Sense and Sensibility

Yet another film based on a great book Sense and Sensibility . Emma Thompson wrote and won an Oscar for her screenplay as well as starred as spinster Elinor Dashwood. The film had all the elements in it to make it great, actors; Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman, a great director in Ang Lee, and beautiful locations. The only weak link was perhaps Hugh Grant who did okay in portraying the restrained gentlemen of the time but still when I watch him I get the sense of it's Hugh Grant as blank whereas Rickman and Thompson become the character they portray so you fully become ensnared by them.



After their father dies the Dashwood sisters along with their mother learn they only get a small sum to live on while their brother gets the bulk of the estate. Their brother's wife invites her own brother Edward (Hugh Grant) to visit. Slowly Elinor; played wonderfully by Emma Thompson, and Edward start to develop a friendship. Appalled Fanny forces her husband to do something about it which results in the girls ending up on a small cottage owned by Mrs Dashwood's cousin.
Elinor misses Edward but continues to restrain her emotion much to the dislike of Marianne; played with passion by Kate Winslet in only her second role the first being in the amazing Heavenly Creatures. Marianne wears her heart on her sleeve which is not the norm for ladies of the time. During one of the cousin's functions she is introduced to Colonel Brandon; greatly portrayed by Alan Rickman. He falls for her instantly though he is many years her elder. She likes his company and attention until she is helped by a stranger after spraining her ankle in a field. Willoughby is dashing, young, and in a well to do family so naturally Marianne is drawn more to him. Everything goes fine for them until Colonel Brandon receives an urgent message from London and leaves an event he is holding at his estate. Not long after Willoughby is called back to London as well but never confides his true feeling to Marianne.Elinor continues to hide her feelings for Edward but her emotions are tried when she discovers Lucy Steele has secretly been engaged to Edward for years. Marianne continues to try and contact Willoughby but to no avail. But in the sisters dismay a ray of hope arrives when they are invited by their hosts to join them in London. Elinor gets to see Edward again but the meeting is again a very painfully restrained moment as Lucy Steele joins the reunion. The pain on both Edward and Elinor's face is beautifully shot by Ang in the scene. Edward clearly wants to tell Elinor and Elinor wants to believe it is not true but neither are able to say a thing with the proverbial elephant in the room.Meanwhile Marianne seeks out and finds Willoughby but is unable to get the reunion she seeks as well. Distraught both head home but are slowed when Marianne falls ill when she walks in a rain storm to view Willoughby's family estate. Colonel Brandon finds her and brings her to Elinor and helps to aid in her recovery. I won't go into more detail as you should watch the film. While there are several great performances Emma and Alan are the two best. Emma portrays Elinor's dismay and restraint so perfectly until she simply can no longer hold it in. The scene when she finally lets it out is just amazing. And Rickman as Colonel Brandon is an cinematic perfect fit. He has the natural melancholy about him which fits the character then you include his acting and it's pure magic. Great book, great film.

Scotland, PA

This week one of my favorite adaptations of Shakespeare's great work Macbeth; Scotland, PA. It is set in the mid 70's with Macbeth named Joe Mcbeth(James Legros); working in a diner for it's owner Norm Duncan(James Rebhorn). "Lady" Mcbeth is played very convincingly by Maura Tierney with Christopher Walken rounding out the excellent cast as Lt Ernie Mcduff.




While you would think such a setting would reduce the drama of such a great play it does not. While it is written more as a dark comedy it is still very dark particularly Tierney's Lady Macbeth. The Mcbeth's have become increasingly tired of not receiving recognition for what they do for Duncan. After an encounter with "the three witches" here portrayed amusingly as hippies Joe gets a glimpse of the future which involves a Drive Thru. The following day Duncan reveals his plans for a drive thru to the couple and Joe realizes that he has been given the opportunity to change his fate. With the prodding of his "lady" they decide to kill Duncan and move forward with his idea. Though there are a few false starts they achieve their goal not without Pat getting burnt on her hand by some oil from the deep fryer; hence the famous "Damn spot".
Everything seems to be going great for the Mcbeth's as Duncan's sons have no interest in the diner and are eager to sell it to their father's loyal workers. Joe and Pat build the drive thru and business begins to boom. That is until Lt Mcduff starts to investigate the murder. Walken is perfect for the role seemingly confused but knows more than he lets on. Out of fear Pat once again manipulates Joe into killing the fry cook "Banko" whom she suspects knows the real story and may go to Mcduff.
As Mcduff continues to sniff around the diner Pat and Joe become more and more desperate and decide they must do something with him as well. It all spirals down to an very 70's climax that is fitting to the play. Overall it is very well acted from the leads to the supporting roles. It also boasts an excellent soundtrack for an indy film. All the elements seem so strange to use for Macbeth but they are all crafted together perfectly in Scotland, PA.By far the best performance was Tierney's as Pat Mcbeth. As with any version of Macbeth you must have a strong actress portraying the most famous manipulator in history or the adaptation will fail. I was skeptical of how well she would be in the role having only seen her on ER but she blew me away. I could see myself easily doing what she asked had I been in Joe's shoes. I only wish she had gotten some better roles after this but have not seen anything yet that approaches her level in this movie. So if you are in the mood for some Shakespeare and aren't looking to decipher his prose check out this somewhat modern version of one of, if not the best of his plays.

