FrankGrimes
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Posts posted by FrankGrimes
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Hey, Arkadin -- Don't get me wrong, TOPAZ has quite a few flaws and is much different from other Hitch films. It's also very talky and if you turn away for a second you won't know what the heck is going on! Having said all that, it's a very interesting film and not as bad as some folks would have us believe. FrankGrimes is also a fan of this one and I expect him to weigh in shortly.
Topaz has slowly dropped in my Hitch rankings as time has worn on but I still like it more than most. I find the film to be rather bold since the protagonist is an adulterer. Adultery really suits the film since the exchanging of secret information is an adulterous act by at least one party and sometimes both.
Topaz is a very cold film that lacks any real humor and, like you said, it's very "talky." It just doesn't "feel" like a Hitch film. It lacks any kind of charm.
I consider Karin Dor's passionate performance to be one of the best female performances in any Hitch film. She brings much needed warmth to the picture. If anything, the film is worth watching just to see Ms. Dor.
Hitch's final three films lack the glamour of most of his previous Hollywood films because he had written off working and paying top stars after his unpleasant experience with Paul Newman and Julie Andrews on Torn Curtain. I believe Topaz would have benefited from a bigger male star, but it would not have saved the film.
I like Frenzy and Family Plot more than Topaz. Frenzy is one of my favorite Hitch films because I believe it's the film that represents Hitch the man the most. The film is soaked with Hitch's brand of light (food) and dark (gruesome) humor. It also marked the return of Hitch to his home of England and, more precisely, to Covent Garden where his father worked as a merchant. It was a true homecoming for Hitch. And, like you stated, Hitch's successful formula of the wrongly-accused-man-on-the-run is once again used, as is the charming-gentleman-who-is-not-who-he-appears-to-be. Hitch also returned to his roots by using British stage performers in the film.
What I truly love about Frenzy is the direction. Hitch plotted the film brilliantly. Frenzy contains many Hitchcockian shots and tricks. He particularly uses sound to great effect in the film, and there are two off-screen moments that I consider to be two of the best in Hitch's career. The ending is also very strong. It's reminiscent of Dial 'M' for Murder.
I think Frenzy doesn't work for most because it does feature a rather graphic (for Hitch) rape/murder scene and some brief nudity. But I believe the biggest problem for audiences is that the film lacks attractive leads. Frenzy is not a "pretty" film. It may be the "ugliest" Hitch film.
I watched Family Plot for the very first time last year and I walked away impressed. It's definitely a light Hitch effort but I found the film to be quite charming. I believe the film is about Hitch and Alma and their wonderful relationship. For years and years they were a family who plotted films together -- they were a detective team, ala Nick and Nora. I believe Bruce Dern and Barbara Harris are proxies for Hitch and Alma.
Like Topaz and Frenzy, I think Family Plot's lack of an attractive male lead hurts the film's standing with many.
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Ooohhh, Slattery's Hurricane. Now that's a film I'd like to see. Linda Darnell AND Veronica Lake!
Loved the Chesterfield ad and that Masquers Club photo is sensational, Whistlin' G. That's quite a select club.
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Ciao, Disubbidiente Di! -- My keyboard is now bathed in Coca-Cola! You have no right to be that funny! But I forgive you...you're too cute for anyone to stay mad at for very long.
I'm gonna need you as a character witness. You wouldn't sell me out, wouldya? By the way, nice gun.
You're right about Woody Allen having an appreciation for film. It seems as if many of the iconic directors of today do have a great appreciation for those who came before them. They are quite effusive in their praise and admiration for those who inspired them during their childhood and formative filmmaking years.
Okay, no cheating for the following:
Do you know what film this is from?
How about this one?
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Well, be thankful for small kindnesses. If I remember correctly, last year you were being "tortured" cross-country. Not only was there this Noir Festival going on in LA (The LA vs. NYC Festival) but there was a Preminger Festival in Chicago. And something interesting was being shown on the big screen in NYC too. All at the same time.
You remember correctly, per usual. Fritz Lang in NYC and Hitch at Northwestern. Preminger was in NYC this winter, too.
