Screencap from deeply-affecting French immigration drama ‘Welcome’
by Sam Juliano
Film buffs are celebrating this week, as the newly-restored German classic Metropolis has officially opened at the Film Forum. Fritz Lang’s masterpiece is scheduled to run at the West Houston St. theatre for at least the next two weeks, and I hope to be on board myself over the next few days, as does WitD colleague and impassioned Lang fan Bob Clark. The Tony Award nominations have been announced, and as a result I to plan intensity my focus on the Broadway scene in the coming weeks, using the TDF listings for some potential theatrical outings. At Wonders in the Dark the 2000’s poll continues to some excellent discourse among the site’s gifted commentators. Plans are presently being negotiated for follow-up genre pollings that will commence after Allan’s present countdown and tabulation are completed. First up is the ‘horror poll,’ which will be chaired by our own Jamie Uhler with assistance from Troy and Kevin Olson. Ironically enough, these three are the most fatatical and knowledgable horror afficianados in the blogosphere. That ‘countdown’ may be 50 or 100, depending on how the three want to handle it. After that Bob Clark will be examining the greatest science-fiction films of all-time, and has a very unique presentation planned. That sci-fi poll will probably launch sometime in late October, depending on the duration of the horror poll. The ‘musicals’ poll will be handled by Yours Truly, while we are still searching for someone to manage the ’50 Greatest Westerns’, the ’50 Greatest War Films’ and ’50 Greatest Animated Films.’ Something tells me that a chap named ‘Donophon’ might be the man for the Western poll.
This week on the cultural front I attended two magificent theatrical productions that frankly I will remember for the rest of my life. The revival of Rogers and Hammerstein’s glorious SOUTH PACIFIC, which won a Tony Award for Best Musical Revival in 2008, is a superlatively staged and performed musical gem that would melt even the most jaded theatre goer, and is further evidence of why this lovely work has been so adored since its initial appearance in the 50’s. I attended the Wednesday evening, May 5th performance at Lincoln Center’s Vivien Beaumont Theatre with Lucille and Broadway Bob, and what an ‘enchanted evening it was’ (full review posted above the ‘Diary’ here).
On the following night I traveled alone through some hellish downtown Manhattan traffic to BAM’s (Brooklyn Academy of Music) Harvey Theatre to attend a searing drama by August Strindberg, titled THE CREDITORS, which is one of it’s author’s greatest works. The simple but sublime staging set in a summer hotel room by the sea, and the extraordinary performances made this one of the most riveting 90 minutes I’ve ever spent in a theatre. Strindberg himself, referred to this naturalistic tragicomedy as his ‘most mature work.’ (review planned for Tuesday)
Apart from this, I managed only two films in theatres, as the weekend rightly focused on the combined communion/confirmation party for my sons Jeremy and Sammy, and the actual church mass for the First Holy Communion. (picture below) I saw:
Welcome **** 1/2 (Saturday evening; 9:30 P.M.) Lincoln Plaza Cinemas
Iron Man 2 ** 1/2 (Sunday afternoon) Edgewater Multiplex
WELCOME is a deeply affecting immigration drama about a young 17 year-old Kurdish refugee looking to reunite with his girlfriend in Calais, and the help he attracts from a sympathetic Frenchman who is moved by his dreams. The episodic film boasts some strong acting from Vincent Lindon and Firat Ayverdi and a perceptive script that delineates the moral issues and dilemmas that arise in works that deal with displacement.
IRON MAN 2 goes nowhere we haven’t been, even if it does provide the goods in the pyrotechnic department. It’s alternately entertaining and overbearing, but the kids liked it. Downey is a perfect fit for this role though.
Lucille received some beautiful Mother’s Day flowers from that lovely woman blogger, who just happens to be our site’s regular staff interviewer. There is no kinder person in the world.
BREAKING NEWS FROM CHINA!!! Bliss for the Olsons!!
