Monthly Archives: May 2023

In a Year with 13 Moons(In einem Jahr mit 13 Monden) (1978)

Posted on May 11, 2023 | Leave a comment

In a Year with 13 Moons (In Eminem Jahr mit 13 Monden) (1978)
Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Written by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
1978/West Germany
IMDb page
First viewing/Criterion Channel

What I would like is to make Hollywood movies, that is, movies as wonderful and universal, but at the same time not as hypocritical, as Hollywood. — R. W. Fassbinder

Volker Spengler gives a heartfelt performance in another beautifully made film from this exceptionally prolific director.

Spengler plays Elvira Weishaupt, a transgender woman. The former Ernst went to Casablanca for sex change surgery when his lover said he would like him better if he were a woman.

But the sex change has led to only loneliness and abuse for poor Elvira. She now has let herself go and struggles to make a connection with anyone.

I love Fassbinder and I liked this film. It moved a bit slow in comparison to my favorites of his films.

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Posted in 1978, Movie Reviews

Apocalypse Now (1979)

Posted on May 8, 2023 | 7 comments

Apocalypse Now
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Written by Francis Ford Coppola and John Milius
1979/US
IMDb page
One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

Willard: If that’s how Kilgore fought the war, I began to wonder what they really had against Kurtz. It wasn’t just insanity and murder; there was enough of that to go around for everyone.

Fabulous photography, thought-provoking story and fine acting make this one of the greatest anti-war movies.

World-weary Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) is assigned a top-secret mission to “terminate with extreme prejudice” rogue Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) who has developed a cult like following deep in the jungle of Viet Nam.

Willard travels upstream on a patrol boat through horrible carnage and bombing. We get to know and like the young crew which gets picked off one by one.

Willard’s own mental state is fragile. As he travels down the river amid surreal scenes of American pop culture and horrible suffering, Willard comes to understand Kurtz. This sets up the tension in the third act about whether Willard will be able to carry out his mission or will join Kurtz in the heart of darkness. With fabulous performances by Dennis Hopper as a Kurtzian photojournalist, Robert Duvall as a surf-obsessed airborne officer, and Frederick Forrest and Laurence Fishburne as crew members.

I was not exactly in the mood to watch a film about man’s inhumanity to man. But as soon as I was into it, I was more impressed with its amazing technical accomplishments and genius than on previous viewings. A masterpiece.

Vittorio Storaro won an Academy Award for his fabulous cinematography.  The film was nominated in the categories of Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Robert Duvall), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

 

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Posted in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die

The Elephant God (1979)

Posted on May 3, 2023 | Leave a comment

The Elephant God (Joi Baba Felunath)
Directed by Satyajit Ray
Written by Satyajit Ray
1979/India
IMDb page
First viewing/YouTube

“Excellent!” I cried. “Elementary,” said he.” ―
Arthur Conan Doyle, The Complete Sherlock Holmes

This engaging film is the second and last of the films Satyajit Ray made about the detective Feluda, a sort of modern Indian Sherlock Holmes.  The appearance of Hindu god Ganesh, the god of overcoming and new beginnings made this timely viewing for me.

Feluda goes on holiday to the holy city of Benares together with his cousin and irritating comic relief sdekick. But once they get there, the trio find it is to be a busman’s holicay. A priceless gold and gem-incrusted figurine of the elephant god Ganesh has been stolen in the household of another friend. Feluda agrees to locate the thief and the object for a price. Many complications are to follow before the film reaches its very satisfying conclusion.

I love Ray and this movie is thoroughly enjoyable. It has wit, action, beautiful scenery, and humanity included in a detective story with plenty of twists and turns. Highly recommended.

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Posted in 1979