Archive for the ‘Movies’ Category

As you know, although I work a lot, I’m definitely not ”all business / all the time”. That would make Dan no fun. So let’s revisit movies and do another movie review.

I used to write reviews for a DVD review site years ago, and still have them. I figured I’d post a few here. Today, we’re looking at Fritz Lang’s “Metropolis”. I’m also pretty juiced, because more lost footage of this film was found in Argentina in 2008, and a new DVD is coming out in late 2010. The new running time will be 145 minutes, which is about 30 minutes longer than what I review below:

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Once more, I find myself not motivated to watch (or review) anything released recently. So I’ll go back to my shelf and again throw in an old classic to tell you about. As in previous “classic” reviews, my motivation is to bring you something you may not have seen before.

Today, I settled on the 1927 silent film Metropolis.

In a recent “Movie Answer Man” column, Roger Ebert writes: “There are more amazing shots in German films from the 1920s than in most new releases”. One viewing of Fritz Lang’s Metropolis will show anyone that Mr. Ebert knows what he is talking about. To this day, I still marvel over the sheer power of the astounding set pieces used in this film, and am continually amazed that it was made over 80 years ago.

For those who don’t know, Metropolis is probably the first true science fiction feature film, and also the last gasp of the German Expressionist movement that dominated the early part of 20th century film. Soon after its release, sound would come and change everything. Movies could then focus more on the actors themselves than trying to rely on largely the camera to tell the story. In my opinion, Metropolis is the last great silent film, and one of the most visual movies ever made.

Metropolis tells the story of a futuristic city where a seemingly utopian society lives and plays. Unknown to this idyllic populace is the fact that their city is powered by a huge underground labyrinth of huge machines tended to by a downtrodden working class, whom also live underground. Both sects are unaware of the other until worker Maria (Brigitte Helm) leads some children to the surface. There, she is spotted by Freder (Gustav Fröhlich), the son Metropolis’ architect, Joh Fredersen (Alfred Abel). Freder follows Maria back to the underground, where he sees for the first time the true source of his city’s power. Horrified at the treatment and condition of the downtrodden workers, he pleads with his father to do something. Meanwhile, Maria is also trying to lead the workers to unite. Fredersen doesn’t want the workers doing anything but work, so he schemes with mad scientist Rotwang (Rudolph Klein-Rogge) to produce a robot duplicate of Maria to lead the workers astray. Rotwang agrees, but he also has his own agenda…

I’m quickly going through the story because it isn’t really that important. In fact, until this DVD was released, I never really even knew the full story, because the prints available made no sense. After the 1927 release, most prints were cut, and then lost, leaving huge gaps in the story. This Kino release has restored every possible frame that could be restored, and has added title cards to fill us in on the few parts of the story that are still missing (in a “meanwhile, back at the ranch” sort of way). While I’m happy to have finally been filled in just why Maria was wandering in that cave, I’m more pleased at finally seeing the awesome visuals on a quality DVD. Think about it for a second – I’ve loved this movie since I first saw it 25+ years ago in a high school film class, and until now I wasn’t able to really follow the story. The visuals are just that good.

The visuals… what can I really say? Those of you who have seen this film know exactly what I mean. To start with, the futuristic city looks fantastic, with tall buildings, roads in the sky linking them, and without one bit of the “cheesy” look we sometimes get from older movies with a futuristic slant. But as nice as the above-ground city looks, Metropolis gets its fame from the incredible set pieces and hundreds of extras that make up the underground. The awesome spectacle of hundreds of downtroden workers marching to work, slowly and deliberately in lockstep, as hundreds of others march the other way, their ten-hour day over. The giant machines, as big as mountains, seemingly (and figuratively) like huge devils requiring human suffering and sacrifice to keep them running. The futility of a man, trying desperately to keep his steam powered machine running, never able to slow down for a second, as the machine’s thirst for human power is unending.

Metropolis has set the stage for some brilliant science fiction that came later. Certainly Blade Runner, Dark City , and Total Recall directly pay it homage, and its anti-technology theme has been revisited time and time again (most notably in the Terminator films). C3PO of Star Wars fame is certainly taken right from Rotwang’s robot. In fact, every mad scientist who has a lab with electrical currents running up wires needs to thank Rotwang for inventing that.

In viewing the movie, I can’t help but think that films of the next 20 years took a step back from Metropolis. When I see the horribly laughable Science Fiction “serials” of the thirties and forties with their string powered spaceships and cardboard box robots, I can’t help but think Metropolis looks strikingly better, despite being made far earlier. There isn’t one bit of cheesiness in this film, and it deserves every rave review it gets.

