La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) Inside Llewyn Davis, Rutgers Classical Concert, Terrell Welch Oil Painting, Critics Awards and Western Countdown on Monday Morning Diary (December 9)

Greatest ‘Romantic’ Films of All-Time Countdown will launch in April »

La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) Inside Llewyn Davis, Rutgers Classical Concert, Terrell Welch Oil Painting, Critics Awards and Western Countdown on Monday Morning Diary (December 9)

December 9, 2013 by wondersinthedark

Screen cap from Paulo Sorrentino’s masterful Italian film “La Grande Bellazza” (The Great Beauty)

by Sam Juliano

The western countdown has concluded after a ten-week roll out here at Wonders in the Dark. Interestingly enough it began during the oppressive temperatures of Indian Summer and has ended as snow falls on the east coast and in the mid-west. While the countdown did not match the kind of wide enthusiasm, comments and page views of the musical and comedy countdowns of previous years, it did attract some extraordinary prose by a host of contributors and some diligent attendance by a small group of troupers. Among those were the brilliant Jon Warner who missed not a single post, and whose mission over the past months has been quite the inspiration for movie lovers, the ever ebullient Sachin Gandhi, who kept the flame burning, and whom I am grateful to for so much support on a personal level, and to Samuel Wilson, Frank Gallo, Mike Norton, Steve Mullen, Pierre de Plume, Tony d’Ambra, Duane Porter, Jim Clark, Dean Treadway, Movie Fan, Dennis Polifroni, Tim McCoy and Peter M., all of whom contributed many authoritative and insightful comments over the course of the project. Mr. Wilson’s work in particular showed again his impressive knowledge of the genre. And then there is Dee Dee, whose daily updates on the sidebar and link ups to her ning account have given the countdown added perspective and reference points. Again she has shown why she has been the heart and soul of this site since it first appeared back in 2009.

Some may ask now “what’s next?” After moving from one possibility to another, there seems to be some support for a “Greatest War Film and Program” polling sometime in 2014. Such a venture would include television programs like Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” (God I can only dream of Stephen Mullen doing that!), The Great World War and the World War II series narrated by Laurence Olivier. But I am getting too far ahead of myself. After a break we can resume “negotiations.” The Greatest American television shows and The Greatest Romantic Films are also strong possibilities.

Critics Groups have been voicing their opinions over the past week with four of the majors picking the following for Best Picture:

New York Film Critics Circle: American Hustle

National Board of Review: Her

Boston Film Critics Circle: 12 Years A Slave

Los Angeles Film Critics Association: (TIE) Gravity and Her

Methinks Boston called it exactly right, though to be fair I still have to see five or six films that will open over the coming two weeks, two of which are ‘Her’ and ‘American Hustle.’

I have recently reviewed one of our great friend and Canadian/Mayne Island artist Terrill Welch’s oil painting “August Still-Life with Cezanne and Matisse”:

Canadian artist Terrill Welch explains in her robust impressionist oil painting “August Still-Life with Cezanne and Matisse:

At one point in the development of this work I had a choice I could continue to build up the color fields or I could continue to follow the light and movement with the landscape.

While the gifted painter and nature denizen was ever-cognizant of the manner in which Cezanne and Matisse preferred to express themselves in the still-life form – Matisse was in favor of “letting paint be paint” while Cezanne basically explored form and structure in the saturation and configuration of color – her ravishing oil tapestry in six colors on a cotton canvas pays exceeding attention to detail in what is essentially a fascinating and sensory examination of how color can both inhabit a visual frame, and expand on the more traditional boundaries that defined the work of the two great masters she honors in her scintillating work.

Cezanne’s “Flowers in a Vase” and “Still Life with Flowers and Fruit” do visualize the color bleeding and blending that is evident in Ms. Welch’s painting, while still holding on barely to a more rigid definition of the main objects in a more introspective setting. Indeed, Matisse’s “Vase of Sunflowers,” an unofficial homage to Cezanne intensifies light and form in the heavier air its creator has crafted, thereby creating a more melancholy experience for the viewer.

Terrill Welch’s still life, with her deft and buoyant yellows makes no bones about the interpretation it aims to procur – one of contentment, even merriment during the season when the sun makes it most resplendent and sustained appearance. Her impressionist bursts bring Van Gogh into this artistic equation, perhaps even more resonantly than either Cezanne or Matisse, whose specters still hang over this magnificent work. Incorporated into the color scheme is a white bouquet that flows leisurely in formless grace. “August Still-life with Cezanne and Matisse” would surely illuminate and beautify any kitchen, dining room or space that would bring on artful musings. Cezanne, Matisse and even Van Gogh would be mighty proud. (painting photo below)

Lucille, Sammy, Jeremy and I attended a Thursday night concert at the Nelson Gross Auditorium in New Brunswick that featured nephew Eric Lampmann on the saxophone. The classical venue included works by Ralph Vaughn Williams and Tchaikovsky and was performed with superlative musical talent and professionalism.

Lucille and I also took in two new releases over the past week (I also attended a second showing of NEBRASKA on Wednesday night with my friend Tony Lucibello):

La Grande Bellezza (The Great Beauty) ****1/2 (Friday) Montclair

Inside Llewyn Davis **** (Saturday night) Union Square

A poetic, dream-like and impressionistic film with a frenetic vibe and a pulsating and operatic score, LA GRANDE BELLEZZA captures the melancholic and subversive images of Italian culture, history and night-life that echos Fellini and “La Dolce Vita” with more than a generous sprinkling of decadence and satire. Its a kind of travelogue, but in the very best sense. Paulo Sorrentino is a major talent, and THE GREAT BEAUTY (American title) is one of the best films of the year.

The Coen brothers latest, INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS is an oddly intoxicating films with a spectacular folk score and cinematography, but it does fall short of the masterpiece status some of are greeting it with. Basically its a down trodden tale about a 60’s loser whose story seems to parallel that of a lost cat.

