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Weekly Film Log - November 15 2009

Pauline at the Beach (1983) Rohmer. Two men, a young girl, and her older relative spend a summer in Brittaney - romance and comedy ensue. Rohmer has been hit or miss with me. Loved "Chloe n the Afternoon" and "Claire's Knee" didn't like "The Collector". Like most Rohmer films, there's little plot or action. His films usually emphasize dialogue and character- so if you find the characters dull or unlikable - its a long slog -which "Pauline at the Beach" was. And I didn't find Pauline "beautiful" or "charming" at all - her broad shoulders, sloppy dress, page boy haircut, and pug-nosed face, kept reminding me of a teenage boy. The male lead ran around shirtless and was dull, while the older female - "Marion"- looked like a plastic barbie doll. Given my dislike - I didn't care about their endless talk. Rating **

Cinderella Liberty (1973) . Caan stars as a Navy Sailor who fails in love with a Seattle Hooker and her kid. Mason was nominated for the role and is excellent as is Caan. Eli Wallach has a small supporting role and is equally good. The dialogue is fine and location shots of Pre-Latte Seattle are fascinating. The problem is the story is simply too predictable and unbelievable. The movie isn't set in real life but in "Hollywood America" where Hookers have hearts of Gold and look like Marsha Mason, while Sailor Caan is a man without roots or a past and is too good to be true. Further flaws: the scenes with Caan and the kid are somewhat boring, the fairy tale ending was unbelievable - and the slow pace. Another 90 minutes story stretched out to 2 hours. Rating **

Anna Christie (1930) . Garbo plays a former prostitute in the film adaption of the O'Neill play. I disagree with the reviews I've read. Unlike them, I loved the story/script (play), the supporting players, especially Dressler, and the static/primitive camerawork didn't bother me. Yeah, its a filmed play - so what. My problem was Garbo. Yes, what a face! But that deep, flat, emotionless voice. Ugh. Not to mention the thick Swedish accent. I needed someone who could bring the lines to life. She seemed like a zombie. To her credit, Garbo seemed more animated in the German version. Rating **1/2

Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933) . Millionaire songwriters Dick Powell rescues some unemployed chorus girls (Keeler and Blondell included) and helps put on a Broadway show. Uses the same WB sets and supporting characters in 42nd Street. But Gold diggers has more and better songs and the Berkeley choreography shines , OTOH, the script isn't as good, and the slangy 30s New York Wisecracks got annoying. Ruby Keeler gets more screen time and amazes with her Clunky dancing and naive charm. Rating ***

42nd Street (1933) . Risque -if cliche - comedy about putting on a Broadway show. A few good songs at the end. Ruby Keeler goes from chorus line to stardom, when Bebe Daniels breaks an ankle. Ginger Rogers is the comedy relief and Dick Powell has a minor role. The main attraction is a script that crackles with wit and one liners. Further, Keeler is adorable, and Baxter shines as the hard-charging producer. Its Pre-code - but I was still surprised at the explicit T&A shots and constant reminders that the Chorus Girls use sex for their advantage. Quite enjoyable Rating *** 1/2

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000). Set in Ancient Western China, Li Mu Bai, a great warrior, turns his treasured sword to a friend. When the sword is then stolen, it is up to him to retrieve it. Beautifully shot martial arts movie with some exciting action scenes. The plot is somewhat silly and the characterization slight. But once I suspended disbelief and realized the movie is mythical/Fantasy, I enjoyed it. Even the silliness of a girl warrior and the flying through the air. Rating ***

Eisenhower on MacArthur - 1932

From Eisenhower's Diary JUNE 14, 1932:

Douglas MacArthur - Chief of Staff. Essentially a romantic figure. Very appreciative of good work, positive in his convictions, a genius at giving concise and clear instructions... He apparently avoids social duties as much as possible - and does not seek the limelight except in things connected with the Army and the War Department. Placed a letter of commendation in my record - and assured me that as long as he stays in the Army, I am one of the people earmarked for his "gang".

In my opinion, he has the capacity to undertake successfully any position in the Government. He has a reserved dignity - but is most animated in conversation on subjects that interest him. I doubt he has any real political ambitions - and in these days of high powered publicity and propaganda - I do not expect to seem him prominently mentioned for office outside the War Department.

