"Now Listen to Me..."

Just some thoughts on current happenings:

There are two recommended videos this month. Both have been recently released on Blu-ray.

The first is 1965's espionage thriller The Ipcress File.

Michael Caine seems quite comfortable in one of his first important roles as author Len Deighton's Harry Palmer: a far less flamboyant and non-heroic British secret agent compared to Ian Fleming's James Bond. Palmer's lifestyle couldn't be any different either. Unlike the opulent and sophisticated backdrop of Bond, Palmer's environment is confined and dreary. Produced by Harry Saltzman, who also helped bring Bond to the screen, this was made to be a more realistic alternative to Bond's lavish surrounds, gorgeous women and outrageous gadgets. Palmer's meagre wage, small East End flat, grocery shopping and constant paperwork suggest a rather routine spy's routine. This story aspect is offset, however, by the film's engaging characters, wry humour and an increasingly enthralling plot. Its producers have wisely brought in some of their Bond cohorts, namely Peter R. Hunt with his judicious style of editing, Ken Adam’s inventive production design (which most resembles the Bond franchise during Palmer's outlandish brainwashing sequences) and John Barry's silky-smooth musical score featuring a most creative use of the cimbalom. Director Sidney J. Furie livens the proceedings with some spy-like camera angles as the drama comes to a most suspenseful and satisfying climax. Like the Bond films, The Ipcress File requires a considerable "suspension of disbelief" but will earn it in spades. Lastly, the title of this column, as some film buffs might have recognised, refers to some prominent dialogue in this highly enjoyable thriller. The Region B Blu-ray from Network can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk by clicking on the image above.

1997's The Game is a wild and fantastic concoction.

The superbly integrated personal background of Michael Douglas' Nicholas Van Orton not only makes his reactions to the escalating nightmarish events more involving, it adds poignancy to his final astonishment when all is revealed. The highly proficient, first-rate performances by Douglas, Sean Penn and the rest of the cast provide immeasurable assistance in genuinely bonding us to their characters. Some have complained about the ending but they are off the mark. It’s perfect i.e. if you’ve gone along with the other narrative developments up to that point. Most importantly, it ties together Van Orton’s emotional journey (the true value of this film) with a perfectly designed, spectacular cathartic finish. Unlike many of director David Fincher's other films, The Game has improved with age and become more estimable than its title would suggest. Unique, challenging and compelling, it really stays with you. The Blu-ray is from Criterion (North America Region A) and is available from Amazon by clicking on the image.

For August, the recommended CD Soundtrack is Ennio Morricone's sensational score to The Untouchables.

This 2 CD set is a limited edition release and is available on the La La Land label from Screen Archives Entertainment. It can currently be ordered by clicking on the image. Screen Archives ships worldwide.

There are two recommendations for those enjoying Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this August.

The first is a somewhat rare foreign film showing of Louis Malle's penetrating study of a recovering alcoholic's severe depression, The Fire Within a.k.a. Le Feu Follet.

This is Hidden Gem #33 and contains a deeply moving performance by Maurice Ronet as Malle's tortured soul (who also starred in the French master's Elevator to the Gallows). TCM has scheduled this important film to air on (updated) Sunday, May 7 at 11 pm PST.

On (updated) Friday, September 20 (2024) at 12:30 pm PDT, TCM will show Anthony Mann's terrific period noir The Tall Target: a conspiratorial effort to assassinate President Lincoln that takes place mostly on board a moving train.

(From left) Adolphe Menjou, Dick Powell

This engrossing, suspenseful and taut intrigue is based on a similar historical event. As well as having loads of noir atmospheric cinematography by Paul Vogel (Lady in the Lake, High Wall, Black Hand), there's Dick Powell, shining as a determined policeman, and Ruby Dee's strong-minded slave who tries to assist Powell in thwarting the plot. 

(From left) Ruby Dee, Marshall Thompson, Dick Powell, Paula Raymond

Current showings on TCM can be confirmed by clicking on either of the above two images. To confirm the correct Pacific Daylight (West Coast) showtime information, subtract 3 hours from the Eastern Daylight (East Coast) showtime listed on TCM’s schedule.

 A.G.