Twin Towers in the Movies - Part 2

For reasons that should be obvious, I don't own many of the movies which include the Twin Towers and were therefore were not included in Part 1. King Kong (1976) has Kong climb the World Trade Center instead of the Empire State Building. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) has a New York montage that ends with the camera pulling back from Macaulay Culkin standing on the observation deck of the South Tower. Much of the action in the futurstic Escape from New York (1981) takes place at the WTC. The future is often wrong:

Back to the Future, Part 2 - (1989)

The Matrix (1999)

A.I. Artificial Intelligence - (June 2001)

After 9/11/01, movies left the Towers in for different reasons.
Vanilla Sky - (December 2001) - Cameron Crowe was criticized for leaving it in, but it fits in with the rest of the story.

Gangs of New York - (2002) - A closing shot just before the credits shows the changes in the New York skyline from the 1850s. With the soundtrack playing "The Hands That Built America" by U2, I think it was appropriate for Scorsese to leave it in.

Miracle - (2004) - A nice inclusion that shows how much things have changed since that Olympic Hockey game with the Soviets in 1980.

Munich - (2005) - Some felt this closing shot was a little heavy-handed. I think it's sublime and masterful.

United 93 - (2006) - Many films have included the South Tower explosion (Bowling for Columbine, The Barbarian Invasions, Old Boy). This film and the less successful World Trade Center focused on that day. This film, by director Paul Greengrass, is the one that will be watched in history classes 50 years from now.

For a more complete list, try:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Trade_Center_in_popular_culture

But that list is far from complete, since I have included, The Kentucky Fried Movie, Manhattan, The Godfather, Part III, and Babe: Pig in the City in Part 1. Others that should be included are Made (July 2001) with the Towers behind Jon Favreau near the end and The Cruise (1998), which is about an eccentric New York tour guide.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjyOyRRq8uU

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3:10 To Yuma - A-

In theaters. Rated R, 117 minutes.

An old fashioned Western seemed like an unusual follow-up to Walk the Line for Director James Mangold (Girl Interrupted, Copland). It proved a wise decision. This film is true to the old western template, with no gimmickry or irony to dilute the tried and true formula.

The film is an adaptation of an old Elmore Leonard short story, and tells the story of Dan Evans (Christian Bale), a struggling family man rancher and his interaction with Ben Wade (Russell Crowe), notorious bank robber. Evans is in dire straits, with his ranch about to be repossessed and no respect from the town or his 14 year old son. When he witnesses Wade's crew viciously take down a stagecoach full of money (with a gattling gun - cool scene), their journey begins. Ultimately Evans agrees to help transport the dangerous Wade to Contention, Arizona to catch the 3:10 train to the Yuma prison in order to get the money to save his ranch.

Bale's Evans is a decent man that has taken the high road and gotten nothing for it except a clean conscience. His son doesn't respect him because of his restraint and caution, and admires Wade because of his outlaw status. Crowe's Wade is a Bible quoting, bird sketching bad guy that has a conscience, in spite of himself. He is amused with Evans and respects him more and more as the film moves on. Their interaction is classic, easy money versus the high road. Well written and directed, with great performances from both leads. The tug of war for Evans' son's respect between the two is compelling and smart.

There are several great supporting performances, starting with Peter Fonda. His grisled lawman provides gravitas and humor, and he should be nominated for best supporting actor. Dallas Roberts (Sam Phillips in Walk the Line) is also great as the weasely Butterfield, as is Logan Lerman as Evans' son. Playing Wade's flamboyant and ruthless sidekick is Ben Foster, who steals just about ever scene he is in. His character is conniving and cut-throat, and his flashy clothes contribute to the performance.

The film is violent, gritty, action-packed and fun. I enjoyed it as much as any other film this year. Bale has had a pretty good 2007 with both Rescue Dawn and this - any film he is in I will see now.

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Twin Towers in the Movies - Part 1

The French Connection – (1971) The Twin Towers under construction are at the 1 o’clock position above the interviewee. A better view of the Twin Towers under construction is in The Hot Rock, starring Robert Redford. It’s an above average 1972 crime dramedy with occasional razor sharp dialogue by William Goldman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTgnH2Pw0io

Three Days of the Condor – (1975) Speaking of Robert Redford, he’s the good guy in this first-rate CIA thriller. The bad guys, including Cliff Robertson and John Houseman, work out of the World Trade Center, leading to some fantastic shots.

