fwhichard-344-426261 Reviews

Rediscovering John Gilbert (2010 Video)

Gilbert's Daughter First Hand Testament

[10/10 · 16 January 2023]

This 30 minute documentary is very simply produced. No special effects or editing. Just a lot of photos of John Gilbert in his prime, along with the personal stories of his all too short life and career told by his daughter Leatrice Gilbert Fountain. His life was a total adventure. He was quite literally one of the leading men who helped create the Hollywood film industry when filmmaking was in its infancy. His films still remain a beautiful visual experience. Film buffs should search them out. It was heartbreaking to hear about Greta Garbo leaving John Gilbert waiting at the alter. A wonderful documentary that can be viewed in just over 30 minutes.

Glass Onion (2022)

Fairly Simple and easy to predict

[1/10 · 16 January 2023]

And then the ending is easily projected. Beautifully filmed but ultimately a poor film in several key areas. The acting is very cliched overall. I was disappointed with Ed Norton's role. He performed his best in a clearly cliched character as "Rich Evil Guy" and we all saw it coming. The twins angle was ripe for a double switch that never materialized. The awful ending essentially leaves us with a message that the Ends Justify the Means. A let down film compared to the first in the series. I left the film feeling cheated. Destroy to save? Is that justice by today's moral standard? No thanks. Two wrongs don't make a right.

All form. Little substance.

Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022)

A Reflection on a Life Luved

[8/10 · 22 November 2022]

After finishing this film, I sit in an empty theater, reflecting on what I have seen. The essence of this deeply personal message floating just under the surface of the film is complex. What should I think? Or more important, what should I feel?

I can only answer as a man who has lived over 60 years. I witnessed many "shared" moments in the film, images and memories where I look back on my life and either smile or shed a tear.

The beauty in this film lies in its "truth" which to me is the honest self reflection on a life spent. We all only have a certain amount of life to spend. No do overs. So when we all approach the waning moments of our lives, we look back on those little life pleasures, the painful moments, and the regrets we all have.

And the TRUTH of our own individual lives flashes before us all.

Stromboli (1950)

Ingrid Captivates Us

[9/10 · 18 December 2021]

I understand why several reviews of Stromboli are negative with low scores. Perhaps it is because of the slow pace of the film. I think the pace is used purposely to give the audience the same sense of loneliness and boredom Ingrid's character feels. The longing to find her prior life is in almost every inch of her beautifully shot face. She is so sad, so alone, so out of place in Stromboli.

I have always loved her films but here in Stromboli, Ingrid Bergman is truly front and center in almost every scene. Her breathtaking beauty is made even more radiant juxtaposed against the barren and harsh landscape that is Stromboli.

I have seen this film several times, each time absorbing a little more of the essence of the story. The loneliness and helplessness of a woman trapped by circumstances beyond her control, living in a place as far removed and opposite from her home country, is so heartbreaking for viewers who have moved far away from home and family.

This is a beautiful film that deserves more attention.

A Ghost Story (2017)

Focus and Thought Required

[10/10 · 14 August 2021]

This film is NOT for anyone looking for the latest version of The Haunting or any other conventional ghost movie themed picture. It's also not recommended viewing for those who believe a film can be fully appreciated while folding laundry, checking email, picking your teeth/toes.

But for those true cinephiles out there who enjoy a film that requires thinking, don't mind devoting their focus and brain cells on a film, and enjoy immersing themselves in a story that is not told in a traditional trajectory, A Ghost Story just might be one of the best 90 minutes you'll spend on a film.

The characters are compelling and perfected acted. Not a weak moment from any actor. Totally believable from beginning to end. These aren't cardboard cutout standard roles. You believe these are real people.

The atmosphere is perfectly crafted, haunting and scary scenes are shown when you may least expect to see them. You may find you have to go back and watch the movie again. The music adds just the right mood as well, letting viewers know they things menacing are just under the surface, poised to manifest themselves at any moment.

And most importantly, the story is a true ghost story. It's how many viewers will think ghosts could actually coexist with us, sharing our daily chores and our mundane and fleeting lives, that could at any moment end.

It's a perfect film in many ways. Give it a serious viewing.

In Search of Ozu (2018)

All Film Lovers Eventually Come to Ozu

[10/10 · 24 April 2021]

Roger Ebert wrote these words, or something very close to this, in a piece on the great filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu. I read the piece quite a few years ago, not having experienced any of Ozu's films. I was surprised to read about this artist, never knowing the name let alone the works he crafted. As a somewhat young cinephile devouring movies 10-20 a week, I focused on more "known" directors at the time, renting videos almost daily at my local video store. Deciding to find an Ozu film, I asked the fellow movie nerd behind the counter if they stocked any films by Ozu. They had one video, Tokyo Story, dusty and sitting alone in the Foreign Films section. I grabbed it and went straight home.

