Stalag 17 (1953) with William Holden, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger
As I'll probably say often on this blog, I think some of the best films are those that are based on plays. Emphasis is on developing the story and building the climax, and on strong dialogue, and that carries over into the movies. This is case with Stalag 17. It is a look into a POW camp during World War II, and the suspense builds throughout the pictures as members of the barracks realize their escape attempts are being foiled by a "stoolie". I especially appreciate the narration from "Cookie", the closest thing Holden's character, Sefton, has to a friend. The film has some comedic elements, some of which I appreciate, some of which I could do without, but I still think it's a wonderful film, and one that needs to be watched by more people.
IMDB
Roman Holiday (1953) with Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert
This is a delightful romance and comedy shot entirely on location in Rome, with the incomparable William Wyler (Ben Hur, Best Years of our Lives) directing. It features Audrey Hepburn in her first American film, for which she won an Oscar. In what I consider to be the best movie of her career, she is simply stunning. She is perfectly matched with the wonderful Gregory Peck, and they are accompanied by Eddie Albert (of Green Acres, Oklahoma fame), providing a lot of the laughs. Audrey plays the part of a princess, tired of her duties, and escaped to find holiday in Rome, even if just for the day. This fairy-tale-like tale has a wonderful, unique ending (that's all I can say). My favourite "romantic" film. See it
IMDB
Citizen Kane (1941) Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten
Orson
Welles was only 25 years old when he directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in Citizen Kane, and I think that is part of what makes this such an innovative, audacious film. It is rightly considered a masterpiece, but like many of these great films, you'll probably need to watch it a couple times to fully appreciate all its glories. The camerawork is just "Wow!", the lighting and special effects (for example, it is said some of the "newsreel" footage was dragged across pavement to get that gritty, real newsreel quality) are truly noteworthy. Just as fascinating is the real-life back story on which Welles based the film - that of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. It's an engrossing, yet sad story, framed and told in a way that was truly pioneering for its time. Heck, for any time. You can't top it today. I'm not going to go into much more detail of the plot - you just need to see it!
IMDB
Sherlock, Jr. (1924) with Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Joe Keaton
Buster Keaton was a genius, both as a director and actor. He is one of the "Big Three" silent film comedians, but he's my favourite because he was so incredibly creative, technical, passionate, and sometimes even dangerous in his work. Sherlock, Jr. is often overlooked for Buster's other films, like the General (which I'll review in another post), but Sherlock Jr is my favourite because it was the first Buster Keaton I ever watched. And I think it's a good place to start if you've never seen his films. It combines all of the elements Buster was so gifted in: comedy, pathos, action and excitement, and jaw-dropping gags, stunts, and camera tricks. Sherlock Jr. opens with Buster working at a movie theatre, yet aspiring to become a detective (and of course win the hand of his lady while he's at it). The opening scene with Buster reading "How to be Detective" just gets me every time! This film is included in "1001 Movies you should see before you die". That's pretty serious folks. See it on
IMDB or just go
watch it now!
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) with James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
This is not a Christmas movie. This is a masterpiece about one man, and through him we learn about ourselves. I think we tend to watch this movie so many times we can miss out on how utterly genius it is. James Stewart
is George Bailey. And George Bailey is us, or at least someone we can relate to. The plotline is carefully developed and the story of a whole lifetime is told, making us deeply invested and interested in George and those around him. Every time I watch it I'm surprised to find something new; last time I was surprised at how very socialist and political this movie really is. Frank Capra was saying something .. important things about "working and paying and living and dying". This came at the end of World War I, and wasn't originally well-received, but it has stood the test of time and is relevant, fresh, and loved. I won't say too much about the plot, because probably everyone has watched this at least once in their life. But I urge you ... go watch it again. Not at Christmas time, and with a critical eye. And just see if you don't think it's one of the best movies ever made. I do.
IMDB
No comments:
Post a Comment