Change Your Image
jt-pdx
Reviews
Molière (1978)
newly remastered version released in 2023
It is a bit shocking to see the depiction of life in 17th century France as portrayed by Ariane Mnouchkine and her cinematographer Bernard Zitermann. The story is a bit meandering, but once one knows to expect that this is a long-haul ( 4 hours), that it's an experience to be savored, rather than swallowed, the images, symbolism, irony can be richly rewarding.
The landing page has a nifty graphic preview of the film, and you can find the purchase info there:
belairclassiques dot com
The bluray quality is excellent, at times brilliant depending on the original film. The 40 page booklet is useful and interesting, too.
Highly recommended.
La matriarca (1968)
excellent quality available on bluray, soundtrack, too
If you can suspend your judgement a bit, and not hold this film/story to current-day "morality", this film can be a very enjoyable experience. Watching Catherine Spaak explore and develop her personality and desires is fascinating, and Jean Louis Tritignan's love for her is evident. Interesting that the director cast two french lead actors for an italian film - I wonder why that is. The sets are gorgeous and interesting, the cinematography by Alfio Contini is splendid.
There is a region B (Europe) bluray version available, and it is such high quality that this could have been filmed in the past few years.
Also available is a remastered 2022 version of the soundtrack by Armando Trovajoli at bandcamp - search for "bandcamp La Matriarca soundtrack".
It's many versions of the same theme tune "l'amore dice ciao", and is a lovely atmosphere album. I wonder if any other films have used the same single song to provide the soundtrack for the whole film.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
A beautiful waste of time.
Great acting, cinematography, sets, everything, all in the service of a playful romp. Much as I like this "type" of film, I've never felt that watching a film was such a complete waste of my time. It seemed so pointless.
Dear Frankie (2004)
Charming and well-acted human drama
While the story is somewhat predictable, the pacing, cinematography and acting make it a delight to watch. Emily Mortimer carries the film, with some of her best work here. Highly-recommended if you're not looking for an "exciting" film.
Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)
Restores your faith in humanity.
Others have written well about the content and history related to this film, so read those. What this film did for me was to restore some of my faith in humanity. Learning about her and hearing her speak was like medicine for the soul. She was such a superior being, and we are so lucky to have her grace the world.
The jazzy soundtrack by Kathryn Bostic is pretty wonderful, too. One can find it at bandcamp.
Nordwand (2008)
A bit slow at first, but riveting.
The first part of the movie was a bit slow to me, although it did provide good background and character development. Once they got to the mountain, however, the film became riveting. The cinematography was stunning, the cgi/green-screen stuff was flawless (they explained how that was done in the dvd "extras") and the story interesting and unpredictable. I had to watch the mountain scenes 3 times, they were so good.
Les Amants de Teruel (1962)
good dramatic ballet
For all those who lament it being unavailable, it is on you tu be.
The Journey (2002)
historically interesting, good story.
This film was interesting as a document of the transition of people and countries away from the USSR. The acting is excellent, and the story compelling enough to hold one's attention almost to the end. The film fails partly due to a real lack of character development, and implausible interactions between the lead roles. Two-dimensional characters behaving somewhat inexplicably brought this film down from being excellent to merely ok.