FrankGrimes
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Posts posted by FrankGrimes
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*Meanwhile..ha.. "movie watching minds" think alike.. ha. Because even though I am SURE the QT would love one under the tree this year too, ha (tough break for him.. he will NOT be seeing one, I assure you)*
That's what you think! I've been talking with Santa and...
*I have to confess that YOU were the first person I thought of when I heard that line in that movie..ha.*
That's because you know I have to deal with wrongheaded snippiness!
*I said, I bet the old Grey Dude is putting one of THOSE on his Christmas wish list to Santa, even as we speak.
*And I'm sure I'll get one since I've been nothing but nice this year.
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*Oh blah blah blah.. you are the glueman koo koo katchoo! (ha)
*And I know just what to do with it!
*PS.. tick tock, tick tock.. only 6 more days of November...*
Hey! I said I'd get the DVD in November. Now I can take my sweet ol' time watching it.
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That's hilarious! I need about a dozen of those!
So much stubborness! And here I thought women were so loving! I need an endless supply of glue!
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Bonsoir, Fille Vivante -- *They both needed to become involved in a relationship that was a two-way street for them to be emotionally fulfilled.*
Most definitely. All they could do is dream of how it would be. But the dream is often never as good as the reality. It's the ones who can love the reality over the dream who tend to be more happy, in the end.
*There's that chemistry metaphor again.*
An inexact science if ever there was one.
*I was being facetious with my bullet points. I think we should all work on being the best human being we can be for ourselves. Hopefully our love can find us as this whole actualized human being.*
There was actually a lot of truth to your bullet points. A man is often taken by the woman who shows interest in him.
*Yeah. It's those danged love chemicals. They blind our good senses.*
Boy, do they ever.
*Okay. Thanx for clearing up his Milan trip. Ahhhh Stefan Stefan Stefan. That poor blind knuckleheaded squirrel. If only he had taken one small teensy tiny little step to meet her; take a chance. He might've found what what he was looking for...IF he was really looking for it.*
I don't believe he was looking for her. She was easy to see if he was looking for her. I believe what he was seeking was unattainable. There is no perfection with humans. He was seeking a perfect goddess and Lisa had created a perfect god with Stefan.
*Geee. That's so horrible. And sort of empty. Nameless...*
To not be remembered is painful. Lisa remembers every little detail about Stefan and he doesn't even know her name, the most basic of a caring memory. Not everyone is good at remembering things, but I do believe some of that is attached to how you prioritize your mind. We place the importance on what to remember. Most people think self, above all else. This is why they don't remember things about others.
*Whoa. Wow. I had to read that sentence a bunch of times. Like a dog chasing his own tail. Humans, we better get it together. "Those whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad." I don't want to chase my own tail. I want to keep it simple, stupid. Awww heck, with all this tailchasing, finding love is like looking for a needle in a haystack. In fact, finding the needle may in some cases be easier.*
I happen to agree with you since I've never experienced love.
*When you search for the perfect woman through many women, you don't have to commit to settling down with ONE woman. You look like you're making a concerted effort, but you're really not. A genius way to go through life. (Oh, and vice-versa - this goes for the gals too).*
That's right. I think there are quite a few men who'd rather have multiple women at their beckon call versus one. I also think women are much more inclined to believe in one true, everlasting love. Again, I think Stefan and Lisa are quite representative of each gender.
*I don't believe Stefan could ever have a deep emotional relationship.*
*Yeah. Why should he.*
Because it's more fulfilling.
*I think we all share some of the other gender's traits.*
Surely. But we have a dominant side. We are who we are.
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Leave it to me to ruin such ideas!
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And what about the key word, CinemAva?
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I didn't catch that part, either. Silly us.
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Good evening to you and Jackie! It looks like you both ended up enjoying *Letter from an Unknown Woman*.
*I like happy endings. I'm a sucker for 'em.*
Oh, no! Not you, too!
*It fills my heart, and then drops me into the abyss. I don't know exactly wha'chacallit. The closest way I can define it, is that I've been* *Ophul'ed. It's a whole bunch of ingredients all balled up in a love story: heroes who become self-aware too late; heroines trapped by an obsession of their own making; Love that renders them helpless because its brand is stamped upon their DNA. Total Surrender.*
I have seen three of Ophuls' films ( *Letter from an Unknown Woman* , *The Reckless Moment*, *Caught* ), and I'm convinced he's one of the greatest of directors of woman. All three of the films I have seen have placed woman in the lead. Two of them feature the dreams of a woman and the other is her fears. All three are rather absorbing, emotionally.
*"...Unknown Woman" had me on a roller coaster. With just one look, Fontaine (playing "Lisa") falls in love with piano virtuoso Jourdan (playing "Stefan"**). Now again, we can go through this whole "is-she-really-in-love?" thing because she adjusts her life and prepares herself for a man who doesn't even know she exists. At least here she's a little older as Lisa than she was as Tessa, so I'm more inclined to give her the, SHE'S-IN-LOVE, more readily.*
Tessa (Joan Fontaine in *The Constant Nymph* ) is in love with a family friend. She knows the man, personally. She likes how he treats her, how he makes her feel. There is a real connection between her and her crush. Lisa's (Joan Fontaine in *Letter from an Unknown Woman* ) crush is different in that she doesn't know him. She can only dream of who he is. I believe both girls do love these men the way a little girl would.
