Archive for October, 2009
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30
Oct
2009
Favorite Fridays: Movie Villain Edition
For this week, in the spirit of Halloween, we picked our favorite classic film villains.
Lindsay chose: Rev. Harry Powell (Night of the Hunter, 1955)
As one of Robert Mitchum’s best performances, Reverend Powell is a stand-out among villains. Where other antagonists are intense in their sinisterness (yes, that’s a word), what makes Powell scary is his nonchalance – the smooth voice, the relaxed gestures, the laziness of a Sunday afternoon. Watch this film and I promise, “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms” will never be the same…
Alix chose: Bruno Anthony (Strangers on A Train, 1951)
Bruno is a fantastic villain because he’s charming, friendly, smooth talking, and completely psychotic. He starts out at the beginning of the film as a seemingly nice guy but everything about him - from the way he walks, talks, pops little kids balloons with his cigarette – slowly adds up to create a fantastically crazy villain by the end of the film. Trust me, after listening to Bruno, you’ll never feel the same about the word “crisscross” again.
27
Oct
2009
Gossip Girl Goes Classic
The opening scene of this week’s episode of Gossip Girl entitled “Enough About Eve” (available here until next Monday or so) recreates the beginning of one of our all-time favorites, All About Eve. The script continues with references to Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, Charade, and What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?
Blair as Margo Channing (Bette Davis) and Chuck as Bill (Gary Merrill)
Though undoubtedly most of the GG audience won’t get some of these allusions to classic film, some will be compelled to do a little research. So thank you, Gossip Girl (what??) for furthering our mission of introducing Gen Y to classic film.
XOXO,
Classic Girl
23
Oct
2009
Favorite Fridays: Favorite Close-Ups
Lindsay chose: Casablanca (1942)
Quite simply, there is no more beautiful an image captured on screen than a tearful Ilsa Lund in Casablanca. Soft focus, yes, but appropriately so. After all, it’s a tender moment. As if that wasn’t enough to win the prize, I love the close-ups of Bogie as he’s drowning his sorrows, agony in his eyes.
Alix chose: Sunset Boulevard (1950)
“All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.” Sunset Boulevard may be an obvious choice, seeing that this quote is one of the most famous classic film quotes, but it does precede a great close up. Why? Because there never really is a close up. As Norma Desmond approaches the camera she begins to blur and fade to grey, almost affirming to the viewer that Norma no longer has a place in film. While it may not be a beautiful, moving, soft focus close-up, it is definitely a scene you will not forget.
13
Oct
2009
EW looks at 1939
A few weeks ago, Entertainment Weekly featured a story on the legendary filmmaking year of 1939. A photo gallery on their website shows behind-the-scenes pictures from Gone With The Wind, Stagecoach, Destry Rides Again, The Wizard Of Oz, Gunga Din, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, and Dark Victory.
Take a look at the cameras, lighting, and crew members. Today’s new release DVDs almost always have a making-of featurette, but it’s rare that we get to see the filmmaking in action of classic films.
12
Oct
2009
Supporting Actor Spotlight: Thelma Ritter
Name: Thelma Ritter
Famous Roles: Birdie in All About Eve (1950), Ellen McNulty in The Mating Season (1951), Stella in Rear Window (1954), Alma in Pillow Talk (1959), and Isabelle Steers in The Misfits (1961).
Trademark: Often played the blunt but wise supporting character with great comedic timing.
Awards and Achievements: Nominated six times for the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award: All About Eve (1950), The Mating Season (1951), With a Song in My Heart (1952), Pickup on South Street (1953), Pillow Talk (1959), Birdman of Alcatraz (1962). This makes Thelma Ritter tied with Deborah Kerr for the most nominations without a win for an actress. Was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Globes for All About Eve, The Mating Season, and Boeing Boeing (1965). Tied with co-star Gwen Verdon for Best Actress (Musical) at the Tony Awards for New Girl In Town (1957).
Why We Love Her: Thelma Ritter, even in supporting roles, always made a huge impact on whatever film she was in. Her character portrayals are always memorable, enjoyable, and never seem overshadowed by big stars like Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, or Jimmy Stewart. Although she is best known for her comedies, Ritter was a well seasoned actress who could also do dramas, musicals, radio, and stage.
What are your favorite Thelma Ritter films?
9
Oct
2009
Favorite Fridays: Classic Couples Edition
Alix chose: Bette Davis and Paul Henreid
Bette Davis and Paul Henreid only appeared in one film together, Now, Voyager but manage to make a lasting impression. Unlike some romantic film actors, Davis and Henreid don’t rely on overt physical acting to portray the mood. Even though the film is often referred to as a soap opera, nothing these two actors do is camp or feels too over dramatic. Every movement is subtle and adds up to the overall effect, for example, when Jerry nonchalantly lights two cigarettes and hands one to Charlotte. And what girl wouldn’t fall in love with a guy like that? The two did reunite one other time in the 1964 film, Dead Ringer, in which Davis starred and Henreid directed.
Lindsay chose: Myrna Loy and William Powell
One of the most prolific couplings in film history, Powell and Loy made about a gazillion (translation = 14) movies together. In the comedic films, they are as cute as a guinea pig in a dinosaur costume. They’re the perfect pairing because they both have a certain normalcy about them. Powell is the likeable, unpretentious gentleman and Loy is, in this stage of her career, warm and graceful. But don’t mistake them for boring – both have a wit and sass that, when paired with their “everymanness” makes them truly unique in the classic film world. Check them out as the smart and funny (and well-liquored) Nick and Nora Charles in The Thin Man (and ensuing 5 sequels). Other notable appearances include Libeled Lady (1936), Love Crazy (1941), and I Love You Again (1940).
2
Oct
2009
Favorite Fridays: Movie Theme Edition
Lindsay chose: Tara’s Theme from Gone With The Wind
Written by Max Steiner, this theme is sweeping and epic. The memorable melody is heartbreaking and optimistic at the same time – a perfect fit for the tone of the film. The countermelody (heard as the melody sustains the last note of each phrase) gives the piece power and keeps it from being too saccharine. Steiner wrote a boatload of classic film scores, but Gone With The Wind was his best.
Alix chose: Lawrence Of Arabia overture
Composer Maurice Jarre, who was a relative unknown at the time, created this hauntingly beautiful theme (which begins at 0:40 of the video) that captures both the beauty and emptiness of the Arabian desert. The score is one of the most memorable in film history and is easily recognizable due to its distinct sound. Jarre went on to score three other films for director David Lean including Dr. Zhivago which is also well known for “Lara’s Theme.”
Tell us your favorite!
