THE INTOUCHABLES (France, 2011)

June 5, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Sometimes acting elevates material to a level far beyond what a film might have otherwise deserved. Such is the case with this based-on-a-true-story effort from co-writers and co-directors Olivier Nakache and Eric Toledano. Despite the elements of truth, the core material here is a sentimental tale that seems quite familiar. Francois Cluzet (from the excellent thriller Tell No One) as Philippe and Omar Sy as Driss turn it into an extremely entertaining story with characters we quickly connect with.

Philippe is a wealthy quadriplegic widower who is interviewing candidates for a caregiver. Driss is a recently released from jail street hustler who is just trying to qualify for state benefits by going on the required interviews. Philippe is struck by Driss’ direct approach and energy level, and chooses Driss over the room full of more qualified types.

The rest of the movie is really a buddy flick where the polar opposites bring much to the other. Philippe slyly gets Driss to use his sharp mind a bit more effectively, and Driss taps into Philippe’s hidden lust for life. Though the supporting cast is strong, the film’s best scenes are those featuring Philippe and Driss.

This is a film from France and much as been made of the filmmakers’ decision to change the caregiver from the real life Arab to a more cinema-friendly Black man. The Earth, Wind & Fire dance may be a bit too much, but I choose to believe the casting of Omar Sy was the deciding factor, not his race. He lights up the screen and draws us right into his world and his choices – some of which are better than others.

The film shares much with The Sea Inside, Scent of a Woman, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, but this one has much more humor and bonding than any of those. It doesn’t shy away from the melodramatic moments and isn’t above trying to generate tears in viewers. There will be a U.S. re-make of this one, but the two lead actors here (especially Mr. Sy) make this one worth seeing.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you thought all buddy movies were over-the-top laugh fests or cop flicks OR you appreciate the small scope of French films (that’s a compliment)

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: a subtitled French film featuring a rich guy in a wheelchair trusting a street thug to drive his Maserati seems a bit far-fetched

watch the trailer:

1 Comment | Comedy, Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

TMI (5-27-12)

May 27, 2012

TMI (Today’s Movie Info)

5-27-12

 The Cinemark Theatre chain is running a Classic Film Series this summer.  One of the films in the series is the Alfred Hitchcock classic North By Northwest (from 1959)

The film stars Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint and James Mason (as a bad guy).  With a little Hollywood magic (and Grant’s ever-youthful appearance), Grant’s mother is played by Jessie Royce Landis, who is actually only 7 years older than Grant. 

You’ll have to be quick to catch Hitchcock’s cameo in this one … it occurs during the opening credits at a bus stop.  You might also notice Edward Platt, who went on to TV fame as The Chief in “Get Smart“.  This was Hitchcock’s only movie for MGM.  The famous scenes taking place on Mt. Rushmore are actually filmed on a replica of the national monument.

Highly recommend catching this one on the big screen if you can …  both the crop duster chase scene and Mt Rushmore sequence are worth the price of admission.

Leave a Comment » | Classics, Drama, Thriller, TMI Dailies | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

BERNIE (2012)

May 24, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. It’s 1997 in Carthage and a shocking discovery hits smack dab in the middle of town square. That’s rural east Texas where everyone knows everything about everyone. Well almost everything and almost everyone. A year later, Skip Hollandsworth wrote an article for Texas Monthly about the fascinating, too-strange-to-believe story that shook this community. Now, 16 years after the murder, Hollandsworth co-wrote a screenplay with director Richard Linklater and they present a visual representation that allows us to wrap our heads around the events.

Linklater is always an interesting filmmaker. His resume includes Dazed and Confused, and School of Rock. Here he re-teams with Jack Black, who stars at Bernie Tiede, the nicest man in Carthage. You need not take my word for it. Linklater interviews several actual Carthage residents who swear Bernie was the sweetest, most generous man they ever met. Some even state they will never believe he committed the murder … despite his confession. Whatever you think of Mr. Black as an actor, his performance here is unlike any of his previous work. He is somehow subtle and believable while playing a real life over-the-top assistant funeral home director. His walk, speech pattern, mannerisms, interests and singing style tell us all we need know about Bernie Tiede.

