Reviews
Anna Karenina (1935)
Never gains much momentum
"Anna Karenina" is based on a novel by Leo Tolstoy. I have not read Tolstoy's novel, but it is apparent from the thickness of the novel and the length of this film that this adaptation is heavily abridged. The story is simple; Anna Karenina is married to Karenin but has an affair with Vronsky.
The film features impressive sets and costumes. There are depictions of upper-class Russian rituals such as drinking games, dancing and a stage production. These are for the most part well-done, although the stage production seemed drawn out.
Greta Garbo as Anna, Fredric March as Vronsky and Basil Rathbone as Karenin lead the cast. It is an impressive roster, and all of them give solid performances, especially Rathbone and Garbo, but the characters they played were not exceptionally interesting. Freddie Bartholomew is notable as Sergei, Anna's astute young scientist of a child that has some touching scenes with Garbo.
This film is watchable and has a number of decent scenes, but never gains much momentum beyond a basic love story. Sadly I didn't form any strong attachments to the characters such that I was even indifferent to Anna's final fate at the end of the story. I'm not sure how other adaptations of the novel compare, but this one is somewhat flat despite having three accomplished performers in the lead parts.
Les Misérables (1998)
Abridged yet effective
The first point that bears emphasis about the 1998 film adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Les Misérables" is that it is highly abridged. Even more abridged than abridged versions of the novel and even more abridged than the story used for the popular musical. Characters such as Éponine and Gavroche are absent from this adaptation. This will offend those looking for a closer adaptation of Hugo's novel, but it does not bother me that this film focuses on the story of Valjean, Javert, Fantine, Cosette and Marius. The basic story for those unfamiliar with it, takes place in 19th century France and follows a poor thief, Jean Valjean, who is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, even after reforming his ways.
Liam Neeson and Geoffrey Rush are excellent as the reformed and generous ex-convict and his relentless pursuer. The rest of the performances are commendable as well, particularly from Uma Thurman as Fantine, Claire Danes as Cosette and Hans Matheson as Marius. Claire Danes, in addition to giving a solid performance, seems to fit well with the iconic image of Cosette that has come to represent musical productions of the story.
Visually this film is impressive as well with sweeping representations of Paris, Vigo and other locations and appropriate costumes. Basil Poledouris' score was also fitting for the story. The story, though abridged, still effectively gives us the touching tale of the plight of the poor in France, a reformed and ceaselessly generous convict, an overzealous inspector and those around them. I always enjoyed the clash of ideals and cat and mouse game between a reformed criminal and a man who clings to the ideal that no criminal can ever be reformed. This version of "Les Misérables" is recommended for those that are not uncomfortable with heavy abridgements to Hugo's classic novel.
Inherit the Wind (1960)
Darwin on trial
"Inherit the Wind" is the story of a teacher put on trial in a small American town for teaching a lesson based Darwin's "Origin of Species", which is against local law and thought to deny God's role as creator. The film is loosely based on the "Scopes Trial" of 1925. It is important to emphasize the phrase "loosely based", because numerous details of the film, including character names and histories, do not coincide with the details of the Scopes Trial.
Spencer Tracy excels at speechmaking as Henry Drummond, the lawyer defending the teacher. Fredric March has a more difficult role as the over-the-top fundamentalist folk hero against teaching evolution, Matthew Harrison Brady. March generally handles it well and delivers a number of memorable lines, but at times went too far for my liking in being crass and a buffoon. The rest of the cast is notable, particularly Gene Kelly as the derisive E. K. Hornbeck delivering sharp lines.
The story is set in the fictitious small town of "Heavenly" Hillsboro in Tennessee. Marches of the villagers through the town, their meeting were effective ways to emphasize the town as being fundamentalist, although the suggestion that they would hang the teacher seems unrealistic. I thought the side story of the the firebrand preacher that shuns his own daughter was well-made and not out of place. The best scenes of the film were those in the court room, especially the dialogue between Drummond and Brady concerning the Bible. There is only one part of this that seemed strange, where Brady suggests that sex is the "original sin". It seems doubtful that a character like Brady's would consider sex a sin, only non-marital sex. The issues raised by the film remain pertinent today considering that many still challenge the validity of teaching evolution despite consensus among scientists.
