"Now Listen to Me..."
Just some thoughts on current happenings:
Happy Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 14) Everyone!
Classic film screenings from around the world this month include:
In theatres across the U.S. Flashback Cinema is presenting Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Sunday, February 2 and Wednesday, February 5, Titanic (1997) Sunday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 12, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) Sunday, February 16 and Wednesday, February 19 and The Godfather (1972) on Sunday February 23 and Wednesday, February 26.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the entire month’s programming, click on The Flashback Cinema banner above.
The Wages of Fear
Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Inferno
In Bergen, Norway The Cinemateket i Bergen will complete its series of films directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot entitled “Your Next Obsession: Henri-Georges Clouzot” with The Wages of Fear (1953) Sunday, February 2 and Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Inferno (2009) Wednesday, February 5 and again on Sunday, February 9.
For more information on each showing, click on the film’s corresponding image above. For more information on additional films in the Henri-Georges Clouzot series, click on the series banner above, and for information on the other films/film series showing at The Cinemateket, click on the banner image above.
In London, United Kingdom The Prince Charles Cinema will present Rear Window (1954, a 35mm print) Sunday, February 2, The Holy Mountain (1973, a new digital restoration) Monday, February 3, Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6, A Woman Under the Influence (1974, a 35mm print) Sunday, February 2, In the Heat of the Night (1967, a 35mm print) Saturday, February 22, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1974, a 35mm print) Sunday, February 23, The Killing (1956, a 35mm print) Thursday, February 27, Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974, a 35mm print) Thursday, February 27 and The Matrix (1999, a 35mm print) on Saturday, February 29.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see February’s complete programming, click on The Prince Charles Cinema banner above.
In Vancouver, British Columbia, The Cinematheque continues with Viva Varda! The Films of Agnès Varda.
For more information about the titles and showtimes, click on the top image above. To learn more about this and other film series at The Cinematheque, click on the theatre banner above.
Alfred Hitchcock
Sabotage
Vertigo
Blackmail
The Paradine Case
Dial M for Murder
Murder!
The Farmer’s Wife
In Stockholm, Sweden, The Swedish Film Institute Cinemateket at the Filmhuset (Filmhouse) theatre will continue its retrospective of Alfred Hitchcock films. This month’s showings are Sabotage (1936, a 35mm print) Wednesday, February 5, Vertigo (1958, a 35mm print) Friday, February 7, Blackmail (1929, the audio version, a 35mm print) Wednesday, February 12, The Paradine Case (1947, a 35mm print) Tuesday, February 18, Dial M for Murder (1954, in 3-D) Friday, February 21, Murder! (1930) Tuesday, February 25 and The Farmer’s Wife (1928) on Saturday, February 29.
For more information on each individual screening, click on the respective image above. For information on the series, click on the image of Alfred Hitchcock above.
M*A*S*H
The Human Condition - Trilogy
Paths of Glory
The Ascent
In Santa Monica (part of greater Los Angeles), California, The American Cinematheque Aero Theatre is presenting a series of anti war films including M*A*S*H (1970, as part of the film’s 50th Anniversary and followed by a discussion with Elliott Gould in person) Thursday, February 6, the entire Human Condition Trilogy consisting of The Human Condition - No Greater Love (1959, a 35mm print), The Human Condition - The Road to Eternity (1959, a 35mm print) and The Human Condition - A Soldier’s Prayer (1961, a 35mm print) Saturday, February 8 beginning at 1pm (*Please note that each part of this trilogy runs over 3 hours long), and a double bill of Paths of Glory (1957, a 35mm print) and The Ascent (1977, a new DCP) on Sunday, February 23.
For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding above image. To see the entire month of February’s programming for both Aero Theatre and The Egyptian (in Hollywood) click on the American Cinematheque banner.
In Auckland, New Zealand Academy Cinemas will present Easy Rider (1969) Friday, February 7, Women in Love (1969) Friday, “Valentine’s Day” February 14, and The Swimmer (1968) on Friday, February 28.
For more information specifically on each of these programmes, click on the corresponding above image. To see the entire month of December’s programming click on the banner above.
In theatres across the U.S., TCM and Fathom Events are presenting Love Story (1970, as part of this film’s 50th Anniversary) Sunday, February 9 and again Wednesday, February 12 and The Color Purple (1985, as part of this film’s 35th Anniversary) on Sunday, February 23 (one day only).
Click on the respective film’s image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.
