Movie What's the last movie you saw? (7)

[phantom13]

I do worry that when an overly generous helping of mayo is spread over the top of a mildly interesting story to make a feature film. And then to turn the whole of The Dating Game (for this film) into some creepy sleazefest is somewhat of a stretch.

Yes, today it looks archaic, but at the time few eyebrows were raised. Perhaps they should have been but these were different times. (Not for the better, obviously).

But remember, this was a slightly sleazy gameshow (basically "Perfect Match" for those that remember it) on which everyone knew what they were in for and it was a stepping stone for aspiring actors and actresses.

I dont think the film does either of the things youre saying though.

Having just watched the clip theyve tweaked it marginally in terms of the interactions between Cheryl and the men and the post script but its not done to turn it into a sleazefest or even try to paint the everyone could tell that Rodney was a murderer.

In fact

Spoiler

The bit where the make up artist says to Cheryl "the question is which one is least likely to hurt me" is the resonate point and is frankly kind of timeless for women. The dating game is a narrative launch point, not the summary. The Amy story is the true hero story and that is remarkable

 

[JackOutback]

Woman of the Hour... the story has been discussed pretty thoroughly here. The conceit of The Dating Game appearance is a little odd given both the incident and protagonist really had nothing to do with the story of the serial killer overall. It leads to an odd contrast between what is otherwise an effective serial killer movie that manages to create a mounting sense of dread as he continues to get away with what he did and a light game show touch. It does manage to relay the real attitudes towards women that allowed him to do what he did for so long and does give you some positive moments to cheer for Anna Kendrick's character. Daniel Zovatto is excellent as the serial killer, manages to combine charm and dead behind the eyes, sometimes switching in an instant. It's a solid directorial debut for Kendrick and a good watch. 7/10

 

[SnakeMan86]

I think they missed a real opportunity to build tension.

They focused way too hard on Anna Kendricks character and the Dating Game, who in the end was quite irrelevant...

Spoiler

It should have centred around Amy. They missed a real opportunity to build tension. They should have spent the majority of the movie on the car ride with the killer and Amy, with the flashbacks of his past killings throughout. She was obviously the heroine of the story, but as an audience, we had little attachment due to her being overshadowed by the Anna Kendrick stuff.

 

[phantom13]

I think they missed a real opportunity to build tension.

They focused way too hard on Anna Kendricks character and the Dating Game, who in the end was quite irrelevant...

Spoiler

It should have centred around Amy. They missed a real opportunity to build tension. They should have spent the majority of the movie on the car ride with the killer and Amy, with the flashbacks of his past killings throughout. She was obviously the heroine of the story, but as an audience, we had little attachment due to her being overshadowed by the Anna Kendrick stuff.

I agree with one aspect of your spoiler but not so much the other.

 

[JackOutback]

I think they missed a real opportunity to build tension.

They focused way too hard on Anna Kendricks character and the Dating Game, who in the end was quite irrelevant...

Spoiler

It should have centred around Amy. They missed a real opportunity to build tension. They should have spent the majority of the movie on the car ride with the killer and Amy, with the flashbacks of his past killings throughout. She was obviously the heroine of the story, but as an audience, we had little attachment due to her being overshadowed by the Anna Kendrick stuff.

Tend to agree, though The Dating Game conceit allows it to stand out as an idea/movie as opposed to yet another serial killer movie. That said, I'd never heard of Alcala, so there's an interesting story there.

 

[raskolnikov]

Woman of the Hour

Not bad. 7/10

Spoiler

I found the character in the audience who recognises him unnecessary and there was no such person in the true story so why she was added I don't know

 

[sandeano]

I dont think the film does either of the things youre saying though.

Having just watched the clip theyve tweaked it marginally in terms of the interactions between Cheryl and the men and the post script but its not done to turn it into a sleazefest or even try to paint the everyone could tell that Rodney was a murderer.

