Un homme et une femme  

English title: A man and a woman

Genre: romance

With: Anouk Aimée, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Pierre Barouh

Director: Claude Lelouch

Release: 1966

Studio: Les Films 13

Rating: -

MBiS score: 8.5/10

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Story-line: a chance meeting between a movie industry assistant and a race-car driver leads to love.

Pluses: excellent acting by Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant, a moving scenario, splendid direction by Claude Lelouch and a classic score by Francis Lai (you’ve probably heard it somewhere without making the connection).

Minuses: none whatsoever, unless black and white films are not your cup of tea.

Comments: the film’s plot is not very full but, then again, love stories often hinge on a glance, a smile or a few simple words. This is one of Lelouch’s very best works, a Palme d’Or winner in 1966… and it’s so-o-o romantic, boys and girls!!!

MBiS

© 2014 – All rights reserved

Ice Storm (The)

Genre: comedy drama

Director: Ang Lee

Release: 1997

Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Rating: R

MBiS score: 8.3/10

‘I have a husband. I don't have a need for another one.’

We find ourselves in 1973 and the Hood family isn’t the most contented in New Canaan. Young Wendy (Christina Ricci) thinks about boys and rails about Nixon, brother Paul (Tobey Maguire) has girls on his mind but little luck with them, father Ben (Kevin Kline) struggles with mid-life crisis and mother Elena (Joan Allen) feels deep down inside that happiness is passing her by. With Sigourney Weaver (Janey Carver), Jamey Sheridan (her husband Jimmy), Elijah Wood and Adam Hann-Byrd (Mikey and Sandy, the Carver sons).

THE ICE STORM is a cold, cold family affair… and not only because of that pivotal weather event late in the story. Its characters are twisted and broken like sleet-covered branches, its humour bites like a winter squall in Minnesota… even though this is Connecticut. The plot, both potent and deep, develops over a few days, one fateful Thanksgiving weekend. Television is omnipresent and oppressive, relationships are tense, characters have yet to discover that the freewheeling spirit of the 70s may lead them to a dead end.

Sounds depressing? Believe me, it’s not. Drama and comedy are finely balanced here, largely due to the film’s faultless direction, screenwriting and acting. Helmer Ang Lee keeps things moving along and does a great job capturing the mood of the times. The script by James Schamus (based on a Rick Moody novel) spins its web quietly but efficiently (the spiral of events in the third act is superbly engineered). As for the cast, it exudes charisma and talent; at the risk of being unfair, I was especially impressed by Kevin Kline (who delivers his wackier lines with all the seriousness in the world) and Tobey Maguire (who reminded me of Robert De Niro waxing ironic).

In terms of weather, an ice storm is not something to be taken lightly; in the realm of filmed entertainment, THE ICE STORM shouldn’t either. That’s why I strongly recommend it to you. Whatever you decide, beware of those molecules, you hear!

MBiS

© 2014 – All rights reserved

Blaze

Genre: comedy drama 

With: Lolita Davidovich, Paul Newman, Jerry Hardin

Director: Ron Shelton

Release: 1989

Studio: A&M Films, Silver Screen Partners IV, Touchstone Pictures

Rating: 14A

MBiS score: 8.0/10

QuickView

Story-line: one night in 1959, Earl K. Long, governor of the fair State of Louisiana, goes to a strip joint and falls head over cowboy boots for one lovely performer named Blaze Starr.

Pluses: solid acting by Lolita Davidovich as the striptease artiste and Paul Newman as the colourful and wily governor, able direction by Ron Shelton, a slew of funny moments. 

Minuses: none to think of.

Comments: BLAZE being a tale of sex and government in a bygone era (ahem!), get ready for hogs, political shenanigans, scandal-mongering and watermelon in bed. Probably not the most moral of films but a memorable, rootin’ tootin’ good time to be had. Treat yourself now!