The basic story is that Bernie befriends the wealthiest, wickedest widow in town. They become very close as friends, travel partners and even live together. Bernie gains Marjorie Nugent’s trust and is eventually in charge of her finances and written in as her sole beneficiary. What makes this odd? Well, Bernie is 38. Marjorie (played by Shirley MacLaine) is 81. Oh, and he is gay. This odd arrangement somehow is accepted in this community for one reason … he is just so a nice man! He truly is nice. Right up until the point where he’s not so nice.

 This is one of those movies where the links are stronger than the chain. Black’s performance is stellar and worth the price of admission. Equally entertaining are the “interviews” with the local townspeople. And adding intrigue to all of that is the best ever supporting performance from Matthew McConaughey as local DA, Danny Buck Davidson. Those three elements make this oddball movie a sight to behold. There is humor to make us laugh and oddity to raise eyebrows.

The downside is that the docudrama approach actually takes away from what should have been the key aspects of the story. More screen time watching the relationship between Bernie and Marjorie could have proved enlightening. Instead, the development is reduced to snapshots of vacations and a snippet of a couples massage. The dark elements are only hinted at until the shock of the deed.  The filmmakers choose not to dwell on the “other” side of Bernie, and instead play along with the locals version of the nicest man in town.

Movies based on truth are all the more enticing when the characters are themselves quite interesting and different. That’s certainly the case with Bernie Tiede, Danny Buck Davidson, and the locals in Carthage. For a taste of small town East Texas living and dying, questionable morals, battles between legalities and religion, and the hypocrisy and clouded judgment that occurs when a nice guy gets dirty … this is as good as it gets.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: black comedy immersed in real life tragedy is your thing OR you don’t want to miss a wonderfully odd and touching performance from Jack Black (and lots of hymnal singing)

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you don’t apprecaite a murderer being portrayed as a nice guy – even if that’s the TRUE part of the story!

Watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (2012)

May 6, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. The closest I can come to saying anything negative about the film is that it is a bit predictable, and I wish we had time to get to better explore these characters. That said, it is quite an entertaining ride to take with some of Britain’s finest actors. Filled with both comedy and insight, the Ol Parker script of the Deborah Moggach novel (“These Foolish Things”) may be the jump start to a new film genre … gray cinema.

In the pre-opening credit sequence, we get introductions to seven Brits who are all at a crossroads in life … each past the career stage (either voluntarily or otherwise) but not ready to disappear into a meaningless existence waiting to die. They each respond to an advertisement for a hotel in Jaipur, India which caters to the “elderly and beautiful”. Its biggest selling point is probably the low cost of retirement. Still, it’s an adventure of the scale most of our heroes have never taken.

We meet Evelyn (Judi Dench) as the recent widow who discovers her beloved husband left her a mountain of debt; Douglas and Jean (Bill Nighy and Penelope Wilton) a hapless married couple who have invested their savings into their daughter’s internet company; Muriel (Maggie Smith) is a racist and longtime housekeeper for the rich who has been put out to pasture while in need of a new hip; Graham (Tom Wilkinson) is a high court judge who is fed up with responsibility and seeking to reconnect with a long ago lover; Madge (Celia Imrie) and Norman (Ronald Pickup) are the lonely hearts looking for love, or in his case, loving.

 They arrive at the Indian resort to be met by its proprietor Sonny, a wildly exuberant and overly optimistic Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire). Sonny has inherited the rundown property from his father and has huge dreams of turning it into a showplace for retirees from abroad … he literally wants to outsource old age for all the countries who have no use for the elderly. A sad truth for both the English and Americans.

The joy of the story comes from the transformation of each of the characters as they slowly discover more about the country and, in turn, more about themselves. Graham’s discovery is especially touching, while Jean’s takes a proverbial slap in the face from her long-suffering, quasi-henpecked husband Douglas. Even young Sonny learns about life decisions thanks to his guests and the actions of his mother and girlfriend.