In fact

Spoiler

The bit where the make up artist says to Cheryl "the question is which one is least likely to hurt me" is the resonate point and is frankly kind of timeless for women. The dating game is a narrative launch point, not the summary. The Amy story is the true hero story and that is remarkable

Fair call. I won't read the spoiler as I intend to see it but I appreciate (and accept) your response and explanation.

 

[sandeano]

I tracked down a copy and watched it. Good story. Great cinematography. Some iffy acting. Whitman had a fine set of pecs. I liked the doctor character but we don't find out what happened to him. It looked like a lot of wildlife was shot! It was jarring in the modern context to see such a weak female character. There are two interpretations of the ending.

Spoiler

That O'Brien was killed by the baboons after he fell to the ground exhausted. But I'm going with that by killing the head baboon he became their leader.

Further to my last reply (that was brief as I was at work for two days straight and hate typing on my phone - I thumb text).

It is intriguing that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (friends of Baker) had originally agreed to be the stars of the film. Burton as O'Brien (long before he played an O'Brien in 1984) and Liz as Munckton (obviously). As much as I like the film we have, Burton is a stronger actor than Whitman and Taylor would have provided a ballsier character than York (and I've always loved York).

Unfortunately Liz didn't want to film in Africa so it was recast. Interesting as to what might have been.

On that topic - this book is one of the most extraordinary I have read. A fever dream of a biography, unlike anything I have ever read before.

 

[troybe]

Midsommar WTF

 

[sandeano]

Midsommar WTF

Just think Eltham, circa 1970.

 

[troybe]

Just think Eltham, circa 1970.

Eyes Wide Shut gone native

 

[Ocha905]

In the Mood For Love (2000) -

Hard to review this historical Hong Kong-based, 60's affair-mance as, despite its slick 98 minute run time. It's the kind of film you'd pick up new insights on the 5th watch.
Basically it's about two neighbours having an affair. The actual dynamics are so nuanced and reserved that, if you are intrigued by the characters like I was, you'll be hooked the entire time. If you don't care this will totally not work for you as there's not much else going on.
Steamy this is not as holding hands is about as erotic as it gets.
One aspect that really got to me was how the director was able to make the hallways and offices seem nauseously claustrophobic, mirroring the tension surrounding the core relationship. Going out for food seemed like a relief. Anyhow my empathy on infidelity struggles to get beyond "**** cheaters" but it's heavily insinuated that their partners are cheating too so that helped create some investment in the relationship.
8/10. If you like restrained romance films this is the one for you!

How Green Was My Valley (1941) -



I'll just get the hot take out of the way, this deserved to win Best Picture over Citizen Kane. Whilst CK is indeed a masterpiece the "Heavy is he that wears the Crown" theme aka rich bitch problems is one of the most overused and unrelatable cliches in pop culture (I got so mad when the highlight of the community was their elation at being requested by the Queen to sing to her).
Here's a rare film that concerns itself with the poor/working class. I found the dynamics around the coal mine that singlehandedly sustained the small Welsh township to be enthralling.
The good family at the heart of it was less compelling but still provided a heart to personalise the stakes of the community.
The romance between the pastor and daughter was particularly engaging. Some beautiful shots include one of the most beautiful tree I think I've seen in film and the hill of townhouses leading up to the mine. The flooded mine sequence was also remarkable as was the singing. The score felt overbearing and excessively sentimental at times.
9/10. I'm 3/3 from 1941 films (also loved the Maltese Falcon) so maybe it's a strong year idk.

