All the King's Men Review

girl by locker says: Several years ago I read Robert Penn Warren’s novel All the Kings Men, and I loved it. In fact, I would put it in my top 10 list of favorite books of all time. While I know movies never live up to the books, I still sat down to watch the movie version with great anticipation. For the most part, my expectations were met, and I believe that it is the universal theme of the story that resonates with the viewer. In short, power corrupts. It is with an almost morbid curiosity that we watch the downfall of a man drunk on his own authority, spiraling out of control all the while holding onto it. We sit thinking, “That would never be me. I would never lose my principles.” But would we? Are there really any honest politicians? These ideas tie back nicely to the Treasure of the Sierra Madre as we watch Bogart greedily hoard his gold. We like to think we wouldn’t be corrupted by money, but we don’t know just as we don’t know how we would act if we were to reach a political office in which we could affect change if we could hold onto the office.

These questions are what fascinate me about the movie as well as the book (though I can also say that the book is so incredibly written that I was sucked into the story and couldn’t stop turning the pages). Broderick Crawford did an amazing job in the role of Willie Stark. He convinced me that he was a “dumb hick” in the beginning and a political wheeler dealer in the end. I bought his charisma and believed that people were drawn to him. My main issue with the movie, aside from the fact that it felt slow at times, was Joanne Dru’s acting in the role of Anne Stanton. She overacted and her dramatic face turns every time someone got angry with her annoyed me to no end. For these reasons, I give the movie a 4/5 on Netflix.

Juror #3 says: I hadn't read the novel All the King's Men thus I went into the film viewing blind. The story follows Jack Burden, an idealistic newspaper man turned political lackey to one Willie Stark. Willie begins a humble, country man-of-the-people rising to the heights of political power by becoming everything he once fought against. The story is complex, with lots of moving parts but the adapted screenplay does a really good job of boiling things down to a digestible plot. The acting was fantastic, and properly acknowledged by the Academy Awards with wins for Broderick Crawford (Best Actor) for his role as Jack Burden, and Mercedes McCambridge (Best Supporting Actress) for her role as Sadie - a political gun-for-hire. All the King's Men is engaging on several levels which includes political strategy, corruption, greed and power to name a few. Snappy dialogue, powerful one-liners and passionate speeches - one of which gave me chills (Willie and his hangover) - keep the film moving at a quick pace. If I had to critique the film it would be based on some of the Director's visual choices and a few odd edits. But overall All the King's Men was deserving of its Best Picture win, and has me wondering why anyone would have tried to remake it. I rate it 4/5 stars on Netflix.  

Film 31: All the King's Men (1949)

Netflix Summary: Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford) is a model politician -- until he's corrupted by the very system he tries to reform. Based on the cautionary Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film was nominated for seven Academy Awards. It won Best Picture, as well as Best Actor and Actress for stars Crawford and Mercedes McCambridge (later the voice of the possessed Regan in The Exorcist). Stark's character is based on Louisiana governor Huey Long.

From Wikipedia: Rossen originally offered the starring role to John Wayne, who found the proposed film script unpatriotic and indignantly refused the part. Crawford, who eventually took the role, won the 1949 Academy Award for Best Actor, beating out Wayne, who had been nominated for his role in Sands of Iwo Jima.

The film was shot at various locations in California using local residents, something that was fairly unknown for Hollywood at the time.

Film Viewing Due Date: 3/16

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) Review

girl by locker says: As I sat down to write this review, I checked out IMDB to see what others thought. I read Roger Ebert's review and he writes that the The Treasure of the Sierra Madre "is a story in the Joseph Conrad tradition, using adventure not as an end in itself but as a test of its characters." To me, that sums up this movie perfectly. It is a story about three gold prospector's who head to the Mexican mountains in search of treasure, but the movie is actually more a story about greed and what gold dust can do to a man's soul.

Sierra Madre starts with our three heroes encountering one another down on their luck in Mexico and in search of of jobs. Upon Howard's (Walter Huston) suggestion, they decide to try their hand at gold mining. They begin their journey amicably enough though the moment they strike gold, their trust in one another begins to dissolve to the point where they eventually begin hiding their gold in separate locations so the others won't know where their goods are. Humphrey Bogart's descent from a "decent" man to the pit of greed was amazing.

