Quite a simple film, but thrilling in its simplicity...with a climax that absolutely kept me at the edge of my seat. I guess it is fitting that Charles Laughton, who created such a spectacular, iconic villain in MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY, creats yet another iconic villain with Robert Mitchum's portrayal of Reverend Harry Powell. The story is about two young children, how their father entrusted them with a secret about his bank robbery stash, and their father's cellmate who is hellbent on discovering the loot. Reverend Powell encroaches on the children's life in EVERY way. He is as relentless as the shark in Jaws, and he is so flippant while doing it. The movie is beautifully shot and I really loved Mitchum's performance.
This film isn't really about anything. You have no idea who the 5 victims are, you have no idea who the killers are, and you have no idea what the motivation is behind such disgusting, brutal slayings. THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is just an violent, exhibitionist film that shows some really terrible, inexplicable ways to die. That all being said...there is a raw fear that is inevitable while watching it. Sure, Leatherface is a bit cheesy looking, and he runs with the chainsaw like a doofus, but when everything climaxes to that scene at the dinner table...I could feel the nightmares begin to conform inside my brain. Nothing really to this movie, but the rattle of the chainsaw will bother you much more after experiencing this film.
I have a very specific problem with SINGIN IN THE RAIN. I thought the story was very fun (about a studio trying to make their own "talkie" in the wake of THE JAZZ SINGER) and Gene Kelly looks like he is walking on air when he starts to dance...but here is my problem. There are 3 reasons for anyone to be singing in a movie musical. They should be melodically telling a part of the story, singing about their feelings & emotions, or performing in a show within the show (a la 42nd STREET). SINGIN IN THE RAIN all too often has people dancing and singing for no reason whatsoever, and it is annoying. "Make 'em Laugh"? Absolutley no reason for that song. "Good Morning"? Who are the three leads dancing for? Us? They are characters in a movie...not performers on a stage. The title song sequence got it right, but the rest of the movie felt very awkward and choppy. No one will EVER convince me that this movie is a better musical then the likes of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, or even CHICAGO....and it has been hailed as the best movie musical ever....WRONG!!!!
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These are Kevin's viewings out of the above Steven Jay Schneider tome Archives
May 2012
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