*How long does it take to fall in love? Is there a time limit? Is 'one look' too brief? I don't think so. I like to believe the heart knows what the heart knows.*
I'm with ya. I think just a look can create a chemical reaction within.
*Lisa knows all about Stefan. If this were the 1960's instead of the 1900's she'd be collecting Tiger Beat magazine and cutting out articles on him and having his pictures on her bedroom wall.*
That's funny! And you're right.
*When she tells a young Lieutenant who's interested in her, that she's already engaged, my jaw dropped. She was traveling down a one-way street and I didn't want to feel the pain of her self-destruction. It's so one-sided; she's having this relationship all by herself and Ophuls is going to make me walk down that one-way street with her. I want to see what happens, but I don't want to go.*
"She's having a relationship all by herself." That's superb! So many of us end up doing this.
*When Lisa and Stefan meet "officially" I really feared for her. Handsome devils like that usually break a girl's heart like stepping on a twig. He passes her and then notices her on the sidewalk as she looks like a deer caught in his high-beams. He begins to introduce himself to her, but it isn't necessary because she says she knows who he is. But I notice he doesn't ask who she is. (Ah-haaaa!) She's studied him.* *"Is there anything about me you don’t know." I had mixed emotions here, all jumbled up. At first I thought there was something the matter with him. ("Dude, why do you think she knows all about you. She's a stalker! What...what...what are you doing?!! Get outta there, man!) But again, who wouldn't be flattered? He basks in her adoration. I felt sorrier and sorrier for Lisa. She was like a cipher. And he took and took. And took.*
Those with a grand ego love the spotlight and pedestal. They need it, for they wither away without it.
*But is it taking if a person wants to give?*
That's a great question. I'd say that it's not. But what the takers don't realize is they'll get more if they give a little back to the giver. A giver (pleaser) usually wants love and appreciation. And this is why it can get messy, because takers are rarely good at love and appreciation. They usually love and appreciate themselves, above all else.
*But during their amusement park train ride through the scenic wonders of the world, I felt Stefan's transformation...or maybe it was (finally) a transference. A transference of love. He starts to question her, to listen to her, to get her to talk...to get her to talk about herself. I liken the train ride to that Waltz of love in "...Madame de...". (The dance becomes the falling...) He becomes attentive, a partner in this whole thing. Love is a give and take. In fact, if both partners give...everybody gets.*
I believe Lisa was inspiring Stefan. That's what his great turn-on was and is. So even though it may seem like he's wanting to learn more about Lisa, I believe he's still the focus.
*I love his ease and earnestness with her in this second phase of the movie. I love his romance of her. Probably for the first time, and not with any other girl, has he been so earnest. (Or is that the Romantic in me?) He's so into her now, that I came to the conclusion that Persistence is the key:*
** Love the man you want*
** Prepare yourself for him*
** Stick around his environs and he will eventually fall for you*
I believe love can actually work that way. Men loved being wanted and needed.
*Lisa lives a lifetime in that one night with Stefan.*
Absolutely brilliant!
*He cares for her.*
Hmmmmmmmm...
*She spends the night with the dashing handsome Frenchman. I think she was over the moon with the whole night. I was happy for her. She got what she wanted.*
"She got what she wanted." Precisely. This is similar to *Caught*, where the woman gets what she wanted. Is she happy with it?
*There's a shot of her going into his room, where Ophuls has the camera at the same vantage point as when Lisa watched Stefan bring women into his apartment earlier in the film. Now SHE is one of the girls brought in. And she will get "the prize."*
Danger! Danger! Danger! But we can be so blind with who we love.
*Does it matter if you're loved as long as you can be with the one* *you love?*
Sensational question! You always ask the best questions.
That definitely happens in life and marriage. Some people marry for security or status. That's what they love. If you marry for love, then it will wreck you if the one you love doesn't love you back.
*Perhaps someone could correct me or fill me in on Stefan's two-week trip to Milan. We've seen this scene before...cinema's typical railway goodbyes (*"Since You Went Away"* etc).; parting is palpably such sweet sorrow. "Promise me you won't vanish," he implores.* *"I won't be the one who vanishes," she replies. Did she give up on him? Did she leave him before he left her? Did she think she couldnot possibly keep him after their one night of love, that that one night could not sustain her after all the time she spent on loving him...*
*Or was it simply that Stefan didn't come back to her after his two-week stint out of the country. It couldn't be that, he didn't look like he wanted to leave her at the railway station. (I wish NY had more romantic railway stations. Amtrak is not romantic!) His colleagues called to him several times that the train was ready to pull out. Did he just not come back to her after those two weeks? It was a little unclear to me...or is it the romantic in me simply didn't want to believe he wouldn't come back.*
He didn't return and Lisa knew, deep down, he wouldn't. She knew she was committed to him forever and he was committed to himself. The young genius was no longer. He was no longer relevant in his world and this crushed him. Lisa who? In Lisa's world, she was irrelevant to Stefan. That crushed her.
