"Now Listen to Me..."
Just some thoughts on current happenings:
Alan Arkin
For those fortunate enough to be in or around Los Angeles, TCM is hosting its yearly Classic Film Festival at various venues in the Hollywood area April 10 - 14 with many screenings of classic movies in some of L.A.'s best theatres. Several must see events will include The Heart is a Lonely Hunter with star Alan Arkin in person to discuss this special, very moving film.
Also on the schedule is a screening of the visually astonishing (soon to be released on Blu-ray) Sorcerer and a discussion with its director William Friedkin.
The complete schedule can be found by clicking on the image to the right:
Rhonda Fleming, Dick Powell,
The recommended video release of the month is Cry Danger (Hidden Gem #45) on Blu-ray. More info can be found on this and additional new releases at the Pinterest Board. To purchase from Amazon simply click on the image to the right:
Speaking of The Pinterest Boards please have a look for other recently released DVDs and Blu-rays, some of Cinema's 2014 In Memorium, Amazing Television Shows, Most Wanted on DVD, and the soon to be added C.D. Motion Picture Soundtrack recommendations.
For this month the recommended Soundtrack is the recently released 2 CD set of composer Bruce Broughton's fabulous score to Young Sherlock Holmes.
Issued by Intrada Records it can be purchased by clicking on the image. (Intrada ships worldwide).
#Edit: As of October 28, 2022 this title is currently available in a 3 CD set, fully remastered and expanded. Click on the image below for more information including ordering from Intrada Records.
The recommendation for those enjoying Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this April is The Searchers, one of cinema's greatest western treasures which I will have more on soon. It is scheduled to air on TCM Tuesday, April 22 at 11:30 pm PST.
William Friedkin's Sorcerer is such a stunning work, I'd like to add it as a Blu-ray recommendation for the month of April.
It has a narrative that is almost entirely told visually, which along with the mesmerising soundtrack, becomes a feast for the eyes and ears. Friedkin's laser-like gaze zeroes in on the occurring events, immersing us so completely, his film's central flaw becomes easy to overlook: the underdeveloped primary characters. In Sorcerer, unlike its inspiration The Wages of Fear, each individual has a flashback explaining why he is in this South American hell-hole. Now they all want to get out, which is somewhat understandable given the surprisingly harsh environment. This common ambition, however, requires present-time narrative conflicts in order to credibly contradict their reason for traveling there in the first place (particularly in regards to the assassin who would not require money to leave) and personal insights to provide some individual distinction between them. These conflicts and personality traits do arise periodically but whether they are enough to fully convince and engage us in their plight will be up to the viewer. Their desperation to successfully complete the mission is palpable in practically each and every suspenseful encounter. Like its existentialist subject matter, Friedkin's focus is entirely consumed by the moment. In conveying the immediacy, gritty realism and nail-biting tension he thoroughly succeeds. Oh, and speaking of nail-biting, during the harrowing bridge crossing scene don't be surprised if you chew them right off. Aided and abetted by Tangerine Dream's hypnotic score, Sorcerer is also like a vivid dream, leaving an indelible impression and is not soon forgotten. For more information, and to order from Amazon.com, simply click on the image.
A.G.