But I have to ask... "Swamp Noir"??????? They're just making that one up, right?
That one made me chuckle. It's quite alluring, don't ya think? I'm sure the ladies will flock to such an attraction.Are you gonna attempt to see any of the films?
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Hey, Laffite -- How's it goin'? I've enjoyed reading your posts on the board the past few weeks. And thanks for the WMP11 screen cap instructions. I passed them onto Miss Goddess.
It might have been a hazy image but it was quite engrossing. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks. Miss G is very correct, the film would really jump off the screen if the image was
sharp. It's a shame that it is not.
Should I even admit that I have yet to see this movie? I'm almost embarrassed.
Ummm, no. I'll slink away now.
Your slide show is a good advertisement for it. I wonder how long it would take to do a whole movie that way.
It would take quite a bit of time and patience. The toughest part is attempting to capture movement in a still. Movement creates blur and I don't like the look of blur. Sometimes it's the only way to capture a particular moment, though.
I have found that watching a film with subtitles on is very enlightening. It's very helpful when analyzing a film. I highly recommend it.
Ciao, Boca Bronxie -- Get out of that pumpkin patch, you'll catch cold.
I'd love to but I've been dissed again. I always wish and hope to be treated with care, but, sadly, that's never the case. They know the pain they cause and that's what hurts the most.
Yes, I saw laffites's gorgeous ships! (and your QUIET MAN screep caps are beautiful) Was that his post you referred to?
Yes, ma'am. We actually posted at the same time. I should have realized you're a very observant lady.
I'm tired. I came home from the ESL class tonight. I was trying to explain to my Pakistani student what Mr. Potato Head is. She didn't understand. I was introducing the spelling of fruits and vegetables, then got caught up in my own whimsy. For instance, I drew Casper the Ghost and they thought it was an amoeba.
That sounds like my kind of tutoring, B. I could use a few lessons.
How's your mom doing?
I saw THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE once.
I can believe it. It's tough to watch any Greer Garson film more than once.
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Ohh, this ain't right, Kyle. This ain't right at all. I receive enough punishment as it is and I never do a single thing to anyone else around here. I don't know where all this cruelty towards me stems from.
That's an absolutely fascinating line-up of films! Eddie Muller is a true noirist because the selections for this year's festival are obscure films noir that only a diehard would appreciate. I'd love to know how many of the films being screened this year Master Dewey has seen.
Muller deserves kudos upon kudos for helping unearth these films. Tomorrow is Another Day is one of his favorite films noir of all time. I'm amazed he was able to obtain a good print. I'm also happy to see Coleen Gray and Barbara Hale making appearances at the festival.
"NOT ON DVD" is a big selling point for the hardcore fans of film noir. I hope there's enough around to make this year's festival yet another big success. And I surely hope many of the films do end up on DVD very soon. There's clearly a market for them right now.
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Good Evenin', Bronx Blossom! -- Did you catch Laffite's post to you at the bottom of this page? My silly foolishness ended up burying his very good post. I hope you check it out.
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I hear that recent changes in the Republic dvd powers-that-be may mean there is a good chance The Quiet Man will get a decent restoration soon. I hope so. It's a film that deserves to be pristine.
I completely agree with you. Now I must kill myself.
Here's how hazy the DVD image is:
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You don't need to explain anything to him. He's a vampire so he doesn't understand that normal people get sleepy at night--just when he wakes up.
"Normal" people also don't leave sweet, kind, loving people out in the cold all night long.
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EW!! i dont blame her for saying until donkeys fly! i dont wanna watch such a horrid TRASHY movie either. heehee! so i wont watch it until little piglets fly.
I wouldn't want you watching No Country for Old Men unless someone took the remote control away from you so that you couldn't fast-forward. You and what's her name shouldn't be allowed to use FF.
yeah, that's just what i was thinking! its full of romance? among other things i dont wish to witness.
The "lover's lane" scene is very romantic. It reminded me of the Random Harvest picnic scene. You'd love it. Trust me.
that's not fair! it was my computer! i didnt mean not to say goodnight.
Just like Paul Scott, I grew accustomed to such oceanic treatment.
april help me!
