tjsdshpnd Reviews

Captain Phillips (2013)

Rising tensions, pumping hearts and a jaw dropping ending

[8/10 · 16 January 2014]

Paul Greengrass known for the Bourne Series and United 93 like tense, dramatized, sometimes real life events directs another movie with the same premise.

The real event of ship hijacking by Somalian pirates in 2009 is dramatized in this movie. As usual, the director rises tension levels to a fever pitch and you are on the edge of your seat in the entirety of the film. The constant cat and mouse struggle between first the Somali pirates and the unarmed crew members of the cargo ship and then between the pirates and the entire US Navy and Navy Seals is heart stopping to say the least. Two honorable mentions in the acting department. Tom Hanks as Captain Philips is impressive as always. The last 10 minutes of the movie where Hanks is shell shocked by the events was top class acting to say the least. Newcomer Barkhad Abdi who plays the Pirate leader is the revelation here. He is tough, mean and yet there is a humane side to him. He knows what he is getting into and yet he faces it with all conviction. This may not be the greatest movie to come out this year, but still it is worth a watch at-least.

Rating : 8/10

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Slavery....the greatest blot on humanity

[9/10 · 16 January 2014]

The greatest blot on humanity ever imposed by humans was and will remain slavery. It is the lowest form of how one human can exploit another. Then it does not matter if it is sex slavery or slavery to pick cotton. 12 years a slave reminds us what some of the previous generations of humans had to go through just to survive.

Based on 18th century America, it is the true account of a free black man and how he is tricked and sold into slavery, separated from his family for a period of 12 years and how he survives those gruesome times. Faced with different experiences of kindness from one slave owner to absolute inhuman brutality from another, the protagonist manages to hold his ground facing adverse conditions. Some of the scenes portrayed in the movie are so gruesome and inhuman, you want to turn your face away from the screen. The act of considering another human as an animal just because he/she is of a different skin color comes as normal as sunshine on a summer morning to the white antagonists.

Acting is one of the strong points here. One of the few movies, where each and every actor plays his/her part almost brilliantly. The protagonist black man played by Chiewetel Ejiofor is a revelation. Surely, the front-runner for this years Oscar Awards for best actor. Michael Fassbender as the cruel slave owner disgusts you so much, you want to kill that bastard. The passion for cruelty which he portrays is awe-inducing. The simultaneous innocence and weakness portrayed by Lupita Nyong'o as Fassbender's sex slave leaves you teary-eyed. Definitely, the break-through performance of the year. A Small role by Benedict Cumberbatch and a cameo by Brad Pitt are perfect. This was the first Steve Mcqueen movie I saw, and I am totally looking forward to complete watching his filmography. Overall, a must watch movie.

Rating : 9/10

Ikiru (1952)

Way Way Way different than any Kurosawa movie I have seen

[9/10 · 14 January 2014]

All the Kurosawa movies I have seen yet were either samurai based or mythological. Ikiru is way way way different than all those movies. To begin with, this is the most philosophical Kurosawa movie I have seen explaining life and death.

The movie is about an aged bureaucrat who has not taken official leave for 30 years, lives his life almost like a robot or a mummy - lifeless. His life takes a massive turn when he comes to know that he has about 6 months to live because of a terminal stomach cancer. The things he does in the remaining part of his short life constitutes the movie. The movie is not only about living your life, it also states that one does not need to party 24/7 or go travel the world for the remaining life-span to enjoy it, if one does the work given to him in the most honest way and enjoys it, it leads to a fulfilled life. The movie also talks about the petty politics that takes place in the low-level bureaucracy in any government system.

Takashi Shimura has been in all the Kurosawa movies I have seen. The difference though was those movies also featured Toshiro Mifune who always hijacked the movie and fairly so. This movie was meant for an aging actor who you would not even consider if he stands next to you. Takashi Shimura fits the bill perfectly. He has done a splendid job. Sometimes though, I wanted to shout and say, 'Why are you silent, slap your son and tell him your illness'. His portrayal of helplessness forces one to do so. Bollywood classic movie Anand can be said to have inspired from Ikiru. Enough Said.

