject that is not of interest to me, but hey I like me some Spielberg, so I gave this one a shot. It’s epic, but I don’t think it was needed that level of epic filmmaking for a movie that would’ve gotten much better with more intimacy and low key, even more documentary like filmmaking. But hey, I just think Spielberg didn’t choose a good project for his style.
Well, that’s all, have a good week everyone!
I watched the GG, they were good, to me.
- on January 17, 2012 at 11:02 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well, Jaime, I saved the most spectacular submission for last. Ain’t that my usual routine? Well, I always figure I need to be warmed up to respons to what is always a remarkable week for one person to experience. Your week this time is really one for teh record books. I completely understand the situation with the annual release dates and of the lists at your place and at WitD. We can certainly remind the readers again on the day you post. If you wish, remember you can post on Monday OVER the Diary. So you are enjoying some vacation time during the summer Down Under, and it was movies with the girlfriend away. I get ya. Agreed that you do need to see THE SCARLET LETTER and some of those Bressons. I am actually heading over there again tonight (with my son Sammy) to watch UNE FEMME DOUCE and THE DEVIL, PROBABLY. On the movie front you really did achieve a miracle, though this isn’t teh first time you have reported on a week with kind of remarkable quantity.
  
  ANOTHER YEAR is a very great film indeed, one of Leigh’s all-time best by I considered it for 2010, where it placed #4 on the Ten Best list. Well, we have beaten a dead horse on WAR HORSE (excuse the pun!) so I’ll leave it be. I still think it’s a masterwork myself, but you were fair enough in your own assessment. I liked TINKER TAILOR, HOT LOVE and ENTER THE VOID less, though I’d still give the latter four stars. As to the others, I haven’t seen most, but would tend to agree with you on the few I did see.
  
  Again, a Hall of Fame comment here my friend. Keep on keeping on!!!!
on January 16, 2012 at 6:23 pm | Reply Patricia

Wow lots more movies to add to my list. You were very busy indeed and it looks like a 4 star week.
I am very excited, I have arranged for 4 friends to go see Melancholia at the Film Society this Wednesday, we are going to include dinner out before, I just can not believe this is falling into place.
I spent the weekend watching Downton Abby as we have had an unusual snow and here it is Monday and it is still coming down over a layer of ICE..feels very much like NJ and Ohio to me…It is very beautiful but we truly have very little snow removal equipment at sea level so I am also glad it chose a Sunday and the MLK holiday so children can get out and enjoy.
Going to a very interesting book discussion about AWARENESS on Tuesday night if we can get off the hill and down the hill!
Am happy to say that all my endeavors and eating healthily have helped me heal the two worrisome growths inside my eye…oh eat those carrots and leafy greens everyday so you will be able to watch these movies for many more years to come!
- on January 16, 2012 at 8:45 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Patricia—
  Again you grace this thread with a wonderfully enriching and all-encompassing submission that is simultabeously sobering and spirited. I can’t wait to hear what your 4 friends (and you of course) think of MELANCHOLIA, a film that has been divisive and controversial. I’m a very big fan of it, and named it to the top ten of the year, but a few others here at WitD have voiced their displeasure. It could be a big downer, but also lyrical and rapturous, I guess it dpends how you go in to it. But we’ll see.
  I’d normal say “shhhhh” to the notion of snow, but I am far too sympathetic to your own difficulties with that beautiful though dreaded white stuff! We had that awful storm back on Halloween, but have been miraculously spared any since then. Not having the proper snow equipment makes your situation sticky I know. I haven’t actually sat down to watch DOWNTOWN ABBEY, but have heard very good things from others at the site here.
  Great and thankful to hear that the situation with your eyes and vision has improved my friend, and I most certainly agree that carrots and greens are essentially diet ingedients that we indulged in regularly here. Carrots are great in hearty chicken soups during teh coldest days.
  
  Have a great week my friend! And the AWARENESS discussion sounds most worthwhile if you can pull it off. Many thanks as always!
  - on January 16, 2012 at 8:56 pm Patricia
    
    They have just cancelled the Martin Luther King program for this afternoon and yet it keeps falling. I wonder if Terrill has had some of this amazing stuff yet? Her whale watching post was just before this started and with that pink sky I think she must have had another sunny day – I understand that Vancouver is getting some of this but not Portland ( They suffer ICE)
    
    I wish I had a good camera as Terrill, but probably need a good eye too.
    
