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Reviews
Catch-22 (1970)
Catch it
Of course, its nearly impossible to consider the film apart from the book, which is a great pity. I had the good fortune to see the film first, and it made a vivid impression. I was swept away by it. To this day, I have yet to see another where the director has evidenced such a total mastery of the medium.
But, unfortunately, in so far as its wider reputation is concerned, the film seems destined to remain forever in the book's shadow, to be either overlooked, or considered a pale imitation. This does it a great injustice.
I like to imagine that the book was never written and, instead, the film was based on an original screenplay. In this parallel universe, "Catch-22" reaps a swag of Academy Awards, and goes on to take its place, alongside the likes of "Citizen Kane" and "The Godfather", as an enduring American classic.
Hombre (1967)
More than a "great Western"
Are you interested in human nature? Great films like "Hombre" work by putting a bunch of people together in a dramatic situation that needs resolving. The unfolding of the story grips your attention because you can relate to the emotions involved and you can understand the games being played by the characters. You can see into human nature.
"Hombre" works at the highest levels. Flawlessly acted by an ensemble cast, it never misses a beat in its understated style as it explores Good, Evil and everything in between. Would you risk your life for a bunch of strangers? What sort of person does, and why?
"Hombre" tells the story.