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juliette-20138
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Apocalypse Now (1979)
Excellent tribute to Conrad...
This film was incredibly well done, and the similarities to Conrad's Heart of Darkness were amazing, creating a similar message in the end. The first scene is everything: the cinematography was perfect, and The End by the Doors as the soundtrack worked eerily well. Lighting throughout the movie, especially surrounding the mysterious Kurtz (although it was needed) also worked well to establish the mood.
Throughout the movie, we are encouraged to see that Kurtz' inhumanity likely stems from being put in a situation where he answers to (essentially) no one, where there are no rules, and where morals he thought he once had fell apart. Maybe, it is more the absence of "civilization" that leads to the "civilization" that encourages inhumane treatment. It is human nature that is at fault, not any individual or group. The encouragement of American society for Kurtz to act in this way also definitely had an effect on him, but this is also human nature in a way. Human nature includes the elite's love for power and their ability to send others off to do the dirty work as well as the quality of obedience in those "others". All of these are human biases, and it seems like only the people who have a great deal of self-awareness/control would be able to overcome them. Coppola's genius in Apocalypse Now encourages us to recognize that we all have darkness inside of us, but it is our ability to overcome this madness, even in the face of no authority or laws OR in the face of authority that is evidently incorrect, that is what matters. This movie, like Conrad's masterpiece, also raises the following questions: When to "shield" the truth? Who should do so? Does anyone have the right to do so? Should the public have full access to all knowledge? It makes sense to think that the general public is sometimes not in the position to make a good judgement call and that emotions would cloud our judgement. But this mindset is also dangerous for the people who ultimately make the call, as it places them on a pedestal that could then cloud their judgement. Hard question that we need to ask ourselves...
There are also apparent differences between Apocalypse Now and Heart of Darkness. For example, in Heart of Darkness, the British Empire stands firm, with Conrad seeming to respect the British Empire endlessly. With such a positive view of the motherland, the implications in Heart of Darkness in terms of England seem to be that all is not yet lost and there is some hope for mankind after all. The film is entirely different; after watching it and learning of the Vietnam war, few people would dare to advocate for the US as a solution to any problem today. This then leads us to the opposite conclusion: that America has absolutely no right to put itself on a pedestal that creates 'good' in the world. And of course, in today's view, this idea is much more realistic and applicable. I appreciate that Coppola urges his audience to recognize that America is not some heaven and also to look back on history and our mistakes. This movie was very well done, with aspects like sound and editing coming together to create a masterpiece, and raises difficult questions that we must ask ourselves.
The Exorcist (1973)
A masterpiece
Every little thing about this movie seems to have had a purpose, creating the perfect mood. Even just the first scene with the boy running is perfectly crafted. The way that the camera follows him and switches angles gives the audience a nervous feeling to dive into the movie with. The beginning of the movie is incredibly well-done in terms of sound as well. The diegetic commotion surrounding Father Merrin followed by almost complete silence until the non-diegetic, intense music is played when he faces the demon statue works very well to create an uneasy feel. The play with sound to create a mood is apparent throughout the film, especially with Regan's different, haunted voices and noises.
It is not just sound that makes this movie extraordinary. The cinematography and editing are incredible. As the audience, we experience everything from excellent moving close up shots like in the subway with Father Damien walking to incredible, very quick editing to create a creepy feel to Father Damien's dream. The lighting throughout the film is also impressive and gets progressively darker following Regan's psychological state. Of course, the exorcism scenes themselves are also very well-done, combining all of the aspects previously discussed to create a terribly intense, horrific feel.
