1944 Mexican masterpiece ‘Maria Candelaria’ shown at Film Forum as part of Gabriel Figueroa Festival.
Screen capture from brilliant conclusion to Roy Andersson Trilogy, “A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence” shown at Film Forum
by Sam Juliano
My second knee meniscus tear in ten years necessitated a mid-week arthroscopy (Thursday), and temporarily had me out of commission, but I couldn’t stay back for long, what with some familial responsibilities. Later this week I will begin what will surely be a month of therapy, but I know that routine well. In any case I did manage a full week, and returned to school this morning. My deepest apologies to those who were motivated and gracious enough to comment on last week’s Monday Morning Diary. I still haven’t responded to several, but will do so today. It is not a routine I normally embrace, but this has been a maddening week.
The Childhood countdown has been all sorted out and is now officially set to launch on Monday, June 22nd with a banner opening salvo by film writer extraordinaire Ed Howard. I’ll leave the identity of the title until that date, as I don’t want to spoil anything for the non email network site readers. The vast majority of the assignments have been taken, with a few left that will certainly be sorted out by the respective publication dates. The countdown will continue until Wednesday, October 14th, the date the #1 film will be unveiled. Talk has already started on doing a Great War Films of All-Time Countdown in the spring of 2016, but we are better off taking thing s day and a week at a time. God willing we will approach that hurdle when the time comes. Right now the Childhood Films Countdown takes center stage, and writer David Schleicher may be right on when he opined by e mail that “this could be the site’s greatest countdown ever!”
The hectic week was largely fueled by the three day attendance (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) at the Governor’s Ball musical events on Randall’s Island that involved my daughters Melanie and Jillian. They got to see and hear some of their heroes like Bjork, Lana Del Rey and Florence and the Machine. A real Woodstock styled affair with pot smoke in the air, and 40,000 strong each day. Lucille and I escorted our girls to and from the location, with the late night pickups around 11:30 P.M. The bottom line of course is that the girls had a whale of a time traversing the tent covered stages set in the grassy expanses.
Lucille and I made out way around before and after my procedure with a sense of purpose. On the evening before by surgical endeavor we ventured over to the Film Forum to see a restored print of a Samuel Fuller noir classic, and met a new online friend Aaron West and his wife Andrea, chatting with the engaging couple after the screening. On Saturday we again set off for Film Forum for a showing of the new Roy Andersson film (the delightful director was on hand to introduce the film and milled around in the lobby afterwards), and then on Sunday we watched a premium feature in the Film Forum Festival devoted to the famed Golden Age Spanish/Mexican cinematographer Gabrielle Figueroa. Later on Sunday while hanging out in Manhattan to await the late night pickup of the girls, we took in a fascinating art exhibit in the West Village, that featured the work of the talented and esteemed Andrew Castrucci, who is an art professor at the School of Visual Arts, where Melanie will attend in the Fall.
We saw:
Pickup on South Street (1953) ***** (Film Forum)
Maria Candelaria (1943) ***** (Film Forum)
The Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence **** 1/2 (Film Form
A remarkable trio of films – one of film noir’s final hours by Samuel Fuller in a pristine restored print (Thelma Ritter gives one of the most memorable supporting performances of all-time); a beautiful Mexican film by Emilio Fernandez that features a moving story and magnificent black-and-white photography by Gabriele Figueroa, and a brilliant work of black humor by Roy Andersson that successfully completes his famed trilogy.
Screen captures from 1943 film noir classic ‘Pickup on South Street’ by Samuel Fuller shown at Film Forum in restored print
Andrew Castrucci art in East Village gallery
Roy Andersson
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Sam — I’m so glad the knee repair procedure is behind you and that you’re onto the next step: therapy. As you said, it’s no fun (whatsoever), but well worth every bit of unease. Before you know it, you’ll hit the ground running!
Len and I are traveling this week. Right now we’re in drop-dead gorgeous Montana!
Thanks so very much Laurie! I am very happy this procedure is behind me, and will do my best to achieve the proper mind-set for the upcoming month of therapy. I agree it has incalculable value. Wow, Montana is indeed God’s country; every photo, movie set there and travel report points to beauty incarnate. I look forward to your report my friend. Have a fabulous time!
I’m so glad to hear that the knee op went well, Sam, and that you’ve still managed to pack more into your week than the rest of us can!