Three Days of the Condor - at the base of the Towers.

Three Days of the Condor - That's Redford at the railing inside the WTC.

The Kentucky Fried Movie – (1977) Hit and miss comedy from the Airplane creators. Somehow this ended up in my DVD library.

Manhattan – (1979) Everyone says Woody Allen avoided putting the Twin Towers in his love letter to Manhattan, but that looks like them to me, seen at the 0 minute 53 second mark.

Terms of Endearment – (1983) This is how the Towers looked the last time I saw them in April 2000, with low-lying clouds.

Moonstruck – (1987) another beautiful shot with the Towers reflecting the early morning sun.

When Harry Met Sally … - (1989) great framing by director Rob Reiner.

The Godfather, Part III – (1990) The Paramount executives who refused to pay Robert Duvall and wait for Winona Ryder (to play Mary) while she finished “Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael” deserve to go to Guantanamo.

Die Hard With a Vengeance – (1995) Great introduction for bad guy Jeremy Irons.

Die Hard With a Vengeance – The best thing about the movie is Sam and Bruce running down the street in this shot.

Babe: Pig in the City – (1998) Interesting shot with the Towers in the 1 o’clock position. Other famous landmarks from Sydney, San Francisco, Paris, etc. are included.

Being John Malkovich – (1999) seen after John Cusack goes through the Malkovich portal for the first time.

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In Brief

America Psycho
On DVD, 2000, Rated R
Although critically acclaimed at the time and still loved by many, I could never get into this fiercely dark satire on American consumerism, contemporary masculinity, and wealth. Christian Bale is dynamite as the title character—an under-thirty VP in New York City. He takes exquisite care of his physique, dines in the finest restaurants, beds the social elite and prostitutes, and is increasingly ruled by serial-killer tendencies. The most effective moments are those between he and his friends as they compare business cards, suits, and dinner reservations. Still, Fight Club covered the same ground the year before to much better effect without reducing its title character to a vacuous shell. It is fun to see the stellar cast, though, which includes Wilem Defoe, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Chloe Sevigny, and Jared Leto. B.

Music and Lyrics
On DVD, 2007, Rated PG-13
I love Hugh Grant, but I’d hoped he’d learned the lesson of About a Boy—namely that he’s too old for this crap. As the other half of eighties pop-duo “Pop” (and nice send-up of Wham!, complete with music videos anyone that from the era will agree are spot-on), Hugh makes his living at state fairs and theme parks when a Shakira wannabe enlists him to right her a new song. Problem is, Hugh only writes music, not lyrics. Hugh bumps into literary type Drew Barrymore, and chemistry and lyrics ensue. Every cheesy angle is played up. Grant does what he can with C-material, but this film has no soul. C.

On a side note, Grant would have been great working with Hitchcock (as the other Grant was at this stage in his career), but I’m not sure who directing today can really help him turn the page he needs to turn in his career. Thoughts readers?

Walk the Line
On DVD, 2005, PG-13
Joaquin Phoenix is solid as John R. Cash in this bio-pic, nailing the competing light and blackness that made Cash a compelling star, but Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning performance as no-nonsense, straight-shooting June Carter makes the film. The story traces Cash from his young days, through his first marriage and early fame, through his icon-making concert at Folsom Prison, up to the moment he is engaged to June Carter in 1968. Although the acting is great throughout and the story is compelling, the plotline is the standard Behind The Music arc: early fame, partying, addiction, divorce, rock-bottom, recovery, and new relationship. You’ve gotta make sense of lives somehow, but I was disappointed they weren’t more creative and chose to leave out the religious awakening that lead to Cash’s decision to come clean. Religion is a part of the American experience, and is certainly a part of the contradictions that are Johnny Cash. He’s a member of the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, and he vacationed every summer with Billy Graham. That’s worth exploring. B+

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New Trailers

1. THERE WILL BE BLOOD. As previously noted several times, this is Paul Thomas Anderson's (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) new film, starring Daniel Day-Lewis. Score and original music by Jonny Greenwood (lead guitarist/instrumentalist, Radiohead). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37BwmU1Am1I

2. Rambo 4. Not as pedigreed to say the least, but interesting. John Rambo as reluctant genocide savior :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgKaAeGfOyA

3. Margot at the Wedding. Written and Directed by Noah Baumbach (Squid and the Whale and frequent Wes Anderson collaborator). Nicole Kidman sucks, but this looks funny in spite of her. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NQobRrZhvo

4. The Assasination of Jesse James (new trailer) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWMLGqtUoi0

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Quick Hits

I've watched 3 movies on DVD this week, but didn't have time to post.