Cyrano de Bergerac (1950)
Striking performance from José Ferrer
"Cyrano de Bergerac" is based on the play by Edmond Rostand about a swordsman and poet with a long nose who helps another man to win the woman he loves. The film's story is an abridged version of the play based on the famous English translation from Brian Hooker.
José Ferrer is excellent in the title role as Cyrano de Bergerac. He handles all aspects of the character well, from the sharp poetic dialogue to the reluctance in conveying his feelings to Roxane. The rest of the performances were respectable as well, though clearly the title role requires the most acting ability.
This film is criticized for its minimalist sets. Admittedly they never bothered me, but at times the film was excessively dark, especially during the combat scenes toward the end of the film.
The story is abridged, but for me the essential components of the story were there with clever verse of Hooker's translation and the tragedy and humor of Rostand's story. The swordplay scenes are believable, though not exceptional other than for Cyrano's ability to fight and compose poetry simultaneously. "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a solid adaptation of Rostand's play best known for a striking performance from José Ferrer.
Schindler's List (1993)
"The list is life."
"Schindler's List" is Steven Spielberg's acclaimed film that explores the life of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved almost 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust through his actions. Spielberg appropriately decided to make the film in black and white, which gives the film a documentary-like quality. It also allowed him to make effective use of occasional glimpses of color. John Williams again proves his ability to come up with an appropriate soundtrack for any type of film. Spielberg also shows in a time of overwrought special effects that effects can be used subtlety to great effect, such as the zoomed out shot of a building on which windows light up to indicate Nazi gunfire and killings.
Liam Neeson is perfect as Oskar Schindler. Schindler is initially a war profiteer who is eventually moved to use his fortune and influence to shield Jews from the Holocaust. Interestingly the character was given an enigmatic quality and generally isn't explicit about his perceptions for a lot of the film. To the film's credit, it doesn't suppress the womanizing aspect of Schindler's character. Ben Kingsley is also excellent in a subtle performance as Schindler's invaluable accountant and assistant, Itzhak Stern. Ralph Fiennes also gives a great and frightening performance as the unstable and insecure megalomaniac Amon Goeth.
This film is long and sad, but absorbing at the same time such that it is never tedious during its length of over three hours. The film gains intensity from the graphic depictions of Nazi violence and the lingering sense that Jews can be killed at any time. It also shows us how the courage of one individual can have an important impact. Schindler laments not having saved more people, but the film effectively makes it clear that almost 1,200 people is an important number.
Murder, My Sweet (1944)
Successful Chandler adaptation
"Murder, My Sweet" is based on the novel "Farewell, My Lovely" by Raymond Chandler. It follows hardboiled detective Philip Marlowe as he becomes embroiled in a tangled plot involving a missing girlfriend, a stolen jade necklace and more than enough shifty characters.
Dick Powell is excellent as Marlowe and lends the character an appropriate toughness balanced with cynicism and sardonic remarks. The rest of the enigmatic cast was excellent as well, especially Anne Shirley, Claire Trevor and Mike Mazurki.
The story generally closely follows that of "Farewell, My Lovely". Some elements of the story were considered controversial when the film was made and were left out, but the essential Chandler mystery is there. That means we get a nicely convoluted plot with intrigue and twists. Notably also the film retains some of Chandler's clever first-person commentary and features some commendable effects to illustrate some of the sequences from the story. "Murder, My Sweet" is a must-see for Chandler readers and those that enjoy detective stories.
The Miracle Worker (1962)
Deaf and blind, but not beyond hope
"The Miracle Worker" is based on the play by William Gibson, which portrays the efforts of Anne Sullivan to teach the deaf and blind child Helen Keller discipline and a method of communication. Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke refined their roles as Anne and Helen on Broadway before making this film, and it shows, with both delivering first-rate performances. The supporting roles were well-cast as well, especially the rest of the members of the Keller family.
The efforts of Anne are thoroughly engrossing as she tries to strengthen her tumultuous relationship with Helen and teach her simultaneously. Anne adopts a stringent approach, and it is apparent that it is necessary for Helen's benefit. There is a remarkable intense and deliberately protracted scene that shows the frustrating effort involved in getting Helen to fold a napkin and eat dinner with a spoon. The ending is simply amazing and practically guaranteed to be touching for any viewer.