Rating : 8/10

Sunrise (1927)

1927 - A revolutionary year in cinema

[8/10 · 13 January 2014]

The year 1927 was historic and monumental not only for silent cinema but for cinema as an entity. Metropolis and Sunshine were released that year and it changed the way movies were made. Both had German directors. Sunrise is not only a revolutionary movie but it is also an emotional ride of love, lust, jealousy and redemption.

The technical advancements in this movie are huge. For example, the scene where the woman from the city shows the village man dreams about the city. The super-imposed shot of the city over the village river was unique. Another example is the ghostly image of the city girl over the man's body to show that she has the influence on him was also pretty breath-taking. Another good thing about the movie was that the actors refrained from too much melodrama and over the top reactions which was the norm of the day. They were pretty normal and reacted as a normal person would react. That was another thing which makes this movie unique.

Rating : 8/10

The White Ribbon (2009)

A very matured take on lessons of life.

[8/10 · 12 January 2014]

The time period of our lives when we are the most susceptible and the most vulnerable to lessons of morality, differences between good and evil, death and life is childhood. But, the society norms say that childhood should be protected from all these thoughts. The White Ribbon challenges these norms and says the right time to discuss these things openly is from a very tender age. Hence we see a detailed discussion about death between a 13 year old girl and a 6 year old boy, where the girl says 'I am going to die, even you are going to die someday'. The level of maturity shown is very commendable.

The movie basically is about a pre-world war small town in Germany governed by a baron, pastor and a doctor who are powerful people holding moral and religious high grounds in the village. Some oddly weird things start happening which change the dynamics of the village and are felt mostly through the eyes of the village children. Narrated by the village school-teacher, the movie encompasses the life of several village families and more importantly the family children.

The director has used black and white as a medium to tell the story and it is extremely effective. Another unique quality of the director is his non-dwelling in scenes. He doesn't want the audience to linger in a particular scene for too long. Thus, sequences happen thick and fast and sometimes, you may loose track of what was happening (Thank god for the rewind button). Nevertheless the movie rakes the issue of violence and it's effect on children and the issues of morality and how they should be handled pretty effectively.

Rating : 8/10

Un chien andalou (1929)

The most famous short film ever

[9/10 · 8 January 2014]

The most famous short film ever. Bunuel's first creation in association with his friend and fellow surrealist, the great Salvador Dali is a plot- less sequence of events having a psychological and religious undertones. There are some epic scenes which may also make you cringe but they are simply outstanding as an end product. The association of certain scenes to religion and culture is simply out of this world.

This film may not be understood in one watch. I read some popular reviews and analysis of the movie to finally understand the greatness that is Un Chien Andalou.

Rating : 9/10

Dogville (2003)

Human behavior can be more frightening than horror movies

[9/10 · 5 January 2014]

Director : Lars Von Trier

I have not felt so many different emotions after watching a movie for a long long time. Dogville is brilliant not only because it's shows us the frailties of human nature, but also because it does not shy away from showing the methods to deal with them.

The opening shot itself grips you and then you are hooked to this 3 hour movie, which is not in any way a deterrent, because of the way the movie is narrated and it's theater play like filming. The movie is narrated in 9 parts along with an prologue, in almost a novel like flow which encapsulates the mind of the viewer till the end. The parts are precisely named and described which helps to know exactly what to expect ahead, still it manages to shock you. The director decided to shoot the entire movie on the stage using stage props and lighting. It may seem weird and hard to accept initially, but the lack of a proper location, is advantageous for this kind of cinema where more focus is given to the human emotions.

The variety of human emotions and the complexity of human relations is the most shocking and revelatory part of this movie. How do humans exploit other human's weakness and unleash the hidden vultures from inside them is shocking to say the least. There are so few characters in the movie which are confined in such a small place, that you cannot help but feel the hostility. How can anyone survive this place is the thought that lingers in the mind as new chapters keep unfolding. This is one of those movies where the human behavior is so scary that it will haunt me for some days even more than a ghost horror movie could. The ending is also such that will leave anyone short of words.

On the acting front, Nicole Kidman may have played the greatest role of her life. The variety of emotions she portrays is applaudable. You sympathize with her but also hate her for bearing all this and being "too" good. In the climax, I felt like giving her a standing ovation and then felt bad about myself. It is that kind of a movie. The other cast has also played their parts to perfection and everyone will remain in your thoughts after the movie ended. Was good to see screen legends Lauren Bacall and James Caan after a long time even though in minuscule roles.

