Atonement

Atonement, 2007
Atonement [Blu-ray]



Ugh! "The Greatest Movie Ever Made" I swear that's all I heard in 2007 when the movie was being advertised and was all over the media: internet, TV, cable and radio. It was the fact that the movie was so saturated across the media that I had decided I didn't want to see it. And I probably never would have watched the movie until one of my friends suggested that I watch it as part of my 365 Movie Challenge. I can be that stubborn over some of the most trivial things. It's really my way of picking my battles, to keep a clean win record, I pick small stuff.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

In the end I'm kind of glad that I was able to push my stubborn steak aside and watch the movie because it is good. But that being said, I really hated the movie for the way it had ended. The movie made me think about what my life would be like if something so trivial, because really it wasn't that big of a deal until the girls let so much time pass until things were set right, came between me and my sister. My sister really is one of my best friends, and I realize I am lucky to have the kind of relationship that I do with my sister. The best way I can really describe it is to say that she is most certainly the greatest gift my parents have ever given me. I love you kid!

Final thoughts: I know there is more I could say about the movie: it was beautifully shot, had so many great costumes (Hello! That green dress in the library - Amazing!) and the house where the girls lived was beautiful. But this time the relationship between the two sisters is what really struck home with me, and I never would have imagined this movie would have this kind of impact on me.

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 143 DOWN 222 TO GO

Next up: Tootsie

Rear Window

Rear Window, 1954
Rear Window (Collector's Edition)

I don't remember when I watched Disturbia for the first time, I think it was at some point when I was home visiting my Dad. I think. The point is that I remember watching part of a Shia LaBeouf movie in my Dad's living room, which I'm fairly certain was infact Disturbia. Also known as Rear Window.

Keeping that in mind, I wasn't really too excited with watching Rear Window. I mean, I'm pretty sure I peaked early with Dial M For Murder. In my opinion it's the best Hitchcock movie that I've seen yet.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

Well, I was right on a couple of accounts. The movie is a lot like Disturbia, at least to me. I've since talked casually about the movie, prior to writing this, with a couple of people who think it's a little far fetched. It was hard for me to watch and really pay that much attention too, because there's just so much dialogue between characters with little to no action. Maybe that's a Hitchcock thing and I'm being picky, but I have a hard time just listening and not letting my mind wonder.

There are a couple of great stories that I dug up from the internet about the movie though. I hadn't realized it until recently, but this movie as well as four other titles had become known as the 'Five Lost Hitchcocks.' Essentially what happened was that Hitchcock had well established himself in the filmmaking industry and was able to buy back the rights to Rear Window, The Trouble with Harry, Rope, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and Vertigo. The rights to these titles would go to his daughter, and were released for the first time in the 1950s, which is when Hitchcock was rather unofficially dubbed the Master of Suspense. It's only unofficial, because there really isn't a ceremony that's involved.

But getting back to just Rear Window, the greatest thing about this movie, was again what I had learned after watching the movie. In my mind, Hitchcock was this great director who just kind of got to do whatever he wanted to do and people let him get away with things because he was Hitchcock. It's kind of the same status the Rob Rod has 'earned.' Hitchcock had the production company rip out the floor in order to create a 40' high apartment building. AND not only that, it housed thirty-one apartments, eight of which were completely furnished and the main apartment in the movie had running water and electricity hooked up to it. I can't imagine ever having anything this big built in a soundstage.

It's hard to imagine that beautiful courtyard is really

an old basement in a soundstage.

Final thoughts: Wow! I want to work on that kind of a movie, where you just get the okay to tear out the basement of a soundstage and then later buy back the rights to the movie from the people you had initially sold the concept to.

PROGRESS BEING MADE 142 DOWN 223 TO GO

Next up: Atonement

The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas

The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas, 2008
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

I think I was in high school when I first realized there was a new book about the Holocaust that was quickly capturing a lot of attention and had just as much buzz surrounding it. Now it’s been at least three years since the movie was made, which means I’ve had plenty of time to get myself to a library or book store and pick up the book. The truth is that I’ve just been lazy and now I’m watching another movie before I’ve read the book.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

I knew what I was getting with this movie, I knew there was no way it could have ended well but I never expected the little German boy to be locked in a gas chamber with so many Jews and killed. I might end up stepping on a few toes, but the Dad kind of had it coming. He doesn’t think twice about sending another persons son into a gas chamber or force them to live under such harsh conditions because of a minor difference in religious views.

For those of you who get excited about bonus features and commentaries, I would strongly suggest that you take some time and listen to the commentary on the movie. Personally, the commentary gave the movie and story a little more value once I had watched it. 