The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)
How to betray your country
"The Falcon and the Snowman" is the story of two young men, a CIA employee and a drug dealer, who become disenchanted with United States foreign policy and sell state secrets to the Soviet Union. The events of the film are based on a true story.
Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn are convincing in the lead parts and develop interesting characterizations. The supporting cast also performs well, notably with a performance from David Suchet of Hercule Poirot fame as a seasoned Soviet agent.
The film is generally effective at setting out its premise and developing it and giving a sense of two boys caught in something they did not properly understand going in. However, it does seem overlong and cumbersome at points in the middle. The ending, however, is tense, stunning and effective. There are some catchy rock songs included in the soundtrack, but also unfortunately a repeated mellow synthesizer track that doesn't fit with a spy story. There are other spy films more worth seeking out than "The Falcon and the Snowman", but it is a decent film none the less.
The Ipcress File (1965)
Satisfactory spy film
"The Ipcress File" follows British agent Harry Palmer, who is sent to contact a man suspected to be involved in the kidnapping of a prominent scientist. During the investigation the word "Ipcress" is found on a tape.
Michael Caine is adept at being sarcastic and insubordinate as usual as bespectacled agent Harry Palmer. The supporting cast is also solid, and especially notable is Nigel Green, who was an apt choice for the role of stuffy spy supervisor Major Dalby.
The story generally positions the film as a realistic spy film as opposed to the more glamorized Bond model, but some aspects of the film are more contrived toward the end. The film is effective at conveying a sense of bureaucracy without being tedious with its office procedures and specially named forms. There is a decent, though not especially complex, level of intrigue throughout the film and one especially good twist. Another notable aspect is an excellent score from composer John Barry. "The Ipcress File" is overall a satisfactory though not quite great spy film.
Smiley's People (1982)
Smiley comes out of retirement again
"Smiley's People" is the sequel miniseries to "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" and is also based on a novel by John le Carré. In this series, George Smiley investigates the murder of a Russian general formerly passing information to the Circus which puts him on the trail of his old rival, Soviet spy master "Karla".
As with "Tinker, Tailor", Alec Guinness is perfect in a subtle performance as George Smiley. The returning performers and new performances are solid as well.
"Smiley's People" is at least up to the high standard of "Tinker, Tailor" and perhaps better. Whereas in "Tinker, Tailor" Smiley investigated within a limited circle of people and limited area, in this series the locations and characters are more varied. In this way the plot of "Smiley's People" requires more focus to understand the connections between characters, which I enjoyed.
As with "Tinker, Tailor", the style consisted mostly of Smiley conversing with people for information, so this series is also not appropriate for those looking for a fast-paced James Bond type spy thriller, but enjoyable for those looking for a deliberately paced spy film. It is worth noting the final scene, which is impressively tense and provides an interesting and appropriate conclusion.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1979)
"Good intelligence work is gradual and rests on a kind of gentleness."
"Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" is a miniseries based on the novel by John le Carré. British Intelligence, nicknamed the "Circus", has been compromised. One of its four top officials is passing information to the Soviets and it rests upon retired spy George Smiley to investigate the Circus and find the traitor.
Alec Guinness skillfully leads the cast as the subtle and methodical George Smiley. All of the supporting players are excellent as well. Even brief appearances such as those of Susan Kodicek, Joss Ackland and Patrick Stewart made an impression and left me wishing I could see more of their characters.
The story explores the shifty and bureaucratic spy community through dialogue and by developing the relationships between characters over time. This miniseries maintains a slow and thoughtful pace throughout and will most certainly bore those looking for a quick James Bond type thriller. Smiley slowly discovers what is happening by tracking down people and sifting through files. Eventually Smiley and the audience are rewarded for their patience with the identity of the mole toward the superb end of the series. Thankfully there is a sequel series, "Smiley's People", for those of us left wanting more.
Serpico (1973)
The honest cop
"Serpico" is the story of Frank Serpico, a policeman who reports the rampant corruption evident in the New York police. The film is based on a true story and explores the career and personal life of Frank Serpico.
Al Pacino delivers a skilled and forceful performance as Frank Serpico. Serpico's character is interestingly shown as multi-faced and not simply as completely heroic. The less sympathetic side of his character is seen in his abusive behavior in a relationship due to the strain from fighting corruption. The rest of the cast is also notable, particularly John Randolph as the hard-edged veteran Chief Green, who is also interested in fighting corruption.
