DeeDee-10 Reviews

Light Sleeper (1992)

A Gem!

[19 September 2000]

Having been a Willem Dafoe fan for several years, I was more than pleasantly surprised to see his amazing performance in this film. There were some priceless moments in which Dafoe made the art of acting appear effortless. This is pure joy for a film fan. Sarandon was superb in a role which I think was a departure for her. Still, she brought intelligence, command, and a delightful wackiness to Ann. I disliked the score so much that I basically ignored it. The presence of these two commanding actors, Dafoe and Sarandon, plus other notables in the cast, convinced me that this will be a film I'll watch again and again, if only to see Dafoe's toothy smile!

American Psycho (2000)

Did he or didn't he????

[8 September 2000]

Don't know if Christian Bale is still considered a British actor, but he was very convincing as the narcissistic, wacko American of the 80s. The film poked fun at everything that was sacred in the 80s, from banal music to itty-bitty California cuisine to self-indulgence, and more. The director must be given credit for managing to satirize the violence -note, we didn't see that much blood, and very little if any of the actual hacking, or munching (yuk!).

At the end of the film, I was left thinking -hey, what was going on here? Did he really kill those people? Is this where the "psycho" part comes in? Was he a Ralph Bundie groupie, but imagining the murders? Hints along the way, folks, don't overlook them.

Riders of the Purple Sage (1996 TV Movie)

This is a Gem!

[26 July 2000]

Where can I start? I've heard/seen the title "Riders of the Purple Sage" for as long as I can remember, but never read the book, nor did I ever see any of the previous versions of this Zane Gray novel. It wasn't until I became a big Ed Harris fan that I started looking for more of his films, and ended up buying "Riders." I knew it was going to be good, but wow!, I couldn't have imagined it would be teriffic -by far the best western, and one of the best films, period, I've ever seen.

There is so much to this story. . . the two love stories of course; the hypocrisy of the "righteous", and the redeeming qualities of those who on the surface may appear to be "evil" or "bad guys"; the power of love between the most unlikely couples; and the spiritual power of love and trust, just for starters.

I don't know if the script was taken directly from the book, but the dialogue was magical in many scenes. Amy Madigan and Ed Harris were magical too, partly due to their personal relationship I'm sure, but their work together in this film was unforgetable. I couldn't help but notice how they kind of look alike! Common among some married couples.

The supporting cast was excellent, and the scenery unbelievable. This is one of the films I will be watching over and over again. It should be released in the theaters! See it.

A Hungarian Fairy Tale (1987)

Enchanting

[9 June 2000]

Beautiful story of a young boy's search for his "father" after his mother is accidently killed. His search takes him on several adventures leading him closer and closer to his goal. The boy, David Vermes, looking for all the world like a pre-adolescent Marlon Brando,gives a lovely performance -understated and moving. The fantasy elements were delightful and I found myself smiling with joy at the end of the film. You will too!

Tom Horn (1980)

Curious film

[7 June 2000]

Hadn't planned on viewing this video until I ended up in the Western section of my local video store and decided to give it a try. I kept trying to figure out what was going on with Steve McQueen and then realized that the film was made only six months or so before he died. He was obviously ill, and it showed although his performance didn't suffer. This was a story of consummate betrayal, and the unexplainable passiveness of Tom Horn. Horn, the tracker for hire, did his job -too well- for those who hired him. To avoid a scandal they take matters into their own hands to quell him. Why didn't they just tell him to get out of town?? Instead we have a "martyr" story. Even Linda Evans, his love interest, gives him the boot for no apparent reason. Steve McQueen was one of my favorite actors, and he is still missed.

Harlequin (1980)

Curiously supernatural

[26 May 2000]

As a long-time fan of Robert Powell, I have to say he was fantastic in this little known film, which I saw under the title "Dark Forces." The actor's ability is far under rated -why, I'll never know. This tale of a mysterious being entering the lives of a family was curiously spiritual as well as supernatural. I even found Powell quoting a line from his masterpiece "Jesus of Nazareth." There were some unanswered questions in the film, but I wasn't bothered by this. After all, the supernatural leaves a lot of gaps for us to dwell on and come up with our own conclusions.

Three Colors: Red (1994)

Beautiful!

