Arkadin
-
Posts
1,263 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Never
Posts posted by Arkadin
-
-
Thanks for the tip. Sounds like it's a quality transfer! Now to find *She Beast* (1966) and *Terror Creatures from Beyond the Grave* (1965).
-
Title says it all. Can any horror (or Barbara Steele) fan recommend a decent transfer of this classic? Seems there are several different versions at Amazon, but I'd prefer to find the best looking print (uncut of course) without having to make more than one purchase.
-
Thanks for the mention. It's been years since I've seen this unique comedy. I'll definitely be tuning in tomorrow.
-
Hi SueSue. Long time no see! No, I didn't see it. Carlin was an intelligent man and although I didn't personally care for his humor, I recognize that he wasn't just cussing to say "dirty words", but used it a vehicle to point out much of the hypocrisy that exists in our world. While there are many films that contain violence, language, sexuality, I'm less concerned with the actual act than the motivations behind it. I see many people who assume just because they are not hearing a dirty word or seeing skin that the film is wholesome and great for children when many times the opposite is true!
-
I think you have to look at each film on it's own merit. We also need to admit, there are plenty of non-cussing, no nudity films that are simply awful as well. Many movies from the classic era are not great films. When we are talking about classics, we are talking about something that has withstood the test of time. One also has to consider the state of the viewer when watching. One poster viewed movies as an escape from real world living and in that context, it's perfectly understandable that such a film would not interest them. I also think we have to realize that just because something is not physically shown doesn't mean that it's not implied, as many have stated. In that light, is morality simply physical, or does it extend to thought? Is something bad or wrong only when we see it before our eyes?
As I said before, profanity in a good film is often used as a device that says something about a character. Sometimes as in *Reservoir Dogs* (1992), it speaks to the type of life that the players lead. The opening conversation in the coffee shop is outrageous, but establishes a quick overview that helps us to understand these well dressed men are not cultured or learned, but coarse, cheap (I don?t tip!), small-time criminals. We also learn a bit about each character as they communicate with each other (some of these views are turned around in the course of the film) and their motivations. Here, shocking words not only establish characters, but also grab our attention, so that we will focus in on the non-linear plot and not get lost.
I also don't care for scenes where you have the obligatory nudity. Is this to say it's always inappropriate and wrong? That's a tough one. There are some scenes like Jamie Sanchez girlfriend offering herself to Rod Stieger in *The Pawnbroker* (1965) that is definitely not sexy. It makes Rod's character (and us) uncomfortable and ashamed and achieves it's objective here. In other words, it uses nudity to achieve a sense of morality. Could it have been done without nudity? Perhaps, but it was never shown that way so it's kind of a pointless question. *Schindler?s List* is another film that has nudity and other things some might find repulsive, but again, it's not shown for titillation.
I think there are positive and negative aspects to violence in film. *Saving Private Ryan* (1998) had some horribly violent moments, but many veterans felt the Omaha beach scene was the most accurate portrayal of that battle yet shown. Violence is used here in a positive way, to show us the sacrifice our troops made for our country. *Unforgiven* (1992), although violent, is actually a statement about violence: it's use upon others, a means of glory, and defense in a kill or be killed world.
There are many things that happen in film with which I personally do not agree, but I have to look at the film objectively and question whether the artist has something to say and is using these devices to make a statement, or is just blowing smoke and padding time. While many films consist of the latter, I would suggest that there are also some great movies out there that have important things to impart to us.
-
Personally, I don't care for bad language or vulgar behavior in real life, but I accept the fact that I?m living in a world where those things do happen and due to the nature of some characters, it would be unacceptable to see or hear otherwise because it?s part of their chemical makeup and tells us who they are.
When Rhett Butler says ?Frankly my dear, I don?t give a damn.? , it?s the culmination of everything we?ve learned about him as a blunt man who refuses to play games and enjoys exposing hypocrisy in others, namely Scarlett. In this case, profanity helps to establish their relationship as one of frustration and a more elegant or tidy word would have lacked the force behind Gable?s emotions. Perhaps an even simpler comparison might be to insert Ashely Wilkes in Butler?s place and consider what he might say!