The film's story is generally quite engaging, especially in the second half, though less so at points. The sense of overwhelming corruption is staggering and effective. Serpico's honesty shines through and is inspiring to witness.
Doctor Who: The Caves of Androzani: Part One (1984)
A tale of two planets
"The Caves of Androzani" is a "Doctor Who" serial featuring Peter Davison as the Doctor. The story concerns two neighboring planets, Androzani Minor and Androzani Major. Major is a center of governmental operations, but Minor contains a valuable resource. On Minor there is a war between government and resistance resources that is at a lingering stalemate. The situation is altered when the Doctor and companion Peri land in the TARDIS on Minor.
Peter Davison is in top form as the Doctor, playing the character as knowledgeable with occasional touches of sarcasm. Admittedly I always thought Peri was never an especially good companion for the Doctor. She gets better as the serial progresses, but too often whines, screams or squeals. I would say that her character is the only major detractor of the serial. John Normington is memorable as the cold, brooding capitalist that pulls the strings on Androzani Major. Christopher Gable is also notable as the enigmatic resistance leader Sharaz Jek, a masked character surely inspired by the Phantom of the Opera.
The sets for the dark caves of Androzani are well-made and the effects for space travel are amazingly seamless. The serial has many elements that make it an excellent one: political machinations, gunrunners, androids, minor military conflicts, duplicity, ambiguity and plot twists. Even the brief appearances by a rubber monster that terrorizes random British actors are decent. This is definitely a serial worth seeing for those that enjoy serials from the Peter Davison years.
L'armée des ombres (1969)
French Resistance film par excellence
"Army in the Shadows" or "Army of Shadows" is Jean-Pierre Melville's film about the French resistance during World War II. The film is concerned with organizers of the resistance and their efforts to evade the Germans.
The casting is great all-around and shows us seemingly average people making extraordinary but unembellished sacrifices. A prime example is Lino Ventura's excellent performance as Philippe Gerbier, who is quiet and reserved but proves capable of heroic deeds and occasionally allows the audience to penetrate into his inner thoughts.
This film is not a fast paced thriller, but a well-considered and touching portrait of the resistance. Four scenes in the film that struck me in particular were the gloomy and touching scene where it is necessary to dispose of a traitor quietly, the scene with the clever improvisation needed to pass a cluster of Germans near a train, the tense scene where a group prisoners run from a German machine gun and the ending that shows a bitter sacrifice made for the common good. German brutality often takes place between scenes, but viewers see the troubling consequences of it. The film's tense score was more than ample at highlighting key moments in the film. I strongly recommend this film to those interested in a compelling World War II story.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
"How the mighty are fallen."
"The Philadelphia Story" is about a woman, Tracy Lord (Katherine Hepburn), who has an ex-husband, C. K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), and a tabloid reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart) complicate her upcoming marriage. The film is set in "high society" at the home of the aptly named Lords.
Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart are all excellent in the lead roles. Ruth Hussey is also notable as often sardonic Elizabeth Imbrie and as is Virginia Weidler as the savvy youngster with sharp lines, Dinah Lord.
The film's story is clever, charming and amusing though not often laugh-out-loud funny. It seemed apparent what the ultimate result of the story would be, but none the less there were a number of interesting turns and the story was never boring. The ending was a fitting way to top off this upper-class comedy.
The Kremlin Letter (1970)
The seedy side of spying
"The Kremlin Letter" is a Cold War spy film from director John Huston. It focuses on the story of a young American agent and a team of spies that infiltrate the Soviet Union in an attempt to recover a letter compromising to the United States.
Patrick O'Neal is effective as Charles Rone, who is accepted as a spy due to his photographic memory. Also notable are Richard Boone as the genial mentor to Rone, Bibi Andersson as the desperate wife of a Soviet spy chief Kosnov and Barbara Parkins as an enchanting fellow agent. Orson Welles is solid in a minor role as a Soviet official. Veteran actor Max von Sydow has a good turn as Colonel Kosnov, a determined man with a brutal record, who organizes a "third section" of Soviet agents.