Who is this imaginary friend of yours? Well, whoever they are, they cannot help you. They can only hurt you.
and for a sweet frankie, you surely take pride in picking on me!
Pick on you? I've done no such thing! You're the one who is drowning me, tying me up, and gagging me. You remind me of Smithy, the serial killer from Random Harvest.
By the way, did you notice how caring and loving the Charade Goddess is with me? You didn't want me to go to the roof but she couldn't wait for me to get to the roof so that she could push me off.
okay well since she doesnt mind, ill climb up there and help her! heehee!
What?! Honestly.
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Hey, that's my line!
heehee!
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That line provoked me into thinking something was up with his parentage, too. There is no reason for him to say it unless there might be some question.....
I believe those words are there to let us know he has been told something that may not be the truth.
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When donkeys fly!
I'll take that as a "yes."
Squirrels to the nuts!
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Hiya, ButtersweetGRACE -- youre admitting to wanting to watch it now/ oh goodie!! april he is going to watch pride and prejudice!!!!! and all it took was some vicious negotiating and my puppy dog eyes. heehee! ....but frankie darlin', you can go to the roof with john doe! thats not good! please dont go!
I'm gonna watch Pride and Prejudice right after Miss Goddess watches No Country for Old Men.
Zodiac is not trashy. That's classy.
yucky!
You haven't seen the film! It's full of romance.
Gloria and Grace do so much more for you than GREER.
the idea of you even mentioning a thing! gloria i dont mind as least she shows a little emotion every once in while, its miss impassive i have issues with. heehee! greer shows plenty of emotion! she could make you cry your heart out! goodness.
Gloria AND Grace show a lot more than emotion in their films.
Greer falls in love with a guy and then just leaves him standing in the dark, all alone. Now I see why you love her so much!there's always the alternative of tying him up and gaging him with a cupcake. take your pick, i have more. heehee!
For such a sweet girl, you sure do take great joy in tying me up and then gagging me. And you have more? You're talking cupcakes, right? Do you know of anyone who could make chocolate chip cookies?
By the way, did you notice how caring and loving the Charade Goddess is with me? You didn't want me to go to the roof but she couldn't wait for me to get to the roof so that she could push me off.
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Howdy, Lynn -- You raised many a question and I really need to put some thought toward each instead of just blurting out what first comes to mind.
I believe Marty saying, "least that's what they tell me," is there for a reason. I don't think a director and/or writer puts those words in Marty's mouth without purpose. If Marty just said, "Not quite, I'm eighth Cherokee, the rest is Welsh and English," it could be treated as word. But the words of "least that's what they tell me," leaves the speculation door wide, wide open.
There is A LOT of silent communication between Ethan and Martha. Martha is protecting Ethan. I'll see if I can post those moments.
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"well honk my ****!" those are just loverly pics, you are such a sweet sweetheart!
Thanks!
N-T. Big difference.
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Hiya, Super Sweet T! -- i only play rough around you, frankie. heehee! so youre saying you will watch Pride and Prejudice? because it IS better than watching gary cooper movies...in your words. heehee! im not agreeing with that, but you are evidently. heehee!
Pride and Prejudice better than a Coop film? Hmmmmm. I need to retract my statement. I'm gonna watch P&P and afterwards I'll promptly head to roof with John Doe.
I plan to. I'm not going to watch your trashy films.
you must be confusing me with yourself. heehee! im not the one watching Zodiac.
Zodiac is not trashy. That's classy.
i only watch lovey dovey movies that make you so happy that you cry.
Precisely. Trash!
oh gloria grahame. i wasnt thinking outside the box. heehee! i kept seeing the G in front and thinking grace kelly b/c thats who you usually put.
Gloria and Grace do so much more for you than GREER.
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I think there is something very important in what Marty says:
"Least that's what they tell me."
He only knows what the adults have told him. Has he been told the truth?
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Hey, Molo -- Hey Frank, Hope you enjoy the movie. I'm easy to please especially when Gloria's in the picture. Stop by after you see it and share your thoughts.
I'm definitely interested to see how Gloria fares against Maureen O'Hara, who I find to be very impressive.