I appreciated how this film actually followed a story unlike many horror movies today that really just feature jump scares. We are immersed in Regan's life as she battles what is inside her, and we become invested in the well-being of the characters we see. As a horror movie lover, this movie leaves me wanting to watch it again and again, appreciating the incredible artwork that made it the haunted film it is.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Obviously had a lasting impact
It's probably safe to say that the majority of America has heard of Bonnie and Clyde, even without seeing the movie or the story it is based off of. Therefore, it's not surprising that this movie is cited by many as the first movie of New Hollywood and as very influential. Various aspects of the movie, including the intense gun scenes (with blood) and the kissing scenes (hinting not very subtly at sex) must have been incredibly exciting for movie-goers at the time, as these scenes went against the dying Hays Code during the past (almost) 40 years. It is most likely for these reasons that the film is so well known. Although the new feel of the film and the great editing and cinematography (like in many of the shooting scenes) was fun to watch, I personally felt that the plot was a bit boring to follow and repetitive. Of course, the questions that this film brings up are still important (and would not have been repetitive or cliche for movie-goers at the time). We are encouraged to ask ourselves why we sympathize with the "bad guys." Is it because a small part of us wishes that we could be like them, and watching the movie allows us an outlet for these wishes? We are also encouraged to recognize how addicting bad behavior can become and how blinding adrenaline can be. It may just be my biases as a person of the younger generation today that caused me to find the plot boring, but in trying to look at the movie from an older generation's eyes when it first came out, I can definitely appreciate the novelty and excitement this film must have caused.
Notorious (1946)
Impressive but not what I initially expected
After beginning this film, excited that it was listed on multiple websites as one of the best "psychological thrillers", I was a bit surprised to find that a good portion of the plot revolved around a love relationship. However, after analyzing every scene, I came to appreciate not only what this relationship did for the movie, but also the incredible detail that went into the film. Every aspect of this film, from lighting to sound, worked incredibly well to create moods depending on the scene. The editing of close ups combined with low-key lighting and dramatic music allowed for many of the scenes closer to the end of the movie to have a jarring effect. Furthermore, I soon found that the relationship was about much more than love. Hitchcock brought up questions of trust, of manipulation, and of greed with the complications that arise between Alicia and Devlin. The relationship in this film between Alicia and Devlin also illustrates the breaking up of the Hays Code during this period, as there were insanely long (compared to previous) kissing scenes and scenes suggesting romance. Although this movie was not as intense and mind-blowing as I expected, the fantastic editing, directing, and cinematography made me really enjoy the film and the questions it raises.
The Bad Seed (1956)
Brilliant
This movie is by far my favorite "old" film that I have seen. I LOVE psychology and I find murderers especially fascinating to study. To start, Patty McCormack was incredible; she created Roda's character seamlessly with her seemingly perfect, sweet exterior while also showing her empathy-lacking, ruthless interior (a true psychopath!). Nancy Kelly was also fantastic as the mother; her facial expressions really showed the internal battle she was facing with regard to how she should react to her child.
The eerie mood of this film was created flawlessly by many aspects of the movie. The beginning and end of the film were parallels in their settings of a dark, ominous storm. LeRoy continues to play with lighting throughout the film, with the room getting darker as Roda admits her crimes to her mother. Roda's creepy piano playing adds to the mood as well.
I really enjoyed how this film brought up the age-old question of nature vs nuture. Of course, now, we have a better understanding of how it is more nature AND nurture, but this movie probably opened many people's eyes to such a possibility. Another uncomfortable thought that the film brings up: maybe we all are partly "bad seeds". Now, we must ask ourselves how to deal with it.
Sunset Blvd. (1950)
weird but incredibly fascinating
This film was very well done with every aspect, from cinematography to plot. Gloria Swanson's wide-eyed facial expressions held such intensity that you could feel the crazy as if it were right next to you. The way the film is shot intensifies this mood even more: black and white that emits a powerful, severe feeling. I found the narration to be extremely effective; I felt very involved in the story as an audience member. All of the characters' (Max, Norma, Joe especially) psychological struggles were very fascinating to follow as well. The complexity hiding beneath the surface in this film is captivating.
