Dish of the Day
Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:
Friday, January 27, 2023
In the various Facebook film related chat rooms, I share notices about films to be presented on TCM. Many TCM subscribers get upset because they see my recommendations after their films are shown. And so I tell them about Watch TCM whereby most of the films can be viewed the day after they are broadcast for about 1 week at the viewer’s discretion. Needless to say, those unaware of this feature are grateful to know about it. And now, (if you are a TCM subscriber in the U.S.) you do too (just click on the “Watch TCM” link or the banner below).
There is currently a post in our chatroom (all readers are encouraged to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/902349343110685) that I believe is worth mentioning:
Filmmaker Sidney Lumet’s Top Ten Films (according to the post’s creator):
1. Network
2. Twelve Angry Men
3. Dog Day Afternoon
4. The Verdict
5. Murder on the Orient Express
6. Serpico
7. Fail Safe
8. Prince of the City
9. Long Day’s Journey Into Night
10. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead
I’ve seen all of these films more than once in fact. I would replace Murder on the Orient Express (its tone is too light and frivolous especially where murder and this director are concerned) with another (possibly Bye Bye Braverman or The Anderson Tapes). In The Verdict, Paul Newman plays a bottom-feeding attorney whose redemption is not sufficiently integrated into his big case proceedings to provide the resonance the filmmakers seek. I’d therefore substitute The Verdict with perhaps, The Pawnbroker or Running on Empty. Overall, this is a thought provoking list and one in which I can generally see why the choices were made. I’m especially appreciative of those films occupying the #1, 9 and 10 spots. There is one egregious omission here, however, that would be irreplaceable at the very top of my list of Sidney Lumet films, CC’s Hidden Gem #59: The Hill.
Nothing too exciting on TCM to report (at least by this writer).
All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.
Hope to see you tomorrow.
A.G.