Change Your Image
chris-3649
Reviews
Dead Man's Shoes (2004)
Mai Lai and the power of the single individual.
I came to this film with the story of the My Lai massacre in Vietnam burling around my head. Charlie Company butchered 500 old men, women and children that day. A helicopter pilot flying recon saw some civilians hiding in a ditch, landed his craft between the villagers and US ground forces and ordered his crew to return fire if anyone tried to prevent him from getting to the Vietnamese. Hugh Thompson was brave enough to try and stop the madness, the only one awake. Yet, when he came back to the States he was branded a traitor and subjected to intimidation and abuse. When Thompson walked into the officers mess everyone walked out. The easiest bit for Thompson was that day at My Lai.
This story is echoed in Shane Meadows' film. Do nothing and you have blood on your hands. How many other My Lai's did Thompson prevent? I urge everyone to meditate on the power of the single individual, particularly in these days of fear and false witness. If you loved this movie find out about Warrant Officer Hugh P. Thompson. As Richard says, "Not them, YOU, what did you do?" The sweeping aerial shot of the houses at the end made me think of all the people watching it happen on TV.
Husbands (1970)
I'm just wild about Harry
You can tell what Harry's like just by the way he enters the basketball court. He ain't one for playing. "Where is the warmth?" defines Harry's quest. Archie is the same man in 'Woman Under The Influence'. Literally, like kissing a wet fish. Gus is elusive, always acting, hiding. Harry is open. He is the only one who comes close to being emotionally honest and Archie calls him a "phoney". Perhaps, because he sees how scared Harry is of life. However, London is his triumph. Unlike his two friends Harry is able to let go completely. Gus and Archie become mere courtesans as Harry holds court in his hotel suite...'and the women came to him like horses'. Dancing in the dark...