DePalma
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Posts posted by DePalma
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Well baxter, let me tell you...I laughed.
:-)
DePalma
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Bird, Birdie, Chick, Pigeon, Hawk, Parrot, Canary, Vulture are names often used in a derogatory or negative fashion to describe a woman. On the other hand these are also bird names associated with females: Aveline French, Avelina English both meaning little bird, Avila or Aguila Latin for hawk, Bijou French, Bangles, Buttercup, Eileen English, Colombina Italian, Doli Native American, etc...One of my favorite characters is that of Isobel Sedbuck's played by Auriol Lee in "Suspicion" Talk about a rather mannish old broad, even today she seems quite modern and unique. While on the subject...I simply adore Nigel Bruce as Beaky.
DePalma
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Zooty,
I'm so glad you liked the post. I do try to bring fun topics to these boards.
Thank you.
MY favorite Hitchcock film is "Vertigo" Sorry to hear you detest it. I can recite every single line in that film, can describe every costume, prop, scenery, etc...and still, I find new things to add to my list of "discoveries" with each new viewing.
I have to say that in my list of most annoying actors, James Stewart is among the top 5. While on the subject lol June Allyson and Katherine Grayson are a pair I would have LOVE to sneak from behind with a BIG pillow. Van Johnson is another I can't stand the sight of, I find him revolting. Gene Kelly with his little scar and never stopping "acrobatics" drives me nuts. To me there was only one dancer, Fred Astaire. Frank Sinatra annoys me too, he looks like a toad with an attitude, but I do tolerate him in "Candidate". His singing voice was marvelous, I must admit. Doris Day as the naivete, wholesome middle age virgin is another I'm not too crazy about, but I like her in "Lover Come Back" Oh dear, the list goes on and on....Back to RW, Stewart's saggy looks, silver painted mop and choppy speech pattern are some of the reasons I don't like the film. His treatment of Lisa is embarrassing to watch. I just can't imagine this beautiful and exquisitely dressed woman putting up with that kind of crap from this old man living in a dump. As far as Jeff being in the closet, is possible after spending so much time with the boys in the field he knew a way or two on how to crack an egg with one hand.
LOL
I crack myself all the time!!!! (I mean laughing)I
DePalma
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You are right in the ballpark.
I personally think that one of the main reason as to why the birds got stirred up was Tippi being in heat and chasing after Mitch with the lovebirds. She was the first we see get hit by a bird too. The "bird champion" and expert was also rather a butch, tough old bird herself.
Here in the US women are also called birds.
Had "The Birds" been made today, you bet Tandy had slept with her son and Suzanne gone after Tippi. LOVE the face of the old woman in the diner when she yells to Tippi:"They said that everything started when you arrived. I think you're evil. EVIL!" Ummmm, no lady, she's not evil, she's just so, so hony. LOL
DePalma
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.I'm 46 years old and look very early 30's and fresh (cough, cough) thanks to a good digestive system AND a hearty sense of humor. That said, for more than 25 years, I been involved in the arts and the beauty business. I also worked at a CHANEL counter doing makeovers for a time in order to understand the application of makeup and was very successful.
In my neck of the woods, Fort Lauderdale, we use four shapes to categorize the female face: Oval, Diamond, Rectangular and Square. Very few times have I encountered a Flat one, but it has happened. I can just imagine the look of horror in one of the models if I call her face "rhombus" shaped. On second though, I know a couple of beaches I think I will call them exactly that.
"Oh by the way...did I ever told you your face is shaped like a rhombus?"
Do you mean by "golden section" The Golden Ratio formula? If so, no, I do not. Mathematics are foreign to me. Thinking back, is a miracle and it even mystifies me that I ever made it to college. I'm a dyslexic and always had a very hard time with numbers.
I don't believe there is such a thing as a perfect face and if there is, I never seen one.
My idea of a beautiful face demands three key ingredients: A set of large, wide apart, heavy lidded eyes (preferably blue or green or an interesting shade in between other than black or brown. If black or brown they have to be extraordinary in shape and size) Liz Taylor's or Marilyn Monroe's eyes for example. A small, straight nose up turned at the tip. Ava Gardner's for example. Lips that are generously full (not swollen like Jolie's) and evenly shaped. Ava Gardner's lips are to me the most beautiful lips ever.
The shape of the face should be diamond since I find it to be more feminine than oval, but most people prefer oval shape as the ideal face.