A picture tells a thousand words! Say hello to Troy and Tricia Olson here: http://olsonfamilymatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-to-our-family-madelyn-yihong.html
Around the blogosphere we have some great things:
At Darkness Into Light, the tireless Dee Dee continues her landmark interview with Noir Kingpin Tony d’Ambra, who is unveiling in discussion his ’31 Eseential Noirs.’ The latest post at Dee Dee’s hallowed halls is devoted to Tony’s extraordinary review of The Lost Weekend, published a number of months ago: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2010/05/counting-down-thirty-one-film-noirs_3491.html
Meanwhile, back at FilmsNoir.net Tony’s latest post is one that examines a most intriguing partial noir in the B ranks, titled Riff Raff (1947) http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/the-art-of-the-b-riff-raff-1947.html
Dave Hicks has been unveiling his Top 50 Films of the 2000’s at Goodfellas in preparation for the WitD voting by going with ten at a time: http://goodfellamovies.blogspot.com/2010/05/top-50-of-2000s-30-21.html
One of the most creative bloggers out there the effervescent ‘Coffee Messiah’ is up to his usual wonders at his place with ‘Sandcastles’: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2010/05/sandcastles.html
Jon Lanthier continues to rank among the most tireless (and super talented) writers in the blogosphere (and in the professional ranks) and at his “Aspiring Sellout” home he writes about his recent findings at the San Francisco International Festival. Check it out: http://aspiringsellout.com/
Shubhajit’s latest sterling capsule review at “Cinemascope” examines one of the great works of American cinema, Sweet Smell of Success. Get yourself over there ASAP: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2010/05/sweet-smell-of-success-1957.html
There’s a brand new “look” at ‘The Schleicher Spin” and it’s really fantastic. David’s latest post too on Mother’s Day is a must for all film lovers: http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/05/07/favorite-films-about-yo-momma/
At Only the Cinema Ed Howard pays moving homage to the recently deceased William Lubchansky, one of French cinema’s greatest cinematographers, who negotiated some of Rivette and Godard’s finest films. A Lubchansky composition of course has been our site header for almost a full year. Ed’s screen cap presentation is truly one of the best I’ve seen online: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/05/william-lubtchansky-1937-2010.html
Trailers, reviews, weekend forecasts, Watercooler roundups all abound at one of the blogosphere’s most diverse places, “Living in Cinema,” manned by the tireless Craig Kennedy: http://livingincinema.com/
Few may have ever heard of Thom Anderson’s Los Angeles Plays Itself, by the brilliant writer on cinema, ‘Just Another Film Buff’ has provided the blogosphere with another masterpiece of prose that is surely a must-read: http://theseventhart.info/2010/05/09/flashback-77/
Longman Oz, a bionic man of the Irish cultural scene, as always, combines his passionate regard for music, theatre and music at his prolific blogsite, “No Ordinary Fool” with his latest post an examination of 2004 albums: http://noordinaryfool.com/2010/05/09/100noughtiealbums_2004/
Terrill Welch (a.k.a. Creativepotager) isn’t just the proprietor of one of nature’s most enrapturing blogsites, but she’s also an artist of astonishing skills. Check out her latest painting. It’s a stunner: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/05/06/far-shore-oil-painting/
Workaholic Jeffrey Goodman at The Last Lullaby is taking a brief break as he continues to work on Peril, but he wraps up his recent countdown here: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2010/04/favorites-wrap-up.html
Donophon’s superlative Jean-Pierre Melville series continues with another excelent review of a little seen film by the director: http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/jean-pierre-melville-deux-hommes-dans.html
Dan Getahun’s latest post is on a May retrospective, but I believe he tied the knot this weekend!!! Congratulations Dan to you and your lovely bride: http://getafilm.blogspot.com/2010/05/kelly-reichardt-off-beaten-track-walker.html
Samuel Wilson’s latest post is what appears to be a comprehensive examination of the just-released Iron Man 2 at ‘Mondo 70’: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2010/05/on-big-screen-iron-man-2-2010.html
R. D. Finch’s latest sholarly essay examines Borzage’s Three Comrades at “The Movie Projector: http://movieprojector.blogspot.com/2010/05/three-comrades-1938.html
Horror film maven Kevin Olson gives his incomparable touch to Descent 2 at “Hugo Stiglitz Makes Movies”: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/descent-part-2.html
After a long absense the ever-talented Alexander Coleman indicates he has some great stuff on the horizon: http://colemancornerincinema.blogspot.com/2010/05/5610.html
Andrew Wyatt of ‘Gateway Cinephiles’ has a typically terrific capsule up at his place on “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo”: http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2010/05/03/quick-review-the-girl-with-the-dragon-tattoo/
Stephen at ‘Checking My Sausages’ astutely probes Bresson’s singulat ‘Joan of Arc’ film at his place, and it’s an essential piece for lovers of great cinema: http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2010/04/le-proces-de-jeanne-darc_7776.html
The latest post at Marilyn Ferdinand’s Ferdy-on-Films feature a top drawer treatment of Conan the Barbarian by Roderick Heath: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=4549
Another tireless blogger/critic, J. D. at Radiator Heaven, has a fabulous review up at his place of Crazy Heart, the DVD: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2010/05/dvd-of-week-crazy-heart.html
Tony Dayoub also has an excellent essay on Iron Man 2 at his always fascinating “Cinema Viewfinder” home: http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2010/05/movie-review-iron-man-2.html
Our good friend Anu is featuring a fabulous review up at his place of Kurosawa’s Kagamusha, that’s yet another must-read: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/kagemusha/
Always raising the bar, the esteemed Film Doctor has an ‘alternate’ essay up at his place on Iron Man 2. Check it out: http://filmdr.blogspot.com/2010/05/lot-of-sturm-und-drang-signifying-money.html
Jack Cole never approaches anything half-hearted, and his latest exhaustive essay on Hitchcock’s The Wrong Man is proof parcel: http://armchairc.blogspot.com/2010/05/wrong-man.html
T.S. at “Screen Savour” still headlines his excellent review of Steamboat Bill Jr. in his Keaton series at his place: http://www.screensavour.net/2010/04/steamboat-bill-jr-1928.html
At “Icebox Movies” Adam is headlining what appears to be an exhaustive piece on Paul Verhoeven and his newest project: http://iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2010/04/paul-verhoeven-to-direct-last-express.html
and then of course there is my very good friend Kaleem Hasan, who keeps things rolling at a feverish place at his Satyamshot home. I urge all Indian readers (and all others for that matter) to check out his latest post, which has attracted 230 comments!!!http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/2010/05/09/images-from-raavan-and-raavanan-2/
Sammy (confirmation), Jeremy (communion) and Danny
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Wonders in the Dark 
Well Sam, I would have loved a seat in the theatre with you this past week… sigh… maybe someday:) In the meantime I will just be entertained by the mama squirrel packing her baby to a new nest and a Canada Goose having a spat with a sea otter.
