Monthly Archives: May 2011
Rollerball’s Anti-Individualistic Capitalism
Rollerball (1975) – dir. Norman Jewison Jonathan E. is the world’s greatest rollerball player. He holds all significant records and even fans of opposing teams cheer his name. For a game designed to “demonstrate the futility of individual effort,” this … Continue reading
A Look at (Heaven)
A Matter of Life and Death (1946) – dir. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1946 film A Matter of Life and Death stars David Niven as a British fighter pilot who – perhaps miraculously – … Continue reading
The Thief of Bagdad (1940)
The Thief of Bagdad (1940) - Michael Powell, Ludwig Berger, Tim Whelan, Vincent Korda, Zoltán Korda, William Cameron Menzies The King of Bagdad is kicked off his throne by the evil Jaffar, but finds a friend in the thief Abu. Together, … Continue reading
Buñuel: Real and Surreal
Los Olvidados (1950) - Luis Buñuel Los Olvidados – billed in English as The Young and the Damned – was directed by legendary filmmaker Luis Buñuel. In 1950, he was best known for his surrealist works like Un chien andalou and … Continue reading
Napoléon (1927) – Silent Epic
Napoléon (1927) – dir. Abel Gance The opening scene is of a snowball fight at the young Napoleon’s school Brienne-le-Château. The use of a handheld camera and extremely quick cuts gives Napoléon a dynamism unique in silent films. It feels … Continue reading
Letter from an Unknown Woman
Letter from an Unknown Woman (1948) – dir. Max Ophüls Letter from an Unknown Woman is one of those classic romantic melodramas that are attempted every weekend but succeed only every few years. Joan Fontaine plays the role of Lisa to … Continue reading