 

[sandeano]

In the Mood For Love (2000) -

Hard to review this historical Hong Kong-based, 60's affair-mance as, despite its slick 98 minute run time. It's the kind of film you'd pick up new insights on the 5th watch.
Basically it's about two neighbours having an affair. The actual dynamics are so nuanced and reserved that, if you are intrigued by the characters like I was, you be hooked the entire time. If you don't care this will totally not work for you as there's not much else going on.
Steamy this is not as holding hands is about as erotic as it gets.
One aspect that really got to me was how the director was able to make the hallways and offices seem nauseously claustrophobic, mirroring the tension surrounding the core relationship. Going out for food seemed like a relief. Anyhow my empathy on infidelity struggles to get beyond "**** cheaters" but it's heavily insinuated that their partners are cheating too so that helped create some investment in the relationship.
8/10. If you like restrained romance films this is the one for you!

It is one of the most immaculately filmed movies I have ever seen. Just a beautifully captured cinematic experience.

How Green Was My Valley (1941) -



I'll just get the hot take out of the way, this deserved to win Best Picture over Citizen Kane. Whilst CK is indeed a masterpiece the "Heavy is he that wears the Crown" aka rich bitch problems is one of the most overused and unrelatable cliches in pop culture (I got so mad when the highlight of the community was their elation at being requested by the Queen to sing to them).
Here's a rare film that concerns itself with the poor/working class. I found the dynamics around the coal mine that singlehandedly sustained the small Welsh township to be enthralling.
The good family at the heart of it was less compelling but still provided a heart to personalise the stakes of the community.
The romance between the pastor and daughter was particularly engaging. Some beautiful shots include one of the most beautiful tree I think I've seen in film and the hill of townhouses leading up to the mine. The flooded mine sequence was also remarkable as was the singing. The score felt overbearing and excessively sentimental at times.
9/10. I'm 3/3 from 1941 films (also loved the Maltese Falcon) so maybe it's a strong year idk.

Due to CK this film is vastly underrated. Is it better than CK? I don't know...but apples and oranges? HGWMV remains highly moving and a fine cinematic achievement. I saw it in a cinema once, 20 or so years ago, and there was audible sobbing (perhaps including me).

 

[sandeano]

Eyes Wide Shut gone native

Just think Eltham, circa 1970.

The reason I said that was that a few years back there was a presentation of an old episode of "Homicide" (the Australian cop show) in which people were being killed by a Satanist society.

At one point the a call comes through and the head detective states, "We have information that they are located in... (dramatic pause)...ELTHAM"

(dramatic, horrifying cuts to the other detectives) "Eltham!"

In turn they visit Eltham where a Satanic ritual was taking place (lots of women in scanty clothing around a bonfire) overseen by a Satanist with a Van Dyke beard and Chinchilla cat on his lap.

 

[GreyCrow]

Getting old is not great - your brain cells go

Tenet

Not having watched this I was looking forward to this as some of the chatter was good

Due to the timey wimey nature of it it can be a difficult watch but a line 3/4 of the way through is the motto of this movie ''dont think of time in a linear way''

Any rewatch will be with this in mind. Some of the reversals were easy to spot but it didnt detract

The spy stuff reminded me of a Charles McCarry Paul Christopher novel ( and I was tickled pink to google nolan and mccarry and have that confirmed)

Any rewatch will be with this in mind

8/10

Guess what. I forgot I had watched this until halfway through. Ok not forgot but I couldnt place the trailer and wasnt sure I was getting mixed up with Inception etc

Watched this tonight again and enjoyed it just as much.

I would like to explore the future movie hinted at in the end

 

[Sketi]

Woman of the Hour

Not bad. 7/10

Spoiler

I found the character in the audience who recognises him unnecessary and there was no such person in the true story so why she was added I don't know

Kendrick basically created a world where no man is a safe person for women. You have the extreme example of the serial killer, but then you also have countless micro examples:

Spoiler

The boyfriend who doesn't believe you, the guy in the friendzone guilt tripping you, the objectifying game show host and the sexist contestants etc etc

The character you are talking about is basically just an opportunity to give couple more examples, with the security guard and her boyfriend.

Put it all together with no let up, and it's pretty harrowing.

I thought was pretty good, even if the structure didnt always fully work. 7/10