Last week’s links are copied over: (note however that the great writer Jason Bellamy is back at The Cooler after a seven-month absence!) As to the first position on the scroll I give you Jon Warner’s superlative review of “12 Years A Slave” at Films Worth Watching: http://filmsworthwatching.blogspot.com/2013/11/12-years-slave-2013-directed-by-steve.html

John Greco has posted a terrific feature at Twenty Fours Frames on the ’10 Greatest Conspiracy Films’: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2013/11/20/my-ten-favorite-conspiracy-films/

Filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman has another round of cinematic treasures under marvelous scrutiny at The Last Lullaby: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2013/11/favorite-four-part-twenty-three.html

At Scribbles and Ramblings Sachin Gandhi leads the way with a fascinating installment of his “World Cup” series on the “2014 Movie World Cup”: http://likhna.blogspot.com/2013/11/2014-movie-world-cup.html

Dean Treadway offers up a fantastic post of his ‘200 Favorite Movie Posters’ at Filmacability: http://filmicability.blogspot.com/2013/11/master-list-27-my-200-favorite-movie.html

At the always sensory Creativepotager’s blog the great artist Terrill Welch leads up with a post titled “Nuzzling into Seasonal Art Studio Quiet Time”: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2013/11/18/nuzzling-into-seasonal-art-studio-quiet-time

Tony d’Ambra has penned a terrific essay on 1951’s “The Raging Tide” at FilmsNoir.net: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/the-raging-tide-1951-more-to-film-noir-than-shadows-wet-asphalt-and-dangerous-femmes.htm

Murderous Ink has posted a fascinating essay on the 1937 Japanese rarity “The Song of the Flower Basket” at Vermillion and One Nights: http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/2013/11/song-of-flower-basket-1937.htm

Jason Bellamy is back at The Cooler with a terrific essay titled “Reaching the Tress: The Great Escape on a Great Expanse”: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2013/12/reaching-trees-great-escape-on-great.html

Judy Geater superbly considers Charles Vidor’s rarely-seen 1957 “The Joker is Wild” at Movie Classics: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2013/11/16/the-joker-is-wild-charles-vidor-1957/

Patricia beautifully considers “The Most Important Day of Your Life – Are You Ready?” at Patricia’s Wisdom: http://patriciaswisdom.com/2013/11/the-most-important-day-of-your-life-are-you-ready-maria-dancing-heart-hoaglund/

Laurie Buchanan leads the way at Speaking From the Heart with a wonderful post titles “Stonehedge Mushrooms”: http://tuesdayswithlaurie.com/2013/11/19/stonehenge-mushrooms/

Jaimie Grijalba talks about the Valdivia Film Festival, some personal goals and the unique aspect of his eclectic coverage at Overlook’s Corridor: http://overlookhotelfilm.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/ficvaldivia-20/

Stephen Mullen (Weeping Sam) has posted a superlative piece on the Gettysburg Address at The Listening Ear: http://listeningear.blogspot.com/2013/11/gettysburg-address.html

Samuel Wilson has written a splendid mostly-favorable review on “Captain Phillips” at Mondo 70: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2013/11/on-big-screen-captain-phillips-2013.html

Brandie Ashe has a marvelous DVD review on the 1933 film “The Working Man” with George Arliss at True Classics: http://trueclassics.net/2013/11/24/dvd-review-the-working-man-1933/

Joel Bocko takes a fascinating look at some music videos at The Dancing Image: http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2013/11/watchlistscreencaps-1111-1117-music.html

Michael Harford’s latest collaboration at the always-invigorating Coffee Messiah’s blog yields both a striking collage and a disturbing tid-bit: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2013/11/week-26-187-collaboration-wpaul-hawkins.html

David has penned a terrific review at The Schleicher Spin on “All is Lost”: http://theschleicherspin.com/2013/11/11/all-is-lost-but-what-does-it-mean

Roderick Heath has posted an epic piece on Ridley Scott’s “The Councelor” at Ferdy on Films: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/2013/the-counselor-2013/20397/

Drew McIntosh has a fascinating piece up on “Sinister” at The Blue Vial: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2013/10/sinister.html

Posted in Uncategorized | 54 Comments

54 Responses

on December 9, 2013 at 1:35 am | Reply sachin

Thanks so much for the kind words Sam. It was indeed an incredible countdown project and I am glad WitD decided to have it this year.

I also saw THE GREAT BEAUTY this weekend. I decided to brave -30 deg C to go see this and it proved to be a worthy decision. It is indeed one of the best films of the year. I loved it from start to finish. It does remind of Fellini but I also kept thinking about Garrone’s REALITY and how both films managed to depict Italian society with all its excess. Music is such an integral part of THE GREAT BEAUTY and manages to give the film both a vibrant beat and many contemplative operatic moments. A lovely film.

I am a bit surprised to see AMERICAN HUSTLE awarded like that but I will wait until I see it. Dec 18 and 20 will be very busy in cinemas here with AMERICAN HUSTLE, HER and INSIDE LLEWELYN DAVIS all opening either on those days.