MBiS

© 2014 – All rights reserved

Professione: reporter

English title: Passenger (The)

Also known as: Profession: reporter

Genre: psychological drama – suspense

Director: Michelangelo Antonioni

Release: 1975

Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Rating: PG-13

MBiS score: 8.5/10

                                                                     

For the Hell of It

While working on a documentary in North Africa, journalist David Locke (Jack Nicholson) finds the dead body of David Robertson, a recent acquaintance, and decides to steal his identity. With Maria Schneider (the Girl), Jenny Runacre (Rachel), Ian Hendry (Martin Knight), Charles Mulvehill (David Robertson), Steven Berkoff (Stephen) and Ambrose Bia (Achebe).

Michelangelo Antonioni is celebrated in international circles for several striking films (L’AVVENTURA, BLOW-UP, ZABRISKIE POINT) and his PROFESSIONE: REPORTER is another stunner. It’s certainly arty, impressionistic and atmospheric… but it also delivers enough mystery and suspense to catch any viewer’s interest. As Locke forges Robertson’s passport and changes identities, you’ll wonder why he would turn his back on everything he had to pursue a life he knows nothing about. The answer, though not straightforward, does emerge from the film’s fine screenplay by Mark Peploe, Peter Wollen, Miguel De Echarri and Antonioni himself. Locke’s story plays like a puzzle, an intriguing riddle that will stay on your mind until the final frames.  

In form, PROFESSIONE: REPORTER is an atypical and invigorating chase movie. Gorgeous visuals shot in Africa and Europe, quality editing and winning turns by Jack Nicholson and Maria Schneider all contribute to the film’s success. Dialogues may seem whimsical and even obtuse but are never vague when precision is needed; in that regard, the comments made by an African statesman are especially true-life in that they hide as much as they reveal. The only problem I had with this superior film − and one you should be aware of if you want to fully enjoy it – stems from its difficult ending; it fits well with the narrative but you may need to see it twice (as I did) if you don’t get it the first time around.

Curiously enough, I first learned about this movie in the 80s when I saw a picture of Nicholson and Schneider in a beat-up Larousse dictionary. Having finally seen it, I can confirm what better reviewers have already said: PROFESSIONE: REPORTER is a masterful motion picture. Locke may have taken a gamble but you won’t have to if you follow him from Africa to London and from Munich to Spain. In your case, adventure is risk-free.

MBiS

© 2014 – All rights reserved

Hi Anonymous!

In response to your comment, I don’t use Twitter, unfortunately.

I also have very little time to write these days… but here are a few picks I hope you’ll enjoy.

- Shame (by Steve McQueen, 2011, starring Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan). A quirky ‘psycho-sexual’ drama that has surprising moral value. Tentative score: 8.2.

- The Artist (by Michel Hazanavicius, 2011, with Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo). A lovely film, a bit too reverential to my taste but amazing nevertheless. Tentative score: 8.2.

- We Need to Talk About Kevin (by Lynne Ramsay, 2011, with Tilda Swinton and Ezra Miller). Riveting even though the story itself is tragically well-known. Tentative score: 8.1.

- Longford (by Tom Hooper, 2006, with Jim Broadbent, Lindsay Duncan and Samantha Morton). An astounding moral dilemma. Incredible acting by the aforementioned actors and by a foul-mouthed Andy Serkis. Guilty or not guilty? You be the judge. Tentative score: 8.6.

- Bel Ami (by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod, 2012, with Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman and Kristin Scott Thomas). A rags-to-riches story with lots of power… and beautiful ladies. Tentative score: 8.3.  

 

- My Week with Marilyn (by Simon Curtis, 2011, with Michelle Williams and Eddie Redmayne). I was afraid this one would be a standard Hollywood biopic… but it’s a much more interesting film.  Splendid acting. Tentative score: 8.2.

- In Darkness (by Agnieszka Holland, 2011). A smaller story à la SCHINDLER’S LIST. Tentative score: 8.2.