With the general population aging, expect to see more films in this vein … aimed at the age group who is approaching the crossroads, but not yet ready to give up living. Director John Madden (Shakespeare in Love) has delivered a charming seriocomedy, but I expect others will take a more in-depth and analytical view at some point.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you are after an entertaining story about some very interesting characters

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you are looking for an in-depth study of the crossroads senior citizens face as their careers come to an end and a path must be chosen.

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

WINGS (1927)

May 3, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. This film holds the prestigious position of forever being the answer to a favorite Academy Awards trivia question: Name the first Best Picture winner. Of course, there should be an asterisk attached as the film officially won Most Outstanding Production. There was no Best Picture award that first year. It was also the first and last Silent Film to win the award until The Artist won this year (2012).

Rarely have a film and director been so perfectly matched. William Wellman was known as “Wild Bill” thanks to his actual WWI flying experience and his penchant for fighting and partying in Hollywood. Wellman handled some of the stunt flights in the film and is also seen as the dying soldier near the end who shouts the “buzzards” line. Much of the film was shot at Kelly Field in San Antonio, and its popularity was certainly assisted by the patriotism of the time and the recent aviation excitement created by Charles Lindbergh‘s transatlantic flight.

The story is based on the WWI Army Air Corps and features some stunning aerial photography and combat flying missions, with an incredible-for-the-times 3500 soldiers, 65 pilots and 165 aircraft. The lead actors are Richard Arlen (David) and Charles “Buddy” Rogers (Jack). They are local rivals battling over the heart of the same woman played by Jobyna Ralston (Sylvia). It’s a pretty interesting love story as Jack thinks Sylvia loves him, Sylvia loves David and David knows it, and Mary loves Jack, and Jack has absolutely no clue.

 Mary is played by the always outstanding Clara Bow (pictured left with Rogers). She truly lights up the film and screen in her scenes. Not only does she have the expressive eyes necessary for silent films, her physical presence is wonderful for such a tiny lady. Other interesting cast members include El Brendel as Herman Schwimpft. His German sounding name and somewhat effeminate manner are constant sources of comic relief. Hedda Hopper plays Jack’s mother. You might recognize her name as the founder of Hollywood gossip columns … she started out doing some acting.

 Beyond the “Wild Bill” fun, there was also some romantic shenanigans on set. Richard Arlen and Jobyna Ralston ended up getting married after meeting during filming. Also, Clara Bow started an affair with a new actor named Gary Cooper. Yes, THAT Gary Cooper (pictured below, standing). It is startling to see such a young Cooper when he makes his first appearance. It’s a small, but vital role in the film. There has been an ongoing debate in the film world about the homosexual undertones between Jack and David. In the famous death scene, we get the first on screen man-on-man kiss on lips. Quite shocking for the times.  From a technical aspect, the Handschiegl Color Process was used for the flames and explosions – dramatic splashes of color in the aerial combat scenes. This was also Costume Designer Edith Head‘s first film. She went on to become the most famous Hollywood costume designer and worked on hundreds of films.

 The theatrical re-release of the film coincides with its 85th anniversary and celebrates 100 years of Paramount Pictures. The opening credits provide a time lapse view of the numerous Paramount logos through the years. There are many reasons to see this film: its ground-breaking action scenes, the history it addresses, its place in Hollywood lore, and of course, if you want to see the inspiration for Betty Boop (Clara Bow). What I won’t do is mention that the love story was copied by Michael Bay in the less-than-stellar Pearl Harbor film. Forget I even mentioned it.

