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Reviews
Back to Black (2024)
Sugar Coated & Lovable by Avoiding the Weeds
I'm on the side who don't see how people can call this a bad movie. It's wonderful.
If they set out to show Amy's lovable personality by ignoring the bad, it's an entirely effective film. Also has one of the most endearing on-screen kisses I can remember since the ending of Planes Trains & Automobiles.
Her voice is powerful.
Blake's character is memorable perhaps a little too likable.
Chalked full of subtle Easter eggs reminiscent to aspects of Amy's life, with details one would remember from an interview, etc..They're able to get to the root of her trauma without taking us too far into the weeds.
The only casting I don't think they got quite right was Amy's father. He has a domineering personality and this character was small and soft in comparison. Also wish they gave Mark Ronson's character screen time and showed more of the process of making Back to Black. It was such an influential album and the process of how the unique sound came about is worth noting.
The story transitions are well done, sign posting to the causation of her increased addiction, while still maintaining Amy's integrity.
The close-ups are effective. Atmosphere of British street life is present. The soundtrack is excellent: not an overkill of Amy songs, GREAT choices by other artists she was influenced by.
I think the simplicity of the script is in order to translate across many countries. It was released in Europe a month before America gets the chance to tare it apart; which I believe was a smart choice,
I believe the simplicity in dialogue is so that it can translate well when duped in other languages.
On some level people are upset because the role of Amy is considered hallowed-ground and they expect a metamorphosis.. where as a few years ago an actress would push herself to the brink of death becoming the character. Marisa basically just learned the mannerisms... the days of artists dying over roles may be over.
I don't love, but appreciate the ending, we're left with the real Amy to remember.
There are some fun clips of Amy on Youtube to search which will show how accurate her portrayal was. Just a few breadcrumbs into the real Amy, I recommend watching:
Amy winehouse Stealing a Magazine?
Amy Winehouse Buys Paps a Cheeseburger.
Amy winehouse Talks About Divorce & X Factor.
Amy Does a Bump of Cocaine From Her Hair on Stage.
Amy Wandering Motorway.
One of the best answers I've ever heard to an interviewer asking a celebrity if she feels its difficult being a woman in the industry Amy replies: "Only when I'm on my period." Genius.
She was truly a free spirit. Wish the film showed how extremely funny and witty she really was. It was her best attribute. VERY polite but cutting when necessary.
Taunting the paparazzi saying "Where's your wife.. where's your wife... she can't cook... she can't cook... "
Lastly, I remember her Camden neighbor interviewed saying he heard strange sounds coming from Amy's apartment the night of her death. What was described sounded like a ritual and made to look like her death was a satanic sacrifice on behalf of the music industry..
It was reported the neighbors heard chanting, drums beating, and moaning like some sort of sexual snuff thing. These quotes from the neighbor can be found on line. I always thought it was strange because he said he heard them at 3am along with crying etc.. however, her body wasn't found until the next afternoon apparently... very strange.
Madame Bovary (1949)
Oh to Only View on The Big Screen
A little over a year ago, began my obsessive search for great films of the 40's; and it was only now that I've found this.
This is a film I would recommend to watch during a storm, as I feel weather greatly heightens a film's mise en scene. For instance my favorite film The Queen of Spades impacted me more because it was a harsh winter night that happened upon it, and it makes it all the more memorable. For the ultimate experience, watch this furring a stormy night.
One that I'll add to my list of forgotten masterpieces. Films that if I could only ever own a theater i'd play for the newer generations to discover:
The Queen of Spades 1949
So Long At The Fair
The Man in Grey
Of Kind Hearts & Coronets
Madame Bovary
Rebecca
Waterloo Bridge
Hangover Square
The Lodger 1944
The list is still growing but i leave this for your consideration.
Austenland (2013)
AH-HA Meets HAHA for Moments of Sheer Brilliance
This film navigates through those false ideas of romance, leaving the viewer faced with the most uncertain part of love: is my partner just playing a role?
It's important keep in mind when viewing Austenland: this is NOT SATIRE OF AUSTEN'S NOVELS, but a parody on Regency Era period films. Once the viewer realizes this, the movie takes a brilliant turn, and one wishes it continued for another hour. This is why many reviewers say they've watched it multiple times.
I love reading the reviews to see others try making sense of this ingenious sleeper. One reviewer called it "the perfect way to capture the spirit of Austen". Austenland really maintains the overarching theme in Jane Austen's work: her novels are about courtship, first and foremost.
By colliding the fetishized romanticism of British 19th c. With modern times; Austenland begs the question: is Austen's work fiction, or non?
The Man in Grey (1943)
Another Deceptively Rated Gainsborough Gem
It bothers me that these Gainsborough classics are so consistently underrated.
They're of such exceptional production that one could live inside of them, and for the duration often does.
The dialogue, characters, script, and acting is all so wonderfully well delivered that this alone deserves an 8 star.
Just know that when you see the baroness (or whatever she is meant to be) at the beginning tip her head at you in a sort of seated courtesy, you're in for a treat.
