Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Coming up on TCM:

After having shared my review of Doctor Zhivago a number of times in various Facebook film related chatrooms (including the Cinema Cafe group all readers are encouraged to join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/902349343110685), I’m often informed that this film wasn’t that well received when it was released or even incorrectly told that Doctor Zhivago was derided by all of the critics at the time it was first shown theatrically. Since Doctor Zhivago is in my Top Ten Overrated series, I felt it was necessary to share the reasoning behind the film’s inclusion:

“I am generally aware of the hostile reception Doctor Zhivago received by many critics at the time of its release, although I purposely didn't read anything specific before writing my review. The critics at the time were divided... (Time magazine, Variety, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and The Chicago Tribune were all positive). As far as being a part of this series, however, what I am addressing (much in the same way as Casablanca) is its more popular reception at the time. Doctor Zhivago was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Director, winning Golden Globe Awards for Best Picture (Drama), Best Director (Drama), Best Screenplay and Best Original Score. The film was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival Palme d'Or and was an enormous box office success (ranked as one of the top ten highest-grossing films worldwide after adjusting for inflation). Doctor Zhivago was once listed by the American Film Institute as 39th on their 100 Years... 100 Movies and by the British Film Institute as the 27th greatest British film of all time.”

One of David Lean's more ambitious projects may have turned out less artistically accomplished than its director intended. Still, it has many attributes making Doctor Zhivago well worth seeing. Afterwards, I'd be truly appreciative if readers had a look at my review here. This epic scale romance will begin on TCM Sunday, March 5 at 9:30 am PST.

The aforementioned Casablanca also comes up as a subject of discussion often as a comparison to Citizen Kane, the latter of which some have suggested should be on my overrated list instead of Casablanca. This caused me to think of their differences to which I wrote:

“I think Casablanca has, for many, a far more instantly recognisable appeal including its characters some of whom possess highly emulative qualities. Its emotional pleas are up front and easy to assimilate. Citizen Kane has more complexity, flawed characters who are invested in the past, relationships that are changing and developing, mostly in a tragic way. Casablanca ends with heroic sacrifice and optimism. Kane is dire and ultimately about loss. Casablanca's highlights remind one of its pleasures, immediate and gratifying. Kane is a deeply contemplative journey, requiring a significant investment of thoughtful consideration on the viewer's part in order to uncover its enormous wealth of profound insight into human relations.”

Many readers have taken me to task for my inclusion of Casablanca on a list of “All that Glitters”: The Overrated. I would simply ask that they read what I wrote about this revered classic before judging me too harshly. There is much to praise about the film contained in my review and the weaknesses I've observed are, I feel, worthy of consideration. In any event, please indulge in this motion picture's magic and let me know if my criticisms have merit. The journey begins on TCM Sunday, March 5 at 5 pm PST.

TCM's current monthly schedule can be confirmed by clicking on any of the above 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.

Also, an important reminder to U.S. residents as well as a strong encouragement, especially for those who have yet to see Casablanca, to take the opportunity to do so in the way its viewing was originally intended (on the big screen):

In theatres across the U.S., Fathom Events is presenting Casablanca (1942) on Sunday, March 5 and Wednesday, March 8.

Click on the film’s poster image for more information. To see this month’s entire schedule, click on The Fathom Events banner above.

All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.

Hope to see you tomorrow.

A.G.

The Cinema Cafe

Dish of the Day