The plot is also odd but relatable in a way; I found the movie to be very applicable.. Not only do some recent movies parallel Sunset Blvd. (like Black Swan), but we can also see ourselves in Norma. As everyone knows, it is incredibly difficult to give up a dream you have worked so hard for, and although this film takes it to the extreme, we are warned of the devastating effects of a close mind not willing to see the greater picture. This film definitely critiques the Hollywood facade and illustrates the real effects of such a pressure cooker.
Gentleman's Agreement (1947)
Very unique and applicable to today
This film was very well done, despite its few shortcomings. Most movies tackling social issues, especially racism, seem to only focus on extreme cases, and I've never seen a movie like this one that explores the small cases that many of us seem to ignore. The whole idea of a "gentleman's agreement" is definitely valid and is still prevalent today, with some people seeming to assume that their supposedly superior ideas are shared by those around them, who are too afraid to correct those who are speaking.
The most effective part of this film in terms of its significance was, in my opinion, the depiction of Kathy. As Phil pointed out, there were so many "Kathys," who were apparently upset by racist jokes/comments but did nothing to fight it, just sitting there without saying a word. THIS is the real problem, even today. So many people are surprised and offended by racism and prejudice, questioning why it persists, but do nothing to combat it! Many people watching this film, especially at the time it was released, most likely saw Kathy's change (into someone willing to fight back) and realized their own racist tendencies that they had ignored before, maybe willing to do the same as Kathy with their own lives. A change like this is substantial in that this is how we can truly combat unfortunate things like anti-semitism: fight back.
The only criticism I have is that this movie focused only on the upper class, failing to show viewers the issues that were also widespread in every other social class. I think this would have allowed for a bigger picture to be made and a more significant change in the opinions of the audience. Overall, this movie was definitely progressive and eye-opening. Unfortunately, unlike the grandma said, we have not reached a "century for everyone" even to this day, and I doubt we will any time in the near future. However, it is movies like this that push us a little closer and allow us to recognize our own fallacies and delusions. I hope that with more time, we can create a world that is truly void of prejudice and discrimination, not one where people simply think so and ignore their own biases.
The Women (1939)
Very funny and dramatic
This movie is very funny and drama motivated with an all female cast. Not a single male appears throughout the entire movie. The constant, fast gossip and the set allow for such a dramatic feel: the audience is taken into rich apartments and shops alive with extravagant items where drama is always happening. This movie also got around many of the requirements of films at the time (there are scenes like when the women are in bubble baths suggesting nudity) by focusing on the situations with other characters.
The cinematography and editing in this movie are well thought out. Close ups are very effective, and every single telephone interaction includes a close up, allowing the audience to really see the emotions of the women as they deal with their various issues with other women/ their husbands, adding to the drama. There are many short takes coupled with a fast-moving camera between rooms, especially at the beginning of the film, that both contribute to the fast-life feel that the women are living in.
Clearly, the focus on women in this film was progressive in terms of the film industry and society at the time, and the portrayal of unreserved females went along with the changing view of women during the early 1900s. However, there is also another side of this film that is making fun of the upper class and how ridiculous their drama is compared to real problems in the world. Nonetheless, both of these sides of the movie were influential and effective.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
Brilliant Screwball comedy
This film works incredibly well as a screwball comedy and effectively gets around many of the rules of the Hays Code. The way that it is written makes the audience feel like they are in on a secret joke. Every time that Susan says, "Oh, now don't you worry David, everything will be alright" is really suggesting that the movie is a world where no consequences exist. Evidently, this sort of life philosophy would not be tolerated by the Hays Code, but the writers were able to get around this, somewhat ironically and humorously, by having Susan respond in such a way after seemingly harmful things happen, like Baby escaping.
The humor in this film is also enhanced by the seemingly opposite characteristics of David, who is somewhat timid and likes "quiet", and Susan, who is a much more loud, in your-face person. The different personalities of these two is hilarious to watch in their interactions with each other and with those around them. For instance, when David is taking a shower and Susan takes his clothes in order to keep him at the house longer, David's reaction (he becomes angry and puts on a fluffy, woman's robe because he can't find other clothes) is very funny and could only happen because of Susan's action.