A Face In The Crowd (1957)

This week one of my favorites. Elia Kazan's A Face In The Crowd is simply amazing. It is mind boggling that this film received zero Oscar nominations; of course when you look at the films up for the honor that year there is not much room for argument. The Bridge Over the River Kwai, Peyton Place, Sayonara, 12 Angry Men, and Witness For the Prosecution. But still you would think they would throw it a bone, best screenplay, something. The greatest snub though was for Andy Griffith's performance as Lonesome Rhodes. That's right the future Sheriff of Mayberry; but in this role he is far from the moral Andy Taylor. He breathed a fire into the character and just took control of the film; you could easily see yourself falling under his spell like the public does in the film. And this was his film debut in a leading role! Too bad the Andy Griffith Show caused him to be typecast and kept him from receiving chances at more roles like this.

The film is set at the time when radio was still popular but slowly losing ground to the new medium of TV. A local radio personality Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal) is out looking for new talent to feature and discovers Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes while visiting a prison in Arkansas. While he isn't polished he has a charm that she can't help but fall for. She features Lonesome on her radio show and he quickly becomes popular to the local listeners. As his popularity grows he is asked to appear on a small TV program in Memphis. It goes well until he insults one of the sponsors of the program on air. The sponsor plans to cancel the show but soon discovers that Lonesome has actually helped increase sells. Rhodes takes to the new medium and quickly is able to build an even larger audience than his radio listeners.With the aid of an office boy of the sponsor Lonesome is able to land a deal in New York City. He now gains control of a national program and with his Southern charm and everyman appearance he is able to gain more influence; becoming the "voice of the people". As always with power comes ego and Lonesome already had plenty to spare before earning his new found fame. To him everything he touches turns to gold and he can't possibly lose. So it doesn't surprise him when the Senator of NY decides to recruit him for his run at the Presidency. Lonesome uses all his tricks and charm and to try to turn the Senator into a contender.
During all this Jeffries has watched the rise of Rhodes and is one of the few to know his true nature and his contempt for his audience. She feels betrayed by Lonesome and finally decides she must help to destroy her own creation. When she sets in motion those plans we have one of the best endings in film history.This movie is just ahead of it's time. Once again a film that shows the power of the media to create as well as destroy a persona. As well as showing how the media can be used by the right person to manipulate the public to do almost anything. Though not nominated, the movie had an excellent script, director, supporting cast and of course Andy Griffith ignited the screen with a passion rarely seen. In a vast majority of films the actor is pretty interchangeable so if it was someone else playing the role it wouldn't matter the result would be the same. That is not the case here. I can't imagine another actor in the role; Griffith possesses all the qualities of Rhodes like no other actor could. Much like you could not replace Gregory Peck in the role of Atticus Finch. I can't think of an actor past or present that could embody all the qualities of the character like Peck. I would rate Griffith's performance in my top ten of all time. So if you want a see a truly magnificent performance check this one out you won't be disappointed.

The Legend Of Billie Jean

While the majority of my recommendations have been older movies this one is about as "recent" as I'll get. The Legend Of Billie Jean is from 1985 and is once again a film loosely based on a novella, The Legend Of Michael Kohlhaas. While it was not well received in it's initial release it has grown into a cult classic. I have loved this movie since it first came out and don't see why it wasn't more popular.

