A YouTube Story #1 "The Beginning"

As most of you know, I have my own channel on YouTube dedicated to spreading my love of film by expressing my opinions of them. They aren’t expert opinions but then again what is an expert opinion really? Just because somebody gets paid tons of money from a newspaper to write their opinions of a film doesn’t make them “experts”. 

With that said, I really only look up to one film critic and that is Roger Ebert. His essays on film are enthralling to read because he doesn’t use enormous words or write in a way that sounds pretentious. He writes from his heart. I have always wanted to bring my love of film out the same way. I remember a time in Jr. High when I briefly wrote film reviews for the school paper - it was really fun to do but I never gave it any more thought. In fact, it’s been at least 10 years since I’ve thought about it. I find it fascinating that seemingly random events in my life have greater meaning the older I get.  

We live in a day and age where printed newspaper isn't the main source for expert film reviews anymore. All of the reviews that I have read in the last 5 or 6 years have been on the internet. A few years ago I began to ask myself how I should review films. I stumbled upon the answer one day without even realizing it. In the weeks before I started my YouTube channel my film library contained over 1000 titles. I always wondered if there were other people that had the same amount of films that I did.

During the first week in January in 2011, I was on a lunch break from my job and decided to get onto YouTube on my phone. I began my search for random funny videos just to help pass the time. The thought then popped into my head that I should search for videos in relation to DVD collections.  What I found were countless videos by Shawn C. Phillips, aka "Coolduder". He was a film reviewer and vlogger that shared the same love of film that I did. I was amazed by the amount of films he owned.  While I was viewing a video of Shawn's I saw a video by Robbie Webster that had been recommended to me by YouTube. This was another cool guy that was inspired by Shawn to make the same style of videos. I became addicted to watching them both. I ended up watching all of their uploaded videos over the next few days. I began to think that this was a pretty cool thing they were doing. I then had a revelation -  I too could review films this way!

On January 18, 2011, I decided to film my first video with my cell phone. I was extremely nervous and didn't know how I was going to do it. My first video topic was me discussing my top three films of 2010. I look back and laugh at it now but at the time it was a big deal. After I uploaded the video, I had a huge amount of support from friends and family to continue to make videos. I thought that nobody would like my videos but to my surprise, Robbie Webster became a huge help in getting my foot in the door to the YouTube community. Another great help was my buddy, "The Raz Man", who is the host of "The Raz Man's Reality" on YouTube. He found my channel through Robbie Webster and they have been there with me since day one.

It has been 22 months now and I have made over 120 videos and still love it the same as day one. I have made countless friends and hope that I continue to meet other film lovers that I can share my love of film with. 

THE AMERICAN NEW WAVE OF CINEMA

             

          In the late 1960’s, the film industry was indecline. Television was a huge staple in the home and people would rather stayhome then go to the cinema. Box office stars of the 40’s and 50’s could barelysell tickets. Take Marlon Brando for instance, he was one of the biggestperformers of the 50’s. He had box office gold written all over his face.Winning an Academy Award in 1954 for his powerful performance as ex-boxerturned “bum” Terry Malloy in Elia Kazan’s “On The Waterfront”.  His method acting was intoxicating towatch and people flocked to see his film. Unfortunately that power didn’t last;by the late 1960’s Brando was labeled as box office poison. That is until a newfilmmaker by the name of Francis Ford Coppola thought he would be perfect inthe lead role for the 1972 film “The Godfather”.

The same can be said for other aspects of the filmindustry. We all know of the great epic films of the 50’s to the early 60’s. Filmslike “Ben-Hur”, “Lawrence of Arabia”, and “The Fall of the Roman Empire” havedazzled audiences since they premiered. But after only a brief peak period, epicfilms could not fill seats. It wasn’t until the late 70’s when epic films wouldreach the same fame as they did in the earlier days with such films as “TheDeer Hunter” and “Apocalypse Now”.

I would say the film “revolution” as I like to callit began in 1969 with the release of the films “Midnight Cowboy” and “EasyRider”. Both films were original, gritty, and very low budget but impactedaudiences more than the high budget films of the past. Both films in my opinionushered in adult themes previously unseen in Hollywood; themes such as the darkside of the American dream and disturbing subject matter.  This was the beginning of the younginnovative filmmakers that will continue to dominate American cinema for thenext 40 years.

I know of many people that consider 70’s cinema asthe trashy age of cinema. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Cinemabefore then was very glossy Hollywood style entertainment. Even most seriousfilms  had a high budget glossyHollywood quality to them. The 70’s ushered in a more realistic feel to thefilms, which was something fresh and new.

This new generation of filmmakers were filmschool-educated, counterculture-bred, and young. This group, dubbed the “NewHollywood” by the press, changed the business from the producer-drivenHollywood system of the past, injected movies with a jolt of freshness, energy,sexuality, and a passion for the art of film itself.

I found out through wikipedia that Todd Berliner has written about how 70’s filmsdeviate from classical narrative norms more than Hollywood films from othereras. Their narrative and stylistic devices threaten to derail an otherwisestraightforward narration. Berliner argues that five principles govern thenarrative strategies characteristic of Hollywood films of the 1970s:

1. Seventies films show a perverse tendency tointegrate, in narratively incidental ways, story information and stylistic devicescounterproductive to the films’ overt and essential narrative purposes.

2. Hollywood filmmakers of the 1970s often situatetheir filmmaking practices in between those of classical Hollywood and those ofEuropean and Asian art cinema.

3. Seventies films prompt spectator responses moreuncertain and discomforting than those of more typical Hollywood cinema.

4. Seventies narratives place an uncommon emphasison irresolution, particularly at the moment of climax or in epilogues, whenmore conventional Hollywood movies busy themselves tying up loose ends.

5. Seventies cinema hinders narrative linearity andmomentum and scuttles its potential to generate suspense and excitement.

I find his observations very interesting to readbecause it simply lays out the answers for why the films of that time were soground breaking and good.

I made a list of filmmakers that I think bestrepresent the group that brought this new style to us. It was really hard tonarrow it down but I got my list down to at least five. They are Francis FordCoppola (The Godfather, The Conversation, Apocalypse Now), Martin Scorsese(Mean Streets, Taxi Driver), William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The FrenchConnection), George Lucas (THX-1138, American Graffiti, Star Wars), and DennisHopper (Easy Rider).  I actuallyfelt bad when I made this list because I left many filmmakers out that I feelhad an equal influence on film at the time. With many of these films came ahuge group of new actors that we consider legends today, including Robert Deniro,Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Jack Nicholson, Gene Hackman, Harrison Ford, and manymore.

This new Hollywood of the 70’s was anything buttrashy. To me this was the best decade in the history of film. This era is whatsaved the film industry and brought money back into the cinemas.

I’m going to leave you with one last thought and aquestion. Today we are witnessing another decline in Hollywood because of theretiring or dying off of the innovators of the 70’s. Other than the stillactive filmmakers that I have previously talked about and a few newerfilmmakers, everything else is pretty much junk. So let me ask you this: do youthink we are on the verge of another film “revolution”? I think so.

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