On first watching, my initial reaction was "This film is soooooo slow. What was Roger taking about in his article again?" Went back and re-read Roger's words. Went back and watched Tokyo Story again. Was hooked on Ozu ever since.

For those who have never seen an Ozu film, please watch this documentary. Then approach his films with an open and fully focused mind. Meditate on his films in the way one might reflect on the beauty of a Japanese garden.

You might be touched in ways few films can touch you.

Two Weeks in Another Town (1962)

Sadly Ironic Depiction of a Declining Hollywood

[7/10 · 4 April 2021]

I am sure true cinephiles with any understanding of the Hollywood films from the "Golden Years" will appreciate and share in the sadness I felt while watching this film. Both Edward G Robinson and Kirk Douglas, two mega stars in their respective eras, still shine here, perfectly cast as "hasbeens" on the declining slope of their careers, riding the downward spiral of a declining Hollywood. For me, the entire film is a nod to a passing time, a farewell story, a death tale of the Hollywood that once was. The scene where Robinson and Douglas sing "Auld Lang Syne" sums up the film for me.

El mal ajeno (2010)

You don't have to be a healthcare worker to appreciate this film.

[10/10 · 13 March 2021]

But it helps.

This is one of the most unique stories I have ever seen. And that is frankly saying a lot as I have been watching films for over 50 years.

The story is essentially about the balances in our lives where acts of selflessness and acts of selfishness collide, either from within us or from others who come into our lives.

Like I mentioned, care givers will surly appreciate this film. But anyone who has loved another person enough (think agape) should take time to watch this film.

The mysterious nature of the plot takes some time to understand but once you get the cause/effect chain of connectedness you are in a good spot

This film is hard to find. I recommended it many times but de people seem to find it.

I recommend you make the effort.

Enjoy.

The Go-Between (1971)

The Past is a Different Country. They do things differently there.

[8/10 · 13 March 2021]

I recently watched this film after having seen it as a teenager. Both experiences touched me but in significantly different ways. Not unlike the storyline in the film ironically.

The film is beautifully crafted and almost perfect in every way. All the actors are brilliantly cast and do a great job at hiding only slightly their true emotions and motivations. Those who know and love The Age of Innocence will appreciate the way the story unfolds.

At its core is the story of how class norms and rigid rules of behavior affect an innocent young boy, at what surely is his most vulnerable time of his life.

Some may find the pace slow. I did when I first saw it as a teenager. Please give this film time to develop. Resist those swift "5 minutes and I am out" rules so many millennials tend to apply today. Resist please. And above all, give your full attention to this small masterpiece. Watch for the small changes in tone and body language these great actors provide us.

Then, when young viewers are a little older and life has provided them a few joys and pains, please revisit this film as I did. I sense your emotions may bathe over you as mine did recently.

Enjoy this film.

The Abyss (1989)

Stunningly Beautiful, Fractured Story

[6/10 · 27 February 2021]

When I first saw The Abyss I was totally blown away by the cinematic beauty of the film. This movie is a masterpiece of cinematography. Every moment of imagery is still etched in my mind. Going back and watching the movie recently for a third time, I just can't reconcile the narrative elements. It seems to me the screenwriters wrote about 5 or 6 short films which Cameron then linked together to make what I still believe is a really fine movie experience. But the lack of a connected link from the beginning of the film to end leaves me slightly pained and dissatisfied. And I don't mind films that don't follow the standard 3 act narrative structure. I love Memento, Magnolia, and hundreds of films that break with traditional structure. But those films have scenes and acts that are connected. Viewers can follow the storyline, challenging as it may be. The Abyss proves that great actors, cinematographers, and directors can almost never overcome a clunky script.

The Voice of Firestone (1949–1963)

A wonderful and almost forgotten show

[8/10 · 11 December 2020]

You don't have to be a lover of classic music and opera to totally fall in love with this show. It's amazing to discover the music this show pushed out to television viewers across America. Well worth finding.

The Man in the White Suit (1951)

The War of Science on the Status Quo Wages Ob!

[8/10 · 4 July 2020]

This is an amazingly good "little" film brings the lofty battle between Science (knowledge, progress) and the established Norms (cultural and economic status quo) laid down as Law by those in power. This battle has waged on since before the days of Galileo. The Church was the Establishment in those days but here we have the Corporation and Trade Union serving in the role. It's definitely not an "anti-Capitalism" film though many viewers might readily see the film that way. Fundamentally this is a story of how innovation and those who drive it forward must fight against the old way, the old rules, the status quo. A beautifully crafted film well worth your time, especially for those working in the computer technology and genetic engineering fields.

Dinner & a Movie (1996– )

I sure do miss this show.

[10/10 · 21 March 2020]

Hard to believe this great show has been off the air for 20+ years. I loved the premise almost as much as I love good food and great movies.

Would love to see some cool producer dust this show off, preferably with the original hosts (if at all possible), and put this on a progressive network where film/food fans can watch it.

