Movies you've just watched

[Lord British]

Top 5

1.Charlotte Rampling
2.Stéphane Audran
3.Isabelle Adjani
4.Olivia Hussey
5.Vanessa Redgrave

I think the common thing with these 5 is how scary they can look with their jeepers creepers peepers. It's not exactly my list of "Top Most Beautiful", but "Favorite Eyes in Cinema" rather.

[Sumez]

...... on the subject of Isabelle Adjani

After having it on my watchlist for many years, I finally saw Possession this tursday, at a small local theater known for screening various cult features including a multitude of bad movies (and monthly sold out screenings of The Room).

What a fucking movie. This is the exact kind of stuff I live for, movies where every character is a character, and nothing has to make sense as long as the overall theme works. And boy does it work. I knew it would be weird, but I never expected the movie to be so meticulous in how it is it, really beautiful stuff. Every single scene is filmed in some sort of super creative and/or evocative manner.

I love movies which just feel like some kind of really long abstract fever dream. Unfortunately that kind of stuff is really rare nowadays, with mostly David Lynch keeping the torch lit throughout the past decades.
This one goes right into my "all time favorites" bin. Must-see.

[RGC]

Was Possession the one where the main characters shout at each other for what feels like 3 hours? Not slagging it off, that's genuinely all I remember about the experience!

A couple of things I've watched lately:

Point Blank (1967) Dir. John Boorman

Spoiler

From the director who gave us Deliverance (1972), Excalibur (1981), and the much shat upon Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977), comes a lively and somewhat artsy crime thriller with Lee Marvin and Angie Dickinson.

Quite enjoyed this one. Walker (Marvin) is a calculating and violent bastard who was shot and left for dead on Alcatraz, and who now wants his 93 thousand dollars back from the LA mobsters who rightfully owe him; the original debtor is dead, more or less by Walker's hand, so now he's looking higher up the chain for compensation. He doesn't seem to give two shits how powerful these people are – he'll take them out one by one if need be until he sees that money. He's a survivor type, a dirty fighter, and will glass his enemies in the face and punch them with full force in the knackers if they don't give up what he wants (no hyperbole).

A good story that throws you in at the deep end and lets you sink or swim. There's a slightly ambiguous ending that I won't spoil, but it casts some doubt over whether Walker's real intentions are just about the cash. At least, that was my take. The story derives from a novel I haven't read, which most likely gives more context here.

Boorman employs some cool filmmaking techniques without coming off as clumsy or pretentious, reminiscent of The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) or, even more so, Leone's masterful Once Upon a Time in America (1984). I have in mind the impactful opening of the latter, where the ringing of the phone from Noodles’ fateful “snitch call” is heard as the scene changes from place to place, and time to time. Boorman does something similar, though it doesn't serve the story anywhere near as well, imo (of course Leone's film arrived later). I still like the style though.

Being There (1979) Dir. Hal Ashby

Spoiler

This plays out like a proto Forrest Gump. Chance (Peter Sellers), a simple-minded gardener, finds himself jobless and in situations where his platitudes about tending garden are taken as metaphors for whatever situation or topic requires a new way of thinking. His uncomplicated and honest manner are a breath of fresh air to all he encounters, notably including a businessman who is on first name terms with the president. Ultimately this takes Chance all the way to the White House, rubbing shoulders with the rich and influential, appearing on TV and spreading his basic message about taking care of roots far and wide.

Sellers didn't click with me in this one, neither did any of the improbable scenarios. Not because they were improbable (in one scene he's understood to speak Russian just because he nods and laughs when someone speaks Russian to him), as I think the story was intended as parabolic, but simply because I didn't care enough about the plight of any of the characters who Chance was sent to “save” with his message. Shirley Maclaine brought some genuine fun to the party, but otherwise it wasn't a hit with me. I'm starting to think I don't like Peter Sellers generally.

Another thumbs up for Kobayashi's Harakiri. There are big gaps in my Kurosawa, but I've seen (and enjoyed) some of his best known: Hidden Fortress, 7sam, Yojimbo, Ran, Rashomon, Stray Dog. Might have missed High and Low though.

