Monthly Archives: May 2011

3 things about Akira Kurosawa’s RED BEARD

Red Beard [1965] 1.  Sandals spread across the ground outside the entrance to the hospital. 2. “Even bad food tastes good if you chew it well.” 3. She scrubs the edge of the window frame then slides open the screen. … Continue reading

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Alfred Hitchcock’s VERTIGO

LIGHT IN AUGUST The pattern of leaves on this green concrete floor calls to mind that scene in the forest where he watches her tracing the rings in the cross-section of the cut tree: here I was born, there I … Continue reading

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3 things about John Huston’s PRIZZI’S HONOR

Prizzi’s Honor [1985] 1. On the phone: “You just give me your name and I’ll send you $10.” Her name is Miss Peaches; he writes it on a stamped envelope, then walks to the hallway and drops it in the mail … Continue reading

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3 things about David Lean’s GREAT EXPECTATIONS

Great Expectations [1946] 1. A rat scurries over the dust-encrusted wedding cake. 2. “In becoming a gentleman, I had only succeeded in becoming a snob.” 3. He kisses Pip’s hand in silence, then dies.

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3 things about William Wyler’s THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES

The Best Years of Our Lives [1946] 1. She points to the smoky smudges in the aerial photograph and asks, “What are those?” He smiles and replies, “Little black flowers that grow in the sky.” 3. Using the tines of … Continue reading

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3 things about Robert Altman’s QUINTET

Quintet [1979] 1. Vaseline smeared on the lenses. The entire film. 2. Money-skewer murder weapon. 3. Starfish sewn on the brim of Fernando Rey’s hat. This movie just doesn’t work. But it has something …

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3 things about Fritz Lang’s RANCHO NOTORIOUS

Rancho Notorious [1952] 1. Not one of the all-time greatest movie songs: “Legend of Chuck-A-Luck.” On the other hand “Love Me Tender” does appear in an instrumental version during one scene. 2. He kisses her. She smiles and says, “That’s … Continue reading

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3 things about Paul Feig’s BRIDESMAIDS

Bridesmaids [2011] 1. She sits in the sink and shouts, “Look away! Look away!” 2. “I just want to watch The Daily Show without being penetrated.” 3. “It is a great tub. I slept in that tub on my thirtieth … Continue reading

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3 things about David Lynch’s ERASERHEAD

Eraserhead [1977] 1. “Do I just–cut them up like regular chickens?” “Sure, just cut ’em up like regular chickens.” 2. Sock on the radiator. 3. Rubber eye rub. 3 other things.

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3 things about Nicole Holofcener’s PLEASE GIVE

Please Give [2010] 1. She has a fleeting vision of the dead woman sitting in her chair, the one she’s just purchased. 2. A dented can of juice spilled all over the kitchen floor is the the first sign that … Continue reading

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