Saturday Evening Movie Thread

Saturday Evening Movie Thread - 2/1/2025

Henri-Georges Clouzot

Alfred Hitchcock had one real competitor for the title of Master of Suspense: the French filmmaker Henri-Georges Clouzot. Hitchcock himself invited the comparison, and Clouzot remarked publicly about how he was flattered by the comparison. This reputation comes from about half of Clouzot's films starting with his first, L'assassin habite au 21, through his best known films, a quartet that includes Le Corbeau, Quai des Orfevres, Les Diaboliques, and Wages of Fear.

However, Clouzot remains something of a mystery to me. Not because I dislike his films (I enjoyed his filmography, even the lesser-known films, quite a bit), but because he feels like he's more than just the French Hitchcock. The films that no one mentions (not that the English language conversation around Clouzot is robust or outside of a fairly small circle of film geeks), Manon, Miquette, The Spies, and especially his final two, La Verite and Woman in Chains, are real departures from the Hitchcock-aligned aesthetic. A couple of these could be fit in awkwardly (The Spies is too black and dry and cynical of a comedy to fit with Hitchcock's and Woman in Chains isn't lurid enough to fit in with something like Frenzy), but ultimately, the shortness of Clouzot's filmography highlights a comedy like Miquette more than a comedy like Mr. and Mrs. Smith does in Hitchcock's.

And, then there's the central question of Inferno, Clouzot's unfinished film that he filmed for about a month before his star walked off set and Clouzot had a heart attack, ending the production. Inferno could have been his magnum opus, and that it remains uncompleted reveals a large whole in the filmography that feels like it would contain real answers.

So, who was this guy?

Vichy

Clouzot began his filmmaking career as a writer. After a stint of a few years in a sanitarium for his health, he began writing films in the years that France's civil government was controlled by Vichy. Based on the success of some of these early films, he got a contract with Continental Films, a private film company run by Nazis (Goebbels had a hand in its formation). It was here that Clouzot started directing with L'assassin habite au 21 as part of Continental's efforts to replicate American films without actually importing American films, so L'assassin is a mystery/thriller/comedy that has certain basic bones that obviously come from Hitchcock.

The center of his career under Vichy, though, was Le Corbeau. Controversy surrounded the film the moment it was released, and it led to de Gaulle, post Vichy, banning Clouzot from filmmaking (the ban lasted about 2 years in the end). The nature of the controversy seems...ill-defined 80 years later. I remember reading that it was viewed as a critique of Vichy (very easy to read that in the film). I've read recently that it was viewed as a critique of provincial France (like cosmopolitan Parisians would care). I've also read that de Gaulle's explicit reasons were that the film was viewed as a critique of France in general. No matter the reason, though, Clouzot was viewed as political and controversial, the irony being that I cannot find any explicit mention from him about politics, ever. Once he got back into filmmaking, he made Quai des Orfevre, the closest he ever got to making a "pure" Hitchcock movie (and one of my favorites from Clouzot, it's really fun).

Hitchcock

Back on the wagon of the industry, Clouzot then proceeded to branch out. First was Manon an adaptation of Antoine Prevost's novel Manon Lescaut which is more melodrama than anything else and Miquette, a comedy. Clouzot later would say that Miquette itself was unsuccessful artistically (I thought it was light fun), and the films were not as successful at the box office as something like Quai, so he was forced to go back into the realm he'd made his name in: the mystery thriller with Les Diaboliques.

It's Les Diaboliques where the comparisons to Hitchcock become the most potent because Clouzot beat Hitchcock for the rights to the source novel, She Who Was No More by Boileau-Narcejac by mere hours. Hitchcock would later get the rights to the pair's novel The Living and the Dead to make into Vertigo. The film was a large success for Clouzot, and he followed it up with his masterpiece, Wages of Fear, also a concentrated dose of tension and suspense that could fit decently in with Hitchcock's body of work.

However, that's where the comparisons largely stop. There's a certain blackly comic aspect to The Spies that aligns somewhat with Hitchcock (think of moving the body in The Trouble with Harry), but the look at espionage is so much more cynical than Hitchcock ever showed in something like Foreign Correspondent or North by Northwest. And La Verite is a courtroom drama and character study about a woman's sexual past, a film that, on the surface, resembles a combination of some Hitchcock films (namely The Paradine Case and Marnie), but the differences between French and American film censorship allowed Clouzot to be much more frank about something like a woman's sex life. La Verite is also colder and more clinical than Marnie.

Inferno

And this is where one has to start talking about Inferno, Clouzot's unfinished film. He finished La Verite in 1960, Clouzot's first wife Vera (who acted in Wages of Fear, Les Diaboliques, and The Spies) died of a heart attack, and Clouzot entered a deep depression. He married again (Ines was her name) and started work a couple of years later on an experimental film about obsession, infidelity, and the blurring line between reality and unreality.

This was also the period when the French New Wave completely overturned the French film industry. Begun by the writers at Cahiers-du-Cinema, most namely Francois Truffaut and Jean Luc Godard. The French industry before them was moribund, and they included Clouzot. Clouzot would admit that he bought into some of their criticisms (particularly around Les Diaboliques for some reason), but he and the new bad boys of French cinema never really saw eye to eye. The catch word that Cahiers du Cinema used was "improvisation". To that, Clouzot replied, "I improvise on the page," talking about how his pre-planning for production did not prevent emotional truth which people like Truffaut found through improvisation on set. That pre-planning always worked well for Clouzot in the past, but something happened over the course of pre-production and production of Inferno that turned everything on its head.

Serge Bromberg made a documentary about the film which included shot footage, interviews from surviving cast and crew, and some recreations. It's a deep dive into what went wrong, starting with an out of control pre-production process jet-fueled by "unlimited" funding Columbia executives which allowed Clouzot's crew to simply experiment nearly endlessly with different ways to capture and distort images. This should have been the planning stage where everything got sorted, but he went into production with things not quite ironed out. Production got really derailed with Clouzot's insistence on reshooting scenes over and over again, sometimes days or even weeks after having originally gotten things into the can, behavior that his crew called unusual for him (the main comparison comes with Quai). This behavior is what led to the male star of the film, Serge Reggiani, to walk off the set.