I don't have a "perfect face" example. I think that a balanced face with the type of features I described can be extremely beautiful, but I also find that a little "flaw" or a more prominent feature can work wonders too. I'm positive that large eyes and large mouths work best on females than a large nose.
I know faces that in detail are not that beautiful, but as whole are marvelous and striking to behold. I also know very beautiful faces in detail that as a whole lack magic and don't register that well. I think that the way in which a face moves has a lot to do with one's perception of it. For example, Marilyn Monroe had a little bulb of a nose and a very determined jaw bone, but her features moved in a most beautiful way.
If I have to select my ideal of beauty, I will have to say Elizabeth Taylor or Ava Gardner.
DePalma
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Hibi,
Let me tell you, you make me laugh.
Thanks
:-)
Of all the Hitchcock leading ladies, Kim Novak was the closest he ever got to the perfect fire and ice blonde formula. Madeleine Elster's character in "Vertigo" is the sexiest-classiest-hottest-iciest-and most sensual creation ever brought to the screen. Poor Marilyn Monroe looks like a school girl next to Novak's sexual maturity and allure. Even Edith Head, who should have known what these women really looked like underneath, said that Novak was the most beautiful actress she ever dressed, so gorgeous in fact, she looked like a sculpture. I can just imagine Edith's sweating bullets behind them shades
Which brings me to poor Eva Marie Saint, to me she looked like a very plain guy with a drag make-over and little Tippi ( sorry hun) with those rodent-like eyes and large, hooky nose was a scary sight in full close up. In "The Birds" I always laugh my arse off...I like to think the birds thought Tippi was big hawk that came to eat them and they attacked. **** Then can't stand her in: "Mama, I want my Mama!" Slap! ****
Grace Kelly was very beautiful, but hollow like a doll...sawdust for blood. Very cool and lacking all warmth and lastly Miles, she was a decent actress but definitely looked like a crossdresser.
There are all sorts of stories about Novak and A.H., but from the horse's mouth, Alma, Kim was very much wanted for the part and aside from her not wishing to wear the gray suit, everyone was happy with her performance. I know I am.
My favorite part in "Vertigo"?
Glad you asked!
My favorite part is when Madeleine opens Scotty's bedroom door and walks out wearing the red robe: "What am I doing here?" To me she looks like a blonde geisha and there's definitely and Asian quality to her in this scene. Plus the MARVELOUS and haunting violins soaring to full climax for the first time in the film. I tell you, it just doesn't get better than this. A total stranger gets to see the most desirable woman in the world naked in his apartment without even having been introduced. "I fell into the bay and you fished me out? Thank you" "I dried your hair as best as I could...your things are in the kitchen" That can very well explain Scotty's stuttering throughout the film.
LOL
DePalma
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Hibi,
You are entitle to your opinion, of course, but I personally, can't imagine for the life of me, Scotty going overboard for Vera's looks. No Siree!
The part of Madeleine/Judy's core is not so much her acting ability, but how stunning, voluptuous and mysterious a woman she was, making her so desirable to the old school detective that in fact he falls in love with her at first sight....then the rest follows as planned.
I cringe just to think of the bedroom door opening and seen Miles come out in the red robe.
Oh no!
My eyes!!!
Take it away!!!
PLEASE!
****
DePalma
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Hi Feyda,
I unsderstand your argument, but in my opinion, I consider "Vertigo" far superior a film than "Eternity" That's my taste of course.
DePalma
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What I found hilarious about Miss Torso was that she seemed to be wind-up like a toy and set lose on the set. Is a miracle she didn't break every bone in her body leaping and twirling all over that tiny apartment AND what about her mate choice? LOL She picked the "security" of the nerd in the end. How nicely diced and served of Hitchcock.
DePalma
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Dear scsu1975,
For your information, I'm a portrait artist, FACES are my business.
For example, unlike the faces of Kelly (diamond shape) or Novak (oval shape) Miles face is more rectangular in shape, very high forehead, bulbous nose, thin lips painted outside their natural line, big teeth and a prominent jaw line. These are characteristics found more commonly in males than females. Actually, by looking at the photo you selected, she looks to me like a vintage drag, definitely.