Billie Jean Davy; played perfectly by Helen Slater, is nothing special. She is a normal girl from the trailer park; her only real concern at the start of the movie is to cool off in the hot Texas weather. So she and her brother head to the local pond to take a swim. Her brother Binx; played by Christian Slater no relation to Helen, tries to convince Billie Jean that they should head to Vermont to escape the heatwave. Their discussion is interrupted when some rich kids decide to steal Binx's scooter. They are long gone with the scooter before Billie Jean and Binx get to the shore. Binx wants to go get it back immediately but Billie Jean assures him that it is best to go to the police.
She reports the incident to Detective Ringwald (Peter Coyote) who doesn't pay much mind to it. Binx finally tries to get it back himself but is beaten and his scooter gets trashed. Outraged Billie Jean confronts the main bullies father; local business man Mr Pyatt, to get the cost of repairs for the scooter $608 exactly. At first it seems he is going to comply and lures her upstairs with the promise of the money. When they get there he tries to rape her but she runs back downstairs where Binx is waiting with a gun he found in the store. When Mr Pyatt tries to get the gun from Binx by saying it isn't loaded he fires it and wounds Mr Pyatt in the shoulder. Billie Jean and Binx flee the store and with the help of some of their friends from the trailer park become fugitives.
When the detective gets to the scene of the crime he realizes he has helped cause the situation to blow up. As the media gets involved Billie Jean starts to become an icon for teens and young adults. Throughout her journey she adds to her legend by deeds she actually performs and others invented by the media. And ultimately leads to a final confrontation with Mr Pyatt.
While the acting isn't great from some of the supporting characters there really isn't anything else negative I can think of. Helen is great in the role and easily transitions from "trailer trash" to unwanted martyr. The story is nicely adapted to the 80's culture at the time though it makes it seem dated now. To me it was ahead of its time with its use of the media creating both an evil fugitive and youth rebellion figurehead. There's not much more I can add other than check this movie out.

M

Today's film is one from the German master Fritz Lang M (1931).
One of the reasons I love Lang's work is because he was ahead of the
curve when it came to telling stories. You need to look no further than
his masterpiece Metropolis to see what I mean. However that is for another day.M starts with a series of shots showing an apparent investigation into the disappearances of children. And it is quite apparent that the killer is doing more than just killing them. We only get glimpses of the killer at the start in shadow. As he stalks he whistles "In The Hall of The Mountain King". He lures a girl away after buying a balloon for her from a blind peddler. Most modern day movies tend to shy away from humanizing the victim but Lang takes the time to bring us a heartbreaking scene depicting the little girl's mother as she waits for her daughter to return from school. Sadly she does not.
As the number of children disappearing start to increase citizens grow suspicious of both friends and neighbors. They take no second thought in pointing the finger of blame. This leads to increased police raids on both common citizens and the criminal underground. The career criminals grow increasingly tired of the killer because; to put it simply, he is bad for business. After the killer writes a note to mock the police; both the cops and criminals have had enough. Unknown to either side or the killer they join together to hunt him down.Ultimately it leads to the killer being marked with an "M" and a classic chase and hunt takes place.
Peter Lorre; in his first starring role, is excellent as the killer Hans Beckert. He is able to show both control and confidence as he "hunts" but also sadness at the beast he has inside. M is a very mature themed movie for the time; though most German films of the era didn't fall under the Hollywood gloss. The film deals with a subject that even to this day is rarely touched and gives it a unique twist as both the cops and criminals vie to get the same man off the streets. This is a great film from a true master and I highly recommend it.

A Man For All Seasons

Well looks like I finally have one not based on a book this time, rather a play; Robert Bolt's A Man For All Seasons(1966). In it we have; in my opinion, the second greatest performance by an actor with Paul Scofield's portrayal of Sir Thomas More who refused to help annul Henry VIII marriage to Catherine of Aragon. It is second only to F Murray Abraham's Salieri in Amadeus; oddly enough also based on a play. Both films and men took home the top Oscars and there is no disputing the wins. Both men totally become the role; vanish on the screen if you will, into that other person. They draw you in and you can't escape until the movies are over and you are left breathless by the fact that actors can on occasion truly act. I only wish this happened more often alas no luck. Of course the rest of the cast is made up relative no name actors like Orson Welles, John Hurt, Vanessa Redgrave, and Robert Shaw to name a few.