*The movie feels like it's in three parts: The young school girl who falls head over heels, a mature woman making a life for herself...settling for Security over Love. And then the chance to "go home again" to revisit, rekindle and to painfully accept. Stefan and Lisa meet again. She tries to fight it, but can't. (YaY!) And Stefan is so grateful:*
She wants to be needed by Stefan. He says he needs her, but he doesn't. He only wants her for that moment. Lisa is just another girl to him. They are all nameless to Stefan.
*Ophuls' story wraps itself like the coiled shell of a snail. Fontaine is fantastic starting out as a young girl who finally "sees" the man she's loved. Jourdan does a great job as the selfish lover who has all that he needs in the palm of his hands and squanders it away. I can't help think a little of "VERTIGO." (I'm no longer angry or disturbed by it as I was a couple of weeks ago when I saw it in the theatre. I'm back to my romantic schoolgirl notions of it). But "Vertigo" comes to mind b'cuz of obsession. When a man becomes obsessed, he wants to change the person to fit his ideal in order to love her. When a woman becomes obsessed she wants to change herself for him in order for him to love her. I haven't quite worked that out, so if it has a crackpot ring to it, please forgive me.*
That's great! And I would have never seen *Letter from an Unknown Woman* as the "female *Vertigo*," but it really is.
Jackie -- *Whose life was the more wasted, I wonder?*
Excellent question! I'd say Stefan's.
*The scene where Lisa finally SEES Stefan, for the very first time really, late late in the movie, after years and years of looking at him, loving who she thought he was...... and she finds the cruel, callow and the heartless in him. .... she hears him, not through the filter of her love, but the plain unromantic reality.... well, I'd like to know what it was that Ophuls actually did in those scenes to make US see and feel what she sees and feels so deeply.*
Nicely said. Lisa finally sees the truth, as you wisely point out.
*It's almost sickening, knowing what she gave up, and how little he would care, should she have let it slip.... she cannot tell him. His words that have always seemed meant only for her, have no special meaning after all, she only invested them in her mind with depth and specialness. His quiet longing for a true love was really only a line, at best a petty longing for a little diversion, some champagne and a cuddle with another warm figure.*
The way I see Stefan and Lisa is man and woman. Stefan talks about looking for his goddess. He's looking for the perfection of woman, which doesn't exist. He's to forever chase a fantasy. Conversely, Lisa has created her perfection with Stefan. She sees him as her perfect mate. She is now chasing her own fantasy, even though the person is a reality. I think Stefan is very representative of man and Lisa is very representative of woman.
*There is something..... something unsatisfied in Stefan that makes me think that she was not far off the mark... she saw he was longing for something different. I think the saddest part of the movie was that in her fear and longing, her retreating....she was possibly the perfect woman for him, one who might have inspired him, and helped turn him from a selfish boy to an emotionally complete man and artist. I was hoping for at least this at the end, that she would inspire him to change and play his music again.*
I don't believe there is a perfect woman for Stefan, in reality. I believe he searches for a perfect woman through many women. This can be very "male." Lisa has her focus on just Stefan. She believes he is the perfect man.
*But this makes the tragedy all the more awful, that it is probably too late for Stefan to change or to go back and play the way he did. It's over for him, just as it is for Lisa, and her son. But now he has self-knowledge, and it's too terrible to contemplate. The very thing he wanted, that would make him a better man, is the very thing he tossed aside through simply being himself. It was in his nature to take and to waste - himself, and others.*
He's about himself. He doesn't even know Lisa's name. John (Art Smith), the one who cannot speak, is the one who tells him who Lisa is. He cared about Lisa more than Stefan ever did. Stefan lived for moments. Lisa is about a lifetime.
*They were two ships that passed very close in the night, brushing against one another even, missing their opportunity to have a real deep emotional relationship, a huge love, only by a hair. In many ways they were exactly the same - and perfect for one another. She, who could not commit to the reality that she made for herself (her husband and son) and instead lived all in her imagination; and he, who could not commit to any woman, but longed for one woman who was different. To go through one's life searching, wanting, but never knowing that it's near, and then to only learn how close you came when it is all but over, well that's devastating and what's more, it's tragic.*
I don't believe Stefan could ever have a deep emotional relationship.
*I wonder why no one brought up Ophuls a few years back when we were all taking the film classes that used to go on here.*
I don't believe anyone was into Max Ophuls that much during those days with the possible exception of ChiO.
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*Como estas, Francisco!*
No mal. usted?
*Yeah, that's what I'm afraid of. Why don't you give "THE TATTERED DRESS" a whirl. I posted the link in the post below. It's not girlie and catty.*
I've already watched it, Catty.