You probably already saw the S&S top 10 and THE GREAT BEAUTY is at #4 on that list, by a single vote. Naturally, all the American films released in mid-late December won’t feature as most reviewers would not have seen them.

https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/features/sight-sound-peoples-poll-2013-results

1. The Act of Killing 160 votes
2. Gravity 89 votes
3. Blue Is the Warmest Colour 72 votes
4. The Great Beauty 42 votes
5. Frances Ha 41 votes
6. Upstream Color 38 votes
=7. Stranger by the Lake 12 votes
=7. The Selfish Giant 12 votes
9. A Touch of Sin 8 votes
10. Norte, the End of History 5 votes
- on December 9, 2013 at 2:03 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Sachin:
  As I stated at the site, your continued enthusiasm and involvement was a major cog in this enterprise from the start, and I thank you for all you have done.
  The Sight & Sound list is very fine, although the absence of 12 YEARS A SLAVE is just unacceptable. As is the snubbing of SHORT TERM 12. Today both the New York Critics Online Society and the Boston Online Society chose Steve McQueen’s film as the best of the year. BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, THE GREAT BEAUTY and FRANCES HA will definitely make my own list, and I do have strong regard for THE ACT OF KILLING and GRAVITY. Your sizing up of the Italian film is excellent!!! I am thrilled to hear you loved it, so the braving of the nasty elements out there paid off. As far as AMERICAN HUSTLE I understand it won the NYFCC on a technicality, and was losing to SLAVE through the first four ballots or so. In the end SLAVE lost narrowly and only because of the group’s arcane rules. Still, McQueen won Best Director. Like you I will see HUSTLE and HER very soon. Also want to see WOLF OF WALL STREET, SAVING MR. BANKS and AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. (I had seen the latter on Broadway years back and liked it, but we’ll see)
  
  Thanks as always my friend for the terrific wrap!!! Have a great week.
on December 9, 2013 at 5:31 am | Reply sachin

I was not sure if 12 YEARS was down to enough people not seeing it or the fact that the film’s UK release date is Jan, 2014. Maybe, they want to consider it for next year. ZERO DARK THIRTY, DJANGO were thrown in their 2013 ballot.

If Lav Diaz’s film can get 5 votes and make it at #10, then 12 YEARS had more than that if one looks at the votes for missed films. The individual ballots will be published in the magazine and that will confirm how many votes were for the film.
- on December 9, 2013 at 5:41 am | Reply sachin
  
  Sam, 12 YEARS is at #14 in the S&S poll. Likely, it has split votes between this year and 2014.
  
  http://www.hitfix.com/in-contention/the-act-of-killing-and-gravity-top-sight-sounds-2013-critics-poll
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:50 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  I get ya Sachin. I will indeed be watching for the individual ballots to appear.
on December 9, 2013 at 1:10 pm | Reply Mike

This is always a fun time of the year for scrambling to catch up on the year’s great films, with the influx of top ten lists making it easier to determine which films to go for first. This year, I spent the majority of my viewing on classics, but I did see two masterpieces in theaters for the first time- THE GRANDMASTER and 12 YEARS A SLAVE. I doubt I will see any new films dethroning these as my favorites of the year. But there is still a lot for me to catch up on.

Even though I have cooled on the Coen brothers in the past months, INSIDE LLEWELYN DAVIS still looks fascinating to me. “A down trodden tale about a 60′s loser whose story seems to parallel that of a lost cat”, as you sum it up, sounds right up my alley.
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:56 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Mike, this is definitely the best time of the year for movie lovers. No doubt about that. Great to hear you consider 12 YEARS A SLAVE a masterpiece (I completely agree) and though I may not love THE GRANDMASTER as much many do. Jim Clark wrote a great piece for the site, one you may recall. Definitely check out the Coens brothers film my friend!
on December 9, 2013 at 1:12 pm | Reply Dean Treadway

I vote for Best Romantic Movies as our next poll. Doing war movies is a good idea, but it’d be nice to switch it up from the violence of the western genre that we just covered. Documentaries and US TV shows would be nice, too. Just my two cents, Sam!
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:47 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well Dean as you know your wish has been granted! Thanks as always my friend.
on December 9, 2013 at 1:14 pm | Reply Dean Treadway

By the way, just a little side note–I know this is confusing but the title of the Coen Brothers movie is Inside LLEWYN Davis, and not Llewelyn. Thought you might wanna know (and by the way, it’s the movie I’m most excited to see this season).
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:47 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  hahahaha Dean! I have indeed made that correction. Thank you my friend!
on December 9, 2013 at 1:59 pm | Reply Frank Gallo

That’s pretty strong praise for the Italian film, Sam. And I do want to see the Coens’ new film. as everything I’ve read has been positive. Nice review on the oil painting.

Thanks for the shout-out. The western countdown was a big success.

R.I.P. Giants
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:49 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks for the very kind words Frank. Yes all things considered I was most pleased with the quality of work in the western countdown. Yeah this just wasn’t the Giants’ year. Have a great week my friend.
on December 9, 2013 at 2:07 pm | Reply Jon

Sam,

Thanks so much for the kind words and the very fine mention. I was glad to support the endeavors of the site and provide some essays for the countdown. I do hope that many readers here will seek out some of the westerns they haven’t seen as part of the joy of a countdown is finding something you haven’t seen before. There are also many great films that didn’t make the cut due to perhaps not enough people seeing them, like Hell’s Hinges for instance and more of the Daves films.

As for future countdowns, I’m in agreement with Dean and think Romantic films would make a great countdown. I have written many essays on romantic films over at my sight and would probably consider myself somewhat of an expert on this most emotional of genres. I would support any of the efforts though no matter what it would be.

Sadly, I’ve missed my chance to see Blue is the Warmest Color. It came and went so fast and with Thanksgiving and then the kids getting sick this past week I was not able to check it out. Very bummed about that. I aim to check out Her, the Coens new film, American Hustle (which looks fun but may be a bit shallow?), and The Great Beauty if I can.

Right now I’m in the midst of looking through the extras on the new Rossellini films on Criterion. Some fascinating interviews and discussions on there. I must admit Rossellini has become one of my 10 favorite directors over the last year as I’ve continued to watch more of his films. Journey to Italy will probably be near the top of my “favorite old films watched for the first time” list that I’ll be creating. I’ve already watched it twice this year and will have a third viewing shortly of the English language version which I haven’t seen yet.

I did watch Audrey Tatou in the somewhat interesting Therese. It was okay but a bit uneven.

Also saw Post Tenabras Lux, which was often mesmerizing and beautiful but also strange. At times I was bored with it.