Most people that know Gen MacA like and admire him to a degree... He is impulsive - able, even brilliant - quick - tenacious of his views and extremely self-confident.

Paglia on Dawkins

On other matters, I was recently flicking my car radio dial and heard an affected British voice tinkling out on NPR. I assumed it was some fussy, gossipy opera expert fresh from London. To my astonishment, it was Richard Dawkins, the thrice-married emperor of contemporary atheists. I had never heard him speak, so it was a revelation. On science, Dawkins was spot on -- lively and nimble. But on religion, his voice went "Psycho" weird (yes, Alfred Hitchcock) -- as if he was channeling some old woman with whom he was in love-hate combat. I have no idea what ancient private dramas bubble beneath the surface there. As an atheist who respects and studies religion, I believe it is fair to ask what drives obsessive denigrators of religion. Neither extreme rationalism nor elite cynicism are adequate substitutes for faith, which fulfills a basic human need -- which is why religion will continue to thrive in our war-torn world.

Mad Men Season 3 - Shut the Door and Have a Seat

Synopsis
Its December 1963 and S&C is to be sold to McCann. Don doesn't want to go - and convinces Bert and Roger to set up their own firm of "Sterling Cooper Draper and Pryce". At home, Don and Betty agree to a divorce and Betty goes with Henry to Reno to finalize it.

The Good

• Its Good to have Joan back
  
• Divorce was the best resolution to the Betty-Don Relationship
  
• Betty & Don telling the kids - well acted scene
  
• A fast-paced plot-driven episode
• Don to Pete -"There's not going to be a lobby"
  
• Sally expresses her hatred of Betty
• Don kicks in the door - keys are for wimps.
  
• Pryce to Mr. Moneypenny - "Very good. Happy Christmas"
  
• Sneaky Pete - "I'm not really sick"
• Roger to Harry - "Yes, we're kidding. Happy Birthday!"
  
• Don talks Peggy into joining him - damn he's good.
  
• Hilton is gone or reduced to a very minor character

The Bad

• The Betty Don confrontation was cut short. These two had a lot more to say to each other
  
• Betty leaving the kids at Christmas to go to Reno
• Ken, Lois, and Paul get left behind.

Other Matters
While an exciting "caper" several points about starting SCDP puzzled me. First, why would St.Johns give Pryce the power to fire Bert or Roger? Sounds like too much responsibility for Pryce considering his position and unnecessary. Second, was the "theft" of S&C documents legal? They not only took their stuff, they took S&C and PPL documents.

The divorce of Betty and Don seems rather rushed. As stated above, the scene where Kinda Drunk Don confronts Betty seemed cut short. Betty had a lot to say and logically would have said it. It should have been a big scene, but was sandwiched into the caper plot.

For Betty, a divorce makes sense. Don left the key and kept a "secret Drawer" because he wanted her to find it. Which was the end for Betty, She found out about the big lie, that Don had been shutting her out and lying for years, that he was really someone else, that he'd been married before, and was a deserter It emphasized - in a biggest way possible - Don's real failure in the marriage. His failure to be honest, to open up, to make her part of his work life, to be there. That's what Betty wanted, and Don refused to give it to her, except at the end. She had to find out about his past life by "accident", she found out about his contract dispute from Roger, and recently Don was absurdly leaving in the middle of night to go visit "Hilton" - even when there was no phone call. Not to mention his other affairs. Don was really the "Man who wasn't there". So, once Henry showed up - it was goodbye Don. And I don't blame her.

And that brings up Don. Don's attitude toward Betty has been so changing and contradictory its slightly unbelievable For example, why would Don leave documents for Betty to find, then be shocked and collapse into a tearful confession when discovered? And his actions at the end contradict his actions in Seasons 1 and 2. Then Don really didn't care that much about his marriage and felt trapped. So, why the shock at Betty asking for a divorce or the attempts in previous episodes to be the loving husband? The change from Season 1/2 to the end of Season 3 was simply unbelievable in many ways.

One can say the same about Bert and Roger. Is it really believable that Bert and Roger, one year after semi-retirement would desire to buy back the firm at 12 percent over the payment price? You can argue that -like many- they just *thought* they wanted money and ease, then realized they missed the action. But if so, why were they so reluctant at to go with Don? It seems the plot was really driving the characters.