We did watch the 1950 film BORN YESTERDAY with Judy Holliday. Besides being annoyed at the yelling “junk” millionaire, to the point I almost stopped watching about 15 minutes into the film, I was impressed with the depth and strength of character developed in Billie Dawn at a time when “feminist” was not a household word. I have been going around practicing saying “I’ll send for my tings” and making David laugh every time. I found it a powerful movie and one that stays with a person… so much so we watched it again two days later.
Thank you for your mention about my latest painting. I’m honoured and very much appreciate your kind words.
Ah Terrill, I hope one day to meet you, either in the flesh or perhaps at an art exhibition of your magnificent work, where you one day seem headed!
I see where you are coming from with the opening reel of BORN YESTERDAY, but I do concur with your summary judgement. Judy Holliday’s Oscar winning performance is one of the glories of American cinema, and truly ‘powerful’ as you aptly note.
Thanks so much for honring this thread as always!
Thanks for the plug, Sam. Never really had hopes on Iron Man 2. Good that I skipped it!
And my best, best wishes for the Olson family.
And thank you too as always JAFB! I look forward to reading your great piece closely later today!
Yes, the Olsons are in ecstasy right now, as well they should be!
Thanks for the recognition as always, Sam. I liked Iron Man 2 better than you did, but objectively I think yours is a fair rating to which I’d add no more than half a star. I still appreciate the relative novelty of Favreau’s approach to superheroes but the more that they’re shackled to the “Avengers” concept the less hope I have for any further films in the series. I saw a load of trailers at the multiplex beforehand but INCEPTION was the only one that interested me. It doesn’t look like a good summer for Hollywood.
How true Samuel on both fronts. My kids liked IRON MAN 2 quite a bit, and they haven’t been easy to please as of late. It had its moments for sure, but I’m not looking forward to a third installment. This does look like a dreary summer on the multiplex front. Let’s hope that the independent and foreigns come to the rescue. Thanks as always! I’ll soon be looking at your essay attentively.
I gave up on the “Avengers” concept once I heard that Joss Whedon will be helming the film. Maybe that’s good news if you like his writing (I don’t) but he can just barely direct his way out of a wet paper bag, so I can’t see it as a good omen at all. Too bad. “Captain America” and “Thor” still have hope, having Joe Johnston and Kenneth Branagh calling the shots, respectively.
I skipped out on “Iron Man” this weekend and opted to see the restored “Metropolis” at Film Forum, instead. I’m gonna need to see it a few more times while it’s still in local theaters.
Wise decision there Bob! Too bad I couldn’t meet up with you there, though I have a Film Forum visit lined up for this week. I bet you were really ravished there!
Thanks for the kind mention, Sam.
My latest piece is about Richard Kelly’s THE BOX:
http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2010/05/box-2009-notes.html
Stephen: I am sometimes fooled, as you seem to have changed the way you present your newest posts. The TERMINATOR essay still tops the headlining, but you are updating on the sidebar. I will certainly be looking at THE BOX, as that one has been getting re-evaluations in a number of quarters.
Thanks as always!
It’s frustrating, especially as it may mean others are not being updated. Apparently it’s a problem that afflicts many blogs.
I haven’t changed anything in the way I post, it’s just that a few blogrolls don’t recognise the new reviews.
I look forward to your thoughts on THE BOX.
Oh geez, Stephen! I figured that it wasn’t your fault, but sadly it’s sending out the wrong signal to vistors at CHECKING ON MY SAUSAGES. Hopefully at some point this can be rectified, though I am not computer savvy to offer any advice. Without even looking at THE BOX review, I will say that my opinion of this film has steadily risen since I first saw it theatrically. But I am eager to read your thoughts and will definitely be over there today.
Hey Sam. Your point on the kids liking Iron Man 2 is a good one! It is always a little amusing to see reviewers intellectually approaching films written with ten-year olds in mind. Not that the overall social/political premises of some such films should go unquestioned, rather I am talking about getting too fussed regarding the nuts and bolts of how it has been put together. Still won’t be spending 10 euro on it though!
Anyway, to talk about a film that I have seen, I definitely recognise “Welcome” from your description of it above. However, I was a bit disappointed by it. Firstly, I never really bought just how great the passion and determination of Ayverdi’s character were. It reminded me of “Slumdog Millionaire” in that respect, but lacking in the archly epic nature of the latter.
Equally, I thought that there was far too much exposition in it, not least in the hugely annoying supermarket scene where the wife feels the need to harangue us with political lessons whilst buying baked beans!
That said, it is a film that should definitely raise eyebrows. The French authorities apparently hated it, but the director defends his work by saying that he did not depict half of what he saw in and around Calais. Certainly, in terms of the sacrosanct protection of civil liberties and the respect for human rights, it is quite a concerning film.