Noir City will take place in Seattle, Washington from February 14 - February 20. This year’s festival features films noir from around the world. Highlights will include two of the latest restoration projects of the Film Noir Foundation from Argentina: La bestia debe morir aka The Beast Must Die (1952, a 35mm print) and El vampiro negro aka The Black Vampire (1953, a digital restoration) both of which will be presented on opening night Friday, February 14.
For more information including the complete schedule, click on the image above.
In Los Angeles, California The Beverly Cinema will present The Bride of Frankenstein (1935, a 35mm print) Friday, February 14 at 2 pm only, An American in Paris (1951, a 35mm print) Wednesday, February 26 at 2 pm only, a double bill of Freebie and the Bean (1974, a 35mm print) and Busting (1974, a 35mm print) Wednesday, February 26 and The Hospital (1971, a 35mm print) on Saturday, February 29 at midnight only.
Click on the respective image for more information. To see the rest of February’s schedule, click on The Beverly Cinema banner above.
Throughout various locations in Australia, Event Cinemas will host Hollywood Classics On the Big Screen. This month's showings will include The Night of the Hunter (1955) Monday, February 17 and at The GU Filmhouse specifically in the city of Adelaide on Sunday, February 23.
For a list of the theatres hosting this film, click on the film’s poster image and for more films upcoming over the next few months, click on the banner image above.
In Bilbao, Spain The Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa will present Vertigo (1958) with live musical accompaniment featuring Bernard Herrmann’s splendid score on Thursday, February 20.
Click on the image for more information.
There are 18 recommended films to watch on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. this month:
A criminal's mother-fixated pathology and the undercover cop trying to catch him are the topics of an undisputed film noir White Heat, a previous recommendation here. TCM's screen will heat up Tuesday, February 4 at 11 pm PST.
MGM's 1952 musical Singin' in the Rain was not adapted from a theatrical production, though the film was later turned into one, being first presented on stage in 1983. Its abundant creativity, innovation and driving energy place this film at the top of all cinematic musicals ever produced. Singin' in the Rain has been reviewed as a past Blu-ray selection here and will joyously dance its way onto TCM Friday, February 7 at 10:30 am PST.
Last month I recommended, and linked to a past review of, Casablanca, which I criticised for its emotionally underwhelming Parisian flashback, partly due to the fact that we did not see the romance develop before these rather lukewarm scenes took place. Prior to this film, however, Casablanca's producer Hal Wallis and one of its contributing writers, Casey Robinson, made Now, Voyager where the romance witnessed from start to finish comes alive with fervour, maturity and elegance. Previously reviewed here Now, Voyager will set sail Saturday, February 8 at 6:30 am PST.
Director John (The Magnificent Seven) Sturges helmed a few nifty entries in the film noir genre, including 1950's Mystery Street previously reviewed here. This CSI noir with a Hitchcockian twist can be checked out Sunday, February 9 at (early morning) 3:45 am PST.
(Crossing the street) Marshall Thompson, Jan Sterling
Another film well worth seeing is Network (1976), previously reviewed here. This “mad as hell” exposé of just how far some TV executives will go to exploit for profit, amongst other things, a former news anchor’s severe “on the air” mental breakdown, will itself air on TCM Monday, February 10 at 9 pm PST.
Bonnie and Clyde is a watershed gangster saga, re-imagined as the mythical romantic exploits of an impossibly gorgeous but infamous couple in crime. A prior review here includes a special contribution from Bob DiMucci who informatively reports on some of the film's critical responses at the time of its release. Following that, are my personal recollections at the tender age of 12 upon seeing this radically-new expeditious approach to American cinematic storytelling. The Barrow Gang will strike on TCM Friday, February 14 at 3 pm PST.
(From left) Faye Dunaway, Warren Beatty, Michael J. Pollard
Casablanca is a film I've often recommended in the past. Occasionally, however, I catch some flack for not being as enamoured with this adored classic as the vast majority of viewers. For those who consider Casablanca to be one of the finest motion pictures ever made, just the inclusion in my series entitled “All that Glitters…”: The Overrated can be objectionable enough to completely ignore my critique. In my defence, there are many qualities attributed to the motion picture contained in my review. In any event, please have a look at both the film and my write-up to see for yourself if my appraisal has merit. Casablanca is on TCM's itinerary for Saturday, February 15 at 5 pm PST.
Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart
My next TCM recommendation is 1955's modern-day take on the American Western, Bad Day at Black Rock, previously reviewed here. This exceptional suspense-thriller's day will begin Saturday, February 15 at (late evening) 1:45 am PST.
