Movie Rambles

[molo14]

> {quote:title=rohanaka wrote:}{quote}

> Hello Molo...

>

> I got to watch The Devil and Daniel Webster this weekend...

>

> Let me know if the sound seemed uneven to you

>

> YES...though I don't think it bothered me as much as it did you..I think the biggest problem I noticed in the sound over all was that EVERYTHING was the same volume level...stuff that was supposed to be background noises was as loud as the dialogue...it was kind of hard to hear over the din. But so long as it was just one on one conversations....the sound was ok. The only time I found it too difficult was during the trial scene....there was so much "weird" noise going on w/ the voices I couldn't always discern what they were saying.

 

Hi Rohanaka,

 

Thanks for commenting on the sound! I played this on a regular tv with no sound system, just the speakers on the television. I know my hearing is messed up but I never had such a hard time with a soundtrack before except the ones I simply can't hear at all. I have to break out the headphones for those. Maybe we were having the same problem and I was perceiving it differently. I need to get a good sound system I guess.

>

> I don't remember too much about what we studied w/ regard to this story in High School. In fact we may have studied more about the author than we did the story itself (It seems I recall spending more time on By the Waters of Babylon ...also by SVBenet. But even that is a bit fuzzy...It's been about 30 years since I read all that, and as my husband likes to say...I've slept since then.)

>

> But I do think the movie is quite a bit different than the short story in terms of all the details...yet the basics are certainly all there. If I recall from what I saw in some of the stuff I looked up online...the author had a hand in the script as well

 

I have never read the story. I was always intrigued by the idea.

>

> I looked and looked on here to see if you ever posted your "ramble" on this one, but did not come across it...I would be interested in hearing from you and the Grey Guy...since you two started me on this "kick" and also from anyone else interested...I'm curious about all your thoughts on the story and the characters... I will post more of my own at another time...it's late and I need to call it a night. I will only say for now that I found myself thinking of several other stories similar to this one...two in particular...Damn Yankees came to mind...but also one that might not be as well known here...A Simple Plan. It is not at all the same in terms of plot...but the characters all find their lives completely consumed (and changed) by the love of money....it is a very bloody movie though....extremely hard to watch. But...enough of this rambling for now....I'll hope talk to you all another time.

 

I will definitely post more on this later. It's getting too late for me to go into detail tonight. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts and those of the others as well.

[molo14]

> {quote:title=JackFavell wrote:}{quote}

> I can't believe I put off seeing this film. I was afraid it would be one of those where you just spend the whole time looking at the actors because you know they died right after the movie was made.....

>

> I couldn't have been more wrong. I was captivated by the story, and of course, Gable and Monroe, who were perfect together. I didn't mean to give short shrift to Monroe, who is really great in this movie. She is so totally trusting, and yet, you can see that she has been taken advantage of over and over again.....

 

I did the same thing. MissGoddess and Laffite finally got me to watch it and I couldn't believe I had waited so long to see it. It really is a wonderful film and and it got to me on several different levels.

I want to read your comments tomorrow when I can devote adequate time. How did it get so late so quickly tonight!! Ahh! *The Misfits,* that's another ramble for tomorrow hopefully.

[JackFavell]

Goody, goody! TWO rambles by Molo coming up!

[MissGoddess]

I look forward to your rambles, MoloMacao! Especially about *The Misfits* (though I did read your words in

the "Norma Jean" thread, too---I can talk about this movie ad nauseum).

[Film_Fatale]

Goody, goody! TWO rambles by Molo coming up!

 

Awesome!!

[molo14]

Hi everyone,

 

No rambles yet.

 

MissGoddess I hope you will forgive me if I use this thread to get a little personal just briefly.

 

Some of you know that I've been taking care of my Mom for a few years now. Well today she went in for an arteriogram and it was discovered that the artery in her left leg is completely blocked. The surgery required to hopefully fix the problem is extensive and for a woman her age, she's 86, it's fairly risky. She's been admitted to the hospital and there are concerns that her heart rate is low. There is now talk of putting in a pacemaker which would delay the surgery.

 

This is all pretty intense for me. It's something I can't fix. I told the Doctor to just get her through the surgery and I'll get her through the recovery. I know everyone goes through this at some point. Still it's my Mom, I've known her all my life and I've grown very used to having her around. It may not be macho but I'm pretty shook up since I'm normally very anxious anyway. I hope to keep posting and use this board as a refuge but if I disappear for a while you'll understand. I know there are people on here facing bigger obstacles than this but I would appreciate any prayers or good thoughts you could send my Mom's way. I really believe in the power of that. Sorry for the rant! I'm off to the hospital again. Now back to the movie rambles!

