pohadky Reviews

The Passerby (1982)

Not their shining hour

[15 September 1999]

I have enjoyed some wonderful French films. Among them are some of the most insightful cinema experiences I can recall. Thought provoking, adult in their treatment of relationships, written with interesting characters and subtle performances. Some have remained in my mind for days after seeing them - very satisfying entertainment. But not this one.

Limbo (I) (1999)

I won't ruin the ending, but...

[9/10 · 20 June 1999]

Fueled by the prospect of seeing Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio in a film, after too long an absence, anticipating the added pleasure of watching David Strathairn, and pumped by a good review, I went to the local matinee of "Limbo". There were perhaps thirty others were in attendance.

When the film ended, one man reacted with an expletive. He repeated himself, and added, "John Sayles is the best!" Most of us joined in the laughter that followed, a laugh of agreement. It is not likely this matinee group will forget "Limbo" movie any time soon.

This film has so much going for it! The ending is a shocker, but, if you haven't seen it yet, don't be put off by those who tolerate only comfortable fare. May I encourage you to take a risk.

Downhill Racer (1969)

Was there a point to this movie?

[14 June 1999]

Perhaps you know what it is to return to a film again and again, hoping you can crack the code and understand it. "Downhill Racer" is such a film for me - a great cast, wonderful scenery, and exciting skiing sequences (all of which goes without saying) - but to what end? Beats me.

In the last scene, did David Chappellet (Robert Redford's character) realize the 'frailty of the sport'? Did he see that winning was vanity? For those who did not see the film, one of his opponents would have beaten him in the Olympics, but he fell in the final stretch. It may not matter. It may be the whole point.

Night of the Lepus (1972)

waiting patiently for the video

[17 April 1999]

How could any of the people involved in "Night of the Lepus" keep a straight face? I want to share this classic with my kids. They would love it! In light of what is released on video, it seems criminal that this marvel is overlooked. Who can I write?

Three Colors: Red (1994)

Make the effort

[10 April 1999]

I think of Bill Cosby's wonderful routine on foreign films. If you are among those who, like him, marvel at the incomprehensbility of foreign movies, viewing "Three Colors: Red" may be just the step you need to see the possibilities. Mr. Kieslowski appears to have gone out of his way to give his audience all of the pieces, but putting them together? Happily, the movie is a feast for the eyes, and the main characters are never boring; learning about them is worth the trouble.

I have watched this film three times, and am beginning to put the pieces together. It is common to cast aspersions on the superficiality of American movies in the face of such a pleasure as this, but I cannot easily think of anything on this side of the Atlantic that compares favorably to it. American movie fans, put away your fears! Take a risk. This foreign movie is well worth the effort!

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

Subjective? Not likely.

[9 April 1999]

How is it possible to discuss such a movie objectively? There are a number of reasons to laugh at "The Journey to the Center of the Earth", but since I saw it as a child, my initial reaction still has its influence. Like "The Time Machine" which was made a year later, someone here went to a lot of trouble to entertain us.

Should you be inclined to rent it, may I commend the score by Bernard Herrmann? In "Psycho" he scored using only strings. He went the other way here: no strings (except harps). For those who are conscious of movie music, this one is not to be missed.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Don't miss the music

[8 April 1999]

Both user and external reviews do not run short on praise for "The Manchurian Candidate", but I have not seen comments on the music. I have seen this film many times, and confess that one of my motives for these repeated viewings is simply to revel in David Amram's soundtrack. I find it perfectly suited to the film, with a theme as wonderful as any I know in the movies (but not easily hummable). For those who, like me, have been searching in vain (for 35 years!) for a recording of this music, it is finally available on CD.