One of my favorite things to do when working on a movie is to continue to keep themes and subtle images throughout. As a Script Supervisor, I may even try to suggest other opportunities to continue themes that have perhaps gone unnoticed. Now when I sit down and critically watch a movie, I like to think I pick up on a fair share of these themes, but for the majority of the 365 Movie Challenge I’ve watched these movies from a non-critical point of view. Honestly, after a while it starts to take away from the experience of watching the movie for the first time. This time the themes when unnoticed, there are bars and gray tones throughout the movie.

Final thoughts: I thought this story was refreshing. It wasn’t a first hand account of life and death within the Nazi Concentration Camps, because we’ve seen and heard those before. Instead it was a story about a boy who was just old enough to understand serious consequences but not old enough to really understand what was going on at the ‘farm’ he saw from just outside his bedroom window. It would be a child who fails to understand why being Jewish in a WWII era Germany is such a horrible crime and unknowingly best friends the shit out of a Jewish boy who lives on the ‘farm.’

And for those who are interested, here's the link to the book on Amazon.

The Boy In the Striped Pajamas (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Random House Movie Tie-In Books)

PROGRESS BEING MADE 141 DOWN 224 TO GO

Next up: Rear Window

Burn After Reading

Burn After Reading, 2008
Burn After Reading

I can’t remember how I came across this movie for the 365 Movie Challenge, and seven months later the only reason I can come up with is that it was more modern than some of the other movies on the list and I thought it could be refreshing. This is also why I decided that the 365 Movie List shouldn’t be made up of ‘The Greatest Movies Ever Made.’

I had just finished watching The Stepford Wives, so it wasn’t really as though I had been watching a lot of serious movies. The movie was however watch instantly and I’m really far behind in the 365 Movie Challenge so why wouldn’t I just put it on?

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

OMG this movie was absolutely hysterical, and give me a break eye rollers of the internets I hadn’t realized until 10 minutes ago that it was a Coen Brothers film. It’s one of those movies that if any of the characters had ever just sat down and talked to each other about what was going on, a lot could have been prevented. And, I don’t know if it’s a phase or if I’m discovering something new about myself, but I can’t seem to get enough of these kind of stories.

PROGRESS BEING MADE 140 DOWN 225 TO GO

Next up: The Boy in the Stipped Pajamas

Stepford Wives

Stepford Wives, 1975
The Stepford Wives



I saw the remake of this movie in 2004-2005 with my Mom, who had seen the original version and was interested in the remake of the movie. I thought the remake was a little creepy, mostly the idea of an almost 'plastic' and perfect world that these men had created. The hardest part I had when I watched the movie the first time was that some of these men have daughters, who will start dating within the community. Were they going to just openly accept 'the change' when their daughters were grown? After all, the boys who would eventually become men would have a hard time understanding why the girls they were dating didn't act like the women they knew growing up. It's a bit of a downward spiral, and I typically remind myself that it's only a work of Science Fiction which helps me sleep better at night.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

It's hard to really say which version of the movie I liked best, as far as quality of the movie or the talent. However, if I had to pick one or the other I definitely prefer the original movie. The whole time I was watching the movie I kept imagining the planned communities around Orlando, and there is just something off putting and erie about them to me. I'm sure they're great places to live with home owners associations that enforce ridiculous codes in order to keep the neighborhood in tip top shape, grocery stores just around the corner, brand new office buildings, planned community events and top notch schools but they just scream Stepford. Not sure you believe, check out Avalon Park in Orlando, FL. It's ridiculously creepy.

On a bit of a different note: I've talked about remaking movies in the past and the majority of the time if there's something new I think a remake can offer than I am all for seeing it done if it's done by the right people. Now after having seen the original movie and the remake, I'm glad someone decided to go ahead with a remake of the movie. And I think a lot of the success of the remake was in large part due to casting. After all, everyone who had seen the original probably watched the movie with their own preconceived ideas of what an updated version of the movie would be. Of course I also have to say that all the creative minds behind the remake, were right on mark. Sorry to hate camera, but for once this does not include you. Okay, I have to admit, and those who know me best understand, there was a bit of schadefreude in my previous statement.

Final thoughts: I wish I had thought it through more before I finally sat down to watch the original movie, to have seen the remake immediately after. You know, just for kicks. For those of you haven't seen either movie, that's how I would suggest watching them for the first time. And if you're really into the story or want to full impact, read the book before watching either movie. In the mean time though, I thought it would be fun to post trailers from both versions of the movie. Enjoy!

