1962 Review Blog
Lawrence of Arabia
Grade: A 12/01/2009
This is the biggest movie I have ever seen, and I am sorry that I have never seen it on the big screen. When a movie seems to dwarf GONE WITH THE WIND, BEN HUR, and LORD OF THE RINGS...it MUST be big. Watching the desert canvas that David Lean was painting on throughout LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, I couldn't help but think that even then, the lens wasn't big enough to capture the vastness of the Arabian desert. Never before have I seen the desert as such a harsh, unforgiving terrain. I also have to mention Peter O'Toole, who plays Lawrence as a hubristic, effeminate oddball, and it is totally believable that he was able to unite the Arab tribes against the Turks. WOW!!! Simply WOW!!!!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: A 12/01/2009
This is the biggest movie I have ever seen, and I am sorry that I have never seen it on the big screen. When a movie seems to dwarf GONE WITH THE WIND, BEN HUR, and LORD OF THE RINGS...it MUST be big. Watching the desert canvas that David Lean was painting on throughout LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, I couldn't help but think that even then, the lens wasn't big enough to capture the vastness of the Arabian desert. Never before have I seen the desert as such a harsh, unforgiving terrain. I also have to mention Peter O'Toole, who plays Lawrence as a hubristic, effeminate oddball, and it is totally believable that he was able to unite the Arab tribes against the Turks. WOW!!! Simply WOW!!!!!
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Grade: B+ 11/10/2010
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford give riveting performances in this film...and the entire concept where a woman is keeping her parapeligic sister captive and under her control shows me that Rob Reiner's MISERY was not as original as I thought it was. The movie drags at times...but the tension is palpable and the legendary feud between the two actresses really elevates their hate-filled performances. The black and white photography is a nice touch because it adds to the drab helplessness that Blanche must have been feeling in her situation. Jane is the quintessential crazy shut in and Bette Davis created quite an iconic, archetypal character. I enjoyed it...but I was hoping for excitement ratcheted up to WHO'S AFRAID OF VIGINIA WOLFF levels.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die
Grade: B+ 11/10/2010
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford give riveting performances in this film...and the entire concept where a woman is keeping her parapeligic sister captive and under her control shows me that Rob Reiner's MISERY was not as original as I thought it was. The movie drags at times...but the tension is palpable and the legendary feud between the two actresses really elevates their hate-filled performances. The black and white photography is a nice touch because it adds to the drab helplessness that Blanche must have been feeling in her situation. Jane is the quintessential crazy shut in and Bette Davis created quite an iconic, archetypal character. I enjoyed it...but I was hoping for excitement ratcheted up to WHO'S AFRAID OF VIGINIA WOLFF levels.
1001 Movie to See Before You Die