John, I do appreciate that my friend. I am still in second place behind you in the week packing brigade, but I thank you so much for saying that. Have a great week! 🙂
Wishing you a speedy recovery Sam! Such busy times these have been. I look forward to maybe a quieter summer but who knows. Painting continues to take most of my attention and the sun, the walks and the garden. All the best to you and your family!
Many thanks for the well wishes Terrill. Yes I would well imagine things are busy for you now, but as always I marvel at your creative output, inspired in good measure with your immersion with nature. Your island provides endless opportunities toward that end. The very best to you and David! Have a special week.
Great to see you up and about Sam! What you did in a week on a compromised leg, we couldn’t do in premium health. Nice to hear your girls had a wonderful time on Randall’s Island.
Thanks so much Frank! Well, I have some productive weeks and others not so productive. This past week was hectic in many ways I will concede. Have a great week my friend! 🙂
Hello Sam and everyone!
Hope everyone had a great last week and have an even more amazing week this time. These are the movies I saw last week:
– The Chocolate War (1988, Keith Gordon) ***1/2 This is a strange movie. Everything is ambivalent and the film goes lengths to try to surprise and subvert everything that seems grounded up from the start. When something becomes normalized, suddenly things change and the tables are turned, and it’s all the time, making it an interesting watch. Nevertheless, I do think that the inclination towards a “surrealist” experience, in terms of the strange sequences that could’ve easily been put out of the film and made it “normal”, doesn’t add much to the film itself, instead it brings out confusion, mainly because it’s never addressed in any way beyond the sequences themselves that try to take a stab at “importance” or “profundity”. Maybe a thing that was common in first-time filmmakers.
– In Harm’s Way (1965, Otto Preminger) **** Great and interesting movie, maybe I’ll write more about this one.
– As the God’s Will (2014, Takashi Miike) **** Well, Takashi Miike does manage to make a movie about popular games seemingly coming alive and turning on to the high school students of all over the world and make it highly entertaining. The set-pieces are just incredible, the Daruma is bloody, violent and funny at the same time, the Neko is just weird and impressive in its strange rules, the Korama is just mean-spirited awfulness that turns into the most cringe-worthy and tense sequences, while the White Bear might be my underdog favorite, his animation is just amazing and the way that it plays around with its voice and the game that he plays. Finally, the Matrioska is the weakest of them all because the rules are complicated and it depends too much on the relationships between characters, but it’s still interesting and the way that Miike manages tension is admirable. Nevertheless, as the movie ended I noticed that maybe some stuff was cut-out and left out because of time, even at 2 hours this movie doesn’t achieve the greatness of what Miike could offer maybe because he wasn’t given more time by the studio. He preferred to have the sequences play out fully and thus the strengths are there, and are among the funniest moments of his ouvre, but as a film I don’t think it fully works. Take this rating as a token of how much fun I had laughing at all that happened. Ridiculous fun.
– Made in Milan (1990, Martin Scorsese) ***1/2 A documentary with little interest for me, but that in the second half retained some interest as it portrays Armani as a failed filmmaker, one that stages his runways as if he were directing a film, and so Scorsese is fascinated by the directions and the precise way in which he choreographs everything.
– Mandrill (2009, Ernesto Diaz Espinoza) ***1/2 Incredible in the way that it motions the plot forward by simple strokes and clichéd moments, just like in Redeemer, but this feels more inspired and less forward in its eagerness to please. More than anything else this might be the best film Ernesto has made if it wasn’t for the fact that is mostly brought down by the dialogue that might sound cool in subtitles, and while cheesy, it kinda works, but the two main actors here aren’t the best talents, and by far the best moments are those that are more quiet than the action ones, which defeats the purpose of this being an action film. Still, commendable stuff here and there.
– The Girl from the Marsh Croft (1917, Victor Sjöstrom) *** Sadly, the story was just too uninteresting and filled with side plots that went kinda nowhere for it to give attention to the craft of Sjöstrom forward. Still, the first part of this is intense and filled with that V.S. directing force that I like so much. The rest was just not interesting enough.
– The Teeth Beneath (2005, Jason Eisener, Zach Tovey) **1/2 Ridiculous but with some heart.
That’s all, have a great week everyone!
Jaimie, thanks as always for the banner weekly report. Well, I have used the film of THE CHOCOLATE WAR on a few occasions while teaching the novel to my upper grade classes over the years, and I though it was a very effective tool. The ambivalence was evident in the Robert Cormier novel it was based on, and no attempt was made to lessen it for the film. A very dark, and provocative film nonetheless, and I do rate it higher than you do. I do concur with you on Scorsese’s film, as I do with IN HARM’S WAY, which is a solid four-star film. I’d like to see the Miike film at some point, and am sorry to hear that particular silent Sjostrom wasn’t all that effective. Sounds like a few of the others there are forgettable. As always your appraisals are cogent and well posed and I thank you so much for them. Have a special week my friend, and thanks for the kind words!