The Game - B+. Director David Fincher's follow-up to Seven was brilliant in my memory, but only pretty good upon a repeat viewing. Michael Douglas is perfectly cast as the hollowed out billionaire who has everything except happiness. His father committed suicide at 48, and for his 48th birthday, his little brother (Sean Penn) gives him a gift of 'the game.' The game is an elaborate role playing game simulating reality that pushes Douglas to the brink and ending in what he thinks is his suicide. Stylish and smart.

Iris - B-. Kate Winslet, Judi Dench, and Jim Broadbent star in this uber-English tale of a famous English writer, known for her brilliant mind and unconventional approach to gender roles and sex. The film focuses on her descent into a fog of alzheimers, with Dench playing the old Iris and Winslet portraying her in her prime, the two are intermixed throughout. Broadbent is the bumbling but loving husband. This movie wasn't for me, although the performances were strong. As for alzheimer's movies, this year's Away From Her (B+) is much better.

Fight Club - A-. Doc's pictorial spread made me want to watch this Fincher classic again. I have a much different perspective on it than I did when I last watched it 4 years ago....I am the worker drone, and so Ed Norton's numbness and disdain hit close to home. The film is cosmic and philosophical, with great performances by Helena Bonham Carter, Edward Norton, and Brad Pitt.

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There Will Be Blood Poster

Anticipation is going through the stratosphere with this one. (Click on it to get the full effect)

Just because.

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Errata

1. New Sacha Baron Cohen projects: His next film will be Bruno, based on his gay fashion reporter character from Da Ali G Show. Then he will do Dinner for Schmucks, directed by Jay Roach. It is based on a French film that focused on a weekly dinner party held by a Paris publisher who challenges his friends to bring the most pathetic guest to the gathering.

2. New Trailers: Grace is Gone - John Cusack as war widow with 2 daughters. Looks good: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEIFN0i3EJo . The Mist - Directed by Frank Darabont, based on a Stephen King story (trailer features the great score from The Fountain): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP-MHO_M6ik

3. Flight of the Conchords - Renewed for a second season. Best TV this year, without question. Go here, and watch as much as you can: www.hbo.com/conchords/video/index.html



4. Daniel Day-Lewis and Paul Thomas Anderson in Telluride last week. Just a cool picture.

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Fight Club - in 10 Pictures

Not exactly the side effects of treated testicular cancer.


The highest “dildo” per word average in film history.

“The things you own end up owning you.” Truer words have never been spoken.

I knew this scene was classic the second I saw it on 10/15/99.

One for the ladies – and the History Boys.

A great, complex performance by Helena Bonham Carter.

For an anti-establishment movie, this product placement is disturbing.

Great composition by director David Fincher.

Love the vertical and horizontal lines.

Another great composition with Norton leaning into the light (becoming enlightened).

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No End In Sight - B

In theaters. Not rated, 102 minutes.

To say that the conflict in Iraq and the volumes of news about it that is available everyday gives me extreme tired head is putting it mildly. I chose to see No End In Sight on the back end of a rare 2 movie night (the first was a second viewing of Once (A-)). The film starts in 2002 and goes to the present, clearly and concisely laying out the choices and mistakes made in the planning and execution of the occupation and rebuilding of Iraq.

Those interviewed included Richard Armitage, Jay Garner and several soldiers. The picture they draw is one of an administration (primarily Donald Rumsfeld) naive and unprepared for the aftermath of the taking of Baghdad. The film doesn't spend more than 3 or 4 minutes on the premise under which the Iraq war was initiated, instead focusing on the aftermath and parade of follies that began the day Baghdad was taken. The primary assertion of the film is that the problems that took root in the first 3 or 4 months after that day are still causing the problems there today. The filmmakers are highly critical of Paul Bremer, the first leader of the provisional authority, and his decision to proceed with 'de Ba'athification' and the disbanding of the Iraqi army.