Other recent viewings I've enjoyed: Miracle Mile (1988) - actually, this one left me kinda dumbstruck, I'll definitely be revisiting, possibly this week if I can get Mrs RGC to watch it! Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) 35mm fan authored scan. An absolute assault on the senses, and the horror template for many films and videogames that followed.

[BIL]

Point Blank (1967) Dir. John Boorman

Spoiler

Ah man, I've sat on reviewing this one for what feels like two years... watched it right after Don Siegel's marginally more conventional Marvin 'em up The Killers. Will be interested to compare notes! TDLR, a pleasant surprise - not at all what I'd led myself to expect, but still enjoyed it a lot.

Yeah, I did think it must be a hell of a thing, having both Deliverance and The Exorcist II on your CV... or any respectable movie and Exorcist II.

[Lord British]

Was Possession the one where the main characters shout at each other for what feels like 3 hours? Not slagging it off, that's genuinely all I remember about the experience!

I'm in agreement with you, to me the movie is mostly just that, even though I appreciated the performances to a degree. Saw that in a theater where I was packed in like a sardine. But I prefer it over On The Silver Globe, fuck that shit. I still have The Devil and Third Part of the Night in the queue though.

- Point Blank: Seen it once and I really liked it. The fight at the club is one of my favorite sets with the exasperated faces of models in the background.
- Being There: Always loved it. Outside of that and Dr. Strangelove, I'm no Sellars stan though
- Miracle Mile: Love it even though it's totally butchered and every decision made by Edwards' character is retarded.

[RGC]

Yeah, I did think it must be a hell of a thing, having both Deliverance and The Exorcist II on your CV... or any respectable movie and Exorcist II.

I mean, there's a reasonable film in there somewhere, possibly. I just haven't found it yet! Respectable level of acting for the mostpart, and some decent names too. Just let down by a woeful script. There's one scene where Burton's priest gives a thousand yard stare almost beyond the camera lens, like he's realizing, oh Lord, wtf have I done?

Look forward to your views on Point Blank. Definitely one for the rewatch pile for me. Now I need to track down The Killers!

[sumdumgoy]

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[RGC]

You're a bad man, mister goy - you'll bankrupt me!

The TCM set I bought also contains uncut, open matte 35mm scans of Silence of the Lambs and Psycho. Can't wait to get properly stuck into those. Is the intention with these that you should use your TV's zoom function to mask top and bottom portions of the screen, so as to hide any microphones that may wander into view? I watched TCM without spotting anything that was clearly unintended for audiences, but an early shot of Agent Starling in SotL has a mic dangling above her head.

[sumdumgoy]

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[RGC]

Cheers. Yeah, I'm not an ultra purist, so I'll fiddle with the TV zoom and see if I can shave off enough of the vertical to hide the unintended stuff. If that fails, unless there are visible distractions happening in every other scene I may just watch it as is. I could use VLC but have no disc reader on my lappy. I'm considering picking up a USB blu-ray drive, so we'll see.

A friend asked me the other day if these rescans are "better quality" than the standard blu-ray 2k restorations someone like Arrow video might put out. I told him at this point it's really subjective. They're more of a (very cool) curiosity to me than an exclusive mode by which I'd view certain films (even if I bought Rob's 35mm Exorcist III scan, for example, I'd still make occasional use of Arrow's restored theatrical release). They definitely have an authentic cinematic feel of yesteryear about them though, and I'm up for acquiring a few more (as pennies permit). So much effort has gone into crafting these collections, with lots of little bonus inclusions, you really get your money's worth.

[sumdumgoy]

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[GaijinPunch]

In that case, you must see Yojimbo and High and Low. Those two contain, by far, Kurosawa's very best camerawork and framing, both shot in scope. Kurosawa started as a painter and later used that expertise to make his own storyboards, hence why his scope pictures are so much more visually arresting. (Matter of fact, I once read that Kurosawa was the first Japanese director to shoot a movie in widescreen using Tohoscope... namely, The Hidden Fortress, the one Lucas blatantly ripped off for Star Wars.)

If you love cinematography, you must, must, must see Yojimbo and High and Low. Period!
(Also, my wife insists you see Dreams.)