I'm trying to watch a film for everyone with my next group of flicks. That one was "yours." *The Women* is for the next group.*That's gotta be tough, Grimesy...everybody hiding. Somebody's got to make the first move. I guess that'll be up to the fun girl who'll make you feel comfortable.*
Well, that's always been a major problem with me.
*Yes, one should. But a little trip to the drugstore should help prevent things from...happening.*
I have family members who are parents who have informed differently.
*Ha! I prescribe two Gable movies and call me in the morning. We'll get that chemistry going and put you back on your two little feet before no time.*
I wish it was that easy! Interestingly, I've been watching a lot of Gable, of lat
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Hola, CinemAva -- *And a very very lovely Grace Kelly evening to you, Grimesy Me Boy.*
Ooooooooh, thank you!
*Ohhhh no. Now do I feel bad. I recommended it, and you didn't care for it. :-(See, that's< why I never play your "how would YOU rank I like this film?" +game. I'd be no good!*
No! I like watching all kinds of films. I'm glad that I watched *The Constant Nymph*. Your suggestion was a good one. And you should never shy away from guessing if I'd like a film or not. I enjoy the guessing, from either side of the fence.
*I'm still holding on to it developed into something more the older she got.*
And that's definitely what the film wishes you to feel.
*Meow! But I like big grown up themes too. Sort of. No wait, I do. I do.*
A mix is always good.*Yes. I wonder what you'll think of Joan Fontaine in "The Women." Oh wait...what am I saying? You're avoiding it like the plague. Ohhhkay. I'm not suggesting it, recommending it or hinting you watch it. Don't see it! I'd feel responsible for a miserable two hours you can never get back.*
For you, I'm gonna watch it. I have major doubts about me liking it, of course.
*Say, why do you like shy and fearful girls?*
I like that they are scared to admit their feelings. I can relate to them.
*You mean as characters in movies, right?*
I like those kind of girls in reality, too. It's just difficult when I run into them because my feelings are hidden and so are theirs. I mostly like fun girls who make you feel comfortable.
*WoW. You just now made me think of Scottie Ferguson in "VERTIGO." He brushed Judy into Madeleine. He almost made it with the control thing, didn’t he? But Karmic justice took over. (Didn't John Lennon say: "Instant karma's gonna get you..." *
Oh, absolutely. "Madeleine" was Scottie's ideal. When you hold an ideal in your head, it makes it difficult for any others to live up to that high standard.
*What? Et tu Brutus? What's +with< this "Letter from an Unknown Woman"???*
You should definitely watch it. And I didn't know Jackie had not seen yet, either. I think she'd absolutely love it. Probably more so than you. But I think you'll like it, too. *The Constant Nymph* is the lighter side. *Letter from an Unknown Woman* is the darker side.
*Can a person be spiritual and not religious? Do you believe 'religious' and 'spiritual' are two separate entities, or mutually exclusive?*
I believe the two can be separate, without a doubt. Religion is organized spirituality. You are to follow the teachings of your religion and find a kinship with your fellow members. Spirituality outside of religion is freer but you will be viewed differently by the organized. "It's easy when you make up the 'rules' " is a common mantra.
*Sometimes some people don't sleep with people they truly love. (If you love 'em, that's great...that’s nice). For some people, being in love does not have to be a pre-requisite for sleeping with them. (I'm skirting and skating and slipping and sliding and minding my p's and q's around another possible hornet's nest...so let me tread very carefully). IMHO, I believe consequences can be avoided... prevented...even before the hot and the heavy begin, to ensure no child comes out of any union. And I agree, that once the child IS here...well, hey...the kid didn't ask to be here... it is better for the parents to love or at the very least, respect each other.*
Most everyone believes it won't happen to them. I've always operated under the assumption that it will happen to me. I believe you have to think of the child before the child arrives.
*They say, men use love to get sex, and women use sex to get love. But I'm not sure who "They" is. I just know "They" get quoted a lot. Don't sue me.*
I believe that mindset is stronger than ever, today. Girls are quick to do it. A girl's need for love is so much greater today because so many parents are selfish. Girls are looking outside the home for "love."
*Chemistry. And I'm horrible with science!*
*Hmmm...why don't I believe that Monsieur Pasteur?*
It's very true.**
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*Kim put the title on it with the pretty rose. she did such a pretty job! she made it for my Greer website!*
Oh, no! That makes it twice as awful!
I can't believe she even showed up after that! Dreadful!
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I can't believe Greer grew them!
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Awful! Just awful!
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I sensed danger!
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I'm blocking all of Sweet T's pics!
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A Hitch good evening to you, Lively Gal -- I like how you use pictures in your posts. It's wonderfully done.
*Wow guys. I spotted a film on both your lists that so resonated with me on a great emotional level, but ranked so low with you two, that I felt compelled to reply to your conversation with my own thoughts and take on that film.*
Terrific! That's what I wish for! And I watched *The Constant Nymph* film because you suggested it to me.
