Bullit

Bullit, 1968
Bullitt (Two-Disc Special Edition)



I couldn't help myself, once I saw that this movie won an Oscar I had to cheat a little and find out which category. As far as the movie goes, I really just anticipate this being a typical cop/action movie. I'm hoping for at least one ridiculous chase scene. This is another movie that the Enzian is scheduled to screen as part of their Cult-Classic Series; however because of my work schedule I won't be able to make it to the theater to see this one there. Instead I'll be watching it at home wishing I could have made it out.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

It makes clear sense to me now that this movie was nominated and won the Academy Award for Best Editing. The movie is nearly two hours long, but quite honestly I hardly noticed the time had passed by. I thought the pacing was perfect, and I absolutely loved chase scene. I would even go as far as to say that the chase sequence alone earned the movie the Academy Award for Best Editing.

I actually get really excited watching chase scenes now after working on a movie that had required filming a chase scene. Although the chase scene for the movie I did lacked the same level of intensity as Bullit, which at times topped out at more than 100 MPH, while our top speed was at a mere 35 MPH. I rode in the camera truck next to the director and first assistant director, which pulled the car our actors were in. At times the camera, camera operator and first camera assistant were on a platform which extended off of the bed of the truck, just inches off of the ground. For safety reasons they were harnessed to the frame work of the truck and platform. All while the stunt team drove around the vehicle we were towing as though they had gone mad.

Since working on a movie with it's own chase scene I've kind of secretly become engrossed in chase scenes as a whole. I thought it was amazing to see these two cars fly through the streets of San Francisco weaving in and out of traffic and kicking up dust. I just couldn't believe that at times the drivers were driving at speeds close to, and at times more than 100 MPH. Honestly, that's insane. I think I would have been a little nervous at times to be at the monitor watching as the scene was being shot. Perhaps this is the best car chase sequence I've seen, and I loved the idea of not adding music over the sequence. This is perhaps an example of when music isn't always necessary.

I would go as far as to say Frank Bullit is definitely a bad ass. The car chase sequence aside, the rest of the stunts required I would buy that someone could reasonably perform in an every-day scenario. In this aspect Bullit reminds me a little of Jack Bauer from the Fox TV series 24. Both Bullit and Bauer take certain liberties in order to do what they think is the best possible solution and then worry about how to should explain it later. Honestly, they both put a lot into the fact that once they save the day, everyone will be so overwhelmed with relief that they're going to forget completely the multiple traffic laws that were violated as well any other civilian lives that were put at risk. This is a trait that I find absolutely amazing, because it seems to be one I lack. I would have a hard time acting outside of protocol and going about things in a text book type manor.

Final thoughts: Bullit is exactly what I wanted my first James Bond movie to be. I wanted some degree of over-the-top stunts and effects, but something that would still register possible and realistic. I'm sorry Bond fans, but the final action sequence of Golden Eye was too over the top for this girl. Although I haven't given up on the Bond series as a whole. I'm going to hold out and see if Sean Connery can redeem Pierce Brosnan and save the series, but in the mean time the score still remains Bullit : 1, Bond movies: 0.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 15 DOWN 350 TO GO

Next up: This is Spinal Tap

P.S. Luckily, during the filming of the chase sequence I worked on there was only one minor injury that day. It was me. I managed to get tripped up in all of the cables from the camera and monitor and fall face first into the bed of this truck - literally. I was stuck until two people from our crew pulled me up by my, because I fell into such a tight space. This is a picture of the truck and me wearing my "pouty pants" after falling, and sure enough everyone saw me face plant it.

Week 4 Announced

The titles for week 4 are:


Independence Day, 1996
Independence Day [Blu-ray]





Grindhouse: Death Proof, 2007
Grindhouse Presents, Death Proof - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)





Grindhouse: Planet Terror, 2007
Grindhouse Presents, Planet Terror - Extended and Unrated (Two-Disc Special Edition)





The Sound of Music, 1965
The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)





East of Eden, 1955
East of Eden (Two-Disc Special Edition)





The Shawshank Redemption, 1994
The Shawshank Redemption (Two-Disc Special Edition)





Beer Wars, 2009
Beer Wars

The Maltese Falcon

The Maltese Falcon, 1970
The Maltese Falcon (Three-Disc Special Edition)



I'm really excited about watching this the same week that I watched Double Indemnity. So far I've been pretty lucky to be able to draw such great movies at random, and I'm still a little surprised that two Film Noir movies were picked in the same week. I actually don't know a single thing about this movie. The only hint I've been given is knowing that it's a Film Noir and there is absolutely no suggestions as to the plot by simply just looking at the cover art for the DVD. I typically really like the majority of the Film Noir movies I've seen and I loved Mr. Bogart in Casablanca and The Treasure of the Sierra Madre so I actually have some high expectations for this movie.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I don't know that I really have a lot to say about this movie. I thought it was a great story and the ending did have a bit of a twist to it, but I kind of expected it having known the genera. Although I didn't realized the falcon in question was going to turn out to be a fake.