Thanks for ze plug!
Ah, Longman, a perceptive perspective there on IRON MAN, and yes it is telling that the kids liked it, though to be honest, as I stated above my position here seems to be a minority one.
As far as this:
“However, I was a bit disappointed by it. Firstly, I never really bought just how great the passion and determination of Ayverdi’s character were. It reminded me of “Slumdog Millionaire” in that respect, but lacking in the archly epic nature of the latter.”
…you make a persuasive analytical argument there, though I didn’t feel the same way, and felt the passion more, translating to a more profound emotional experience. I can see well why the French authorities hated it, that’s for sure, and do agree that there was too much exposition. In fact for me the film turned for the positive only at the half way point. Great that you got to see this in advance, but I am hardly surprised, what with your exceeding cinematic awareness!
Super contention there about the ‘sacrosanct protection of civil liberties and the respect for human rights!”
Thanks as always for the superior comment here!
Sam, lovely picture of your sons. It sounds as if you thought roughly the same about Iron Man 2 as I did, that there was nothing new there but Downey was still great. Glad to hear your kids liked it. In answer to Samuel, I’ve heard they are supposed to be doing Iron Man 3 before The Avengers – anyway that’s what my teenage son tells me. I wonder how many more times Downey will want to reprise this role!
I envy you that wonderful production of ‘South Pacific’ and will read your review with great interest. Woke up to the news this morning that Lena Horne has died – I just saw a lovely clip of her singing ‘Stormy Weather’. Hoping there will be some good obituaries today, as I’d like to know more about her career. I haven’t seen much this week… except for endless general election reports!
Hey Judy, thanks for mentioning that photo! It was another memorable gathering.
As long as the IRON MAN franchise keeps bringing them in (I hear 150 million over the weekend stateside–unbelievable!) the sequels will keep coming and Downey will continue to sign on! But both films received very good reviews so go figure! So sorry to hear about Lena Horne, and the “Stormy Weather” clip is another beautiful reference point!
Oh God, that election is making the headlines here too! Allan seems certain that in the end the Tories will prevail, and Mr. Bown will be sent packing!
Again I thank you lovely lady!
Congrats to the Olsons!
Cute photo, but why is the 3rd son not dressed up too? ; )
Welcome sounds worth seeing, if it ever sees the light of day here.
When I worked in the east bay, I met a young lady who escaped from China and was saving money to help her family get out also. Sounded like a harrowing experience with a little toss of the dice also, not knowing if those you were paying, were going to actually help you out in the end. Same story with a young man from Afghanistan (this was back in the early ’70s) and nothing sounds any different in that country from then to now.
Thanks too 4 the nod!
Cheers!
Thanks os much Michael, and I know the Olsons will greatly appreciate that.
The third son was the only one who didn’t receive a sacrament, and he wasn’t being honored, so I guess that entitled him to dress as a pedestrian! Ha! He’ll get his own confirmation two years from now and again will be in the spotlight!
As far as that anecdote with that Chinese lady, frankly that is truly what makes blogging and sharing so gratifying. That is a fantastic story, and knowing you I am hardly surprised. Thanks so much for brightening my day with that.
That’s a nice photo of the Olson family. Best wishes to the three of them!
And your kids are adorable!
I guess I can safely skip Iron Man 2, though it appears that some are smitten with it. Look forward to you review of the Strindberg play.
Yes it’s a priceless photo there Frank, and I was happy I was able to copy it from Troy’s family site!
Don’t take my reaction to IRON MAN as a reason to avoid it. After all, the reviews were mostly impressive.
Thank you Sir!
Sam, first off, congratulations to the Olson family! Wonderful picture and wonderful news.
It sounds like you had an amazing week in terms of theater and film. I got in a good group of films this week, as well: EMPIRE OF THE SUN, HOPE AND GLORY, WOODPECKER, BEESWAX, THAT EVENING SUN, and 35 SHOTS OF RUM. I enjoyed them all. But, I would have to say I was the most impressed by Denis’ film. I later read your piece on it, which I thought was equally fantastic.
To a great week, Sam! Thanks, as always, for the incredible wrap-up.
Thanks so much for everything you say here Jeffrey, it’s always a blessing. And I know the Olsons will tell you directly how much they appreciate your best wishes.
That’s a terrific group there, though with your cinematic sophistication I am hardly surprised you were most impressed with that denis masterwork. Can’t say I blame you there. Of course my love for Spielberg and Boorman’s film has been long-standing and intense with multiple viewings of them over the years. I still need to find the magic with BEESWAX, though on that count I am on the outside looking in! Ha!
Thanks for the shout-out, Sam! I figured as much re: IRON MAN 2. Looks like I can wait for DVD on that one! I’m curious to hear your thoughts on ROBIN HOOD – any plans to check that one out later this month?
Thanks to you J.D. as well. Well, I would say the DVD release would be the way to go, but again, I’m sure you’ll read your share of positive assessments too, so you still might want to give it a shot on the big screen. I do plan on seeing ROBIN HOOD for sure, and I’ll have the entire brood in tow as well. i haven’t yet researched the advance opinion, but I’ll be there.
Thanks as always for stopping by my very good friend!