*I thought Joan and Joyce were darling together. I must see "LETTER FROM AN UKNOWN WOMAN." Sooner than later. Huh...whoa, 'little girl' film?*
*Letter from an Unknown Woman* grew in my estimation after I discussed the film in private with Miss G. I believe it's a must watch for you. The film mirrors *The Constant Nymph* from a girl's point of view, but it also adds a male element into the mix. The two worlds cross and the results are rather fascinating. Both male and female desires are on display.
*I don't think Lewis loved Tessa at 14. A fond affection, sure, but not love. I bought lock, stock and barrel their affection for each other. He was a family friend that the girls could have a crush on. The first man outside their father where they could work out those feelings SAFELY, without him taking advantage of them.*
I completely agree. Such crushes even happen within a family. I had a crush on my mom's cousin. I can tell a young girl in my family has a crush on me. The crushes are completely one-sided.
*I believe Lewis finally came to love Tessa when she was old enough to receive his love. Her love, her bringing out his music, her becoming a more socially acceptable age would give him the go-ahead to go full steam ahead. I agree that he loved that she understood his art. We all want to be understood.*
I still wonder about Lewis' love of Tessa and their entire relationship. I feel as if Lewis is being worshiped by Tessa and Lewis is looking after her like a father would do with a daughter. His worry over her feels like a parental worry, not a spousal worry.
*Miss G. I think her love was girlish idolization. It probably feels like love to a fourteen year old, but everything is so intense at that age at the beginning of puberty.*
And, as you say, what kind of experience does Tessa have to draw from? How many times have we been in love in our lives?
*I agree with you Grimesy that Fontaine played it all well. I've never been a terribly big fan of hers, but I was totally charmed by her coltishness and her loose-y goose-y demeanor. I bought it, and that meant a lot b’cuz I'm a tad pre-disposed to not liking Fontaine. She came as a total surprise to me when I saw this at the TCM Film Fest, and I went with my emotions.*
I'm glad you let your emotions lead you. I usually like Joan because I like girls who are shy and fearful and I feel she plays this the best. In this film, she's actually the opposite of what I'm used to with Joan. She's full of life and very expressive.
*I have a question for you Grimesy before I continue. You mention that "The Constant Nymph" "It's a ‘little girl’ film," Are you using that term b'cuz the film was from the p.o.v. of the young girl or in the same sense when folks talk about "women's films" and "men's films"?*
It's the P.O.V. that I'm referring to. But I also believe that if you've been a little girl, you're going to connect with *The Constant Nymph* more so than someone who hasn't been. The feelings of a girl are being presented.
*I read a previous post of yours in response to Jackaaaaay, (Hey Jaxxxon!) re:* *"ALL ABOUT EVE." You found it catty. Catty's usually associated with "women’s film." Would you say "All About Eve" is a woman's film? Just wanted a little clarity on your point of view.*
Yes, I would say that. I believe women would appreciate *All About Eve* more so than men. Men are rather secondary in the film. They are window dressing.
*"Catty" sees a film through a particular prism and not a particularly flattering one. I found "All About Eve" to be very similar to "Sweet Smell of Success" in terms of banter that was smart, biting, clever; New York cocktail party or drawing room talk, which you may not prefer but is it 'catty'? The only difference is one film is about a woman, and the other film is about a man. (In fact, both films seem to be about symbiotic relationships). Would you characterize "Sweet Smell of Success" as catty? (Have you seen "SSoS"?)*
I'd say the comparison of the two films is very good and apt. And I would say *Sweet Smell of Success* is male "catty." Since I'm a guy, I enjoy the male "catty" to the female "catty."
*Stay away from "The Women"...ugh! You’ll probably hate it. It's catty (oops!) and really shows women can't be friends. I love it though.*
I've been avoiding it like the plague! But I'm actually open to watching it. I do know it's a favorite of yours. You like catty!
*I believe Tessa loved Lewis as much as a fourteen year old girl psychologically can love. At fourteen, I think "love" is fool's gold. I don't mean to be perjorative, and am NOT saying a young girl is a fool at that age. Not at all. To a young girl it looks and feels like love to her. And it is a "kind" of love. (No grown-up should be fooled by this and act on this. Maybe he is the fool of 'fool's gold'). But a fourteen year old cannot love in the full bloom and knowledge and maturity of Self. All that goes a long way in experiencing love in a mature way. Love so young is immature, quixotic. (Did Roddy McDowall love Lassie, he did...he did. I felt it when he said "You're my Lassie come home.") That's the way children love. Intense and with all their little tiny hearts. And tomorrow they want a pony.*
I'm with you on all of that. The idea of love is always perfect. All of your hopes and dreams are painted with all the right strokes since it is you who is doing the painting. Enter the object of your love and affection, and that changes things. They cannot be controlled. Now there are two people holding the brush. How we see a person is never how they really are.