Have a great week Sam!
- on December 11, 2013 at 2:51 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jon, as I said you were a towering presence for the western countdown both at WitD and at your own site. You kept the flame burning since the project was pondered way back in March, and as I recall you were active on the e mail threads from the start. Yes we have an archive here for people to re-check on westerns they ma see over the coming years. Yes you are exceptionally attuned and experienced in the romantic genre, and again you will be a positive force. Heck, with the new rules in place -where the same person can’t do the same overlap film- from the other genre polls, you may yet and finally do your own essay on THE SOUND OF MUSIC! Ha! Sorry you missed BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, but I’m sure you’ll see it soon enough. I have seen your great enthusiasm for Rossellini indeed, and that’s a great set you have acquired! Agreed on THERESE and POST TENABRAS LUX. Thanks again my friend for all you have done!
on December 9, 2013 at 4:15 pm | Reply Sam Juliano

Jon and Dean:

Greatest Romantic films of all-time it will be then!

Not sure when the actual countdown can begin but there is no reason why people can’t begin re-viewing their holdings from this point on.

Obviously there will be overlap choices from the musical and comedy countdowns, though modestly so.

But great stuff awaits.

I will immediately put in my reservation to write the essay on a little film made in 1945 by David Lean with Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson, as I visited the site of the filming in the U.K. this past summer. Ha!
- on December 9, 2013 at 11:27 pm | Reply Dean Treadway
  
  I just hope A LITTLE ROMANCE and CHILLY SCENES OF WINTER get enough votes for me to reserve THOSE titles!
- on December 10, 2013 at 1:49 am | Reply Jon
  
  Oh my Sam! Wow had no idea that our quick input would sway the choice so quickly. Haha. I can well understand how you’d want to do Brief Encounter. I certainly could write on tons of romance films and will hold off on my requests until the ballots are put together.
  - on December 10, 2013 at 3:53 am Sam Juliano
    
    Aye Jon, there is no reason why we can’t move forward on this soon. As you can see I have set up a mid-April launch, giving everyone four months to view and re-view films and to put together their Top 20. Oh I well know you have a great archives of romantic films ready to go, and that this is a favorite genre of yours.
  - on December 11, 2013 at 5:05 am Dean Treadway
    
    I’m stunned, too. But I’m all for it! Bring on the ballot!
on December 9, 2013 at 4:43 pm | Reply Pat

Greatest Romantic Films of all time??? Count me in!

Also, want to offer my congratulations to all those who put forth such a superlative effort on the Western countdown. Although I was an infrequent commenter (due to my relative inexperience in that genre), I was mightily impressed by the fine contrbutions of all.

My entire past week was consumed by rehearsals and performances of our community choir’s Holiday concert. I did manage to squeeze in a viewing of the noir classic OUT OF THE PAST on Saturday afternoon – what a great film and what an impression the young Robert Mitchum made, melancholy and tough in the same moments, he is fascinaing in every frame.

So now I have the daunting task of cathching up with 2013 releases – so far behind at this point!
- on December 11, 2013 at 2:58 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Pat—I certainly did figure you would be greatly enthusiastic about this polling, and I’m with you lock, stock and barrel. I completely understood the situation with the western countdown, and know you did appreciate the countdown quite a bit. I wish I could see that concert Pat! But your time there is well spent! OUT OF THE PAST is of course an all-time masterpiece, and everything you say there is dead-on! Well, you may be able to catch some of the year-end releases during the holiday break. Here is what is coming:
  
  Saving Mr. Banks
  Her
  American Hustle
  The Wolf of Wall Street
  August: Osage County
  The Hobbit (next part)
  
  And both the Coens’ new film and the THE GREAT BEAUTY are out there of course.
  
  Have a great week my friend!
on December 9, 2013 at 7:47 pm | Reply Samuel Wilson

Hard to think of another countdown so soon, Sam. Romance seems like a reasonable choice even if I’ll probably sit it out. War might be too sprawling a category but Documentary looks intriguing down the line. I wasted two hours of my weekend finally watching Thor: The Dark World. As a comic-book fan my tolerance for this sort of thing is probably greater than that of most people here, but this new picture takes me near the limit. Utterly uninspired yet bloated filmmaking weighed down further with leaden would-be comedy. At home I finally saw the legendary Clara Bow pre-code vehicle Call Her Savage,. The film has an antique concern with heredity in its attempt to explain the Bow character’s rampages, but the character herself may seem very modern and familiar to audiences today. On DVD I watched Fernando di Leo’s Naked Violence, (more literally, “The Massacre Boys”), a salacious procedural featuring a police inspector obsessed with pinning down personal responsibility for a gang-rape and murder in a school classroom. This is a 1969 film and it has one of those now-campy (then, too?) outrageous payoffs that undermines the intellectual suspense di Leo had been building. Not on the level of the director’s later crime pictures, but it has some historical interest. I’ll look forward to Great Beauty on your recommendation; thanks!
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:03 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Samuel—-
  Admittedly this is the first time we are having two countdowns so close together. But the romantic polling seems more at home for the spring season, and it may be a good idea to roll with the continuity. You may still opt to cast a ballot, even if you take a pass on the writing. Then again you may prefer to sit it out, which is fair enough. Your role in the western countdown was deeply appreciated–as your presence on the boards was invaluable. Yes I would agree that THOR: THE DARK WORLD is a time-wasting venture. Ha! I do love CALL HER SAVAGE, which I saw on two separate occasions at the Film Forum. That was quite a character Bow played there indeed. I have not seen NAKED VIOLENCE, but much appreciate the capsule assessment. Oh I am confident you will have quite a bit to admire in THE GREAT BEAUTY. Have a terrific week my friend!
on December 9, 2013 at 7:57 pm | Reply mark s.