Thanks Sam. In addition to the Melville, I saw two new movies this week. The first was History Is Made At Night, a Borzage it has taken me a while to track down. Can’t say I was disappointed; it has a hell of a reputation but it lived up to it. Jean Arthur isn’t Margaret Sullavan but she’s great here in her own way, and Boyer is Boyer. Colin Clive is incredible, though, this is the best I’ve ever seen him. He plays a wicked, wicked guy, and is just completely repulsive in the part. The other movie I saw was The Mask Of Fu Manchu, which I kind of loved. It’s as if they were trying to compress five serials into seventy minutes, and it gave it this very startling and fresh economy, and Karloff’s lair was just a hoot; a dissertation could be written on how it’s a hallucinatory manifestation of white America’s fears of the Eastern other, or something (God I’m glad I got out of that racket when I did). It’s interesting to see Loy in these early roles too, because she’s much less sexy in these kind of overtly erotic-exotic roles than she is in something her more unassuming ones like The Thin Man.
Donophon, I haven’t yet seen that particular Borzage, though I love his work exceedingly (has Allan seen this? I’m sure he has.) and appreciate your usual astute framing. I do agree that Arthur is no Sullvan remotely, but I still love her, and then there’s Boyer and Clive. This is one I’d be foolish not to go after, and thanks for broaching it here to the WitD film lovers!
As far as THE MASK OF FU MANCHU, that’s a glorious cult classic, and I agree with you there lock, stock and barrel. There as an excellent review of it posted months back by Ed Howard at his place, where I voiced my own fondness. Karloff was indeed a hoot, and Loy was certainly different, that’s for sure!
I look forward to posting today at your latest Melville examination at THE LONG VOYAGE HOME!
Thanks as always for the sterling round-up!
Yes, I have seen it, you old fool, and sent it to you years ago to gather top soil.
Congratulations to Troy and Tricia on their newest addition, they really looked excited as well as they should.
Sam, Sounds like you all had some enchanted evening (sorry) with South Pacific. Hopefully a road show version will eventually pop up down here.
I did not get to a theater this week but my home viewing consisted of the following:
East Side, West Side (***1/2) – philandering and murder as James Mason, though married to Barbara Stanwyck, can’t keep his hands off a young and seductive Ava Gardner in this Merlyn LeRoy directed film. The cast also includes Van Heflin, Cyd Charisse, Gale Sonndergard and William Conrad. A bit on the soapy side but the talented cast keeps you interested especially if you are a Stanwyck admirer like me.
Two Ride Together (***1/2) – late John Ford with James Stewart, Richard Widmark and Shirley Jones. Decent enough western (it is Ford after all) though I have to admit I found the handling of Indians as nothing but savages more disturbing here than in some of his other films. While Ford had generally treated Indians in a bad light I just thought this film was more so.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (***) – Will Farrell and John C. Reilly. According to IMDB the producers pitch to the studio was “Will Farrell as a NASCAR driver.” That pretty much says it all. The unrated version I watched runs almost two hours and though I like Farrell (especially in Anchorman: The Ron Burgundy Story), 122 minutes is too much typical low brow humor and an even worst offence it just wasn’t that funny.
Charlie Chan in London – (**1/2) A decent low budget Chan film with a very young Ray Milland in the cast. Entertaining enough.
Il Posto (****) – A wonderful semi-autobiographical first feature from Ermanno Olmi of a young boy’s indoctrination into the work force. A review is coming up later this week at 24 frames.
Black Sabbath (****) – Finally after all these years I got to watch the original version of this Bava film instead of the AIP bastardized version. Two of the three short stores are excellent (The Telephone” and The Wurdalark) with the final story, “A Drop of Water” the weakest. While overall this Italian version is a vast improvement over the AIP butchered version we do lose Boris Karloff distinctive voice which had to be dubbed by an Italian actor.
John, it’s Troy and Trisha’s moment in the sun, and they deserve all the well wishes they are receiving from you and others!
Ah John, we rarely, rarely disagree, but “A Drop of Water” based on a Chekov story, is for me one of the greatest works of horror in the cinema, and the best of the three entries, though I love the shuddery “The Werdalak” quite a bit too. I’d be interested in what some of the horror mavens think of BLACK SABBATH in general, though I know that we can both look at something, and occasionally react differently. Excellent point you make there about Karloff’s voice and the dubbing. Italain horror is always problematic in this sense.
I am lukewarm to that CHARLIE CHAN vehicle, but I’ll admit there are far worse films than that. I’m with you all the way on IL POSTO for sure. As far as the LeRoy and the Ford, I stand right where you are, and my summary rating would coincide, as well as the great point about the presentation of Indians in the latter. I have not seen TALLEDEGA NIGHTS, and for some reason can’t remember EAST SIDE WEST SIDE all that well. But you got me intrigued now to do some more research. I am definitely a big Stanwyck admirer though, as you are.
Once again, quite a week, and I greatly appreciate hearing about it here my very good friend!
It has been a while since I watched Il Posto, but I love the line spoken by the janitor(?) to the young recruit – a rough recollection – “Everyone here has a bad habit – everything is urgent”…
Tony, – yeah that was a good line and an accurate one.
