I can't help but feel disappointed after TAXI DRIVER. I am a huge admirer and lover of Martin Scorsese's movies, and I found yet another gem of his with this project by seeing RAGING BULL, but this movie left so much to be desired. DeNiro's performace was more reserved than I expected, even during the violent climax, and Scorsese's direction was much less dynamic. I assume the story is about isolation and feeling alone in a massive, grotesque city and one man's attempt to make a connection, no matter how violent or extreme. But it never quite kicked into the gear I would have expected. That all being said...come on now...its DeNiro and Scorsese. Even their worst movie is better than most other good movies.
You know you have a great movie when one of your only complaints is that it is far too short. PATHS OF GLORY is early Kubrick, and it is equal parts DR. STRANGELOVE and FULL METAL JACKET. It involves a French regiment in WWI who are sent on a suicidal mission. When many soldiers fall back because of its obvious futility, 3 are arrested and charged with "Cowardice in the face of the enemy". Their Colonel (Kirk Douglas) defends them at their court martial. This movie made me verbally angry, and Kubrick's classic cynicism at humanity's possibilities really shines through. This is a wonderful movie, but at under 90 minutes long, I felt like I got shortchanged. The battle seemed truncated and the court martial seemed rushed, but overall...it is fantastic stuff.
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These are Kevin's viewings out of the above Steven Jay Schneider tome Archives
May 2012
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