PROGRESS BEING MADE 139 DOWN 226 TO GO

Next up: Burn After Reading

An Office and a Gentleman

An Officer and  Gentleman, 1982
An Officer and a Gentleman (Special Collector's Edition)



I have to admit, I'm really excited to watch this movie and my excitement is based purely on the fact that Richard Gere made the movies in the 1980s when he could do no wrong. And I'm not even a little embarrassed to admit that.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I knew what this movie would be when I started watching it, and I loved every bit of it. I sat down to watch the movie after a long day at the store with my Grandparents and it was a perfect way to unwind. Which is sometimes all you really want and need from a movie. And actually to keep my hands busy, I worked on making ornaments for Christmas while watching the movie. I have a tendency at times to feel antsy during movies.

I did find out a couple of interesting things about the movie though, for instance R. Lee Ermey was asked to coach Louis Gossett Jr. for his role as a Drill Instructor. Five years later Ermey would earn his role as a tough as nails Drill Sergeant in Full Metal Jacket. Which if given the opportunity, why wouldn't you offer the role of a Drill Sergeant to someone served in the US Marine Corps for eleven years.

What I hadn't realized was that it was a tradition for newly commissioned officers to give a silver dollar to the person who gives them their first salute. I at least had enough sense to realize that it was a big deal to receive your first salute as on officer. Apparently on part of the Drill Instructor, it is tradition to place the silver dollar in their right pocket for their most memorable students.

Final thoughts: It's the small things that really made the movie for me. For instance learning later that there is in fact a silver dollar tradition for officers at their graduation, I never would have known something like that otherwise.

PROGRESS BEING MADE 138 DOWN 227 TO GO

Next up: Stepford Wives

Cat On a Hot Tin Roof

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 1958
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Deluxe Edition)



I'm not sure what I had anticipated this movie to be, kind of the same I had with A Street Car Named Desire. I know I've talked about it in the past, but it's become one of those movies that everyone has seen and swears it's great but can't really pinpoint what makes the movie  so great. It also makes me wonder if there's a group of my friends who just get together and watch these movies together when I'm not around, almost like it's a secret society of some sort. Well the joke is on you suckers! I'm finally catching up on all of those movies that you've seen and that I have not.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I wasn't really sure what I had anticipated with the movie, and I'll admit I wasn't sure which direction it was going to go in when the movie first started. I loved the fact that Cat didn't think twice about getting back at the little brat in the opening sequence. Admit it, we all have moments when we wish we were able to get away with something like that. Once I had realized though where the movie was going, I was on board and I absolutely loved the story. Much more so than A Street Car Named Desire.

Before the 365 Movie Challenge, I hadn't seen any of the movies Elizabeth Taylor started in. I know that's bad and even worse because I studied film, but I'm starting to right all of my wrongs. It finally took watching this movie to finally realize how great Elizabeth Taylor was. I mean, yeah I liked her in Cleopatra, but that was a hard movie to get through. I'll extend a courtesy warning for those who haven't seen the movie, Cleopatra is almost four hours long!

I think there are just a couple of quick things to note about the movie though: I learned after watching the movie there was a strike within the Musicians Union, and as a result the movie lacks a traditional score. This left MGM in a bit of a tight spot, the studio was left to scramble and assemble a series of prerecorded pieces from the music library.

There was also a bit of controversy that surrounded the movie, when Tennessee Williams reportedly told people, "This movie will set the industry back 50 years. Go home!" This leaves me wondering though what was the last straw? Perhaps it was the changes made to the screen play, like the gay references, that seemed to put Williams over the edge. So much for Williams attempt to stop people from seeing the movie though, it would go on to be one biggest box office hits of 1958, be nominated for six Academy Awards and two Golden Globes.

Final thoughts: This movie was every bit worth keeping a day past due from the library. It's most certainly a movie that I'm glad I waited until now to watch, because I don't think it would have meant as much to me if I had seen it while I was in high school. It's also one of those movies that you almost have to be in the mood for, and I would imagine people really only see it a couple of times at most.

PROGRESS BEING MADE 137 DOWN 228 TO GO

Next up: An Officer and a Gentleman

The Truman Show

The Truman Show, 1998
The Truman Show (Special Collector's Edition)



I remember being in the theater and watching the part of the movie when Jim Carrey struggles to with a sail boat, climbs stairs in the sky, and some how the movie was him realizing he was the unknowing star of a TV series. It's weird to me that I can remember fractions of the movie, almost as if it were a dream. Anyways, now I have the time and opportunity to watch the movie from start to end and maybe I'll be able to remember it more cohesively afterwards.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

The most exciting part of the movie for me was that it was made in 1998 just before the reality TV genera caught on, and finally really watching the movie in 2010 at a time when the genera typically dominated prime time TV time spots. I guess it was similar reading about the people who thought by 2000 or 1999 that we would be traveling around in flying cars like we've seen on The Jetsons.

