alexkalognomos Reviews

The Yearling (1946)

times change

[12 August 2005]

When I was a boy I did not relate to this story. It was shown to me in school and I guess adults expect children to relate to it but it didn't move me at all. I found it hard to believe that a dear couldn't be kept out of a yard.

Flash forward 20 years. I just watched this film again. It's a tear jerker the way "Citizen Kane" could never be - though they're essentially about the loss of innocence. I really loved it this time around. I was moved beyond tears. Maybe b/c I just watched the new Bambi DVD.

Killing dears is a timeless Hollywood device.

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)

John Cho is HILARIOUS

[22 July 2004]

This is a strong comedy with faces you rarely get to see on the big screen taking center stage!

I was lucky to see this film at a festival before it opened everywhere else in Los Angeles. It was as hilarious, good-hearted, and inventive as "Dude Where's my Car" - but even better because of John Cho's brand of humor: the nice, smart guy you know and like, who always finds a way to get into "schemes" that cause trouble later on.

I hope he takes on more starring roles. He's reminds me of early Tom Hanks - especially in the films he made after "Bosom Buddies" and before "Philadelphia." I MISS THAT GUY! I'm glad Cho is here.

The Red Shoes (1948)

Years Ahead of its Time - A tragedy that takes the breath away.

[10/10 · 2 July 2004]

I just viewed this film on Turner Classic Network. I'd heard and read about it many times over the years (it's a sure sign that a film wants to be seen by you when you keep reading or hearing about it!) but it took me much too long to finally see it. I plan on owning this film by tomorrow morning.

I wish I'd seen The Red Shoes (1948) when I was younger because it is a masterwork. In this film, there are no American movie stars - which is what I most love about films from the Golden Age. The winning charisma of Fred and Gene and Ginger and Rita and Betty is not to be found. Instead, this film has a dreamlike cast that brings a classical aesthetic sensibility to the presentation of music and dance. The beautiful, tortured, God-given talents of Moira Shearer, Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring et al infuse this film with a tragic, romantic artistry that I have never experienced in any other film.

This film inspires. The special effects that were used to heighten the drama of the ballet sequence are as sensational today as they MUST have been 50+ years ago. I discovered my higher self while watching this film. Some people might say it's too grand, too histrionic but I feel that truly great artists - dancers and musicians - are compelled by the same divine madness that possess the characters of The Red Shoes.

Please see this film, for yourself, for your children, for the future of cinema.

Lost in Translation (2003)

If you are in Love, you will love this movie.

[3 January 2004]

I, on the other hand, am on the down and outs of a relationship and this movie stressed me out. You can't possibly imagine, something about the film's pace and the characters' unrequited love made me leave the theater a nervous train wreck. It affected me in a terrible way. Interestingly, I watched many couples kiss each other and lovingly hold each other after the lights came up. I think for people in love, this film will make you treasure your lover.

Rita (2003 TV Movie)

An homage to an icon

[10/10 · 17 October 2003]

I saw this doc. at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, CA, and when it premiered on TCN. .

Included is some truly original and magical imagery: home movies, screentest footage, and interviews with Anthony Franciosa, Marc Platt, and Juanita Mooreand. The late, great Ann Miller sheds light on Rita's unique temperament and sense of humor. Eli Wallach shares his ideas about the Hayworth magic. And Kim Basinger's narration haunts as if it were Hayworth's own joyless song.

Her famous Life Magazine pin-up could not be included in this film:-( but another version is used. Final thoughts, this is the best documentary I have seen on Rita Hayworth. It captures her unique essence and explores her lasting legacy. I thank Elaine Archer for making such a wonderful homage to Rita Hayworth.