Best:
Submarine directed by Richard Ayoade
Similar in style to films such as Noah Baumbach's The Squid and the Whale and Wes Anderson's The Royal Tennenbaums and Rushmore, Ayoade adds a level of alternative humour and unique cinematography that sets it apart from any other recent film. By leaving out the cliched techniques of many a director when filming a deliberately alternative film, Ayoade uses the perfect amount of irony, wit and sincerity. With the film's beautiful setting and powerful photography, Submarine comes to life as a truly innovative and groundbreaking film.
Worst: The Best and the Brightest directed by Josh Shelov
While providing what would seem to be an entertaining plot, The Best and the Brightest provides an excruciatingly obtuse and unrealistic window into the private school world on the upper east side. Shelov uses every cliche surrounding upper east side life as the film's plot while adding a rauchy twist that borders on despicable rather than comedic. It's almost as if Shelov not only knew nothing about upper east side private schools but had also never even been to New York City. Truly awful - do not waste your time/money on this movie.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Ten Amazing (unconventional) Movie Scenes
The Royal Tennenbaums (2001), Wes Anderson, By Way of the Green Line Bus
Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, Boys on a Train
Almost Famous (2000), Cameron Crowe, Back on the Bus
Play It Again, Sam, Herbert Ross and Woody Allen, Blind Date
一个都不能少, Zhang Yimou, Trip to the City (scene unavailable)
Trailer
The Squid and the Whale (2005), Noah Baumbach, Growing Up
Notting Hill (1999), Roger Michell, Horse and Hound
Rushmore (1998), Wes Anderson, Pool Scene
Harold and Maude (1971), Hal Ashby, Banjo
Gone With The Wind (1939), Victor Fleming, Scarlett O'Hara "I just want to dance"
Slumdog Millionaire (2008), Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan, Boys on a Train
Almost Famous (2000), Cameron Crowe, Back on the Bus
Play It Again, Sam, Herbert Ross and Woody Allen, Blind Date
一个都不能少, Zhang Yimou, Trip to the City (scene unavailable)
Trailer
The Squid and the Whale (2005), Noah Baumbach, Growing Up
Notting Hill (1999), Roger Michell, Horse and Hound
Rushmore (1998), Wes Anderson, Pool Scene
Harold and Maude (1971), Hal Ashby, Banjo
Gone With The Wind (1939), Victor Fleming, Scarlett O'Hara "I just want to dance"
Wes Anderson: A Modern Marvel
While these days, films such as "The Hangover" and "Kung Fu Panda 2" are dominating the movie market, true cinematic talent has not been fully eliminated and can be found in the work of Wes Anderson.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
A father attempts to reconnect with his estranged family by faking a terminal illness. The cinematography and script are especially noteworthy and combined with excellent casting, the film becomes a true masterpiece.
Best Trivia:
Best Scene:
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
A father attempts to reconnect with his estranged family by faking a terminal illness. The cinematography and script are especially noteworthy and combined with excellent casting, the film becomes a true masterpiece.
Best Trivia:
The original hawk used to play Mordecai was kidnapped during shooting and held for ransom - production could not wait for him to be returned which is the reason that the bird that appears later in the movie has "more white feathers" - it's a different bird.
The hand that is seen with the BB lodged between its knuckles is not Ben Stiller's, but Andrew Wilson's, brother of Owen Wilson and Luke Wilson. When they were children, Owen fired a BB gun at Andrew's hand and the pellet has been there ever since.
The scene where Richie punches the glass in Mortaci's pen is unscripted, this was improvised by Luke Wilson on the spot and the scene quickly cuts to Richie and Ralleigh (Bill Murray) talking up close, this is because when Wilson punched the glass, director Wes Anderson thought he seriously hurt himself.
Best Scene:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
New York Legend
BILL CUNNINGHAM - New York's Phinest Photographer
Bill Cunningham New York - Only playing for a few more days!
5/24
Bill Cunningham New York - Only playing for a few more days!
