Monthly Archives: January 2018

3 things about Jules Dassin’s THE NAKED CITY

The Naked City [1948] 1. She fetches a cup of cold tea from the kitchen. 2. J.P. McGillicuddy. 3. We hear traffic noise drifting into the room. Foreshadowing the moment when he makes a dash for the open window.

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3 things about Peter Yates’s EYEWITNESS

Eyewitness [1981] 1. Floor polish foreplay. 2. Morgan Freeman’s pipe-smoking detective seems to have wandered in from a better, more interesting movie. 3. Kenneth McMillan’s piggyback ride up a flight of stairs. Ugh. Pretty bad.

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3 things about Ishirô Honda’s GODZILLA (GOJIRA)

Godzilla [1954] 1. Budapest String Quartet. 2. He sheepishly tucks his tie into his jacket before continuing. 3. Radioactive trilobite.

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ROY’S WORLD co-producer Michael Glover Smith’s newest film screens in Chicago!

Three couples from Chicago vacation for a weekend at a lakeside cabin in Michigan. And a lot can happen over the course of three days … I like to joke that Michael Glover Smith is the Robert Altman to my … Continue reading

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3 things about Robert Altman’s McCABE & MRS. MILLER

McCabe & Mrs. Miller [1971] 1. “I counted ’em, there’s 52.” 2. The only time we ever really see her smile. 3. For me, what makes the finale so haunting is that there are no witnesses.

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3 things about Gabe Klinger’s PORTO

Porto [2016] 1. A different couple in the window. 2. We learn that they actually go to dinner afterward. 3. Glitchy sunrise, twice.

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3 things about William Wyler’s DODSWORTH

Dodsworth [1936] 1. He strides through the gathering of factory workers. But the film skips the farewell speech. 2. “Have you ever noticed how transparent people are when you really look at them?” 3. Khakis, tennis shoes, a white shirt … Continue reading

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3 things about Paul Thomas Anderson’s PHANTOM THREAD

Phantom Thread [2017] 1. “It’s my job to give you some. If I choose to.” 2. Asparagus with oil and salt. 3. Both women answer the doctor simultaneously. Again and again.

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3 things about Phil Karlson’s KANSAS CITY CONFIDENTIAL

Kansas City Confidential [1952] 1. The mask strapped to his sweaty leg. 2. She gauges the situation briefly and says, “Now I’m supposed to be hurt. Maybe even cry.” 3. Another diner named Winky’s.

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3 things about Albert Lewin’s PANDORA AND THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

Pandora and the Flying Dutchman [1951] 1. He discreetly drops poison into his own drink. 2. The sound as the bull’s horn tears his shirt. 3. Glistening drops of water on the piece of canvas she has wrapped around her … Continue reading

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