After having seen this movie and Double Indemnity I think poor hair styles for women should also become a require for the genera. I couldn't stand the style Mary Astor had, and I have a hard time understanding why anyone would consider it an attractive or appropriate hairstyle for a woman. I did find this hair style to be distracting, I focused more on Ms. Astor's forehead than on the scene as a whole and at times had to back the disc up to make sure I caught all of the dialogue.

On the other hand, on of the things that I've really grown to appreciate with older movies and the respective time period was how attractively everyone dressed. I realize on the big screen actors are primed and polished to achieve a particular look; but even a house wife and auto mechanic back then seemed to dress better than people today. It just seemed as though everyone was able to find a belt.

Moving on from vanity, there were a couple of times when watching the movie that it became painfully obvious that we were on a soundstage. I think a lot of these bloopers I believe were budget related, and a result of the studio system. I blame being able to notice these things mostly on film school and my own professional experiences on set. Gradually after working in the industry you start to see the differences monopolize on those differences to create these parallel worlds in which your story takes place. For instance any scene in Spade's office you realize there is a large painted back drop on the other side of the widow, because there is no movement or life outside the windows. Regardless of which floor you may be on, there are subtle changes in lighting, or birds flying by that these scenes are missing. In another example you can clearly see the ceiling of the soundstage, when the scene is set on a dark street. But that's almost knit picking.

Final thoughts: I throughly enjoyed the movie. I loved the way it was shot and looked, again because I tend to like the look of any Film Noir movie. Mr. Bogart successfully lived up to the expectations I had set, I have yet to watch a movie he's been in that I haven't like.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 14 DOWN 351 TO GO

Next up: Bullit

The Cell

The Cell, 2000
The Cell (New Line Platinum Series)



I think I actually saw this movie randomly one day in the theater when it came out having absolutely no idea what the movie was about. After seeing it, I managed to completely block it out and to this day still have no idea what this movie is about. Which is why I made an exception for this movie and included it in the 365 movies. I'm curious to watch the movie ten years later and to find out why I blocked the movie and to hopefully finally get a good handle on the plot of the movie as well. I'm also a little excited about the movie, because it has the same director who made the movie The Fall. Which, I actually loved everything about and I think everyone should watch it at least once.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

Wow! I really don't know where to start with this one. No wonder I didn't understand anything about this movie when I first saw it in theaters. I successfully blocked the entire thing, and I'm actually starting to wonder if I just hadn't seen the trailer and thought I saw the movie. I can only really only imagine that the later part is true.

From a visual perspective, I absolutely see a parallel between this movie and The Fall, which was released in 2006. Visually. Both are absolutely stunning. I wish there were more movies today that utilized film and the technology that we have today to create similar looks. After having seen the The Fall I wanted to be able to travel to all of those locations and paint my own world in such vibrant colors. Technically the same could be said for The Cell, but the concept behind the story frankly scares me to death.

I would be terrified I would get stuck in someone else's subconscious with no chance to escape it, or that it would be too much for me to handle. Some parts that stand out: watching Young Carl go through all the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. The only part I remember seeing the first time was seeing Catherine and Carl suspended while they were traveling from one person's unconscious to the other's. I don't remember any aspect of Carl's serial and psychologically motivated murders, or Peter's entire story line and arch for that matter.

The story felt rather heavy and very dark. Once Catherine started traveling into Carl's unconscious mind things got pretty scary and obscure fast. All of the eels, snakes, bugs, dirty and dingy environments isn't a place that I would willingly travel to. I'm also still kind of freaked out about what happens to the horse and the fact that we were able to still see all of the vital organs functioning.