I think the question of greed is one that we contemplate regularly. What would happen to us if we were to win the lottery or find a million dollars in a briefcase? We all like to think that we wouldn't let the money affect who and how we are, but we don't really know. That's what I liked about this movie. I liked the analysis of how wealth can affect and change a man (or person). I give Sierra Madre a 4 out of 5 on Netflix. (I took a star away because I got tired of the shoot outs with the bandits).

Juror #3 says: We are really on a roll now. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was nothing short of fantastic. So much so that I highly recommend viewers watch the commentary track available on the special features option. You will learn about some wonderful happenings like how Bogart had completely lost his hair prior to shooting the film due to taking hormone shots so he could increase his chances of having a child with Lauren Bacall. So they made him wigs to wear while shooting.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre was adapted by John Huston from a novel, he also directed the picture. The movie details the adventures of three men in their search to get rich by finding gold in the mountains. So as you would expect, greed plays a major theme. The film is brilliantly cast and includes John Huston's father Walter Huston, who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor by portraying the wise old man looking for his last big score. I can only say that Walter Huston was a joy to watch. Tim Holt plays Bob Curtain, one of the gang of three, and he acted really well with his eyes - first showing dejection, then purity. As a side note - Ronald Reagan was the first choice for this role but was unavailable. I think Holt did more than an admirable job "filling in".  Which brings us to Bogart playing a role very different from everything else I had seen him play, and he was brilliant. Bogart plays a character with a violent arc and, in the end, when he delves into madness, the audience is treated to Bogart's dedication to the role. There isn't anything not to like about The Treasure of the Sierra Madre so, for the second film in a row, I rate it 5/5 stars on Netflix.

Film 30: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Netflix Summary: Wrapped in a classic tale of adventure, this Academy Award winner helmed by John Huston follows a trio of gold prospectors who set out to strike it rich and agree to split the take … until paranoia and greed consumes one of them. Delivering superb performances as the three miners are Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt and Walter Huston, who copped a Best Supporting Actor Oscar while son John scored statuettes for his direction and screenplay.

From Wikipedia: Director Stanley Kubrick listed The Treasure of Sierra Madre as his 4th favorite film of all time in his list of his top ten favorite films, and director Paul Thomas Anderson watched it at night before bed while writing his film There Will Be Blood.

Film Viewing Due Date: 3/3

Out of the Past (1947) Review

Out of the Past scored a perfect 10 by Cinema Cram.


girl by locker says: I loved this movie. Loved it. I loved seeing a young Kirk Douglas gracing the screen as a crooked gangster. I loved seeing the onscreen chemistry between Robert Mitchum and Jane Greer and the witty banter between the two. I loved the story - a detective (Mitchum) going in search of a gangster's mistress only to fall in love with her himself and then to discover how rotten she is. I loved how Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer) is the perfect femme fatale - beautiful, smart and wicked though not done as a caricature. I loved how the movie ended (which I won't give away). I loved how beautiful the movie looked. The cinematography was amazing. There isn't a single thing I didn't like about this movie except perhaps some of the logistics to the "set-up", but I forgive because I was along for the ride. I give this movie a 5/5 on my Netflix queue.


Juror #3 says: I'm really loving the Film Noir genre.  Out of the Past is created in the same great mold as Double Indemnity, and I really enjoyed it.  There was fantastic acting by everyone involved, the cinematography is dark and gritty, and the script is witty and mysterious.  I may go so far as to say that this film had the best acting cast-wide of any of our previous movies.  I was extremely impressed with the flow of the film and how smoothly the characters and storylines intertwine.  Jane Greer plays a different kind of femme fatale in Out of the Past - seductive in a wide-eyed innocent way, as opposed to an overtly sexual way.  All the characters were well-rounded, in particular the lead role of Jeff Bailey played by Robert Mitchum - a former detective running from the ghosts of his past.  The ending provides a dark twist, which normally I would love, but in this case I felt disappointed a bit.  It's as if they weren't sure how to wrap it all up.  In any case, I highly recommend Out of the Past and rate it 5/5 stars on Netflix.  