[Film_Fatale]

molo,

I will most definitely be sending my prayers and warmest thoughts to you and your mother and hoping everything will go great. We'll miss you when you're not around but we'll all be thinking of you and your mom, I'm sure. And we'll definitely be looking forward to your continuing rambles whenever you're able to post.

 

Warmest holidays greetings,

Mica

[movieman1957]

It's not a rant. It's a fine thing that you can share something like this with us. You will be in my prayers as you go through this tough time.

 

You check in when you can. If we can't be a refuge from the trials of this life then we are of little use. This is a great group and you will get as much support as you need.

 

Take care of your mom but please take care of yourself.

 

All the best

Chris

[MissGoddess]

Molo I certainly will pray for your Mom and for you not to be overwhelmed---I just know she'll

pull through all right. Try not to worry too much and you always have an "escape" here if

it helps.

 

[Film_Fatale]

 

With her waiting, I know molo will be very glad to be back!

[JackFavell]

Molo- We wish your mom and you the very best. Don't worry about posting or not. it's completely unimportant, though we WILL miss you! If you need anything at all, feel free to PM me and I will do whatever I can to help out. Please take care, and try not to get too anxious.

[FrankGrimes]

I'm saddened to learn of your mom's health situation, Molo. I shall pray for her. She

will take great comfort in knowing she has a very loving son and family by her side.

 

If you ask me, you cannot find anything more macho than a man caring for a woman, in

this case, your mother.

 

Keep your head up and your heart hopeful,

Scott

[Film_Fatale]

If you ask me, you cannot find anything more macho than a man caring for a woman, in

this case, your mother.

 

It's true. :x

[rohanaka]

Hi Molo...I will pray for you and your mom that God will lift you up and give you peace about this whole situation and that he will give the doctors wisdom and skill as well.

 

This will sound a bit mushy maybe...but as a mother I have to tell you...You are behaving as every mom hopes her child will someday when she reaches that certain age. Parents always feel like they are the ones who should be watching out for their kids...no matter how old they get. But eventually time has a way of turning that around and eventually the kids start to feel the need to care for mom and dad. And when the time does finally come for the parent to be helped and cared for...it is a very good thing to see a son like you taking care of the one who cared for him.

 

Blessings to you,

 

Kathy

[lzcutter]

Molo,

 

No apologies needed, no explanations either. The situation you are in is universal and please know that you are not alone.

 

Last year my dad went through a medical crisis that took every ounce of courage that my family had to get through. Though the outcome was not what we wanted, this message board was my nightly refuge, even in the wee hours.

 

There are a few members of this board that I am indebted to for life for helping getting me through that most trying and harrowing of times.

 

This really is more than just a message board. It is a community of people who come here to talk about movies but stay because bonds of friendship are formed. I may never meet some of the people who were here for me when I truly needed it most but I will always carry their friendship in my heart.

 

We are here for you and should you need to rant, talk or just escape, we will be here to help you do what ever it takes.

 

Should you feel the need to PM, I will be there for you. Having been in your shoes, I can offer some insight to hospitals and doctors if you need it.

 

The most important thing to remember is that you are not in this alone.

 

We are here to help any way we can.

 

Message was edited by: lzcutter

[CineMaven]

Dear Molo,

 

I'm so sorry to hear of this news. My father had a little medical situation a coupla weeks ago (change of medication for his prostate) that caused him to black out. I am in my mid-50's but seeing him on the kitchen floor, I turned 10.

 

He's okay now, but I know the feeling of dread and anxiety and keeping prayerful. I hope your Mom comes through this okay. As you can see, many folks are here for you; even Gloria ;-) I see.

 

Rant-rave-ramble-laugh-cry. Geez, that's what the Message Board has become; a place where you can do that. I do hope all goes well buddy. And I'm sorry.

 

xoxo

[Film_Fatale]

Rant-rave-ramble-laugh-cry. Geez, that's what the Message Board has become; a place where you can do that.

 

It almost feels like a little family, sometimes.

[molo14]

Hi everyone,

 

Everything is on hold with my Mom right now as we await the installation of the pacemaker and then we will get a firm date on the surgery. She will need to heal from the one before they can do the other. They still want to operate as soon as possible.

 

Mom wants to go home. She told the Doctor that if he didn't fix her soon she was going to walk out of the hospital and head down Hull St. (the main road home) while she still could. She is very strong willed. Last night she told me she was going to try and be nicer to everyone and not be a grumpy patient. I think she is drawing on an inner strength and has been doing remarkably well.