In conclusion, I would want to ask one question, would the movie would have been any different if the fugitive seeking a refuge would not have been beautiful Nicole Kidman, but a middle aged man, or maybe a less attractive woman? Anyways, this movie will linger for some time at least in my mind.

Rating : 9/10

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Not only part of movie history, but world history

[9/10 · 4 January 2014]

Independence, Rebellion, Guerrilla warfare, military exercise, propaganda, state sponsored torture, clashes between local civilians and foreign tyrants. This may have been the history of most developing countries in the world. India can be a bright example. But, I have not seen a finer depiction of a rebellion for independence than this movie. I would rate it along with Battleship Potemkin, as the best propaganda movie, I have ever seen.

The specialty of this movie is the way it is filmed. Black and white cinematography which also gives the impression of a documentary. I really thought, I was watching a documentary in History Channel than an actual movie. Editing is crisp as well, which really helps in not lingering in the death scenes which is the case in many other movies. The movie does not have a single protagonist or antagonist which according to me is the victory of the movie.

I am so glad I watched this movie as not only a part of movie history, but a part of world history as well.

Rating : 9/10

Landscape in the Mist (1988)

Mesmerizing Masterpiece

[7/10 · 5 December 2013]

Landscape in the Mist (1988)

Dir : Theo Angelopoulos

This was my first Theo Angelopoulos movie and also my first Greek language film. Had read about Theo's movies earlier and viewed how it sparked polar opposite views. Some called his movies masterpieces in the sand of time. Some called them excruciatingly boring and a waste of time. I decided to find for myself. So decided to watch Landscape in the mist which was universally accepted as a masterpiece and for good reason.

Plot is about two kids wandering through the landscape of beautiful Greece to find their father which they imagine lives in Germany. It is about their experience, the people they meet and their ultimate coming of age. The movie is filled with strange and bizarre circumstances all throughout. In one scene, the director has depicted the joyful dance parade of a marriage in the background while a horse moans to his death in the foreground. That to me was one of the most perfect illustrations of life itself. Joy and sorrow being internal to life is the message he symbolically wants to put forward. There are other symbolic scenes as well, most prominent of which is the floating hand of a statue in the river. As a chopper pulls the hand out of the water and takes it across the highrise buildings it shows us how Ancient Greece and modern Greece have collided. The cinematography I must say is mesmerizing. The Greek landscape is extremely well depicted and could be an advertisement for Greece tourism. Theo's distinct style of lethargically reminiscing a scene is put forward here as well. He dwells and dwells over scenes. That may put some people to sleep. Overall, an exemplary movie which needs more recognition.

Rating : 7/10

The Wind (1928)

An ahead of its time movie

[8/10 · 4 September 2010]

As the movie name suggests, the Wind plays a very important role in this silent Western. The Wind can be taken as a symbolic depiction of the mood and the mind of the lead actress. The story of an Eastern lady coming to the old, wild and windy west where the nearest neighbors are about 15 miles away. She has to adjust not only with the un favourable windy weather but also with the unfavourable nature of people around. I would call this a path breaking ahead of it's time flick with a very sophisticated message for that time. Add to it, some genuinely good camera-work, and this movie is an instant classic. For Western fans - This is not a typical western, the only action you will get is the turbulent mind of the actress trying to adjust with the turbulence around her.

Lillian Gish was the silent movie superstar and also has the distinction of working for the maximum number of years in movies. She is what I would like to call an ice cold beauty. She is the soul of this film and has depicted the emotions pretty well. I would suggest everyone to watch this movie once.

Rating : 8/10

Tombstone (1993)

One of the better Biographical Westerns

[7/10 · 26 August 2010]

Biographical Westerns are special for the simple reason that it is even more fascinating to know that all this stuff had happened for real. These were real bad-ass cowboys. That increases the importance of the movie. This particular movie is about the peacemaker and part policeman Wyatt Earp, his family and friends and his most famous shoot-out in the wild west which is now considered a historic event. All the main characters in the movie are real, the events shown have historic backing. But still, I think, the director's job is very important here. He has established all the characters in a very believable way. This movie also may be the director's tribute to all his favorite westerns. There is everything in this movie - juggling of guns, bashing at the bar, poker, alcohol, opera singer beauty and loads and loads of gun fights.

