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alnazemian
Reviews
Working Girl (1988)
One of my favorite movies of the 1980s
I just rewatched Working Girl, after not having seen it since I was a teenager in a movie theater. I loved it then and love it now. The movie still holds up today and I'm surprised that it has a 6.8 user score on imdb. This movie doesn't have one boring moment throughout its running time. There is so much to enjoy in this movie: Sigourney Weaver playing a duplicitous boss, but hilarious as well. Her scene on the phone when she speaks German made me laugh out loud. She plays a delicious villain. Harrison Ford shows what a versatile actor he is in this movie, so natural at both comedy and drama. Melanie Griffith has never been better than in this movie, in my opinion, and her transformation is remarkable. Joan Cusack is hilarious with her colorful character and comedic dialogue. It's also fun to see such a young Alec Baldwin and he is perfectly cast. Director Mike Nichols balances comedy and drama perfectly and this movie is one of the most entertaining movies of the 1980s, for my money. The dialogue is great and the story is still relevant. Also, it captures New York City really well. It's a fun movie that has something lacking from many of today's movies: wit. Working Girl shouldn't be analyzed politically too much. Just sit back and go along for the ride. Very enjoyable movie in the 80s and today.
The Little Foxes (1941)
Bette's best
If you haven't seen The Little Foxes, you are missing arguably Bette Davis' best movie, in every department. The script by Lillian Hellman is brilliant. The film is possibly one of the best adaptations of a play into a film. All the actors who originally played their roles on Broadway are fine, but it is Bette Davis as regal Regina Giddens who is the most fascinating character. You simply can't take your eyes off her, and Davis delivers her dialogue brilliantly. Her body language and gestures are perfect for this woman who wanted to have what her brothers have. In many ways, this film is ahead of its time. Greed has taken over this country, and The Little Foxes is a film about greed and the price one pays for it. The cinematography by Gregg Toland (fresh off of Citizen Kane) is brilliant, as is William Wyler's direction. Davis is at her most controlled in this film. She wears her tight costumes well and perhaps the tight costumes reined her in. Regardless, if you want to see Bette Davis give a very subtle performance, watch The Little Foxes. Whether she is in close-up or in ensemble shots, she commands the screen. The film starts off a little slowly, but after the first 30 minutes or so, it gets very interesting and slowly but steadily builds to a chilling climax. If I had to recommend 1 Bette Davis movie, it would be The Little Foxes. It is a perfect film in every department (costumes, makeup, script, acting, directing, location, production value, composition, cinematography, score.)
Verdens verste menneske (2021)
Chapters of Life
Just saw this film in a movie theater and was very touched by it. The movie is structured into 12 chapters, with a prologue and an epilogue. Each chapter feels like a slice of life, delving into different aspects of life, with a strong focus on human relations. The movie slowly builds until around Chapter 10, when it really hit my heart. All the actors are great. The film centers around the lead actress and she is excellent. But as a man in my 40s, I strongly identified with the character of Aksel, movingly played by Anders Danielsen Le. His character evoked a lot of sympathy from me and his character arc is quite emotional. I strongly recommend seeing this and savoring it, as it slowly builds to a very strong dramatic climax. The movie is a mix of comedy and drama, but it is ultimately a thoughtful, mature piece of cinema. It really captures the ups and downs of relationships and life.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Channels the Arnazes
This movie hooked me in from the beginning and fully immersed me into its world until the very end. I highly recommend it, whether or not you have watched an episode of I Love Lucy. It touches on universal themes of love, ambition, jealousy, gender dynamics. This movie is excellent in every department. Aaron Sorkin's writing and direction are brilliant, as are the performances of Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem and the entire cast. The cinematography, costumes, production design, makeup are all terrific. I really felt I was transported to the early 1950s. This movie is ultimately a love story set in the world of showbiz. I left the theater with a real appreciation of Lucille and Desi.
Val (2021)
One of the best documentaries about an actor
Just saw this film in a movie theater and was deeply moved by it. It delves deeper than most documentaries about actors, as the film is a heartfelt portrait of Val as a man, not just an actor. It delves into very personal areas. The film has a perfect balance of personal and professional material. Whether or not you are a Val Kilmer fan (I am), you will still appreciate how well made, honest, candid, raw, personal and unpretentious this documentary is. It also is a great film about the life of an actor, for all aspiring actors or people who are interested in the struggles of an actor. I left the theater with admiration for Val Kilmer the human, in addition to the admiration I always had for his acting talent. This is one of the best films I have seen in 2021. The only documentary about an actor that is as good as this is Listen to Me Marlon, about Marlon Brando. Highly recommend VAL if you like in-depth portraits of complex human beings.
Star 80 (1983)
Great period detail and a stunning performance by Eric Roberts
I just revisited this film, as it aired on Turner Classic Movies recently. Bob Fosse directed this film and I always thought it was underrated. The film is based on a true story and the retro look evokes the era and is very colorful. Yet the film is also very dark. Eric Roberts is simply stunning in this film (I always thought he was an underrated actor). Mariel Hemingway is perfectly cast and she and Eric have good chemistry. If you're a fan of the period (late '70s-early '80s), you will probably enjoy this movie. But at the very least, watch it for Eric Roberts' captivating performance. Great costumes, too, which are authentic to the period. This film is strangely moving, as it is simultaneously disturbing.
Pavarotti (2019)
Captures the heart & soul of Pavarotti
I saw this film in a theater in New York a few days ago and was enchanted by the film and by the subject of the documentary: Luciano Pavarotti. I didn't know much about Pavarotti before having seen the film and I am not an opera fan. However, this touching documentary endeared me to the man and his music. His life is well documented in this film, excellently directed by Ron Howard. Whether or not you like opera, you will likely appreciate the humor & heart which Pavarotti had as well as his obvious vocal talent. A documentary about a person is supposed to capture the essence of the human being or artist and this film succeeds in doing that. It also successfully revealed the notion that a great artist is also a flawed human being who leads an imperfect life, just like everyone else. I left the theater wanting to know more about the man & his music. Bravo to all involved in this production.