I've often heard it described as Gainsborough swagger, or bodice rippers without ever actually seeing one ripped. They always cleverly disguise the sex scenes by ending them with a kiss, a fade out, then a fade in with them composing themselves in either an embrace or gazing together off in the horizon. Just know they did the deed.
Waterloo Bridge (1940)
Works in Such a Way That One Gets Chills
After watching Marie Antoinette on Amazon the queue page displayed this as a suggestion. My cat literally pressed the Apple TV remote and again to confirm the rental purchase!
Once I saw the "play now" screen I said to myself that it's meant to be. IT WAS..
... one of those rare moments where the weather on screen matched the weather outside (rainy, windy, cold). Everything came together to the point I had chills throughout the entire film. The acting, atmosphere, dialogue and, cinematography all on point of the best of what a Hollywood classic can offer.
They say 1939 was the epitome of Hollywood golden years.. this must have been filmed the same year. Views like a perfect mixture of 30's and 40's.
Not a fan of war films and so I never would have rented it on my own. Loved every second of it.
Will finish with saying that it reminded me in many ways as a precursor to the film Atonement.
There are so many picturesque scenes that will stay burned in my brain in the way that only Hollywood classics can. The kiss in the rain, Vivian Leigh dancing ballet, all the way to the ending which I'll leave to your enjoyment.
Save it for a rainy day film but don't let waiting for one keep you from seeing this classic of classics. Just because you may never have heard of it doesn't make it any less perfect.
There are so many films from the 40's I have yet to see and so the fact that I'll be giving this a second viewing says it all.
My humble and novice review.
Source: trust me bro.
A Place of One's Own (1945)
Great Gothic Piece Set in Style
Had to watch this twice because halfway through I realized it deserved a fair viewing. Loved it.
Great setting. Great costumes. Great dialogue. Very believable time period detailing.
My only complaint is that I wish it were better quality. It's sometimes difficult to hear what they're saying and so I have to skip back; gotta love the 10 second rewind on YouTube. The dialogue is worth catching because it's witty and fits the style of the film.
Deserves a higher rating so people aren't deterred from the experience. I almost didn't watch it which is why i didn't give it full attention at first.
Definitely a nice view if you enjoy 1940's British film noir!
So Long at the Fair (1950)
Total Sleeper Wonderful From Start to Finish
One of those movies you feel fortunate they took the time to make. This film has everything and not one dull moment. Progresses perfectly, with a twist ending that makes the entire thing believable and is so well done it feels like a glimpse into history.
I loved this movie. Caught it for Noir November on Criterion and was expecting just another Noir. Very pleasantly surprised.
Very niche as well if you want to brush up on your French but also enamored by Victorian British mannerisms, like a bit of spy action, and a passion for Film Noir.
Will end by saying, if you're looking for a movie to settle into, cozy up and go along for the ride. Don't read spoilers or even the plot summary. Truly wish I could see this again for the first time. Easily my favorite Noir. ENJOY IT!
Detour (1945)
The American Dream Takes a Detour
Giving ten because it was my first introduction to Film Noir, and my love of classic film in general.
Studied this in Harvard Extension's open enrollment course on Hollywood as an American Dream factory. With professor Eric Rentschler-who is an absolute genial genius- course starts with King Kong and finishes with Easy Rider (revamped now is Rocky) course is a deep read into various film's representation of various forms of the dream and for whom...
With Detour we see where life on the road can take you if you're not careful. Being "at home on the road is to remain hopeful, yet forever restless" with good cause...
The film is a great representation of America's love affair with the car, life on the road, and the many places it can take you.
Dreaming this way can be dangerous as one meets off ramps, pit stops, dead ends, or if you're not careful: a Detour.
Professor Rentschler lectures this for almost two hours and it is a treasure to hear. Having these in mind when seeing the film made it an excellent experience and gives you an appreciation you may not have otherwise.
It's always a good idea to look for academic articles or essays written about a film, it can do wonders before and or after seeing it!
Not necessary with Detour, it is self explanatory and well made even on a tiny budget, which shows the beauty of simplicity in what Film Noir is meant to be.
Happy Noir November.
Shock Docs: Amityville Horror House (2020)
Great Insight and Archival Footage
I've always followed Amityville through the official investigation and not the books or movies which are the ones actually being scrutinized for being a hoax. Anyone who knows the actual story attests to there being unexplained events which this reviewer deems paranormal.
The Warren's are also slammed via the book's account but none of these critics seem to be going off of their office's investigation which includes police reports, witness accounts and polygraphs all concluding the Lutzs were telling the truth.
This documentary gets a lot of things right in that respect. The only reason I withhold two stars is that the timeline of events appears muddled. The priest told to get out was hired by the Lutzs according to this doc but the official investigation says it was the priest who accompanied the Warrens.
I could be wrong about this and so will revisit the review once I confirm but for now I stand firm at a solid 8 star doc! Great watch!