After watching the movie I went ahead and watched some of the extra features on the DVD and learned that the town where Truman lived is actually a small community in the pan handle of Florida. So naturally planning a road trip to Seaside, Florida and taking The Truman Show Tour is in the works.

Final thoughts: I think when I saw the movie in theaters, I thought I was getting something like Ace Ventura or The Mask which is why I didn't really understand the movie. Besides, unless my Mom or Dad really sat me down and explained these things to me, I didn't understand the adult humor. Even something like National Lampoons Christmas Vacation would have had a lot of things that I wouldn't have really understood. It's definitely one of my favorite movies that Jim Carrey has worked on; however that whole not mentioning other lines from 'silly' movies wouldn't really have sat well with me.

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 136 DOWN 229 TO GO

Next up: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Paranormal Activity

Paranormal Activity, 2007
Paranormal Activity



I realized after I received the DVD in the mail through Netflix, that I've already seen Rope, and selected Paranormal Activity as the substituted movie because of all the press and buzz that had surrounded it when it first came out. After all, I'm a big fan of any kind of ghost story so it seemed like a perfect fit already. Then when I factored in all the first hand accounts, about how scared some people were after having seen the movie, I knew I had to watch it was part of the 365 Movie Challenge.

Small disclaimer: though I had heard tales about how scared some people were when they first watched the movie, I had never seen anything beyond what was already shown on TV in the advertising campaign for the movie. Which you'll find below.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

I have to admit, after hearing all the hype about this movie and finally watching it, I was a little let down. I didn't think the movie was as scary as people had made it out to be. Sure there were definite moments of odd and scary things that happened, for example the ouija board scene kind of terrifying. While I'm not sure how much I buy into ghosts and spirits, I believe enough to know not to go looking for answers to the kind of things I can't handle. The use of an ouija board is a door that I don't dare to open, and I very strongly urge caution to those who chose to use one.

Alright, so now that the general over-view is done and everyone else has probably seen the movie lets kind of break it down from a filmmakers perspective. A movie like this and The Blairwitch Project are absolutely brilliant, because there is nearly no cost to make the movie and they go one to make an obscene amount of money. Characters are constantly breaking the fourth wall and looking right into the lens of a camera, which is out of the norm, and when they're filming themselves, we suddenly feel like we've all been friends since first grade. These projects can be made with a skeleton crew and typically take place in one or two locations, which can drastically cut the cost of production. Of course there is still money that goes into music and post production, and you really shouldn't skim over post production because it can really make or break a movie, but once you have it all in the can you pass it around festivals, relax, and pat yourself on the back.

Final thoughts: I really liked the movie, though I didn't think it was as scary as some people have. Having said that though, I am anxious to see the second movie. Even though I doubt it would be on par with the first.

PROGRESS BEING MADE 135 DOWN 230 TO GO

Next up: The Truman Show

A Street Car Named Desire

A Street Car Named Desire, 1951
A Streetcar Named Desire (Two-Disc Special Edition)

I want so much out of this movie, even though I have absolutely no idea what it's about. Why? Well, Vivian Leigh, who is better known to me as Scarlett O'Hara, is in the movie. With that kind of logic, I'm thinking it has to be great, right?

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

I'm not exactly sure what I thought I was getting to this movie, but it wasn't what I had signed up for or at least what I thought I was getting myself into. I guess I had anticipated a family drama set in New Orleans, but had never dreamed of the movie going in the direction that it had. I've read a couple of articles, after having watched the movie of course, and found that as the story progressed it was made to make the audience feel claustrophobic and anxious. I have to admit I'm a little surprised at how well this was executed, because I was anxious to get out the apartment and out of the movie.

And apparently, Vivian Leigh was a bit difficult during filming. I say that very sarcastically, because after watching her play Scarlett O'Hara (which I admit having a strong bias in her favor) I had always imagined her to be a bit of a diva. Or at least a diva in the way that Norma Desmond was in Sunset Blvd or Joan Crawford was in Mommie Dearest.

Final thoughts: I'm starting to realize that hindsight really is 20/20 and after the fact, I see where my logic may have steered me wrong. Although this is one of the movies that once the 365 Movie Challenge is complete, I'd like to revisit. I hadn't expected the movie to be as dark as it was, and I think going into it a second time when I'm better prepared for the movie I would get more out of watching it. I'm curious to know if anyone else has ever had the same experience, have you watched a movie under the assumption it was going to be something different than it was? Did you then watch it a second time and feel differently about the movie?