Howdy, Double R -- I just watched THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL for, maybe, the fourth time. Absolutely sensational movie! Flawlessly scripted, it keeps you on the edge of your seat as much as any thriller. That's screenwriting! Steven Spielberg called it "one of the best movies about movies." I agree. But that's just the beginning of the credit I assign to this treasure.
Miss Grahame was such a chameleon, I sometimes forget what I've seen her in. OKLAHOMA, for Heaven's sake! She did musical comedy! She's the best thing in THE BIG HEAT and IN A LONELY PLACE. In fact, she's the best thing in most of her projects. A delightful performer.
You know, I've yet to watch The Bad and the Beautiful and it's a film I've been wanting to see. Your words push me closer to the brink. I need to put aside some time to check out Gloria's Oscar-winning performance.
Hey, MildredPierceFan -- Love your thread!
I just saw her in Sudden Fear. She was EVIL! That's her most EVIL performance I've ever seen her in.She was soooooo cold and heartless, it was creepy. Especially when it's just her voice on a record talking so matter of fact and practical about killing Joan Crawford's character. Ok, so it's more of a Joan Crawford vheicle, but Gloria does a good job.
I agree! Of the Double G films I have seen to date, I'd say "Irene Neves" (Sudden Fear) is her nastiest character. I love her!
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I can see the point of view of both the fox and the hound. There was no idea yet of directors as "auteurs", so in the realm they operated within---a realm they created for the directors, not vice-versa with the sole exceptions of Chaplin and Griffith---movies were logically under the producers' control. Logically, even if not always in the best interest creatively.
I understand a studio head and/or exec producer wanting to get the most out of their investment, but there needs to be some trust and faith shown in a director. If they want to direct the picture, they should do just that. A studio head must also understand what kind of director they are hiring for a project. There are "yes" directors to be found. You don't get married with the idea you are going to change your spouse.
Thank goodness he was a dictator on his best pictures, like Wind, because I do not believe anyone else could have made it better.
You'll get no argument from me. I doubt others would have poured as much into a picture like Gone with the Wind. FYI, I like what Selznick did with Spellbound, which is one of my favorite Hitch films.
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Baseball season begins today (okay a couple teams played last night but everybody plays today) and I?m so excited I might bust!!!! The non-baseball winter months drag by slower and slower every year but finally America?s pastime begins again today. Hopefully Frank and I won?t get into too many arguments during the season since our teams (Astros and Pirates) are division rivals. Of course, the Pirates don?t usually put up much of a fight (sorry that?s a low blow!).
Low blow? Just the truth. I don't think the Bucs are anyone's rivals. Don't worry, we'll still get in plenty of arguments this year. They just won't be about baseball.
And this is for Poofy Polka Dots
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Uh...You got a fever, FrankGrimes?
I'm just living up to my promise. Do you see how much of a pushover I am when it comes to a certain blonde princess?
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Hola, SoKyle! -- Excellent Coop poster, Kyle!
The painted ones are the best. Nice selection for today. You're on it. That should bring a smile to Di's face.
I also loved the Harlow posters from a few days ago. Very nice.
Hi, Whistlin' Gypsy! -- You can only choose one of those deadly whims. Just one.
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Wonderfully said. I thought I'd open the door for you to wax poetic on your David.
But my question was legit as I did not understand how you viewed Selznick as "Scarlett." Thanks for clearing that up for me.Many like to put him down (just as they do Scarlett) because he was a ruthless producer, just as they do all the moguls, but personally I've always admired those guys---because they all had more than just a lust for money that characterizes the robot cash registers running "studios" today. They had passion and in David's case, genuine understanding of what works on film and with the audience not to mention a keen eye for talent.
Some did and some didn't. I'm someone who does give Selznick credit because I do believe he cared about film and not just about making money. The problem I have with him is that he was too much of a control freak. He fancied himself a director, and some would say, dictator. That's a big no-no with me. He certainly wasn't the only one, either.
That one made me chuckle. It's quite alluring, don't ya think? I'm sure the ladies will flock to such an attraction.
The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread
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Not even Stanwyck, eh?