Final thoughts: Tarsem Signh's The Cell, isn't something I think I'd watch again anytime soon. It's too heavy for me to just watch on a Tuesday afternoon, but it's definitely a good enough movie to watch a couple of times. I would just recommend planning to watch it early in the day so after watching it you can do something to take your mind away from what you just watched.
One last side note: Tarsem does have another movie, Immortal, which status is currently filming according to IMDB.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 13 DOWN 352 TO GO

Next up: The Maltese Falcon

When Harry Met Sally

*There was a little bump in the road, with the Netflix shipping schedule. Harry Met Sally is being substituted in for The Maltese Falcon.

When Harry Met Sally, 1989
When Harry Met Sally... (Collector's Edition)



I have actually tried to watch this movie on multiple occasions, but I never seem to make it the entire way through the movie. At best, I think I have seen the first forty minutes of the movie. As far as the story is concerned, I know the two meet when they need to share a ride from Chicago to New York together. I know Sally can't seem to stand Harry for various reasons at first, but the pair meet up again. And because it's a Romantic Comedy, I'll go out on a limb here and say they probably realize they're perfect for each other and get together.

I'm actually not a fan of many Romantic Comedies, I think they tend to be about thirty minutes longer than they need to be and are kind of predictable. But predictable in a way that I could do without the additional thirty minutes, and still know there is a happy ending waiting for them just around the corner. I feel like a lot of movies from this genera get played out too much as well. Of course there are a few exceptions to my "I typically don't like Romantic Comedies" for instance the only other movie I like as much as Gone With the Wind is 10 Things I Hate About You. I didn't realize it until now, but the Romantic Comedies I tend to favor seem to be Teenage Romantic Comedies. I guess I tend to be more interested in first time romance as a whole? I'm willing to give When Harry Met Sally another chance and finally watch the whole thing before I decide if this one is for me or if I should pass it up the next time it is on TBS.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

Here's the thing about Romanic Comedies, there comes a moment in each one when the audience realizes, and typically long before the characters, that they (the two leads) are meant to be with each other. This is the biggest problem for me. From this point on in the story until they finally get together, I  get frustrated with the characters. I start to lose interest in their love story as a result. I'm willing to accept that this might be my own "defect." I've already confessed that I typically don't have the attention span or patience for some movies, of which Romantic-Comedies make up a large portion.

I had mentioned before that I had seen the first thirty or forty minutes of the movie, but never managed to make it past the thirty minute mark. Once I got past the things I had already seen, I was really interested in Harry and Sally's story. Actually, there are more things that I really liked and appreciated about this movie than I disliked.

I did get a little impatient and irritated with Harry and Sally after they slept together for the first time, but I appreciated the fact that their relationship spanned over such a long time period. I know it's possible to fall in love with someone at first sight, as that's the story behind my grandparents marriage. I've just never really bought into it in a movie, the best example of this would be in Double Indemnity: Our hero goes over to check on renewing an insurance policy with a man, meets a beautiful woman (the man's wife) and is suddenly willing to kill her husband so they can be together?

The thing I liked most about When Harry Met Sally and the relationship between them was watching their relationship change throughout the course of the movie. When they first met after college and shared a ride to New York, I don't think Sally could have removed Harry from her car any quicker. Years later in the airport Harry still hadn't managed to make the best impression on Sally, but finally after deciding to be friends they set up each other with another single friend they each have, Jess and Marie. On the date, Harry and Sally are able to completely sell their friends (and the audience) on the idea that the two of them should end up together. At first it's fun watching Harry and Sally play "couple" when to the both of them they are strictly just friends, but after a couple of scenes or dates we're already to move on and we would be glad if Harry and Sally could join us.

Sidestepping and dating other people is necessary for Harry and Sally in the story, and I realize that. But thank God for the scene with an early morning phone call to Jess and Marie from Harry and Sally at the same time. To talk about what else? The first time they had sex. Harry and Sally built up a subtle sexual tension between each other that wasn't overly obvious, but was strong enough that I'm positive Jess and Marie felt a bit of release when they first found out.

From that point on it was a little sufferable, we had to watch Sally try to move on all the while rooting for her to run into Harry again. But as all Romantic-Comedies would have it, Harry finds Sally again on New Years. I actually couldn't have been more pleased with the ending. Throughout the movie, my favorite parts were the stories older couples shared of their first relationship and how they met for the first time. It was perfectly brilliant to end Harry and Sally's story the same way. The two of them together on a couch sharing their love story.

Final Thoughts: Overall I liked the movie. I did have a kind of love/hate thing going though with the idea that Harry and Sally were "just friends," even though to the audience as well as Jess and Marie, were clearly already dating. I got tired of sitting around waiting for them to realize what was right for them. Maybe they were blinded by love?