This is the seediest spy story I have seen to date. Harsh tactics are used by both the Americans and Soviets and agents are expected to compromise themselves to the fullest extent in the service of their country. The story remains interesting throughout with intrigue, duplicity and twists. The pace is slow, so this film is not recommend for those looking for a James Bond style spy thriller, but rather those looking for a John le Carré type spy story in the vein of "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold".
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
With a happy refrain
"Singin' in the Rain" is a musical that explores the transition from silent to sound films. It also features the story of actor Don Lockwood, who is famous for his on-screen romantic pairing with Lina Lamont. Lina expects Don to marry her, but Don is more interested in Kathy Selden.
Gene Kelly, Jean Hagen and Debbie Reynolds are all excellent in the lead roles. Hagen is especially amusing and her screechy voice functions perfectly as an impediment in the transition to sound films.
There are not surprisingly a lot of musical numbers, which are generally well-made. Especially good is the title number as sung by Gene Kelly while meandering through a street. The only number that seemed out of place was the extended "Broadway Melody" number toward the end of the film, which looks nice, but is disruptive to the flow of the story.
The storyline exploring the tumultuous transition from silent to sound films and the relationships between characters were clever and amusing. It helped that I watched "The Jazz Singer" (1927) shortly before watching this one, as the film makes reference to its role as the film that ushered in the sound era. It is not essential to view it before seeing this, but it may help to learn of the song "Mammy" from that film since some of the jokes in this film make reference to it. "Singin' in the Rain" is not my favorite musical, but it is certainly one of the better ones I have seen.
The Long Goodbye (1973)
It's okay with me
As an avid Raymond Chandler reader, I am always interested in films that adapt his works. When I first heard of "The Long Goodbye" I assumed that it was a faithful adaptation of Chandler's novel. When I learned that it was not, it dampened my enthusiasm for it and I avoided it for awhile. However, finally I did see it and in the amusingly repeated words of Elliott Gould's iteration of Philip Marlowe, "It's okay with me."
The setting has been changed from the 1950s to the 1970s. However, the film does have an appropriate look that is often dark and would fit with a more conventional noir style detective film. Added to this is John Williams' excellent score, which makes the most of variations on one song.
Elliott Gould leads the cast as the iconic detective Philip Marlowe. Gould's Marlowe is in a number of respects the polar opposite of Bogart's famous portrayal of the detective in "The Big Sleep" (1946). He is exceedingly casual, sometimes mutters lines that Bogart would deliver with force and is often meek or clumsy. It was interesting to see this unorthodox version of Marlowe, and Gould handled the role well. The film even parodies the frequent smoking of Hollywood classics by highlighting the fact that Marlowe smokes in each scene and lights a match on any surface available. Amusingly one of the characters even calls him "Marlboro". Marlowe's frequent smoking appears excessive and unrefined, which is a fitting given contemporary negative perceptions of smoking.
The rest of the cast is solid as well. Especially notable from the supporting is from Mark Rydell, who is convincing and shocking as the gangster Marty Augustine. Nina Van Pallandt is also effective as the classy, suffering Eileen Wade and as is Sterling Hayden as the belligerent alcoholic Roger Wade. Henry Gibson was an apt choice as the small yet imposing Dr. Verringer. I also enjoyed Ken Sansom as the guard who excels at impressions of famous Hollywood actors and actresses.
There is still a mystery story in this film as in the novel. It is less intense than the original and liable to displease those looking for a more precise Chandler adaptation, but for me it was satisfactory. This film does effectively give a sense of the seediness surrounding Marlowe through the characters as in Chandler's novels. The combination of the novelty of Gould's Marlowe, the mystery story and the character interactions was enough to keep this film interesting despite the deviations from the novel.
The only part of the film that didn't strike me favorably was the ending. I realize that the Marlowe of this film is not the same as that of the books, but for me his decision near the film's end was too far beyond anything Philip Marlowe would do. No doubt those that favor the ending will argue it fits with the tone of the film, but ultimately my complaint about the ending is a minor one against this overall great film. However, I was amused by the crackly "Hooray for Hollywood" at the film's end. Those willing to see a revisionist approach to Chandler should give "The Long Goodbye" a chance.
To Be or Not to Be (1942)
"So they call me "Concentration Camp" Ehrhardt?"
"To Be or Not to Be" is about a troupe of Polish actors who become entangled in a plot involving a Nazi spy during the German occupation of Poland. The film's title is a reference to the fact that the troupe frequently performs "Hamlet".