[3 May 2000]

Having seen White before I realized it was a trilogy; now I've seen Red, and can't wait to see Blue. Red. . . . ah, what a gem!

Trintignant and Jacob. . . their meeting left me uncomfortable -the tension was thick. The director gently molded their relationship from one of fear and disgust to one of compassion and friendship. Hints along the way made me think this was going to have one of those non-linear endings, a circular conclusion that makes one wonder -what the????? Not so. You are going to love this film from beginning to end!

The Damned (1969)

A Visconti masterpiece

[1 May 2000]

I had to hunt for this video, but found it quite surprisingly at my local independent video store. Having recently seen Helmut Berger in in the film Ludwig, I was curious to see him in this role which apparently was his "introduction" to film. He is an amazing actor and while there were many disturbing moments in this film he was true to his character. I saw the character of Martin as not so much "damned" but as a "fallen" being: tortured by his own inner impulses, his feelings of rejection by his mother, etc. which culminate in providing perfect figure for Nazi terror. It is a shame that Helmut Berger has not received more recognition in the US. There are so many international actors who are almost complete unknowns in the states. Sad. I love Visconti's use of dark lighting and shadows. In this film as in Ludwig it added to the already "dark" subject matter, and is a visual treat.

The Name of the Rose (1986)

Bravo!

[25 April 2000]

Name of the Rose has all of the elements of a medieval mystery/thriller: a monastery perched on top of a cliff, suspicious murders, the most sinister collection of monks I've ever seen assembled -lecherous old men, some with cataract, filmy eyes; eunuch looking individuals with fat cheeks and bald heads, the "idiot" hunchback hidden away -all keepers and hoarders of knowledge making judgements and decisions in a most un-Christian like way. Laughter as a perversion? Christ never laughed?

The film's ambiance was rich, sensual, mystical, and deep, in contrast with the bleak spirituality of the monks. The relationship between Connery and Slater, his novice, was a delight to watch. The wide-eyed Slater was a breath of fresh air in an other wise stiffling, oppressive environment. Connery was at his finest. Oh, the labyrinth reminded me of an Esher painting for some reason. Enjoy!

August (1996)

Bravo!!

[20 April 2000]

Having seen A Country Life, another film based on Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, I have to say I preferred August. While both of them have taken the story to another setting and another time, I was swayed by the compelling performance of Anthony Hopkins (and perhaps his direction, too). Kate Burton was beautiful and enigmatic, and I couldn't help but see glimpses of her famous father slipping through, after just viewing Becket the night before. August had all the elements of Chekhovian drama: unfulfilled dreams, boredom, longing for an elusive future. The entire cast was magnificent, and Hopkins was amazing as usual. He brought so much to the role -the finest actor today!

Quo Vadis? (1985)

Surprise!

[7/10 · 19 April 2000]

Looking for Quo Vadis at my local video store, I found this 1985 version that looked interesting. Wow! It was amazing! Very much a Ken Russell kind of film -quirky, stylized, very artistic, and of course "different." Nero was presented not so much as evil incarnate, but as a wacky, unfulfilled emperor who would rather have had a circus career. He probably wondered why on earth he was put in the position of "leading" an empire -it wasn't much fun, and fun is what he longed for. Klause Maria Bandaur had a tremendous time with this role and played it for all it was worth. Yes, Nero persecuted the Christians with a vengeance; one of many who did so. At one point one of his henchmen murmurs: "No one will ever understand we were simply protecting ourselves." He got that right.

Francis of Assisi (1961)

Too Hollywood

[13 April 2000]

Having seen Brother Sun Sister Moon, and Francisco, this 1961 version of the story of St. Francis pales next to the other two.

It looked like something from Disney: all primary colored costumes, healthy looking, rosy-cheeked Middle Ages citizens of Assisi, smiling as if they hadn't a care in the world. What were the producers thinking?! There was a little more history in this version though, including Francis' visit to Jerusalem, and his meeting with the Sulton. While the story was certainly comprehensive than Brother Sun Sister Moon, I prefer the latter even with Donovan's soundtrack, which I'm getting used to since I bought the video! Bradford Dillman did a fair job, but Dolores Hart with her teased, helmet-head sprayed hair looked very out of place, sad to say. A lean Stuart Whitman as Paolo played a major part and helped carry the film. I was tempted to not watch the whole thing, but I gave in. If you are a St. Francis admirer you'll watch it and learn a few more things about this remarkable man.