The line was actually said by a messenger who was training the young man for the job.
CONGRATULATIONS TROY and TRICIA!!!!!! I’m sure I speak for everyone here on the BIG event of bringing Madelyn home to the states. Your lives are about to get even more beautiful than ever with a little one running through the house (and far more noisy too-LOL!!!!). Here’s wishing all three of you God’s speed and blessing as you make a safe return home. Looks like a perfect match as everyone in the picture above looks ecstatic. From what I’ve read here on WONDERS and Troy’s site, this couldn’t have happened for two nicer people. Hope you bid a full night’s sleep farewell?! Your lives have just changed in the biggest (and BEST) ways possible. Madelyn’s adorable!!! (I’m such a sucker for babies!!!!)-Dennis
This is a wonderful expression of happiness for Troy and Trisha dennis, which I know they will be thrilled to read!
Sorry I missed the party!!!! The boy’s (Sam Jr. and Jeremy) look very suave in their haircuts and Sunday Best (although don’t let JEREMY fool ya-he’s really the Devil incarnate-I understand it was his idea to lob water-baloons off the roof of the house a few weeks back-LOL). In any case, glad to hear the event went well and I understand the $300 dollar cake from Palisades Park Bakery was pure bliss and worth every dime. Me? Nothing really to report EXCEPT… An interesting main-stream documentary at THE CINEMA VILLAGE on 12 Street in Manhattan. WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE is a culled collection of behind-the-scenes films comissioned by then up-and-comer rock legend Jim Morrison. Seems Morrison was a camera nut after leaving University of So. Cal and caught reel after reel of day-to-day happenings and performances. Narrated by Jonny Depp, its a mouse-eye look into the lives of THE DOORS. I was fortunate enougfh to be invited to a screening of this film by my best client. He’s a distributor of Film and Televion work.
Aye Dennis, that cake was worth that much and more!!! LOL!!! it was certainly an unusual day for me in more ways than one, but in the end it was a terrific gathering! I know if you didn’t work, you would have been the first one in the door. Thanks as always for the very kind words!
As a child of the 60s, my favorite rock band is The Doors. The band’s innovative music and the dark subterranean lyrics of Jim Morrison never cease to enthrall me. In posts at FilmsNoir.Net I have featured lyrics from the band’s last album LA Woman:
LA Woman: “so alone…”
LA Woman – Cars Hiss By My Window
When You’re Strange (2009), which debuted at last year’s Sundance Festival, is veteran feature-filmmaker Tom DiCillo’s first documentary, which documents the LA band’s rise in the mid-60s.
In an interview on SPOUTblog, DiCillo said: “I’ve always, always been turned on by music, and by film. The Doors’ music is extremely cinematic. Their music is very dense and highly emotional. It deals a lot with character, and blood, murder and a lot of crazy things.”
Ray Manzarek, the band’s keyboardplayer, agrees that The Doors were inspired and influenced by cinema. Both he and Jim Morrison came out of the UCLA film school. “That’s where we became friends”, Manzarek said, “We’re definitely cinematic.” Morrison and Manzarek took film classes taught by director Josef von Sternberg. Manzarek said von Sternberg inspired many of The Doors lyrics regarding moral ambiguity and dark eroticism.
Indeed Tony. This love has shined through a number of times at FilmsNoir.net and elsewhere, and you have penned some excellent analysis of their songs and philosophies. The additions here are great too. I had a chance to see this documentary twice in recent weeks, so I hope to pull the trigger before it departs.
That’s a great photo from China. I wish the Olsons the best.
I liked the first IRON MAN, so I can’t see missing this one. That French immigration film will have to wait for DVD though.
I agree that the theatre was the place this week, Sam! You’re a lucky man.
Thanks Frederick! I do hope at some point you negotiate WELCOME, as there are some beautiful things there. If you liked the first IRON MAN, odds are you will appreciate the second.
Yes, I do feel lucky over the past week, thanks.
I have actually had a prolific week or two in terms of writing stuff for future projects at the blog. I had originally intended to take some time away from any countdowns/projects, but I just felt like writing something and things snowballed… I figured I might as well ride it while it lasts. Needless to say, I already know what I want to do when the 2000s lists runs its course and have plenty of material to start it.
Basically, it’s going to center around my favorite directors. So, with that in mind, my viewing has centered on watching a lot of stuff from a few directors – this weekend it was mainly John Huston and Nicholas Ray. I also watched two De Palma films (I know you’re not a fan, Sam, but I clearly am) and was shocked to find that Mission to Mars is nowhere near as bad as I had been led to believe. It might not be great, but I really did enjoy it, which is all I was hoping for. I also watched Spielberg’s Sugarland Express which was OK for me, but not the kind of “overlooked gem” that I read some referring to it as.
Thanks again for the link, Sam!
Dave, I’ve noticed your site is on fire over the past months, and you really deserve it, as you’ve injected it with some high quality writings and some terrific projects. Your latest 2000 decade round-up has fueled some fantastic comment threads! I think the newest idea with the directors is another winner, and I look forward to your insights! I haven’t given up with Di Palma, especially with all th elove he’s been given by you and so many others I greatly respect. Of course Ray and Huston are masters I’ve always loved. Actually I dare say I do agree with what you say here on SUGARLAND EXPRESS and MISSION TO MARS!