Two actors - Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer are very impressive from the extended star cast, especially Kilmer. He has stolen the show from everybody. This is one of the westerns where the supporting actors have done well. Overall, a full on action western with historic importance.

Rating : 7/10

The Big Country (1958)

Greg Peck is perhaps the last of the Gentleman Actors that Lived

[8/10 · 23 August 2010]

The movie name is the apt description of the American West and that is the way it is portrayed in this movie. Larger than life is the word suitable for this movie. The grand old wild west shown in it's entire grandeur with the help of long shots, over head shots etc. The movie is about a Easterner gentleman correctly played by Peck and his experiences in the wild and un-sophisticated west. Caught in a feud between two families, how he manages to restore sanity amidst anarchy is the basic story. The movie also asks some important questions. Does a sophisticated lifestyle mean a sophisticated mindset? Are the so called unsophisticated poor people always to be blamed for anarchy? Or are they forced to create it etc etc. This is an excellent western which deserves to be in the top of any western lists. I consider it a masterpiece and very under-rated piece of cinema.

Gregory Peck is perhaps the last 'gentleman actor' that ever lived along with Jimmy Stewart. He oozes class in this role as an Eastern gentleman. The lead actresses Simmons and Baker are both impressive. Heston plays a tough guy the best way he can. Burl Ives also is impressive. Overall, I recommend it even though it is a bit long.

Rating : 8/10

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

Remarkably Simple Western

[7/10 · 21 August 2010]

Kirk Douglas, in his memoirs, once said that this was his most favorite movie ever that he acted in. With the simplest of plots, this movie reassures the fact that simplicity is remarkable. It is even more difficult for a western to be simple and this movie has achieved that. Based on a cowboy's escapade from the police, the presentation of the story makes this movie good.

This movie is a one man show - Kirk Douglas - as the movie name suggests is lonely but accompanied by his eccentric horse named Whisky. In most westerns, horses are taken for granted and used as toys. In this movie, the horse is almost like a second lead. The protagonist eats, drinks, talks and fights with the horse all along the escapade. Walter Matthau's straight-faced comedy lightens up the mood as well. It is a very simple and warm western and will be no harm in seeing it at least once.

Rating : 7/10

The Shootist (1976)

A very emotional western

[8/10 · 20 August 2010]

This was John Wayne's last picture before he died of cancer and ironically in this movie, he plays an aged retired gunfighter who has cancer. Frankly, according to me this movie was a tribute to the legend known as John Wayne. From the beginning, where some old movie scenes of Wayne are shown as the protagonist's glorious past, we know this is a tribute. The last scene where Wayne's body is covered with a cloth is perhaps one of the most emotional scenes in a western ever taking into consideration that this was the last scene of Wayne's glorious career as well. The movie which otherwise is a usual western is made special because of this fact.

John Wayne as usual is 'The Duke'. He always steals the show in his films, no matter even if he was nearing his death. Laureen Bacall is impressive and has maintained her charm. Watch out for a young Ron Howard who plays almost the second lead perfectly. James Stewart gracefully said yes to his old friend's(Wayne) request to do a small special appearance. In short, A Very emotional western you shouldn't miss.

Rating : 8/10

Little Big Man (1970)

Truly Weird

[8/10 · 19 August 2010]

The factors that made me watch this movie was that of course it was a western, but above that, it was a western with Hoffman as the lead. The image of Hoffman with a Mexican hat riding a horse and shooting people was too tempting to miss. But the movie completely shocked me. This is perhaps, the most weirdest western I have seen. It can be described as a comic tragedy western with loads of Red Indian adventure. The movie starts with a (hold your breath) 121 year old man narrating his lifetime to a historian. The movie is told completely in flashback which includes the important life changing moments of the protagonist(Hoffman's) stay on the planet. The movie moves from arid plains to gigantic hillocks, and from deserts to snow clad regions. The movie is beautifully photographed with great long shots of the picturesque American West.

This movie is also an attempt to change the image of Native American tribes portrayed in typical Westerns. They are portrayed as wild savages who eat anything that can breathe and who are the real enemies of America and the "whites". But in this movie, their side of the picture is shown. How they are exploited by the American army etc. The 'softer' side of the Native Americans is shown very beautifully.