OK, rare I come on here, but done a lot of viewing recently, so run down of recent weeks.
The Sweeney 1975-1978 ****½
Still a seminal cop show after all these years, very much of its time but in an age of formulaic policier shows refreshing.
Regan 1974 ***½
The effective pilot for the above; excellent of its type, but the series was better and tighter.
Inherent Vice 2014 ****½
A third viewing opened the film up to me. Still not an Anderson masterpiece, but so enjoyable for all that. Done review entry and may post down the line.
Adua e le Compagne 1960 ***½
Another reviewing, not top rank Pietrangeli but with a strong ensemble cast.
A Brutal Game 1983 ***
One of Brisseau’s less prurient films, but still rather cold and detached, not least Bruno Cremer’s dispassionate central performance.
1860 1934 ****½
A reviewing again, already reviewed here.
The Homeless 1974 ***
Interesting Japanese genre picture, though very much of its exploitative time.
Li’l Quinquin 2014 ***
Bruno Dumont’s obsession with an underbelly of rural France with characters equal parts Cro Magnon and Neanderthal continues and is rather distancing. It has its moments, but I don’t think I’d ever watch it again.
The Visit 1964 ****½
As it stands, Pietrangeli’s best film, I won’t comment further as review is scheduled for upcoming weeks.
Manon des Sources: Parts I and II 1952 ****½
The original two part Pagnol film that Pagnol later changed and expanded into the novel which later became Claude Berri’s 1986 diptych. Not perfect and not quite as emotionally affecting, but the character and visual detail are as strong as ever, leaving it a valedictory work in Pagnol’s legacy.
Betrayal 1981 ***½
An effecting tale of childhood loneliness and neglect; no masterpiece, but a decent example of Norwegian filmmaking of its type. If seen in time would have made the lower echelons of my childhood 100
The Catch 1983 ***½
Shinji Somai’s most famous film of the 80s, but like many Japanese films of its period, rather dated and certainly overlong.
The Woman of Everyone 1969 ***½
Sganzerla’s piece on a narcissistic nymphomaniac is only available in an awful print and is very much of its time, but contains a raw primal energy that can’t be denied. A decent second tier Brazilian new wave movie.
Red Handkerchief 1964 ***½
Masuda’s tale of cops and treachery isn’t top rank, but is stylish enough on its sub-Suzuki level.
Inspector Palmu’s Error 1960 ****
Probably the best of the Finnish series about Palmu, a closed door mystery equal parts Philo Vance and Bob Hope with a brief full frontal nude shot for censorship aficionados.
Hugo and Josephine 1967 ***
OK second tier childhood film, a second viewing.
Coffy 1973 ****
Another review, new Arrow Blu Ray. Still my fav Blaxploitation pic, with not an inch of fat.
The Hound of the Baskervilles 1959 ****
Another Arrow Blu Ray reviewing, looks lovely and still the best version of this particular Conan Doyle tale.
The Trojan Women 1971 ****
Not for those without a passion for real Greek tragedy, who would see it as a lot of shouting and wailing, but an acting and directing showcase.
Ex Machina 2015 ****½
review already posted
A Perfect World 1993 ***
Still third tier Eastwood – the whole Eastwood/Dern subplot should have been excised to concentrate on Costner (rarely better) and the kid.
La Maison des Bois 1971 *****
Quite possibly Pialat’s masterpiece, a TV work criminally only just recently viewable with Eng subs. If seen in time would have been top 3 in the childhood poll. A review has ben done and is scheduled for a week or two’s time.
COFFY the best blaxploitation. Hmmm, I put it at #7 in my list, but really the top 10 in that list (that went to 15) are all films I think really good. I mean ACROSS 110th STREET was #8 after all…
It’s nice to see some appreciation for Inherent Vice. For me, a film to fall in love with.
Well, needless to say this was quite a titanic round-up and report!!!
Sam, I’m sure it feels good to have the procedure behind you, though the therapy is still ahead. One day at a time. Love Pickup on South street.
On the film front.
Intruder in the Dust (******) wish I had seen this film earlier. It would made my Childhood countdown list.
Pickup Alley (*1/2) horrible film with Victor Mature and Anitw Ekberg
that should have burned in some nitrate fire.