One final note – there are several versions of this film out there on DVD. I implore you to forget about all the others except the Kino release. They are truly horrible. Metropolis is a true classic, and the Kino release finally does it justice.

Note – you may want to start with part one.

My Great Movie Draft Write up:

To start, I’ve seen (and own) all of my picks, and like them all quite a bit – this is more my list than a list built to win (although I think it represents well.) Because of the category nature of the draft, I was able to get some “top of my list” personal favorites late. I’ll also put the scores (1-20, with 20 being the best.) Ok, here we go:

Non-American Films

1. The Seventh Seal
2. Ugetsu

I love Ingmar Bergman, and The Seventh Seal is my favorite from him. Like many of his films, it’s about faith (or lack of), and constantly looks for answers, but doesn’t find anything concrete (maybe even brings about more questions). It’s also a beautiful film, with some exceptional imagery and portrayal of the Dark-Ages.

Ugetsu is a Japanese film that follows two brothers as they seek to make their fortune amongst the backdrop of warring Samurai and Feudal Japan. Honor, ambition, and loyalty to one’s family are brought into play, and in a surprise, the film actually turns out to be a ghost story. Surreal images (like the lake and castle scenes) contrast nicely with the dirt / poverty of the villages, and lend to the slight sense of forboding that ultimately comes to fruition. My favorite Japanese film.

Silent Film

Metropolis

You’ll see me say “my favorite” many times in this draft (you already have twice), and this is no exception. I love silent films, and this is the best (imho). Arguably the first science fiction film of note, this movie’s images are known to almost everyone. Even if you don’t know the film, you’ve seen the still shots of the robot that would become the False Maria. Epic in scale, this film used thousands of extras and elaborate sets, making it the pinnacle of German Expressionist movement. It could be argued that not until the 1970′s was this film’s look surpassed in terms of visuals. (scored a 16)

Hollywood Classics (1930-1969)

1. It Happened One Night
2. Sullivan’s Travels
3. The Thief of Bagdad

It Happened One Night was the first movie to “sweep” the Oscars: Best Actor (Clark Gable), Best Actress (Claudette Colbert), Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Writing Adaptation (Robert Riskin), and, of course, Best Movie. Gable was on loan, and at first wasn’t thrilled about making it. But the script grew on him, and he clearly relished the role (and served as the inspiration for Bugs Bunny). Excellent example of a classic screwball comedy. (scored a 14)

Sullivan’s Travels is one of the smartest comedies of all time (that still holds up very well today), and, to me, remains the best work of Hollywood veteran Preston Sturges. The dialog is clever, and the jokes are woven into the story in a rather understated way – just when you think the movie is getting serious, the line about “The Blowtorch Killer” comes in and winks at you. Plus, it has a drop-dead sexy Veronica Lake.  (Scored a 12)

The Thief of Bagdad sets a high bar for storytelling and special effects. The classic tale has never looked better, with the obligatory “cast of thousands”, and bursting in classic Golden Age Technicolor. Roger Ebert calls this version “One of the most delightful fantasies ever put on film.”  (scored a 10)

Modern Hollywood Movies (1970- 2009)

1. The Godfather, Part II
2. Taxi Driver
3. Glengarry Glen Ross

Can’t say much about GFII that hasn’t already been said. It’s my favorite movie of all time. I like it just a hair better than the original GF, probably because of the dual stories. The early NY time period was done really well, too, which I felt really added to the overall experience. Tim asked earlier which story I liked better – Michael or Young Vito. It’s really hard to pick – every time the film jumps, I’m a bit disappointed to be leaving that character, but then happy to be revisiting the other. (scored a 20)

Taxi Driver was a surprise – I got it in the fifth round, and I think it’s first or second round material. DeNiro is just superb, as is a young Jodi Foster. The rest of the cast is stellar (Harvey Keitel, Albert Brooks, Peter Boyle, Cybill Shepherd), and the director (Scorsese) needs no introduction. You talkin’ to me?  (scored 18)

Glengarry Glen Ross has one of the finest casts in recent memory all nailing their parts, and an absolutely iconic cameo by Alec Baldwin. I originally picked this as my drama, but felt in the end it belonged here more. (scored 14)

Comedies

1. Young Frankenstein
2. Mystery Science Theater 3000- The Movie

While I love most of Mel Brooks’ films, this one is my favorite. I think the addition of Marty Feldman as Igor, plus being shot in black and white, push this over the top for me. I’m also a big horror fan, so the Frankenstein aspect appeals to me as well. Put–the candle–back!!!