Great countdown and kudos to all for placing ‘The Searchers,’ a 2500-yr. old Greek-derived tale of violence and vendettas, in the top spot. ‘The Wild Bunch’ may be ranked a little low at #7. I mean, Jeez, the shot of horses and riders skidding slo-mo into a river from a bombed bridge is an image worthy of a Goya; the scene alone is worth the price of admission (I think I may have stood up in my theater seat in 1995 — I know the hairs on my arms were vertical when I saw it).
What I saw (not much). ‘In the Heat of the Night’ (TCM) — My favorite parts are Ray Charles singing over the opening and closing credits. In an era of extreme racial tensions, this OK whodunit, which ends on a note of improbable interracial amity between the black cop and the redneck sheriff, beat out the brilliant, nouvelle-vague influenced ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ for Best Picture Oscar. Whatever, AMPAS, whatever.
A few other Oscar boners from the 60’s:
‘My Fair Lady’ over ‘Dr. Strangelove’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’
‘Tom Jones’ (why not ‘Cleopatra?”) over ‘Hud’ and ‘The Servant’
‘Oliver!’ (an exclamation point! I get it, it’s a musical!) over ‘Faces’ and ‘Petulia’
Now there’s a double dishonor to Carol Reed (whose ‘The Third Man’ wasn’t even nominated), one of those infamous cases of the Academy’s “Belated Recognition.”
Sam and Allan, are you planning a movie poll for 2013?
- on December 10, 2013 at 4:10 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Mark—
  THE SEARCHERS had to be considered the favorite, even before the countdown was tabulated. But yes you do put it in the proper context there, linking it to classical roots. It is not only a western masterpiece, but most consider it one of the greatest films of all-time. We were lucky to have such wonderful prose from Peter Lenihan to give it full justice. The essay for THE WILD BUNCH by Dean Treadway pulled in 70 comments, the most of any other entry in the countdown, and it was quite an embattled thread. It does seem that the majority are in your corner on the film. I completely agree that IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT did NOT deserve the Best Picture Oscar, not even remotely, though it is as you rightly frame it – an “OK” film. However I would have cast my own vote for THE GRADUATE, even though BONNIE AND CLYDE is also a very good choice. I like MY FAIR LADY more than most, but I realize 1964 had some very great films indeed. BECKET is another, even MARY POPPINS was in that 64 mix prominently. I do love OLIVER! but 68 also had 2001, THE PRODUCERS and Zeffirelli’s ROMEO AND JULIET. I know you are a huge fan of FACES and I respect that. True what you say there about belated recognition for Reed.
  
  Alas we are indeed having a movie poll countdown for 2014 and it will be launching in four months (mid-April) It is Greatest Romantic Films of All-Time and I am hoping you will be participating by casting a ballot and maybe even writing if you are willing. Thanks my friend as always!
  - on December 11, 2013 at 8:29 pm mark s.
    
    And how did Steiger, gum chewing at warped speed, take the award from Cool Hand Newman?
    This upcoming poll sounds interesting. Hmmm.
  - on December 11, 2013 at 8:55 pm mark s.
    
    Sam, how about the best films, actors etc. of 2013? Can I vote for ‘To the Wonder?’ And Greta Gerwig for ‘Frances Ha?’
on December 9, 2013 at 10:52 pm | Reply coffee messiah

Nice write-up about Terrill Welch’s painting –
Am looking forward to seeing the Cohen Brothers film, based on the story of Dave Van Ronk – although skeptical about the young man that plays him, I used to follow his work and still listen to his older albums –
Took my step -son at the time ’80s in SF to see him and he was an incredible!!
Hope you are faring well in the chill/snow – we’ve had the cold and some ice – looking forward to the heat wave of the ’30s again = Cheers!
- on December 10, 2013 at 3:59 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks so very much for that Michael, and always greatly appreciate hearing from you my friend! Terrill’s painting is a treasure for sure. The actor who plays him just got his big break with this film. I do think he did a commendable job all things considered. I enjoyed the music quite a bit. I know you have had a difficult time weather-wise, and yes we are getting about 4 to 5 inches tomorrow. “a heat wave of the 30’s, eh?” Geez. Let’s hope the Farmer’s Almanac has it all called wrong. Have a great week my friend!
on December 10, 2013 at 12:12 am | Reply patricia60

I think I am going to need a day or two in the big city to see some of these movies before they might come on DVD and definitely to steaming. I can hardly leave my house right now – extremely cold and just too many books to read.

I am attempting to figure out how to get my reviews on Stumbleupon as they put out a review page as well as Linked IN which for some reason I am not finding a placement on either?

I am getting quite a demand from new authors these days and am working on some local author’s works in different genres. Young Adult authors have discovered my page too – and I even have one pre-school book about nightlights on the horizon. I have 2 books for next week and that is a tall order in the month I usually try to take on slowly.

I have read 3 WWII books this year for review – so a movie group might be interesting too. Marra’s book A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA is an amazing/startling read for someone so young. I have just finished the series of BBC history shows about the Wars – WISH ME LUCK, FARM GIRLS, BOMB GIRLS, ISLAND AT WAR, Foyles War,…and several more in the series…Wow such good series.

So enjoyed your review on our darling Terrill’s site and must get busy on my second review – I am up for Dec 25th for the first one. It was such a personal piece for me I have her canvas 5×7 apple blossom sitting on my piano for daily reflection – how skilled she is; what a gift

Hope all are well and staying warm.
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:35 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Patricia—-
  I know it is difficult for you to see what’s out there in the theaters, what with many books lined up. The best bet may indeed wait to watch the DVDs. This is and almost always is the very best time of the year at the cinemas, but as you note is brrrrrr time. I must investigate what you say about reviews on Stumbleupon. I am unfamiliar with that method. The World War II books sound great!!! The BBC series is surely essential stuff. Thanks for the very kind words about the review on Terrill’s painting. I figured I would get a jump on WitD with it. I am sure you will do a great job with your Christmas Day review of the apple blossom canvas, and I’ll be looking for it. We stay warm in the house yes. Ha! Have a great week my friend.
on December 10, 2013 at 12:26 am | Reply creativepotager

Oh my Sam! I have ambled over here to see what you have today and offer up a few gems we have recently watch and what do I find? A full review of one of my paintings that you have done! What a great surprise 🙂 The reference to “landscape” has now been corrected to read “still life” in the original quote but a small detail I think. Why I didn’t catch it sooner I am not sure. It was only in reading your review that I noticed I had slipped the reference to my usual subject into the quote. I deeply appreciate your insights into this work Sam. Thank you!

