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.
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.