    If you all want to keep watching movies for a long time to come, I would highly recommend you add Kale to your food list, Dark leafy green…my partner likes them as chips but I just like it fresh and in a tossed salad…I think it made the most difference to my eyes. Even the eye Dr. was impressed.
    
    I certainly appreciate everyone’s efforts on this blog site, I may not get to see many of the movies you list, but I so enjoy your thoughts and words arevie
on January 16, 2012 at 6:37 pm | Reply Judy

Sam, thanks very much for the plug, and what a busy week you have had again! I saw singer Katherine Jenkins on stage this week, who was excellent, and watched two films from 1921, inspired by Allan’s posting on that year – ‘The Phantom Carriage and ‘the Kid’, and was blown away by both, especially the first of these. I also saw ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’ – not my favourite out of the Fords I’ve seen so far, but still well worth seeing, with a great performance by John Wayne.

On TV, there was another Dickensian disappointment after ‘Great Expectations’ – this time a BBC adaptation of his great unfinished novel ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood’, one of my favourite books, which I thought started very well, but then fell apart in the second half as the scriptwriter came up with an increasingly ludicrous plot which had very little to do with Dickens. I really liked Matthew Rhys as John Jasper and Rory Kinnear as the Rev Crisparkle, anyway, which was some consolation. I suppose.
- on January 17, 2012 at 10:11 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Judy—
  
  Great experience there taking in Katherine Jenkins! Terrific as well that the year-by-year series has inspired you to watch THE PHANTOM CARRIAGE and THE KID, two silent classics! Agree that the former is really one of the towering treasures of the cinema. YELLOW RIBBON does indeed have it’s moments, though I never lined it as much as other Fords. Wayne is outstanding in it for sure. That’s too bad about the new BBC adaptation of THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, despite the good performances. That will surely take the teeth out of any intentions I might have had to see it.
  
  Anyway you very well all told, and thanks so much for the excellent report my very good friend!
on January 16, 2012 at 7:33 pm | Reply Frank Gallo

That “horror” silent film directed by Todd Browning and starring Lon Chaney has me excited, and I won’t even be going tonight. I know William K. Everson, David J. Skal and others rate it highly. You’ve made good on your promise to attend the Bresson retrospective with barrels blazing (or should I say with a quiet austerity?) and best wishes for the final features screening over the coming week.

Both the Japanese tragic romance and the Harry Belafonte documentary interest me.

Above all how about those Giants?

Super Bowl bound again! Maybe. Probably. We celebrated at this house for hours last night!
- on January 16, 2012 at 7:44 pm | Reply Peter
  
  I still haven’t come down from last night Frank! I overdid it with the beer but what a blast. I’m thinking the 49ers can be had!
  - on January 16, 2012 at 8:05 pm Frank Gallo
    
    I can only imagine the whooping at your place Peter.
  - on January 16, 2012 at 8:32 pm Sam Juliano
    
    I join with you Frank in celebrating the Giants win! It was an exciting time yesterday! Likewise I am definitely looking forward to this evening’s screening of the Browning/Chaney silent. And thanks too for the kudos on the Bresson retrospective, which ends this coming Thursday, but not before some essentials rarities are screened.
    
    Thanks as always my very good friend!
on January 16, 2012 at 7:47 pm | Reply Peter

The Giants game immediately takes it’s place among the best efforts the team has accomplished in the playoffs. Sure the Pack dropped too many passes and turned the ball over too much, but Rodgers was a demon running out of the pocket. Don’t really think Green Bay was in the game after the first quarter.

Super Bowl here we come!
- on January 16, 2012 at 8:27 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Yep Peter, I couldn’t agree with you more. When the Giants went ahead 13-10 with that early second quarter score, the Pack were done. Giants controlled the ball remarkably well throughout. I hope you are right, though we both know how difficult a team the 49ers are!
  
  Have a great week my very good friend!
on January 17, 2012 at 7:40 am | Reply Jack Marsh

Congratulations to Eli Manningham because people said that he wasn’t the best quarterback in the game but he played better that Arn Rogers and the numbers do not lie. Lambone field is a very tough place to play and the Giants proved that they are capable of winning a football game. The referees were against them, the crowd was against them and the league was against them because they wanted to have another game in Lambone field because it’s historic and there is a lot of money to be made in the commercials but now the Giants go to Candlelight Park and I wish them all of the success in the world because they deserve it and Couglinger was worried about his job but he doesn’t have to worry anymore. Sam did you wear your old Taylor Lawrence shirt this time or did you leave it in the closet? I am sad to have missed the Globes we used to have a good time remember eating hot dogs when the kids were very little? What do you think of Helpers chances at the oscars? Oprah is very excited about that movie and people listen to what she says so I think it has a chance to win some awards. Peace and Blessings
- on January 17, 2012 at 10:18 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jack—
  
