I personally believe that there is an argument that can be made for Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the best of the Indiana Jones movies. The story and character arcs are wonderful, the action is intense, and the final shot of the film is iconic. I also believe this to be Harrison Fords' best performance as Indiana Jones.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the third installment of the Indiana Jones film series, and is the story of Indiana Jones a.k.a. Henry Jones, Jr., teaming up with his father in order to stop the Nazis from getting their hands on the Holy Grail. There are countless things to love about this film. In the opening sequence, we learn that Indy was not that much different when he was a boy. For the most part, he has always passionately felt that important historic artifacts belong in a museum. We also learn in this sequence how he received his scar and his hat. We also learn what sparked his fear of snakes and the kind of upbringing he received from his father. In fact, the character of Professor Henry Jones (Sean Connery) is a rather important one, both to Indy and the story itself. While Indys' quests in the past have been about recovering historical artifacts, his quest this time finds him going after his father. Henry has been captured by the Nazis, and they intend to use him to find the Holy Grail, and Indy goes after him. The quest for the Grail is more important to Henry, and I love the fact that the artifact he has been searching forty years for is the same artifact that, in the end, saves his life. This brings Henrys' character arc full circle, as well as his relationship with his son. Their relationship is both emotional and humorous because, while they both have a passion for archaeology, they have different ways of exploring and are two completely different people entirely. Indy is the real explorer, and Henry is the bookworm. Over the course of the film, their relationship is mended and they form a genuine respect for one another. This film makes you feel many different kinds of emotions which is what makes it such a great piece of cinema and, for nineteen years, the Indiana Jones films stood as one of the greatest trilogies of all time.
Joining Harrison Ford is Sean Connery as Professor Henry Jones. I love this character so much because we see that, in terms of archaeology, he is a bookworm and very much out of his element when it comes to exploring. Connerys' body language, facial expressions and dialogue are some of the best in the film. We also find out that he, quite honestly, has no qualms about the falling out he had with his son. Henry raised Indy well, and he let him go off and become a man in his own way. I think that shows a certain respect that Henry has for his son, and it also shows a certain pride within the character. I mean, if your child went away to do his own thing, and you had no reason to worry, would you not be proud as well? Connery shines in the role, particularly in the scenes where he and Indy are bickering at one another, which are quite humorous to watch and shows how talented both actors are. There is also a beautiful moment near the end of the film where Henry thinks he has lost his boy, and the way Connery plays this moment almost makes you tear up. This is one of the few instances when, in my opinion, the supporting actor is better than the lead actor. Connery had quite a career rejuvenation in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. This film, and his performance, is one of the reasons why.
Steven Spielberg returns as director of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I love that Spielberg has one of Harrison Fords' first scenes be a scene where Indy is talking about how most archaeology is done by reading and research. It is as if Indy is encouraging his students to NOT follow the path that he has gone. There is a certain irony to this scene as well because, as we find out later in the film, X truly does mark the spot. I also like that, from a storytelling point of view, Henry Jones has a phobia just like his son. It seems that they run in the family. Also, the action sequences are magnificent to watch. This is the most action-packed of all the Indiana Jones films, and each one is bigger and better than the previous. My personal favorite is the plane attack because it evolves into a sequence where the plane is chasing the Jones' in a car, and then Henry becomes the hero of the entire sequence by using his literary knowledge against the enemy. The dialogue sequences are quite emotional to watch as well because you can see that the relationship between Indy and his father is gradually healing throughout the film. The scene where Henry is shot is particularly emotional because Indy only recently reconnected with his father, and now he is slipping away right before his eyes. This also adds an emotional weight to Indys' path through the booby traps, and adds to the feeling of anxiousness during this sequence. Spielberg is at the top of his game with this film. Every sequence, every scene, is so expertly crafted. The final shot of the movie just might bring a tear to your eye.
