Film: Snow White
Year: 1937
Where I Saw It: DVD
Let me start out by saying that yes, as a child, I did enjoy this film. And yes, I do respect it as the first feature film which launched many great children's films and even more children's- WHY THE HELL WOULD ANYONE MAKE CINDERELLA 2!?! THAT DOESN'T EVEN MAKE SENSE!!! Anyhoo... Have you seen Snow White recently? And tried to watch it without the goggles of nostalgia? Let's do this.
1. If a creepy old woman came up to you and offered you an apple, would you ever even consider eating it?
2. This is one of those movies which is a staple for little girls and her sole job is to clean the house for seven men.
3. Dopey puts a cymbal on his head and imitates a Chinese person.
4. Snow White seems to be afraid of trees.
5. The queen has a magic mirror which can tell her ANYTHING she could ever want to know, and the best ideas she could come up with is to find out who's prettier than she is.
6. The dwarfs mine for gems but we never hear for what reason.
7. If the queen can change her appearance, why doesn't she just turn herself into someone prettier than Snow White?
One Last Point - Is it just me, or is the Prince wearing lipstick?
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Sunday, 18 September 2011
The 39 Steps and- Just Watch The Play... It's way better.
Film: The 39 Steps
Year: 1935
Where I Saw It: Netflix
This week we have a film which is part film noir, part thriller and part romantic comedy. It actually pulls off all these roles quite well. There's just one problem. The play is leaps and bounds way better. I saw this show on Broadway and there were at least three times I couldn't stop laughing and I had tears running down my face. The movie is funny, but since I saw the play first, it really fell flat. It's hard to explain why the play is so much funnier without ruining the plot but I'll just say there is stuff the actors do on stage which would NEVER translate on film.
But back to focusing on the movie. The chemistry between the two leads is wonderful and makes the romantic comedy parts of the film really enjoyable to watch. There's nothing worse than watching a movie where the two romantic leads are supposed to be all lovey-dovey and it's clear the two actual actors can't stand each other (for the best example of this see Yes Man).
The film works as a thriller too. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock (which surprised the hell out of me) and although the movie is unlike any other film I've seen of his, he still adds elements of suspense which still proves that nobody does it better. Whether it's the two leads handcuffed together escaping the police, or just wondering who's going to betray who next, the film really moves along. It's one of those few films that when it's over, you're surprised to see how much time has passed.
One Last Point - If you're interested in seeing the play, it's running right now at The Gladstone.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Year: 1935
Where I Saw It: Netflix
This week we have a film which is part film noir, part thriller and part romantic comedy. It actually pulls off all these roles quite well. There's just one problem. The play is leaps and bounds way better. I saw this show on Broadway and there were at least three times I couldn't stop laughing and I had tears running down my face. The movie is funny, but since I saw the play first, it really fell flat. It's hard to explain why the play is so much funnier without ruining the plot but I'll just say there is stuff the actors do on stage which would NEVER translate on film.
But back to focusing on the movie. The chemistry between the two leads is wonderful and makes the romantic comedy parts of the film really enjoyable to watch. There's nothing worse than watching a movie where the two romantic leads are supposed to be all lovey-dovey and it's clear the two actual actors can't stand each other (for the best example of this see Yes Man).
The film works as a thriller too. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock (which surprised the hell out of me) and although the movie is unlike any other film I've seen of his, he still adds elements of suspense which still proves that nobody does it better. Whether it's the two leads handcuffed together escaping the police, or just wondering who's going to betray who next, the film really moves along. It's one of those few films that when it's over, you're surprised to see how much time has passed.
One Last Point - If you're interested in seeing the play, it's running right now at The Gladstone.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Thursday, 8 September 2011
M and WOW!!!
Film: M
Year: 1931
Where I saw it: Netflix
OK, so you know how last post I said I was surprised how much Pandora's Box pushed the envelope? Well that's NOTHING compared to M. This film is about a serial child killer! You don't see anything (no gore or brutal special effects) but the imagery sure gives you a lot to think about and in the end, is almost more effective than anything we could cook up now. And here's the messed up part. In the end, you actually feel sorry for the murderer!
This film was CRAZY!!! You have good guys going after the murderer, bad guys going after the murderer and the murderer himself preparing his latest victim. All of these events create one of the most suspenseful films I have seen in a long time. It's subtitled though, so for those of you who don't like that sort of thing, you've been warned. But even if you're not a fan of subtitles, you might still want to give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
The only thing that's a little off with this movie is how they identify the murderer. The murderer is always whistling the same tune and a blind beggar recognizes it. The tune isn't some unique song or combination of notes. It's a really well known song. It makes you think about what if someone else had just happened to whistle the same tune. The poor sap would have half the city chasing him down and he'd have no idea why.