Film 29: Out of the Past (1947)

Netflix Summary: Jacques Tourneur directs this definitive noir classic (remade in 1984 as Against All Odds) about a trio to reckon with -- troubled private investigator Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum), drop-dead beauty Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer) and moneyed mobster Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas). Bailey is hired to find the missing Moffat, who is Sterling's former mistress. But when he finally locates her, the unexpected occurs.



Film Viewing Due Date: 2/13

The Big Sleep (1946) Review

girl by locker says: It was our first Bogart/Bacall film, and I have to say that they were the best part of the movie. Their onscreen chemistry is notorious and not without reason. Sparks fly and they have some great scenes together, in particular one with the two of them in a night club speaking in double entendres about horseracing. It’s fun. It’s sharp. It’s why we watch the movie.
Bacall: Speaking of horses, I like to play them myself. But I like to see them work out a little first. See if they’re front-runners or come from behind…I’d say you don’t like to be rated. You like to get out in front, open up a lead, take a little breather in the back stretch and then come home free.
Bogart: You’ve got a touch of class, but I don’t know how far you can go.
Bacall: A lot depends on who’s in the saddle.
Beyond the Bogart/Bacall romance, I found the plot terribly confusing. Everything revolves around a dying, wealthy old man, his two daughters who are out of control and their gambling debts. The family is getting blackmailed and Bogart is brought in to find out who is doing it and have it stopped. But in addition to the blackmail, there is the disappearance of Sean Regan, a gentleman who worked for the family, the murder of the family’s chauffeur and sexual improprieties that the youngest daughter is apparently photographed doing. It’s not that it seemed too improbable, but it just didn’t resonate with me. It was too convoluted, and I felt I needed an org chart to keep track of what was going on and how everyone was connected. Overall, I give this movie 3/5 on Netflix.
 
Juror #3 says: I watched this film with my parents during a recent visit. About five minutes into the film, upon the realization it was a "who done it" my mother said that we should all write down who we thought "did it", along with the time, and see who guessed right first.  So now you all can see where my geek roots stem from.  Unfortunately The Big Sleep is not the best movie with which to play this little game.  Talk about confusing.  Not only could I not guess who "did it" but I couldn't even figure out what had "been done."  The film is well shot and the chemistry between Bogart and Bacall is everything it's known to have been.  But it didn't quite overcome the script flaws - for instance, the love between the two characters happened, seemingly, in seconds and I didn't buy it.  That wasn't due to the acting, it was never created in the script (or through the production possibly).  Either way, it bothered me.  Overall I enjoyed the acting and the cinematography.  I'll rate it 3/5 stars on Netflix.

Film 28: The Big Sleep (1946)

Netflix Summary: A dangerous blackmailer has targeted the Sternwoods, a wealthy family once tucked away in the safety of their Los Angeles mansion. But while private eye Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) works on the case, he ends up falling for the clan's fiery daughter (Lauren Bacall). Crackling dialogue and the perfect pairing of Bogart and Bacall make this adaptation of Raymond Chandler's novel a timeless classic. Howard Hawks directs.
From Wikipedia: In 2003, AFI named protagonist Philip Marlowe the 32nd greatest hero in film.

Film Viewing Due Date: 1/26

Brief Encounter (1945) Review

Juror #3 says: In previous reviews I've mentioned my deep admiration for David Lean's work.  You can't argue with the man who directed Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge Over the River Kwai, Doctor Zhivago and A Passage to India, to name a few.  "Brief Encounter" came before each of those classics and, in my opinion, can stand up to any of them.  The thing with David Lean is that he places the camera in a perfect spot and lets the performances work around it.  In Brief Encounter there is as much subtle skill in his directing as there is in the acting.  In particular, Celia Johnson, who acts with her eyes - the best compliment I can think to give.  I can't think of a bad thing to say about this movie.  I loved the plot, the characters, the cinematography, the directing, the acting, and the musical choices were exquisite.  The combination created a visceral experience for me.  I understood her droned life and the painful interruption this affair provided.  It was as much about building a box around your life as it was about love.  And in the end she would be forced back into the box, but this time as a changed woman.  I rate this 5/5 stars on Netflix


girl by locker says: I find I often start these reviews by saying, "I wanted to love this movie." I wanted to love this one as well, but in the end I just liked it. Here is what I liked:

1. I loved the idea of the movie in the sense that a chance meeting can completely change the course of our lives. At any moment, when we least expect it, our path starts to veer in another direction. I find that realistic about life. In that same vein, I liked how ordinary Alec and Laura come across. They're attractive but not too attractive, they're wealthy but not too wealthy, they are witty but not too witty. In short, they could be any of us. 