*note: a bit more trivia … the film was released the same year Babe Ruth hit 60 home runs.  That’s the record Roger Maris would break 34 years later.  Also, this film is one of only three to ever win Best Picture without also receiving a Best Director nomination.  The other two films are Grand Hotel (Edmund Goulding, 1932) and Driving Miss Daisy (Bruce Beresford, 1989)

watch a one minute trailer:

Leave a Comment » | Action, Classics, Drama, War | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

RUBY’S DREAM (aka DEAR MR WONDERFUL, 1982)

May 2, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness.  If you are a movie geek like me, and people know that you watch an obscene number of movies each year, a frequent question you get asked is “Have you seen _____ ?”  I absolutely love this question because there is always the possibility that I am about to be turned on to some obscure, off-beat gem that has somehow eluded me all these many years.  Maybe it’s the early work of a now famous writer or director.  Maybe it’s today’s movie star in a supporting role.  Maybe it’s just a poignant story that struck a chord with your friend.  I recently answered that question about this movie via email from a trusted source.  My only real hint was his statement “Joe Pesci sings“.

It doesn’t take much research to discover that Joe Pesci was a child star and even released an album, appropriately titled “Little Joey Sings”.  Not much happened for Little Joey after that until Robert Deniro noticed him acting in a play, and immediately recommended him to Martin Scorcese for Raging Bull.  That, my friends, is what they call a big break.  Since then, Pesci has had a very solid career.  Quite often he is seen in Scorcese films, but also in comedy roles like My Cousin Vinny, Home Alone and a Lethal Weapon sequel.  But, as far as I know, there is only one movie where he actually sings on-screen.

I am sure it’s just a coincidence that I have been awakened to this film during its 30th anniversary.  It’s no mistake that The Godfather series, Casablanca and Wings have received special theatre screenings for their anniversary, yet this film lives on in anonymity.  Though it’s directed by well-known German director Peter Lilenthal (David, 1979), and filmed by famed cinematographer Michael Balhous, the movie has the look and feel of a 1970’s home movie recorded by your eldest uncle suffering from poor eyesight.  Even worse, I believe it was edited by someone’s great-grandmother who only had a pair of scissors and roll of scotch tape.  Despite these handicaps, there is a certain sweetness and likeability to the film and its lead character, Ruby Dennis, played by Joe Pesci.

 Ruby is a part owner of a bowling alley/lounge.  He is part owner with the mob.  He is nice.  They really aren’t.  Ruby has a stage act as a lounge singer … yes, he sings while people bowl!!  Ruby’s big dream is to head off to Vegas or Chicago and sing in a classy joint.  Yet, he seems to be in on the gag that he really isn’t too talented.  He lives with his sister and her son.  The sister is played by Karen Ludwig, who also played Meryl Streep’s partner in Manhattan.  His nephew is played by Evan Handler, recognizable from his role as Harry in Sex and the City.  Ruby’s girlfriend is played by Ivy Ray Browning, whose character is also an aspiring singer.  This was Ms. Browning’s only TV or movie credit.  And no, that’s not Deniro as the piano player (despite the facial similarity).

 Frank Vincent (pictured above) plays Louie, the mob liaison who tries to get Ruby to take the easy way out.  But for a guy sporting multiple gold chains, a terrible toupee and a 70’s style moustache, Ruby isn’t always the smartest guy … though he does have a good heart. The script was written by Sam Koperwas and it’s also his only writing credit.  There are so many things working against this film, yet Pesci is strong enough to make you care just enough about his Ruby, that we feel his humiliation during the film’s best sequence.  Tony Martin (pictured left) makes a cameo appearance as himself visiting Ruby’s establishment. Things don’t go so well.  Mr. Martin had quite a career as a singer and actor from the 1930’s through the 1950’s.  He married and divorced Alice Faye, and later was married to the great Cyd Charisse for 60 years.  Martin’s scene in the film is even better than the early one where Pesci is handling a live fish in the bathtub.  He later kills it off-screen with a baseball bat.  Not the last time Pesci makes use of a baseball bat in a movie.

While this is certainly not a movie that falls into the hidden gem or highly recommended category, it does have some redeeming value if you are able to ignore or chuckle at the horrendous production value … and the very mediocre singing by Joe Pesci (who also co-composed the songs in the movie).  So, embrace the opportunity when your friends ask, “Have you seen _____ ?”