The egocentric ham actor and leader of the troupe, Joseph Tura, is played by that great, great comedic actor, Jack Benny. Benny plays is oft-played role of a man who overrates his own abilities with relish. Carole Lombard is also excellent as Joseph's smooth wife Maria and the rest of the cast is solid.
This film features sharp humor that parodies the Nazis and criticizes them. The film is funny all-around, but especially so during the second half. My favorite scene is the one where Joseph Tura is told improvise in order to keep a professor working for the Nazis in his office, but he can't improvise effectively despite being an actor. The way Benny botches the improvisation by repeating the "Concentration Camp" Ehrhardt line and following it with strained laughter is perfect. "To Be or Not to Be" is another excellent comedy film from director Ernst Lubitsch.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Essential British gangster film
"The Long Good Friday" is about an English crime mogul on the cusp of sealing a deal with the American Mafia whose organization becomes the target of assassins and bombs. The film is distinctly British not only with its London setting, but in that it features strong accents and British slang which viewers outside the U.K. may grapple with. It features an excellent and addictive synthesizer and jazz score from Francis Monkman.
Bob Hoskins leads the cast with an energetic and gripping performance as crime mogul Harold Shand. Hoskins' Shand is relentless and ruthless, but shows genuine lament at the loss of friends. Helen Mirren also deserves note as the classy but tough companion of Harold's, Victoria, and the supporting performances are all solid. Look for Paul Freeman, who would later play French archaeologist Rene Belloq in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and a young Pierce Brosnan in brief appearances. Brosnan has little time in the film and no lines, but still makes a strong impression.
The film's story has Harold desperately trying to discover the source of the attacks against his organization. There is an effective mystery with a number of twists that keeps the story strong throughout the film. Harold and his associates use strongarm and violent tactics while trying to solve the mystery. Sometimes the violence is very graphic, especially during two scenes, but it doesn't seem out of place. The film's ending is semi-ambiguous yet a perfect way to end this great film.
Metropolis (1927)
Notable early science-fiction film
"Metropolis" is Fritz Lang's early entry into the science-fiction genre. For me the premise recalls H.G. Wells' novel "The Time Machine", where the division between managers and laborers has become so strong that the laborers are sent to live underground. The dystopian city setting is a forerunner to similar settings in films such as "Blade Runner" (1982). The visuals are certainly impressive and an amazing achievement for a 1927 film.
The actors wear far too much makeup and the acting is especially blunt at points, but overall the performances are decent and the characterizations interesting. Particularly of note is Brigitte Helm in her dual role as Maria and the "Robot". She is a convincing advocate for peace and it was effective how she used facial expressions to make the distinction between her two characters.
The distinctions between managers and laborers are well-developed. Depictions of downtrodden workers marching in unison were becoming to show the sharp distinctions between the classes of Metropolis. In the first half of the movie the story and characterizations are well-developed and interesting, but the second half was not as consistent. The latter half has a solid story and notable scenes, but a number of the scenes linger too long, such as the catacomb chase. Many write that restoring more footage to this film would make it better, but for me judicious editing in the later portions of the film would be more beneficial. None the less, "Metropolis" is a notable early entry into the science-fiction film genre.
American Gangster (2007)
Disappointing but not completely awful crime film
"American Gangster" is Ridley Scott's latest film that centers on the leader of a drug cartel and a detective dedicated to curtailing drug dealing. Though the story is based on true events, no doubt viewers will find parallels with other better crime films. The parallel that strikes me the most is with "Heat" (1995), which also portrays a crime story from the perspective of a detective and a criminal leader, but much more engagingly. "American Gangster" isn't an awful film per se, but it could have been better considering the talent involved.
The film does feature solid performances. Russell Crowe is effective as a relentless and incorruptible yet womanizing and sometimes quick to anger detective. Denzel Washington is also effective in his role as a self-assured and tough criminal leader. Both actors are acting in familiar territory and I wasn't surprised by the characterizations, but they were effective none the less. The supporting performances were also notable, especially Josh Brolin as a despicable crooked police detective.