Now let me gather again my original thoughts. With the short days and lighter winter schedule, we have seen several movies lately.

Some have been simply for entertainment such as the TV series

PASTA (2010)directed by Kwon Seok-jang – a south Korean sitcom slash cooking show which somehow I greatly enjoyed.

and in three parts

THE BLETCHLEY CIRCLE (2012) directed by Andy De Emmony
Jamie Payne and Sarah Harding – set in 1952 where code-breaking and razor-sharp intelligence skills are the focus of this murder-mystery drama.

To the profound REMEMBRANCE (2011) directed by Anna Justice that is more than a love story beginning in the a German concentration camp in 1944 Poland. Yes there have been many powerful films about this time and its consequences on the lives of survivors but maybe there will never be too many if the qualities of this latest addition is what we have to look forward to.

Anyway, it is a sampling of what brings puts a bit of sparkle into our long winter evenings. Thank you again for sharing the review about the painting “August Still-Life with Cezanne and Matisse” Take good care, Terrill 🙂
- on December 10, 2013 at 1:03 am | Reply patricia60
  
  I just saw the BLECHLEY CIRCLE too – wasn’t that amazing and fits nicely with the rest of the BBC series. Smart women! and Pasta was very good too, I saw that a long while ago.
  
  Sam did such a fine job on Facebook and here with your painting review. But then writing about your fine work is easy
  - on December 10, 2013 at 4:31 am creativepotager
    
    It was most fun Patricia. We just now finished watching AMOUR – excellent but so sad and real all at the same time. Sam review doesn’t go up on the Facebook Page until Wednesday this was early viewing for Wonders In the Dark readers. So ssssssshhhhhH! Don’t tell anyone 😉
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:40 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Terrill—
  Thanks for making that correction! I figured I would get a jump at WitD so that several others would get a look at your great work, before the Facebook intro. As to the films you have seen, you have me shut out! Ugh. PASTA is definitely a film I would love to see (how would a man with a last name of Juliano not like such a movie even if it is Korean?) but REMEMBRANCE sounds essential, what with that always emotional subject matter. I will do some investigating on THE BLETCHLEY CIRCLE too. Thanks as always my friend for the great wrap and have a terrific and creative week!
on December 10, 2013 at 1:54 am | Reply David H. Schleicher

Hey, Sam – I am most looking forward to the new Coen Brothers’ film. How would you say it stacks up with the rest of their oeuvre?

I forget, what did you make of Nebraska? I saw it this weekend as well and liked it enough (nice character study, interesting performances especially June Squibb who should get a supporting actress nod, an appropriate look and feel for its themes) but I couldn’t even muster enough interesting things to say about it to write a full review. It was kinda puzzling. I think I would give it ***1/2 stars out of five.
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:07 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  David—-I would say it’s a solid entry in their canon, though not #1 or #2 as some aficionados have contended. The Coens are definitely gifted with this type of material, though this is one of their more downtrodden stories. But everything works in full throttle. I would have to say you will like it. Alas, I liked NEBRASKA quite a bit more than you did, and presently consider it as one of the ten best films of the year. For one we have some remarkable performances and great black and white cinematography. Much of the dialogue is fabulous as well. But I hear ya.
  
  Thanks as always my friend!
on December 10, 2013 at 3:35 am | Reply jaimegrijalba