"Loneliness has followed me my whole life. Everywhere. In bars, in cars, sidewalks, stores, everywhere. There's no escape."
These words come from the deteriorating and increasingly pressurised mind of a New York City insomniac in Martin Scorsese’s intoxicating Taxi Driver released in 1976. TCM will present this landmark film, previously reviewed as a Blu-ray recommendation here, Sunday, February 16 at 9:45 pm PST.
Robert De Niro
A true romance film and of the highest artistic calibre has been reviewed in Opening Up a Treasure: Brief Encounter. Director David Lean's emotionally stirring "encounter" will begin on Tuesday, February 18 at 5 pm PST.
The caper film first laid its roots in The Asphalt Jungle previously reviewed here. The depth of its characters and their fascinating interactions as the drama builds to a cathartic resolution, is why this film has become one of America's finest cinematic achievements. The 'planning' will start on TCM Wednesday, February 19 at 3 pm PST.
(From left) Sterling Hayden, Brad Dexter, Louis Calhern, Sam Jaffe
Looking back on the films of Woody Allen, Hannah and Her Sisters, Crimes and Misdemeanors or Annie Hall are among the works often cited as this auteur’s highest artistic achievement. Personally, I’ll take Manhattan.
Interestingly enough, Manhattan (1979) is Allen’s least favourite of his films (he considers 2005’s Match Point his personal best, a movie the filmmaker does not appear in). Could it be because he finds aspects of his Manhattan character too close for comfort? Allen is playing former TV comedy writer Isaac Davis whose love of New York, so beautifully captured in the film’s opening, might as well originate from Allen himself seeing as how his musings resonate so much personal truth and insight. Right from Manhattan’s start, there’s an atypical sense of maturity and sophistication in this filmmaker’s vision accentuated by Gordon Willis’ resplendent black and white imagery and George Gershwin’s rhapsodic music. This greater scope and commanding celebratory overview concerning such culturally rich surrounds and its vibrant inhabitants, will extend to his characters’ personal relationships as well.
Those who are familiar with Allen’s style of nervous, worrisome and satirical apprehension regarding romantic entanglements are sure to recognise the writer/director’s uniquely analytical, often self-absorbed neurotic intellectuals and talkative situations. Unlike the more experimental and rambling Annie Hall, however, Allen exerts firm control over Manhattan. The relationships depicted explore deeper and more genuine aspects of emotional conflicts and responses. Allen’s own character Isaac remains less self-deprecating as well, more focused on responding to what others say and do. This results in the filmmaker’s twisted but informed humour being seamlessly integrated into his narrative. Instead of comedic “bits” as they often appear in his other films, Manhattan’s send-ups reveal further layers of his characters while still retaining Allen’s special brand of wit, absurdity and sardonic sting. Perhaps the filmmaker’s collaborative writing partner Marshall Brickman accounts for Manhattan’s more structured, balanced and less improvisatory nature. Mention should also be made of Susan Morse’s exquisite editing (note the film’s many sublime transitions) and Mel Bourne’s meticulous production design. The entire story is memorable, especially in its sensitive, sincere and revelatory closing moments. Woody Allen’s most personal film remains his most timeless. The passion he conveys for his cherished city is icing on the cake or more appropriately, the big apple. Manhattan will open its heart at TCM (updated) Tuesday, October 18 (2022) at 6 pm PDT.
TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.
The late Stanley Donen directed my next TCM recommendation. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (reviewed here), an outrageously enjoyable musical, will be presented on Saturday, February 22 at (early morning) 3:15 am PST.
The expression "Don't judge a book by its cover" certainly applies to the 1951 film Kind Lady, a previous TCM recommendation here. She may be as the title says but her nemesis and his ghastly gang of home invaders who dominate this tensely twisted thriller, are anything but “kind”, and will arrive Saturday, February 22 at (late evening) 2 am PST.
(From left) Maurice Evans, Ethel Barrymore, Keenan Wynn, Angela Lansbury
Next, is Alfred Hitchcock's dazzling thrill ride Foreign Correspondent (reviewed here), whose title subject’s precarious globe trotting assignment begins Wednesday, February 26 at 1 pm PST.
MGM contract player Robert Taylor appeared in a startling number of excellent films. Johnny Eager, a previous recommendation here, is one of them. If you haven’t seen this exciting film noir with its compelling characters and situations, don’t miss the opportunity Thursday, February 27 at (early morning) 3:30 am PST.