Indiana Jones is a thrilling adventure film that rides higher on emotion than you might think. It is hard to make one good film, let alone three, but Spielberg and Company truly captured lightning in a bottle with this film franchise. If you enjoyed the previous installments of the series, you will definitely enjoy this one. If you are already an Indiana Jones fan, go ahead and treat yourself to another viewing. It is totally worth it.
Showing posts with label Steven Spielberg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steven Spielberg. Show all posts
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Saturday, May 6, 2017
Keeping Up With The Doctor: Part 2
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is the quintessential adventure film of our time. This film birthed one of the greatest characters in the history of cinema, and has become one of American cinemas' greatest classics. It is one of those rare pieces of cinema that you never get tired of watching no matter how many times you have seen it.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is, chronologically speaking, the second film in the Indiana Jones film series, and follows famous archaeologist Indiana Jones as he is hired by the U.S. government to acquire the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis get to it. Right from the beginning, as all great films do, we understand who Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is, and what he does. It is also understood that Jones has competitors within his line of work. This makes this, and the other films, so much more compelling because it adds conflict to the story. If Indy was the only one going on these kinds of quests, the film would feel extremely mundane. I also enjoy the time period in which the film is set. More specifically, I love that the antagonist in the film is a group of people rather than one person. The Nazi Party was the most evil group of people to ever grace the planet, and making Indiana Jones the protagonist automatically sets him up as an American hero. It also helps that one of his competitors, Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), is actually working with Nazis because this makes you hate Belloq even more than you would if he was just competing with Indy. Raiders has some of the best action sequences ever filmed and has wonderful characters like Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). This is definitely a film that belongs on your "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Sadly though, even Steven Spielberg makes mistakes, and there are a few problems with the film. Firstly, at the end of the action sequence at the beginning of the film, we see Indy escape in a plane with Jock (Fred Sorenson). My question is: how were the men that Indy was with going to get away if Indy hadn't found out they were there to betray him? Were they just going to hang on the outside of the plane?? Also, I personally feel that it is confusing who Abner is. I know that it is common knowledge that he was Marions' father, but they talk about him like he was her lover. Later on, during the sequence where Marion is being kidnapped in the basket, there is a shootout at the end of the sequence. Now, obviously they use blank cartridges in these films, and someone usually cues the actors on when they need to react to getting shot. My problem with this sequence is that, when the driver of the truck gets shot, if you look carefully you can actually see someone in the back seat hit the driver on the head as a cue for the driver to fall over dead!!! You would think that a director like Spielberg would be able to frame the shot better so that we do not see this!!! Also, in that same sequence, it looks as if the truck explodes in a completely different area of the town than it is in the previous shot. I am shocked and disappointed that a movie as excellent as this has such a glaring continuity error. I also would have preferred to see more backstory about Indy and Sallahs' friendship. I feel as though it is a tad forced. Also, how the blazes did Indy get the gasoline pump down into the Well of the Souls so that he could set the snakes on fire??? Fill up those plot holes, Spielberg!!! Even with its' problems, Raiders is one of the most entertaining movies of the past thirty years, and serves as the introduction to one of cinemas' greatest heroes.
Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones. Ford brings a certain gravitas to the role, and plays Indy with determination and fearlessness. This makes you cheer for the character even more because he knows the Nazis are evil, and he will stop at nothing to prevent them from achieving their goal. The scenes where we see him as "Professor Henry Jones Jr." are quite good as well because we see what Indy does in his professional life, and the dialogue rolls of Fords' tongue with such ease. These scenes add credibility to the character, and make you believe that he knows what he is getting himself into. This is an iconic role that cemented Fords' legacy as one of the biggest movie stars of all time.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Visually speaking, Spielberg does a masterful job of introducing and setting up the character of Indiana Jones within the first few minutes of the film. Even though we do not see Jones' face until about three minutes into the film, we understand who he is and what he does. I also love that the opening sequence that shows Indy as the adventurer is followed by the sequence that shows him as a professor. The mirroring of these sequences shows the different aspects of Jones' life and the multiple characteristics of the character. The scene with Indy in the map room is also spectacular to witness. The slow cuts help build visual tension, and the moment the sunlight hits the place on the map where the ark is hidden is one of the greatest moments in film history. Spielberg does this again later in the scene in the Well of the Souls. Much like the bug tunnel and spike room in The Temple of Doom, this sequence is exhilarating and tense at the same time. The shot of Indy landing in front of the cobra is another one of those movie moments that will last forever. The truck chase sequence is yet another one of these iconic moments. While this sequence is certainly one of the great action sequences of all time, it also displays Indys' determination to stop the Nazis from opening the ark. The stunt work in this sequence is absolutely breathtaking. This is undoubtedly one of Spielbergs' best films.
Raiders is a prime example of what every adventure film should be. It has a great story, great characters and some of the most iconic moments in cinema history. If you have not seen Raiders, and there should not be any reason why you have not, stop what you are doing right now, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You will not regret it in the slightest.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is, chronologically speaking, the second film in the Indiana Jones film series, and follows famous archaeologist Indiana Jones as he is hired by the U.S. government to acquire the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis get to it. Right from the beginning, as all great films do, we understand who Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is, and what he does. It is also understood that Jones has competitors within his line of work. This makes this, and the other films, so much more compelling because it adds conflict to the story. If Indy was the only one going on these kinds of quests, the film would feel extremely mundane. I also enjoy the time period in which the film is set. More specifically, I love that the antagonist in the film is a group of people rather than one person. The Nazi Party was the most evil group of people to ever grace the planet, and making Indiana Jones the protagonist automatically sets him up as an American hero. It also helps that one of his competitors, Rene Belloq (Paul Freeman), is actually working with Nazis because this makes you hate Belloq even more than you would if he was just competing with Indy. Raiders has some of the best action sequences ever filmed and has wonderful characters like Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). This is definitely a film that belongs on your "100 Movies To See Before You Die" list. Sadly though, even Steven Spielberg makes mistakes, and there are a few problems with the film. Firstly, at the end of the action sequence at the beginning of the film, we see Indy escape in a plane with Jock (Fred Sorenson). My question is: how were the men that Indy was with going to get away if Indy hadn't found out they were there to betray him? Were they just going to hang on the outside of the plane?? Also, I personally feel that it is confusing who Abner is. I know that it is common knowledge that he was Marions' father, but they talk about him like he was her lover. Later on, during the sequence where Marion is being kidnapped in the basket, there is a shootout at the end of the sequence. Now, obviously they use blank cartridges in these films, and someone usually cues the actors on when they need to react to getting shot. My problem with this sequence is that, when the driver of the truck gets shot, if you look carefully you can actually see someone in the back seat hit the driver on the head as a cue for the driver to fall over dead!!! You would think that a director like Spielberg would be able to frame the shot better so that we do not see this!!! Also, in that same sequence, it looks as if the truck explodes in a completely different area of the town than it is in the previous shot. I am shocked and disappointed that a movie as excellent as this has such a glaring continuity error. I also would have preferred to see more backstory about Indy and Sallahs' friendship. I feel as though it is a tad forced. Also, how the blazes did Indy get the gasoline pump down into the Well of the Souls so that he could set the snakes on fire??? Fill up those plot holes, Spielberg!!! Even with its' problems, Raiders is one of the most entertaining movies of the past thirty years, and serves as the introduction to one of cinemas' greatest heroes.
Harrison Ford plays Indiana Jones. Ford brings a certain gravitas to the role, and plays Indy with determination and fearlessness. This makes you cheer for the character even more because he knows the Nazis are evil, and he will stop at nothing to prevent them from achieving their goal. The scenes where we see him as "Professor Henry Jones Jr." are quite good as well because we see what Indy does in his professional life, and the dialogue rolls of Fords' tongue with such ease. These scenes add credibility to the character, and make you believe that he knows what he is getting himself into. This is an iconic role that cemented Fords' legacy as one of the biggest movie stars of all time.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Visually speaking, Spielberg does a masterful job of introducing and setting up the character of Indiana Jones within the first few minutes of the film. Even though we do not see Jones' face until about three minutes into the film, we understand who he is and what he does. I also love that the opening sequence that shows Indy as the adventurer is followed by the sequence that shows him as a professor. The mirroring of these sequences shows the different aspects of Jones' life and the multiple characteristics of the character. The scene with Indy in the map room is also spectacular to witness. The slow cuts help build visual tension, and the moment the sunlight hits the place on the map where the ark is hidden is one of the greatest moments in film history. Spielberg does this again later in the scene in the Well of the Souls. Much like the bug tunnel and spike room in The Temple of Doom, this sequence is exhilarating and tense at the same time. The shot of Indy landing in front of the cobra is another one of those movie moments that will last forever. The truck chase sequence is yet another one of these iconic moments. While this sequence is certainly one of the great action sequences of all time, it also displays Indys' determination to stop the Nazis from opening the ark. The stunt work in this sequence is absolutely breathtaking. This is undoubtedly one of Spielbergs' best films.
Raiders is a prime example of what every adventure film should be. It has a great story, great characters and some of the most iconic moments in cinema history. If you have not seen Raiders, and there should not be any reason why you have not, stop what you are doing right now, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to it. You will not regret it in the slightest.
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Keeping Up With The Doctor: Part 1
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is my personal favorite movie of the entire series. I love the story, the cast, and I especially love the dark tone of the film. I love when directors step out of their comfort zone, and when you think about the kind of movie that The Temple of Doom was at the time of its release, it is a movie that you did not think even the mighty Steven Spielberg was capable of doing. Needless to say, the movie is pure spectacle at its finest.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom finds Indy uncovering a secret cult in an ancient palace he was asked to investigate. I have found that many fans of the series do not realize that, chronologically speaking, this is the first Indiana Jones film. This explains his behavior about collecting the Sankara stones. He intends to use them for "fortune and glory", to get rich, instead of putting them in a museum where they can be viewed by all. As I mentioned before, the dark tone of the film is something that I personally respond to. The Temple of Doom is incredibly intense at times, and it gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. As much as I thoroughly enjoy this film, however, there are some flaws in it. There are a few times when the editing does not make any sense. In one shot one of the actors would be in one place, and in the next shot they are someplace else. For example, at one point in the film, Mola Ram (Amrish Puri) is standing and then in the next shot, he is lying down on the ground going through a trap door. Granted, these editing mistakes only happen about three times in the film so it does not become a big issue, but it is still noticeable. The only other issue I have is with a line of dialogue. At the climax of the film, when Indy (Harrison Ford), Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) are climbing up the cliff escaping the Thuggee cult, Indy yells, "Head for the bridge!". How does he know there is a bridge? Anyway, those problems aside, I personally feel that The Temple of Doom is a cinematic wonder with great characters and an imaginative take on the "dungeon lair" scenario.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Again, as I mentioned before, I love when directors step out of their comfort zones. This film is dark and brutal, and Spielberg does not shy away from it. The scene with the human sacrifice may be one of my favorite scenes in cinematic history. I love the way the chanting slowly builds as the victim gets lowered into the fiery pit, and then his heart bursts into flames. I also love the shot where the camera pulls back as the victim is screaming for his life. It puts a stamp on the fact that no one is going to save this man. This is just one of those scenes that puts a twisted smile on my face. However, as dark as the movie is, Spielberg balances the film with a good deal of levity in the form of Indy and Willies' relationship. Harrison Ford and Kate Capshaw have great chemistry together, so much so that you just burst into laughter. I also think that the mining cart chase is one for the ages. The way Spielberg uses the camera, and the way Indy has to improvise ways to escape the Thuggee cult, make this quite an innovative sequence. The Temple of Doom is one of the countless reasons why Steven Spielberg is the most dominant filmmaker in history.