byroncallas Reviews

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

Best Western Ever Made

[10/10 · 16 February 2002]

Once Upon a Time In the West is the best western ever made. Henry Fonda is the personification of evil. The slow pace, film score, majestic photography, superb acting, and inspired vision combine to make a spellbinding work that rivets you to the screen even when nothing is happening. To be appreciated the film must be seen wide screen. It is inexplicable that this masterpiece has not been released on DVD. I have seen over 3000 movies in my life. Once Upon a Time in the West is in my top ten. Every now and then it will come to the Castro in San Francisco. The theater is always packed; the film always begins with loud applause, and always ends with a standing ovation. People will often go to see it twice in the same day, knowing there may be many years before they can see it on the big screen again. The next best thing will be the release on DVD, an event that will be cause for celebration by film lovers around the world.

Mulholland Drive (2001)

Repeated viewing yields rich rewards -- and Naomi Watts is Best Actress

[10/10 · 15 February 2002]

I hate to begrudge anyone their Oscar nomination, but that Naomi Watts wasn't nominated for best actress this year is astounding. There were fine performances by several actresses this year and some of them were even nominated. Watts's performance, however, was far and above any other hat in the ring. Her exclusion seems shameful. I accept that the Oscars have their political underbelly and bemoaning that, I suppose, is naïve. When you think about it, neglecting Watts is not a bad metaphor for at least one of the underlying themes in Mulholland Drive, a richly textured masterpiece.

I'm wonder that it isn't common to go to see good movies numerous times. The best films are so rich and complex. It takes repeated viewings to thoroughly appreciate the jewels waiting to be discovered underneath the surface. Much like repeated listening to a great but complex symphony, with repeated viewings Mulholland Drive's rich mysteries unravel to reveal a coherent, elegant, satisfying logic.

I've seen Mulholland drive eight times, and will see it again this evening. I have found each new viewing to be more intellectually and emotionally satisfying than the previous viewing as the whole work comes more and more into focus – a `grok' if you will. I understand that the film may not be to everyone's liking or temperament. I suspect, however, that most film lovers will find repeated viewings of this multi-layered, beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted and authoritatively directed work highly rewarding.

I can't help but repeat myself about the Naomi Watts oversight. This thoroughly satisfying film that many find so mysterious is an apex of clarity compared to this mysterious injustice at the hands of ones supposed peers. It's a wonder that Lynch was nominated for best director while all of the other remarkable achievements of his masterpiece have been entirely overlooked by the Academy – most notable being Naomi Watts's remarkable performance.

Eve's Bayou (1997)

Little Masterpiece puts Hollywood Blockbusters to shame.

[10/10 · 15 February 2002]

This little movie is in my top 20 list after having seen well over 3000 movies. Jurnee Smollett's performance as the young Eve left me mesmerized for days. It was so evident the work was a labor of love, and it delivers. The story is provocative and memorable. The performances are all excellent and well integrated. There are good reviews here that do a fine job of praising this film so I won't elaborate. I simply suggest that thoughtful viewers will find this a thoroughly satisfying little masterpiece that on a next to nothing budget puts most Hollywood blockbusters to shame.

Female Perversions (1996)

Surprised by such scathing reviews

[10/10 · 15 February 2002]

I am somewhat surprised by the scathing reviews posted for what I found a provocative and entertaining work. I do guess that is what makes horse races. I rated the work a 10 and recommend it to anyone looking for something unconventional that requires you to think. I can see not agreeing with the filmmaker's perspective, but that it HAS a perspective is more than most films, and sets this little work apart. The performances were well crafted. Tilda Swinton does what she does best - gets under your skin and makes you squirm a bit. She is thoroughly uncomfortable to watch, by design I believe, and very effective. I think this is a fine little film.

Witchfinder General (1968)

Witchfinder General has stuck with me for 32 years

[10/10 · 15 February 2002]

I saw "Witchfinder General" in 1968, at the time released as "The Conqueror Worm" about six times. I have not seen it since 1968 and have not been able to find it anywhere. I remember it having a fantastic score, terrific story, acting that made you really care about the characters -- rooting for the good guys and truly hating the bad, a wonderful love story, and was totally horrifying though it wasn't a horror story. I was on the edge of my seat at all six viewings. I remember it as an unusual work and have remained surprised that we don't hear more of it. I was much younger then. 32 years is a long time ago. Maybe I would have a different reaction now. But I see hundreds of movies and this is one of only twenty or so whose imprint remains so fresh in my mind without being seen in decades. If you have ever appreciated Vincent Price when his considerable evil charms are put to their best use, this is the movie to see. I hope I will get to see it again.

Hombre (1967)

Best Paul Newman Movie

[10/10 · 15 February 2002]

There are so many rave comments here about Hombre I won't repeat them. I'll just say this is my favorite Paul Newman movie of them all, and one of the best Western's ever made. Richard Boone is terrific as the villain. Newman's low-key performance is remarkably powerful and authoritative. Great cast, story, mood, with an almost Zen like quality in the unfolding and resolution. Hombre has stayed with me for 33 years.