Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope”

Alfred Hitchcock's "Rope

USA

1948

Rope is a 1948 American thriller about two young men who strangle their "inferior" classmate. They then hide his body in their apartment and invite his friends and family to a dinner party as a means to challenge the "perfection" of their crime.  Starring James Stewart, John Dall and Farley Granger, it is the first of Hitchcock's Technicolor films, and is notable for taking place in real time and being edited so as to appear as a single continuous shot through the use of long takes.

Critics were not very pleased with this film when first released but it has gained a sort of cult following since. Hitchcock was displeased with the film as well and was glad that the film was out of circulation for over 30 years of his career. James Stewart later said he felt miscast and didn’t really like his performance.  Roger Ebert also went on to say in his two star review that everyone should see it but there are many things that Hitchcock could have done to make it better.

I remember the first time I saw Rope. I was about 12 years old and a classic movie station had an Alfred Hitchcock marathon. From the opening scene I was glued to the screen. The “real time” element that some called a failed experiment is the very thing that had me on the edge of my seat. As the story unfolded, I began to get sweaty and was eagerly awaiting the finale. The finale was stunning and the main performances were very good. That’s all I can say about the ending without giving away any spoilers.

 In regards to Stewart, I loved his performance and feel like it contains some of his best scenes on film. Just because it was a different role for him doesn’t mean that he was miscast. I feel he was perfect! John Dall and Farley Granger definitely gave very convincing performances, some of the best performances in any of the Hitchcock film as a matter of fact.

Overall I loved this film and it remains one of my favorite Hitchcock films. I recommend everyone see this light 80 minute suspense thriller.  As always, remember there are three ways of doing things: the right way, the wrong way, and the Chattaway.

“Alfred Hitchcock’s Rope”  5/5 Stars 

"The General"

What happens when Johnny Gray's locomotive and love interest are stolen by Union soldiers? He pursues them through enemy lines and does anything he can to get his two loves back. This movie contains breathtaking stunts, intense action, romance, and brilliant comedy. While this movie is mainly a comedy, it is also a brilliant example of a chase film.

Buster Keaton is a master at all that he does. He practically invented dangerous physical comedy (for more on this, YouTube "Buster Keaton"). Not only does he star in this film, he also co-wrote and co-directed this film. I think that the comedy in silent cinema had something special that has been completely forgotten by most comedic filmmakers today.

This film is considered by many critics one of the greatest movies ever made, as well as being one of the funniest. I agree with everyone who says that this movie is a masterpiece! While the "silent" aspect of the film may be a turnoff to some, it really needs to be seen by everyone. I guarantee that once you have watched "The General" that you will have a new love for silent cinema.

For all you action fans out there, this film contains one of the greatest action scenes of all time. I can't tell you what it is because it will ruin the ending for you. Go watch and be amazed!

I recommend this film for everyone. If you don't like silent movies, get over it and give this a shot. It will change the way you look at silent films.

"The General"

4 out of 4 stars

Zombieland

In the zombie infested near future, a small group bands together to survive. I went into this film thinking it was going to be just another "Shaun of the Dead", a silly comedy mixed with thrills. "Zombieland" is a comedy, but one that is brilliant in other areas too. First of all, I think this film surpasses "Shaun of the Dead" and many other great comedies, and yes, including "The Hangover".


The acting in this movie is hilariously brilliant. Woody Harrelson steals every scene as Tallahassee, a funny charactor with a tough, redneck, outlaw persona. Think Rambo+Bruce Willis in "Die Hard" + Brad Pitt in "Inglourious Basterds"= Woody Harrelson. The movie also stars Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin.




The film has great cinematography. Its vivid colors contribute to making the movie look like a high budget blockbuster. It was simply brilliant to watch.

"Zombieland" contains one of the most creative openings in film history, in my opinion of course. Eisenberg's charactor narrates his rules to survival with hilarious footage. For example, Rule #1 is Cardio; as he discusses this this rule the film shows a large man and a zombie chasing each other and quickly ends with the man's demise. I do not want to give anymore of this film away but I will say that this film is one of the most entertaining movies of the year. Great!!