  I agree that Lambone Field is a potential death trap, but as you astutely note, Eli Manningham rose to the challenge. Indeed, the numbers do not lie. And you said a mouthful when you note teh referees were against the Giants. They blew two calls, one a bizarre denial of a rightful challenge that was supported by the replays. I am expecting next week’s game at Candlelight Park to also feature some anti-Giants officiating. I also agree with you that Coughliner’s job is safe for as long as he wants it.
  
  “Helpers” is an Oscar favorite, at least for a nomination from what I am hearing. I well remember the old days of the hot dogs. Heck you once ate 14 as I recall.
  
  Anyway, thanks for the wonderful submission. I’ll be thinking about you tonight on my way to the Film Forum.
on January 17, 2012 at 4:09 pm | Reply Pierre de Plume

At the Golden Globes, I think Streep didn’t expect to win and maybe had ann extra drink or two, which left her in an exhilarated, clumsy mood on stage. But after having seen her latest film, I must say she deserved to win though Tilda Swinton’s work in We Need to Talk About Kevin is as good as it gets. Detractors of Iron Lady do have a point, but I actually appreciated the approach the film took to Thatcher’s dementia. I’ve already mentioned elsewhere my sentimental regard for War Horse — but still enjoyably rollicked through Allan’s review of that film.
- on January 17, 2012 at 7:24 pm | Reply Jack Marsh
  
  Pierre I am with you I was laughing so hard when Merlot Stropes climbed up there and although I haven’t seen the Iron Horse I expect to like it because I like historical things and the past and politics and I think there are a lot of those things in there. Conversations with Kevin also looks like it will good but I know it must be hard for people who had anything to do with Columbiabine to watch it because it probably brings up bad memories. Peace and Blessings
- on January 17, 2012 at 10:26 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks Pierre!
  
  I can understand why Allan’s more compromised view of the film was closer to what you felt, which was fair regard with some minor issues. I say that’s most fine, you won’t be getting an argument from me. And I know everyone will be gunning for Meryl Streep for all kinds of reasons, but the fact remains that she was excellent as Thatcher. She played a character many people have no use for, but those sentiments should never really fit into this equation. Agreed on Swinton too. Thought the lady in POETRY was extraordinary, and thought the same about Anna Pacquin in MARGARET.
  
  Thanks again my great friend!
on January 17, 2012 at 8:02 pm | Reply Sam Juliano

God, this is a classic. I am in school and laughing aloud. Students are asking me what’s so funny.
on January 17, 2012 at 10:43 pm | Reply StephenM

Thanks for the link, Sam! I’m back at school, but I still managed to see a few movies over the weekend: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Descendants, and Hugo. I liked them all, but of the three I’d have to say Tinker was the best. I was totally engrossed throughout, I love labyrinthine plots that make you think. I loved large parts of Hugo, but darn it if the first half didn’t have way too many awkward pratfalls and sub-par acting and lines. It should have been even more wonderful, but I’ll take it. Not sure how it’ll transfer to home viewing though. And I thought The Descendants was very good for the way it put the focus on questions of morality, attempting to deal correctly with difficult situations, and refusing to demonize anyone. Not brilliant, but very solid, and putting forth morals and emotions that we need more of in the movies.

And I was happy to see the Giants win. I’m a Colts fan, and it’s always good to see the Mannings do well. The Broncos-Patriots game was really depressing though. Hopefully the Pats will get beat at some stage–perhaps a rematch with the Giants where they lose again?
- on January 17, 2012 at 10:51 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Stephen–
  
  There is nothing I’d like better than a Giants-Patriots encore, and a similar result! In these parts, as usual Coughlin’s job was being discussed in the newspapers, but what his team has done over the past weeks has him seemingly safe for as long as he wants to stay. If you are a Colt fan I can well understand you digging the Mannings! Great QBs, both, that’s for sure. And great to hear you were happy with teh win. Yes, the Pats-Broncs debacle was a real dowqner. I hear ya!
  