Why focus on this unfinished film? Because I think it was to be his magnum opus, the film that he threw himself into to try and define him in general. Because it nearly killed him. Because his final completed film, Woman in Chains recycles ideas, especially experimental cinematic ideas from it. This is a story of obsession, unreality through perception, and an effort to experiment would have defined him. Where would this have fallen in Clouzot's filmography? Would it have been a thriller/mystery like Quai or Les Diaboliques or would it have been a more experimental version of La Verite? I lean to the latter, that it was Clouzot trying to tell character stories with experimental techniques.

A Short Filmography

Clouzot only has 10 completed feature films (there could be eleven if you count his documentary The Mystery of Picasso and he has a section in the anthology film Return to Life), and as I started with, it makes each individual entry more important proportionally in trying to figure out who he was as an artist. He's known as the French Hitchcock for half of his films, but then there's the other half. The comedy, the blackly comic satire, the melodramatic literary adaptation, the courtroom drama, and the character study of sadism all stick out as distinctly different from the Hitchcock comparison.

Why focus on that comparison, though? Well, most people look to these posts as some source of recommendation while I just end up babbling on about a series of films few will ever dig into. And yet, I don't really do recommendations. "Will I like this movie?" I don't know most of you very well, and I definitely don't know your tastes. Just because I liked something doesn't mean that you will. So, I end up trying to take myself out of the equation (I can't sometimes, like with Schumacher, but I do try), and end up more descriptive.

So, when I spend this whole essay trying to find this distinction between Hitchcock and Clouzot, highlighting similarities and differences, I'm trying to create this roadmap for your own brains to take. "I like Hitchcock, but the differences sound like something I wouldn't like," or "I hate Hitchcock, but the differences sound like something I would like." Or anywhere in between.

It's also about highlighting little pockets of film history, finding bits and pieces throughout the last century plus of cinema from across the world to talk about, enjoy, and share. I really enjoyed this pocket, and I hope I've convinced at least some people to try out his work. He was good at it.

Movies of Today

Opening in Theaters:

Companion

Dog Man

Movies I Saw This Fortnight:

Henri-Georges Clouzot's Inferno (Rating 3/4) Full Review "It might have been a complete mess, but it might have also been an interesting complete mess. Claude Chabrol did make a film from Clouzot's script in the 90s, which I'll have to check out at some point, which combined with this documentary is the closest we'll ever get to seeing the final product Clouzot had in mind." [Library]

Five Guns West (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "But, as a first film from Corman, this showed surprising promise. It held together decently well. It looks shockingly good with Corman getting good and complex compositions with the help of his cinematographer Floyd Crosby from beginning to end." [YouTube]

Apache Woman (Rating 2/4) Full Review "So, it's standard Western stuff. The kind of thing you'd expect to see in a double bill to fill the time. It's not good, but it's not terrible." [YouTube]

It Conquered the World (Rating 1/4) Full Review "It's silly nonsense. But it's also short, has some decent actors giving committed performances as they speak silly things, and it's professionally made. I mean�it's silly and dumb, but it's competently silly and dumb." [YouTube]

Not of This Earth (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "Instead, it's competent, partially effective, still kind of silly, a bit fun, but empty. It honestly might be his best film yet." [YouTube]

Attack of the Crab Monsters (Rating 2/4) Full Review "I mean, this is not a good film. The middle section is just kind of miserable nonsense. However, the first and final thirds of the film are actually decent and kind of fun in very different ways." [YouTube]

The Undead (Rating 2/4) Full Review "Anyway, it doesn't work. It's thin but it looks good. It's far from Corman's worst and it's showing an increased ambition from him and his writers (Griffith and Mark Hanna) which seems to indicate continued artistic growth. That's nice to see." [YouTube]

Teenage Doll (Rating 2.5/4) Full Review "This movie is fine. It's not quite good, but it represents, I think, Corman and Griffith hitting some kind of groove. They're not quite hitting goodness, but they do seem to be hitting some consistent level of basic competence across an assortment of genres." [YouTube]

Contact

Email any suggestions or questions to thejamesmadison.aos at symbol gmail dot com.
I've also archived all the old posts here, by request. I'll add new posts a week after they originally post at the HQ.

My next post will be on 2/22, and it will be about the Matthew Vaughn movie Argylle.

Posted by: TheJamesMadison at 07:45 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 And of course, "It Conquered the World" begat Zappa's "Cheepnis", and for that I thank it.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:42 PM (kpS4V)

2 Firstiest!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:43 PM (kpS4V)

3 Where is everyone?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:44 PM (kpS4V)

4
Clouzot?

As in, Inspector Clouzot?

As in, "Who's minkey is that!?"

Posted by: Soothsayer likes gladiators at February 01, 2025 07:44 PM (lxWss)

5 Emelia Perez makes Repo: A Genetic Opera seem like My Fair Lady.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 07:46 PM (fNeK5)

6 "Repo" is a great movie, Anna! It's a superior take on organ donation!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:48 PM (kpS4V)

7
I rewatched American Gangster, last 3 nights. (It's 3 hours long.)

It's one of those of rare movies that have a proper Prologue.

Ridley Scott isn't great, but it's funny how he and Brian DePalma (Scarface), if they want to, can make better gangster movies than Martin Scorcese. For example, Departed is a terrible movie, all around.

Posted by: Soothsayer likes gladiators at February 01, 2025 07:48 PM (lxWss)

8 Speaking of, has anyone seen "Amelia Perez"? I wonder if there's a commemorative popcorn bucket.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:49 PM (kpS4V)

9
Repo Man is good.

Posted by: Soothsayer likes gladiators at February 01, 2025 07:50 PM (lxWss)

10 All Hail eris

More people probably watched Section 31 than Emelia Perez.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 07:50 PM (fNeK5)

11 I read the content! I've seen Wages of Fear, La Verite and Les Diaboliques. Here's La Verite on YT, which I'll now watch again.Thanks, TJM!:
youtube.com/watch?v=lSV7LOXocgU

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 07:52 PM (7D76Q)

12 "It Conquered the World" IIRC has a twin movie with near identical script, "Zontar The Thing From Venus."

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 07:54 PM (7D76Q)

13 11 I read the content!
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 07:52 PM (7D76Q)

====

You poor bastard...