Recommended for anyone who can stand zombie violence and comedy.


"Zombieland"


4 out of 4 stars

Vaughn & Favreau Callaborations

1996's "Swingers" was the first collaboration for the two actors in the lead roles. Jon Favreau stars as Mike, a struggling comedian who is still getting over his last relationship. Vaughn plays Trent, a smooth talking "wannabe" actor who tries to help his pal get over his girl. He does that by bringing Mike out on the town over to rediscover himself.

This film is very funny and has a lot of heart in it. Vaughn and Favreau are such a great team and feed off each other brilliantly. The film's many great qualities blend together seamlessly to create a brilliantly hilarious film.

In 2001's "Made", Vince and Jon play two wannabe boxers who become involved in organized crime. This film had me laughing from beginning to end. Many critics were disappointed when this was released because it wasn't as good a "Swingers". I agree with half of that. "Swingers" is a better movie and "Made" is a funnier film. But I think that they are both great movies. Fast forward to 2009's "Couples Retreat". This film revolves around the lives of four couples that go away on a retreat to rediscover their love. It sounds like a sweet romance, but it is actually a romantic comedy mixed with a lot of raunchy humor. It isn't as good as "Swingers" or "Made" but it does have many great moments. The problem with this film lies in its pacing. The movie's actual plot doesn't actually kick in until after the first 30 minutes. While the next hour is full of brilliant comedy and great scenes, the last half hour seems to drag. The movie had a great ending, which makes up for the slow pace.

I look forward to the further collaborations of these two comedic geniuses. I recommend all three films to everyone who enjoys a good comedy.

"Swingers" (1996)

4 out of 4 stars

"Made" (2001)

4 out of 4 stars

"Couples Retreat" (2009)

3 out of 4 stars

Francis Ford Coppola's "Tetro"

Francis Ford Coppola is one of cinema's greatest directors. Most directors have at least one film that they are known for. Ask yourself this, what film is Francis Ford Coppola known for? It is nearly impossible to narrow it down to one.

Coppola first gained recognition in 1970 when he won an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the film "Patton." After a couple years of odd film jobs he was offered the chance to direct a film adaptation of a bestselling book. That film went on to be called"The Godfather", now considered by many the greatest American masterpiece of all time. This has for many years also been my favorite movie. "The Godfather" went on to win the Oscar for best picture. In 1974, he release two highly acclaimed films,"The Conversation" and "The Godfather Part II." Both films had multiple academy award nominations, and "The Godfather Part II" took home six Oscars including Best Picture of 1974. In the late 70's he finished the decade with the extraordinary war film "Apocalypse Now." Since the 70's he hasn't really created a hands down great film.

I think Francis Ford Coppola has finally found his voice again with this brilliant portrayal of a family torn apart by secrets. Roger Ebert says of Tetro, "The film is boldly operatic, involving family drama, secrets, generations at war, melodrama, romance and violence," and he is correct. The melodramatic struggle of the family reminds me of an old Italian Opera. Brothers that struggle over rivalry, family, and secrets. This film is surely masterful on many levels. Set in Argentina, with the reunion of two brothers, the story follows the rivalries born out of creative differences passed down through generations of an artistic Italian immigrant family.

The cinematography in this film is brilliant; beautiful black and white imagery brings out the emotion in all of the characters. The gritty streets of Buenos Aires remind me of the way Venice was portrayed in "The Third Man". Its dark corners and gloomy shadows are the highlight of the cinematography.

The acting in this film is splendid. I never have been a fan of Vincent Gallo until his performance as the title character. He blends brilliance and insanity into one of the year's best performances. Alden Caleb Ehrenreich plays opposite Gallo, and his characters innocence is portrayed in the childlike face of the actor. His performance should also be mentioned for its greatness. He reminds me of a young James Dean.

