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movies on DVD
Last night I saw a terrific movie on DVD titled, Lust For Life. It was about the life of Van Gogh. Anyone see this movie?
<http://www.amazon.com/Lust-Lif...
Amazon.com essential video
Lust for Life is appropriately titled, for mere passion seems inadequate when describing this superb fictionalized biography (based on Irving Stone's popular novel) of Vincent Van Gogh. In a deservedly Oscar®- nominated performance, Kirk Douglas is physically and emotionally perfect as the tormented Dutch painter, whose life is chronicled from his ill-fated stint as a preacher to Belgian miners in 1878, to his Impressionist-inspired artistic awakening and psychological descent to suicide in 1890. Having triumphed with 1952's The Bad and the Beautiful, Douglas, producer John Houseman, and director Vincente Minnelli brought vigor and vitality to this blessed project, which centers on Van Gogh's stormy friendship with fellow artist Gaugin (Oscar-winner Anthony Quinn). Minnelli used an outmoded color film process and innovative camera techniques to vividly recreate Van Gogh's paintings, and he filmed on the actual Dutch and French locations where Van Gogh's mastery flourished. The artist's lust for life also fed his madness, and this film deeply understands the fine line in between. --Jeff Shannon
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If anyone has Time Warner free movies on demand, this month they are showing, Rembrandt.
Anyone see this movie from 1936 with Charles Laughton?
<http://www.amazon.com/Rembrand...
Product Description
Academy AwardÂ(r) winner* Charles Laughton brilliantly captures the inner turmoil of the passionate 17th-century genius in probably the finest acting performance ever recorded on celluloid (The Observer)! In Amsterdam of 1642, master painter Rembrandt Van Rijn (Charles Laughton), enjoys a rich, full life in a beautiful, blinding, swirling mist of fame and fortune. But with the sudden death of his beloved wife and muse, his work takes a dark, sardonic turn that quickly offends even his most loyal patrons. Bankrupt and bereft, he finds comfort in the arms of pretty, young Hendrickje (Elsa Lanchester), a servant in his home. Now, offered a surprising second chance at love, will he summon the courage to overcome his demons or will tragedy continue to haunt one of the greatest painters who ever lived?
Yes, Lust for Life is one of the most terrific Kirk Douglas movies. It has been centuries since I saw it.
Did you watch the Rembrandt? I noticed that it was on the Demand list. Maybe tonight.
I saw "Lust for Life" eons ago. I remember really loving the Irving Stone book of the same title. He wrote some great ones.
I watched Young @ Heart this morning which is a documentary about a group of senior citizens that are in a "rock group." It was a cute movie but not as good as the reviews suggested.
I am FINALLY going to watch Sex and the City tonight!
Thanks to Alias for the recommendation for Lust for Life. I got it from our library and DH and I watched it last night. I was fascinated by the story, especially since I had recently finished The Moon and Sixpence, and Gaugin features in the story. I was a little bemused by the studio sets and crude effects, but Kirk Douglas is irresistible.
With all the cold and snow, we're in movie-watching mode here. Last night we watched an oldies but goodie - Billy Wilder's Witnesss for the Prosecution. What a delight watching Marlene Deitrich, Tyrone Power, Else Lanchester and Charles Lawton in this courtroom drama with its twists and turns. Great fun. We got it for free from our library.
Sherry (sethurner) wrote: "With all the cold and snow, we're in movie-watching mode here. Last night we watched an oldies but goodie - Billy Wilder's Witnesss for the Prosecution. What a delight watching Marlene Deitrich, ..."
Spoilers for the movie Witness for the Prosecution
Sherry, what a coincidence that you've watched this movie fairly recently. I did too! Or perhaps you heard the same radio interview about Tyrone Power that I did. I think it was on Terry Gross' Fresh Air and I became curious about the "surprise ending."
I have to say that Marlene Dietrich in the disguise completely fooled me. I had to go back and rewatch that section to try and see some resemblance between that character and the image I always have of Marlene Dietrich.
Jan O'Cat
Nope, I missed the Fresh air program, though I occasionally listen to it. Our library has lots of good movies, and every so often Dick brings one home for our evening entertainment, so the fact we both watched Witness for the Prosecution is a happy coincidence. This weekend we're off to Madison for an orgy of movies at the Wisconsin Film Festival.