2. I liked that every Thursday Laura spent the day by herself. Whether or not this is accurate, it struck me as a luxury for women at that time.

3. I enjoyed the opening sequence as the camera pans across the train station cafe and in the background we see a couple, obviously sad, savoring their last moments together. 

4. Related to #3, when Alec and Laura part for the final time, I found his touch of her shoulder incredibly romantic. That brief touch said more to me than any passionate sex scene in a modern movie.    

5. The scene in which Alec invites Laura to his friend's apartment was spectacular. Should she go? Should she not go? Would she? Won't she? I was shocked that they took it as far as they did. I've said it before, but I remember not that long ago in Cinema Cram when they couldn't even show a woman's ankles much less allude to a sexual encounter between two married people who were not with their spouses.

What I didn't like:

1. There is really just one big issue that makes me rate this movie a 3/5 on my Netflix queue. Though I loved the idea that a chance meeting can change the course of our lives, I never really saw that between Alex & Laura. Though ultimately I got completely caught up in their affair and the obvious emotions between them, I only started to feel it toward the second half of the movie post apartment scene. Before then, I wasn't caught up in the drama and the romance of their Thursday meetings. I never saw the spark of them falling in love, and that lack of connection to the characters makes me say I only liked it and give it a 3. 

Film 26: Double Indemnity (1944)

Netflix Summary: Smitten insurance man Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray) plots the perfect murder with femme fatale client Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck): staging her husband's "accidental" death to collect double indemnity on his life insurance and absconding with the loot. But before their scheme can pay off, the lethal duo must first get past a crafty claims investigator (Edward G. Robinson) who senses something isn't kosher


From wikipedia: Reviews from the critics were largely positive, though the content of the story made some uncomfortable. While some reviewers found the story implausible and disturbing, others praised it as an original thriller. 
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME! - Juror #3





Film Viewing Due Date: 12/17

The Ox-Bow Incident (1943) Reviews

girl by locker says: While The Oxbow Incident is a solid movie with solid performers, it is another movie about mob psychology. Since we began Cinema Cram, this is our 3rd movie dealing with the subject with Fury even including trumped up charges against newcomers to town. While I can certainly appreciate the movie, I just really wasn't interested in watching it. It is a powerful topic, and one that obviously impacted early American culture. I assume that is why the subject keeps infiltrating movie themes. 


I did love the scene early in the movie when the two drifters roll into town and go to the bar for a whiskey. They observe a painting in which a man is reaching toward and scantily clad woman. One observes how he seems to be moving so slow and the bartender says he feels sorry for the guy - always reaching but never getting what he's after.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 stars on Netflix. The only reason I'm not giving it a 2 is because I would have liked it better if I hadn't watched the other movies. 

Juror #3 says: I would be interested in finding out the real-world events/policies that led to the flood of mob vengeance movies in the 1930's and 40's.  It was clearly a topic on the psyche (which makes me guess that racial inequality and/or class warfare was the subconscious parasite in this case).  The Ox Bow Incident is another example of citizens taking the law into their own hands, only to gain vengeance on the wrong men.  Of course it's always a compelling topic but in this case the twist is seen from a mile away.  

The Ox Bow is dialogue-heavy and I can't imagine it would have been considered a "classic" if it hadn't been for a young Henry Fonda.  The overall movie may have felt a little blah to me but, from a film study perspective, I always enjoy seeing actors and actresses that have "screen presence."  Henry Fonda proves worthy of that definition.  He becomes the focal point of every scene whether it's intentional or not.  How does that happen?  

Overall though the movie was a bit flat to me, too much passive dialogue and an obvious twist.  If you're searching for a mob vengeance movie I'd recommend sticking to "M" or "The Informer."  But good ol' Henry added enough flavor all by himself to compel me to rate The Ox Bow Incident 3/5 stars on Netflix.  