  To be honest I wasn’t much a fan of TINKER TAILOR, as I found the inevitable cuts doing some narrative damage. I did thinkl Oldman was fantastic, but I forgot about this one fast. Still, if you write about it I’ll be there to comparae notes. I know you’ll mount a great defense. Agree completely on what you say about THE DESCENDANTS, and had less difficulties with HUGO, which placed #9 on my Ten Best list. But fair enough, we’re pretty much in agreement. Thanks for stopping in, and have a very productive week at school my friend!
on January 18, 2012 at 2:27 pm | Reply bobby J.

Hi Sam, I’ve been meaning to post up all morning but seem to get lost in one or other of the reviews posted up. Damn sticky website! Though I did avoid utterly the piece on ‘The Artist’. Just got a vibe that it had too many spoilers….will come back to that one once I’ve seen the film over the weekend (I’ve been looking forward to it since I saw the trailer many, many months ago).

As for Viewing…
I took in the TV show ‘L.A. Law’* which was interesting. The best season is the first, which has a sass and cool vibe, after which it rapidly loses interest as the first generation of stars get entangled in soap-operatics and with the gradual replacement, by far poorer/less interesting characters.

The Prohibition**** – this is in three parts, one and half hours each – tracing the historical roots of the law that made the modern mob. It goes into the 19th century to show the sheer level of abuse that was going with the beverages of the period, with the streets full of drunks, men staying in saloon bars most of the time, to come home for the creation of havoc and domestic abuse (including massive amount of marital rapes). It’s a Ken Burns piece and an utterly hypnotic one at that. One of the TV highlights of the year. It also got me thinking about why would men would drink to such excess. I remember reading about some studies once that showed that the more you stressed an animal (elephants in an enclosure, mice in another, ect, ect, or even office workers who let go on a Friday night) – that they would use booze to eliminate stress hormones. And there were few distractions; no movies, no TV, no radio, no music LPs, few of the established superstar fiction magazines (The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy, Colliers, Astounding SF, Weird Tales) which came in at the end of the 19th century. There were some books and magazines, but then how many could read in that period? No sports established as far as I know. What else was there accept the comaradaire of fellow workers and maybe poker. ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ is probably the finest expression of life in that period.

For films, saw ‘Before the Devil Knows Your Dead*** an excellent swansong for Sidney Lumet but a strange one. It gave me the impression of being modelled on the achetype of the ancient Greek (?) revenge dramas in which the actors wore masks with expressions to create their place and role in the piece. Here, despite the excellent actors doing their best, there is a one-dimensional element to them, no arc to grow through. The craft of the piece keeps one watching and their is a stunning moment where Ethan Hawke literally steals the show, as he begs to be killed.

Margin Call* – It has an excellent opening with guy being sacked, after which, it takes a long time telling us that these guys are shits. It’s a cold, humourless, colourless and empty world. And other films have done it far better, eg, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. Jeremy Irons steals the show and is worth waiting for, but why place another Brit as the villian? Isn’t it enough that all the action films do too?

Contagion** – A superbly crafted film on a topic that has all too often been bungled. It goes only so far and then retrieves the situation. I would have preferred it to take the harder course and show humankind really whithering away, the return of wild-life into cities, crumbling infrastructur, ect.

Also, I been reading the highly regarded short SF/fantasy stories of the poet A.E. Coppard and Gerald Kersh. Both brilliant in their own way.
- on January 19, 2012 at 11:12 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks for this staggering post Bobby! And thanks too for the e mail with the chapters. I will be responding to you on that very soon.
  
  I just this week got a box set of the first season of BOARDWALK EMPIRE from my wife (who acquired it at a close-out sale) even though I didn’t request it! Ha! So it appears I will be watching this soon, breaking a long spell of failing to watch television work since the THRILLER box came out. I am sure you know the show well. Anyway I was thinking of it while reading through your superb capsule of THE PROHIBITION. I know BE starts at that point. And yes, you nailed it again with what you attribute there to A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN, based on the novel by Betty Smith.
  
  I must say Bobby, what with your love of the silent period, I am optimistic of THE ARTIST’s prospects with you.
  
  I am completely with you on both MARGIN CALL and CONTAGION. The former received great reviews, but I agree this premise has been done better in other films. And I concur the opening was the best part of it all. Soderbergh’s film does have a great premise, but it never quite comes together in the end. Excellent insights into BEFORE THE DEVIL, which I like a bit less than you but can certainly see the worth in. It was definitely a memorable swansong from Lumet.
  
