I love movies. I always have. My family was "that family" that had an 800 pound Beta Max VCR back in the late 70's. My father would sit right by the television to record movies that were on regular, prime time television - before cable TV. No remote control, you had to actually press the pause button at the commercials. Those Beta Max-recorded movies started it all. That's how I learned to love the horror film, the standard Hollywood movie-musical, and classic war films.
Then there was my best friend in grade school, Linda Zirnite. Her brother loved movies, too. It was Linda's house where I first watched classic "film student" films like THE GODFATHER, THE EXORCIST, and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE (much to the chagrin of my stepmother).
Since then, I trouble my family and friends with lots of useless trivia about movies, STRONG personal opinions about why this movie was awesome and this one sucked, and movie quotes and quips (although, this is a Mayer Family Trait, I can't take full credit for why I do this). I've used movie clips and scenes to train student leaders and professional staff. I theater jump (much to the chagrin of my best friend Molly Conroy-Ungerecht, who encouraged me to start this blog), save ticket stubs, and keep strange lists in my head...like "The Fighter" is my third-favorite Christian Bale movie.
So, for whoever will take the time to read this, I am here to introduce "Ladypipes Loves Movies", my movie blog about whatever might roll into my small head from this day to the next. Seems that summer is the perfect time to start of these, since The Summer Movie Season is one of my favorite times of the year. Yes, I have been known to have Summer Movie Clubs at work...and have scheduled summer movies into residence life professional training. Because I have no shame.
Today's blog is dedicated to Stig Strombeck, a former student of mine at Chico State. I had always promised Stig that I would give him a list of "essentials" in the true Turner Classic Movies format...films that he should absolutely see in order to get a firm understanding of the whole body of cinema. And since I'm full of opinions, that list will take the form of Ladypipes' Favorites. Here are five genres, and my favorite movies in each:
1. Favorite Drama - THE LION IN WINTER (1968, Anthony Harvey, Director)
This is quite possibly my favorite movie EVER. Don't rent the remake - just check out this original, directed by Anthony Harvey and starring the incomparable Peter O'Toole as King Henry II; the truly amazing Katherine Hepburn as Eleanor of Acquataine; and the VERY young Anthony Hopkins as Richard the Lionhearted. This film, based on a play, is the story of the marriage between Henry II and Eleanor of Acquataine and their three sons - all of whom "expect" to be named heir to the throne. Henry desires the youngest son, John; while Eleanor prefers the eldest, Richard. What results is a bunch of back stabbing, sneaking around, and trickery. And some of my favorite movie lines EVER! Katherine Hepburn received an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Eleanor.
2. Favorite Comedy - THE ODD COUPLE (1968, Gene Saks, Director)
Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon are one of the classic on-screen comedy couples of all time. And this movie, based on the Neil Simon play of the same name, will send you into a tizzy of giggles and laugh-out-loud fits. Walter Matthau plays Oscar Madison, a divorced sports writer who lives in a total pigsty. Jack Lemmon is his best friend, Felix Unger, who is about to get divorced from his wife. The two move in together and hilarity ensues as Felix tries to put his life back together and Oscar just tries to deal with his VERY different new roommate. The best scene is at the diner when Felix's ears clog up and he desperately tries to clear them. I can't even begin to describe it, because I'm laughing out loud right now just thinking about it. This is a super film to use with Residence Life professionals in talking about roommate conflicts :)
3. Favorite Film Noir - DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944, Billy Wilder, Director)
From the overly dramatic voice-over by star Fred MacMurray...to the smart and sassy dialogue between the male and female leads...to the double and triple crossing in this insurance scheme film noir, you won't find a better written or directed piece of 40's cinema. This is a movie I can watch over and over and over again and find something new every time. There's adultery, sex, murder, and mystery. And a few surprises, too. What John Seitz was able to do with camera and lighting is wonderful. Makes you really appreciate what they were able to do back in the day with no real special effects.
4. Favorite Horror - THE EXORCIST (1973, William Friedkin, Director)
There WILL be a blog dedicated to this very movie someday. Suffice to say that this movie still scares the holy crap out of me, and I'm quite sure it always will. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jason Miller and the amazing Max von Sydow, this film is based on the novel by William Peter Blatty, telling the story of a movie star's daughter who is possessed by a demon. When science can't explain all Regan MacNeil's strange behavior, her mother turns to a catholic priest to save the day. You can't imagine how frightening a child can really be until you see this movie. While there are some scenes that are arguably over-sensationalized, the truly scary stuff takes place in between the crucifix stabbing, head turning, and projectile vomit that the film is known for. It still makes you wonder and ask yourself, could this REALLY ever happen? Because you REALLY aren't for sure....
5. Favorite Action - SPEED (1994, Jan de Bont, Director)
As long as Keanu Reeves can stick to movies like this, then all is well in the world. This movie about a terrorist who has planted a bomb on a bus to get money makes you really challenge your ability to suspend disbelief. There are stunts in this movie that are completely unbelievable and yet you still cheer out loud when they take place. I have seen this movie more than a dozen times I'm quite sure...and I still grip the edge of the sofa cushions when they jump that damn bus. This is the film that made Sandra Bullock a star (even though she was better in THE THING ABOUT LOVE, released one year earlier).
So - there you have it. Five genres, five films. And I'm already thinking about what genres to take on next. Don't worry, Stig - I have MANY more movies for you to put in your Netflix queue!
Until next time...
--Ladypipes :)
No comments:
Post a Comment