- Hors de prix (Priceless) (by Pierre Salvadori, 2006, with Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh). Two attractive stars and a story like Hollywood can’t tell anymore. A funny, sexy date movie. Tentative score: 8.2.

Gotta run now!

MBiS

 

A few flicks for your summer

I know I’ve neglected you all... but I've had little time to write recently. I trust you’ll forgive me once you see this batch of excellent films (and avoid the clunker among them). Thank you!

Year of the Carnivore (Sook-Yin Lee, 2009)

- Looking to improve your sex skills? This is exactly what Samantha Smalls will try to do in YEAR OF THE CARNIVORE. A funny and refreshing film… way less smutty than the title suggests. Tentative score: 7.8

Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé (Stéphane Brizé, 2005)

- In a similar vein to YEAR OF THE CARNIVORE – but more romantic in its approach – JE NE SUIS PAS LÀ POUR ÊTRE AIMÉ tells the story of a lonely bailiff in Paris. A superbly acted film you should see with your significant somebody. Heartwarming without being mushy. Tentative score: 8.2

Once Upon a Time in the West (Sergio Leone, 1969)

- Yes, there is gunplay in this horse opera but much, much more. Splendid acting, a great plot, striking imagery and a dream score by Ennio Morricone. A true masterpiece in this genre. Tentative score: 9.2

Je vais bien, ne t’en fais pas (Don’t Worry, I’m Fine) (Philippe Lioret, 2006)

- A sneaky little family drama that introduced me to Mélanie Laurent. Tentative score: 8.1

Inglourious Basterds (Quentin Tarantino, 2009)

-Rewriting one of history’s darkest pages for laughs and sadistic thrills is clearly not my cup of tea. Solidly acted, technically accomplished, stylistically confused and fatally misguided. Tentative score: 3.0 (If you want a serious Résistance movie, see LE BON ET LES MÉCHANTS (1975) by Claude Lelouch.)

Wizard of Oz (The) (Victor Fleming (and King Vidor), 1939)

- Another genuine masterpiece for young and old alike. Tentative score: 9.0

A Single Man (Tom Ford, 2009)

- A touching film about love lived and lost. Great acting and a flawless script. Tentative score: 8.2

Apocalypse Now Redux (Francis Ford Coppola)

- The word ‘Redux’ is very important here. This full-length version (around three and a half hours) feels much more complete and satisfying than the shorter version I saw long ago. War is hell and this movie feels like it. A legendary epic, no doubt. Tentative score: 9.4

Nowhere Boy (Sam Taylor-Wood, 2010)

- John Lennon’s first steps as a musician. A stormy film that made me think twice about John’s family life and his relationship with Paul McCartney. Tentative score: 8.0

Mildred Pierce (Michael Curtiz, 1945)

- A suspenseful and shocking film noir that mustn’t be missed. So what if it’s old… it’s still a thrill to watch. Tentative score: 8.4

This should keep you busy for a while!

MBiS

© 2013 - All rights reserved

A message for Mike!

Mike has asked me if it’s possible to find an English version of Alexandre le bienheureux, a French comedy I’ve reviewed a while back.

Frankly, I’ve surfed around the Net and visited popular movie purchase and rental sites but was unable to find what Mike is looking for. The film is sometimes listed as Very Happy Alexander or simply Alexander but has apparently never been translated or subtitled in English. I’ve seen only one reference to an ‘English’ version on www.yidio.com and it doesn’t seem to lead anywhere. I’ve also read comments from fans who experience this same problem.

So Mike, I’m really sorry I can’t help you but I do thank you for your comment!

MBiS

It’s been a while since my last post…

… but I’ve grabbed a few movies along the way and I’d like to share them with you. Even without a full review, you'll enjoy them, I'm sure. 