  Great round-up, and a reminded of how much you are missed on this thread. I will be getting back to you on the chapters very soon my friend. Have a great weekend!
  - on January 20, 2012 at 12:13 am Judy
    
    I just got the box set of Boardwalk Empire this week too, Sam, so will be very interested to hear what you think. I do also hope to see The Prohibition. Bobby, I used to be addicted to LA Law and watched it right through, but must agree that it was best right at the start.
  - on January 20, 2012 at 2:51 pm Sam Juliano
    
    Judy, I’m thrilled that we will soon be able to compare notes on BOARDWALK EMPIRE! I will probably look at some episodes tomorrow.
  - on January 20, 2012 at 10:09 pm bobby J.
    
    Thanks Sam, I’d love to hear what you think of ‘Broadwalk Empire’ too (and maybe even a smidgen of ‘Bilko’ in your TV cat-ups. ). And Sam, there is a show called ‘Game of Thrones’ which in it’s first season has surpassed in it’s consistent quality – ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Star Wars’ as an epic. It may rank as one of the supreme achievements of fantasy TV.
on January 18, 2012 at 5:42 pm | Reply deedee

Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, and WitD readers here goes more information about the Black-out…today.
Today (2012-01-18) is global strike day to protest against US Bills SOPA and PIPA.
English Wikipedia is blacked out today. WordPress.com, Reddit.com, will PHP.net follow today, among many others.
Simply spoken, the goal of these two bills is to censor the internet for US citizens.
US politicans Lamar Smith and Patrick Leahy started these bills. Please tell them, what you think about their plan.
Act today, watch the video now Fight For The Future and write or phone call your Congressman or Congresswoman.
If you live outside the US, you can sign this petition.
AmericanCensorship
- on January 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Dee Dee—
  
  Thanks a ton for spelling out all these vital lifelines for those participating in this rightful protest against unwanted interference in what we post on our sites. I’ve been checking out links myself, and remain aghast at this attempt to compromise our freedom. I’ve put my name on a few petitions as well. Thanks again my friend for the urgent attention!
on January 19, 2012 at 2:31 pm | Reply Shubhajit Lahiri

Sam, thanks a lot for the mention. I guess I’m a bit late in joining the discussion here. Life had been a bit hectic at my end for the last few weeks. But thankfully, it’ll calm down now and I’ll be able to increase my movie viewing that had taken a downward plunge since the beginning of this year.

I see that you’ve managed to catch up on the Bresson film festival that you’d spoken about here as well as at my blog. Great!!! It can very well appreciate the kind of experience you had.

I managed to watch only a couple of movies here & there in the meantime – Tomas Alfredson’s adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, a Bengali film called Baishe Srabon, and the HBO documentary Bobby Fischer Against the World. I’m planning to catch up on the acclaimed 2011 movies soon.
- on January 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Shubhajit—
  
  I know you’ve had a tough run as of late, but happy to hear things have finally settled down. The fact that you have kept CINEMASCOPE as active as you have in view of all the responsibilities you’ve had to juggle is a testament to your tenacity. Few would or could have done that to be honest.
  
  I remember as a chess loving teenager I followed the Fisher/Spassky match intricately back in 1972. Since then i’ve always been fascinated with the ecentric Fisher, who was a far better chess player than he was a person. I was mixed on TINKER TAILOR, and look forward to your upcoming review. The Bengali film is not one I’m familiar with, but great that you got it in as well.
  
  The Bresson Festival ended last night with a viewing of the rarely-seen FOUR NIGHTS OF A DREAMER, though his great masterpiece A MAN ESCAPED is now running for a full week beginning today. I am planning to see it (yet again) on Tuesday.
  
  Thanks as always my friend. Have a great weekend!
on January 20, 2012 at 6:14 am | Reply deedee

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with Mega-load , but I have heard the name before…Well, it appears as if their website have been shut-down FBI Shut-down File-sharing Mega-load …However, I’m not sure if it’s related to what happened yesterday.

Sam Juliano, to be quite honest I wasn’t familiar with SOPA or PIPP until I stumbled upon the information [that I have posted above...] while searching for information about actor Humphrey Bogart’s filmography, over there on Wiki[pedia] yesterday, but their website was blacked-out…sending me to find out why almost half the websites were protesting…Scary stuff!
on January 22, 2012 at 11:34 am | Reply Stephen

Sam,

I have written something on the Japanese film I told you about above but I am having trouble sending emails at the moment (I can still receive and read them).

I was wondering if it would be possible for me to edit it on the site itself instead of sending it. You could then look at it, yay or nay, and schedule as required.
- on January 22, 2012 at 12:10 pm | Reply Stephen
  
  Correction : “yea or nay”