Hello Sam and everyone!
Well, great job everyone for the Western Countdown! Great work indeed! Hope that the next countdown is even better! Here’s to that!
So, hard work and all, let’s continue with the films. This week it’s the Festival of Music Films and Documentaries, so that’ll be the main focus here.
– El Estudiante (The Student) (2011, Santiago Mitre) **** The film doesn’t feel like a sure comment on something or the other regarding university politics, I don’t know if it admires it or if it makes fun of its complicated schematics and over the top revolutionaries that always end up in the same place. The final scene doesn’t feel like a sell-out nor like a scream of eternal revolution, but as a scene that would be cool and the discussion point for the people who see it. That’s all.
– Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster (1965, Robert Gaffney) **1/2 So, I saw this with a bunch of other people on twitter and it was greatly improoved from what it could’ve been. This is among the so called “Worst Films ever made”, but just like Plan 9, it’s a bit of an exaggeration, and I’ve seen much much worse and duller films, this one has a kickass soundtrack and some truly hilarious moments. For a good time, see this cheesefest.
– Haunter (2013, Vincenzo Natali) **** A film filled with interesting ideas and visual concepts that make it more visually akin to something directed by Raul Ruiz than James Wan in the way that the house and the objects inside of them are shot. Plotwise, I liked how the Groundhog Day mechanic was inserted and at the same time subverted and not hammered over our heads too much, we are living in a world where practically everyone is familiar with the concept, and at the start we think it’s a social thing, but then we understand we’re just simply in another realm of existance altogether. Without going into much detail, because spoilers, I think this is a good movie that does what it needs to do, it isn’t scary in the slightest fashion, but it manages to create a sense of how the otherworld might work and how evil always seems to live.
– Narco Cultura (2013, Shaul Schwarz) ****1/2 This documentary knows exactly what it’s doing, where it’s going and what it needs to address. With a particularly conventional point of view, it nevertheless manages to create some amazing questions about how this documentary was made, the access and the things that were filmed. There are two stories, or at least perspectives flowing here, there’s the events in the city of Juarez, a city I don’t know how it stands up nowadays, how it even manages to be alive and survive, much like the people who get killed left and right by the people of the drug cartels. And then there’s a band based in the USA that sings “Narco Corrido” a song sometimes commisioned or in tribute of the bands or specific people from the narco mobs, glorifying their killings and the deaths that they use to achieve it. It’s incredible to see that juxtaposition of euforia with ultimate sadness, it gives you a lot to think about, a lot.
– The Punk Singer (2013, Sini Anderson) ***1/2 Kathleen is a force of unstoppable punk power and it’s too great of a subject for her to be subjected to one documentary. That’s what happens, it’s a very very conventional film about a non-conventional person, and I think if that enormous force that she had and still has in her life to continue doing what she likes and wants to say the things she wants to say, this documentary is not enough, but at least it instructed me into who she was, who Bikini Kill and Le Tigre was, and while I think I would much prefer the earlier installment of her music as well as her solo album, I remember seeing many friends liking Le Tigre, and myself listening and finding it pretty meh. Still, even the watered down Kathleen is better than this documentary, that while informative, doesn’t achieve nothing else than that.
– Los Rockers (2012, Matias Pinochet) ***1/2 Chilean documentary about the chilean rockabilly band Los Rockers. A review will come in shortly for Twitch probably.
That’s all, have a great week Sam!
- on December 11, 2013 at 5:57 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jaimie—Thanks for the glowing words. Yes, there is no doubt the western countdown attracted some superlative prose, and the entire project yielded fabulous results. The next countdown will no doubt be even more popular as the subject is a favorite of so many. I would definitly be interested in seeing LOS ROCKERS and THE PUNK SINGER and appreciate the excellent assessments. As it is I have seen none of the films you have reviewed here aside from FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE SPACE MONSTER, which you note has often been counted among the worst films ever made. Like you I would not so that far with it. Sounds like EL ESTUDIANTE and NARCO CULTURA are the ones to see most of all. Have a great week my friend. Many thanks as always for the great wrap!
on December 10, 2013 at 4:22 am | Reply Murderous Ink

Thanks for the kind mention, Sam.

THE GREAT BEAUTY is the one film I want to see, but no prospect of the release here in sight. Umm, I will just order bluray when it comes out in Amazon.com. I am mildly surprised to read your comment on Coen brother’s new film, but maybe it’s just the case. When I heard about the project, it sounded odd.. I am interested to see how Coens handled the rather somber theme.

I am going circles around the idea of writing a review of Takahata’s new animation and revisiting Miyazaki’s film… but my thinking drifts away from the films themselves to the sorry state of film appreciation in Japan, rather.

MI
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:28 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  MI—
  I did figure you would really want to see THE GREAT BEAUTY and I can just about assure you that you will not be disappointed. Sorry to hear that it won’t be playing in any of your local art house cinemas though, and it would seem that DVD or blu-ray would be the best option. I definitely like INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, just not as one of the brothers’ very best films. It is an odd film for sure, but as always a great cast of characters and some interesting felines. I hope you do settle up on a review of the Takahata film, and of course Miyazaki. Thanks as always my friend. Have a great week.
on December 10, 2013 at 4:16 pm | Reply Laurie Buchanan

Sam –

Oh how fun to see your eloquent review of Terrill’s artwork here in your Monday Morning Diary! She is an extraordinary artist, and you have a wonderful way with words. A knockout combination!

We enjoyed re-watching LES MISERABLES on DVD last night. Len’s off this coming Friday so we’re going to see THE HOBBIT—THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, and we’re taking our cue from the Juliano family and seeing SAVING MR. BANKS on Christmas Eve 🙂
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:44 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Laurie—-
  When it comes to having a “wonderful way with words” you are the champion my friend! Your own reviews of Terrill’s work are a model, and you are so prolific to boot! Always wonderful to get another look (and listen!) of LES MIZ, and I remain a big fan of the film. My son Sammy simply cannot wait for the next chapter of THE HOBBIT, so you and Len and I will be comparing notes soon! And yes, SAVING MR. BANKS on Christmas seem like the perfect combination! Have a great week my friend!
on December 10, 2013 at 7:45 pm | Reply John Greco

Nice review of Terrill’s work which is beautifully done with its splashes of color and style evoking the feel and mood of some great masters. I am looking forward to the Coen Brothers film along with Scorsese’s “Wolf of Wall Street” are probably the two films I am most excited about. I believe “Davis” opens up this week here and “American Hustle” next week. The Western countdown was excellent and there were a multitude of wonderful essays. A big congratulation to all the excellent contributors.

I did get to see five films this past week.

THE BUTLER (***1/2) which I liked but found just a bit wanting. It seemed more like a series of vignettes than a cohesive whole. And some of the casting choices, most glaringly Robin Williams looking like Harry Truman but unfortunately he was supposed to be Eisenhower and John Cusack’s Nixon, were a bit strange. That said Forest Whittaker’s performance rises above it all.

2 GUNS (***) Decent action flick that’s entertaining if you got a couple of hours to spare.

THE PROFESSIONALS (****1/2) I love this Richard Brooks western, a terrific, witty script and good performances with plenty of action.

THE ROARING TWENTIES (****1/2) I have long forgotten how many times I have watched this but it never gets old. And any film with Cagney and Bogart going at each other is worth its weight in gold. The ending is one of the great final scenes in film

AIRPORT (***) I like this film more than I should but any film that has the guts to make Dean Martin a pilot of an aircraft has got some balls. Lightweight fluffy, snowy entertainment.
- on December 11, 2013 at 6:05 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks so much John for your compliments on the review of Terrill’s beautiful painting! You state your own response beautifully. I am sure you will like INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS, and like you I am waiting to see Scorsese’s new film. I also found THE BUTLER “wanting” myself and appreciate your astute analysis of the debits. Haven’t seen 2 GUNS, but completely agree with you on THE PROFESSIONALS. True what you say about AIRPORT, but I like a little more. Yeah its fluff, but its always a lot of fun to re-watch. And there’s Helen Hayes. Yep, great ending to THE ROARING TWENTIES, and a classic for sure. Thanks as always my friend. Have a great week!
on December 10, 2013 at 10:29 pm | Reply Judy

Sam, Terrill’s painting looks great – enjoyed reading your thoughts on it. I’m looking forward to the Romantic Films countdown – I’ve learned a lot from the Western countdown and enjoyed reading the great range of pieces, but have repeatedly been forced to realise just how many Westerns I haven’t seen. No doubt there are also glaring gaps in my romance viewing, but hopefully not quite so many of them!