 

I really want to thank all of you for your kind words. When someone is going through tough times I want to (and do) say something to them but I wonder if it does any good. After reading all of your responses I can tell you that it helps and comforts more than I can say. Truly words can not express my appreciation enough to all of you.

 

 

Mica,

 

Thank you very much and I will continue to ramble.

 

Chris,

 

If we can't be a refuge from the trials of this life then we are of little use.

 

I love what you said there. Thanks so much.

 

MissGoddess, (and Gloria )

 

I'll try not to stress too much. You certainly know the way to my heart.

 

Thank you.

 

Jackie,

 

I'll try not to get too anxious. Thanks for your kind offer. I appreciate it.

 

Scott,

 

I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks so much buddy!

 

Kathy,

 

Thank you for your prayers. What you said about the changing relationship between parent and child rings very true. Nothing hurts more than seeing someone you love being so scared and not being able to make it alright.

 

Lynn,

 

This really is more than just a message board. It is a community of people who come here to talk about movies but stay because bonds of friendship are formed. I may never meet some of the people who were here for me when I truly needed it most but I will always carry their friendship in my heart.

 

We are here for you and should you need to rant, talk or just escape, we will be here to help you do what ever it takes.

 

 

I was very touched by what you wrote. I am so glad this community was of so much comfort to you when you really needed it. Thank you so much for your kind offer of support.

 

CineMaven,

 

Thanks so much my friend. I really know what you mean about feeling 10 after seeing your father. I hope he is doing better. When it comes to our parents we may have to switch roles and care for them but on some level the thought of losing them can really turn that right back around.

 

This really is a very special community and I thank God for each and everyone of you. This place is indeed a refuge for me. God Bless all of you.

 

Larry

[molo14]

> {quote:title=JackFavell wrote:}{quote}

>

> I watched *The Misfits* for the first time the other night, and I stayed awake- oh, boy and how. I had a hard time sleeping after this one, it kept me thinking all night.

 

Hi Jackie,

 

I wanted to get the rambles rolling again. It left me with a lot to think of too. For me the film dealt with life, emotions, feeling and how to deal with it all. I thought Marilyn's character had a lot to do with that. Roslyn is always questioning. She's entering into a strange world occupied by cynics. She's not afraid to challenge them or ask why.

>

> First of all, Clark Gable was superb. Is it blasphemy to say that it was completely HIS movie? At first, I was worried that he was going to play it all in a totally different style than the other actors, but his early screen persona fit perfectly the character he was playing. He started out as the same old "King" of movies. But as he was "broken in" by Marilyn, he became more and more deep, more and more shattered by the changes in the job and the things he loved. The scene in which they are at the bar after the rodeo, when he looks for his kids just broke my heart. There was nothing of the "leading man" or "king of Hollywood" in THAT scene, just a broken man. I am so impressed with this performance, I cannot even write without choking up about it. He was wise enough to see that the very thing he loved about his job, was the very thing that was being destroyed by his job. I keep wondering now, after the movie, what will this man do now that he can't go mustangin'?

 

I strongly agree about Gable in this film. I thought it was his most moving performance. After the war and as he got older his boyish 30's charm and his mega tough persona mellowed a bit. Not so much in the comedies, but If you have ever seen *Any Number Can Play* it starts about that time. There is a more thoughtful edge. He's still tough but there is a vulnerability that lay under the surface and seeps out now and then. That scene where he is looking for his kids really is wonderful. His characterization of Gay Langland is really his crowning achievement.

>

> I loved Marilyn as well. But I guess from all the clips I've seen of this movie, I expected the performance she gave, whereas I had no idea Gable had this in him. I loved all the breaking and roping in metaphors. I loved that Gable ended up being the "horse whisperer" - the one who could finally get Marilyn tame. Thelma Ritter is on a level all by herself, setting the tone of the picture, although I would have liked to see her again later on. Clift really didn't have that much to do, but his presence was a good and quiet one, especially in balancing the horribly frightening Eli Wallach. From the minute he came onto the screen I was afraid of him, but I didn't know why. He was a ticking time bomb of a person, never fully realized. I think it was scarier of Huston to leave him out in the world than having him do something violent in the movie. I was convinced he would crash his plane or kill or rape someone. He was so dead.... I am glad that Huston did not take the easy route in this picture.... nothing ends the way you expect it to, it was a surprise all the way through.

 

I might get more into Marilyn later. There's a lot to say on that point. I thought Clift really added to the film in that he gave Roslyn more angles to figure out and it also brought out her nurturing qualities. Ritter was, as usual a highlight. I too would have been curious to see her show up later on in the film. I would have liked her take on the events that transpired after her exit. Now I do think Wallach's Gido was so on edge that he might explode at any moment.