Francesco (1989)

Not bad!

[12 April 2000]

I'd seen the Zefirelli version of St. Francis, and in contrast, I have to say this presented a somewhat different perspective -more realistic if anything. Not knowing much about Mickey Rourke, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course he had a modern hair cut throughout, and his tatoos could be seen in some scenes. . . .but when put to the test he passed in my estimation. His training at the Strasberg School paid off. In the beginning he was a little stiff, but as the film developed, so did his character, and the emotional scenes were very believable. Condensing the life of St. Francis of Assisi into a 2 hr. film is a challenge, but I think the important events were covered including his early life as a man of the world, his life-altering crisis of finding God, the creation of the little band of followers and the conflicts, the stigmata, etc. And, OK, Mickey Rourke has gorgeous eyes!!!

Wagner (1983)

Long, but not boring

[12 April 2000]

With a stupendous cast headed by Richard Burton, this film takes on the life of Wagner and seems to raise the same complaints his audience had regarding his operas: long bacchanals of passion and excess. Art imitates life? You bet! Burton's monologues are brilliant as usual (I'm a long-time Burton fan) full of emotion and brilliantly performed. As to why everyone including royalty continued to support and love his music, chosing to ignore for the most part his despicible life in which he treated everyone shabbily including his wife, lovers, patrons, etc. . . .is it any different today? Don't we love our music/film icons ignoring their dark side? This film also made me want to rush to history books to read more about the era, especially about the young king of Bavaria. Take two nights to watch the video.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

The Best!

[6 April 2000]

I JUST saw the video, and I have to say -it was amazing! The best psychological "horror" film I've ever seen. But, it was more than that. . . there were some messages there: the "pure of heart" scene. . . "How can you help me if you don't believe me." More, but YOU find them. The young boy was fantastic and absolutely should have won an academy award for his performance. Bruce was very good, and I'm not a real Bruce Willis fan.

I watched the video twice, because I was so engrossed in the story I forgot to watch for the "clues" liberally given throughout the film. Second time around it all made sense. This film is one of several I've seen lately that pose interesting questions about death. Since we'll never know for sure until it's our time to go, these possibilities are food for thought, discussion, debate, and may hopefully make our life richer while we're here.

FairyTale: A True Story (1997)

It's a Fairy Tale!

[6 April 2000]

I don't care whether the story was a hoax or not. Most films are fairy tales, aren't they? Entertaining stories? Mind candy? And don't we love it? So, why pick it apart? The children were delightful. Peter O'Toole looked healthier than I've seen him in a long time. Harvey Keitel HAS to get a voice teach to rid him of that annoying accent. It was even more ludicrous in The Last Temptation of Christ!

The small size of the fairies didn't bother me at all. Should they be life size, speaking words of wisdom, with haloes around their heads? I thought their smallness made them even more lovely to look at -mysterious and fleeting- if you can see them at all.

The video I rented showed the Mel Gibson scene at the end. I had to rewind a bit to make sure it was him, as his name wasn't mentioned in the cast. A nice surprise.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)

One of my favorites

[3 March 2000]

I finally ordered the video after renting it a dozen times! This film captures the essence of what I have read about St. Francis of Assisi. Faulkner, Bowker, and of course Alec Guinnes shine in their roles. I recognized the actress who played Francis' mother as the same actress who played Herodias in Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, it is a movie of the "flower children", but it is sincere and faultless. After so many viewings I even got used to Donovan! Zeffirelli did a wonderful job of directing, bringing out beautiful pieces of acting from all. The scene at the end with Pope Innocent III, Francis and his little band was as powerful as anything I've seen in film, religious or not. IMDB lists this film as Graham Faulkner's one and only! What happened to him I wonder?

Bowfinger (1999)

Entertaining. . .

[2 March 2000]

I rented this film because I wanted a quick shot of entertainment, and I got it. Will I watch it again? Probably not. It was a great spoof on the making of low-budget films, with the added attraction of being unabashedly irreverent to Hollywood. Sort of like biting the hand that feeds you, but I guess Steve Martin can afford to do so. The script was original, the acting believable. . . hey, it was a comedy!