One of my most wonderful theater memories was seeing Witness for the Prosecution on the stage when it was first presented on Broadway. Somewhere around 1955 I think. If you were amazed at the ending on film, imagine how you would have felt seeing it in front of you. And wondering at the skill of the actress.
Commenting on a November post from you, Alias.
The historical novel "Lust For Life" was written by Irving Stone.
He also wrote friendly historical novels on other historical figures. I read them all in another life, but the details elude me.
If you haven't investigated Irving Stone, hie thee to a library. Michelangelo, Lincoln's wife, et al.
Alias Reader wrote: "Last night I saw a terrific movie on DVD titled, Lust For Life. It was about the life of Van Gogh. Anyone see this movie?
<http://www.amazon.com/Lust-Lif...
Amazon.com essential video
Lus..."
Roe: he historical novel "Lust For Life" was written by Irving Stone.
He also wrote friendly historical novels on other historical figures. I read them all in another life, but the details elude me.
If you haven't investigated Irving Stone, hie thee to a library. Michelangelo, Lincoln's wife, et al.
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Well, hello there stranger. Missed ya.
I would love to read a book on Michelangelo. I also want to read more on Mary. I think the public and her son, Robert, gave her a raw deal.
I just watched Wit of the Pros. I thought I had seen it before and I had. But it was fun watching it again. Actually forgot the very end when the brunette walked in.
I'm still waiting for Lust for Life. Should be in soon.
Traveler: I'm still waiting for Lust for Life. Should be in soon.
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If you have Time Warner Cable, you might have it as a FREE on demand movie this month. I do.
I have been on a movie marathon this weekend:
1. Girlfight - A pre-Lost Michelle Rodriguez stars in this movie about a girl boxer. Pretty good.
2. Freedom Writers - I don't care for movies about inspirational teachers and this movie was no different. (I do believe that there are teachers that can change students lives but find the movies too corny).
3. Atonement - I really should have read the book first as I found the second hour so confusing. The book on tape is waiting for me at the library and I am hoping that will clear up many things for me!
Kim, hoping to watch Year of the Dog tonight.
We watched a couple interesting DVDs this week. A couple nights ago we watched Ghost Town, a funny little morality play of a movie about a dentist who can see dead people - and they teach him a thing or two about living. Fluffy, but fine.We also enjoyed Vicky Cristina Barceclona, as much for the beautiful scenery, music and Javier Barden as anything.
Sherry, we felt the same way about Ghost Town. This weekend we watched Doubt, which we liked discussing later. Earlier in the week we watched the BBC version of The Other Boleyn Girl. DH read the book, so we've seen both versions. This one lacked the drama & beauty of the theatrical film but there were qualities we liked about this one more. An example is that the sisters moved the plot forward by talking to the camera.
deborah
Sherry, I have wanted to see Vicky Cristina Barcelona for a while.
Is Ghost Town the movie with Ricky Gervais? Loved him in the Office!
Deborah, I will have to check out the Other Boleyn Girl BBC version. I did like the recent movie.
Kim wrote: Is Ghost Town the movie with Ricky Gervais? Loved him in the Office!
Yes, it is. I don't watch The Office & barely knew who he is but we found him effective in the film.
deborah
Kim wrote: "Kim wrote: Is Ghost Town the movie with Ricky Gervais? Loved him in the Office!"And Deborah replied: "Yes, it is. I don't watch The Office & barely knew who he is but we found him effective in the film."
I've never seen Ricky Gervais "in" anything but he's sidesplitting when he's on Letterman.
Jan O'Cat
I don't think i've seen Gervais on that but i saw him on part of some awards show in the last year & found him hilarious. It's that appearance which led me to give Ghost Town a try. Glad i did, as i found it endearing.
deborah
Jan and Deborah, I have the DVD's of the British version of the Office and would be happy to share with you. It is SOOO funny and Ricky Gervais is genius in it!
Kim wrote: "Jan and Deborah, I have the DVD's of the British version of the Office and would be happy to share with you. It is SOOO funny and Ricky Gervais is genius in it!"Thanks, Kim. I think they have the British version on Netflix and it's in my queue. It's just one of those I never get around to watching. I'll have to make a special effort this summer.