Seen them both, and they are indeed great. He went balls out w/ the wideness in High & Low (Japanese title - Heaven and Hell... they really got liberal w/ that one didn't they?). My other fascination is mid-century modern furniture, so his living room gave me a huge hard on. I even posted a still (Mifune riding the train w/ the bag of money) on my FB page and I'm quite certain some of my friends thought I took the photo.

Dreams I don't think I've seen. I'll put that on the list.

[sumdumgoy]

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[Lord British]

Alright, let's give the horror a break for a sec!

Midnight Run (1988)

Spoiler

"MARVIN!!"

I've got a confession to make: I can't stand comedies. Every time I sit down ready to laugh, I always end up disappointed. 'Cause there's something about comedy movies that makes it feel like I already know the joke and how it's gonna play out, and it's usually laid on a bed of crappy story. There's very few that have succeeded with me, let alone begged for a comfy revisit, but you know something? Martin Brest brings his absolute best, making this one is a rare exception. It's not only funny, action-packed and tightly edited to perfection, but the foundational drama is character-driven and involving, which rewards multiple viewings.

Ex-cop Jack Walsh is a man of principle, unwittingly dragged into a bounty-hunting job he can't stand, driven away by a police force full of corruption. (Even his wife wouldn't stand by him; he had to leave Chicago and make it alone elsewhere, just so he wouldn't be killed for going Serpico.) Not only that, he's constantly fighting another hunter for his collars, and the bail bondsman he works for is a real rat, always lying and dodging payment to his hunters whenever he can. Jack is sick of it and wants out, and his mission to seek out and bring back The Duke is his meal ticket to independence.

Trouble is, this accountant is such a gentle pain in the ass by asking so many questions, that Jack ends up having to face his past, the one thing he's been trying to avoid for years to keep the pain locked away. And, even worse, The Duke makes a very good point that will stick with Jack for the whole midnight run: The Duke will be killed by the mafia the second he's in custody... and Jack knows it. In other words, how is this bounty any different from taking a pay-off to look the other way, the very thing Jack left Chicago over? It makes for some real interesting storytelling, buttressed by acting so convincing, you feel like you're discovering real changes happening in Jack over time. It's a brilliant turn for De Niro, who became less of a character actor through the '80s and more into De Niro playing De Niro. But here, I believe him. He's a real human being, which makes for some equally touching moments to balance out the action and comedy.

Also, man... the musical score! It gives the movie such a jolt of energy, it's even a blast to hear on its own. But what was even more surprising was finding out Danny Elfman composed it! (I'm still so taken aback by this, I shake my head every time I see his name in the credits.) I can't believe this composer, who's composed himself into a stereotype of his own for so many years, could make a straight soundtrack of such variation and expertise. Seriously, just listen to the main theme and tell me you detect his style in there. (Warning: that bass player makes it a catchy sum'bitch!) Sometimes, bucking your own trend is for the better, and Elfman proves it here.

In short, Midnight Run is one I'll never tire of. It's one of my favourite movies ever!

Definitely up in there in my list of "comfort films". This was my introduction to De Niro as a kid, so my impressions of him were built off him being a hero in a comic film, contrary to a gangster or nutcase. Definitely my favorite Joey Pants role, and Dennis Farina's limo moment w/ Grodin is the best clip of his career.

As always, keep up with the reviews! If you go back through I did a bunch but then I got burned out.

[sumdumgoy]

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[Lord British]

You should aggregate your reviews into a placeholder post! I would totally dig into that.

Will do. They're not great reviews, but they're something.

Especially your reviews from that director who ran over your dog, lmao.

Can't talk about my dog's killer without insulting people so I won't (in some ways I consider his movies to be "smart movies for dumb people"). It will make me look more elitist than I truly am.

[sumdumgoy]

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[Lord British]

You should aggregate your reviews into a placeholder post! I would totally dig into that.

Will do. They're not great reviews, but they're something.

Especially your reviews from that director who ran over your dog, lmao.

Can't talk about my dog's killer without insulting people so I won't (in some ways I consider his movies to be "smart movies for dumb people"). It will make me look more elitist than I truly am.