5/24
11:30am 1:30 3:30 5:30 7:30 9:30pm
12:00 1:40pm
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Genius Behind Shirley Temple
Shirley Temple's mother, once an aspiring actress herself, was determined for her child to thrive in show business. During pregnancy, she regularly played the phonograph and went to dance recitals. She would read plays to the growing baby in her womb and use expressive voices to capture emotion.
When Shirley Temple was born, she was immediately immersed in the world of singing and acting. At eight months old she was swaying in her crib to music. When she cried or laughed, she was not given her way until she could master an accurate and believable impression of sadness or joy. She was raised to behave in an "acting" way rather than express true expressions and emotions.
Can a mother determine her child's profession and success even before she is born?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Direction vs. Disposition
Alfred Hitchcock: Blackmail, Sabotage and Stage Fright
While Hitchcock is arguably considered to be one of the greatest directors of all time, his tendency to play cruel jokes on his actors and film crew landed him the nickname "Cocky".
- When Elsie Randolph who played in "Frenzy" told Hitchcock that she disliked smoky rooms, he directed her to shoot a scene in a telephone booth where he locked the door and used a fog machine to pump smoke into the box.
- On the set of "Strangers On A Train", Hitchcock sent his daughter to the top of the ferris wheel and left her there screaming for hours.
- On the set of "The 39 Steps", Hitchcock handcuffed Robert Donat and Madeleine Carrol together for a whole 24 hours so that he could observe how they used the restroom.
- Alfred Hitchcock once gave Tippi Hendren's daughter, Melanie Griffith, a doll that looked identical to her mother that he presented inside a tiny coffin.
- In "The Birds", Hitchcock surprised Tippi Hendren by using real birds to film the attic scene. He wanted to capture the emotion of true fear.
Woody Allen: Everything you (didn't) want to know about sex...
While successfully directing over 45 films, Woody Allen had a private life full of what might be described as a series of crimes and misdemeanors. While Allen and Mia Farrow never officially married, they maintained a relationship which lasted around 12 years. In that time Farrow gave birth to a son (Satchel) and the couple adopted two children (Dylan and Moses). Farrow also had previous children from a previous marriage including an adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn.
Allen's relationship with Mia Farrow soon fell apart when she discovered his relationship with Soon-Yi Previn. While Allen never formally adopted Soon-Yi, he still played a father figure in her life and the relationship was deemed incestual. As Allen and Farrow's son Satchel once noted of Allen, "He's my father married to my sister. That makes me his son and his brother-in-law".
Roman Polanski: Repuls(ive)
Films like Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and Repulsion are flawlessly directed, yet Roman Polanksi's personal life has exposed him to be a severely disturbed and flawed individual. Like Allen, Polanski took a liking for younger women. When he was 43, he married his third wife, Nastassja Kinksi, who was only 15 years old at the time.
In 1977, Polanski was charged for the sexual assault of a 13 year old. After spending time in jail, Polanski fled to France and was protected under the French government for the next few decades. In 2009, Polanski traveled to Switzerland and was promptly arrested by the request of the U.S. government. However, the Swiss government refused to indict him and Polanski walked away a free man.
While Hitchcock is arguably considered to be one of the greatest directors of all time, his tendency to play cruel jokes on his actors and film crew landed him the nickname "Cocky".
- When Elsie Randolph who played in "Frenzy" told Hitchcock that she disliked smoky rooms, he directed her to shoot a scene in a telephone booth where he locked the door and used a fog machine to pump smoke into the box.
- On the set of "Strangers On A Train", Hitchcock sent his daughter to the top of the ferris wheel and left her there screaming for hours.
- On the set of "The 39 Steps", Hitchcock handcuffed Robert Donat and Madeleine Carrol together for a whole 24 hours so that he could observe how they used the restroom.
- Alfred Hitchcock once gave Tippi Hendren's daughter, Melanie Griffith, a doll that looked identical to her mother that he presented inside a tiny coffin.