 

4 Comments | Comedy, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DAMSELS IN DISTRESS (2012)

April 22, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Filmmakers who see the world in an unusual way often appeal to me. Whit Stillman fits that description as evidenced by his Metropolitan and The Last Days of Disco. It’s been more than a decade since his last film, and his writing remains strong while his director’s eye may have atrophied a bit. We get a trippy, twisty maze of dialogue that is not double-entendre, but rather double-take.

The film takes place on a fictional campus named Seven Oaks College. We meet a small clique of young ladies led by Violet (Greta Gerwig, Greenberg). She has a noble life mission of “helping” young men who don’t recognize their own potential. She views this as a type of social work. Violet and her troupe are also dedicated to the high causes of perfume and fashion. They volunteer at a Suicide Prevention Center, where they seem to possess no skills other than handing out donuts and teaching tap dancing.

Violet’s followers include Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke), Heather (Carrie MacLemore) and transfer-student Lily (Analeigh Tipton). They could be termed caricatures, but I am not sure of what. Their philosophical meanderings could be considered arrogance, but their hearts seem to be in the right place. And it’s difficult to raise much ire towards Violet when her ambition involves inventing the next international dance craze … Sambola. She even provides an oral argument on the importance of dance crazes within society.  She acts like an adviser, almost a guru … but she ends up needing guidance as much as anyone.

To watch this movie, one must be willing to give Mr. Stillman some slack in the rope. To treat suicide with a touch of glib can be dangerous, but watching Aubrey Plaza defend the importance of “clinical” depression is pretty humorous. Analeigh Tipton acts somewhat as the voice of reason for viewers. She was outstanding in Crazy Stupid Love, and seems to be finding herself as an actress. Zach Woods (The Office) has a couple of decent scenes as the campus editor of “The Daily Complainer”, Adam Brody is the boyfriend who may not be what he seems, Alia Shawkat makes a quick angry appearance, and Taylor Nichols keeps his streak alive of appearing in all of Stillman’s films.

This movie may be best viewed and enjoyed as a glimpse into the mind of Whit Stillman. As a visual film, it’s really nothing special. The interesting part is in the dialogue and delivery of those lines … plus the social commentary offered up by the dialogue. Although, please don’t ask me what point that commentary is making.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF:  you are a fan of Whit Stillman’s previous films OR you are looking for an offbeat filmmaker in the vein of Wes Anderson (minus the visual flair).

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: you prefer the story to make a clear point and the characters speak in “normal” thoughts (neither of which happen here)

watch the trailer:

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE GODFATHER II (1974) revisited

April 21, 2012

 Six weeks ago was The Godfather in a theatre setting. This time it was the exceptional sequel, which generated an equal amount of movie bliss. Experiencing these two classic movies on the big screen almost 40 years after release reinforces what great films they are … and how few truly great films get made. We are reminded that a powerful well-written story, world class cast, visionary director, brilliant photographer and stunning composer are all necessary components for movie greatness.

This sequel explores three time periods: the journey of 9 year old Vito to the U.S., his rise to power in Little Italy, and Corleone life after Vito’s death. Some find the cuts to varying timelines to be distracting. Personally, I find it fascinating and a very effective way to tell the entire story. Watching an almost mute 9 year old Vito land on Ellis Island and transform into a twenty-something community “leader” is one of the more powerful and unlikely events ever seen on screen. Mixing that with Al Pacino holding little back as a power-mongering Michael is downright frightening. If you doubt this, look at it from the perspective of Diane Keaton‘s May, or John Cazale‘s Fredo.