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 07:54 PM (mCwRe)

14 Not familiar with Clouzot, although I have watched Manot and thought it was quite good. Good synopsis of a career.

Posted by: Tom Servo at February 01, 2025 07:55 PM (Md44Z)

15 We watched a new on dvd scifi movie yesterday - Elevation. It was not bad.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 07:56 PM (0JWOm)

16 Speaking of, has anyone seen "Amelia Perez"? I wonder if there's a commemorative popcorn bucket.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 07:49 PM (kpS4V)

Probably has a hole in the bottom

Posted by: Kindltot at February 01, 2025 07:57 PM (D7oie)

17 TJM, your mastery of filmology is incredible. Too many films and too little time is my problem.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 01, 2025 07:58 PM (mB6WH)

18 The night before we watched The Return (2024): Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) finally returns to his wife Penelope (Juliette Binoche)

I liked it more than I expected.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 07:58 PM (0JWOm)

19 Well the intro with bumpy johnson was interesting although most of the anecdotes about his character wss wrong or exercise

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 01, 2025 07:59 PM (dJR17)

20 Probably has a hole in the bottom

Front or back?

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 07:59 PM (fNeK5)

21 Denzels character who is more noble than the actual kingpin

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 01, 2025 07:59 PM (dJR17)

22 I hear Emilia Perez is so bad that even leftists are deriding it.

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 08:00 PM (0JWOm)

23 Bumpy Johnson?!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 08:01 PM (kpS4V)

24 They have a shot for that.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2025 08:02 PM (KWujZ)

25 Vmom

GLAAD is made ta the depiction of a trans person but seem to gloss over the fact that Emelia started out as a drug lord murdering people.

Selena Gomez apparently can't speak any Spanish decently, so the Mexicans are mad at her.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:02 PM (fNeK5)

26 I can't find any Oscar nom that makes me hard. "The Brutalist," maybe.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:02 PM (7D76Q)

27 Good evening everyone

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2025 08:02 PM (fwDg9)

28
Bumpy Johnson?!
Posted by: All Hail Eris

That's what she said!

Posted by: Soothsayer likes gladiators at February 01, 2025 08:03 PM (lxWss)

29 Repo Man is good.
Posted by: Soothsayer
_______

The bar scene.
Doobity do wop wop say what yeah.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at February 01, 2025 08:06 PM (Dm8we)

30 Well going back to watching today's NTSB brief on the DC mid-air.

NTSB lead says the data from the FDR and CVR from the Bombardier have been downloaded.

And something we have been hearing reported maybe in error. Apparently, the jet's pilots did hear ATC warn PAT25 that there was a passenger jet south of Woodrow Wilson bridge that was going to be landing on Runway 33.

Or ATC broadcasted on the wrong frequency because, according to the NYT, the tower supervisor left one of the duty controllers go home early leaving just one controller to cover planes and helicopters.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:07 PM (fNeK5)

31 I feel bad that by nominating that "actress" in "Amelia Perez", a slot was taken away that could have been for Angelina Jolie or Pamela Anderson.

And no nod for Denis Villeneuve?

I'd love a body horror film getting Best Picture!

But really, I don't care.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 08:07 PM (kpS4V)

32 "The Perfect Crime" (1955) Road safety short. Synopsis: if you don't lobby your politicians for more road building tax hikes, then you're a murderer. Every actor takes his turn delivering dialog, instead of all talking over each other; this surprised the heck out of me, because the director is Robert Altman.
youtube.com/watch?v=Ic8CFuGYsYY

"Sunday in the Country" (1974) Mildly sadistic farmer captures and gently torments murderous bank robbers. Smells like a made-for-TV movie, but it's offbeat and anarchic like a drive-in B-movie. Only worth mentioning because the farmer is Ernest Borgnine, who, by the look on his face, seems not quite to get the drift either. Michael J Pollard at his slimiest.

"Yamekraw" (1930) (10 min) Musical short. German Expressionism meets Stereotypical American South meets Gershwin-Derivative Tunage.
youtube.com/watch?v=8cHC6XMrTUQ

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:07 PM (7D76Q)

33 "Men of Respect" (1990) Mob drama purportedly inspired by Shakespeare, but WTF really knows. Turturro not quite believable as the alpha heavy; he spazzes out a few times when he tries to act toughest, and whiffs. He should leave that kind of difficult technique to top-tier actors who can convincingly portray intimidating spaz, viz. Sean Penn.

"Seven Miles From Alcatraz" (1942) Selfish unpatriotic escaped prisoners get wise to themselves, grow some liberty bells, and kick Heinie ass. Moral of the story: chicks dig convicts. Worth the watch. Didja see that movie "The Lighthouse" (2019)? Yeah, this movie isn't anything like that.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:07 PM (7D76Q)

34 well meaning scientist guides an alien monster to Earth from Venus, so that he can rid mankind of feelings and emotions - but only death and sorrow results.

So, scientology?

Posted by: Commissar of Plenty and Lysenkoism in Solidarity with the Struggle for festive little hats at February 01, 2025 08:09 PM (U2x9m)

35 TJM,

Here is a link to a channel of a dude that absolutely loves Roger Corman:

https://tinyurl.com/yh9abb4r

His channel Dark Corners Reviews is pretty good. Maybe one day a Saturday Night Movie topic could be a focus on the rise of independent movie reviewers brought about by social media.

Posted by: MAGA_Ken at February 01, 2025 08:09 PM (Vh9CX)

36 I've been on an Eric Ambler book reading kick lately and read Light of Day. I subsequently learned the book was the basis of the 1964 film Topkapi so I watched it. I was surprised that the book, a thriller with some humor, was turned into a comedy with some action elements. The humor in the book is derived from the protagonist /antihero weaseling his way into and out of trouble. A young Peter Ustinov plays the role in the movie and was awarded a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for it. I was surprised that the tone could so change from the novel, and I liked the novel better, but both were good.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Rex, Now Is the Winter of Our Discontent Made Glorious Summer By This Son of [New] York at February 01, 2025 08:10 PM (L/fGl)

37 I hope the tranny wins best actress - it is right up there with those winning Olympic gold medals in women's events

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 08:10 PM (Wx316)

38 Last movie I saw in a theater was one of them Star Wars, can't remember which, the one before the last one. My brother insisted. It was in one of those fancy places with the comfy chairs. I had a Fat Tire and some nachos at my elbow and I dozed off.

