Archive for September, 2009
You are currently browsing the Anatomy Of A Classic blog archives for September, 2009.
25
Sep
2009
Favorite Fridays: Movie Poster Edition
Lindsay chose: Humoresque (1946)
Pretty impressionist painting of the ocean, and I like the attitude – Joan Crawford walking headstrong into the wind. Dramatic classic film trailer-style tag line doesn’t hurt, either. Note: This image is actually the dvd cover – the English language poster appears to be rare.
Alix chose: Sunset Boulevard (1950)
If you’ve seen Sunset Boulevard, you know that the abstract poster perfectly characterizes Gloria Swanson’s character in the film. I think the poster really draws you in and makes you want to see the film and find out why this woman has such crazy eyes.
What movie posters do you like?
22
Sep
2009
Shadowy Figures in Cinematography: Robert Krasker and “The Third Man”
There’s a running joke between a few of my friends that I was a cinematographer in a past life. Watch the footage I’ve taken of my adventures in LA and you’ll constantly hear a “Oh! That’s a cool shot. That’s a great shot!” from behind the camera when I find a good perspective or perfect lighting. My personal talents are amateurish at best, so I have a real respect when I see awesome cinematography.
Sometimes good cinematography is so good that you don’t notice it and sometimes good cinematography presents frames that make you want to hit the pause button and just stare. The Third Man (1949) is, in my opinion, one of the best examples of the latter. Directed by Carol Reed and photographed by Robert Krasker, the film features absolutely stunning shots in the dim setting of battered post-war Vienna. Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten star.
Take a look at some of the stills below, then add it to your Netflix cue to get the full effect.
How cool is that???
What other films come to mind with standout cinematography? Tell us in the comments!
17
Sep
2009
Supporting Actor Spotlight: Claude Rains
Claude Rains is the Star of the month on Turner Classic Movies, so it’s only fitting that we give our own salute to one of our favorite actors.
Name: William Claude Rains
Famous Roles: Sen. Joseph Paine in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Capt. Louis Renault in Casablanca (1942), Job Skeffington in Mr. Skeffington (1944), Alexander Sebastian in Notorious (1946), Mr. Dryden in Lawrence of Arabia (1962).
Trademark: His distinctive, raspy voice and ability to adeptly play a wide range of roles.
.
Achievements and Awards: Nominated for four Academy Awards, but never won. Won a Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (Darkness at Noon, 1954).
.
Why we love him: In the words of Bette Davis, “He was a pip! The best!” and we agree. He could be a convincing dramatic actor in one film and the witty comedic role in the next. Next time you watch “Casablanca” keep an eye on him – the delivery of lines such as “I like to think you killed a man. It’s the romantic in me” is flawless. Even in supporting roles, Rains was never overshadowed by big stars in leading roles. His superb acting created some of the most memorable characters in film and Rains is always enjoyable to watch.
8
Sep
2009
Alfred Hitchcock Birthday Bash
Millie from the always fascinating blog ClassicForever was nice enough to allow me to contribute a guest post to her month-long Alfred Hitchcock Birthday Bash!
The post is a look at an often-unnoticed skill of Hitch: his genius ability to market his films. Anyone interested in personal branding or marketing, take note!