OFFICIAL COUNT: 12 DOWN 353 TO GO

Next up: The Cell

Do I really want to spend my next weekend with Bernie?

Weekend at Bernie's, 1989
Weekend at Bernie's



I already know the synopsis of the movie: these two guys are invited to spend the weekend with Bernie at his place when he unexpectedly dies. I just don't know why these two guys try to make it through the weekend pretending there friend is alive. I'm not really expecting a lot, because I kind of feel like if it were really a great comedy from the late 80's it would be shown more on TBS or Comedy Central. However with the pressures of they 365 Movie Challenge: watching and writing about a new movie every day which and working another part time job, I'm starting to feel worn out. I had a rather hectic day at work, and I'm hoping that this comedy and getting to bed before midnight is all I need.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I don't know why, but I never really imagined all the physical comedy that would be involved with making this movie. I've always really liked physical comedy. I love the show America's Funniest Home Videos because it's full of physical comedy and two of my favorite Comedy stars are Lucille Ball and Buster Keaton. A fun fact: Buster Keaton actually taught Lucille Ball how to do physical comedy, which is perhaps one of the reasons Lucille Ball was so successful. Remember the I Love Lucy episode where Lucy decides to take Ballet lessons and gets tangled up on the bar?

I thought Weekend at Bernie's was a little weak and far fetched, but we seem to be willing to over look that as long as we are laughing and having a good time. Which I did. I actually laughed out loud when I was watching the movie alone. I think it says a lot for the writing when you're watching a movie alone and lough out loud. Watching Larry and Richard try to make it through the weekend pretending their dead boss is still alive was ridiculous. I absolutely loved watching them at the house party trying to fool everyone when Richard and Larry first realized Bernie was dead. Even better than that was the next day when Bernie was sitting pool side in the middle of a monopoly game with one of guys. It was brilliant to tie his wrist so the man could wave to people as they walked by.

Final thoughts: After a long day it was nice to be able to put in something that was easy to watch and had a few really great laughs. I thought Andrew McCarthy and Johnathan Silverman did a great job handling all of hte physical comedy that was involved with the movie. I know there was a sequel made, but does anyone know if the actors have done anymore physical comedy work?

OFFICIAL COUNT: 11 DOWN 354 TO GO

Next Up: The Maltese Falcon

Double Indemnity, Film Noir at its best!

Double Indemnity, 1944
Double Indemnity (Universal Legacy Series)



I didn't realize it at the time, but it was actually nominated for several Academy Awards. I know it is considered by many to be one of the best movies ever made, and after a bit of disappointment with Golden Eye I'm really looking forward to watching this movie. I know a lot of the older movies that people suggested I watch tend to be the better movies from those years, but I'm glad this challenge is giving me the opportunity to watch a lot of older movies. I may not have seen any of these movies other wise.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

To be perfectly honest, I really didn't expect to like this movie. I was a little afraid that it would be a long drawn out. I was surprised to realize it's a Film Noir, a style and genera that I really like and wish I had seen more of. I'm excited now that I've realized I will get to watch two Film Noir movies in kind of back to back manor, because The Maltese Falcon is also on the list of movies I'll be watching this week. Hooray! The other movies on my list are: Sunset Blvd., Laura, Key Largo, and M.

I guess it is just something that kind of goes along with the times, but I also didn't realize at the time what a big deal it was for Barbara Stanwyack to take on the role as a femme fetal and for Fred MacMurray to take on a role that allowed audiences to see him in a different light. One of the features that I really liked about the DVD that I had, I used Netflix for this one, was a brief bit of history around the movie before it started.

For instance, it actually took eight years to get the movie made. A lot of the problems the movie faced focused around the Motion Picture Conduct Code as well as a little hesitation from the actors. In fact both Fred MacMurray, who stared in many family oriented and romantic comdies, and Barbara Stanwyck, who also had many similar family oriented roles, almost turned their roles down. The reason, because they were worried about the public perception and effect it would have on their careers. In the end, Double Indemnity would become one of their greatest performances and earned Barbara a nomination for an Academy Award. Actually, the last modern day film that I've known to face similar problems was Brokeback Mountain.

The movie was great, at times it felt a little like something Hitchcock could have done. I felt myself getting anxious after having put Mr. Dietrichson's body on the train tracks and the car not starting. There were actually several moments like this throughout, that it seemed fresh and didn't seemed to get played out. And once Lola, confessed about Mrs. Dietrichson's past I was stunned. I couldn't believe that she had set Walter up! I grew sympathetic for him once we realized what Mrs. Dietrichson's motives really were and also felt sympathetic towards all of the people she effected as a result.

