The beauty of DVD rests not only in the higher quality widescreen experience, but the fact that it has become the best medium for releasing hidden gems – there is a much wider range of films available to the viewing public than at any time in the history of home video; and on-line rental obviously makes it so much easier to actually see them. I’m working my way through a list of films I’ve never seen but always wanted to – ‘Becket’, ‘Executive Action’, ‘Day for Night’, ‘Rebecca’, ‘Advise and Consent’ and ‘American Graffiti’ being notable representative examples -and last night settled down for ‘Winter Kills’, William Richert’s 1979 (started in 1976, lost the financing, shot the ending a couple of years later) conspiracy thriller about Presidential assassination and the meaning of America. Cast:
John Huston
Jeff Bridges
Dorothy Malone
Anthony Perkins
Eli Wallach
Elizabeth Taylor!
Sterling Hayden
Toshiro Mifune!!
Beyond enjoying these actors throwing paint on the walls of this highly unusual – and ultimately incredibly influential – film, there’s a sense of the madness of trying to get a movie made at all – for ‘Winter Kills’ is a the result of heroic effort, and it shows. It’s a crazy mishmash of politics and family, violence and sex, out-of-control characters powerless to change the events they were born into. And John Huston plays a character for whom Noah Cross seems like a mere dress rehearsal. So, Dear Listener – what’s on your list of films you always wanted to see but haven’t been able to/got round to it yet?
I've got a long standing crush on Fellini's 8 1/2 as I watch it about once a week… it's my current “chore movie”. I am so afraid to watch anything other than this and La Dolce Vita as both moved me deeply and I don't want to be disappointed by his other films. That's a good question for the two of you. Are there any Fellini films I should avoid?
Recently, I've wanted to see the “Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”.
I wonder how it ends?
'Diary of a Country Priest', 'Ordet' and 'Andrei Rublev'.
All three sat for months on my DVD shelves, glaring at me accusingly….
“Look I've been really busy OK!”
Yes, well you found time to watch 'Die Hard 4' and 'Planet Terror' didn't you!
“Oh God, the shame…….”
Don't worry – I'm sure I'll post a plot-by-plot recap right here after I've seen it….;)
'Assassination' is a great flick – think i mentioned before on TFT that it came out here in the States and was panned – I then travelled to the UK just as it was coming out where it was hailed as a real accomplishment…. one of the best films of recent years.
This sounds like a very familiar scenario to me, there are always worthy and fulfilling films to be seen sitting on the shelf, but films like these you have to psych yourself up for. It's the same with any film you just know is going to leave you an emotional wreck afterwards…like The Wrath of Khan, for example.
I was with you right 'til the end there Tom…Wrath of Khan?!?
Hell Yeah, 'Wrath of Khan'!!
Spock (spoilers ahoy)
dies in it!!
Oh no! I was about to say I was being flippant (about Khan, not films as emotional wringers) but now I've read Phil's comment and would hate to offend!
Think I'll go and dig myself a hole…..
Spock: If I may be so bold, it was a mistake for you to accept promotion. Commanding a starship is your first, best destiny; anything else is a waste of material.
Kirk: I would not presume to debate you.
Spock: That is wise. Were I to invoke logic, however, logic clearly dictates that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
Kirk: Or the one.
Spock: You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been and always shall be yours.
(choke!)
I also found the moment that Spock struggles to his feet on the far side of the room and straightens his uniform before facing Kirk quite moving. An officer and a gentleman til the end.
(Ain't I fickle!?)
Exactly!
Not a dry eye in the house.
I watched it the night before I got married 5 weeks ago.
Sobbed my little heart to sleep….
Rewatched Khan for the first time in years last night. The death scene is quite affecting I have to say. Funny how that observation about Spock I made earlier has ingrained itself after 16 years. Having said this the fact that Spock returns detracts from its impact.
I wonder if Joss Wehdon can pull the same trick and resurrect Wash and Book in a Serenity sequel? Well, I can dream can't I..
Rewatched Khan for the first time in years last night. The death scene is quite affecting I have to say. Funny how that observation about Spock I made earlier has ingrained itself after 16 years. Having said this the fact that Spock returns detracts from its impact.
I wonder if Joss Wehdon can pull the same trick and resurrect Wash and Book in a Serenity sequel? Well, I can dream can't I..