The film received 11 Oscar nominations and won 6, including Best Picture. Robert DeNiro won for his tremendous turn as young Vito, in a performance with very little English. This is early DeNiro … the Mean Streets, Taxi Driver era. DeNiro and Marlon Brando remain the only two actors to have won Oscars for playing the same character. DeNiro’s Supporting Actor competition came from two other cast members: Lee Strasberg as Hyman Roth (supposedly based on Meyer Lansky) and Michael V Gazzo as Pentangeli. Mr. Strasberg was the famed acting teacher whose prized pupils included none other than Al Pacino (who talked him into taking this role). Strasberg was also bequeathed 75% of the Marilyn Monroe estate and there was much scandal after his death when his widow auctioned off most of it.  Gazzo’s grizzled look and voice dominate his scenes and leave you feeling uneasy about what’s really going on with him.

 Here are a few other interesting points.  Most of this script was original for the film, though the background story of Vito was drawn from Mario Puzo‘s novel. Director Francis Ford Coppola considered casting Joe Pesci as the young Clemenza, but ultimately decided on Bruno Kirby. Dominic Chianese plays Hyman Roth’s right hand man Johnny Ola. Chianese has been recently seen in both The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire. B-Movie mogul Roger Corman plays one of the Senators on the committee interrogating Michael and Pentangeli. Harry Dean Stanton plays one of the FBI bodyguards, and former heartthrob Troy Donahue plays Connie’s (Talia Shire) goofy boyfriend Merle. One of my favorite characters in the film is Don Fanucci, robustly played by Gastone Moschin. His strutting and preening always creeps me out and makes me laugh.

Besides being the first sequel to win a Best Picture Oscar, The Godfather II is simply one of the finest films ever made. At 200 minutes, it requires both a time and mental commitment, but along with The Godfather, Coppola and Puzo have provided us exemplary story telling through expert filmmaking … and a piece of movie history.

here is a link to my comments on the original: https://moviereviewsfromthedark.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/the-godfather-1972-revisited/

below is a link to the trailer, but be warned … it contains 3 plus minutes of actual footage.  If you have not seen the film, I would not recommend watching the trailer:

 

2 Comments | Classics, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE KID WITH A BIKE (2012, Le gamin au velo, Belgium)

April 9, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. When Guy (Jeremie Renier) states that he can’t take care of his son Cyril (Thomas Douret) right now, I felt a rush of anger and disgust. Imagine if you were his 11 year old son hearing those words. Young kids should be able to count on their parents for emotional security above all else. There should be no fear of abandonment … those are issues no child should be forced to deal with (barring a natural disaster).

The Belgium writer/director team of brothers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne have a history of taking on parenthood and childhood in a head-on manner. Cyril is dumped in an orphanage by his dad, and is convinced that he is just misplaced, not abandoned. So being the fiercely determined kid he is, he re-traces his steps from coffee shops to bars to their old apartment. Cyril knows with certainty that his dad would never would have sold his treasured bicycle, no matter how desperate for money he was.  It is crushing when Cyril discovers this “certainty” was not so certain after all.

Whatever confusion and hostility that you think Cyril might experience, once he confronts his dad, the filmmakers display it in the rawest possible form. Cyril is a symbol of need, hiding behind a wall of rebellion. A chance encounter with Samantha (Cecile de France) leads to weekend visitations and the start of an awkward quasi-family life for both of them. Cyril tests Samantha and all other authority figures in every possible manner, often to the breaking point.  It’s not difficult to imagine most giving up on him, but Samantha doesn’t.

 As a parent, it’s easy to spot the vulnerabilities that a child faces before they have the maturity to handle it. We see how easily Cyril falls in with the wrong crowd and how quickly things can get really bad. Luckily for Cyril, Samantha doesn’t abandon him. She answers “I don’t know” to his question of why she let him stay with her. Although, the filmmakers never let us in on her deepest thoughts, we suspect she was once not all so different than Cyril, and someone stepped up for her.

This film won the Grand Jury Prize at Cannes in 2011 and it’s easy to see how. It shows how difficult and messy ordinary life can be, yet things often turn out OK, though rarely perfect. Film lovers will recognize Cecile de France from her many films, including the recent Hereafter and the excellent Mesrine.