Lana Turner, Robert Taylor
Actor Richard Widmark made his auspicious film debut as one of film noir’s most distinctive and nastiest villains: the giggling psychopathic killer Tommy Udo in the quintessential film noir Kiss of Death (1947).
Richard Widmark
Victor Mature, Coleen Gray
Director Henry Hathaway’s tenacious storytelling approach, including on location filming of New York City’s squalid settings, lends realism and dramatic weight to Udo’s menacing hood, who winds up hell-bent on revenge against fellow arrestee turned stool pigeon Nick Bianco. As convincing as Widmark’s unnerving characterisation is, the transformative process of Nick Bianco forms the true dramatic core of Kiss of Death. Bianco has to decide between maintaining a highly valued code of honour, or ratting out his fellow gang members so he can return to his two young daughters, taken to an orphanage after their mother committed suicide. It is therefore up to the actor portraying Bianco to authenticate the temperamental turbulence needed to counter Widmark’s virulently vacant killer and Victor Mature delivers an astonishing elimination match performance. Viewers can marvel at this actor’s ultra-sincere outpouring of devotion in scenes involving Coleen Gray’s equally heartfelt Nettie or during his daughters’ visitation, that vividly contrast his pent-up anxiety mixed with steely resolve during the tension bursting finale.
(From left) Brian Donlevy, Richard Widmark, Victor Mature
This resilient film noir, defined as such by zeroing in on its criminal participants’ working psychological desires and motives, was concisely adapted from former Manhattan Asst. District Attorney Eleazar Lipsky’s story by Ben Hecht and Charles Lederer. Those unfamiliar with Kiss of Death should be forewarned: this film contains one of cinema’s most ghastly and infamous deeds perpetrated by Widmark’s Tommy Udo. * Kiss of Death will occur (updated) in Eddie Muller’s Noir Alley Saturday, December 19 at 9 pm PST and again on Sunday, December 20 at 7 am PST.
*Kiss of Death was, believe it or not, even more shockingly violent and grim. Originally, there was an assault and rape scene filmed involving Nick Bianco’s wife portrayed by Patricia Morrison, that wound up completely cut by the censors. (***Spoilers Present***) In addition, the ending where Mature’s Nick was supposed to die was deemed too depressing, and altered so that he survives.
TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above TCM related images. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.
Kiss of Death is also February’s Blu-ray pick of the month. See the last entry in this column for more details.
My final TCM recommendation is Gold Diggers of 1933, a brilliant extravaganza of romance, comedy, catchy tunes, and outrageous pre-code show numbers, especially 'Pettin' in the Park' with its strange, sexual undertones that even Freud would have struggled to explain. This was also previously recommended here. The fun will begin Saturday, February 29 at (early morning) 4:45 am PST.
Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell
TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed here. For those who live in parts of the U.S. other than the western region, the time zone can be adjusted in the upper right-hand corner of TCM's programme.
This month's Happy Birthday shout-out goes to the incredibly talented composer Charles Bernstein who turns 77 on February 28th.
He’s particularly known for his inventive and creative scores for the horror genre including The Entity (1982), Cujo (1983), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), April Fool’s Day (1986) and Deadly Friend (1986). Other film scores include Hex (1973), Mr. Majestyk (1974), A Small Town in Texas (1976), Viva Knievel! (1977), Outlaw Blues (1977), Love at First Bite (1979) and Foolin’ Around (1980), in addition to the documentaries Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision (1994, Academy Award winner for Best Documentary) and After Innocence (2005). Bernstein is also the author of two books: “Film Music and Everything Else” and “Movie Music: An Insider’s View”. He has also taught courses in the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles.
My Soundtrack recommendation for the month of February is composer Danny Elfman's intricate and highly effective score to Dolores Claiborne (1995).
This film is actually one of the most engrossing, sophisticated and least gimmicky adaptations of a Stephen King novel produced to date and is immeasurably assisted by the creative ambience and enhanced psychological focus provided by Danny Elfman’s considerable artistry. Varese Sarabande has recently issued this 2 CD limited edition (only 2500 units produced) set which greatly expands the original soundtrack release from its original 9, to the 31, tracks contained here. Click on the image for more information and ordering from Intrada Records.
February’s recommended Blu-ray is to the above reviewed Kiss of Death on the Signal One label in the U.K.(United Kingdom Region B). For more information including ordering from Amazon.co.uk, click on the accompanying image.
A.G.