Last Movie You Watched

[relm1]

If that's a loud one, I'll give it a miss. At some point, the Library will carry the blu-ray, and I can regulate the volume.

RTWT here.

I just don't know if that was an issue at my theater.  I paid for DOLBY ATMOS not knowing what that was but perhaps that just meant loud and it wasn't a factor of the film.   It's a good fun film to see in a theater so don't want my volume complaint to be the reason others skip it.

I don't agree with this: "The only reason for this film to exist, then, is as an exercise in intellectual property propagation."  It's actually a very interesting and exciting new addition to the character.  I won't explain why because of spoilers.  It does have missed opportunities, plot holes, and missteps, but what film doesn't?  I think it's better than Crystal Skull and the action set pieces are really good - surpassing Spielberg!  But yes, does lack some of the subtly and wit though has some nice dialog snappiness you don't usually get in Spielberg.  I think you can think of it like JJ Abrams Star Wars The Force Awakens.  Does a good job embodying the Lucas esthetic but it's not exactly the same. 

[relm1]

Separately:

How Can TCM Thrive in the Streaming Age?

I've seen some great films for the first time through that channel.  But I'm a weirdo because sometimes I come to the film first through the score.  For example, Herrmann's score to The Ghost and Mrs. Muir which is a fantastic, dreamy score that I've known for many years but I only saw the film for the first time a few months ago on TCM and loved it!  But I guess a channel can't survive just based on me.

[SimonNZ]

At the cinema yesterday:



Don't think I've seen Desdemona played as an assertive modern woman before, firing back all her lines as direct reproaches.

Emilia with a permanently bruised face and an arm in a bandage suggesting she's the victim of spousal abuse and lives in fear was an interesting touch.

Very good use of a single spare stage of stairs with various lighting effects. And equally good minimal approach to costume with generic black clothing with usually just one outer coat suggesting role.

A big surprise at the beginning was having the first 77 lines cut, so Iago's claimed motivation of being passed over for promotion is gone and you're left to see him, I guess, as just one more racist.

I'm always in two minds about whether Othello's jealousy should be played histrionically or coldly. The script probably suggests the former in a number of places, but it always strikes me as, well, histrionic.

[Karl Henning]

Bergman's Persona.

[Karl Henning]

Bergman's Persona.

Superb. While there are brilliant and poetic cinematographic elements, it is essentially a two-actor drama which would play well on stage.

[Karl Henning]

Before I actually sat down to watch The Seventh Seal, I rather wondered if it wouldn't be a bleak downer (the title alluding to the Apocalypse, and my knowing that Death was a character) but I came away from it feeling that the overall arc was a comedy (not the hah-hah variety.) I've now just watched Cries and Whispers, and it's all the bleak downer one might wish. 

[San Antone]

After finishing the Criterion Marilyn Monroe collection, we started their Elvis Presley collection of films.  So far we've watched, King Creole (I consider his best), and today Love Me Tender.  Next up, Jailhouse Rock.

[relm1]

After finishing the Criterion Marilyn Monroe collection, we started their Elvis Presley collection of films.  So far we've watched, King Creole (I consider his best), and today Love Me Tender.  Next up, Jailhouse Rock.

I've never seen an Elvis film.  Worth seeing?

[JBS]

Before I actually sat down to watch The Seventh Seal, I rather wondered if it wouldn't be a bleak downer (the title alluding to the Apocalypse, and my knowing that Death was a character) but I came away from it feeling that the overall arc was a comedy (not the hah-hah variety.) I've now just watched Cries and Whispers, and it's all the bleak downer one might wish.

Maybe try Fanny and Alexander next. Not really a comedy, but there are some lighter moments, and even a couple of bawdy jokes.

[San Antone]

I've never seen an Elvis film.  Worth seeing?

According to my wife, no.  But I enjoy them. 

The early ones were better, I will be able to gauge when the early period ends as I watch them in chronological order.  Overtime they became so formulaic, and his characterizations so frozen, as to become parodies of the style and form.