Kim wrote: "have been on a movie marathon this weekend:1. Girlfight - A pre-Lost Michelle Rodriguez stars in this movie about a girl boxer. Pretty good.
2. Freedom Writers - I don't care for movies about inspirational teachers and this movie was no different. (I do believe that there are teachers that can change students lives but find the movies too corny).
"
Kim, I saw Girlfight back when it came out in the theaters and thought it was amazaing. I was glad Michelle Rodriguez got some work in the movies and TV, but then she started acting stupid with her arrest and things.
Regarding Freedom Writers, the movie was indeed hokey, but I heard the woman on whose life this was based speak, and hate to say it, but she was inspirational, a remarkable woman. I wish you had been able to hear her rather than see that movie, reality is much better.
Thanks, Kim. I haven't gotten into either Office series, surprisingly. Is the British version also documentary form? I wasn't aware the US version was until i saw something about the new Amy Poehler (?) series being in the same docu. form. This might explain why "The Office" never looked right to me.
deborah
Deborah, the British version is documentary style too. It took me a while to get used to it but now I think it is funny (characters will make faces at the camera, etc.)
I was thinking of checking out the Freedom Writers Diaries book as I think that would be better than the movie.
Kim wrote: "I was thinking of checking out the Freedom Writers Diaries book as I think that would be better than the movie. "Kim, I think that's a great idea. Erin Grewell's story is fascinating, and if it contains stuff about the lives of the students themselves, and what they wrote about, I think it would be well worth reading. In fact, now that it's been a few years since I saw her, I'm thinking it might be fun to read also. Maybe we should nominate it during the next round of group read selections? The Freedom Writers Diary How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them
Amy, I have only heard good things about JB.
Saturday I am seeing Distracted. It stars Cynthia Nixon. It is part of the Roundabout play series that I belong to.
It's a non profit Broadway theater group. They have 3 theaters. A season subscription for 6-7 plays is only $400.
http://www.roundabouttheatre.org/index.h...
We watched Frozen River over the weekend. Great acting and an interesting story about smuggling
We saw it with our cinema club a couple of weeks ago and it was very good.
The library has Lust for Life for me so I'll pick it up tomorrow.
I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. Everyone post a story from their weekend.
We're going to dinner and a comedy show with friends.
ENJOY!!!
It's great to hear others enjoyed Frozen River as much as we did.
Alias, i'd like to read what you thought of the Cynthia Nixon play. It sounds interesting.
deborah
Last night we watched that Swedish vampire movie, Let the Right One In. I know it isn't for everyone, because the vampire is a little girl, and she does what vampires do. There will be blood.... Though I thought the bloody bits were handled fairly discreetly. I liked the characters, the atmosphere, the original way the story was treated. It was creepy, but good.
Sherry, you are the second person in a week to tell us how much they liked Let the Right One In. I'm not drawn to vampire movies but these positive comments are interesting.
We, on the other hand, watched two romantic comedies this weekend. The first starred Simon Pegg, the British actor who won our hearts in the zombie movie, Shaun of the Dead. This one, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People was sweet, mostly set in NYC, with Kirsten Dunst as the female lead.
This was followed by Paul Rudd's Role Model. I've been a fan of Rudd's since Clueless, so it's no surprise i liked this. While it was sweet, my first post-viewing comment was what it must take for a parent to allow their child (i'm guessing a 10 or 11 year old boy) to be in a movie where most of their lines include obscenities and the character talks about female breasts in rude terms. I guess the money makes up for any qualms.
Still, it's surprising how many romantic comedies are available. While they are far from my favorite genre, the lead characters keep me coming back for more.
deborah
Sherry (sethurner) wrote: "Last night we watched that Swedish vampire movie, Let the Right One In. I know it isn't for everyone, because the vampire is a little girl, and she does what vampires do. There will be blood.... ..."Sherry, thanks for the review. I saw this reviewed when it was in the theaters and just wasn't sure, so I passed. It's now a definite rental based on your comments.
madrano wrote: "Sherry, you are the second person in a week to tell us how much they liked Let the Right One In. I'm not drawn to vampire movies but these positive comments are interesting.We, on the other han..."