I was pissed off, because I wanted to hang out with my brother, drinking beer and watching one of the hundreds of movies I have on disc. But, no, we had to go see a stupid Star War.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Packing to leave CO at February 01, 2025 08:11 PM (Ad8y9)

39 I hope the tranny wins best actress - it is right up there with those winning Olympic gold medals in women's events
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport
_______

No chance of that now that those past statements have come out. Even if the vote is in, just no way.

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at February 01, 2025 08:13 PM (Dm8we)

40 I had remembered Repo Man being Black and White. Got the DVD and saw that it was in color. But then someone asked if I had watched it on a B&W TV.

Thought about it: Yup.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Packing to leave CO at February 01, 2025 08:14 PM (Ad8y9)

41 We watched Walk Don't Run today.

I fell asleep.

Posted by: jsg at February 01, 2025 08:16 PM (nFUWr)

42 Yeah if the person who played Emelia Perez does get the gold statue, what will poor Rachel Zegler do? Or Phoebe?

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:16 PM (fNeK5)

43 Men make the best women.

Posted by: Things Chris Plante likes to say at February 01, 2025 08:16 PM (dg+HA)

44 Men make the best women.
Posted by: Things Chris Plante likes to say at February 01, 2025 08:16 PM (dg+HA)
----------
Hollywood and the NCAA agtree

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 01, 2025 08:17 PM (kygCJ)

45 The rest of the world think women cannot be improved

Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 01, 2025 08:18 PM (kygCJ)

46 Ernest Borgnine GIFs:
giphy.com/explore/ernest-borgnine

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:18 PM (7D76Q)

47 Men make the best women.
Posted by: Things Chris Plante likes to say at February 01, 2025 08:16 PM (dg+HA)

*demure cough*

Posted by: Michaelangelo at February 01, 2025 08:18 PM (Ad8y9)

48 How da fuck do you people know about this shit.
You all amaze me.

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:22 PM (gbOdA)

49 I saw Les Diaboliques as an undergrad, along with all possible Hitchcock, because the Modern Language department showed it for free on a big, beautiful screen after a short lecture.

I FINALLY get to see the adaptation of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" because the DVD became available. One of my favorite books by one of my childhood favorite authors, adapted to screen by himself.

I hope it's good.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at February 01, 2025 08:22 PM (IMYkY)

50 To Ernest Borgnine, you look just like a nail:
https://tinyurl.com/3v8svhzh

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:23 PM (7D76Q)

51 Hollywood and the NCAA agtree
Posted by: Huck Follywood at February 01, 2025 08:17 PM (kygCJ)

Lia

ha he had erections putting on his suit and young women were force to watch.

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:23 PM (gbOdA)

52 a. give the boy the girls award
yaya
b. give a girl the girls award
sadz

either way I WIN

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:25 PM (gbOdA)

53 48 I had to take two art electives, so I picked Film Appreciation 101, and acting.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:26 PM (7D76Q)

54 So, who was this guy?

Clousseau? The guy who has a manservant who is paid to attack him at random so he keeps his edge up at all times? An Inspector in the French police?

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:26 PM (2VST1)

55 48 How da fuck do you people know about this shit.
You all amaze me.
Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:22 PM (gbOdA)

===

I just watch too many movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (QWIjR)

56 6 "Repo" is a great movie, Anna! It's a superior take on organ donation!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes a

Eh, they just ripped off Monty Python.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (G1ktt)

57 For having the motto "survive til 25" Hollywood has an even worse lineup of movies coming out this year than last year LOL

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (2VST1)

58 Hollywood takes suspend your belief to new levels of absurdity.

Posted by: Ben Had at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (mB6WH)

59 Watched 2 new-to-me streaming movies this week. I can recommend both, but not strongly (B/B- movies), for different reasons.

The Age of Adaline would have been an ideal rom com, if you could get past the terrible science. But then you had to have the mid-movie twist, and it becomes too much to stomach. That said, a very non-woke, well-acted enjoyable rom com with a nice-looking cast and an original premise make for a very nice streaming movie - definite B.

Saturday Night was not a movie, but a frenetic sensory overload experience...but in that way, it works. A little crass, but another non-woke experience. JK Simmons is a cold, cold hearted actor who stole the show for me, but it was well acted throughout and really felt like a Saturday Night Live show, if not an actual movie. B-.

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (exHjb)

60 worst movie eva

Red one

I emptied the keg

Dudes were lined up past the door to drink themselves silly.

Rock and the guy that plays ass hat should get kicked in the nutz when the read a script and asked how much.

They should serve lunch on the backlot for making that movie.

And suck vagrant dicks for EBT.

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:29 PM (gbOdA)

61 "Saturday Night" added to my list, thanks!

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:29 PM (7D76Q)

62 22 I hear Emilia Perez is so bad that even leftists are deriding it.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 08:00 PM (0JWOm)

----------

When the Academy is stabbing itself in the throat with pinking shears, the correct response is to stand aside and give a polite applause.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 01, 2025 08:30 PM (dDmld)

63 37 I hope the tranny wins best actress - it is right up there with those winning Olympic gold medals in women's events
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 01, 2025 08:10 PM (Wx316)

She may end up un-nominated before the show...and not b/c of the trans...you should see all the scandals...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:30 PM (exHjb)

64 No chance of that now that those past statements have come out. Even if the vote is in, just no way.

I bet it still gets a buncha wins but its likely Demi Moore gets the best actress nod now. Depends just how much the Hollywoods want to pwn the "chuds"

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (2VST1)

65 I just watch too many movies.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (QWIjR)

I know about 1 out of 10 movies I watch.

That is care.

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (gbOdA)

66 the title of Master of Suspense

As opposed to the Master of Suspend, Russ Meyer.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (a3Q+t)

67 60 worst movie eva

Red one

I emptied the keg

Dudes were lined up past the door to drink themselves silly.

Rock and the guy that plays ass hat should get kicked in the nutz when the read a script and asked how much.

They should serve lunch on the backlot for making that movie.

And suck vagrant dicks for EBT.
Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:29 PM (gbOdA)

It wasn't THAT bad...and the Rock 100% committed to his role...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (exHjb)

68 25 Vmom

GLAAD is made ta the depiction of a trans person but seem to gloss over the fact that Emelia started out as a drug lord murdering people.