Overall Rating -
An excellent episode to close Season 3, probably the best.

Thoughts on Season 3: Overall this was enjoyable but a definite cut below Seasons 1 and 2. I have doubts about where the show is headed, The original dynamic of the show is gone, and it seems that everyone at SCDP are now old chums. A few episodes ago, Roger and Don weren't speaking - now Bert/Don/Roger are the 3 Amigos. One moment Pete is full of resentment at Don and S&C, the next he's off with the 3 Amigos and new firm.

And Season 3 really tread water in many respects. Peggy disappeared, Pete did nothing except cheat on Trudy and be unhappy, the British takeover never amounted to much, and neither did the school teacher or Hilton. Further, Joan left and now is back.

I hope Season 4 is better. Can Mad Men continue without turning into a Soap Opera? Time will tell. Episode 13 ****stars; Overall Season 3 - ***


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Weekly Film Log - November 8 2009

La Chinoise (1967) Godard. Sometimes inventive yet boring and dated political film about 4 French university students studying Mao. There's some humor and interesting photography but its basically 90 minutes of talk about Communism and 1960s French Politics. Godard ridicules the students at times- but overall sympathizes with their Marxist-Maoism. Not surprising since Godard was a self-proclaimed communist (Maoist). For Godard fans and communists only. Rating *

Boudu Saved from Drowning (1932) Renoir. Comedy about a Parisian tramp who after he's saved from drowning is taken in by a Bourgeoisie family. Given its age, 78 years old, it was quite enjoyable and at 84 minutes not too long. Probably the best thing is "Boudu" himself & the actor who plays him. The camera work is somewhat primitive and static and the pace slow. The humor is subtle and character driven. A nice little movie - but satire and "social commentary" escape me. Rating **1/2

Au Revoir Les L'Enfant s (1987) Malle. Story of the friendship between two boys in WW II France. Several Jewish boys are hidden in a provincial Catholic boarding school. Well directed and acted, if somewhat downbeat and predictable. The relatively low rating also reflects my boredom at "Kids at School" stories. Rating **1/2

The Lost Patrol (1934) Ford. Good little war film set during the 1917 Mesopotamia Campaign. A Desert patrol is ambushed, and the Sargent (Victor McLaglen) leads the patrol to an oasis to await rescue. While waiting they battle the desert and unseen enemy snipers. Boris Karloff and Wallace Ford lend support. Fast paced little movie (72 minutes) but it's more of a character study than an "action" film Ford's direction is masterly. For the most part the acting is excellent, the only off-note is Karloff as a "religious fanatic" - who seems out of place in a realistic film Rating **1/2

Court Jester (1955). In 12th Century England, Danny Kaye plays a court jester who becomes involved with a plot to kill the King. Co-stars Rathbone and Lansbury. I didn't realize how much I'm NOT a Danny Kaye fan until I saw this movie. Other than the famous "Vessel with the Pastel" bit I didn't laugh once. Further, Kaye really isn't much of a singer/ dancer and I found him bland when he wasn't mugging or over-acting. Looking at his filmography his success seems in large part due to Goldwyn putting him in high-budget technicolor pictures with attractive co-stars As for the other actors, Rathbone and all the others turn in good performances but the film's main focus is Kaye Rating **

The Cranes Are Flying (1957) Kalatozov. WW II drama about 2 Moscow lovers Veronica and Boris. When war comes, Boris volunteers while Veronica awaits his return. A fast paced 97 minutes with some great acting and cinematography. The final sequence is heart breaking. Like "Ballad of a Soldier" I wished I had liked the characters more. They just seemed shallow despite the great acting and the plot is somewhat melodramatic. Perhaps if I spoke Russian they would been more engaging. Still very enjoyable Rating ***

Man with a Movie Camera (1929) Vertov. Fascinating silent movie documentary documenting urban life in the USSR. I assume its Moscow ( & maybe another city?). Doesn't tell a story, more like "one day in the life of Moscow." Of course, the "darker side" of socialist Moscow is not emphasized - so the movie is upbeat. Being a historical nerd, I found the film fascinating - but I doubt the general public would care. Rating **1/2