1931 Review Blog
Dracula
Grade: B 01/26/2009
It is hard to find a more Iconic character in the history of cinema than that of Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula. For the first time, I have seen the original 1931 version of Bram Stoker's novel and I have to say...the man is INCREDIBLY suited for the role. When Renfield first showed up to Castle Dracula at the start of the film, I was astonished by the production design in this film, especially for something made in the mid 30s. But as the story moved into London, it started to drag and become less and less magical. Lugosi never wavers in his performance, but Dracula lurking around a London bedroom is not quite as mesmerizing as Dracula lurking around his own castle. Renfield does constantly steal the show with his lunacy.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: B 01/26/2009
It is hard to find a more Iconic character in the history of cinema than that of Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula. For the first time, I have seen the original 1931 version of Bram Stoker's novel and I have to say...the man is INCREDIBLY suited for the role. When Renfield first showed up to Castle Dracula at the start of the film, I was astonished by the production design in this film, especially for something made in the mid 30s. But as the story moved into London, it started to drag and become less and less magical. Lugosi never wavers in his performance, but Dracula lurking around a London bedroom is not quite as mesmerizing as Dracula lurking around his own castle. Renfield does constantly steal the show with his lunacy.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Frankenstein
Grade: D 05/22/2009
Now...THIS movie "classic" I don't get. I was expecting to be mesmerized as I was with 1931's DRACULA, but this film was just so INCREDIBLY corny and stupid. There is no arching storyline and the monster is nothing but a bumbling child. How people differentiate this film from Ed Wood-stylecamp is beyond me. When the spoof on this film, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN,actually improves on the SERIOUS part of the Frankenstein myth...then you know you failed. Ugh. I just don't get why this film is praised so highly.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: D 05/22/2009
Now...THIS movie "classic" I don't get. I was expecting to be mesmerized as I was with 1931's DRACULA, but this film was just so INCREDIBLY corny and stupid. There is no arching storyline and the monster is nothing but a bumbling child. How people differentiate this film from Ed Wood-stylecamp is beyond me. When the spoof on this film, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN,actually improves on the SERIOUS part of the Frankenstein myth...then you know you failed. Ugh. I just don't get why this film is praised so highly.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
M
Grade: A+ 05/25/2009
This is a truly riveting movie. Peter Lorre looks like a psychotic cartoon character, and portrays a pedophile/murderer hiding out in a German City. The police force is becoming more and more desperate, taking more and more rights from their citizens in order to catch the murderer. With that huge police presence, the underworld becomes more agitated and tries to track him down as well so their will be some relief. Just a great procedural with that whole Nazithing hanging over the head of filmmaker Fritz Lang. Totally resonates today with the whole concept of what rights we are willing to give up to feel safe. Not bad for a movie that is 78 years old.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A+ 05/25/2009
This is a truly riveting movie. Peter Lorre looks like a psychotic cartoon character, and portrays a pedophile/murderer hiding out in a German City. The police force is becoming more and more desperate, taking more and more rights from their citizens in order to catch the murderer. With that huge police presence, the underworld becomes more agitated and tries to track him down as well so their will be some relief. Just a great procedural with that whole Nazithing hanging over the head of filmmaker Fritz Lang. Totally resonates today with the whole concept of what rights we are willing to give up to feel safe. Not bad for a movie that is 78 years old.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Le Million
Grade: C 06/09/2009
LE MILLION reminded me of the more recent, French film, DELICATESSAN. It is a simple, yet odd little story...with random music and rhythm thrown into the mix. It is a bit silly and nonsensical, but the enthusiasm by which the film is made and performed is a bit infectious. The last third of the film takes place at an opera, and there is FAR too much opera going on instead of advancing the plot, but overall, this film was enjoyable. Michel owes all of his debtors, has won the lottery, but the ticket is in the jacket his girlfriend gave to a mob boss hiding in her apartment, who in turn pawned it to a famous opera singer who is performing as a Bohemian. I like these films where things have gone SO wrong SO quickly. Fun.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: C 06/09/2009
LE MILLION reminded me of the more recent, French film, DELICATESSAN. It is a simple, yet odd little story...with random music and rhythm thrown into the mix. It is a bit silly and nonsensical, but the enthusiasm by which the film is made and performed is a bit infectious. The last third of the film takes place at an opera, and there is FAR too much opera going on instead of advancing the plot, but overall, this film was enjoyable. Michel owes all of his debtors, has won the lottery, but the ticket is in the jacket his girlfriend gave to a mob boss hiding in her apartment, who in turn pawned it to a famous opera singer who is performing as a Bohemian. I like these films where things have gone SO wrong SO quickly. Fun.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die