The Birds (Alfred Hitchcock, 1963; starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor)

- The special effects may look cheap by today’s standards but this horror flick remains a classic. Tentative score: 8.8

Margin Call (J.C. Chandor, 2011; starring Paul Bettany and Zachary Quinto)

- Though not as hard-hitting as WALL STREET, this financial market drama is well-acted and quite watchable. Tentative score: 8.1
  

Brodeuses (A Common Thread) (Éléonore Faucher, 2004, starring Claire Moutiers and Ariane Ascaride)

- From a slim premise (a pregnant girl struggles to find work), Éléonore Faucher has crafted a serious, touching little film about life. Tentative score: 8.2

Hemingway & Gellhorn (Philip Kaufman, 2012, starring Clive Owen and Nicole Kidman)

- Unforgettable characters, romance, drama, politics and irony. A potent mix, a superb film. As Hemingway would say, ‘The best way to know if you can trust someone is by trusting him.’ Tentative score: 8.6
  

Le gamin au vélo (The Kid with the Bike) (Luc et Jean-Pierre Dardenne, 2011, starring Thomas Doret and Cécile De France)

- The Dardenne brothers have done it again… a small-scale drama that entertains and rings oh so true. Tentative score: 8.2

Bye now!

MBiS 

© 2012 - All rights reserved

Irma la Douce

Genre: period comedy
With: Shirley MacLaine, Jack Lemmon, Herschel Bernardi
Director: Billy Wilder
Release: 1963
Studio: United Artists Films
Rating: –
MBiS score: 8.2/10


QuickView 


Story-line: in the gay Paris of old, the arrival of Nestor Patou, the new cop on Casanova Street, upsets Irma la Douce and other local prostitutes.
Pluses: wonderful acting by leads MacLaine and Lemmon, a funny screenplay, exemplary direction and that charming little dog named Coquette.
Minuses: none, except for the ending that some may consider fanciful.
Comments: forget shocking exposés on the oldest profession… IRMA LA DOUCE is a superlative feel-good film played for laughs and little else. It’s so cute it feels like a fairy tale for grown-ups. Three cheers for Billy Wilder, one of the greatest directors ever!


MBiS

© 2012 – All rights reserved

Petite chérie

Also known as: Little Darling, Little Darlin’
Genre: black comedy
Director: Anne Villacèque
Release: 2000
Studio: Arte France Cinéma, Tadrart Films, StudioCanal, GAN Cinema Foundation, Ognon Pictures
Rating: –
MBiS score: 7.9/10


He May Be A Creep But He’s Mine, All Mine


At 30, Sybille (Corinne Debonnière) works in a bank and lives with her parents (Patrick Préjean and Laurence Février) but, ever a romantic, she hasn’t stopped looking for Prince Charming. While coming home one night, she meets a (not very) tall (but definitely) dark stranger named Victor (Jonathan Zaccaï). Could he be the one?

I don’t consider myself a diviner − especially not in matters of the heart − and I feel much safer writing about things that are known or verifiable. That being said, I can confirm one crucial fact about PETITE CHÉRIE: love will reach Sybille’s doorstep… only it won’t be the stuff of dreams and romance novels. In fact, her every effort to attain happiness will yield surreal or disturbingly funny results. And that’s what I like best about this movie… it refuses to play nice, even with a subject as sensitive as a woman’s quest for love. What Anne Villacèque has achieved here, with the help of co-screenwriter Élisabeth Barrière-Marquet, is neither tender nor mawkish. PETITE CHÉRIE gives no quarter.

Formally speaking, Anne Villacèque’s film is modest but accomplished. It boasts adequate production values and a credible cast led by Corinne Debonnière as the quiet but determined Sybille, Laurence Février as her bubbly (!) mother and Jonathan Zaccaï as the prize. For now, that’s all you really need to know.

Of course, I have no way of knowing if you’ll watch this film − given my poor predictive powers − but I’m sure you won’t cry your eyes out if you do. PETITE CHÉRIE is a movie played for laughs… that may also keep you awake a little longer than usual at bedtime.


MBiS

© 2011 – All rights reserved