Nosferatu (2024)

Set in 1838 Germany, a young wife (Lily Rose Depp) is haunted by the spectre of a Transylvanian vampire called Nosferatu (Bill Skarsgard) who she gave herself to as a girl out of loneliness. After her marriage to a real estate agent (Nicholas Hoult), the vampire has left her alone but he is only biding his time. A remake of the 1922 silent classic by F.W. Murnau (itself inspired by Bram Stoker's DRACULA) and directed by Robert Eggers (THE WITCH). Quite simply, a superb horror film, an instant classic. Dripping with atmosphere and drenched in mood as well as dread, Eggers isn't interest in scaring us but in exploring the psychological horror inflicted on Depp's bride. While his presence is continually felt, the vampire is a supporting character as the emotionally bereft wife takes center stage. This is really Depp's movie. Although shot in color, Jarin Blaschke's monochromatic texture gives the movie a B&W sheen. My only (and minor) complaint is its nod to THE EXORCIST. Effective yes but the film didn't need it. Horror fans should embrace this one! With Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Simon McBurney and Emma Corrin.

The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Set in 1932 Edinburgh, Scotland. An eccentric school teacher (Maggie Smith in an Oscar winning performance) in a conservative girls school attempts to inspire and encourage her students (known as the Brodie girls) to independent thinking. But as she espouses her wisdom on art, music and life ..... is she, in fact, a dangerous influence on the impressionable girls? Based on the play by Jay Presson Allen (in turn, based on the novel by Muriel Spark) and directed by Ronald Neame (THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE). Understandably, Presson's play differs from Spark's novel which would have been difficult to adapt faithfully. What we get is a strong melodrama with a tour de force performance by Maggie Smith. While I admire Smith's exemplary work here, there's a layer of campy (a bit of the drag queen) artificiality that prevents me from fully embracing her performance. After awhile, I began to wonder how Dame Edna Everage would have done in the part. I don't mean that as a putdown, Smith has some heartbreaking moments that stand with the best work she's done. The casting is impeccable down to the smallest roles. With Pamela Franklin, Celia Johnson, Robert Stephens, Jane Carr, Gordon Jackson, Rona Anderson and Diane Grayson.

Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee (2007)

Beginning in 1876, the film explores the aftermath of the Sioux triumph over General Custer at Little Big Horn. Three characters are at its center: a young Dartmouth educated Sioux doctor (Adam Beach), the proud Lakota chief Sitting Bull (August Schellenberg) who refuses to submit to government policies that would strip his people of their identity and dignity and a U.S. Senator (Aidan Quinn), one of the men responsible for government policy on Indian affairs. Based on the non fictional book by Dee Brown and directed by Yves Simoneau (MOTHER'S BOYS). The betrayal and genocide of Native Americans is one of the most shameful chapters in American history. This well thought out documentary like movie details how what was supposed to be a positive plan to assimilate Native Americans (albeit on enforced residency on reservations) into a self sufficient group able to sustain themselves on their own property turns into broken promises and acts of betrayal that would further strip Native Americans of their lands. The film has actors who at least are partially indigenous North Americans (mostly from Canada) rather than Caucasian actors playing "Indians". With Anna Paquin, J.K. Simmons, Colm Feore, Fred Dalton Thompson, Gordon Tootoosis and Chevez Ezaneh.

Looking For Mr. Goodbar (1977)

An inner city school teacher (Diane Keaton) for deaf children leads a double life. A respectable school teacher by day, at night she frequents dive bars and dance clubs looking for easy men and one night stands. Based on the novel by Judith Rossner and directed by Richard Brooks (ELMER GANTRY). Rossner's novel was inspired by the shocking 1973 murder of a school teacher, Roseann Quinn. A dark and disturbing movie that encapsulates the 1970s sexual revolution of one night stands and random sex that ushered in the era of AIDS in the 1980s. Keaton had a one two punch in 1977 with this film and ANNIE HALL. She won an Oscar for the latter but this is the film she should have won the Oscar for. It's a brave "go for it" performance and she holds nothing back. It's still the best performance of her career. Nothing she did before or since comes close. The film is not without its flaws. At times, Brooks pushes too hard and the film becomes lurid in ways that the book never was. With Tuesday Weld (in an Oscar nominated performance), Richard Gere, Tom Berenger, Richard Kiley, William Atherton, LeVar Burton, Brian Dennehy and Priscilla Pointer. 

Charlie Chan At The Race Track (1936)

When a prominent race horse owner (George Irving) winds up dead, allegedly kicked to death by his prized stallion, renowned detective Charlie Chan (Warner Oland) is called in to investigate. When he discovers foul play, he's soon hot on the hooves of an international gambling ring. Based on the character created by Earl Derr Biggers and directed by H. Bruce Humberstone (SUN VALLEY SERENADE). The 12th entry in the 20th Century Fox produced Chan franchise is one of the lesser Chan movies although I may rate it lesser because I have an aversion to horse racing so take that into account. But I found the film's "mystery" rather convoluted and just couldn't get interested in the outcome. As usual, as the number one son, Keye Luke provides most of the film's humor though John H. Allen as a black stable boy is there to provide additional laughs but it's the kind of stereotypical racial humor often foisted on black characters in 1930s and 1940s films. With Helen Wood, Thomas Beck, Alan Dinehart and Frankie Darro.