Kings Row (1942) Reviews

Juror #3 says: Kings Row feels out of place within our film study lineup.  Immediately after watching the movie I googled "Kings Row soap opera" as I was curious to find if there were any comparisons out there - turns out that it's often cited as the precursor to the 1950's soap opera Peyton Place.  It's an extremely melodramatic film which got on my nerves.  In Kings Row, like a soap opera, characters change rapidly and it feels unnatural.  An audience can be forgiving when it's within an expected environment but I wasn't prepared for it here.  I thought Ronald Reagan was excellent...but I thought he was good because he was the only one who didn't seem to be playing a soap opera-esque character, so maybe he was the worst actor in a way as I'm assuming he shouldn't have come across as a classically-trained actor in this particular film.  

It's worth noting that if we stopped our film study here and had to name a "most influential filmmaker" it would clearly be Hitchcock.  A piece of Hitchcock seems to appear in every film now and the early creepiness of Kings Row is no exception.  My recommendation would be to read the book.  Rated 2/5.

girl by locker says: It is safe to say that I hated this movie though I really wanted to like it. I actually want to like all the movies we pick for Cinema Cram but this is the first one that I wanted to end and kept thinking “Please make it stop.” Essentially, I never connected with the story and never cared deeply about the characters. I felt disjointed and disconnected from what was happening. It never made sense to me why Dr. Tower took his daughter out of school and ultimately killed her, giving mental illness as an explanation. I find it much more plausible that they were having some sort of incestuous affair and thus ended her life. Robert Cummings as Parris Mitchell irritated me to no end. I understand that all the characters are stereotypes of some sort and Cummings’ stereotype is that of the good grandson who will save everyone. He was too one-sided and didn’t have the depth of the other actors. I wanted him to stay in Vienna. The ending wrapped up too neatly for me, and I completely disagree with other reviews that say, “Even after 60 years, the ending still packs a wallop.” A big speech about the truth will rarely snap someone out of depression that easily. 

The good parts of the movie: Ann Sheridan, Ronald Reagan and the cinematography.  The first two gave stellar performances and I especially loved Reagan after he lost his legs. "Where's the rest of me?"  The film was beautifully shot and helped redeem the story.  I give this 2 out of 5 stars on Neftlix.  

Citizen Kane (1941) Reviews

girl by lockers says: Knowing that Citizen Kane has been rated the number 1 movie of all time on various lists and also knowing it is Juror #3’s favorite movie, I had very high expectations. Fortunately, I was not disappointed and was, in fact, wowed. I’m sure if I did in-depth research and was more familiar with film technique, I could quote the ways in which this film was ahead of its time. However, I will just say that it was beautiful, simply beautiful. The lighting, the camera-work and the way the image helped shape the story knocked my socks off. I was impressed with the solid acting and a script that captured my attention. I can’t say that it is the number 1 movie of all time, but I can say that it is a must-see for any movie buff and I might possibly put it in my top 10. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Netflix.


Juror #3 says: Occasionally a movie comes along where you are amazed at the attention to detail and the subtle creativity imposed.  Citizen Kane is legendary for exactly that.  But the technical achievements applied weren't used by the 26-year-old Orson Welles to be different or dictate a "style" for himself.  No, they were used to help tell the story better visually...in all aspects, and for no other reason.  I could talk for days about the success of the production of Citizen Kane but instead I'll direct you to watch the commentary by Roger Ebert on the special features of the disc.  Citizen Kane is my favorite movie of all-time for several reasons - 1) it's nearly flawless in its production, 2) it's an engaging story with a life lesson, and 3) the background for the movie is as dramatic as the production itself.  Orson Welles was granted complete control of a Hollywood studio at the age of 26 and created a masterpiece which ended up blackballing him from Hollywood for the majority of his professional career.  Again, I'll direct you to watch the documentary "The Making of Citizen Kane."  It was this documentary that catapult Citizen Kane to #1 on my all-time list and added Orson Welles as one of my answers to everyone's favorite dinner question, "what 3 people alive or dead would you like to dine with?"  Need I say that I rate Citizen Kane 5/5?


The White Stripes, one of my favorite bands made the song "Union Forever" using lines from Citizen Kane.  There are a bunch of these mashups on youtube, here are two of my favorites: