Rear Window (1954 Alfred Hitchcock)

It occurred to me that (presumably) there are all sorts of neighbours on Stewart's side of the building that we never (of course) see. It would be a funny exercise to make film which is set in the apartment above or below Stewart's and how they maybe see bits of the action but attribute different meanings to it. (Some of it could be in the background e.g. Kelly shimmying up the fire escape could be in the background to something totally different going on the the foreground.)

Miss Torso, Georgine Darcy - her only close up

Last Holiday (1950 Henry Cass)

J.B. Priestley was a novelist whose first book 'Benighted' was adapted by James Whale as The Old Dark House. That I did not know. His biggest success was 'The Good Companions' and he was later known as a playwright, notably for 'An Inspector Calls'. (Son Tom Priestly edited Deliverance.) Last Holiday was one of very few film projects. It's divine. 

Thinking he's dying, Alec Guinness checks into a posh but stuffy hotel and transforms the lives of its guests and staff. They are Kay Walsh, femme fatale (of the English variety) Beatrice Campbell (Grand National Night) and no-good husband Brian Worth (who keeps uttering useful phrases like 'We've had it'), Wilfred Hyde-White, Sid James and Jean Colin, grand old dame Eva Kirkwood-Hackett (very few film appearances), receptionist Helen Cherry, Muriel George and Esma Cannon, 'Coco' aka Grégoire Aslan (Paris When It Sizzles, Our Man in Havana, The Criminal. The Rebel) Moultrie Kelsall (Scot), Campbell Cotts (politician), Heather Wilde (whispering maid), Ernest Thesiger, and...  David McCallum as the 'blind' fiddler!

Revolutionary Road (2008 Sam Mendes)

Sam's fourth film, after Jarhead, is an adaptation of a novel by Richard Yates by Justin Haythe - never heard of either of them. In 'The Boston Review' in 1999 it is stated that all of Richard Yates' novels are out of print. Fortunately that is no longer the case. 'Revolutionary Road' was his debut in 1962. Just had a quick look at the opening and some of the dialogue - e.g. argument in car - is verbatim. It's about a young couple in the fifties who try to escape from the 'hopeless emptiness' of life - but fail, with tragic results. A bit of a downer but strong and very well made and acted.

Then married, it was Kate Winslet who gave Mendes the book and told him she wanted to play the part.

With Kate are Leonardo di Caprio, Michael Shannon. Kathy Bates, Kathryn Hahn, David Harbour (The Newsroom), Dylan Baker, Richard Easton, Zoe Kazan (Ruby Sparks, The Big Sick, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs).

Photographed by Roger Deakins, edited by Tariq Anwar. It is surely one of Tom Newman's most minimal scores.

Dial M For Murder (1954 Alfred Hitchcock)

 Truffaut:

"...this is one of the pictures  I see over and over again...Basically it's a dialogue picture, but the cutting, the rhythm, and the direction of the players are so polished that one listens to each sentence religiously. It isn't all that easy to command the audience's undivided attention for a continuous dialogue. I suspect that here again the real achievement is that something very difficult has been carried out in a way that makes it seem very easy." (Truffaut: Hitchcock, 1968)

Scorsese:

"I like watching Dial M For Murder. It's wonderful to watch because it's a lesson in cutting... Watch how Hitchcock changes the camera angles; watch how the size of the frame changes, on what line of dialogue. It's not just that they change; it's when Hitchcock chooses to do a different set-up. And how different that set-up is. It's very subtle...It's like listening to a fugue by Bach, trying to figure out where the next phrase is beginning and where it ends." (Projections 7, 1997.)

Art:

No idea.

Artist:

The film is worth seeing for John Williams' performance alone. Anthony Dawson is another cast member who was carried over from Frederick Knott's play.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2010 John Requa, Glenn Ficara)

There are two great little emotional moments. One is where dad Steve Carell is waiting to pick up his son Jonah Bobo from school - the young man sees him and with a look of disappointment carries on walking away.

The other is Carell and Gosling in the bar, the former saying he will never accept Gosling and his daughter.

Above, such a great Fogelman moment. The estranged couple are getting on so much better... right up to the moment the identity of the teacher is revealed (the old rabbit from the hat moment.)

The Conspirator (2010 Robert Redford & prod)

I'm not sure this film was a very good idea, a rare misfire from Mr Redford. Because it tells the story of a woman who ran a boarding house which was associated with the gang of Rebels who killed Abraham Lincoln and stabbed the Secretary of State. She (Robin Wright) is most unfairly tried (we think - her innocence isn't entirely clearly established and even her attorney isn't sure) and despite efforts of defence lawyer James McEvoy found guilty and hanged. Her son, who could have cleared her, stays in hiding and is caught only much later when - get this - he is tried and acquitted. (This last information is supplied only in end titles. I wonder if the film would have been better if this latter incident was part of the main story.) There's no payoff for the audience - if I can put it so crudely - no return on the investment.

Why make a film about a major miscarriage of justice? Because these things still go on all the time?

The real life lawyer then quit the judiciary and started the Washington Post - a major irony in that the once august newspaper has recently been in the headlines for firing its own columnist Karen Attiah for not sticking to the Trump MAGA narrative instigated by its owner, Jeff Bezos - a / another sorry day for America.

A well enough made and acted film, with DP Newton Thomas Siegel sticking to a 'realistic' light design with shafts of diffused sunlight everywhere. Edited by Craig Mackay.

Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson. Danny Huston, Alexis Bledel, Stephen Root.

Miss Sloane (2016 John Madden)

A film about a Washington lobbyist going after gun reform may not sound like the most exciting subject matter. However, in the hands of alchemist John Madden you get an immediately riveting film made with his usual wonderful momentum, fuelled by a gutsy performance from Jessica Chastain, whose monocular and unstoppable presence commands the whole film (if you watch her she's very rarely stationary or at repose, like a shark).

No doubt John had a hand in the story-telling - Jonathan Perera is the script-writer - and in the way the film is shaped by editor Alexander Berner. The twist ending is gorgeous (and, I have to say, beautifully seeded at the outset).

A Fabulous ensemble cast includes Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark Strong, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, John Lithgow, David Wilson Barnes, Alison Pill, Al Mukadam, Douglas Smith, Grace Lynn Kung, Noah Robbins, Sam Waterston, Jake Lacy, Dylan Baker and Christine Baranksi.

Max Richter is the composer and Sebastian Blenkov the DP.

Hyde Park on Hudson (2012 Roger Michell)

Had only just learned of the existence of this Hyde Park via William Boyd's latest novel 'The Predicament'.

President Roosevelt's cousin Laura Linney is summoned to said pastoral residence to be entertained by polio-ridden President, interestingly performed by Bill Murray - much to the surprise of all of us (President excepted) she becomes one of his mistresses. This all comes into sharp relief when the King and Queen of England - Samuel West and Olivia Colman - come on a goodwill visit (it's the late thirties) and their relationship is cemented over a hot dog.

It may be true, but it's not exactly the most exciting story you'll hear.

With Elizabeth Marvel, Olivia Williams, Elizabeth Wilson (President's mother), Eleanor Bron.

Of said hot dog, it looks perfectly lamentable. The sausage clearly is not a proper German Frankfurter, the roll is white bread - OK, that much was to be expected - there's mustard but no other toppings - I understand that most Americas treat ketchup as something of a young folks' addition, but no fried onions? No pickles? I was surprised the 'special relationship' was forged at all.

No wonder Linney looks askance

Not sure the hand held camera adds anything (Lol Crawley).

A strange film, really. Linney's character pretty much drops out of the story when the royals visit - best scenes involve terse exchanges between the two Royals (over hot dog eating, and what it means, among other things!) Written by Richard Nelson.

Easy Watching

Liz Lemon - 30 Rock. Tina Fey (Creator) 2006-2013. Some political jokes go over head. With Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer. 'Dr. Spaceman.'

Trying again - Season 1. Apple series just made it to BBC. Rafe Spall, Esther Smith. Imelda Staunton good fun as counsellor. Creator Andy Wolton.

The Downton movie. Nicely edited by Mark Day, particularly evident in final, waltz backed sequence.

At Home With the Braithwaites. Sally Wainwright writing cartoonish, grotesque figures like husband Pater Davison, daughters, Sarah Smart and Sarah Churm. Mum Amanda Redman seems model of sanity. 2000 - 2003.

The Old Man & the Gun (2018 David Lowery & scr)

Lowery seems to operate more in the fantasy genre so I'm not quite sure how this came about. It is low key, but most enjoyable, helped along by Daniel Hart's music. Based on the New Yorker article, by David Grann, about the real life bank robber and prison escapee Forrest Tucker.

Good cast comprises Robert Redford (his last leading role), Sissy Spacek, Casey Affleck, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, Tika Sumpter. John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman).

Blue Lines - Season 3

Another Bail Out!

This was called Cold Water and it was another one that was totally ludicrous, involving things that don't happen to characters who behave crazily who we don't care anything about.

It seemed that Eve Myles was the only one who had been told she was in a black comedy - only it isn't, as far as I could ascertain. Andrew Lincoln, Indira Varma and Ewen Bremner are the other main participants.

Sabotage (1936 Alfred Hitchcock)

Fabulously directed take on Conrad's 'The Secret Agent', adapted by key Hitch collaborator of the era Charles Bennett - sadly still relevant in topicality. Good performances from Sylvia Sidney and Oscar Homolka, and Desmond Tester as young master Stevie; John Loder less successful as detective - who should have been played by Robert Donat, had not bronchitis intervened. William Dewhurst notable as the bomb maker; Charles Hawtrey visible in very early bit part, Peter Bull, Aubrey Mather as greengrocer.

Hitch admitted to Truffaut that he probably shouldn't have killed the boy (and the dog) - would have worked better if Verloc had directly killed him (but why would he? and indirectly he does kill him) - but I'm not sure - it still gives Sidney the motivation to get her own back in the brilliantly staged and edited murder scene (particularly loved her then going to sit down in long shot with the feet of the corpse still visible in the foreground) - also it fits in to the oeuvre of the man who brought us Psycho.

Photographed by Bernard Knowles, edited by Charles Frend.

Hitch is apparently visible outside the cinema when the lights go back on.

Theodora Goes Wild (1936 Richard Boleslawski)

When Melvyn Douglas is masquerading as the 'gardener' and he keeps whistling and whistling.. we could both have killed him. Then it's all the more satisfying when Irene Dunne 'twists the tables' (to use my Q's phrase) on him and forces him into the public eye and shameful divorce. So it's a slightly irritating set-up with a most satisfying resolution, written by Sidney Buchman from a story by Mary McCarthy.

With Billy Benedict, uncredited, in the newspaper office - in hundreds of bit parts well into the eighties. Plus a good part for Robert Greig - known to us as Preston Sturges' butler types - as the wicked uncle.

Shimmeringly photographed by Joe Walker, produced by Everett (brother of Robert) Riskin.

Days of Wine and Roses (1962 Blake Edwards)

Both Jack and Blake were drinking too much at the time. I can quite imagine, and without irony, audiences walking out of that film in 1963 with 'Phew - I need a drink after that!' Jack Lemmon is absolutely unforgettable as the awful alcoholic - scene in the drunk tank in straitjacket unforgettable. (He narrowly lost out on the Oscar to Gregory Peck in To Kill a Mockingbird - hmm - a difficult call. I would have gone with Lemmon, myself.) And where he destroys the greenhouse looking for that last bottle - I read somewhere he did it perfectly, with incredible emotion.. then the next day he got to the set and no one could look him in the eye... Where did I read this? It's not in 'Some Like It Cool'? And there was a technical problem with the take and he had to do it again.

And Lee Remick is also great as his even worse partner-in-crime, particularly in motel room scene. Their foolish antics when drunk seem absurd and not at all funny - like one reviewer put it, when you're the only sober person at a party. Makes me think even my most bibulous moments make me look sober in comparison.

Jack Warner only agreed to the film if it had a happy ending - he found out too late - ha!

Jack Klugman we know from - what? I've never seen the TV Odd Couple. 12 Angry Men? And Charles Bickford.

Music by Henry Mancini, photographed by Philip Lathrop, edited by Patrick McCormack.

Very good, very adult and powerful film from that era, I guess Leaving Las Vegas the closest comparable thing of late.

The Psycho moment.

Me Before You (2016 Thea Sharrock)

Emilia Clarke (surely in real life quite like this character?) cheers up quadriplegic Sam Claflin before he decides to end it all. Jojo Moyes' novel (and screenplay) was based on a true life rugby player's similar quandary.

That was Vanessa Kirby as the unapologetic ex. Diane Morgan has a cameo.

The Restaurant Paul is a real bistro in the Place Dauphin in the 3eme. Bumble bee tights just visible.

All Of You (2024 William Bridges & co-scr)

So let's examine the beginning - a man and his college 'BFF' go to a clinic where she is taking 'the test' to find her perfect compatible other. This could have been any other relationship drama without this perverse and maddening opening note, which really isn't clever or thought-provoking or funny - was it supposed to be funny? I don't think so, as nothing else in the film is.

Clearly destined for one another Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots - yet she ends up with the chosen 'other' - a non-character, really, whilst they have an affair prolonged over many years. Which finally ends. 

Bridges likes long, semi-improvised takes - maybe giving 'our' editor Vic Boydell many choices - she certainly does a great montage scene.

With Zawe Ashton, Steven Cree and, briefly, Jenna Coleman.

Life Begins - Seasons 1 - 3 (2004 Mike Bullen)

Alexander Armstrong just walks out on Caroline Quentin without any warning or discussion, leaving her to fend for two kids. Then he starts a new relationship with a woman he works with. What a bastard!

I seem to remember that Mike Bullen himself was divorced and remarried but don't quote me on that.

The 'style' is over-editing, with its 'trademark' device of showing one sequence from three different points of view rapidly cut together. And I don't mean something significant, I mean like someone getting out of bed.

Supporting cast: Claire Skinner, Anne Reid, Frank Finlay, Stuart McQuarrie, Danny Webb, Elliot Henderson-Boyle & Ace Ryan (the kids). Neighbour Elle Haddington and daughter Abby Ford. At travel agency: Paul Thornley, Chloe Howman, Sarah Okeze, Michelle Holmes.

By season three, Webb, Haddington and Ford have been jettisoned in favour of new neighbours, swingers Alexandra Gilbraith and Matthew Cottle, but the new house still only has one bathroom - what dumbasses. Their kids and unstably married friends are all having problems, and Armstrong is still grappling with what it takes to simply be a good husband... but it all ends up quite satisfactorily. A good diversion.

Six- eight part series for ITV, solidly held together by Quentin.

Young and Innocent (1937 Alfred Hitchcock)

In many ways, a perfect Saturday night movie, full of Hitch's suspense and wit. Note scene where fugitive from justice Derrick De Marney encourages innocent runaway to take the left fork, to get him to his mysterious murder link. As it happens the right fork is closed for roadworks. 'I was going to go left anyway,' she says. Do we believe her? Anyway, she turns left, and the road crew unblock the right fork anyway, work is finished... Just as much a Hitchcock touch as any of the more celebrated examples -- one of course being the incredible crane shot right into close on the twitching drummer's eyes.

Much amusement and interesting filming of e.g. Pilbeam's meals with family at home.

More info here and here.

The Girl on the Train (2016 Tate Taylor)

Confusing beginning - in a welter of edits (Andrew Buckland, Michael McClusker) we experience alcoholic Emily Blunt's strange life, obsessed with the ex and their new baby and with the babysitter, who seems to live next door to the couple - still not sure in my geography. Was initially somewhat confused by the two blondes also.

Still, everything becomes clear with plot twist voiced by Lisa Kudrow - on a train.

The three women - Emily Blunt (fantastic performance), Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson - all seem quite messed up, but so too is a most inappropriate therapist (Edgar Ramirez) and a violent husband (Luke Evans). Justin Theroux is the ex. Allison Janney investigates.

Rules Don't Apply, A Kind of Murder, Music and Lyrics, Marley and Me

Nicely photographed by Charlotte Bruus Christensen. Music by Danny Elfman.

Erin Cressida Wilson adapted Paula Hawkins' novel. Too many red herrings, even for a Manx fisherman,  one might argue.