There are several films among the AFI top 100 films that I either haven't seen or have all but forgotten. I am trying to get through all of those this year. Below are my quick reviews of the first two in my 'refresher':
1. Vertigo (1958) Trailer - I had seen parts of this, but not all of it (the shame). A very interesting and beautiful film, this classic stars Jimmy Stewart as Scottie and Kim Novak as Madeleine. After retiring as a detective because his chronic vertigo contributed to the death of former officer, Scottie is hired by a husband to track a seemingly deranged/possessed woman as she spends her days in and around San Francisco. In the process he falls in love with her, and her death, again because of his vertigo, puts him into a catatonic state. There are several twists after that point, resulting in a poignant and fittingly tragic end as he overcomes his vertigo.
Click below for more Vertigo and Chaplin's City Lights!
Generally speaking, I dread watching movies that are this old, because it can seem like work to wade through the dialogue and clunky storytelling. This was one of the many exceptions to that rule. The whole film is shot beautifully with ample space and an almost surreal empty feel, with several stunning SanFran backdrops in the frame. Stewart is in full stride as Scottie, and I most enjoyed his interactions with Midge, his friend and wannabe lover. There are several 'special effects' that were likely groundbreaking at the time, and the screenplay is funny and includes several legitimate thrills and surprises. A great film. #8 on the AFI list.
2. City Lights (1931) Trailer - If I dread watching 50 year old movies, I REALLY dread watching movies that are nearly 80 years old. But, 88 minutes isn't too much to give Charlie Chaplin. This silent film (released 2 years into the sound era) tells the simple story of a street tramp (Chaplin) who falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill) and saves the life of a millionaire. He then becomes fast friends with the millionaire and tries to save the girl through working, boxing for money and ultimately cashing in on his millionaire connection to provide enough money to give the girl a new life and her eyesight (via a new technique paid for by his money). I don't have the tools or experience to intelligently evaluate a silent film, but I can say that the pantomime jokes got old although some were very funny. The story is overly simple and I was not impacted by the 'dramatic' elements of the film. #11 on the AFI list.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Quick Hits from the AFI Top 100 Films
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2 comments:
I've always felt Chaplin was overrated and prefer Buster Keaton by far.
Vertigo is flawless.
vertigo is my favorite film from my favorite director. as good as it is the first time, it takes three or four viewings (for me at least) to really get to the heart of it. truly dark and kinky, it's said that hitchcock (a nihilist) finally told the world exactly what he believed. it is also said that the film is about his attempt to recreate grace kelly in every film he directed after to catch a thief (B+) (he first directed her in dial "m" for murder (A-) then another perfect film rearwindow (A)). (spoiler) the idea that men attempt to remake every girl into their first love is powerful if not unique. but, when you stir in that he didn't actually know who the first girl was and killed the subsequent girl when she couldn't measure up, well, that's greatness.
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