I’m a huge MST3K fan (going as far as owning every episode on DVD), so I had to have this. This pick is more or less homage to that. I don’t know how it will rank – it was the last comedy taken, but I think it’s funnier than at least half the list.

Action

Rambo: First Blood Part 2

How did I get this in round 23? To me, this is a top 3 action film of all time – I would not have been surprised to see it in the first 5 rounds. Sure, it’s no Oscar winner, but what action film is? In the 80’s, the iconic image of Rambo (this film’s Rambo) prettymuch defined the action genre. (awful score – a 2. One judge just killed me. I think he purposely scored me low after I insulted him after his Solaris score)

Drama

The Remains of the Day

At one point, another poster mentioned that the dramas selected so far weren’t very “dramatic” (and he had a good point), so this pick was an attempt to fix that. This film has one of the saddest endings I have ever seen. Not only did they not get together, you realize Anthony Hopkins has completely wasted his life. And he realizes it too. (scored well – something like 16)

Horror

Suspiria

It’s been called “one of the most beautiful horror films ever made.” I like to consider myself a horror aficionado, and this is my favorite horror film by my favorite horror director (Dario Argento). I waited on it, simply because it’s not one that readily jumps to mind. But go to any serious horror discussion forum, and this film (and Argento in general – especially 70′s Argento) will rank high on almost every list. The use of color, lighting, and music make this a surreal experience – until the graphic violence, of course. Just an amazing movie (and one of the best trailers ever.) Oh, and the score by Goblin is incredible (worth owning on its own.) (scored an 8 – not as good as I hoped)

Blockbuster

Giant

Iconic film with an iconic cast (James Dean at his finest, holding his own with Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson.) You can see just what was lost when Dean died – his talent is apparent. This was the third highest grossing film of 1956, which qualifies it for the blockbuster category. (this one scored a 3 – the same judge for action and sci-fi. He admits he didn’t even see this one. He needs to go back to ranking movies for People magazine) 

Animated

Aladdin

I waited on this category because it isn’t my favorite, and when it came time to pick one, I was pleased this one was here, as it’s one I liked. In my opinion, this film represents a crossroads in animated films – it was the first one with a direct aim at entertaining adults as well (and the first Disney film with pop culture references, etc). Almost every big animated / kids feature that came after Aladdin did the same – Aladdin made it cool for teens and twentysomethings to go see an animated film. And, of course, parents enjoyed laughing along with their kids.

Musical

1776

I love it, but I don’t expect it to do well (and it didn’t – it scored a 2.)

Cult

The Toxic Avenger

This, to me, is what a cult movie is all about. If I can’t have “Rocky Horror” (already drafted), I’ll take Toxie. It was a clear “B” movie that was at first ignored, but gained its legs through NYC Midnight showings / word of mouth (vital for cult status); it has an iconic hero (“Toxie”) who still makes appearances at conventions; and it spawned numerous fan clubs, various comics, and several musicals. It also single handedly put a studio on the map (whom “Toxie” is still prettymuch the face of.) Troma is still essentially living off of this one movie. (scored a 14)

Documentary

Night and Fog

Don’t know how well this one will score, but you can’t watch this without being affected. For the first time, we really see what the concentration camps were all about. Shot ten years after liberation, Night and Fog shows deserted (and decidedly eerie) concentration camps (Auschwitz and Majdanek) while informing the viewer of what happened there and what life was like. In my opinion, the most important and stirring documentary ever made. Just haunting. (Scored a 20 with this one – the top documentary)

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Solaris

Russia’s answer to Kubrick’s 2001, this movie is what science fiction should be all about – the human condition amongst the fantastic and unexplainable. Director Andrei Tarkovsky is known for taking his time, and that’s very true here (nearly 3 hours). But get through the beginning (and the car ride) and go with Kris to the station orbiting the planet Solaris. You’ll see what all the fuss is about. It’s an experience, that’s for sure (and a visually beautiful film). (This one scored a 6. The judge confessed he didn’t see it, and won’t watch a “boring 3 hour Russian movie”… why even sign up to be a judge if your movie taste comes MSN.com or somesuch place?)

Based on Novel

American Psycho

Guilty pleasure. Good book, great movie. They nail the 80’s. Christian Bale is awesome as the insane Patrick Bateman. I have to return some videotapes   (scored a 12)

Independent

Fargo

My favorite Coen Brothers movie. Great story, great cast, great acting. Just a great movie all around. William H Macy plays one of the most pathetic characters ever put on film. (scored an 18)

Sports

The Longest Yard

Another guilty pleasure. Just a fun movie that also has the classic “sports movie” metaphor of the underdog winning. I defy anyone to pass this by while channel surfing – you can’t. Especially if you tune in during the game.