Selena Gomez apparently can't speak any Spanish decently, so the Mexicans are mad at her.
Posted by: Anna Puma

Well, Spain doesn't think Mexico speaks Spanish decently, so, you know, perspective.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (G1ktt)

69 She may end up un-nominated before the show...and not b/c of the trans...you should see all the scandals...
Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:30 PM (exHjb)

----------

Are you implying that a dude who pretends to be a woman might have quirks in unrelated areas of his personality???

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 01, 2025 08:32 PM (dDmld)

70 It wasn't THAT bad...and the Rock 100% committed to his role...
Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (exHjb)

ha

fucking haha

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:33 PM (gbOdA)

71 Hopefully Emelia Perez will be Hollywood's bonfire of the vanities.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:33 PM (fNeK5)

72 64 No chance of that now that those past statements have come out. Even if the vote is in, just no way.

I bet it still gets a buncha wins but its likely Demi Moore gets the best actress nod now. Depends just how much the Hollywoods want to pwn the "chuds"
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (2VST1)

Nope, Hollywood boards are up in arms - it will win 1 for Best Supporting Actress...maybe...b/c they were dying to reward Zoe Saldana for her career. But even that one is iffy now. That movie and all its nominations are dead now and the ceremony is in flux.

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:33 PM (exHjb)

73 For having the motto "survive til 25" Hollywood has an even worse lineup of movies coming out this year than last year LOL
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

This guy has but negative comments to the Snow Woke trailer to music.

https://is.gd/huuceR

Posted by: Anonosaurus Rex, Now Is the Winter of Our Discontent Made Glorious Summer By This Son of [New] York at February 01, 2025 08:33 PM (L/fGl)

74 I just watch too many movies.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:28 PM (QWIjR)

I can't remember whether you have told us "how" you watch a movie when you want to review it.

It can't be as easy as just settling in and watching a film once ... taking notes ... and then digesting what you've seen and felt, and committing it to paper.

Posted by: browndog getting the zoomies at February 01, 2025 08:34 PM (TTAGa)

75 This guy has but negative comments to the Snow Woke trailer to music.

That is genuinely hilarious. Whoever came up with that AI comments to music thing did us all a favor. Might even be that dude.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:34 PM (2VST1)

76 Selena Gomez apparently can't speak any Spanish decently, so the Mexicans are mad at her.
Posted by: Anna Puma

Well, Spain doesn't think Mexico speaks Spanish decently, so, you know, perspective.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (G1ktt)

I had a cuban employee when working at a trade show hated the spannish of mexicants.

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:35 PM (gbOdA)

77 Not So Snow White and the Seven CGI Dinkles

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:35 PM (fNeK5)

78 69 She may end up un-nominated before the show...and not b/c of the trans...you should see all the scandals...
Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:30 PM (exHjb)

----------

Are you implying that a dude who pretends to be a woman might have quirks in unrelated areas of his personality???
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 01, 2025 08:32 PM (dDmld)

Let's just say in every unrelated area of his personality...

And this doesn't include the part where he publicly and continually disparaged the Hispanic actress also nominated in the category...which is against the rules and can get your nomination yanked...

It would be like Al Capone going down for tax fraud. Finding the way out to not have the ceremony be an unmitigated disaster...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 01, 2025 08:36 PM (exHjb)

79 If a man wins Actress of the year and somehow it kills Hollywood it would be worth it

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2025 08:36 PM (fwDg9)

80 OT - Laura Loomer, FWIW, on the female in the helicopter:

https://tinyurl.com/5db2ar4a

Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at February 01, 2025 08:36 PM (Dm8we)

81 Snow Woke

ha fuckin ha

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:36 PM (gbOdA)

82 Well, Spain doesn't think Mexico speaks Spanish decently, so, you know, perspective.
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:31 PM (G1ktt)

Sacrebleu ... de Quebecois

Posted by: French Nationalists at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (TTAGa)

83 I think the entire idea for the Snow White live action version came about when someone asked "what if when she asks the mirror who the 'fairest' is, it actually mean most just, not most beautiful? Huh? Huh?"

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (2VST1)

84 74 I can't remember whether you have told us "how" you watch a movie when you want to review it.

It can't be as easy as just settling in and watching a film once ... taking notes ... and then digesting what you've seen and felt, and committing it to paper.

Posted by: browndog getting the zoomies at February 01, 2025 08:34 PM (TTAGa)

===

I retain a lot in general, and I have Wikipedia up as support ( mostly for character and actor names).

The writing of individual reviews of each film does a lot in terms of retaining information across a filmography.

And as I watch, I know I'm going to be writing these essays, so I'm looking for themes and topics to grasp onto.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (QWIjR)

85 Now, Bring Me the Head of Emelia Perez could be a movie.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Rex, Now Is the Winter of Our Discontent Made Glorious Summer By This Son of [New] York at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (L/fGl)

86 Fair is Fair

Posted by: rhennigantx at February 01, 2025 08:38 PM (gbOdA)

87 I'm watching Rengô kantai shirei chôkan: Yamamoto Isoroku ( 2011 ).

So far it is not as good as I had hoped but Pearl Harbor hasn't happened yet.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at February 01, 2025 08:38 PM (OfsDL)

88 I write a Laff about every film I see, just to keep track of what stuff I've already seen.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:39 PM (7D76Q)

89 Now, Bring Me the Head of Emelia Perez could be a movie.

Which head?

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:40 PM (fNeK5)

90 I just finished watching Nosferatu.

I thought it was wonderful. The period clothing, the sets, the acting were great.

It's definitely worth the watch

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 08:41 PM (DsWag)

91 And as I watch, I know I'm going to be writing these essays, so I'm looking for themes and topics to grasp onto.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (QWIjR)

Do you watch the film(s) more than once though?

Say: a first viewing just to take in the technique of the director, then a second viewing to assess the cinematography, and then perhaps a third for acting / scoring / costumes - design

Posted by: French Nationalists at February 01, 2025 08:41 PM (TTAGa)

92 One of the less comprehensible parts of the Emelia Perez plot is that he is a bloodthirsty and evil cartel leader who gets a sex change. And once that happens... claims that he's not that person any more, is totally absolved of all crimes. You can tell that he's now a good guy because he has bodies the cartels killed dug up and returned to their families.

The end of the movie has the titular tranny in a parade like a saint, their statue in a Jesus Christ pose.

