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.

Let The Right One In

While the vampire genre has taken a serious hit in recent years due to the Twilight Saga and other poorly constructed tales there was one novel and film produced that stood out from the rest. Strangely enough the novel; which predates Twilight, has a similar theme but doesn't castrate the male vampire; well technically that's not true. I am of course speaking of the 2004 Swedish novel Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It is by far the best addition to vampire literature in ages. While it is a very dark book with several characters meant to be despised at it's heart is the tale of Oskar and Eli and the closeness they share. While the film doesn't follow the book in detail and lessens the role of several characters it is still the best vampire movie of the last twenty years; surpassing Near Dark as my favorite in the genre.

We begin the move with 12 year old Oskar(Kare Hedebrant) looking at his reflection in the window threatening it. He is bullied at school so he likes to imagine taking his revenge. He enjoys reading books on dark subjects as well as collecting news articles about murders. He lives with his mother but sees his father; who is a alcoholic, every now and then. Both parents fail to give him the attention he craves so Oskar is all alone in the dreary Stockholm suburb of Blackeberg.

One night while he is outside his apartment playing he meets a young girl Eli(Lina Leandersson). She is a pale girl and according to Oskar smells funny. She tells him she has moved in to the apartment next door. When asked her age she says 12 more or less which only confuses Oskar. The next night they meet again Eli; having taken a bath, asks if she smells better. Oskar wanting a friend quickly warms up to her and offers her his Rubik's Cube; the film is set in 1982. He even teaches her Morse Code so they can communicate to each other through the walls. Over time they develop a deep bond with each other.

The same time of Eli's arrival marks the beginning of several murders. Hakan(Per Ragnar); Eli's keeper, is responsible. He must go out and get blood for her but he has grown increasingly inept and Eli soon takes a life herself a local named Jocke. While his role in the movie is played down with the audience left to interpret; in the book it is clear he is a peodophile working for Eli in hopes of satisfying his sick desire. Again the book is a dark book but is worth reading. Eventually he gets caught while trying to get Eli blood once again and to keep the police from tracking her disfigures his face. Eli visits him at the hospital and he offers his blood to her and then falls to his death; in the movie. After Hakan's death Eli spends more time with Oskar urging him to fight back against his tormenters. He listens and takes a stand which stops the bullying. He asks Eli if she would like to be his girlfriend but she asks "what if I'm not a girl"? Oskar not sure what she means simply tells her it doesn't matter. The movie doesn't go into detail what happened with Eli but the book gives an indepth explaination. The film does offer a glimpse as to the meaning behind Eli's words. She decides to "go steady" with Oskar and he eventually takes her to a special place and decides to form a blood bond with her. He cuts his hand with his knife then asks her to do the same. She fights back the urge to attack Oskar by lapping up the blood that has pooled on the ground. She asks him to leave but when he refuses she runs out. As she does she attacks a woman but is stopped by the woman's boyfriend and friend of Jocke. She flees to safety as he attends to his girlfriend.

Oskar unsure of what to do gives Eli the cold shoulder until he nearly kills her by refusing to invite her in to his apartment. They continue to grow closer until their bond leads them away from the suburb. I have tried not to spoil too much of the film there is plenty left to take in. Normally if a film is based on a book I would recommend the book over the film. In this case I recommend both. They both stand on their own independently.

While Let the Right One In is not filled with gore there are gory scenes. The story focuses mainly on the two outcasts finding acceptance through each other. It's the development of that bond that is so intriguing with this film. I highly recommend both the book and movie. However if you decide to get the DVD do not get the Magnolia/Magnet version as the subtitles are not the same as the version released in theaters. They have been extremely dumbed down and make no sense with the scenes. Either find a copy from another region; wait for the re-release which is happening soon; or rent it off Netflix as they have the proper version. I have also heard they are making an American remake; didn't see that coming. Will it be as good as the original? Considering the story I doubt it will retain any of the unsavory elements that could hurt the movie rating so it's hard to say. I'll wait and see but won't hold my breath.

