John Cole
11-03-2003, 03:07 PM
Make that very quick.
First, Vertov's Man With a Movie Camera on Criterion uses the score designated by Vertov. The film shows the awakening of a city, and follows a man with a movie camera as he records the day's activities. The film's pacing, enhanced greatly by the score, is wonderful, and the movie, made in 1928 celebrates vision and seeing in its many forms. A great early work.
Next, Rififi. Jules Dasein's great work looks wonderful, filmed in Paris, on rain-soaked streets to give that edgy noir style. It's the tale of a bank robbery, flawlessly executed, but gone awry nevertheless. The safecracker who has violated the "code" assents to his killing in a great scene. The execution of the robbery itself is a marvel.
This one sort of defies explanation, but The Draughtsman's Contract, Peter Greenaway's first film, is so much fun to watch. Have fun figuring out the puzzle of the changing landscapes and the various ploys.
Last, I watched once again Cabaret, and more and more I'm becomming convinced that this is the best American movie made in the 70s. The acting, editing, lighting, and use of color are marvels. Simply watch all of Minelli's hand gestures throughout the film. Then watch it over and over. Endlessly rewarding, I think.
First, Vertov's Man With a Movie Camera on Criterion uses the score designated by Vertov. The film shows the awakening of a city, and follows a man with a movie camera as he records the day's activities. The film's pacing, enhanced greatly by the score, is wonderful, and the movie, made in 1928 celebrates vision and seeing in its many forms. A great early work.
Next, Rififi. Jules Dasein's great work looks wonderful, filmed in Paris, on rain-soaked streets to give that edgy noir style. It's the tale of a bank robbery, flawlessly executed, but gone awry nevertheless. The safecracker who has violated the "code" assents to his killing in a great scene. The execution of the robbery itself is a marvel.
This one sort of defies explanation, but The Draughtsman's Contract, Peter Greenaway's first film, is so much fun to watch. Have fun figuring out the puzzle of the changing landscapes and the various ploys.
Last, I watched once again Cabaret, and more and more I'm becomming convinced that this is the best American movie made in the 70s. The acting, editing, lighting, and use of color are marvels. Simply watch all of Minelli's hand gestures throughout the film. Then watch it over and over. Endlessly rewarding, I think.