Overall, this film is brilliant. It is full of great images and acting. Francis Ford Coppola has made a film that I consider to be a masterpiece along the lines of a Fellini or Cassevettes film. Simply brilliant.

Francis Ford Coppola's Tetro

4 out of 4 stars

Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds"

"Once upon a time...In Nazi occupied France"

Writer/Director Quentin Tarantino has scored the jackpot with his new film, Inglourious Basterds. This film is described by Tarantino as a "Spaghetti Western but with World War II iconography." Picture The Dirty Dozen and The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly mixed into one film; that film would be Inglourious Basterds.
I actually found myself walking out of the theater saying "I liked this better than Pulp Fiction." Crazy considering that Pulp Fiction is one of my all-time favorite movies. But in reality, Pulp Fiction will always be my favorite.

This film has two main plots that tie into one explosive (literally) climax. Shoshanna is a young Jewish woman who uses her cinema as a chance for revenge against the Nazis for the murder of her family. Aldo Raine leads his group of "Basterds" across France to ruthlessly collect "100 dead Nazi scalps." The plots converge into one of the most insane, but entertaining climaxes that I have ever seen.

Quentin Tarantino sure knows how to craft a fine piece of great entertainment. After watching great direction, great acting, wonderful cinematography, Nazi heads being scalped, guns being fired, buildings getting destroyed, and Nazis being blown to bits, you can't help but feel satisfied. It is not the violence that is satifying, but the way that the story is told.

My favorite epic film, Sergio Leone's 1966 masterpiece The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly contains some of the greatest scenes ever filmed. The "Basterds"opening scene, among others, makes homage to that film. In Leone's film, there is a scene in which "The Bad", played by Lee Van Cleef, slowly rides onto the property of a Mexican family. The beautiful desert scenery is accompanied by Ennio Morricone's memorable score. The opening scene in "Basterds" is pretty much the same. The gorgeous scenery of the rolling French fields is backed by the same Ennio Morricone music which Tarantino has greatly reused. That is just one of the brilliant things about this movie.

The topic that has been brought up about this movie is its strong graphic violence that is meant for laughter. The scalping of the Nazis is very realistic but is still hilarious because of the over the top acting from the characters. The violence reminds me of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, especially the scene with the black knight. Brad Pitts character also graphically carves a swastika in the forehead of the Nazis that he allows to survive. Eli Roth plays the borderline psychopath Bostoner that uses a baseball bat to beat his enemies, the scenes are graphic but hilarious. I couldn't help but feel disturbed at myself for laughing at some of these scenes, but me being a history nerd, I think that the Nazis deserve eveything they got.

Quentin Tarantino is known for his love and passion for movies. It is not surprising to me that the movie's climax takes place at a cinema. He uses his love for movies to guide his way throughout the picture while paying homage to many different movies that inspire him.

I recommend this film to anyone who can handle the graphic violence. It is not as graphic as Steven Speilberg's Saving Private Ryan, but is still very graphic. The movie is great but can be too much for some. But then again, this is a Tarantino flick, just by hearing the name you should be warned. This is my pick for the best film I have seen this year.

Inglourious Basterds

4 out of 4 scalps

La Strada: The Films of Federico Fellini (Part II)

(It is impossible to write about this film without including spoilers.)

"La Strada" is Fellini's first major masterpiece. As I discussed before, his first solo film,"White Sheik," was very entertaining to me, it still failed as a commercial success when it was released. It took Federico a couple of films to make himself an international success. "La Strada" is the film that began the success of Fellini.

Released in 1954 to raves and awards, this Italian Neorealist drama is considered by many as one of the greatest films ever made. When childish Gelsomina (Giulietta Massina) is sold by her impoverish mother to the brutal Zampano (Anthony Quinn), she begins a fateful journey that will forever change her life. Zampano makes his living by traveling Italy as a "Strongman" performer. Stopping in different towns to entertain the crowds. She is sold to the brutal Zampano to become his assistant. He is a man full of hatefullness and violence, and does not want any friends. Gelsomina is a warmhearted young women who is always treated with disrespect by her master. The charactor of Gelsomina reminds me of an italian Charlie Chaplin. Full of love but is not cared for by others.

