Terrance Stamp,John Hurt and Tim Roth
Stamp is found in his witness protection hideaway in Spain to be taken back to Paris by Hurt and Roth to meet his fate at the hands of those he betrayed.
Stamp almost ethereal,Hurt menacingly broken whilst Roth is only just out of short trousers.
Directed by Stephen Frears so expect wordy and surprises.
Decent print on Prime.
3 Likes
His second film after the brilliant Albert Finney, Billie Whitelaw Gumshoe.
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Having recently completed a viewing of Heimat 1 I have just started a re-viewing of the equally good Heimat 2 series.
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A good companion piece for Judgement at Nuremburg is The Keeper of the Flame.
Spencer Tracey, again, this time playing a journalist covering the tragic death of a popular politician.
Slow burn, and well worth the time.
Apposite for today.
Duel
The first Spielberg feature length film showing he already had cinematic vision. The pace,editing and drama are quite absorbing.
Mild mannered Denis Weaver is going about his business when he seemingly annoys the driver of a heavy road tanker.
A fight to the end follows.
Decent print on Prime.
9 Likes
Sisu.
During thr Nazi retreat from Finland they encounter a legendary Finish sniper and freedom fighter who had just discovered a gold vein in the wilderness.
The Nazis would like the gold and gradually realise how difficult this will be to achieve.
You know it will be gory when the hunting knife is seen going through the first Nazi casualty’s head. It gets worse or better depending on your ideas about film entertainment.
High Plains Drifter meets the Nazis.
On Apple or Prime for £3.49 but I purchased the Bluray as I like to watch the extras.
4 Likes
Thanks Andy, you reminded me I received this on Blu-ray a month or two back but haven’t yet played it. Now, where did I put it..?
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The Roses - a remake of The War of the Roses - starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman. This only got middling reviews on its release but I really enjoyed it. Very funny and great turns from the two leads
2 Likes
I watched it yesterday. For my tastes, it is the weakest of the 3 films.
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The Big Country
One of the best Westerns ever made.
Jean Simmons is wonderful, and this is peak Peck.
Gregory Peck mortgaged himself to get the book rights and hired Wyler to direct.
Simmons wanted her character to be less passive. Peck hired a writer to work with Simmons, and what an excellent job they did.
Burl Ives had never taken on a proper dramatic role, being more of a folk singer. Peck persuaded him. Ives was awarded with the Oscar for best supporting actor.
Not loved by the critics the film was a hit.
A long film that passes quickly. Superb stuff.
M
6 Likes
You forgot to mention the superb soundtrack by Jerome Moross!
2 Likes
You’re right, and I was listening to it on Qobuz!
Wyler didn’t want him. Peck called him in and he played his proposed opening theme music. Wyler apparently nodded at Peck and Moross got the job.
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Working my way through my usual Christmas fayre, so far:
Scrooge (Simm);
The Grinch: and
Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
M
6 Likes
A modern day dog walker finds two linked skeletons in the woods…
Cut to the 1830s in Oregon. A Boston baker and Chinese seaman join forces to make a living in this wilderness. Sweetmests could be baked but they would have to steal milk from Toby Jones’ cow. They are caught,hunted and lie down to rest… Director Reichardt likes you to finish the story. These are hardly spoilers. We know where we are being led.
Like Meeks’ Cutoff. A glacial and forensic pace.
Toby Jones gives a wonderful cameo.
The cow Evie deserved an Oscar.
If you like James Bond movies you might well hate it.
Bluray for me.
2 Likes
1 Like
Just watched on iPlayer. What a film. Newcastle in the 70’s in all its gritty glory. Great turn by Michael Caine and superb soundtrack by Roy Budd
I always find John Osborne’s role intriguing - not a great actor but there is a real presence to him
13 Likes
I have the 2022 restoration BD on my Christmas wishlist. Apparently the US dubbing of that early scene has finally been removed, and the whole thing looks amazing. Fingers crossed.
1 Like