Kayt R Reviews

The Caine Mutiny (1954)

A stellar cast brings forth an intense film

[10/10 · 18 August 2000]

The Caine Mutiny is more intense and psychologically thought provoking than most films billed as `suspense thrillers'. I've never been a fan of war movies in general; I've seen too many documentaries like Atomic Café to comfortably sit through yet another us versus them flick. That being said, The Caine Mutiny's use of war is not about America infallibility, it is about human reactions in times of intense emotional pressure. The film shows how tension and power can disintegrate sanity and loyalty, and that rarely is any situation clear-cut.

As soon as we board the Caine, Keefer (MacMurray) begins a rapid-fire summation on the goings on aboard the ship. He quickly proves himself as witty, highly intelligent, sure of his judgement, and carefully arrogant. The complexities of the character (which, for fear of spoilers I will not discuss) are stunningly depicted by MacMurray. If Bogart had not been brilliant in his portrayal of Queeg I suspect MacMurray would have stolen every scene he appeared in. And this is high praise because both Steve Meryck's portrayal of Van Johnson, and Jose Ferrer's as Greenwald are impeccable. The ensemble is almost completely above reproach, but I'll return to that.

Bogart, as we all know, is stunning. His lectures to his officers is just as rapid and self-assured as Keefer's running commentary. Bogart carefully allows for the mental entropy of his personality to become more visible as the movie progresses, which quickly separates his temperament from that of MacMurray's. Bogart's scenes in court have insured that I'll never be able to watch a Jack Nicklson in A Few Good Men ever again, but that's not totally a bad thing. What struck me most about how Bogart was filmed was not the intense camera shots of his hands, or constantly moving eyes, but the fact this was the first movie I'd ever seen his short stature emphasized. While it has been ignored, avoided, or jokingly commented on in many of his prior films, it has never been utilized in such an adept manner. Almost every scene he appears in he is noticeably shorter than those around him are, even when he is seated. It is as if his paranoia is being subtly, visually reaffirmed.

And the downside? The movie contains a romantic plot that adds nothing to the film; it tempts you to fast forward or go to the lobby for popcorn. It wouldn't be such a bother if the romantic characters had depth, but they don't and it's a shame. Ensign Keith (Robert Francis) should be a compelling personality, as he is only character who starts out innocent and stands to transform the most. Francis' performance is flat. He exudes listless delivery and a dim, handsome face that reminds me of Starship Troopers and old episodes of Thunderbirds Are Go. A pity.

I've never read the book, I suspect that I will eventually, but I cannot comment on the adaptation.

And I'd like viewers to lovingly think of Nixon's infamous Checkers speech when Capt. Queeg discusses his homelife.

Nude Bowling Party (1995 Video)

An undeserving film is enjoyed

[3/10 · 17 August 2000]

Nude Bowling Party is not a good film. Plot, lighting, and character development are almost ignored altogether. And, as a film that was obviously created to display female nudity, it is not even mildly titillating. However, that being said, it is a fun film with a strange sense of integrity and self-mockery. I recommend it for casual gatherings of friends in search of something to bond together and ridicule.

Most nude sporting videos involve a sport backdrop (say golf) for small scenes of soft-core pornography.rarely are the games actually played. Nude Bowling Party is different; the participants bowl ten frames. They bowl poorly, and they look rather absurd wearing only socks and bowling rent-a-shoes, but they are trying. On the rare occasion that a pin is felled they jump up and down in a manner that conveys both mirth, and pain. This is half the fun. Everyone on the set seems to be having fun; no one sports the common soft-core look of boredom and drugs.

In addition to the actual game, mock commercials add a level of self-mockery and humor. These half-clad lassies pitch for faux law firms and foot deodorizers. Its not DADA, but it is more than mildly surreal.

By the end of viewing this film my friends and I were cheering for our prospective teams.

Oh, and do look for Ivan Raimi.Sam Raimi's lesser-known brother.

And, as the credits suggest, ask for the novelization at finer bookstores.

The African Queen (1951)

If some one remakes this, I'm sending out a posse.

[17 August 2000]

To face a script in which most of the plot revolves around the dialogue of only two people in one location must be terrifying. Thank goodness for Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. John Huston's adaptation of C.S. Forester's The African Queen was solid. And the decision to film on location in Africa helped develop the concept of nature as a viable character within the plot helps solidify the film. But without Katharine Hepburn, and Humphry Bogart, this film could have been reduced to a nice little travelog on the beauty and terror of African and the pretty animals living there. Within The African Queen each character undergoes metamorphosis. Charlie Alnutt grows from an apathetic man who enjoys the inside of a bottle, to a courageous man. Rosie in turn allows herself to be human, and vulnerable perhaps for the first time in her life. With lesser actors these changes would have appeared rushed, unexplained,and a dull beginning to an inexplicable romance. But it isn't. It's a captivating film. Rosie's brittle smile, Charlie's face as his vices are destroyed, these are moments of brilliance in an incredible film. I highly recommend it.

It's also worth noting that this was not an easy film to make. These performances survived crew and cast illnesses, constant mechanical errors and inclement weather. For more about the conditions it was created under, I suggest you read Katherine Hepburn's The Making of The African Queen or How I went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and almost lost my mind. She's not the sanest author in the world, but all the more enjoyable.