Quote:
Originally Posted by Geddy
The Searchers (1956)
One of the greatest westerns I've ever seen. I've only seen a few John Wayne films before, but after seeing this I'll be sure to get a bunch of others. Great writing, direction and everything, and the Technicolor photography is a treat as always.
-10/10
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Check out some Howard Hawks/John Wayne collaborations next.
Red River is a classic, and
Rio Bravo may well be the best thing the director ever did- which is saying something.
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)
A unique journey, for those who dare to brave it. Seeing the holocaust through a child's perspective doesn't make it any easier, and the abyss young Bruno gets sucked into via innocence and naivety is horrifying. Good performances accentuate the drama of the story; Butterfield and Scanlon are tragically natural, Thewlis is frightening, and Vera Farmiga is tender- she is one of my favorite up-and-comers. The direction is a little conventional, and at times the film borders on too shiny and commercial for the subject matter, but Herman is at least faithful to the story and stays on track and at a brisk pace. Don't expect a pick-me-up; see it for its performances and for its boldness.
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)
Like its title family, Orson Welles' second film for RKO is eccentric and theatrical- and in the best of ways. The visual style of past silent film met Welles' passion for radio in a happy marriage, and his typical troupe of actors are all quite energetic. What really shines is the director's technical precision and perfectionism, a real eye for the cinema which keeps a decent story engaging and which predicted the inventive filmmaking others wouldn't catch on to for years. The movie feels too brisk in its cut running time; I can't help but assume Welles' original cut (carelessly destroyed in anticipation of a general public impatience) filled in the cracks which seem so hollow here. Still, the film is a beautiful reminder of the artistry of Mr. Welles and the booming ideas he was constantly swimming in. Dark and brooding, constantly moving, tragic and hopeful.