The Night of the Iguana (1964)

All-Time Great

[1 March 2000]

Watched this film recently for the seventh or eighth time -it' always a delight. Classic Burton hamming it up just enough. . . calm, cool Kerr proping up "Shannon's" sanity. . . free-spirited Gardner charging around trying to keep her sanity and reaching out for Shannon. . .Lyon, the "precocious" seductress. . . all were amazingly believable. I didn't have a problem with the black and white, in fact, I think it added to impact of the film, leaving it up to the actors to pull out the heart of William's magnificent play without the benefit of color, although I'm not sure color would have made any difference anyway. The final dialogue between Kerr and Burton was spellbinding: the meeting of two souls, if only for the moment.

Kerr, Burton, and Gardner were at their finest in this film.

The King of Comedy (1982)

A Must See

[22 February 2000]

OK, everything has been said about this film that can possibly be said. . . it's funny, pathetic, sad, hysterical. . . the repartee between De Niro and Bernhard is hilarious! And Bernhard singing Come Rain or Come Shine to a taped up Lewis is bittersweet; even so, I couldn't stiffle a laugh. How can you with Bernhard???

De Niro drove me crazy with his obsessiveness. However, he knew when to pull back and showed enough control to not alienate the character from us, the audience. Poor Pupkin -a real case!

The Scarlet Letter (1995)

Not all that bad!

[11 February 2000]

OK, it's not faithful to the novel . . . .

I waited a long time before I finally decided to rent the video and watch The Scarlet Letter. Afterwards I wondered, what was everyone so upset about?! I was pleasantly surprised. Gary Oldman was his usual -brilliant, and looking soulfully handsome for a change. Demi Moore turned in a decent performance -watch closely- and then decide for yourself. Robert Duvall as the crazy doctor was a bit over the top, but had enough self control to not let it get out of hand. Joan Ploughright was charming as usual, and the only one who got the accent right -being a Brit, of course.

I don't recall the Indian war, and witchcraft from the novel . . . but it's been a long time. Yes, I guess it was a different movie, but watch it for what it is.

Before the Rain (1994)

Beautiful, haunting, sad

[3 February 2000]

The circular plot devise worked well, and though it caught me off guard, I was impressed at how well everything connected and brought it to its conclusion. The dreaminess of the first part "Words" contrasted with the harshness and violence of the rest of the film. Not familiar with the Balkans, I was struck by the austerity portrayed in the film and left with a feeling of sadness at the futility of war, its profound and devastating effects on humanity. There is no love in such a world except where it can be found striving to reach vengeful hearts and hardened minds, and perhaps in monasteries perched high on mountain tops.

The Red Violin (1998)

Hauntingly beautiful

[25 January 2000]

This film uses the interesting devise of looping time around two events: the reading of Tarot cards by a fortune teller/servant in the 1600's, and a modern day auction. At first it threw me, but it proved to be an ingenious was of pulling together stories on the varius owners of the red violin. This is a gem of a film -practically faultless. The youngster playing Kasper was breathtaking. Samuel Jackson was excellent for the most part. Two outstanding moments for Jackson: when he first holds the violin, caresses it with gentleness and awe; when he first hears it being played. His eyes foretell the final outcome. The ending disturbed me, but after further thinking I realized that this was simply "another story", and ensured that the red violin would continue its journey.

Hope Floats (1998)

ZZZZZZZZZ

[15 November 1999]

The only redeeming footage in this film was the gut-wrenching scene between young, talented Mae Whitman and Michael Pare (playing her father). This is a scene to make people with young children think twice before they divorce. Connick was about as wooden as a two X four, although I must say Gena Rowlands managed to give a half-way decent performance. Not her best, but passable.

Cookie's Fortune (1999)

High Southern Gothic

[28 October 1999]

There's just something about stories filmed in the South that take my breath away. These are characters right out of Flannery O'Conner, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner. Loved it! There were some hilarious moments -perhaps a bit unexpected- like the feathers flying from Cookie's pillow when she does the deed; the District Attorney's (?) interview of the individuals in the bar. Niecy Nash was especially fine here. Close and Moore were amazing, and Liv Tyler was perfect for the role, contrary to the feelings of others.

One BIG disappointment. . .there were no credits for the soundtrack!! The music was fantastic, and I wanted to run out an buy the CD. Haunting, Mississippi blues, and no credits! How did that happen?