Final thoughts: She was nominated, but why Barbara Stanwyck didn't win an Academy Award in 1945 for her role in this movie is beyond me. I love Ingrid Bergman for her role in Casablanca, but really? I guess I just have to add Gaslight to a list of must see movies to know if the Academy got this one right.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 10 DOWN 355 TO GO

Up next: Weekend at Bernie's

Golden Eye

Golden Eye, 1995
GoldenEye



I knew when I started the challenge and the blog, that there would be some fun surprises for the people keeping up with the blog. Well, I think this is a big one.

This will be the first James Bond movie I've watched. I was still watching animated Disney movies on a loop at the time this movie came out, I was only eight years old. Also, I've only known Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. It pretty much blew my mind when I found out there were more actors who have played this role on Jeopardy. I would have really like to have seen them in the order they were made. I think it would have been interesting to see the progression of the movies; however this was the only James Bond movie that was even suggested for me to put on my list. For those die hard 007 fans, I do plan on knocking out a James Bond marathon - some day and seeing more of the movies.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

This is kind of like The Royal Tenenbaums, I got exactly what I wanted from this movie. Of course I expected a lot of action, explosions, and a bond girl. Having not seen any other James Bond movies, I don't really have a lot to say about this one. I think if anything it's just left me even more confused about what the hype is all about. Maybe I wanted it to be more than it was? It just felt pretty standard for an action movie: explosions, an amazing female lead and a good fearless hero who can pull off superman stunts and is both ridiculously charming and good looking.

Final thoughts: I don't know if I expected more from this movie, because it was a Bond movie. It seems the series usually draws a lot of hype but this was kind of vanilla for me. I think I wanted it to have a little more pizzazz because it's was a Bond movie.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 9 DOWN 356 TO GO

Next up: Double Indemnity

Easy Rider - A Dennis Hopper Tribute

Easy Rider, 1969
Easy Rider (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)



I had actually added Easy Rider to "The List" before Dennis Hopper died last month, having really only known that it was about two guys on motorcycles who go on a long road trip together. I didn't even have a firm grasp on who Dennis Hopper was. In fact, I can count on one hand the number of movies he has been in that I've seen.

When I found out that the Enzian was going to host a one-night only screening of Easy Rider as a tribute to Dennis I got excited. Mostly because I thought it would be a great first event or large group screening for the challenge. I got really excited when I found out it was on a 35mm print. And honestly, whenever given the option to watch a DVD or a 35mm print, you just go with film because why not?

After having seen the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I was able to make this a small night out for me and a few friends. It was actually really nice because out of our group of four, three of us were watching the movie together for the first time. It also happened to be a sold out show so this makes the first large group screening out of the 365 movies on my list. Which is really exciting for me, and kind of like a personal milestone in the challenge.

I knew going into the movie it was about a road trip two friends took together, I didn't realize how much of the story had focused around the counter culture of the late 60's. I tend to be generally like movies that focus a bit on counter cultures. I think mostly because I like the different perspective they offer. Of course the small influence from my stepmom, who is a bit of a hippie herself, might have something to do with that. I don't necessarily agree with all of the things in the movie or part of the counter cultures of the 60's. Particularly the use of marijuana and LSD which have never been my thing or even something that I'm a little interested in.

Final thoughts: I don't know that I would say Easy Rider is a classic in the same way Gone With the Wind is a classic, but I think it's something everyone who has the opportunity to see should watch. I love the idea that while on the road trip together these two friends run into such a wide variety of people: A group of hippies who want to try to live off of the land and live together in a commune, a family who struggles to live, a curious all-american boy who seeks adventure but has in one way or another been held back, and the awful rednecks from the south. I only call them awful rednecks from the south, because I absolutely hated the way the movie ended.

OFFICIAL COUNT: 8 DOWN 357 TO GO

Next up: Golden Eye

Week 3 Announced

The titles for week 3 are:

Bullit, 1968
Bullitt (Two-Disc Special Edition)


Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, 1989
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure


The Blind Side, 2009
The Blind Side [Blu-ray]


This is Spinal Tap, 1984
This Is Spinal Tap - Criterion Collection


The Departed, 2006
The Departed (Widescreen Edition)


Rec., 2007
[Rec] (2008 Spanish Movie) (all-region)


Avatar, 2009
Avatar (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) [Blu-ray]