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is one of those rare pieces of cinema that did not get the love it deserved when it was initially released, but has since garnered a great deal of respect from both fans and critics. This movie also has one of the best musical numbers in a non-musical film. If you have not seen this film, I cannot begin to express how much you should go check it out.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom finds Indy uncovering a secret cult in an ancient palace he was asked to investigate. I have found that many fans of the series do not realize that, chronologically speaking, this is the first Indiana Jones film. This explains his behavior about collecting the Sankara stones. He intends to use them for "fortune and glory", to get rich, instead of putting them in a museum where they can be viewed by all. As I mentioned before, the dark tone of the film is something that I personally respond to. The Temple of Doom is incredibly intense at times, and it gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. As much as I thoroughly enjoy this film, however, there are some flaws in it. There are a few times when the editing does not make any sense. In one shot one of the actors would be in one place, and in the next shot they are someplace else. For example, at one point in the film, Mola Ram (Amrish Puri) is standing and then in the next shot, he is lying down on the ground going through a trap door. Granted, these editing mistakes only happen about three times in the film so it does not become a big issue, but it is still noticeable. The only other issue I have is with a line of dialogue. At the climax of the film, when Indy (Harrison Ford), Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and Short Round (Ke Huy Quan) are climbing up the cliff escaping the Thuggee cult, Indy yells, "Head for the bridge!". How does he know there is a bridge? Anyway, those problems aside, I personally feel that The Temple of Doom is a cinematic wonder with great characters and an imaginative take on the "dungeon lair" scenario.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Again, as I mentioned before, I love when directors step out of their comfort zones. This film is dark and brutal, and Spielberg does not shy away from it. The scene with the human sacrifice may be one of my favorite scenes in cinematic history. I love the way the chanting slowly builds as the victim gets lowered into the fiery pit, and then his heart bursts into flames. I also love the shot where the camera pulls back as the victim is screaming for his life. It puts a stamp on the fact that no one is going to save this man. This is just one of those scenes that puts a twisted smile on my face. However, as dark as the movie is, Spielberg balances the film with a good deal of levity in the form of Indy and Willies' relationship. Harrison Ford and Kate Capshaw have great chemistry together, so much so that you just burst into laughter. I also think that the mining cart chase is one for the ages. The way Spielberg uses the camera, and the way Indy has to improvise ways to escape the Thuggee cult, make this quite an innovative sequence. The Temple of Doom is one of the countless reasons why Steven Spielberg is the most dominant filmmaker in history.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is one of those rare pieces of cinema that did not get the love it deserved when it was initially released, but has since garnered a great deal of respect from both fans and critics. This movie also has one of the best musical numbers in a non-musical film. If you have not seen this film, I cannot begin to express how much you should go check it out.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
The Chase Is On
Catch Me If You Can is one of my favorite films, and not just because it is a Spielberg film, although that certainly helps. The movie is so entertaining and thrilling to watch, and has tremendous rewatchability. For me personally, it is on my "5 Films To Own On A Desert Island" list.
Catch Me If You Can is the TRUE story of Frank Abagnale, Jr, who was one of the most successful con men in United States history. The most enjoyable thing about this movie is the attention to detail in the storytelling. Right from the very beginning we are given visual clues of what Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) will use to elude the authorities (ripping labels off of condiments, The Flash comic books, folding notes so that they appear fake, etc.). These sort of details continue on as we see how Abagnale forges checks and even makes checks of his own. For a film that has such a simple premise, there is an incredibly exquisite attention to detail throughout.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, Jr. Throughout Abagnale's life, we see that his parents' divorce has had a deep effect on him. He uses the same charm with women that his father (Christopher Walken) used, and even the confrontation he has with Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) towards the end of the film is in the city where his parents met. DiCaprio brings such energy to the role, but also great vulnerability. There is a seen where he is watching his future in-laws ( Martin Sheen and Nancy Lenehan) dance in the kitchen, and you can see that Abagnale wishes that had happened with his parents. This is beautiful acting by DiCaprio. DiCaprio's scenes with Tom Hanks are also quite good, as DiCaprio is splendid at playing the character as suave, yet arrogant, about eluding his pursuer. Catch Me If You Can is one of the films that came along at a time when DiCaprio stopped being a teen idol, and started to become a respectable actor, and this is one of my favorite roles of his.