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1984)

Set in Mississippi, a wealthy cotton tycoon (Rip Torn) is dying of cancer. His immediate family have temporarily withheld the information from him. Meanwhile, his son (Tommy Lee Jones) has taken to drink while his wife (Jessica Lange) struggles to save her marriage. Based on the play by Tennessee Williams and directed by Jack Hofsiss (I'M DANCING AS FAST AS I CAN). One of the most popular and performed of Williams' plays, this was the third filmed version of his play. The famous 1958 film version with Elizabeth Taylor was compromised by the censorship standards of the day. In 1976, Natalie Wood played Maggie The Cat in a British televised production with Laurence Olivier as Big Daddy. Here, there are some minor revisions to the original text made by Williams himself. It's a beautifully crafted play and well acted. Lange makes for an excellent Maggie although there's a bit of self consciousness in her performance. With Kim Stanley in an Emmy award winning performance, Penny Fuller and David Dukes.

Four Jills In A Jeep (1944)

Four Hollywood actresses (Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Martha Raye, Mitzi Mayfair)  join the USO (United Service Organizations) and tour Europe entertaining American serviceman during WWII. Based on the non fiction book by Carole Landis and Edwin Seaver and directed by William A. Seiter (ONE TOUCH OF VENUS). The four actresses did tour England, Ireland and North Africa entertaining troops during WWII but the film takes a lot of artistic license to provide entertainment value to wartime audiences. There are lots of musical numbers to pad out the thin storyline. In addition to the four leads, there are musical performances by Betty Grable, Alice Faye, Carmen Miranda and Dick Haymes. While the four ladies are to be given kudos for their efforts, it's not the kind of movie that holds up well today. With Phil Silvers, Jimmy Dorsey, John Harvey and George Jessel.

The Blood Ship (1927)

The crew of a cargo ship under a sadistic Captain (Walter James) consists of shanghaied crewmen. But when the ship docks in San Francisco, two men (Hobart Bosworth, Richard Arlen) volunteer to serve on the ship, each with his own personal reason. Based on the novel by Norman Springer and directed by George B. Seitz (LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY). An entertaining high seas adventure even though there's not much originality to it. A sadistic sea captain driving his men to rebellion and mutiny is a tried and worn scenario (MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY being the most famous example) but the movie's brief running time (one hour, seven minutes) assures that it won't wear out its welcome. The silent film has been restored and the transfer I saw was gorgeous including its tinted sequence. It's a pity it's not a better movie. With Jacqueline Logan and Blue Washington. 

Rififi A Tokyo (1963)

A veteran gangster (Charles Vanel) arrives from France to Tokyo to pull off a daring heist of a precious diamond from a bank vault. However, when his partner (Eiji Okada) in the heist is killed by a rival gang, he turns to the dead man's friend (Karlheinz Bohm) to assist him. Based on the novel by Auguste Le Breton (THE SICILIAN CLAN) and directed by Jacques Deray (BORSALINO). A French and Italian co-production, this often confusing noir-ish crime movie doesn't seem very interested in the actual diamond heist as it is in its characters and their often complicated personal lives. Their motivations are often murky and in the case of the film's titular protagonist (Bohm), maybe even a little existential. The most interesting character in the film is the electronics expert (Michel Vitold) who leads a double life and hides his criminal activities which he does in order to keep his wife (Barbara Lass) in luxuries. Another striking feature of the movie is Tadashi Aramaki's handsome B&W cinematography which gives Tokyo an atmospheric sheen. The atypical score is by Georges Delerue. With Keiko Kishi and Masao Oda.

The Stranger Wore A Gun (1953)

A former spy (Randolph Scott) for the notorious Quantrill's Raiders heads out West to Arizona where he takes a job driving for a stagecoach company. But the town is in the hands of an outlaw gang headed by a Confederate loyalist (George Macready), who remembers the ex-spy from the old days. Based on the short story YANKEE GOLD by John W. Cunningham and directed by Andre DeToth (HOUSE OF WAX). A pedestrian western that's notable for being one of the earliest 3D movies. I watched it in 2D but there didn't seem to be much attention to the 3D effects outside of the occasional object being tossed toward the audience. As the femme fatale, Claire Trevor is a bit on the mature side for vamping and after this, she segued into character work rather than as a lead actress. Western fans should find it modestly agreeable if unmemorable. With Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Joan Weldon, Alfonso Bedoya and Clem Bevans.

The Sheltering Sky (1990)

Set in 1947 French Algeria, a composer (John Malkovich) and his writer wife (Debra Winger) arrive with the intention of staying while their traveling companion (Campbell Scott) is there for only a few weeks. Naive to the dangers that surround them, the couple begin a journey that will end in death and mental and emotional collapse. Based on the novel by Paul Bowles (who has a cameo as well as narrating the film) and directed by Bernardo Bertolucci (THE CONFORMIST). Some novels resist the transition to film no matter how hard the film makers try. The novel was an existential narrative of hopelessness and estrangement and the film often gets very close to establishing that mood but mostly it comes across as a story about two aimless self centered Americans who seem to have a superior attitude toward all things around them. More than once, they use the word boring in describing situations and people. The real star of the film is Vittorio Storaro's outstanding cinematography which won several awards though the movie itself received mixed reviews. With Eric Vu-An, Timothy Spall and Jill Bennett.

Botany Bay (1953)

Set in late 18th century Britain, a group of prisoners are given a chance for reformation on new soil called New South Wales (now Australia). Among them is a rebellious American medical student (Alan Ladd) unjustly accused of highway robbery and an attractive actress (Patricia Medina) accused of thievery. However, before they can reach the penal colony of Botany Bay, they must contend with the sadistic ship's captain (James Mason). Based on the novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall (MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY) and directed by John Farrow (HONDO). A bright Technicolor seafaring adventure that's modestly enjoyable if you don't mind the deja vu aspects of the narrative. As the cruel sea captain, James Mason is suitably nasty but he's no match for Charles Laughton's Captain Bligh! Filmed in Hollywood but Paramount had some koala bears and kangaroos imported from Australia for the movie and later donated to the San Diego zoo. With Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Murray Matheson.