One Last Point - Once the murderer is identified, they track him by drawing a M on his jacket. I would have made a sign that says "this guy kills children" then follow him around. Fun fact: this is also a great way to meet people.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Year: 1931
Where I saw it: Netflix
OK, so you know how last post I said I was surprised how much Pandora's Box pushed the envelope? Well that's NOTHING compared to M. This film is about a serial child killer! You don't see anything (no gore or brutal special effects) but the imagery sure gives you a lot to think about and in the end, is almost more effective than anything we could cook up now. And here's the messed up part. In the end, you actually feel sorry for the murderer!
This film was CRAZY!!! You have good guys going after the murderer, bad guys going after the murderer and the murderer himself preparing his latest victim. All of these events create one of the most suspenseful films I have seen in a long time. It's subtitled though, so for those of you who don't like that sort of thing, you've been warned. But even if you're not a fan of subtitles, you might still want to give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
The only thing that's a little off with this movie is how they identify the murderer. The murderer is always whistling the same tune and a blind beggar recognizes it. The tune isn't some unique song or combination of notes. It's a really well known song. It makes you think about what if someone else had just happened to whistle the same tune. The poor sap would have half the city chasing him down and he'd have no idea why.
One Last Point - Once the murderer is identified, they track him by drawing a M on his jacket. I would have made a sign that says "this guy kills children" then follow him around. Fun fact: this is also a great way to meet people.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Monday, 29 August 2011
Pandora's Box and Why is Jack The Ripper Here?
Film: Die Buchse Der Pandora (Pandora's Box)
Year: 1929
Where I saw it: Netflix
This film was great! Little bit love story, little bit femme fatal story and all mixed in the setting of the Roaring Twenties. I was surprised at some of the content of this film. I had always assumed older films were held to more rigorous censorship and therefore could tackle topics which were considered "blue". The main character is a prostitute and the film follows her exploits. Now, the next question is, "Do we get to see boobs?" Nope, but you do see her many clients and how they all fall for her and MUST have her to themselves.
Another controversial point (for the time) in this film is the fact that one of her admires is a lesbian. And at one point they even (gasp) dance together. The question of boobs is probably coming up again and I have to say no.
So the prostitute eventually marries one of her admirers and right after (and I MEAN right after) the groom realizes this may have not been the best idea and he shoots himself. The police think she killed him and the second half of the film is how she lives on the streets and keeps ahead of the law.
And here's where things get weird. This film takes place in the Twenties but for the last scene the film takes place in the late 1800's. "Oh, do you mean a prequel of sorts?" Nope. No prequel, no dream sequence, no Doc showing up in a Delorean. Just for some reason we are now in the late 1800's. And who does she meet? Jack The Ripper. Spoiler Alert: she dies.
One Last Point - If you want to see some boobs, go to a Strip Joint, but do not marry her.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Year: 1929
Where I saw it: Netflix
This film was great! Little bit love story, little bit femme fatal story and all mixed in the setting of the Roaring Twenties. I was surprised at some of the content of this film. I had always assumed older films were held to more rigorous censorship and therefore could tackle topics which were considered "blue". The main character is a prostitute and the film follows her exploits. Now, the next question is, "Do we get to see boobs?" Nope, but you do see her many clients and how they all fall for her and MUST have her to themselves.
Another controversial point (for the time) in this film is the fact that one of her admires is a lesbian. And at one point they even (gasp) dance together. The question of boobs is probably coming up again and I have to say no.
So the prostitute eventually marries one of her admirers and right after (and I MEAN right after) the groom realizes this may have not been the best idea and he shoots himself. The police think she killed him and the second half of the film is how she lives on the streets and keeps ahead of the law.
And here's where things get weird. This film takes place in the Twenties but for the last scene the film takes place in the late 1800's. "Oh, do you mean a prequel of sorts?" Nope. No prequel, no dream sequence, no Doc showing up in a Delorean. Just for some reason we are now in the late 1800's. And who does she meet? Jack The Ripper. Spoiler Alert: she dies.
One Last Point - If you want to see some boobs, go to a Strip Joint, but do not marry her.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Metropolis and Woman Who Seems to be Afraid of Flashlights
Film: Metropolis
Year: 1927
Where I saw it: Netflix
Unless you are a science fiction fan and want a strong dose of "you've come a long way baby" or you are interested in the history of special effects, I wouldn't recommend this one. Being a silent film which clocks in at almost two and a half hours long, it can easily lose your interest. Now don't get me wrong. I liked it. The effects by today's standards may seem hokey but must have blown the minds of people back in the day. It's a neat blend of future society and medieval imagery. But if you're not a fan of the genre, then you might want to let this one pass.