- In "The Birds", Hitchcock surprised Tippi Hendren by using real birds to film the attic scene. He wanted to capture the emotion of true fear.
Woody Allen: Everything you (didn't) want to know about sex...
While successfully directing over 45 films, Woody Allen had a private life full of what might be described as a series of crimes and misdemeanors. While Allen and Mia Farrow never officially married, they maintained a relationship which lasted around 12 years. In that time Farrow gave birth to a son (Satchel) and the couple adopted two children (Dylan and Moses). Farrow also had previous children from a previous marriage including an adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn.
Allen's relationship with Mia Farrow soon fell apart when she discovered his relationship with Soon-Yi Previn. While Allen never formally adopted Soon-Yi, he still played a father figure in her life and the relationship was deemed incestual. As Allen and Farrow's son Satchel once noted of Allen, "He's my father married to my sister. That makes me his son and his brother-in-law".
Roman Polanski: Repuls(ive)
Films like Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and Repulsion are flawlessly directed, yet Roman Polanksi's personal life has exposed him to be a severely disturbed and flawed individual. Like Allen, Polanski took a liking for younger women. When he was 43, he married his third wife, Nastassja Kinksi, who was only 15 years old at the time.
In 1977, Polanski was charged for the sexual assault of a 13 year old. After spending time in jail, Polanski fled to France and was protected under the French government for the next few decades. In 2009, Polanski traveled to Switzerland and was promptly arrested by the request of the U.S. government. However, the Swiss government refused to indict him and Polanski walked away a free man.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
JFK's Assassination Prompted by Film?
Amongst the hundreds of theories surrounding the assassination of JFK's assassination, one stands out to me as perhaps one of the most interesting (if not the most far fetched).
The connection between Lee Harvey Oswald and "The Manchurian Candidate" directed by John Frankenheimer, has been cause for great speculation. The film follows an American soldier who is brainwashed by Communists to assassinate an American presidential candidate. This theme has an eerily similar plot line to the real life assassination of JFK and some have claimed that the script provided a blueprint for Lee Harvey Oswald's actions. The film played for a full year next to Oswald's post office and it has been calculated that he saw the film on more than one occasion. Some claim he saw it "numerous times" and developed an infatuation for its political plot. The film was pulled from theaters soon after the assassination due its creepily similar motif.
Any validity behind this? If so, can films be held responsible for the actions of others? Let's hope not...
The connection between Lee Harvey Oswald and "The Manchurian Candidate" directed by John Frankenheimer, has been cause for great speculation. The film follows an American soldier who is brainwashed by Communists to assassinate an American presidential candidate. This theme has an eerily similar plot line to the real life assassination of JFK and some have claimed that the script provided a blueprint for Lee Harvey Oswald's actions. The film played for a full year next to Oswald's post office and it has been calculated that he saw the film on more than one occasion. Some claim he saw it "numerous times" and developed an infatuation for its political plot. The film was pulled from theaters soon after the assassination due its creepily similar motif.
Any validity behind this? If so, can films be held responsible for the actions of others? Let's hope not...
Friday, March 11, 2011
If They Existed Today...
What would shock them most?
Scarlett O'Hara: The average female waistline in 2010 was 30 inches.
Captain Von Trapp: Summoning children with a whistle and forcing them to adhere to miltaristic tactics would now constitute as child abuse.
Hollie Golightly: The cheapest item at Tiffany & Co is no longer $6.75 but a whopping $30.
Norman Bates: The development and success of modern day (psycho)therapy.
Scarlett O'Hara: The average female waistline in 2010 was 30 inches.
Captain Von Trapp: Summoning children with a whistle and forcing them to adhere to miltaristic tactics would now constitute as child abuse.
Hollie Golightly: The cheapest item at Tiffany & Co is no longer $6.75 but a whopping $30.
Norman Bates: The development and success of modern day (psycho)therapy.
Behind the Scenes of Casablanca...