We start with Thomas More; I can't emphasize this enough played amazingly by Paul Scofield, being called to Hampton Court by Cardinal Wolsey (Orson Welles). Wolsey seeks his aid in pressuring the Pope to agree to allowing the king to divorce his queen so he can then marry Anne Boleyn (Vanessa Redgrave). Outraged by the suggestion he refuses and returns home. Waiting for him at his dock is Richard Rich (John Hurt) who's main goal is to get a place at court. More tells him of the current state of corruption and suggests he becomes a teacher. When he enters his home he only meets with more "trouble"; though not as severe, his daughter wants to marry a Protestant. More refuses to allow as he is a devout Catholic.
Not long after Wolsey dies in exile after he fails to get the divorce. The king then appoints More as Lord Chancellor of England. Shortly thereafter the king arrives; played wonderfully by Robert Shaw. Though Keith Mitchell's Henry in the BBC series The Six Wives of Henry VIII is still the best. He is eager to learn whether he will help to get his divorce but More refuses. The king uses both promises of promotion then threats but again More refuses. The king continues until More refers to Catherine still as queen; angered by More's stubbornness he then leaves. The king then sets in motion the gears to have More removed from his post and stripped of his power. But I will not go into all that as I would prefer you actually see the film.
Through it all More stands up for his beliefs; no matter the threats and ultimate actions. And Paul Scofield simply embodies the role of a man of principle who will not waiver for any man. God is the only one he will answer to. It is rather strange that the two best male performances are similar yet radically different. Murray as Salieri so easily corrupted by his envy and Scofield as More steadfast with his virtues. I know I sound all gushy and silly but Scofield's performance is just amazing; words can't accurately describe the caliber he reached. He could have been dressed in a bunny outfit reciting to dogs and still have won the Oscar he was that good people. Instead he was blessed with a great supporting cast; Nigel Davenport as the Duke of Norfolk in particular, and amazing locations.
I don't care what movies you like old or new, horror or comedy, high brow or low brow. If you start to watch this movie I dare you to try and stop watching after Scofield hooks you. There are very few movies I recommend to anyone as people are fickle but this is one of those few. A great performance transcends time and genre. Check out A Man For All Seasons as well as Amadeus; actors rarely reach such levels and I don't see any reaching them again anytime soon.

The Innocents

I guess I have a theme going because once again the movie I am plugging is based on a book or rather a novella. The Innocents; based on Henry James Turn of the Screw, is an excellent example of the less is more school of horror/suspense. It is more suspense then horror but it is one of the best "ghost story" films ever made. But then again is there really something supernatural going on or something more disturbing in the head of our governess? That is the beauty of the novella and it carries over well in this film adaptation.

A governess (Deborah Kerr) is hired by a well to do socialite (Michael Redgrave) to care for his niece and nephew. He has no desire to raise the children himself and gives her full control over them and the mansion they occupy. The governess is a bit apprehensive at first but takes on the job as a favor to him; it appears she has an attraction to the uncle. When she arrives at the mansion only the niece; Flora (Pamela Jenkins) , is there as Miles (Martin Stephens) is still away at school.
At first everything seems perfect as Flora and the governess get along without any problems. The joy is short lived after the governess is sent a letter telling her that Miles has been expelled from school for corrupting the other boys. Take that how you will. She feels she should talk to the uncle about the situation but upon meeting Miles she feels he is too charming to be as bad as the letter implied. Again things seem wonderful as brother and sister are united. It isn't until the governess learns that the previous governess had died; as well as the valet she was having an affair with Quint, that things start to change. She starts to see and hear things but she is the only one as the housekeeper and children are blind to any of it.
She also starts to take note of the bond between the siblings. They are close; maybe a bit too close. She learns that the children had seen some of the "acts" their previous caretaker and the valet were engaged in. Are they simply following what they saw or could it be the spirits of the dead have taken up residence in the children? Or is it all in her head? That is left for you to decide after you watch this film or read the story.
Kerr plays the role beautifully because you can't tell whether she's really seeing things or just mad. And Martin Stephens gives one of the few great performances by a child actor as Miles. You can't help but fall for his charm; much like the housekeeper and the governess herself do. You want to believe he is an innocent but he also gives off that tiny hint of something disturbed. In the end this is a great film. This is more suspense then anything so if you're expecting blood and guts then it's not for you as the film was released in 1961. It's all about turning the screws; if you will, on the tension. If you want an excellent psychological horror film The Innocents is the one. Normally I suggest the book over the film first but as most readers these days have become lazy and James's prose can be dense the film is a good start. Then if you would like to check the novella out go for it.