War

Gettysburg

My favorite Civil War film. This is a long movie about (arguably) the single most important battle of the war (and certainly the biggest). It follows the characters detailed in the book “The Killer Angels”, and does an exceptional job with them. From what actually happened to costumes to reenactors being used as extras, it’s about as authentic as it can get. Great movie. And if you are at all interested, get yourself to the battlefield for a weekend – it’s time well spent. (scored a curious 6, although the judge admitted it was his favorite war movie.) 

Children’s

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Another one I’ll be curious to see how it scores. It may sound strange, but it was right up there with Wizard of Oz in terms of excitement and required viewing when I was a kid (because you had one shot a year to see it… plus, I had a crush on “Truly Scrumptious” – can you guess Ian Fleming wrote the movie?) Now granted, it has not aged as well as Oz with me, but this isn’t the “grow old with you” category. (scored a 9)

Holiday

Babes In Toyland (March of the Wooden Soldiers)

Laurel and Hardy at their best. This was on around Thanksgiving / X-mas on NY channel 11, and was another “required viewing” when growing up. It’s a holiday movie because A) it was always on during the holidays, and B) it depicts Toyland and Santa’s toymakers (the contracted ones, apparently) – heck, Santa is even in it. The title characters were a mistake – Santa wanted 600 1 foot tall soldiers. Stanly (Laurel) mistakenly wrote down 100 6’ tall soldiers. Oops. Good thing, though – the “March” at the end, where the soldiers defend Toyland from the Bogeymen, is nothing short of breathtaking. (scored a 7)

Martial Arts

Big Trouble In Little China

What??? It’s got mystical Chinese magicians, evil martial arts experts, plenty of fights, some wire-work, good guys and bad guys, damsels in distress, and comedy as well. It’s also waaaay more fun than most martial arts movies I’ve seen.

Western

High Plains Drifter

My favorite Clint Western (sorry TGBU). I like the supernatural undertones, and the absolute foreboding Clint’s “man with no name” portrays. He’s truly menacing – and hey, he literally paints the town red. (scored a 6. I didn’t expect much better, as I waited on this one.)

Bad Movie

Godzilla vs. Megalon

The ultimate in a Cheesy Godzilla movie. Godzilla went full circle – at first he was dark, somber, and menacing. Then he became kind of a cool hero. Then he became a ridiculous sideshow (before going back to dark, somber and menacing.) This movie is the height of the ridiculous period. As if sheet wearing “Atlantians”, a silly robot who grows to hundreds of feet tall, and a giant beetle as the main villain weren’t enough, this movie featured the single most laughable scene ever shot – the infamous Godzilla Tail Slide.   (scored a 14)

Wildcard

Dark City

An amazing movie most aptly described as “Sci Fi Noir”. Paying homage to both Metropolis and Blade Runner, it’s twisted, dark, smart, exciting, scary, and a million other adjectives all rolled into one. It’s also a stunner visually, with a look that suggests both seedy decay and futuristic splendor. And the story is one that will stay with you, and offers up something “new” with every viewing. And yea, why is it never daytime??? (scored a 14)

As of this writing, judging isn’t over. I won’t “win” (the guy who killed me in sci fi, blockbuster, and action saw to that), but I should still finish in the top half.

Here’s my “team” (this took about three weeks… sorry about the font – cutting and pasting into these blogs is a pain in the ass.)

Non-American Films

1.       The Seventh Seal

2.       Ugetsu

 Silent Films Metropolis

Hollywood Classics (1930-1969)

1.       It Happened One Night

2. Sullivan’s Travel
3. The Thief of Bagdad

Modern Hollywood Movies (1970- 2009)

1. The Godfather, Part II
2. Taxi Driver
3. Glengarry Glen Ross

Comedies

1. Young Frankenstein
2. Mystery Science Theater 3000- The Movie

Action Rambo: First Blood Part 2

Drama The Remains of the Day

Horror Suspiria

Blockbuster Giant

Animated Aladdin

Musical 1776

Cult The Toxic Avenger

Documentary Night and Fog

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Solaris

Based on Novel American Psycho

Independent Fargo

Sports The Longest Yard

War Gettysburg

Childrens Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Holiday Babes In Toyland(March of the Wooden Soldiers)

Martial Arts Big Trouble In Little China

Western High Plains Drifter

Bad Movie Godzilla vs. Megalon

Wildcard Dark City