Another effective scene that seems to get around the Hays Code is the famous scene where they (Susan and David) both end up ripping parts of their outfits after the other person stepping on it (Susan the back of her dress). David has to get very close to Susan in order to leave the building with her without people seeing the back of her dress. This closeness for a prolonged period of time appears to be against the Code but is brilliantly justified by the dress situation.
By and large, this film was very fun to watch and definitely had the audience of the time laughing and feeling like they were in on a secret joke against the industry!
Dracula (1931)
Clearly influential
It is quite evident that this movie was very influential both with respect to society and the movie industry. It can be seen as one of the movies that kicked off the horror film genre, and even today, we seen remains of its effects. In present society, I would be surprised to find someone who is not familiar with the story of Dracula and the vampire movies that were inspired by this original story.
As a horror movie lover today, I cannot overcome my bias in judging the plot of the movie and the movie in general. I found it very slow and predictable, but this is likely because of what I have been exposed to at present time. If I were a movie-goer in 1931, perhaps I would have have enjoyed it much more; I'm sure that I would not have seen anything like it, and it would most likely a very good thriller in my 1931 eyes. Even in my mindset today, I did find that the lighting (darkness throughout the film) contributed to the scary tone and was very effective in producing a horror effect. The widening of the eyes of both Dracula and Renfield had a similar effect that I enjoyed.
Aside from my biases as a young adult in today's world, I enjoyed this movie. Its effects are clearly widespread, and I have movies like this to thank for the modern horror movies I love today.
Scarface (1932)
Did Scarface meet its goals?
Overall, this film was well-done, keeping in mind the technology available at the time and the time period in general. The stated goal of this film was to raise awareness of gang activity, promoting anti-gang governmental policy. The question: did it really do so?
Despite some validity in the criticism that the film exaggerates some aspects of gang activity, from the viewpoint of someone watching this movie at the time it was produced, it seems that the material would be very relevant and influential. I think that really getting into a gang's behavior and mindset, along with its interactions with other gangs (like South Side vs North Side in the film) was something that people at the time had never experienced. If I were living in the 1930s watching this film, it would certainly give me a new perspective and would encourage me to have an anti-gang stance as well. Keeping in mind its popularity, it is rational to think that this movie was very significant in changing the mindset of its viewers on gangs and making them more adverse to gang activity as they watched Tony Camonte's brutality. The character arc of Tony and his rise to power most likely contributed the greatest to this change in perspective, but even small metaphors that Wellman included, like the sign outside of Tony's house, allowed viewers to appreciate the irony of the situation.
All in all, Scarface is not only culturally significant, but also historically significant as we look back on gang activity and its implications for America at large. From my knowledge as of now, I would argue that Wellman did effectively meet his goals for his movie.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Very well done comedy
This film, as has been said in the other reviewer comments, is very well done and clearly ahead of its time. The comedic aspects of the movie were effective and contributed to an overall humorous tone; for example, even simple props used, such as the pool table, has the audience laughing, in this case, at the irony of the situation. The struggle that Keaton's main character (played by himself) faces when attempting to be both a projectionist and a detective adds a storyline that, although exaggerated for a humorous effect, is relatable in many ways for those of us today who attempt to juggle multiple jobs or activities at once.
Keaton's genius is not only present in the storyline, but also in the production of this film, especially in the beginning of the dream scene. What seems like a difficult succession of settings is pulled off flawlessly by Keaton, and we are transported with the main character to everywhere from a house to a tall cliff. It is evident that Keaton's comedy and production in this film were revolutionary for his time and had a significant effect on future films.
Overall, this film is both something we can relate to (in a way) and also a comedy well ahead of its time. For someone who is movie novice, especially with regard to old movies, I really enjoyed this film.