Italian Neorealism is a film theme that deals with the poor and working class and mostly deals with the difficult economical and moral conditions of post-World War II Italy, reflecting the changes in the minds of Italians and the conditions that they face in everyday life, like poverty and desperation.

The title of "La Strada" is is translated into english as "The Road." The road being a metaphor for life, and the places that we go and the people that we meet. Gelsomina represents the goodness in all, while Zampano represents the hate in all of us.

Their way of travel is by a motorcycle/trailer. They pull of on the side of the road and set up camp, usually on the outskirts of town. Gelsomina begins to love Zampano, trying to help him change his ways. He continuously treats her like a piece of property, telling her what to do and not do. Eventually she leaves Zampano and wonders into town and witnesses an act of another entertainer nicknamed "The Fool." The Fool specializes in being a high-wire artist and clown. Right off the bat we notice that he is full of kind-heartedness towards Gelsomina.

Zampano wonders back into town forces Gelsomina to return to him. We learn that Zampano and The Fool have known each other for years and have not been known to be friends. The Fool and Zampano come to realize that they are going to be performing at the same circus. During Zampano's act, the Fool torments Zampano, Zampano's anger leads them both to be fired and jailed. The Fool is released from jail first and shows Gelomina that there are alternatives in her life that she can do to be happy. He tells her not to leave Zampano because everything has a purpose. After their conversation, the Fool departs and leaves town. Gelsomina now realizes that she need to continue to love and care for Zampano, even though he is the way he is. Her spirits are high.

After a few days of travel, they come across the fool again. He is on the side of the road changing a flat tire. Zampano torments the Fool. The Fool just laughs back at Zampano, which leads to Zampano throwing a punch at him. After only punching him twice, Zampano stops and walks away. Gelsomina witnesses the entire event. As the Fool is walking away, he becomes dizzy and falls on the ground. Gelsomina runs over to him and realizes that he is dead. Zampano's strength killed him. While Zampano didn't mean to kill him, he still doesn't want to get in trouble, he tries to cover up what he has done. Gelsomina spirits have now been broken. The only person who ever cared about her being happy, is now dead. She begins a period of sadness and heartbreak. Her sadness eventually leads to Zampano feeling guilty. Unable to deal with her sadness and his guilt, he leaves her one night while she is sleeping. Zampano never sees her again.

After five or six years, Zampano is still performing his same old act. One day after the act he is walking down the street and hears a familiar tune. It is a tune that Gelsomina used to always play on her trumpet. He stops and talks to the women humming it. He asks her where she had heard the tune from. She tells him that about four years ago they saw a sad, heartbroken young women laying on the shore humming the tune. The towns folk took her in to try and help her, but after a brief period of time she became gravely ill and died. After hearing this Zampano walks away in a state of shock. After finding himself a bar, he gets uncontrollably drunk and is thrown out. A depressed Zampano wanders out to the beach, falls into the sand and begins weeping. The film ends with a shot of him laying face down in the sand.

This film has such a powerful ending. After hearing the story about Gelsomina he begins to regret everything he has ever done bad in his life. All this time he truly loved Gelsomina and cared for her, but never realized it until that moment.He lost all the love he had in his life. He realizes that he has pushed everyone that cared about him away. He realizes that he needs to repent and change his ways. Gelsomina's purpose was to change the the life of a horrific man, and at the cost, he does change.

"La Strada" the most powerful movie that I have ever seen. It is truly my new favorite film. It was the first winner on the Best Foreign Film Oscar. Federico Fellini went on to make many other masterpieces, but I consider La Strada to be his finest. Everyone should see this landmark movie.

Federico Fellini's "La Strada"

4 out of 4 stars