Casablanca's Best Kept Secrets
1. The Plane
Ever wonder why the last scene is so foggy? This wasn't just an odd choice for set design, the fog was used to mask the plane. Arguably America's most famous film ever produced, one would think that the film had an enormous budget. However, Michael Curtiz was given just under 1 million dollars for the entire production (the final production went over $75,000). Because money was tight, the plane in the final scene was actually built from cardboard. The people walking around the plane are midgets, Curtiz's effort to make the plane look bigger. The fog was necessary to conceal both the cardboard plane as well as the midget personnel.
2. Last Line
Arguably one of the film's most famous lines, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" was never part of the actual script. Curtiz added the line into the script a month after shooting was finished. Bogart had to be called in to dub it.
3. The Height Difference
Because Ingrid Bergman was actually taller than Humphrey Bogart, Willis had Bogart stand on blocks or sit on cushions in their scenes together.
1. The Plane
Ever wonder why the last scene is so foggy? This wasn't just an odd choice for set design, the fog was used to mask the plane. Arguably America's most famous film ever produced, one would think that the film had an enormous budget. However, Michael Curtiz was given just under 1 million dollars for the entire production (the final production went over $75,000). Because money was tight, the plane in the final scene was actually built from cardboard. The people walking around the plane are midgets, Curtiz's effort to make the plane look bigger. The fog was necessary to conceal both the cardboard plane as well as the midget personnel.
2. Last Line
Arguably one of the film's most famous lines, "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship" was never part of the actual script. Curtiz added the line into the script a month after shooting was finished. Bogart had to be called in to dub it.
3. The Height Difference
Because Ingrid Bergman was actually taller than Humphrey Bogart, Willis had Bogart stand on blocks or sit on cushions in their scenes together.
4. The Love Triangle
Ingrid Bergman was never actually told who she was supposed to be in love with. She often complained to Curtiz that she couldn't go on acting without knowing how Ilsa felt about Rick and Laszlo. Curtiz even shot scenes of Ilsa ending up with Rick and Laszlo leaving on the plane.
Notable Necklines
The V of Leigh
Some Like it Low
Baby Take a Bow-Knot
My Square Lady
The Royal Twist
All About the Weave
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Best Movie Theaters in NYC
The Film Forum
209 West Houston Street
The Film Forum, my favorite theater, plays a variety of independent and old films. The website provides a monthly calendar and offers double feature discounts. The theater often plays movie marathons, showing multiple works by various directors. This month will show movies such as Truffaut's "The Soft Skin", "Taxi Driver" and "Madame Bovary".
http://www.filmforum.org/
IFC Center
323 Avenue of the Americas
The IFC Center shows a variety of independent and foreign films. It hosts events such as Weekend Classics (Fridays - Sundays at 11am) and Waverly Midnights (cult movies on Friday and Saturday at midnight). The theater also has a gallery where it shows vintage movie posters. Definitely worth visiting.
http://www.ifccenter.com/
Angelika Film Center
189 2nd Ave # 2S
The Angelika film Center might be New York City's most famous independent film theater. While the stadium seating isn't the most comfortable, the movies are well picked and worth going to. Going to the Angelika is a real experience. With a trendy cafe, old school screening rooms, and the audible roar of the subway underneath, a trip to the Angelika is an adventure every New Yorker should take.
http://angelikafilmcenter.com/
Sunshine Cinema
143 East Houston Street
Winning numerous awards such as "best art house in New York City", "#3 overall movie theater experience" and receiving an A+ in a movie Theater Report Card by Time Out New York, Landmark's Sunshine Cinema provides its audience with a truly satisfying experience. It's convenient location and stadium style seating guarantee accessibility and comfort. The Sunshine tends to show more streamlined films along with its independent selection. Well-deserving of it's A+.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/NewYork/NewYork_frameset.htm
209 West Houston Street
The Film Forum, my favorite theater, plays a variety of independent and old films. The website provides a monthly calendar and offers double feature discounts. The theater often plays movie marathons, showing multiple works by various directors. This month will show movies such as Truffaut's "The Soft Skin", "Taxi Driver" and "Madame Bovary".