But most have worthwhile music.  Jailhouse Rock's songs were written, mostly, by Lieber & Stoller.

[Todd]

Rewatched the second highest grossing movie of 1977 for the first time since the mid-80s or so.  Modestly enjoyable. 

[relm1]

According to my wife, no.  But I enjoy them. 

The early ones were better, I will be able to gauge when the early period ends as I watch them in chronological order.  Overtime they became so formulaic, and his characterizations so frozen, as to become parodies of the style and form.

But most have worthwhile music.  Jailhouse Rock's songs were written, mostly, by Lieber & Stoller.

What makes them good?  I think of them live teen films but there might be some inherent charm in that innocent period too.  I take it they are comedies and no real drama?  I'm curious but know nothing about them. I recently saw the Beatles Hard Day's Night which was interesting, not particularly entertaining unless you were a teen during that time, but you could also see a lot of charisma and charm in the leads who just seemed to be having fun without a care in the world and that put them at odds with the establishment while being incredibly attractive to youth of that time.   Operating by your own rules was radical during that time, I think.

[San Antone]

What makes them good?  I think of them live teen films but there might be some inherent charm in that innocent period too.  I take it they are comedies and no real drama?  I'm curious but know nothing about them.

As I said, the early ones were more dramatic, and not comedies.  There is real plot development, character story arcs, and conflict that resolves.  IOW, like any good movie. Later they merely became vehicles to serve the Elvis myth and commercial enterprise.

The primary interest, for me, is Elvis's phenomenal screen charisma, and performing style.  There is a real vibrance to his singing and dancing - and his acting, while crude, conveys the kind of rough hewn character he is supposed to be.

King Creole and Jailhouse Rock are both worth seeing.  And I will report any other gems I discover along my traversal of the Criterion collection.

[SonicMan46]

According to my wife, no.  But I enjoy them. 

The early ones were better, I will be able to gauge when the early period ends as I watch them in chronological order.  Overtime they became so formulaic, and his characterizations so frozen, as to become parodies of the style and form.

But most have worthwhile music.  Jailhouse Rock's songs were written, mostly, by Lieber & Stoller.

Similar feelings for me too - I've seen most of Presley's movies over the decades - he made 30+ films w/ a complete ranking HERE (top 16 listed below) - I own just two of my favs: King Creole, Jailhouse Rock; my other fav, not owned, is Follow That Dream.  I rarely watch Elvis these days but would like to obtain a copy of the last film mentioned.  Dave

Elvis Presley Movies Ranked (link above)
01 - King Creole (1958)
02 - The Trouble w/ Girls (1969)
03 - Follow That Dream (1962)
04 - Viva Las Vegas (1964)
05 - Jailhouse Rock (1957)
06 - Spinout (1966)
07 - Blue Hawaii (1961)
08 - Girl Happy (1965)
09 - Speedway (1968)
10 - Fun in Acapulco (1963)
11 - Love Me Tender (1956)
12 - Tickle Me (1965)
13 - Flaming Star (1960)
14 - Frankie & Johnny (1966)
15 - Charro! (1969)
16 - Loving You (1957)

[SimonNZ]

[Karl Henning]

What's Up, Tiger Lily? For me, the joke ran thin after a while, and sticking it out through to the end was a tough decision. I did. I enjoyed the final gag with the closing disclaimer.

[LKB]

What's Up, Tiger Lily? For me, the joke ran thin after a while, and sticking it out through to the end was a tough decision. I did. I enjoyed the final gag with the closing disclaimer.

I actually count the film as one of Allen's better productions. My favorite line:

" Where am l going to find a long, thin coffin ?!? "

[Karl Henning]

I actually count the film as one of Allen's better productions. My favorite line:

" Where am l going to find a long, thin coffin ?!? "

Yes, an excellent line!

[Karl Henning]

Winter Light. Spare, mostly grayish, richly humane.

[George]

Winter Light. Spare, mostly grayish, richly humane.

My favorite Bergman film.