Author Archives: robchristopher

What About Bob? [1991] 1. The elevator doors close. Scream. 2. “I let the boat do the work. That’s my secret.” 3. Bob steps through the shrubbery and Dr. Marvin winces.

25th Hour [2002] 1. A sobering scene involving Ground Zero is abruptly ruined by a needless montage and the most bombastic music cue in cinema history. 2. He tries to rub the graffiti off the mirror, but he can’t. 3. … Continue reading →

Wild River [1960] 1. “The current will take us to the other side. Slowly.” 2. Bruce Dern keeps trying to get a haircut. At the time, Bruce Dern had hair. 3. The hotel lobby is crowded with people sitting and … Continue reading →

Hammett [1982] 1. First Hammett seems anxious about losing his manuscript, then he brushes it off. Then he’s desperate to get it back, then he just watches as the pages scatter into the water. Doesn’t make a lick of sense. … Continue reading →

The Seventh Seal [1957] 1. He taps the man on the shoulder. It is not a man. 2. von Sydow’s gaunt face, cropped hair. 3. A squirrel hops up onto the tree trunk.

Murder, My Sweet [1944] 1. Helen: “I thought most private investigators were heavy drinkers.” Marlowe: “Some are. Some just encourage others to drink.” 2. The bell-shaped liquor decanters. 3. A neon sign in the parking garage.

The Whales of August [1987] 1. Lillian Gish brushing Bette Davis’ hair. 2. A plate of broiled fish, delicately covered in slices of lemon and onion. 3. Vincent Price bends over to pick up something. A tall man.