I'm a Paul Rudd fan also, since Clueless at least, but haven't kept up with all his films. I'm trying to get to "I Love You, Man" while it is still in the theaters.
I never even heard of How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. How is that possible? Your comment about romantic comedies (there are a lot of them, you said) gave me pause. I have trouble finding GOOD romantic comedies, other than the ones I have already seen and liked (Tootsie, The American President). I'd be grateful for any recommendations. I think this is the genre my dad loves the most at this time in his life, and the current releases, if they're any good, usually have too much "reality" in them that he gives them a mixed review. By reality I mean that something bad happens to someone along the way (death or serious calamity as opposed to a disappointment or momentary setback), or it starts with the person SO down and out that he doesn't want to keep watching until they triumph.
Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have trouble finding GOOD romantic comedies, other than the ones I have already seen and liked (Tootsie, The American President). I'd be grateful for any recommendations. I think this is the genre my dad loves the most at this time in his life..."
Carol, i don't know if you &/or your dad would like these or not but i thought i'd throw the titles out there. One potential problem with some (i'll put an asterick by them) is that they star British actors & sometimes we have to "rewind" to get the dialogue.
** http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Run_Fat_Boy...
** http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Ghost_Town/... This one was mentioned upthread.
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Hamlet_2/70...
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Dan_in_Real...
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Evan_Almigh...
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Miss_Pettig...
http://www.netflix.com/Movie/Lars_and_th...
I won't vouch for the language in any of them, as i've forgotten most. (After the first time or two i grow accustomed to them.) It also occurs to me that others might not see them as romantic comedies but that's the way we saw them. Additionally, we were surprised we liked them as much as we did. Sometimes as i watched one or two of them, i was not pleased but found myself liking them by the end.
Finally, we have become Big Fans of Drew Barrymore movies. They are sweet romantic comedies. I suppose my favorite was Fifty First Dates but we also liked Fever Pitch with its baseball theme.
deborah
Sherry (sethurner) wrote: "Last night we watched that Swedish vampire movie, Let the Right One In. I know it isn't for everyone, because the vampire is a little girl, and she does what vampires do. There will be blood.... ..."I watched two trailers for this last week and crossed it right off my list! But I now a lot of people who have liked it.
madrano wrote: "Carol/Bonadie wrote: "I have trouble finding GOOD romantic comedies, other than the ones I have already seen and liked (Tootsie, The American President). I'd be grateful for any recommendations. I ..."Thanks, Deborah, I'll look into the ones I haven't heard of. You're right, the British accent can sometimes be a turnoff, but not if the plot is engaging. I don't do so well predicting success, however. I'd seen Miss Pettigrew in the theater and thought it would be a sure-fire hit. AFter 20 minutes my dad stopped watching, I'm not sure why. Maybe too confusing, maybe he just didn't get hooked on the characters. For me it was just the opposite, I got hooked on them right away.
Anyway thanks for your effort.
Carol
I'm trying to get better with watching the Netflix movies I rent, rather than keeping them hanging around for months. So this week I watched two, A Good Year and Batman Returns. A Good Year was an average romantic comedy starring Russell Crowe as a high-powered financier who has to go to France to settle the estate of a relative who helped raise him but with whom he lost touch. Everything about this was by-the-book -- the charming villagers, the cute meet of the love interest, the challenger to the ownership of the estate, the cut-throat colleagues back at home, yada-yada. Pretty to look at (landscape and the people) but otherwise just a time-filler. Of note: the love interest is played by Marion Cotillard, who won the Academy Award for her role as Edith Piaf in La Vie en Rose.
Batman Returns, on the other hand, now there was a movie! Again, the usual disclaimer, not for everyone, but I've always enjoyed the franchise and this one didn't disappoint. Very atmospheric and an interesting backstory. The crimefighting stuff was routine but how he came to have the lair and the gadgets was kind of fun. And any movie that co-stars Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman is an immediate hit as far as I'm concerned.
I could not believe the gorgeous landscape in A Good Year. Just amazing. That was the best thing about the movie. It was filmed in the Luberon region of France.
Sherry mentioned: Last night we watched that Swedish vampire movie
Sherry, I want to thank you! The IDEA of a Swedish vampire movie made me laugh out loud!
Smiles!
Donna