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 134 DOWN 231 TO GO

Next up: Paranormal Activity, which has been substituted for Rope after realizing I had seen the movie once before in film school.

National Velvet

National Velvet, 1944
National Velvet



I had originally planned to save this movie for the day of the Kentucky Derby, but when I found it at the library I decided it was probably best to take advantage of having it on hand rather than waiting to get it in the mail via Netflix. What I hadn't realized about the movie, until looking at the case, was that it was one of Elizabeth Taylor's first roles. Once I had put this together I was a little more excited about watching the movie. Although I should admit that I have a tendency to steer away from movies with animals, mostly because they end up being killed.

P.S. Don't get attached to the cute little monkey in the movie The Fall, he gets shot.

After having watched the movie:
(Possible spoilers below)

Now that I really think about it, it was my friend Kristin who had suggested waiting to watch this movie until the day of the Kentucky Derby. If I had it to do over again, I'd try to better schedule out the 365 Movie Challenge so that I wouldn't end up another thirty-some days behind and could have watched the movie on race day. Instead I watched the movie that night with my Grandpa. The majority of the movies that I've watched have been with my Grams, so it was kind of nice that I was able to sit down with my Grandpa and watch the movie with him.

Final thoughts: I can't say that there was really any one thing about the movie that really stuck out to me. I thought Elizabeth Taylor did a fine job, and the movie was fun. Really this movie became more about being able to watch it one evening with my Grandpa than story lines, acting, music or wardrobe.

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 133 DOWN 232 TO GO


Next up: A Street Car Named Desire

The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After

The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After, 2009
The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After

I was so excited to start watching this movie, it was one of those that I had in my Netflix queue before I had the idea to start the 365 Movie Challenge. You see, I had kind of got on a documentary kick and this had been one of those that Netflix thought I would enjoy.

After having watched a moive:

(Possible spoilers below)

I have to say, I really had no idea that when I started watching this documentary it was going to be a two hour party of hating on President Johnson. The documentary uses first hand accounts of those who were closest to President Kennedy and Johnson at the time of the assassination and a closer look at how it had effected Americans. President Johnson is portrayed as a power hungry, politician who has to carefully craft his every move as to not seem to eager to gain power. Although the one of the greatest parts of the documentary is when the details are released about how President Johnson was sworn into office on Air Force One. I can't imagine what it would have been like for Jackie Kennedy, who was still in the same blood splattered clothes she was wearing earlier in the day. It's the single most moment that makes it perfectly clear what kind of lady Jackie was, she emitted elegant and grace.

Final thoughts: While I don't think this will completely satisfy all the questions conspiracy theorist have dreamed up, it most certainly provides an interesting look into the events that happened within the 24 hour time-period. And one final interesting thing to note, members of the Secret Service who were part of President Kennedy's motorcade were also interviewed and featured in the piece done by National Geographic which took a deeper looking into the CIA and U.S. Secret Service.

National Geographic: Inside the U.S. Secret Service

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 132 DOWN 233 TO GO

Next up: National Velvet

JFK

JFK, 1991
JFK - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Way back when, like when I was in high school five years ago, my great uncle, who tends to be a conspiracy theorist, told me about this great movie with Kevin Costner about the assassination of President Kennedy. This was all during one of his semi-drunken rants about how the government is always trying to pull wool over the general populations eyes. I don't completely disagree with him, but honestly, I don't have the kind of energy it takes to debate with someone like that. Come to think about it, I wonder if anyone had ever suggested the movie Wag the Dog to him? But, if I'm going to be honest, I'd be absolutely shocked to find out he hasn't seen the movie yet.

After having watched the movie:

(Possible spoilers below)

Here's the thing, I've long heard stories about second shooter theories and first hand accounts from people who have been to Dallas and realize there was no way one man could have acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. It's an interesting movie, but I think the key thing to remember is that it's a movie. I wouldn't base a multiple shooter theory based on the movie alone, I think that makes for a weak argument. Although to play devils advocate, the movie doesn’t just fabricate facts to better support it’s theory.

Final thoughts: For those who have idolized the Kennedy era, the assassination of President Kennedy is truly tragic. If the assassination had been a government conspiracy or cover up I don't think the CIA will ever release all the information from the events of that day.

PROGRESS BEING MADE: 131 DOWN 234 TO GO

Next up: The Kennedy Assassination: 24 Hours After