The film's story is where this film could have been improved. The film's premise is a good one and it is well-developed initially. The ending sequence starting with an investigation of a plane is tense and effective. There is a memorable scene where Crowe and Washington sit down and discuss their situation which recalls "Heat", though the scene in "Heat" is superior. The way they incorporated reports of Vietnam into the film was effective and as were the scenes featuring the troubled family life of Crowe's character. It is the middle of the story that could have been improved. While there are some notable scenes in that portion, it seemed overlong overall and more tedious than it should be. Due to this, for me "American Gangster" did not realize its full potential.
Dial M for Murder (1954)
The perfect murder?
"Dial M for Murder" is Alfred Hitchcock's film about a man that organizes a "perfect murder" for his wife with an accomplice. An important distinction between this and other Hitchcock films is that mystery and suspense come not from attempting to ascertain what is happening, but rather if any of the characters can discover the details of a crime the audience has witnessed.
Ray Milland is Tony Wendice, the man organizing the crime. Milland is well-suited to his role as a man calculating and resourceful. Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and Anthony Dawson are solid in their roles as well. However, my favorite performance comes from John Williams as Inspector Hubbard. Williams skillfully presents a subtle characterization that gradually makes a transition from easily dismissed to commanding.
Though I generally prefer films with mysteries to be solved to those where the crime is known to the audience but not the characters, this film's story is tense and engaging. There are a number of interesting twists in the story that keep it interesting. "Dial M for Murder" is an excellent mystery and suspense film from Hitchcock.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
The funny heist gone wrong
"Dog Day Afternoon" is about an inept bank robbery that leads to a hostage situation. It sounds like a humorless premise, but humor is the prominent element in the film with moments of drama and tension mixed in.
Al Pacino is Sonny, the leader of the heist turned hostage situation. Pacino is perfect in his role as a nervous improviser. His character is multi-faceted and interesting, proving sometimes knowledgeable despite being engaged in an inept operation and sympathetic. John Cazale is also notable as the accomplice of few words, Sal. Cazale is at his best with his expressions during the tense final sequence. The hostages and police forces are well-played as well. It was interesting to contrast the styles of Moretti, initially representing the police side and trying to cobble a solution together and Sheldon, the organized chess-master FBI agent.
On paper the hostage situation story sounds typical, but this film rises far above any clichés. The film gains strength from its humoristic approach to the situation, which uses irony and absurdity to great effect. However, there are a number of great dramatic moments as well and an interesting consideration of Vietnam, trans-sexuality and other social issues. I found that after the initial hold-up gone wrong I slowly calmed to the hostage situation before the effective and tense end sequence. I didn't find the film's second half aside from the ending to be as consistently engaging as the first, but overall this film has a novel and interesting approach to portraying a hostage situation.
A Tale of Two Cities (1958)
Effectively shows the best and worst of times
"A Tale of Two Cities" is based on the novel by Charles Dickens. The story is not focused on the plight of the poor in Victorian England as with many of Dickens' novels, but rather an exploration of France prior to and in the wake of the French Revolution.
The nice thing about this film is that it has a sense of the scope of the history it portrays but also tells a personal story with connected people from England and France. The essential story concerns a hunted French aristocrat, an English barrister and a French woman whom they both love. These characters are not only linked to each other but to the French Revolution via the French aristocrat. The film shows the indiscretions by the aristocrats, the desperation of the beggars in Paris prior to the Revolution and but the arbitrary actions of Committee of Public Safety after the Revolution equally well. The transition with the storming of the Bastille was handled well. Importantly this film is in the end a very touching tale of self-sacrifice.
Dirk Bogarde is Sydney Carton, the English barrister of the story. Bogarde is effective at portraying Carton's transition from a comical though shrewd drunkard to a man that achieves a degree of nobility (pardon the pun). Dorothy Tutin and Paul Guers were also solid leads Lucie Manette as Charles Darnay. Donald Pleasence has a relatively small but memorable role as the profiteering spy Barsad. Christopher Lee is well-suited to his oft-played role as a villain, who in this case is a haughty and despicable French aristocrat. Rosalie Crutchley's performance as Madame Defarge also deserves note. Defarge is a truly chilling woman, and Crutchley brings out the transition from quiet glaring knitter to overwrought Reign of Terror fanatic very well. "A Tale of Two Cities" tells a personal story of a group of characters and self-sacrifice but also how France replaced its former repressors with new ones.