SEE THIS MOVIE IF: you need a quick lesson in how a kid reacts to abandonment

SKIP THIS MOVIE IF: someone told you this is the best bicycle movie since Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (2005)

watch the trailer:

 

Leave a Comment » | Drama, World Cinema/Foreign | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

TITANIC (1997, 3D-2012)

April 8, 2012

 Greetings again from the darkness. Of course I saw this one a couple of times when it was first released in 1997. Having only watched it once since, I was happy to hear it would get a re-release on its 15th anniversary … even if the marketing hook was the post-production 3D. My thought was with James Cameron working his technical magic, the 3D would be fine, and maybe even add to the spectacle of the sinking ship. After all, he was the mastermind behind Avatar, which with Hugo, are the only two films (in my opinion) that haven’t been weakened with 3D technology.

Unfortunately, I can’t overstate my disappointment in the 3D for Titanic. The colors and lighting are destroyed. When we first see young Rose (Kate Winslet) arrive to board the majestic ocean liner, her lavender hat appears almost gray through the 3D glasses. And later, the stunning crimson Renault, where Rose and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) get to “know” each other, appears dull and darkened. Additionally, so many face shots are darkened, rather than illuminated by the beautiful fixtures that adorn Titanic. I was so saddened to see such dullness on top of such greatness. Sure, there were a couple of times where the 3D gave a boost to a special effect, but the film is so beautifully made and such a technical marvel, that the impact is minimal to the positive.

What I will say is that despite my frustration with the technology, I do hope a new generation is introduced to the film. Personally, I am no fan of the love story between Jack and Rose. However, it is such a delight to see the young, eager versions of Little Leo and Kate as they go about their antics. They were 22 and 21 respectively during filming, and we now know them as mature actors and major movie stars. That wasn’t the case when Titanic first premiered.

The real genius of this film is two fold: the story-telling and the technical achievement. Gloria Stuart stars as 101 yr old Rose and she is used to perfection in telling the personal story of Titanic. Her love story with Jack allows director Cameron to show off the amazing ship from all angles … first class, third class, dining rooms and engine rooms. She also allows the viewer to connect with the characters on a personal level. The technical aspect is even more astounding. Sets, models, CGI, and documentary footage are all blended to form a cohesive presentation of one of the most dramatic events of the past 100 years.

Here are a few notes of interest regarding the movie and those involved. The movie was number one at the box office for 15 consecutive weeks and grossed more than $1.8 billion … a record that stood until Cameron’s Avatar eclipsed it. Cameron was already an established sci-fi director with Terminator I & II and Aliens, but he almost had the plug pulled by the production company due to cost overruns. Matthew McConaughey was the producer’s first choice for Jack, but (fortunately) Cameron held firm for DiCaprio. The elderly couple hugging each other in bed as the ship sinks were based on the Strauss’ who owned the Macy’s department store chain. And yes, there were Astor’s and Guggenheim’s onboard when it went down.  Kate Winslet (Best Actress) and Gloria Stuart (Best Supporting Actress) received nominations for playing the same character (Rose). If you have seen the movie before, pay particular attention to the secondary characters … the wardrobes and acting are tremendous: Frances Fisher as Rose’s mother, Kathy Bates as the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, Billy Zane as the fiancé, David Warner as his henchman, Bernard Hill as the Captain, Victor Garber as the architect, and Jonathan Hyde as the sleazy ship owner. Also catch Suzy Amis in one of her last acting jobs before becoming Mrs. James Cameron … she plays the granddaughter to “old” Rose.

This is an historic film version of an historic event and should be seen by all movie lovers. Some of it is a bit hokey, but if you doubt the technical achievement, compare it to A Night to Remember, the 1958 version of the Titanic story.  And depending on your taste, crank up the closing credits and listen to Celine Dion belt out the Oscar winning Best Song.  She is, after all, “the greatest singer in the world” (an SNL gag).

watch the trailer for “the ship of dreams”:

 

3 Comments | Classics, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

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