DePalma
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Hello Minya,
:-)
I always find funny (in a nice way) and even touching how passionate/loyal classic film lovers are to their favorite stars and movies. Carefully, when selecting a thread, I mainly try to write about films with a vast following in hopes that everyone contributes thus making the post fun and exciting.
For example, I'm MAD about "Vertigo", MAD I tell you! I think when it comes to depicting the true essence of beauty and sex appeal in a woman, Hitchcock's treatment and handling of Kim Novak is the most erotic and sensual display ever caught on film. She reeks high style and richness, yet, beneath those designer clothes is the body of a Goddess waiting to be unwrapped. Fabulous visuals and panoramic views are weave masterfully into a tapestry of such intricate details, you will still find something else you missed with each new viewing.
Are you a fan of "Vertigo"?
I'm glad that you enjoyed your visit and will love to hear from you again.
Thanks
DePalma
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The actress name is Judith Evelyn and she also played the woman who died in the beach house rented by Crawford in "Female On The Beach" I personally think it should have been named "Drags On The Beach" ****
DePalma
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She looks most bitter on the second pic.
****
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OH NO!
The picture poster on my thread!
What an honor!!!
****
Now hush up sweetheart and dig some more stills.
(((((((((((Kid)))))))))))
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You are entitle to your opinion.
As far as RW being one of A.H. best, I totally disagree.
Your comment about "vouyerism, the many sides of romance, perfect balance of comedy, suspense and that terrifying climax" sounds more like "Vertigo" than RW to me.
LOL
DePalma
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Hi Sarah,
I'm so glad you got the opportunity to watch and enjoy RW for the first time. Perhaps after a few more runs, you will find yourself less excited and more in tune with certain key details that definitely lack "punch".
As far as your granny's saying, she's entitle to her opinion of course as well as you. However, I disagree. As a seasoned classic film scholar, I feel that A list films in particular should be studied and analyzed, but most importantly, understood. Therefore, when a director does whatever he wants with his film, unless he hits the nail on the head...it just doesn't work and that's when I come in.
I hope you continue watching more classic films.
DePalma
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I do have to agree with you on that one. The RW set was indeed the best thing about the film with the exception of Mrs. Ritter which I always find delightful.
Wendell Corey was a fine actor for sure and most under-rated.
Kelly was given the icy/hot blonde treatment by A. H. and up to a certain degree, he succeeded in making her if not totally "hot" very icy/warm at best. She was without question a very beautiful woman, but she lacked sex appeal and warmth. Unlike Mrs. Novak, who even dressed in a tailored gray suit burned the screen with raw sensuality and alluring glamour. Can you imagine the manly faced Vera Miles playing that role? Not for a second. I'm so glad she was out of the part.
Stewart's character in RW lacks the vulnerability he displayed so well in "Vertigo" even though you can't help not liking him very much for his treatment of both women....still you feel sorry for him up to a certain degree for he too was a victim of someone else's evil doings.
Very nice contribution Ponciana, I hope to hear more from you.
DePalma
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Actually, I'm one of those who feels that "Vertigo" is one of the greatest movies ever made and Hitchcock's most personal film.
The May-December affair between Scotty and Madeline/Judy works because they both had much more than just romance to link them.
100 years from now, "Vertigo" will still be among the top films of all time, you can be sure of this.
DePalma
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Hello Bargar,
Wendell Corey was a relatively busy character actor who did well in the roles he tackled and though not in my list of favorites, I do enjoy all of his performances. "The File On Thelma Jordan" with the always wonderful Barbara Stanwyck is my most liked movie Corey appeared in.
Regarding the voyeur role played by Stewart, I just can't watch the film without wondering what was Hitchcock thinking about. A key scene that I find quite absurd is the one where the snooping mutt gets done in....the cheese hits the fan, the owner starts to scream, the lights pop up and everyone comes out...except the killer, you just see the light of his cigar in the dark through the window. Now, if one can see a tiny speck of light like that in the dark, what prevents everyone else out there looking about to spot Stewart propped by the open window with that humongous lens?
Then yet another scene I find quite ludicrous is the "I always wanted to meet Mrs. Thorwald". The climbing of Kelly up the garden wall and to the apartment wearing that flowing skirt and not a single neighbor seen her breaking in. Please! Keep in mind that was a lit courtyard teaming with activity at all hours and as it happened, everyone was indoors at that particular moment. No, I just don't buy it. Later, as Kelly gets caught by the killer and points the ring out to Stewart, he gets noted...finally we can climax. Is like if by magic, he suddenly materialized for the first time.