*Not having seen "Letter from an Unknown Woman" yet, I can't judge...but I'll say I believe I understand what you mean when you say both movies attempt to show what young love, or first love feels like. I love the "attempt" to show this.*
Yes, first love is shown and then it becomes much more complex, from then on out. There is more depth found in *Letter from an Unknown Woman*.
*Grimesy, I don't think a grown man can be in love with a 14 year old girl. Wait, hold up...maybe he can. But he shouldn't. She is not ready. It would have been unseemly if Lewis acted any other way with Tessa. Some men no doubt, are flattered by a young girl's idolatry. Honestly, who wouldn't be. You are the sun and the moon to the poor kid. The adult is holding all the cards. What's the kid holding? She has nothing to compare the man to; she hasn't built up enough life experience. I am suspect of cultures that laud Virginity as a value. Somehow it speaks to some type of mass insecurity in Man, who would inculcate their entire society...male and female with value in that value; and then to carry it to such a wacky degree to make promises of an after-life full of virgins, gee willikers.*
I'm not religious, so my opinion on the topic is purely my own. My philosophy has always been, if you're going to sleep with someone outside of marriage, you better truly love that person because of the consequences. Because if a child comes about, it's no longer about you, it's about your child. Their best interests come first. And I believe a child is better off with parents who love each other.
What's wrong with today's world is that sex has become selfish and too many children are being born out of that selfishness. You want a child to be born out of love, not just sex.
*I'd hate to think of Tessa meeting some other type of man who takes advantage of this young uninformed version of Love; she might become psychologically stunted as she becomes a young woman, trying to recreate that same feeling of "love" with every young man she meets. I thought the relationship was handled pretty tastefully in "The Constant Nymph." And I know, I know...I am no psychologist.*
I don't think there was any chance of another man entering her life where she was in life. I don't think she "saw" any other guy.
*Awwwww. I guess a little bit of Korngold goes a long way for you two. Me? I enjoyed the music, hence it didn’t bother me throughout the film. Big, brassy, bombastic, soaring. (I know I know...you say loud, heavy, overbearing). I watched some of THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE during Lana's blonde night, and there is a moment (though I can't remember specifically where in the film) when Lana and Garfield are either in a clinch...or breaking from a clinch and the music comes blaring in and then goes soft. It makes me laugh. It seems so intrusive, discordant with what’s going on that moment between them. It builds up and then quickly subsides. Geez! But I bring this up to say I do have moments of finding 1940's movie music to be somewhat an "...interruptus" to the action.*
Everybody has their "too much." I tend to be more bothered by the bombastic in dramas. I don't like it when music is pushing hard on me on how to feel.
*One last point. Is understanding alone, love. No, understanding alone is not love. I think "Understanding" has had a bad rep ever since movies (and real life) espoused: "My wife doesn’t understand me." (If I had a nickel every time I h...). Love encompasses so many things, among them: desire, commonality, trust, world-view, etc. Hey...love is a many splendored thing.*
Chemistry. And I'm horrible with science!
*Welllll... whaddya expect; it was a woman's film.*
Exactly!
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Romanticized Ford? Now this really is torture!
That was a very lovely post, Jackie. Somebody is a romantic.
And wonderful screen caps. Expertly done!*I also like bookish, literary movies a lot.*
*It's a genre that Ford does very, very well... he seems to have thrown himself fully into the process in each film, creating literary works without losing any enjoyment at all. This is such a Ford baby, it seems to me - he's pulling and tweaking certain themes purely for his own pleasure, in order to bring three disparate stories into a cohesive recording of an Ireland that no longer exists - or like in The Quiet Man, maybe one that never really did.*
That's really good. It does seem like this was a "Ford baby." I believe you're right on.
*The main thing I like is the film's use of The Abbey Theatre Players. This is like stepping into Irish theatre history for me, and I am thrilled that these magnificent, highly skilled actors are captured for all time, and not one is a dud. The way each and every member plays off the other, perfectly in tune, adding such character through bits of business in the most natural way, well, it is a thing of beauty.*
I liked that, as well. They seemed to have a lively nature to their performances.
*The second film especially had split second timing and a sense of whimsy - each player had a distinct set of parameters or a job to do, which added to the comedy. You got to know them - what everyone was going to do and how they would react each time they were stopped. I loved how familiar the routines became, like the barmaid hoisting herself over the bar every time the train was ready to leave, or the Brits looking on disapprovingly when the people came rushing back.. Ah, it's a beautiful thing, a piece that runs like clockwork - the very opposite of the way the train was run!*
Very nicely said! That's terrific. There really was a great sense of timing needed in "A Minute's Wait." Timing is often essential with comedy. It was a very charming story.
*Of the three stories, I really liked the last one, 1921, the best. I believe it was based on real events, or at least it feels like it, and the camera work showed how completely skewed the whole situation in Ireland was.*
That was also my favorite story of the three. I loved how it ended up being about the husband and wife. "We should be doing something about this, but... "
*Clocks play a large part in this film as well, since there is a hanging to be done. I enjoyed the the way humor was brought into a basically dramatic story. The tone changes imperceptibly, becoming lighter while staying very personal, with the switch up played more and more comically as the story goes on:*
That's a superb observation. The tone gradually changes during the story. It's a lovely transition.