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

A Fine Comic Book Movie

[8/10 · 19 March 2020]

While I agree with many of the reviewers who have written about the "logic" issues and the "leaps of faith" viewers are required to make when watching this film, I nevertheless enjoyed every moment of The Invisible Man. This film has all the elements a great "monster" movie should have. We have a heroine, played perfectly by Elizabeth Moss, who appears to be so unhinged that even her closest friends abandon her. We have the "evil scientist" who is determined to kill our heroine. We have plenty of suspense, generated by a great script, perfectly filmed/edited, with not too much CGI.

All in all, this film has everything viewers need. Yes, it's a "comic book" movie. It was never intended to be "real" in the sense that everything MUST fit into a logically built universe. I agree that there are big gaps here and there. I actually expect that there will be at least a few of these in a film like this.

I hope Universal brings back all of those great monster movies from the 30s and 40s. For me, the remakes can be in modern times or they can be retro/costume pieces. Both will work for me.

Better Call Saul: Dedicado a Max (2020) Season 5, Episode 5

Revenge or Justice?

[9/10 · 19 March 2020]

Part of what makes this episode so satisfying is knowing (at least by BB fans) where the story's trajectory is going. We KNOW what is going to happen. But not when and not how. For example, we KNOW Mike becomes the soldier Gus so badly needs. We KNOW that Kim will no longer be a part of Saul's life or work. Knowing this, we all are left wondering, WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?

Dedicado a Max uses the BB storyline to advantage by never once mentioning what happened to Max directly. Viewers new to the BB universe only know that this Max person was obviously very important to Gus, so much so that Gus essentially creates a small compound to serve a small Mexican community. By bringing Mike to the same community to be cared for and nurtured (physically and emotionally), Gus is able to truly help Mike. And to also win Mike over.

The last scene of the episode wraps the story up perfectly. Viewers now know that something bad happened to Max, something so bad that Gus' thirst for revenge/justice is perhaps even more deeply felt than Mike's sense of justice.

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Roger Ebert and I disagree??? Yes.

[9/10 · 18 March 2020]

I am a huge movie fan, but I am an even bigger fan of Roger Ebert. The man singlehandedly opened my eyes/mind/heart to the art of filmmaking. But after viewing A Bridge Too Far when it opened in the mid '70s, I was very impressed. Impressed by the beauty of the filmmaking but even more impressed by the historical accuracy of the storyline.

Then Roger publishes his review. Two stars? Really? I think his review of this film was colored possibly by the wonderfully wild times moviemaking in the 70s was for so many artists. Filmmaking entered a paradigm shift that blew many film lovers away, me included.

And I think Roger perhaps saw A Bridge Too Far at a time when so many other films were groundbreaking. ABTF was and is a solid well crafted film using more traditional writing and storytelling. It's a brilliant film in many ways.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Desire Defined.

[10/10 · 2 December 2019]

What a perfect film. From writing, directing, cinematography, sound. And the actors! All come together perfectly. But why? What is the story really about? For me, the film is about desire, longing, wanting. Longing for a better life perhaps. But at its core, it's a story about the desire for a better life (as defined by the Individual) a more fulfilling purpose in life. A longing for a better use of one's life. Desire for another person sexually? Yes, that is evident in the film but it is clearly more than physical desire that keeps these two "losers" together. There is a very beautiful scene in the film, which lasts only seconds. It's at the end of the film, just before the death scene. Can you recall it? Do you know the scene? My guess is you do as the scene has stuck with me for many years. It's the "look" scene where Bonnie and Clyde look into each other's eyes Right before their bodies are riddled with bullets, knowing it's the last time they will ever see each other. Recognition of their other Self perhaps. Then death. The end of longing. The end of desire.

Easy Money III: Life Deluxe (2013)

Where was Joel?

[8/10 · 14 June 2019]

Overall, a solid ending to a well crafted gangster trilogy. Joel K. only has a handful of scenes, which is the primary weakness in an otherwise nicely done film. I do want to read the books on which these films are based. And that is a good sign from my perspective.

In the House (2012)

Reality is what we make of it.

[9/10 · 16 March 2019]

Beautifully complex story about our struggles "knowing" other people, and our deeper struggles knowing ourselves. Never underestimate the power of denial it seems.

Poetry (2010)

Look Closer

[10/10 · 16 March 2019]

Truth = Art = Beauty. Beauty surrounds us, hidden in the ignorant, mundane and sometimes ugly events we experience.

Puzzle (II) (2018)

Life is a Puzzle we can choose to play or not.

[9/10 · 16 March 2019]

A brilliantly simple story about how we allow our lives to dictate to us, as opposed to us taking control. We build our prisons. It takes courage to take control. Leap and the net will appear.

Personal Shopper (2016)

We are our own worst enemy.

[8/10 · 16 March 2019]

A complex film that refuses to explain itself. Viewers are forced to participate and share in the ambiguity, longing, and ultimate self realization that we are our own worst enemies at times.