Tag: Movie Review

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Roman Holiday (Movie Review)

helenchristie

Roman Holiday (1953) Director: William Wyler Cast: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn (her debut), Eddie Albert Original Story: Dalton Trumbo (blacklisted, uncredited until 2003) Screenplay: Dalton Trumbo (blacklisted, uncredited until 2011), Ian McLellan Hunter, John Dighton Costume Design: Edith Head I didn’t expect to enjoy this movie.  Usually, I’m clueless when watching films made before my time, if they were popular mainstream releases.  Early art house movies are more likely to register. When I rented Roman Holiday, it was mainly for historical perspective.  I’d seen Bryan Cranston portray blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, and then watched the 2007 documentary on his life.  Both … Continue reading Roman Holiday (Movie Review)

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Trumbo (Movie Review)

helenchristie

TRUMBO (2015) Directed by:  Jay Roach Starring:  Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Louis C.K., John Goodman Running Time:  124 Minutes Rated:  R Bruce Cook published his biography Dalton Trumbo in 1977.  Nearly forty years later, it was adapted for one of the finest Twentieth Century historical film accounts ever. The Red Scare was not Mid-Twentieth Century America’s finest hour.  Many of the people behind it were opportunists who knew better, and the general support it received was from an ignorant or intimidated public.  The communist witch hunt ruined careers and lives, and caused some people to expose weak aspects of their … Continue reading Trumbo (Movie Review)

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Unique Art Documentary

helenchristie

Rene Magritte (Belgian painter, 1898-1967) was once quoted as saying there was no deep meaning behind his paintings.  He said the only thing behind his paintings was a wall. The 1999 documentary Magritte: An Attempt At The Impossible challenges that modest statement.  The production offers interviews with the artist as well as theories on the history and influences behind his work.  In the fifty-five minute running time, the viewer becomes not only better informed but more curious about Magritte’s work and life. The documentary is beautifully photographed, with embellishments that suit the artist’s work well.  When describing Magritte’s erotic work, nude models … Continue reading Unique Art Documentary