*And of course, Denis O'Dea and Eileen Crowe as the police sergeant and his wife who let Sean Curran get away while they are arguing.*
I thought they were wonderful. They are elders who turn youthful.
*It turns out that there are some things more precious than 500 pounds reward.*
*The arts are often seen as useless, or foolish, at best, but in this case, they actually save the lives of a put-upon people, and of Sean Curran - twice. Sean poses as a balladeer, no accident either, and it is a song that prevents him from being picked up by the Black and Tans, who think that such matters are folly.*
Excellent! You're so right about that. Such people are highly unimportant and useless with reality is the thinking.
*In the second film, One Minute's Wait, the train's engineer is also a storyteller of the finest caliber, though he never gets to the end of his story. Life revolves around not time, or the clock, but an almost musical series of fortuitous happenings. Wine, story and song are the things that tie people together.*
Beautiful! And I love the irony of time that is found in "A Minute's Wait." "No more than a minute!"
*In the first story, The Majesty of the Law, there are no clocks, in fact, the main character says he'll make his appointment with the law on "Friday" if that is alright with all parties concerned, a tenuous date. The Law plays a big part here, as the title shows, and it links us to the* *1921 episode. The arts are again referred to - but as a sliding away and we come to realize that the art these characters are really talking about is the art of living - whether it be making poteen, or the making of colloquial conversation. Here in what's left of the old country, the most miniscule argument is actually a matter of honor and dignity. These are the lost arts of Ireland, lost with time and an uncaring new order that looks to the clock or a law book instead of seeing magic in foolish, steadfast honor or a grand tradition in little harmless liquor production.*
The "art of living." Now that is brilliant. I really didn't catch any of this. You are right, all three stories seem to revolve around art. The film is very much a "slice of life." The stories aren't as important as the people. And that's how I feel life should be.
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Bonsoir, Poison Ivy! -- *Yes, Mr. Jack falls from the hammock!*
That's because Lana is after me!
*no she isn't! She's a bad guy in disguise!*
She's an awfully cute bad guy!
*You usually enjoy the darker caracter, though. I mean I have seen you like a few fun characters, but not as many as the opposite kind. I mean you have to admit.*
This is true. I do prefer the darker, more complex characters. But I like Jamie Boy's style.
*That's not what I would consider cute, that's called being a go-getter, which is the quality I did like in her, but she wasn't exactly someone I would call sweet. When you compare other characters to her, there's really no battle.*
Awwwwwwwww, poor Fern!
*Yeah, but in the first half of the film, she wasn't with the right guy!*
She was with her husband Beaky Watson!
*Say what?!! I thought you had seen it at least once. huh. I'm always around. Such nonsense. :DOh goodie I can't wait to hear wat you have to say! OOH OOH!.....*
You?! You're the Invisible Woman!
*Jack: To Happy Days
Janet: To Good Times
Chrissy: Little House on the Prairie!
Heehee! I'm still rolling on the floor with that one!*
*Really???? Can I pretty please? I even have my long black gloves with me!*
Yes! Anything to escape *Funny Girl* !
*That cap is really funny...I'm guessing they don't tell him.*
*6 episodes? is that even possible? I know that suzanne was in it to the 5th season? are those good too?*
They're not as good as the first four seasons since Chrissy is out, but there are definitely some hilarious episodes in season five.
*Great tip with Amazon. The first season is 2 dollars! AWESOME!*
You still have to pay shipping, Silly Goose! But it's going for $5.49, which is dirt cheap.
*Yea, i'll just get April dahlink to help me throw you in!*
Who?!
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*Hey happy feet!*
Happy feet?! I've got happy feet?
*Oh like you would notice any sweetness.*
I do! I do! Brenda Joyce is sweet in *The Rains Came* !
*Me? I'm just a sweet girl. (batting my eye lids)
*Ha!
*I just spit out my hot tea. Heehee!*
It burns!
*Actually, I really like Jamie Boy, though. I think his character is so dynamic! I'm kind of surprised that you like him, though.*
Why? He's fun!
*Brenda Joyce wasn't my favorite, though. Why did you like her so much?*
She felt trapped and wanted out so she pretended to be something she's not: a bad girl who doesn't care. I thought that was cute.
*Well her little transformation may not have been the smartest thing she did.*
I didn't find it believable or interesting.
*so why didn't you like her? she sounds like one of your girls.*
I did like her in the first half of the film! It's the second half of the film where I didn't enjoy her. Darn that Rama!
*what kind of answer is that?! Anthony Perkins has a whole bunch of sides to him besides the craziness.*
For some reason, I can't get into him.
*Hey you think Daisy Duke and Chrissy are cute and I can't think Gary is a cutie? why are you so grumpy? Heehee!*
I didn't say they fixed everything!*Are you insinuating Along Came Jones is a terrible western?....You have issues. Heehee!*
That's for sure! I still have to watch that one, actually. I'd watch it if you're going to be around.