Lastly, the flash scene! lol What a mess. Here's this big, strong killer coming up the stairs ready to do business with me and all I can think of is turning out the lights and try to stop him with the flash of my camera? No screams for help, no throwing of near by items his way, no thought of grabbing the cane to hit him with? No, I'll just flash him to death instead. roflmao Is just flat out stupid to say the least. Then the final shot with the old bachelor finally caught by the leopard who only pretended to changed her spots for love. Nahhh, definitely not one of the best A. H. films.
Thanks for your contribution to my thread, please do so anytime.
DePalma
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James Stewart was a talented actor, no doubts, but he's never been a favorite of mine. First with his milk-shake wholesomeness, lanky and boring personality and later with his Dad-next-door type and masticated speech pattern...nope, he's not to my liking whatever.
Watching "Anatomy" last night - though a strong film that still holds popcorn - I couldn't help being annoyed by Stewart's performance, again. George C. Scott was in my opinion the best performer in the film.
Grace Kelly was one of the most over-rated actress of the Silver Screen, but to her credit, she depicted the classic American beauty of the times to perfection. As far as the May-December affair, I can't find one shred of chemistry between them two. What can a young, beautiful, top fashion model, accustomed to the spotlight, glamour and other attractive males find appealing in a saggy, white haired old man who treats her like dirt is beyond me.
Thelma Ritter was one of the finest actresses of her time and any other time for that matter. In my book of best of the best, Thelma is definitely top notch.
"Window" is up to a point an entertaining film, after all is a Hitchcock piece, but not one of his best. The fact that the neighbors interact with each other at certain points, but completely overlook or not noticed Stewart and his big gun pointed at them at all times makes the film most unrealistic. I just can't imagine him getting away with his round the clock surveillance without someone throwing a rock or at least yelling at him to stop.
Everyone is entitled to their own views and I certainly enjoy reading the replies. I don't tell anyone that they are wrong about their opinions just because the are different from my own. I simply don't agree, after all, variety of thoughts is what make these boards so entertaining.
DePalma
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Hello everyone, yes, is me again on vacation and ready to share with you my personal thoughts and takes on the classic films and the stars I like best.
"Rear Window" in my personal opinion does not hold very well.
I am not a Stewart fan, I must admit. His speech pattern is most annoying to me. He sounds like an old man with a huge wad of tobacco in his mouth...his lisping is also too much for me to handle. His best work to me was in "Vertigo" The part of the over the hill, ex-detective infatuated with the gorgeous Madeline was right on the nail.
Grace Kelly was beautiful to look at, but terribly cold and shallow.
Ritter, always a pleasure.
If you pay attention to the film, you see that Stewart can watch every single window from his apartment by sitting in front of his own and holding a camera with a lens the size of an elephant's trunk. I find it almost impossible that none of the other tenants even noticed him.
Another thing I find so silly is his remark about Miss Lonely Heart's male caller. "He's kind of young isn't he?" lol What about him for Kelly? He looks like her grandfather, for God's sake.
The end is also a stinker in my opinion. No, "Rear Window" is definitely not one of the Master's best work.
DePalma
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lol
she sure was a trip
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lol
"As day breaks over the murder house...Norma Desmond,
GREAT STAR of yesteryear sits at her silken budoir in a state of complete shock"
"What is it Max?"
"The cameras have arrived, Madame"
"Cameras?"
"Tell Mr. DeMille I'll be on he set at once"
"You gentlemen must go now!"
"Get out quick!"
"Beat it I tell you!"
"Go on, before I start throwing jars"
MOVE IT!
]
REAR WINDOW:DEFINITELY NOT HITCHCOCK'S BEST
in Hot Topics
Posted
All THAT and no pictures?
****
Well, I watch Astaire for his dancing not his looks. His craft was so masterly achieved that he seemed to dance on air. To me, Gene was just a man jumping around...Astaire was a true artist.
Katharine Hepburn was a fine actress, but I can only take her in very small doses. "Suddenly" and "Journey" are two of my favorites.
Kim Novak was a decent enough actress, I definitely prefer her to Grace. I also think she was much more beautiful and sexy.
"Pillow Talk" was also fun, I do get a kick of Rock's "gay" acting. Doris was also a fantastic singer. I love her voice.
DePalma