Truth be told, if I was forced through a Kubrick marathon at the same time you were forced though a Nolan marathon, I'd be the one coming out of there with something, not you. Lmao

You hate Kubrick as much as I hate Nolan?

[sumdumgoy]

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[Lord British]

You hate Kubrick as much as I hate Nolan?

Haha, I wouldn't go that far--he does have The Killing and The Shining under his belt--but he's not a director who loved actors, like Altman did. Kubrick's movies feel more like museum pieces to me, leaving me at an icy distance. I don't like it.

But I don't hate the guy for it.

*puts on gloves*

I think Kubrick gets the absolute most out of actors while Nolan gets the absolute minimum. It feels like he just casts the biggest actor he can hot off a recent hit. I think I correctly predicted at times who would be in the next Nolan movie. I think any of the roles he has in his films could be replaced by anybody, except for Ledger's Joker that boosted his incel army.

[sumdumgoy]

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[Lord British]

Spoiler

Rocco & His Brothers
Opening Night
The Passenger
A Design For Living
Carnal Knowledge
Senso
The Silent Partner
3 Women
Images
In A Year Of 13 Moons
Diary Of A Mad Housewife + more Frank + Eleanor Perry
Beware Of A Holy Whore
Los Olvidados
Detour
L’Âge d’Or (aka The Golden Age or Age Of Gold)
Gate Of Flesh
Onibaba
Woman In The Dunes
Near Dark
Flirt
À Nos Amours
One False Move
To Live And Die In L.A.
Dragon Inn
The Piano
A Separation
Portrait of a Lady On Fire
A Canterbury Tale
Zero For Conduct
Juliet Of The Spirits
Fallen Angels
I Vitelloni
2 or 3 Things I Know About Her
Life Is Sweet
The Iron Claw
When The Wind Blows
Life Of Oharu
High And Low
Eyes Without A Face
Diabolique
The Lady Vanishes
The Crowd
Holy Motors
Letter From an Unknown Woman
Nuts In May
The Testament of Dr. Mabuse
The Cranes Are Flying
My Life As A Dog
Good Morning
Knife In The Water
The Mother and the Whore
I was Born, But...
Three Colors: White
Morvern Callar
Titane
Man On A Swing

[Lord British]

Excellent brit gang shit too; You're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With me it's a full time job, so be'ave yerself *WHOPPAH*

Oh btw I'm ordering every one of you to cancel your plans and watch The Long Good Friday tonight.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

PLACEHOLDER FOR REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS

(1933) The Invisible Man
(1948) Red River
(1949) Stray Dog
(1967) Bonnie and Clyde
(1968) Night of the Living Dead
(1968) The Boston Strangler
(1974) Phantom of the Paradise
(1974) The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
(1975) Deep Red
(1975) Dog Day Afternoon
(1977) House
(1977) Martin
(1978) Dawn of the Dead
(1978) Invasion of the Body Snatchers
(1979) Alien
(1979) Zombie
(1982) Basket Case
(1982) Blade Runner
(1982) The Thing
(1985) Day of the Dead
(1986) Manhunter
(1986) The Fly
(1987) Hellraiser
(1988) Maniac Cop
(1988) Midnight Run
(1988) They Live
(1989) The Killer
(1992) Wayne's World
(1995) Heat
(2005) Kung Fu Hustle

For sumdumgoy,

Are the two films of Disney's 1982 "Tron" and the 1983 hybird horror/sci-fi of "The Keep" available as 35mm scanned Blu-Rays? I know that Disney released Tron in 70mm Super Panavision format theatrically but am not sure if it was even released in the more widely distributed 35mm format as it was back in the early 1980s.

What's interesting is that one 35mm print reel weighs a whopping 44 pounds!

The upcoming third Tron sequel by the name of "Tron: Ares" has an official debut on October 10th, 2025. It's being touted as the very last proper Tron sequel 42 years after the groundbreaking film of Tron. Tron Legacy debuted on December 18th, 2010 -- almost fifteen years earlier prior to the upcoming Tron: Ares sequel indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[sumdumgoy]

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