Its... I lost SAN just seeing the summary of the film.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:41 PM (2VST1)

93 /off Frog sock

Posted by: browndog with questions at February 01, 2025 08:42 PM (TTAGa)

94 83 I think the entire idea for the Snow White live action version came about when someone asked ~~"what if when she asks the mirror who the 'fairest' is, it actually mean most just, not most beautiful?~~ how much more cash and merch sales do ya think we can wring out of this underperforming desiccated husk of a 75 year-old property?"

FIFY

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at February 01, 2025 08:42 PM (dDmld)

95 *hands Christopher Taylor a shiny new D20*

Roll again.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:42 PM (fNeK5)

96 "Rengô kantai shirei chôkan: Yamamoto Isoroku (2011)" added to my list, thanks! It is available free at m.ok.ru.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:42 PM (7D76Q)

97 Reading the synopsis for LA Verite, I am reminded that I dislike watching movies with truly miserable characters. I get people like watching the pathos and character studies even, but I also wonder if it is like the impulse to slow down at a car wreck or accident at a race.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:43 PM (t5TdD)

98 Every time you watch a movie, if it's a good movie, you'll get something new out of it.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (7D76Q)

99 *hands Christopher Taylor a shiny new D20*

Roll again.
Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:42 PM (fNeK5)
---
If only it were that easy.

SAN doesn't work that way.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (BpYfr)

100 I think Zoe Saldana is now in hot water for -- get this -- blackface! I guess she wore makeup to darken her complexion to play Nina Simone.

A black actress canceled for blackface. We've reached the Woke Singularity.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (kpS4V)

101 And as I watch, I know I'm going to be writing these essays, so I'm looking for themes and topics to grasp onto.
Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:37 PM (QWIjR)

———————-

Summer School starring Mark Harmon would be a good Topic.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (u73oe)

102 I think Snow White was the same reason the writers took on rings of power. It is a symbol of a gentler, more beautiful past and it must fall beneath the yoke of woke.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (t5TdD)

103 91 Do you watch the film(s) more than once though?

Say: a first viewing just to take in the technique of the director, then a second viewing to assess the cinematography, and then perhaps a third for acting / scoring / costumes - design
Posted by: French Nationalists at February 01, 2025 08:41 PM (TTAGa)

===

No, just once the vast majority of times.

The last time I can think of doing multiple screenings for one film just to "get it" was Bergman's Persona. Had to watch it two nights in a row to understand what the fuck was going on.

There are probably some other films I could have given another run before writing anything, but I've learned to trust my initial judgment. Revisiting a film I liked or not 15 years ago and having the exact same reaction had happened to me too many times to think a second viewing is going to materially change my opinion.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:45 PM (QWIjR)

104 Every time you watch a movie, if it's a good movie, you'll get something new out of it.

I can get writing stuff out of even a bad movie. Here's how they could have done it better, here's where they went wrong, here's a great idea that should have been fleshed out. Even the worst movies sometimes have something great in them, a flash of not terrible. I mean, other than The Dark Backward.

Roll again.

This never turns out well for me

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:46 PM (2VST1)

105
Henri-Georges Clouzot?

Peter Sellers best role.

Posted by: naturalfake at February 01, 2025 08:46 PM (iJfKG)

106 Every time you watch a movie, if it's a good movie, you'll get something new out of it.
Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:44 PM (7D76Q)

Airplane!

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:46 PM (t5TdD)

107 One of my favorite movies is Five Graves To Cairo. Billy Wilder's second (I think) film.

I couldn't find it anywhere to stream so i bought it on DVD.

I'm glad I did. Eric von Stroheim (sp?) is great as Rommel.

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 08:46 PM (DsWag)

108 I would like to see the new Nosferato

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2025 08:47 PM (fwDg9)

109 102 I think Snow White was the same reason the writers took on rings of power. It is a symbol of a gentler, more beautiful past and it must fall beneath the yoke of woke.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone

Woke is the Snake Cult from Conan the Barbarian?

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:47 PM (G1ktt)

110 I've seen a number of Clouseau films, but I think only one Clouzot--the Picasso documentary. It's interesting to watch, but you don't really learn much about Picasso or his methods. It's kind of a precursor to Bob Ross, I guess, though Ross showed you his methods and his choices.

By the film the film was made, Picasso was a brand name and had already done all the pioneering he was going to do.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 01, 2025 08:47 PM (CHHv1)

111 Woke is the Snake Cult from Conan the Barbarian?
Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:47 PM (G1ktt)

Contemplate this on the Tree of Woe.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at February 01, 2025 08:48 PM (OfsDL)

112 107 One of my favorite movies is Five Graves To Cairo. Billy Wilder's second (I think) film.

I couldn't find it anywhere to stream so i bought it on DVD.

I'm glad I did. Eric von Stroheim (sp?) is great as Rommel.

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 08:46 PM (DsWag)

===

It's a good 'Un!

And yes, Wilder's second as director.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:48 PM (QWIjR)

113 Summer School starring Mark Harmon would be a good Topic.

Mmmm Kirsty Alley.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:48 PM (2VST1)

114 Not to get to pulpy, CRT, but that is one reason I like Soldier with Kurt Russell. There is very good stuff in there, with some schlock and bad special effects.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:48 PM (t5TdD)

115 111 Ha!

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:49 PM (7D76Q)

116 I've seenFive Graves to Cairo once and I still remember the twist of it all.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:49 PM (fNeK5)

117 Not to get to pulpy, CRT, but that is one reason I like Soldier with Kurt Russell. There is very good stuff in there, with some schlock and bad special effects.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:48 PM (t5TdD)

It has both Jason Isaacs AND Gary Busey!

Posted by: Grump928(C) at February 01, 2025 08:49 PM (OfsDL)

118 110 I've seen a number of Clouseau films, but I think only one Clouzot--the Picasso documentary. It's interesting to watch, but you don't really learn much about Picasso or his methods. It's kind of a precursor to Bob Ross, I guess, though Ross showed you his methods and his choices.

By the film the film was made, Picasso was a brand name and had already done all the pioneering he was going to do.
Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 01, 2025 08:47 PM (CHHv1)

===

Denis Villeneuve did a Criterion closet video, and he picked out Wages of Fear. He also name dropped The Mystery of Picasso to talk about. He loves it.