The main female lead does an amazing job. She plays two parts. One, a serine priestess trying to bring comfort to her people and the other being an evil robot clone. (This is why I say you have to be a fan. Me: Evil robot clone? LET'S DO THIS THING!!! My wife: Evil robot clone? You're an idiot.) She does seem to be afraid of flashlights though. There's one scene where the bad guy is going to catch her. He does this by shining what looks to be a flashlight on the floor and on the walls in order to scare her into his trap. It's great. The main male lead is awful. If one of your goals in life is to over act everything you do then this guy would be a great role model. For example, in one scene someone knocks at the door. His reaction to this is equivalent to someone telling him that they just slowly ran over his dog and then stuffed it with candy and gave it to the parents of a small child because they needed a pinata.
One last point - The film takes place in the year 2026. Get on it science! I'm still waiting for my hoverboard!
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Year: 1927
Where I saw it: Netflix
Unless you are a science fiction fan and want a strong dose of "you've come a long way baby" or you are interested in the history of special effects, I wouldn't recommend this one. Being a silent film which clocks in at almost two and a half hours long, it can easily lose your interest. Now don't get me wrong. I liked it. The effects by today's standards may seem hokey but must have blown the minds of people back in the day. It's a neat blend of future society and medieval imagery. But if you're not a fan of the genre, then you might want to let this one pass.
The main female lead does an amazing job. She plays two parts. One, a serine priestess trying to bring comfort to her people and the other being an evil robot clone. (This is why I say you have to be a fan. Me: Evil robot clone? LET'S DO THIS THING!!! My wife: Evil robot clone? You're an idiot.) She does seem to be afraid of flashlights though. There's one scene where the bad guy is going to catch her. He does this by shining what looks to be a flashlight on the floor and on the walls in order to scare her into his trap. It's great. The main male lead is awful. If one of your goals in life is to over act everything you do then this guy would be a great role model. For example, in one scene someone knocks at the door. His reaction to this is equivalent to someone telling him that they just slowly ran over his dog and then stuffed it with candy and gave it to the parents of a small child because they needed a pinata.
One last point - The film takes place in the year 2026. Get on it science! I'm still waiting for my hoverboard!
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Nosferatu and Harker's Creepy Boss
Film: Nosferatu
Year: 1922
Where I saw it: DVD
So here goes nothing. Nosferatu. This film is creepy. I mean everything's creepy. The vampire's creepy, the other cast members are creepy and I have no proof, but I'm pretty sure the crew must be creepy as well. But the creepiest person by far in the film is not the vampire but Harker's boss Reinfield. Just watch the opening scene and you'll see what I mean. No one would work for this guy much less do anything he says. Picture yourself at where ever you work then picture your boss saying to you, "Hey, your next assignment may cause a little pain and blood." Unless you work for the UFC or you happen to star on Deadliest Catch, you would probably be concerned. Never mind the fact that your boss looks like a gremlin crossed with one of the Keebler elves with a dash of Humpty Dumpty.
Being a silent film, you might think it would have trouble holding your attention but it doesn't. I enjoyed it very much. But I did have trouble telling whether scenes took place in the day or at night (all films had to be shot in the day or well lit area's at the time because of camera limitations). For example, there's one scene where the vampire is walking down the street carrying his coffin under his arm in what looked to be the middle of the day and no one seemed to care or even notice.
One last point, Van Helsing, is not the Vampire Hunter we all know and love in this film. In this film, he only teaches Biology to some extras and then we never see him again.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
Year: 1922
Where I saw it: DVD
So here goes nothing. Nosferatu. This film is creepy. I mean everything's creepy. The vampire's creepy, the other cast members are creepy and I have no proof, but I'm pretty sure the crew must be creepy as well. But the creepiest person by far in the film is not the vampire but Harker's boss Reinfield. Just watch the opening scene and you'll see what I mean. No one would work for this guy much less do anything he says. Picture yourself at where ever you work then picture your boss saying to you, "Hey, your next assignment may cause a little pain and blood." Unless you work for the UFC or you happen to star on Deadliest Catch, you would probably be concerned. Never mind the fact that your boss looks like a gremlin crossed with one of the Keebler elves with a dash of Humpty Dumpty.
Being a silent film, you might think it would have trouble holding your attention but it doesn't. I enjoyed it very much. But I did have trouble telling whether scenes took place in the day or at night (all films had to be shot in the day or well lit area's at the time because of camera limitations). For example, there's one scene where the vampire is walking down the street carrying his coffin under his arm in what looked to be the middle of the day and no one seemed to care or even notice.
One last point, Van Helsing, is not the Vampire Hunter we all know and love in this film. In this film, he only teaches Biology to some extras and then we never see him again.
Thanks for reading! - Scott Scene
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