I’ve only managed to see a couple of films in the past week, but they were both greats – ‘Brighton Rock’ from 1947 and ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ from 1962. I was highly impressed by both and now look forward to comparing the more recent remake of ‘Brighton Rock’, after having just read the novel… not sure whether to bother with the remake of ‘The Manchurian Candidate’, though.

Thanks for the plug, Sam, and here’s wishing a good week to you and all at Wonders.
- on December 11, 2013 at 3:23 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Judy—-
  Thanks for the very nice words on the art review. Terrill’s work has been getting better and better and better. I was thinking you would love the idea of the romantic countdown. Rest assured your “gaps” in the area of romantic cinema are tiny ones. There will be some overlaps from the musical and comedy countdowns but in the very best sense! Yes you certainly did see two very great films this week. BRIGHTON ROCK is an all-time favorite. Thanks as always my friend. Have a great week!
on December 11, 2013 at 7:22 pm | Reply Peter

If I could afford it I’d buy Terrill Welch’s still life in a heartbeat! Wonderful write-up on it Sam.
- on December 12, 2013 at 7:12 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Should that come to pass Peter, be rest assured it would be worth every penny! Thanks for stopping by my friend.
on December 11, 2013 at 8:20 pm | Reply Duane Porter

Sam–
After all the brouhaha over Blue is the Warmest Color not being shown in Idaho the downtown Boise multiplex decided to give it a run. So I finally got to see it yesterday. As I was one of two people in the theater for the afternoon showing, I expect it will have a very short run. But I got to see it in a theater and that’s all that matters. As I anticipated this will surely take the top spot on my year end list. It is extraordinary in every way. The cameras relentless following of Adele as she tries to find her way through life put me in mind of Rosetta (another film I loved without reservation) and, indeed, Adele Exarchopoulos performance is even more impressive than that of Emilie Dequenne. What she does is so real that it almost seems incorrect to call it a performance. This is surely the best work by an actress this year. She does so much with her face that words are often unnecessary. I was reminded of Renee Maria Falconetti and Louise Brooks. I don’t hesitate to throw caution to the wind and declare this as one for the ages.

My other viewing this week:
Climates,2006 (****) …a gorgeous film to look at with one of the most beautiful closing shots I’ve seen.
Dead of Night, 1945 (***) …a sometimes intriguing atmospheric little exploration of dreams.
Orson Welles’ Macbeth, 1948 (***1/2) …beautifully shot, moody version of this classic.
Basic Instinct, 1992 (***1/2) …I liked this much better than I did when I first saw it twenty years ago, very De Palmaesque, especially the direct quote from Dressed to Kill.

Looking forward to the romance countdown. Casablanca comes to mind. I’ll have to give this one some thought.
- on December 12, 2013 at 7:22 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Duane—-
  I’m thrilled to hear that it lived up fully to your expectations. As you know I think BLUE is one of the very best films of the year as well, and it will be figuring prominently in my Top 5 at the end of the month. Somehow I can’t say I’m surprised that the screening was barely attended though. Good point with the comparison to the Dardennes’ masterful ROSETTA. Ms. Exarchopoulos was absolutely extraordinary indeed, and definitely one of the most profound performances of the year. That’s quite a tribute to her speaking her name in the company of Falconetti and Brooks. I like CLIMATES a bit less than you, but all things considered, fair enough. I like DEAD OF NIGHT far more, considering it a five-star masterpiece and the most rightfly celebrated omnibus film ever made. I think I am still at where you once were on BASIC INSTINCT. Ha! But what a great score. Like you I am partial to moody atmospherics in Welles 1948 MACBETH. Splendid round-up my friend, and terrific capsule of BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR. Have a great weekend.
on December 28, 2013 at 3:31 pm | Reply Jeffrey Goodman

Sam, thanks so much for the great mention and so sorry I am just now commenting here. First off, a wonderful tribute to Terrill Welch’s work which I found a fascinating and very enjoyable read. I also liked reading your words on THE GREAT BEAUTY. It is a film I still need to run down.

All has been a little more quiet than I would like on the film front. This week I saw HUDSUCKER PROXY, LE HAVRE (Kaurismaki), and the Philibert doc ETRE ET AVOIR. I was glad to see them all but particularly took to the Philibert film. In a year where I also found Wiseman’s doc on education incredibly affecting, this Philibert hit me as a very effective companion piece. As an educator, Sam, I highly recommend both of these films to you if you have not seen them yet.

Hope you had an awesome week. Thanks, Sam, for all that you do!
- on December 28, 2013 at 11:35 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jeffrey—-
  I simply can never thank you enough for your incredible attention to these pages, and as I’ve said a number of times in the past I am deeply honored. Yes, Terrill’s work does inspire one to observe and glowingly assess, this is a fact. I would bet the farm that you will adore THE GREAT BEAUTY, which BTW was recently announced for blu-ray by Criterion. I promised a close friend I would see it again on the evening of New Year’s Day in fact. Ah I do know ETRE ET AVOIR very very well – I saw it upon it’s release in theaters and have a copy of the DVD. Yes, it is really essential for educators indeed!
  
  Thanks again my friend! The best year ever for you in 2014!!!

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