 

here are a couple of exchanges between Frank and I from the "Norma Jean" thread:

 

*Molo:* "Gido" seemed ready to break out into an anxiety attack whenever Roslyn

was around. I could definitely see his frustration.

 

*Frank:* Gay was very good at kindly outmuscling Gido, and I believe Gido was very

aware of it. Gido knew he was losing out. This only added to his frustration. Not

only could he not have Roslyn, he was losing Gay, too.

 

*Molo:* Also the scene with "Gido" was really something else. When he offers to help

her stop Gay but only if she will agree to be with him for a while. It's a remarkable

scene, she lashes out at him with an angry and scathing rebuke that sums him

up with such clarity of thought that I was taken off guard. She's not passive in

her feelings, she's had enough. I thought that was well played by her.

 

*Frank:* Her ability to stand up to Gido says a lot

about her character. Again, if her emotions tell her to speak, she speaks. For

better or worse, her emotions guide her. The problem with such emotions is

that you end up being too trustworthy of people and this can get you hurt real

fast. I tend to believe this is where her hurt ultimately comes from. The users

will take full advantage of her and her honesty.

 

>

> Learning afterwards that Gable did all his own stunts just made it a more poignant performance- the performance of a lifetime. It is the way he would have wished to go, I think, and though I feel sorry for his wife and son, I think he did the right thing- To see that stunt work on film is amazing- as amazing as the acting he does - it will live forever thanks to the power of film.

 

I think so too though I did cringe a little during the stunt scenes knowing the history of the film. Gable has a special place in films for me because when I was a kid I thought he was the coolest guy. I think he was proud of his work.

[Film_Fatale]

Molo, it is very good to have you here already and ramblin' again. While I haven't seen *The Misfits* in a pretty long time, I just checked it out at the library today and will be watching soon... so I'll be back with some ramblin' of my own.

 

Hope everything continues to go well with your mom and giver her all our love. :x

[JackFavell]

Molo- Awesome ramble!

 

You really hit the nail on the head- you were able to pick out the things that I was just scratching the surface of, and then you describe them with such intellect...

 

I especially liked what you said about the scene in the car when Wallach is trying to barter for her affections. She just cuts through the BS with such a laser like intensity that it IS shocking. Her emotion and sensitivity, although a detriment, is also a gift..... it makes me wonder if she saw **** this way from the beginning, and was just trying to be kind to him, or if it suddenly dawned on her at that moment.... I would have to watch it again to se if I could figure that out.

 

Frank also made a good point about **** losing Gay at the same time.... I think Wallach played **** with a lot of depth, as much as I hate the character, he really got it.**** knows from the beginning he is not going to win Roslyn, but he doggedly keeps on trying. Deep inside he feels he is a complete loser and he knows he can't compete with Gay, and I think he knows that even without Gay there, he still would lose out. So when she says that he's dead, and is absolutely right, the truth is shattering, and it sets him to try and prove that he's not.....

[rohanaka]

She told the Doctor that if he didn't fix her soon she was going to walk out of the hospital and head down Hull St

 

HA! Your mom sounds like a feisty gal. I hope the pacemaker procedure goes smoothly and then things can proceed full steam ahead from there. Will continue to pray for you both.

 

Nice ramble you all on The Misfits. I've never seen this one and I know little about Gable's final days so I am very curious now after having read all this. I will certainly check it all out...my famous wanna see list is always expandable when it comes to a good addition like the one you've been describing here.

 

Best wishes again to your mom. Keep your chin up. It sounds as though you are both keeping a good attitude and that is a lot of the battle right there. Keep in touch.

[Film_Fatale]

Nice ramble you all on The Misfits. I've never seen this one and I know little about Gable's final days so I am very curious now after having read all this. I will certainly check it all out...my famous wanna see list is always expandable when it comes to a good addition like the one you've been describing here

 

I'll be watching it again real soon, too. (Checked it out at the library today). Haven't seen it in over 20 years and I'm curious how I'll feel about it after all this time.

[Bronxgirl48]

molo, I came upon this recent news of your mother about five minutes ago while perusing this thread.

 

As someone who is trying to cope with the aging of my own mother, and deal with her various health issues, (and like you, I'm also a bit of a worrier under the best of circumstances) I understand and have gone through and am going through similiar anxieties and fears. Your mom sounds like mine -- tough and ready to take on all obstacles!

 

I offer you every best wish that is in me to give you, and am here for you.

 

Love,

 

Barb

[MissGoddess]

Like Roslyn, I wanted to find "Andy Gump" for Thelma so they could get together

and flip some more hotcakes.