Trunk and I Reveal

Normally I post about my favorite movies but today I am posting reviews for two shorts I was recently asked to review. I have offered to give reviews of anything and will post them from time to time as I recieve them. Luckily the first two I recieved were actually good. Trunk and I Reveal by Waterfoot Films. First up Trunk.
The short begins with a girl waking up in surprise, surprise a trunk. To be precise a car trunk. How did she get here? It is revealed she is dealing with an abusive father still dealing with the fact his wife left. After he becomes physically violent with she decides to runaway and sneaks out. After several attempts she is finally able to get a ride. The man who picks her up seems okay; he even tells her he reminds her of his daughter he hasn't seen in many years. Just as he starts to tell her a story to reveal a bit about his past a tire goes flat on his car. As she waits for him to change the tire she begins to get worried about what he is really after and begins to devise a plan to get away. What will happen? You'll have to watch the short and see.
Overall while there are cliches; the tire blowout for instance, the story does keep your attention. While you might think it is going to be a horror story; ultimately it has a lot of heart to it. It takes and interweaves several negatives into a positive message which is rare these days. The cinematography is absolutely beautiful for a short; the exteriors are amazing. The only fault I had was some minor sound issues but again for a short it was still well made. I highly recommend Trunk. Go to the links provided and add coments.

Next we have I Reveal. This one has a more religious theme to it. While I'm not big on religious films again the story kept me intrigued. At the start Gabe; a young preacher, has "a vision" and during the process he is blinded. He has been chosen to relay a message by God.

When he gives the message to his fellow churchgoers they are not happy to hear it. It basically has to deal with the fact that the church has been pickng and choosing who they can forgive and who they will not. Naturally the church elders are enraged and warn Gabe about his action. But Gabe most endure a steadily increasing amount of strife as he continues to speak for God. One of his most difficult is seeking out his estranged wife who had cheated in him years before.
While he eventually recovers his sight any joy from that small victory is short lived by the new challenges before him. Will he be successful with his struggle or will he choose to ignore God? Again you will have to watch and see. Once again the film is shot beautifully. The story is constructed very well so you will want to see what happens with Gabe. Yes there are fire and brimstone type moments but there is never the feeling of being talked down to by the message being sent. Overall both Trunk and I Reveal are excellent shorts and hopefully just the first of more to come. Watch them both you'll enjoy them.

http://vimeo.com/10412600 Trunk

http://vimeo.com/10694330 I Reveal

Neco z Alenky aka Alice (1988)

As with movies, my taste in books tend to favor the strange or nonsensical. That is why Alice's Adventure's In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There are probably my favorite books due to sheer craziness. While I adore the animated Disney version when it comes to my favorite adaptation of the story Alice is the winner. Jan Svankmajer creates an atmosphere that Carroll would be proud of. There are elements some people may not like in the CGI age we live in today since the majority of the action is done with glorious old school stop motion. To me it just adds to the surrealism of the events unfolding. My only objection is the constant need for Svankmajer to cut to Alice's lips whenever she recites for a character.

Her adventure to Wonderland begins this time after the White Rabbit ; a stuffed rabbit with huge bug eyes , comes to life in his case. He opens a secret panel in the case and quickly dresses himself . In the process he tears some of his stitches and begins to "leak" sawdust. After grabbing a trusty pair of scissors he breaks the glass of the case and leaves the room. Alice not sure what to make of it follows close behind. Instead of being led down a hole she is led to a writing desk in a field. She follows the rabbit inside the desk and makes her way to an elevator. On her way down she sees various jars of strange animals and concoctions. She reaches for a jar of what looks to be marmalade but when she sticks her finger in to sample it she discovers that it is filled with tacks.

From there she is led into stranger and stranger realms. We have the familar drinking and eating size change scene though whenever she is shrunk she is represented by a doll with her likeness. As well as the sea of tears. In this scene we have a mouse dressed as a sailor swim up to Alice and take residence on her head. She is fine with this until he decides he wants to start a fire to cook his meal. While there are several scenes loyal to the book there are also several additions created by Svankmajer that fit together perfectly with the original story. Normally I don't like when directors feel the need to add something new to a classic story but Svankmajer's vision is right on with Carroll's world. To get a sense of the his vision just view the scene below with some of his wonderful creations.

We see familiar faces in unfamiliar representations. The Caterpillar is a sock pocket with false teeth. The March Hare is a very creepy looking stuffed wind up toy whose eye falls out every time he needs to be wound up. And the Mad Hatter is a rather simple looking wooden puppet. Overall the film has a solid pace and you will be eager to see what Alice is about to get into even though you may have read the books or seen the other adaptations. This version reimagines everything creating a fresh and rather unique view of Carroll's story.