http://www.filmforum.org/
IFC Center
323 Avenue of the Americas
The IFC Center shows a variety of independent and foreign films. It hosts events such as Weekend Classics (Fridays - Sundays at 11am) and Waverly Midnights (cult movies on Friday and Saturday at midnight). The theater also has a gallery where it shows vintage movie posters. Definitely worth visiting.
http://www.ifccenter.com/
Angelika Film Center
189 2nd Ave # 2S
The Angelika film Center might be New York City's most famous independent film theater. While the stadium seating isn't the most comfortable, the movies are well picked and worth going to. Going to the Angelika is a real experience. With a trendy cafe, old school screening rooms, and the audible roar of the subway underneath, a trip to the Angelika is an adventure every New Yorker should take.
http://angelikafilmcenter.com/
Sunshine Cinema
143 East Houston Street
Winning numerous awards such as "best art house in New York City", "#3 overall movie theater experience" and receiving an A+ in a movie Theater Report Card by Time Out New York, Landmark's Sunshine Cinema provides its audience with a truly satisfying experience. It's convenient location and stadium style seating guarantee accessibility and comfort. The Sunshine tends to show more streamlined films along with its independent selection. Well-deserving of it's A+.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/NewYork/NewYork_frameset.htm
The Paris Theatre
4 West 58th Street
The Paris Theatre is truly unique in its decor and ambiance. Plush seats and ornamented balconies line each screening room. While it boasts a beautiful design, its elegance is a bit off putting and it loses a big independent movie-going crowd to places like the Angelika and the Film Forum. Definitely worth stopping by, if not just to look at the lobby and screening rooms.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Top 5 Courtroom Dramas
1. 12 Angry Men (1957)
In Sidney Lumet's "12 Angry Men" starring Henry Fonda, a dissenting jurer uses his powers of persuasion to convince the jury of the possibility for reasonable doubt. Debatably the best courtroom drama ever produced.
2. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Billy Wilder's "Witness for the Prosecution" starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton tells the story of a man on trial for a presumed murder. Full of twists and turns, the film culminates in a truly unexpected surprise ending.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Based on a true story, Steven Soderbergh's "Erin Brockovich" starring Julia Robers and Albert Finney tells the story of how a single mother helps to expose the crimes of a major power company.
5. The Wrong Man (1956)
A classic Hitchcock featuring Henry Fonda and Vera Miles, "The Wrong Man" tells the real story of an innocent man's struggle to convince the court of his innocence.
In Sidney Lumet's "12 Angry Men" starring Henry Fonda, a dissenting jurer uses his powers of persuasion to convince the jury of the possibility for reasonable doubt. Debatably the best courtroom drama ever produced.
2. Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Billy Wilder's "Witness for the Prosecution" starring Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton tells the story of a man on trial for a presumed murder. Full of twists and turns, the film culminates in a truly unexpected surprise ending.
3. Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Starring Jimmy Stewart, Lee Remick and Ben Gazzara, Otto Preminger's "Anatomy of a Murder" uses the insanity defense in a thrilling case on sex and rape. The film was nominated for seven oscars and eleven nominations.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Based on a true story, Steven Soderbergh's "Erin Brockovich" starring Julia Robers and Albert Finney tells the story of how a single mother helps to expose the crimes of a major power company.
5. The Wrong Man (1956)
A classic Hitchcock featuring Henry Fonda and Vera Miles, "The Wrong Man" tells the real story of an innocent man's struggle to convince the court of his innocence.
Chic or Eek?
Styles in History, My votes
The Flapper Dress - Chic
The Boa - Eek!
White Boots - Eek!
The Pocket Watch - Chic
The Curl - Chic
The Bandana - Eek!
Polka Dots - Chic
And finally, the biggest Eek of them all - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
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