You can go through many other films and find similar examples. This is not to condone profanity or say that it?s acceptable in all film. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn?t. I feel the same way about sex or violence. Many times it?s actually more erotic or shocking when it?s offscreen. *Raise the Red Lantern* (1991) is an incredible film about sexual enslavement without showing any skin at all! *Belle de Jour* (1967) is another example. Other films such as Paul Schrader?s *Hardcore* (1979) leave nothing to the imagination, but that is the actual intent. The point of the shots is to de-romanticize sex and show people who have feelings and dreams reduced to objects and degradation.
Obviously, these are not subjects for children, but TCM has never been a ?family channel? although they have run such segments and have plenty of movies that are acceptable for children. Checking the online guide and rating when in doubt is usually the best way to go.
-
Clore is correct. That was what was shown on the on-air, coming up schedule. I was surprised, but figured something must of happened (they received an unplayable print, etc). I did not watch (went to sleep), so I don't know what was actually shown. Was it *Eddie & the Cruisers* after all?
-
I've a list as long as your arm, but for a single film, *Open City* (1945).
-
Not sure. I guess you'd have to shoot them an email or call. As for $30, yeah, that's quite a bit for a film not named Criterion, but I guess it depends on how bad you want it.
-
I'm pretty sure you can find the full version at this site:
They have a lot of OOP Ann Margaret films including the intriguing noir *Once a Thief* (1965), which I believe is her best performance.
-
Glad you enjoyed it (or found it interesting!). I always thought of *Shane* as well, but in the sense that Palance was playing a similar character to that of Ladd. You could look at both films as two sides of the same coin. Where Ladd's Shane rides into the mountains to die, start again somewhere else, or become myth, Palance's Wade is more realistic and all too human, recconecting with his past instead of trying to outrun it.
-
Mine is the VHS print.
-
I have a nice print of the film with an insightful forward by Martin Scorcese. I will say if you've never seen it, not to go in expecting typical western fare. Also, the Trucolor print is particularly vivid. Ray used very bright and contrasting colors, giving the film an incredibly vibrant look.
-
*Johnny Guitar* is one of the most unique psychological westerns ever made. Nicholas Ray places layer on layer, mixing gender, genre, color, and outrageous symbolism to create a one of a kind film. Don?t miss this one!
-
> {quote:title=Zoetrope wrote:}{quote} I definitely think it is Peckinpah's best film.
We're definitely in agreement on that. I wish TCM could show it sometime.
-
Peckinpah's next western *The Wild Bunch* (1969), is located in TX and Mexico. In fact, each of the different locals tend to say something about its people. The film begins in Texas where a temperance union is having a meeting. The tone here is one of repression and intolerance. When the gang flees to Mexico, they hide at Angel's village. Quiet and serene, Angel's people have a sense of community and pride. This contrasts heavily with the final climax scene in a Mexican border town where hedonism is the order of the day. A great western.
-
You're welcome. Thanks for bumping the thread.
One more bump for this afternoon's showing.
-
Friday 1/16
*Three Strangers* (1946)
The best of the Lorre/Greenstreet films, this movie has never been available on video, so record, Record, *RECORD* !
-
I did a thread on it here last time it showed:
http://forums.tcm.com/jive/tcm/click.jspa?searchID=229173&messageID=8065688
For some reason parts of all my old posts are interlaced with question marks.
?
-
A reminder for Friday:
*Three Strangers* (1946)
-
*The Devil and Miss Jones* (1941)
Anyone else up for some Sunday morning shopping? This great little comedy about a CEO who goes undercover in the shoe department of his own store is a fun film that doesn't play too often on TCM. Some great players here, including Jean Arthur, Robert Cummings and Charles Coburn. The doors open early, so catch it if you can!
-
*Man of the West* is a nice (and very underrated) film. I also like *They Came To Cordura* made just after.
-
Glad to see *The Phantom Carriage* (1919) finally coming to TCM!
-
My personal favorite of Chaplin's work. Glad you enjoyed it. Martha Raye almost steals the film from him.
Nightmare Castle (1965) Good Print?
in Horror
Posted
Thanks again. I've seen all these, just trying to replace my worn out VHS copies. How was Alpha's print of *Terror Creatures* ? I own some of their stuff and it's a pretty mixed bag as far as quality goes.