The film served as a good primer on why Iraq is so difficult and why we are in the position we are in. The bias touches were annoying, such as only showing pictures of Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz and the crew with smiles on their faces and using ominous tones and leading narration to gloss over weak points. I have seen some reviewers give this film much higher marks than I have, which is a joke. I would recommend the film, but it is not in the same league with other documentaries like Fog of War (A-).

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Superbad - B

In theaters. Rated R!, 114 minutes.

The latest installment in the Judd Apatow juggernaut (Talladega Nights, 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up) is the extremely funny and crude Superbad. The film stars Jonah Hill (Knocked Up) and Michael Cera (Arrested Development) as best friends in high school on the fringes of being cool. The plot of the movie is a typical high school story: guys trying to get alcohol to bring to a party in the hopes of 'scoring' with the girl of their choice.

As is typical with any Apatow production, the film contains a moral sensitivity within a coarse and filthy exterior. Michael Cera is the more studious and nice of the two (the geeky duckling) and Hill is the loud and obnoxious one (the ugly duckling). Their interaction is first-rate comedy, but the film has a 'been there' feel after having seen Knocked Up (A-). Seth Rogen and Bill Hader have supporting roles as freewheeling cops, and both are funny and effective.

The film was written by Seth Rogen and his high school friend Evan Goldberg, and is generally good, with several laugh out loud moments. The problem is that there were 1 too many storylines and about 20 minutes should have been cut (the weird 'adult party' scenes especially). Worth seeing, but if you're easy or even hard to offend, it is a pretty raunchy trip.

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Favorite Scenes - Swingers

The COFFEE SHOP WAITRESS approaches the table.

WAITRESS: Are you ready to order?

MIKE: Coffee...(points to Trent, who nods).Two coffees. It says "Breakfast
Any Time", right?

WAITRESS: That's right.

MIKE: I'll have "pancakes in the Age of
Enlightenment".

(It goes over like a lead balloon)

WAITRESS: And you?

TRENT: I'll have the Blackbeard over easy.

WAITRESS: I'll be back with the coffee.

She takes the menus and goes.

TRENT:(genuinely)Nice, baby.

MIKE: I should've said Renaissance, right? It went over her head.

TRENT: Baby, you did fine.

MIKE: (disgusted with himself)"Age of Enlightenment". Sh!t. Like some
waitress in a Las Vegas coffee shop is going to get an obscure
French philosophical reference. How demeaning. I may as well have
just said "Let me jump your ignorant bones."...

TRENT: ...Baby...

MIKE: ... It's just, I thought "Renaissance" was too Excaliber, it's the
wrong casino. She would've gotten it, though...

TRENT: You did fine. Don't sweat her. We're meeting our honeys soon.
You know Christy's friend is going to be money.

MIKE: I hope so.(checks watch). We gotta go soon.

TRENT: Baby, relax. It's just down the hall.
She's gotta change... we'll be fine.

MIKE: We didn't do so bad after all.

TRENT: Baby, we're money.

Mike tries to catch the attention of their waitress.

MIKE: Excuse me. We're in a bit of a hurry.

WAITRESS: Hang on, Voltaire.

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The French Connection - A-

On DVD (1971). Rated R, 104 minutes.

The early 1970's yielded a ridiculous number of classic films, including The French Connection, Best Picture for 1971. Directed by William Friedkin (he won an Oscar for directing) and starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider (Jaws), this film redefined the cop drama at the time.

Gene Hackman (in an Oscar winning performance) portrays Popeye, a hard charging, 'damn the rules' cop with good intentions. Scheider (nominated) is his partner, Cloudy. They are narcotics cops in 1971 New York, and randomly happen upon a big shipment coming in from France. The film follows their building of the case and surveillance of the various characters in the drug deal. Friedkin weaves the French and NY storylines masterfully, and the action sequences are frenetic and interesting. This was groundbreaking it was released, as many of the shots and chase sequences meet or exceed the quality in even today's films.

Hackman's Popeye is brilliant. His past hunches resulted in a cop being killed, and he seems hellbent on righting that wrong, losing sight of what needs to be done along the way. Friedkin juxtaposes the lavish lives of the criminals with his own meager and obsessed existence to great effect. The film ends with a depressing set of results for the criminals he chases, and the overall message of the film is bleak. A great film.

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