Woman on the Run (****) little known noir with Ann Sheridan as a wise cracking dame. Deserves to be better known.
A Woman of Distinction (***1/2) decent if unexceptional comedy with Rosalind Russell and Ray Milland.
Have a great week!
Thanks so much for that John!! I have already begun the therapy–the early going has been painful. But yes one day at a time indeed. I am in full agree with you on the greatness of INTRUDER IN THE DUST, which unfairly missed the countdown results, sad to say. The other three films have eluded me to this point, though from what you only WOMEN is worth going out of my way to see. Hope you had a great week and are enjoying the weekend my friend. It is might hot up here in these parts!
Glad the procedure is over and a month of therapy ahead – I know that too as I begin another month of PT on the 18th. I am finally watching a movie or two through the computer drive and the laptop on my stomach. Not able to sit in a chair for a full hour yet and still lying flat or using the walker….Long haul.
Am back to reading and doing some new reviews, since the ones I wrote before my Surgery on the 13th. Right leg is still not responding so no dancing here
Enjoyed reading your report. Thank you for sharing
Ah Patricia, I know well you have been down this path before, and too many times at that. Seems like you and I are going though the same issues at the same time, but I am happy to hear there has been some steady if slow progress on your end. And another surefire panacea is to return to the writing that you have excelled at for the better part of the last two years. I’m sure things will fall into place for you soon. As always I deeply appreciate your submission on this MMD my great friend. Feel better! Hopefully you will have a great summer on the road to recovery. Thanks for the very kind words too my friend.
Hi Sam,
I’ve never seen Maria Candelaria so will need to track that one down. Pickup on South Street is one of my 10 favorite noirs for sure and I’m a big fan of Sam Fuller of course. Hope that you are beginning recovery well and feeling better day by day. Never easy I’m sure but we are all pulling for you. Busy week of course for me at work, but the kids are now done with school so it’s more relaxed at home in the evenings. We’re also going camping this weekend which should be a lot of fun. Saw a couple newer films…
Unbroken (3/4) – Some elements didn’t always come together, but it was still a good tale of survival that was hard to shake.
Miss Julie (3/4) – Not as good as the 50’s classic, but the acting was solid and the pacing done well. Glad to see that Liv Ullmann is still in the industry and I’ll always support her efforts and remain a big fan of hers.
That’s about it for now. Looking forward to the countdown which is rapidly approaching! Enjoy your weekend Sam!
Jon—-MARIA CANDELARIA is absolutely a masterpiece, and one of the greatest of Mexican films, and I do of course well know you are a Fuller fan and consider PICKUP one of the banner noirs. Thanks so much for the very kinds words about my recovery. The kids are no doubt excited about the upcoming summer break, as well they should be. I am no fan of UNBROKEN at all (* 1/2 as I recall) but you are not alone in your estimation. I still haven’t seen MISS JULIE, but hope to soon. I know it received mixed reviews, and even here at WitD Maurizio didn’t care for it but Jamie did. I completely agree with you on the legendary Liv Ullmann. Yes the countdown is nearly upon us my friend. Incidentally, that one film that you said you would do if I backed off is now YOURS. I have my plate way too full anyway. Thank you, and have a great upcoming week.
Sam, it sounds like you had a very full week. I hope your knee is feeling okay!
I am a pretty big fan of Bjork and would have loved the Randall’s Island event myself. Fuller’s Pickup is very high on my list of favorite noirs while the other two you mention, Maria Candelaria and the new Andersson, are ones I will need to run down.
Still quiet on the viewing front but hopefully for not much longer. Looking forward to reading all of the childhood countdown. Thanks so much, Sam!
Jeffrey—-Thanks so much for the very kind words! I am coming around for sure, though the therapy so far as been painful as expected. The kids did enjoy that event, and you and be both appreciate Bjork. 🙂 I know well you have always been a huge fan of PICKUP, which was quite glorious to behold in the Film Forum’s remastered print. MARIA CANDELARIA is surely one of the greatest films of Mexican cinema, and I’m sure Roy Andersson’s new work will be considered by many as one of the best films of the year. Yes the countdown is imminent (June 22 launch) and I much appreciate the great words by indomitable friend!
Great to hear you are coming around Sam. Your activity level hasn’t abated one iota. I can’t wait for the childhood films countdown to commence.
Great to hear from you Peter!! I know you are always there for the genre pollings, and I am thrilled you will be staying the course! Thanks as ever for the very kind words my friend!