Acting wise, this is a one man show - Dustin Hoffman. He effortlessly plays the main character in different life stages and in different turbulent conditions. The comic as well as the tragic scenes are played brilliantly by him. This may be one of his most weird roles ever. Chief Dan George as the Tribal leader is impressive. Faye Dunaway steals the show in a small but effective role. If you want to experiment and watch a totally different movie, watch this one.

Rating : 8/10

7 Men from Now (1956)

Lee Marvin steals the show

[7/10 · 16 August 2010]

This is the first Western of the Boeticcher - Scott combination I have watched. The movie is a typical Western with an element of journey across the Wild west. It can be called a mixture of 'Stagecoach' and 'The Searchers' in terms of the journey and the search for somebody. It is a rather short movie with the typical western circumstances to boost it's pace.

Randolph Scott was in his 50's when he did this movie. The tiredness and lack of the western lead man charm is visible. John Wayne, who is also the producer of this movie was going to play his part. But he didn't because he was busy. I wish he had. Lee Marvin on the other hand is the face-saver. He pawns Scott right, left and center. Excellent portrayal of a grey shade character by him. He is slowly turning out to be one of my favorite 'Western Heroes' although mostly he plays the supporting actor. A pretty average western but worth a watch for Marvin.

Rating : 7/10

The Last Emperor (1987)

I am glad I watched this movie.

[9/10 · 29 July 2010]

I am fascinated by history and historical figures. It was and will remain my all time favorite subject of interest. So, I was more than thrilled watching this movie which sheds light on perhaps the most oldest but less understood Chinese dynasty history. The movie is about Pu Yi who was the last Emperor of China because in his life time itself monarchy was abolished and China went public. This movie covers almost all important incidents which occurred in his life right from his birth to crowning as an emperor at age 3, to his love life as well as imprisonment as a war criminal. His story is un-folded in a series of flashbacks and flashforwards. This movie is technically brilliant with superb editing and background music. Camera-work is also of the highest quality.

Memorable scenes define the greatness of a movie. This 3 and a half hour long tale has lots of great scenes. The scene where a 11 year old Pu Yi runs after the carriage which has his mother but the gates are shut on him is replicated when the same Pu Yi runs after the car which has his wife at age 30. The final scene where an old Pu Yi has to buy a ticket to enter and sight-see his own palace gave me goosebumps. There are too many of such scenes which makes this otherwise long movie an enjoyable experience. I never felt bored while watching it. Each scene was giving me something.

On the acting front, John Lone plays the adult Pu Yi with absolute dedication and understanding. It was as if, this was meant to be played by him. This was a very difficult role. He had to portray not only the arrogance and blue-bloodness of an emperor but also the helplessness and dejection of an average man. Peter O'Toole as the Scottish tutor of Pu Yi impressed with his graceful approach. The rest of the cast also play their parts sincerely. Overall, I was glad that I watched this movie.

Rating : 9/10

Live Flesh (1997)

One Time Watch

[7/10 · 27 July 2010]

Pedro Almodovar has a distinct style of story-telling and character development. This is visible from the first scene of the movie itself where we see the birth of one of the characters in a public transport bus. For some, this scene may have no relevance to the behavior of the character or how the story shapes up, but still the scene is pretty much there. The rest of the movie is also filled with some unique scenes and developments which make the movie very much different from average thrillers. For example, there is a scene where two of the protagonists are face to face fighting each other with vengeance but suddenly stop and cheer together because their favorite player scores a goal. The plot is pretty average, but the direction and the actor's performances has enhanced it. Watch out for the aesthetically shot sex scenes as well.

Javier Bardem is good playing a handicap and a passionate man. Liberto Rabal steals the show though with different shades to portray. Not one of Almodovar's best, but still an average watch.

Rating : 7/10

Band of Outsiders (1964)

Not Godard's best, but worth a watch

[7/10 · 26 July 2010]

The plot is simple. Two vagabond guys with nothing better to do be- friend a romantic girl in an English class who reveal to them about hidden money (loads of it) in the house where she lives. And like any other respectable vagabonds, these two with the help of the girl off- course decide to steal that. But wait, there are many turns and counter- turns before the climax is actually reached. In typical Godard style, this is romanticism of crime. The viewer knows that a robbery is going to take place in the climax. But what makes this movie special is not just the final robbery, but the lead upto it. The narration by Godard himself along with the passion of the three characters constitute the rest of the movie. The conversation between the characters is intelligently portrayed. Many crime genre loving viewers may argue that except for the climax, there is nothing 'happening' in the movie. Well for me, the conversations and the moments between the three characters were as interesting as the climax. Another praise-worthy part was the cinematography. Godard's love for Paris is reflected by his aerial shots, long shots of the Seine river, The Louvre and other parts of the French capital. Something that Woody Allen does in his movies for New-York.