Thanks as always for the great wrap, my very good friend!
Thanks Sam for the mention. Yeah, the best of 2000’s countdown is shaping up really well. And yes, looking forward to the best sci-fi & musical countdowns too.
Here’s a quick recap of what I saw in the last few days:
1) The Girl Who Played With Fire
2) Seventh Seal (Bergman)
3) The Square – thanks for the recommendation
4) Once Upon A Time in the West (Leone)
5) Dr. Strangelove (Kubrick)
6) Cries & Whispers (Bergman)
Wow Shubhajit, that was quite a mini-mrathon there, and some very great films! My favorite of these is Bergman’s CRIES AND WHISPERS, which is one of the all time masterpieces, but the Kubrick, Leone and other Bergman are screen classics as well. I am assuming you liked THE SQUARE, and will be looking for your review! I still need to read your capsule on THE GIRL, which I soon will.
Thanks as always for the stellar recap!
Oh, I forgot to mention, I watched Iron Man 2 as well. As you said, one of the few appreciable things about the movie is Robert Downey Jr. Yeah, I did like The Square.
One could assume from my absence at my blog and elsewhere that the knot has been tied, but alas, not for a few more weeks (May 28). I do appreciate the early and very sincere congratulations, Sam! I actually plan to be essentially offline from next week until mid-June, but hope to be back to full viewing and writing force by summertime. Thanks for your thoughts as always.
Aye Daniel. You better be off-line or else! LOL. I’ll remember that date, and will send you a message for sure. Thanks as always for stopping by, and I know you will soon be having the time of your life!
Thanks for the link, Sam. You are a lucky dog getting to watch the restored Metropolis.
Aye Film Doctor, I definitely am counting my blessings. I hope to see it by Friday if everything works out.
I spent Saturday drinking wine:
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/05/11/sideways-in-bucks-county/
And then that night came home and did what anyone who spends the day winery hopping should do — I watched a Francis Ford Coppola film — TETRO — which was curious to say the least.
Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on TETRO if you have seen it. I found it oddly more like a Sofia Coppola film than one of her father’s. Was the conductor character supposed to be him (FF)…or his own father? Or am I way off base with any assumption along those lines?
Hey David, I’d say that a fabulous way to spend the afternoon! And as SIDEWAYS did prove, there’s quite a diversity in that persuit! Yes, TETRO (which I had mixed feelings about, though I did love the operatic aspects) does seem like Sophia’s film, more than her father’s, though I can’t really pinpoint why aside from it’s sophisticated visual scheme. The conductor character was supposed to be Francis’ father.
Will soon be checking out that wine link. Ha, you probably has more fun than anyone this weekend!
Sam – I had mixed feelings about TETRO, too. It just didn’t seem at all like a FFC film — yet is was compelling in a strange way and Coppola-esque in that it reminded me of Sofia.
Oh, and congrats to the kids! I can remember well going through those rites of passage. Sounds like a full weekend you had there.
Thanks so much David on the kind words for the kids. last year it was the two girls, this year 2 of the 3 boys. Next year we get a break!!! LOL!!!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, and WitD readers,
Let me join the “choir” in wishing Troy, Tricia, and baby Madelyn…happiness together (now and in the future) and godspeed on the journey home.
Sam Juliano said, “I managed only two films in theatres, as the weekend rightly focused on the combined communion/confirmation party for my sons Jeremy and Sammy, and the actual church mass for the First Holy Communion…”
Sam, that is a very nice photograph of your sons (Sammy, (I think that he has your eyes…in other word, his eyes bear a striking resemblance to yours…) Danny, the middle son and the youngest son, Jeremy.
My Lead-in: Sam, once again some very interesting films that you watched this week on your weekly quest to let your readers, know what films that you experienced at the theatre and on stage.
You have watched and said…“Film buffs are celebrating this week, as the newly-restored German classic Metropolis has officially opened at the Film Forum…”
Oh! yes, I’am quite sure that they are very happy about the “premiere” of Lang’s newly restored…Metropolis.
It appears as if Welcome is the strongest (or movie to seek out to view and Iron Man 2 is the weakest link of the two films that you viewed…By the way, I just read and commented on your excellant review of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Thanks, for sharing!
…Sam, Here is what happened on my “front”…
Films on the shelf: It’s obvious why I watched these films…
North by Northwest
Ride The Pink Horse
The Big Sleep
This Gun For Hire
Black Angel and
Ratatoullie (If I watch this animation just one more time…just one more time…just one…
…Once again, I have been assisting a friend with his blog…Therefore, I have been too busy to place the follow films in my DVD player:
Edvard Munch
So, Evil My Love and
Sherlock Holmes.
Books on the shelf:… author Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island still lead on my “online” bookshelf (Is the bookshelf on my blog)…The additional books added to my “physical” shelf is…
Robert Coover’s A Noir Novel (Which I’am beginning to read…just like Beetner’s and Kohl’s book…“hardcore” pulp fiction…In other words, the mincing of no words by author Robert Coover.) and Silver, Ward, and Ursini’s Film Noir: The Encyclopedia…Which cover every film noir possible…with the exception of Wilder’s The Lost Weekend.
