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manny75586
Reviews
Emily's Reasons Why Not (2006)
Dear god...
This show was awful on SO many levels. The characters were all bland clichés or offensive stereotypes (the gay friend)
::Poss Spoiler::
Resorting to the "voice mail that they shouldn't have left and trying to stop them before they get it" plot in the first show was just embarrassing.
That is to say nothing of the sub-after school special production values.
In short, this show died a much deserved death. Heather Graham is too beautiful and too talented to waste either on projects like this.
Black Narcissus (1947)
Oh Baby, Ruth!(possible almost half spoilers)
Well, suffice it to say that any reasonable conversation about this film should begin in end with the astounding cinematography of Mr. Cardiff.
This film is a Technicolor gem with exotic vistas of the Himalayas (all shot on a studio lot in the UK) that will blow you away. The cherry on the sundae is the first appearance of Sister Clodagh on screen...simply stunning. The whole way through the film is photographed with an attention to detail that few possess, constantly pushing the emotional themes of each frame into the forefront of the viewers mind. Many modern DP's should take note here...
Onto the narrative of the film. It has an almost hypnotic feel to it. The beauty of the surroundings and the people the endeavor the sisters set out on. All counter balanced by the undercurrent of unrest and strife that slowly builds through out the film until it's chilling climax.
I feel I should address other reviews that made mention of the similarity of the Sisters. I'll be the first to admit that close attention needs to be paid (but shouldn't you really be doing that with every film? :) ) However, I am inclined to think that the similarities between Sister Clodagh and Sister Ruth are by design given the many similarities (and ultimate differences) they possess mentally/behaviorally giving it an almost expressionist quality to the story.
I shall truncate my review here as I hate as much as the next person to read 90 pages of Opinion on web sites. I will leave you with the strongest urging to see this film especially if you have aspirations of being a Director of Photography. (and watch the DVD extra on Jack Cardiff...amazing) Go to the video store now!
His Girl Friday (1940)
Directing Workshop
This film is an absolute clinic in directing! You can set your watch to the pace Hawks sets with the film. An absolute gem! How is this not rated over 8.5?!?!? I mean come on folks there were a ton of great films that came out before 1985 contrary to popular belief. His Girl Friday is certainly one of them.