It was just fun to see him talk about Clouzot almost immediately after I'd finished watched all the movies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:49 PM (QWIjR)

119 Disney is celebrating an anniversary so they almost certainly wanted to do Snow White at this date for that reason but... like Wish, they took it all the wrong places.

I mean, I shouldn't pontificate in general, but specifically about Snow White, since its not out yet to really know what they did with it but... it doesn't look promising.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:50 PM (2VST1)

120 It has both Jason Isaacs AND Gary Busey!
Posted by: Grump928(C) at February 01, 2025 08:49 PM (OfsDL)

Indeed. Plus Kurt Russell. That hot blonde. And the guy from Event Horizon (which was done to give Kurt Russell time to bulk up for Soldier.)

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:51 PM (t5TdD)

121 Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 08:45 PM (QWIjR)

Thanks for the replies ...

Posted by: browndog with questions at February 01, 2025 08:51 PM (TTAGa)

122 "Five Graves To Cairo" added to my list, thanks! Also available free to stream at m.ok.ru.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 08:51 PM (7D76Q)

123 Not to get to pulpy, CRT, but that is one reason I like Soldier with Kurt Russell. There is very good stuff in there, with some schlock and bad special effects.

I like that they overtly showed that its in the same universe as Blade Runner. Although that might have been not on purpose (the spinner in the background could have just been "we need more sci fi props, just throw that in").

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:52 PM (2VST1)

124 I think it is a coincidence. If it was the same universe, they would have already made the conversion to all Rutger Hauers.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:53 PM (t5TdD)

125
"an experimental film about obsession, infidelity, and the blurring line between reality and unreality"

Does this sound incomprehensible and dull to anyone else?

Posted by: Blonde Morticia at February 01, 2025 08:53 PM (lCaJd)

126 "Soldier" is probably Kurt Russell's best acting performance. Somehow that ridiculous failed Disney child actor pulled "burned out career soldier with PTSD" from somewhere and nailed it.
The movie was bad but worth watching for him.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 01, 2025 08:54 PM (gKWVE)

127 I like that they overtly showed that its in the same universe as Blade Runner.

I've seen Blade Runner many times, Soldier just a couple. Might have to watch Soldier (I did like it) again as I missed this. I've heard the same though.

Posted by: Puddleglum at work at February 01, 2025 08:54 PM (G1ktt)

128 Anna,

It is a great twist! I did shed a tear at the end when Franchot Tone returns with the parasol Anne Baxter's character wanted.

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 08:54 PM (DsWag)

129 an experimental film about obsession~~, infidelity,~~ and the blurring line between reality and unreality

Oh, Perfect Blue.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:55 PM (fNeK5)

130 Any references to Lake Placid in the previous thread are purely coincidental.

Posted by: Betty White at February 01, 2025 08:56 PM (XeU6L)

131 Also caught Algiers this week.
Ah, Hey Lamarr and James Mason.

I.love old black and white films.

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 08:58 PM (DsWag)

132 Kurt Russel has been in some bad stuff but you always get his best effort. There are a few actors like that out there, guys I would always try to cast if I were a director. Nicholas Cage may be nuts and a goofball but he's always gonna give you 100%

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 08:58 PM (2VST1)

133 I can't say "Emelia" Perez was wrong about Islam.
His old Hitler takes were bullshit but I suspect every kid goes through That Phase these days (even Jewish kids).
I guess my position is the same as with Gaiman: "where were you when I was getting #canceled, oh right, cheering on the mob, LOL glwt"

Posted by: gKWVE at February 01, 2025 08:58 PM (gKWVE)

134 I don't know that I would call Kurt Russell a 'failed' actor. In some good, iconic stuff and seems to have not gone insane and miserable.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 08:58 PM (t5TdD)

135 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes to Stargate, some failed actor there

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 08:59 PM (fNeK5)

136 Big Trouble in Little China.

*mic drop*

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 09:00 PM (t5TdD)

137 The Thing.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 01, 2025 09:01 PM (t5TdD)

138 Aetius451AD: I was being facetious, mea culpa.
I just found out about "The Barefoot Executive" and "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes", yesterday. Talk about cringe!

Posted by: gKWVE at February 01, 2025 09:01 PM (gKWVE)

139 Guess I should have put a /sarc tag...

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:01 PM (fNeK5)

140 Used Cars.

Miracle

Posted by: mpfs at February 01, 2025 09:01 PM (DsWag)

141 ***Woman in Chains isn't lurid enough...
---

Oh, my...

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 01, 2025 09:02 PM (94zWv)

142 Kurt Russell faves: Bone Tomahawk, Deepwater Horizon, Breakdown.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:03 PM (7D76Q)

143 My only problem with Kurt Russel is that for some reason I get him confused with Jeff Bridges. They aren't really alike at all but that's how my brain works.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 09:03 PM (2VST1)

144 Woman in Chains, well it's not Two Women.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:03 PM (fNeK5)

145 ep

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:03 PM (fNeK5)

146 Sort of movie-ish, I watched the "Sapphire and Steel" series on Amazon Video. A semi-SF series about two Time Agents who are dispatched to stop outbreaks of Time Monsters.
British TV from 1980, it is remarkable for the cheapness of its production values. David McCallum and Joanna Lumley spend a lot of time communicating telepathically, which requires them to stand very still, stare into the distance, and do voice overs. A typical Time Monster is represented by a six inch spot of light slowly moving across the floor.
Despite this, the stories are suspenseful, and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at February 01, 2025 09:05 PM (05UY5)

147 I have watched the first Sapphire and Steele episode where people in this house seem to be falling into a crack in the continuum

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:07 PM (fNeK5)

148 141 ***Woman in Chains isn't lurid enough...
---

Oh, my...
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 01, 2025 09:02 PM (94zWv)

===

The original, French title is La Prisonniere, which literally translates to The Female Prisoner.

Woman in Chains is a lurid title, but the film itself is more clinical in its approach to the material than the English title implies.

Posted by: TJM's phone at February 01, 2025 09:08 PM (QWIjR)

149 *sniffs*

Ozone twice? Someone is persistent.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:09 PM (fNeK5)

150 Did you know that Kurt Russell broke his ankle the first week of shooting Soldier. He took a week off and then they shot all the scenes with him laying down first, then shot the scenes of him sitting, then standing and finally walking/running.