The acting is good. The lead actress is exceptional as a romantic, somewhat dumb but passionate girl who can do anything for love. Well Overall, Not as important to the history of the French New Wave, like Godard's other movies, but surely a treat for his fans.

Rating : 7/10

Suspiria (1977)

Arty Slashing

[8/10 · 21 July 2010]

There is a reason why Italian filmmaker Dario Argento is called the king of slasher and giallo movies. Not only has he revived them, but also has given them a new dimension. Suspiria is one of Argento's best creations. It is art-horror at it's best. I call it colorful brutality. We get scared after watching the victims throat get slashed but we also do not fail to appreciate the colorful & artful background where the victim was murdered. In Suspiria, the first murder itself makes us appreciate the genius of the filmmaker. It is one of the finest killing I have seen in cinema. Most of the movie takes place under one location - The ballet school and hence Argento has given special attention in creating its own separate personality. Background music is exceptional by Goblin.

The one thing which I hated about the movie though was it's bad acting and terrible dubbing.But I am not aware if Argento movies are known for their good acting anyways. People watch them to see some throats get slashed. It surely is worth a watch.

Rating : 8/10

High Anxiety (1977)

An Okayish flick

[7/10 · 8 July 2010]

The tagline of this movie is 'A Tribute to the Master Of Suspense Hitchcock by The Master of Comedy'. The tagline and the director are enough to make one understand that this is a spoof comedy. Spoof King Brooks has dared to spoof different Hitchcock classics and weave them into a single movie. In movies such as Blazing Saddles where he made fun of westerns and Young Frankenstein where he made fun of horror movies, they had a definite story and plot which co-incided with the spoofing of the desired movie classics. The problem with High Anxiety is that it tries to spoof too many Hitchcock classics and in that process the main story becomes secondary and the movie becomes a culmination of spoof scenes. Brooks has made fun of Hitchcock classics such as Vertigo, North By Northwest, Psycho, Spellbound, Dial M for Murder, Birds, Shadow of a Doubt etc etc. The movie 'tries' to be funny at many accounts but falls flat on it's face for most of them. One reason given could be that Hitchcock movies themselves had a certain element of humor in them and to top that could have been difficult. There are some scenes though which are brilliantly thought off and executed but they are very few.

Mel Brooks carries the burden of being the director as well as the lead. His comic timing is great and it is visible here. Cloris Leachman who plays a nurse has done a great job too. Overall, a few laughs here and there but an overall disappointment.

Rating : 7/10

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)

Memoirs of a great picture

[9/10 · 8 June 2010]

What would you do if your entire body has been paralyzed except your brain and one eye? You are not able to speak, walk, swallow, bath, hell even shoo away a fly sitting on your nose. Looks like a very pitiful and sad condition and you may think a movie which would depict this story would be even more sadder and full of pity for the patient. But 'Le Scaphandre Et Le Papillion' is a different movie. It depicts the true story of one such man who was a famous French magazine editor but gets paralyzed due to a heavy stroke. This movie looks at the patient's condition in a light manner which sometimes is even hilarious. The first part of the movie, the viewer sees through the eyes of the patient. We do not get to see the face of the patient for the first 30 minutes or so which indirectly creates a suspense. We get to see the world through his one eye and the thoughts in his mind. Humor, pity, sadness and other emotions are created by the visitors who come to visit him and the reciprocation of his inner thoughts towards them. The story then moves on to become inspiring when he decides to publish his book by dictating his thoughts by blinking his one eye and by a special communication method for such patients.

A special mention should be given to the camera-work in this picture. It is revolutionary to say the least especially the first 30 minutes or so. Even the various fantasies of the protagonist are photographed beautifully. Mathieu Amalric plays the paralytic, helpless but still a bit egoistic patient convincingly. His 'normal' scenes are also good. But the credit goes to all the female cast in this movie. They are the soul of this picture right from his wife to his therapists to the girl he dictates his memoirs. A must watch for a great experience.

