Mike S. Reviews

Frenzy (1972)

One of Hitchcock's best

[11 March 1999]

Frenzy is an astute, witty and hugely enjoyable piece of audience manipulation by a film maker who is clearly having the time of his life. Many of the themes of earlier Hitchcock - the wrong man, the double life, marriage, graveyard humour - are restored with an edge of malice and unpleasantness that is new to his films. There is nothing charming or touching about this film - even the scenes between the detective and his wife are all about the aridity of marriage. Yet, in construction and realisation, it is one of Hitch's best films.

There are three genuinely great sequences, each showing a different side to the director. Firstly, the much discussed rape sequence, culminating in murder. This scene is incredibly difficult to watch, as it should be and there is nothing even vaguely eroticised about it. The image that remains with me is the close up of Brenda Blaney saying the Lord's prayer to an uncaring, unlistening God. Secondly, the deeply moving backwards tracking shot down the staircase, as the camera recoils in horror at the events taking place in the room. We don't need to see what the murderer is doing - Hitch's camera is eloquent enough. Finally, the jet black humour of the corpse disposal in the potato truck. This is Hitch at his best, completely blowing away the coyness of "Trouble With Harry" in an explosion of bad taste.

Frenzy was the last great film made by Hitchcock, who had managed a masterpiece every decade since the thirties. Yes, it is violent and disturbing, but there is nothing gratuitous about the film. It fits into the increasingly pessimistic world view that Hitchcock had been developing throughout his career.

Torn Curtain (1966)

An enormous disappointment

[11 March 1999]

Would this film be quite so disappointing if it did not come from Hitchcock and after his run of masterpieces of the late fifties and early sixties? Well, perhaps not. There are at least two stunning scenes - the murder of the security agent is Hitchcock at his best; taut, exciting and disturbing, and the scene where the plot is explained to Paul Newman on a blackboard is both funny and touching. But, we demand more from a thriller - and particularly a thriller from Hitch - than two good scenes. We want action, suspense and involvement. How could anyone be involved with Julie Andrews, still in her "Maria Von Trapp" mode and irritatingly toothsome? Too much of the film seems lazy and tired, as if Hitch had given up on it half way through. Worth seeing for Hitchcock fans, who will enjoy one or two distinctive touches. But otherwise, an enormous disappointment. Even the ending is hopeless.

Marnie (1964)

A glorious romantic melodrama

[3 March 1999]

This romantic melodrama is one of Hitchcock's most sheerly enjoyable films. There are all sorts of ways in which it doesn't work, but it doesn't matter. It is one of my key guilty pleasures. So as soon as that wonderful Herrmann theme begins, one should lay aside one's critical faculties, sit back and enjoy.

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)

A fine wine of a movie

[4 February 1999]

Some movies are like really fine wines. They need time if they are to be properly appreciated. That is the best way to approach this very well made film. Slow and langorous, true, but beautifully shot and acted with a casual brilliance, especially by the extraordinary Kevin Spacey. The ending is a near perfect bit of irony. I must mention the extraordinary Irma P Hall and Lady Chablis. Both of them deserve a place in the Hollywood Hall of Fame. Eastwood confirms, once again, that he is one of the very best there is.

Hard Men (1996)

Hopeless

[4 February 1999]

This is a hopeless mistake of a film. The director has taken some elements of "Reservoir Dogs" and "Trainspotting", mixed them up with "Get Carter" and forgotten that all those films were reliant on real creative talent. This film is derivative, pointlessly violent, horribly unfunny and badly acted.

The Bridges of Madison County (1995)

Simply breathtaking

[4 February 1999]

A classic romantic movie. It has a "parting scene" between the couple that is so beautiful that it deserves a place in movie history. I will never forget the sight of Clint standing in the rain.

The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)

Worst film of the decade

[1/10 · 4 February 1999]

Is this the worst film of all time ? That was the question I was pondering the other day after watching it for a second time (sheer masochism).

Well, perhaps not of all time. But I can think of few other films which aim so high and miss so pathetically. There is not a single truthful emotion in this mess, the acting is mannered and posturing and the script is utterly banal.

Those poseurs who thought "Betty Blue" was the ne plus ultra of modern culture will probably love this one as well. Me ? I'm off to watch something with more insight. Like "Con Air".

Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)

Fascinating, original and vastly underrated

[10/10 · 4 February 1999]

Boorman is a real unique talent, who constantly shows us the world from an unusual perspective. This is one of his most annoyingly idiosyncratic films when seen for the first time. Yet it's so alive and full of ideas, that it remains stimulating when the original film is reduced in memory to a few gory set pieces. Some of the images are as great as any in film history and the music score is terrific. It has lots of things wrong with it, but on the whole, it is a candidate for the most underrated film ever made.

Theater of Blood (1973)

A nasty and witty treat

[4 February 1999]

Vincent Price is at his extravagant best in this splendidly black comedy in which some complacent critics receive a cunning come-uppance from the dreadful actor who they drove to suicide. Some brilliantly staged imaginative deaths are the icing on the cake, making this a bit like a very camp "Friday The 13th". But who wouldn't rather watch Vincent at his best than boring old Jason ?

Chasing Amy (1997)

A rare, adult treat

[10/10 · 3 February 1999]

A genuinely adult film, dealing with grown up, often messy ,emotions. It has a rare honesty about relationships both between men and women and between men and men. Beautifully written in a literate and witty manner - it is no surprise that Smith's favourite film is "A Man For All Seasons". One of the best romantic films ever made. The ending is horribly sad.

Nixon (1995)

A difficult but brilliant film

[10/10 · 3 February 1999]

There is no question that Stone's film is difficult. Fact upon fact tumbles down along with so many theories that a first viewing makes little sense. A knowledge of the period is essential I suspect, as is patience, because Stone refuses to be rushed. Yet, the overall impact is stunning. This is one of those films - like "Casino" - which comes together on re-viewings and starts to make sense. Anthony Hopkins gives one of the great performances of the American Screen, and Joan Allen isn't far behind him. This is real on-the-edge film making.