Posted by: friends in low places at February 01, 2025 09:10 PM (WD60c)

151 Woman in Chains?

https://youtu.be/QzkK3ZtI9SU

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at February 01, 2025 09:11 PM (2VST1)

152 ***And yet, I don't really do recommendations. ...
---

I've watched films I never would have watched or known existed.
I've thoroughly enjoyed some and others I've turned off. But I keep coming back here and reading and watching. It's valuable.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 01, 2025 09:11 PM (94zWv)

153 ***Attack of the Crab Monsters
---

Poaching the gun thread?

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 01, 2025 09:16 PM (94zWv)

154
What's this Nosferito that everyone's talking about?

Is that like a new burrito at Taco Bell or some such thing?

Posted by: naturalfake at February 01, 2025 09:17 PM (iJfKG)

155 Granted, that little rodent lives a bit west from here, but weather saying clouds but I am sure he will predict 6 more miserable weeks of winter tomorrow.

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2025 09:18 PM (fwDg9)

156 Acting course didn't make me an actor, but it about doubled my appreciation for movies. Gave me so much more to look for and enjoy.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:18 PM (7D76Q)

157 The original Nosferato is on YouTube

Posted by: Skip at February 01, 2025 09:18 PM (fwDg9)

158 The Nosferito Bandito, Selena Gomez's next movie?

It's going to be a real stinker I bet.

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:19 PM (fNeK5)

159 Kurt Russell was a delight in Big Trouble in Little China -- I've often wondered just how drunk he had to be to keep a straight face while delivering some of that dialogue.

And in his younger days, he was in a couple of pretty good episodes of The Fugitive. Check out a 3rd season show called "Nemesis" in particular. Nice stuff.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 01, 2025 09:19 PM (q3u5l)

160 https://tinyurl.com/ynnumuv3

Posted by: jsg at February 01, 2025 09:20 PM (nFUWr)

161 And Tensor delivers on first try - The Nosfirito

https://tinyurl.com/nosfirito

Posted by: Anna Puma at February 01, 2025 09:28 PM (fNeK5)

162 In my last semester of college many roommates and friends were taking a course in Hitchcock, and we were one of the few houses that had a VCR.

Ergo for the last four months of college my house was filled with people doing bong hits and playing Rope and Vertigo over and over on the TV.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 01, 2025 09:29 PM (RIvkX)

163 63
'She may end up un-nominated before the show...and not b/c of the trans...you should see all the scandals...'

We might be looking at this from the wrong direction.
I think the Academy finally realized people hate trans and they decided they didn't want to ride the train over the cliff.
So they ginned up the scandal to have an excuse to shitcan the Amelia what's-his-name

Posted by: Dr. Claw at February 01, 2025 09:30 PM (3wi/L)

164 Nosferito?

youtube.com/watch?v=FdzbPX8vrec

Posted by: JQ at February 01, 2025 09:31 PM (YoCnN)

165 "Rope" Recommended.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:32 PM (7D76Q)

166 And, then there's the central question of Inferno, Clouzot's unfinished film that he filmed for about a month before his star walked off set and Clouzot had a heart attack, ending the production.
====
French?

Checks out.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 01, 2025 09:32 PM (RIvkX)

167 Corman likes Beverly Garland.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 01, 2025 09:33 PM (63Dwl)

168 After his first bong hit, he exclaimed "I ain't making rope no more!"

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:34 PM (7D76Q)

169 I wasn't in the class but I might as well have been. Hitchock is eminently binge-watchable, and I did not have to take notes ftw.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at February 01, 2025 09:34 PM (RIvkX)

170 There are several movies in the Leopold & Loeb genre, over several decades. An interesting essay could be composed considering them as a group, but I sure as hell won't write it. Not for free.

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:36 PM (7D76Q)

171 Last movie I saw in a theater was Dick Tracy.
Beatty took a hard swing and missed.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at February 01, 2025 09:42 PM (94zWv)

172 Last movie I saw in a theater was Armageddon. The loudest movie ever made. SHEEE'S GONNAAA BLOOWWWW!

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:46 PM (P3fKr)

173 I feel so dirty with all of this pillowtalk conversation of hitchcocks and suspense and the like.

What we need is a modern-day upgrade of that gorilla, Vin Diesel, to crash and bash some shit, and utter unintelligible shit while he smashes real world EVs.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 01, 2025 09:49 PM (hXQfZ)

174 nood

Posted by: gp's Movie Laffs at February 01, 2025 09:49 PM (P3fKr)

175 I got some free movie passes and saw The Northmen and The one with Nicolaus Cage in the title.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2025 09:49 PM (KWujZ)

176 There's a 4-alarm fire in my little town right now. Four or five houses are already involved. One fireman injured. Our firemen are all volunteers. Prayers needed.

Posted by: IrishEi at February 01, 2025 09:49 PM (3ImbR)

177 Portrait shot of Clouzot with Romy Schneider: look at the pipe.
That man is a pipe smoker. The only picture you'll ever see more pipe-smoker than that is the one with a sou'wester, with the bowl turned upside down. Or Kipling's torpedo-boat skipper, biting through the stem. "Beaver."

The French do not smoke the pipe as we are accustomed to.
Les Existentialistes smoked pipes like chain-smokers did Galoises.
Fully inhaled, with blue-ass Latakia shag. Couldn't see across the room. And they died...in a Facel-Vega.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at February 01, 2025 09:51 PM (zdLoL)

178 "Rope" Recommended.

Well I'll be damned. I had no idea you were gay.

Posted by: Way,Way Downriver at February 01, 2025 09:53 PM (zdLoL)

179 Re: my post at 159

That Kurt Russell Fugitive episode was in the 2d season, not the 3rd. In case anyone was going to go looking for it. But I had the title right at least.

Thanks for the thread, TJM.
Enjoy the evening, gang.

Posted by: Just Some Guy at February 01, 2025 09:56 PM (q3u5l)

180 Thank you for this! Quai des orfèvres in one of my favorites. I saw it once in the theater, and when Louis Jouvet delivered that last line everyone howled with laughter.

Great movie, as are Les diaboliques and Wages of Fear. I don’t know the later ones, and am now intrigued to check them out. Thank you!

Posted by: Henry O. at February 01, 2025 10:29 PM (Wnkzy)

181 I really enjoy this column. Yhank you, TJM, for putting in all that work for us.

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