Rating : 9/10

Double Indemnity (1944)

One of the best noirs of the Golden Era of Hollywood

[9/10 · 2 June 2010]

Satyajit Ray in his Oscar Acceptance Speech mentioned about Double Indemnity and how he was impressed with the movie which made him write a letter to Billy Wilder but he did not reply back because Ray was a nobody then. Ray has mentioned somewhere that American directors have had a huge influence on him especially John Ford and Billy Wilder. I bet Double Indemnity is a huge part of that inspiration. Double Indemnity is one of the best noirs I have ever seen.

It is almost a perfect movie - Technically brilliant having a great director and supported by a great cast. The movie name refers to a double indemnity clause that comes with accident insurance policies where the insurance company has to pay double the amount to the customer in case of an accidental death. I guess the plot is clear now. The movie consists of love, betrayal, murder, suspense and above all insurance. The movie never looses it's grip over the viewer since it is a constant cat and mouse game shifting from one spectrum to another instantly.

On the acting front, Fred MacMurray plays the smooth talking insurance salesman perfectly. I wonder why he did not got the fame his other contemporaries got. He had a great screen presence and was a fine actor. Barbara Stanwyck plays the manipulative, gold-digging seductress perfectly. She stole the show for me. A special mention to Edward G. Robinson who in my opinion is one of the most under-rated actors of the golden era just because he played supporting roles more often. When he is in the frame, he manages to steal the show most often than not - He did it in 'Key Largo' stealing the show from Bogart, he does the same here. Overall, a must watch movie for noir fans of the golden age of Hollywood.

Rating : 9/10

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Mel Broks is truly a genius

[8/10 · 18 April 2010]

Some people call Mel Brooks disrespectful because he chooses to spoof great classics. Some call him a genius because each of his spoof movies have actually inflated the popularity of the original. Whatever you think about him, you just cannot ignore his style of film-making and his great observational skills. It is an accepted fact that in order to truly enjoy spoofs, one has to watch the original movie first. But in case of Mel Brooks, his spoof movies can be viewed individually and they have their own comic impact. Young Frankenstein is one such work of Brooks which many consider his best. Young Frankenstein is a tribute to the Frankenstein movies from 1930 onwards. Character names have been changed but any one who has seen the original can identify the character. The movie has also been entirely shot in Black & White to give that 1930's feel. The movie has it's comic moments consistently and it keeps the viewer n splits. Mel Brook's observational quality has helped him to take notice of small things in the original and spoof them that others wouldn't have noticed.

On the acting front, all actors have imitated the acting of the Black & White era, trying to over-dramatize things which adds to the comic quotient. Gene Wilder who is also the co-writer looks like a man possessed when he carries out his part. Whatever people say about spoofs, if it is done convincingly, it can be considered a great piece of cinema. I liked this movie and that is what matters to me.

Rating : 8/10

Duck Soup (1933)

A Truly Enjoyable Experience

[9/10 · 23 March 2010]

I had Read about the famous Marx brothers and their legendary comic stint on theater and Broadway. Duck Soup being their most famous movie, The Marx brothers have left no stone unturned to make this movie a very special one. Duck Soup is a musical comedy which is heavily inspired from Broadway musicals. It is a rare mixture of witty and mad humor which can make the viewer die of laughter. The song sequences in between enhance the humor further. The story is irrelevant in such kind of a movie which is based more on the acting and precisely antics of the lead actors. While watching this movie, one might feel, no director was assigned the job of directing this movie and perhaps The Marx Brothers themselves were the whole and soul of the movie. But, the legendary Leo McCarey is the actual Captain of the Ship.

Acting wise the three Marx Brothers - Groucho, Chico and Harpo carry the entire movie and the comedy on their shoulders. After watching this movie, I understood why Woody Allen once said that 'Groucho Marx was the best comic actor America ever produced'. His comic timing, dialogue delivery, legendary appearance and style of walking etc redefined comedy movies. The Duck Soup could generate mixed viewer reactions. Those who want to critically post-mortem it can trash it, but those who will consider the era in which it was made and just want to enjoy a few laughs will love it. I fall in the later category.

Rating : 9/10