*Funny Girl is a very inspiring film, okay! it has all the essential elements to an exciting movie! just because you are a wimp and don't accept the happiness from musicals, doesn't mean they are death to watc. So there!
* Poison me now!*Oh hey guys I knew that! heehee! Actually I haven't seen the episodes with him yet.*
I believe he's in just three episodes. They are usually good.
*I am going to probably order the first couple seasons soon, because i always fall asleep waiting for it to come on TVLand at 3 in the morning. i hate that they play Three's Company so late..or in this case, so early in the morning. i'm anxious to see more episodes!*
Wow! That's awesome! The first season only has six episodes, so it's cheap. The other seasons are over 50% off at Amazon, right now. The second season is terrific. I also love the third season.
*one of what?*
A cold shower!
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*Is that the first time you've seen Gene in a movie?*
No. I love him in *Inherit the Wind*. I've also seen bits and pieces of some of his musicals.
*It's kind of a nothing part, but Marilyn lights it up. It may sound funny, but I even like that she looks a little tired, and frayed. She's still incandescent.*
I couldn't tell with Marilyn. As you say, she's incandescent. She's very bubbly.
*I love "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" (Cole Porter!) and I think Marilyn sings it best. I don't care what the "legit" aficianados say. She's the only one that sings it with the kind of innocence that keeps it from coming off too vulgar. She's the opposite of "edgy"; she softens instead of bringing an edge to things. That's a gift.*
Heck if I know any other version. I liked how she sang it. It was definitely a racy number.
*I noticed that, too. It's not as juicy a role as the movies with Doris and Rock.*
Not even close. He's very reserved.
*So what did you think of Sherlock being pitted against a villainess in The Spider Woman? I think she's one of his most colorful nemeses.*
I loved the ending. It reminded me a lot of the 60s Batman show. It was great. I thought the "Spider Woman" (Gale Sondergaard) was mostly interesting and pretty good. I usually like Gale.
I didn't like the little boy stuff. Although, the climax to that scene was also reminiscent of Batman.
I liked the twist on Sherlock and his disguises. That was good.
*You know the actress did a spin-off movie (without Sherlock)?*
No, I did not.
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Those are funny caps!
*You loved the cameos? Who am I talking to? Wait till butterscotch reads that.*
I especially liked Bing and...
*I like "Amanda"*
Mmmmmmmmm... so do I.
*and her songs*
They were mostly good.
*and Tony Randall.*
He's almost always good. He was on the quiet side in this one, though.
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*Oh, come on. I thought you were always wanting depth.*
No, not always. With Marilyn, I don't look for depth. I just like her and seeing her.
I think it's a very cute film. Loved the cameos! We can talk about it on your "Norma Jean" thread, if you like.
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*It is really good. More people should check it out. I think CineMaven would like it, if she hasn't seen it already.*
I never heard of it.
*It's my favorite of her pre-codes. It's pretty crazy. A really exotic, sado-masochistic stew.*
I like her in *The Mask of Fu Manchu*.
*I'm with Butterscotch,*
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! That's dangerous!
*I like seeing her dig a little deeper at this time. I can't think of another really serious role for her at this point in her career except "Ann", in Test Pilot. But that one had a lot of comedy, too, whereas the humor in* *The Rains Came is more bitter than really comedic. I just can't dislike Myrna in anything at this point in her career. She's wonderful.*
I think Myrna is wonderful, it's just I don't find this character to be that. I love "Ann." That's a character I'm all about.
*So, the last but not least.*
It's not last!
*Gee, I wonder why you'd like THIS musical.*
I liked the clothes.
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*The Last Sunset, a western by Robert Aldrich, is actually about that very subject.*
That sounds really good!
*I like it for the mood and setting. I love exotic romances.*
You and your exotic! I liked all the rain.
*You ought to see The Barbarian. :DThat one features an anything but tame hero.*
That's a Myrna flick that I don't have, and I have been recording Myrna's films.
*I enjoyed watching the different class systems, caste systems (Eastern and Western) clash. I liked Grandma rocking on her porch, to the deliberate discomfort of Fern's social climbing mother.*
That was all right. I did like Henry Travers and Jane Darwell.
*As for my ranking, it has to do with mood, mostly. I don't find all that much fault in it except I'd agree Ty is rather stiff.*
What do you think of Myrna?
*
A mix is always good.
The Annual FrankGrimes Torture Thread
in Your Favorites
Posted
*Nothing that could not be cured with a hatpin and a frozen rope, I assure you!!
Such violence! The QT is gonna need two dunking stools!
*I see how you are.. back peddling already...*
It's a speciality of mine!
*The Dickens you say!
That was funny!
*I am not worried.. ha.. I have the Red Man on speed dial...*
Yeah, but I talk with the Mrs.
*Ooopps.. I see you made a small typo.. I am sure that should have read, "I have been nothing LIKE nice this year... "
I'm sure Santa will feel my pain!