Let me take time out to…Welcome back! Tony, and Alexander Coleman, but of course! (4M rules! it warmed my heart to see that…but, for how long…right?!?)
Music on the shelf:…I just listened to a song by a group called the GooGoo Dolls on C.M’s blog and I will probably seek it out to give a listen to…
Food … Hmmm…a very light touch…as usual.
Sports… No Comment…
Politics…No Comment…
I guess that about wrap up my week in review for this week.
By the way, Sam Juliano thanks, for mentioning the happenings on my blog…as usual.
Take care!
DeeDee 😉
Godspeed indeed on the return home of the Olsons, Dee Dee, and you expressed your well wishes beautifully there. The Olsons will be amazed and thrilled at all the people who are moved by their round-trip journey.
And I thank you exceedingly for the compliments on the communion/confirmation picture. I know there are a number of bloggers who balk at posting family photos, but I have a different attitude in regards to that, as I always strive to cut through that irritating chord of visual anonimity. You are not the first to detect a resemblence between Sammy and I. Danny on the other hand is all Lucille, I know. Thanks again!
Yes, indeed, WELCOME was a film worth checking out for sure, and IRON MAN will entertain many while boring others. Thanks so much for responding under the SOUTH PACIFIC review, and for your pointed question, which I’ve responded to. As far as METROPOLIS goes, I am hoping I can see by the weekend, though I am taken up tomorrow night and Thursday by two plays in Manhattan with Lucille (Tennessee Williams’ THE GLASS MENAGERIE and another titled ROMEO MEETS HAMLET) and something else for Saturday. I have to find an open window.
Well Dee, Dee, as far as THIS group of films (which you watched) they need no introduction! Ha!:
North by Northwest
Ride The Pink Horse
The Big Sleep
This Gun For Hire
Black Angel and
Ratatoullie
Great stuff!
The Hitchcock film and THIS GUN FOR HIRE are classics of course, and I also can never get enough of RATATOUILLE.
I am very much interested in what you will say about EDVARD MUNCH, which is a particularly great and fascinating film!
Yeah I’m happy Alexander has surfaced again, but I know he is a busy young man, and won’t have too much time. Still, it’s great to have him in any capacity. Those books are of course excellent, and I’ll wait there for your final round-up!
Thanks as always for the spectacular wrap, my very dear friend!
The picture of the Olson family holding their new daughter is one enconsed at the head of life’s experiences. I wish them the very best.
And the boys are all spiffed up Sam, no doubt at a party to remember. Give Lucille and all of them by love.
You make ‘Welcome’ seem most desirable, and quite the opposite with ‘Iron Man 2’. But as long as the kids loved it, that’s all that counts.
I’ll keep an eye out for the Strindberg review, and I just placed a comment under that awesome South Pacific review. I intend to go for this one!
The Yankees are having a great start, I’ll add. Thanks for the ‘goodies’ too.
Love that opening sentence Peter! How perfectly posed! i hoped to have the Strindberg review written tonight for tomorrow morning, but it just ain’t gonna happen, as I have some blogs to visit and some important e mails to answer. But I will get to it soon and I thank you for your interest.
Thanks for the kind words about the boys, and yes the Yankees are off to a torrid start, though I haven’t really followed them much.
Oh! and one more thing…
Sam Juliano, said,”There is no kinder person (people) in the world…”
Methinks! I can dispute that honourable one…Because I think that Troy and his Tricia…cross the finish line…before I can even lace up my jogging shoes…
…Oh! Sam Juliano, please don’t get me started on a list…of course you would be on the list and so would…I better not start it or I would probably be “banned” for taking up so much…SPACE!!!!
DeeDee 😉 🙂
You are one of the very best Dee Dee. Knowing you is truly one of the great joys of blogging, which has it’s ups and downs. You are worth 100 times more than the best writer in the blogoshere, whoever that may be.
………..Somebody in the llibrary here also saw the Strindberg play and said it was a tremendous show. Want to read your review……….
Sam,
I’d like to put myself forward to ‘manage’ the ’50 greatest animated films’ countdown.
As you know I did an ANIMATION MONTH not long ago and would welcome the opportunity to dig deeper and wider in preparation for such a series.
Thanks.
Faboulous news Stephen. In actuality you are the best man for this chairmanship, as I recognize your knowledge of this genre is truthfully incomparable! I’m thrilled to say that it’s yours!!!
Thanks, Sam. It’ll be a pleasure.
My knowledge is really nothing of the kind. I do thoroughly enjoy this / these under-appreciated medium/a and I’m always willing to widen that knowledge.
Sam,
Do you have an idea when this would start (I know it won’t be any time soon)?
I’ll be off-line for a month from next week, you see.
Stephen, it appears that you’ll have plenty of time, as Jamie Uhler and the Olson brother’s Horror poll and Bob Clark’s scie-fi poll are first up, with your animation countdown right after that. I think we are looking here at November. But as you know, what seems like an eternity comes upon us in a jiffy.
Okay. That’s good.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to the horror poll more(!)
Aye Stephen. I know Jamie has been really focusing here, and when Troy is back in the look after his return from China I know thing swill heat up. Thanks again.