Dish of the Day
Just some film musings of a more succinct, spontaneous and sometimes seditious nature:
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Today and tomorrow (very early morning) on TCM:
Next is a sterling example of how to present complex and enthralling characters, all of whom develop naturally while still holding our intense fascination: Citizen Kane (1941),
a previous TCM recommendation here. This American film masterpiece, the only U.S. film represented in our Top Ten: World Cinema Treasures, will begin Thursday, January 11 at 6 pm PST.
Orson Welles, Dorothy Comingore
A 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 a former news anchor’s severe “on the air” mental breakdown, will itself air on TCM Thursday, January 11 at 9:15 pm PST.
Many readers have taken me to task for my inclusion of Casablanca (1942) 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 Friday, January 12 at (early morning) 1:30 am PST.
Since both Casablanca and Citizen Kane are showing so close to one another, I thought to include some observances previously made that might shed a little light as to each set of filmmakers’ varied approach to dramatic storytelling.
“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."
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All responses are not only welcomed but encouraged in the comments section below.
Hope to see you tomorrow.
A.G.