Tom Hanks, in a pleasantly surprising supporting role, plays Carl Hanratty. One of things that you notice right from the beginning is that while Hanratty is charged with bringing Abagnale in, there is a great deal of respect that Hanratty has for him. Hanks' role is one that could have very easily been played as someone who is angry at this teenager who is humiliating him. However, Hanks does such an amazing job with the specific cadence of his voice that you can tell he is trying to protect Abagnale rather than getting angry and having hatred towards him. He does such a brilliant job at bringing a fatherly quality to the role. Again, the scene between Hanks and DiCaprio in Montrichard, France is a great example of this.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Catch Me If You Can. He does a tremendous job of capturing the lifestyle of the 1960's, right down to the fashion and music of that era. The pacing of the movie is brilliant as well. You can feel the tension slowly build throughout the movie right up until the end, and you are always wondering what will happen next and how it will unfold. The moments between DiCaprio and Walken are shot particularly well, and those scenes become increasingly heartfelt to watch as you realize that the relationship between those two characters is gradually deteriorating.
Catch Me If You Can is one of Steven Spielberg's best films. It is extremely entertaining, and superbly crafted. If you have not seen this film, for whatever reason, I highly recommend that you pick it up.
Catch Me If You Can is the TRUE story of Frank Abagnale, Jr, who was one of the most successful con men in United States history. The most enjoyable thing about this movie is the attention to detail in the storytelling. Right from the very beginning we are given visual clues of what Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) will use to elude the authorities (ripping labels off of condiments, The Flash comic books, folding notes so that they appear fake, etc.). These sort of details continue on as we see how Abagnale forges checks and even makes checks of his own. For a film that has such a simple premise, there is an incredibly exquisite attention to detail throughout.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Frank Abagnale, Jr. Throughout Abagnale's life, we see that his parents' divorce has had a deep effect on him. He uses the same charm with women that his father (Christopher Walken) used, and even the confrontation he has with Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks) towards the end of the film is in the city where his parents met. DiCaprio brings such energy to the role, but also great vulnerability. There is a seen where he is watching his future in-laws ( Martin Sheen and Nancy Lenehan) dance in the kitchen, and you can see that Abagnale wishes that had happened with his parents. This is beautiful acting by DiCaprio. DiCaprio's scenes with Tom Hanks are also quite good, as DiCaprio is splendid at playing the character as suave, yet arrogant, about eluding his pursuer. Catch Me If You Can is one of the films that came along at a time when DiCaprio stopped being a teen idol, and started to become a respectable actor, and this is one of my favorite roles of his.
Tom Hanks, in a pleasantly surprising supporting role, plays Carl Hanratty. One of things that you notice right from the beginning is that while Hanratty is charged with bringing Abagnale in, there is a great deal of respect that Hanratty has for him. Hanks' role is one that could have very easily been played as someone who is angry at this teenager who is humiliating him. However, Hanks does such an amazing job with the specific cadence of his voice that you can tell he is trying to protect Abagnale rather than getting angry and having hatred towards him. He does such a brilliant job at bringing a fatherly quality to the role. Again, the scene between Hanks and DiCaprio in Montrichard, France is a great example of this.
Steven Spielberg is the director of Catch Me If You Can. He does a tremendous job of capturing the lifestyle of the 1960's, right down to the fashion and music of that era. The pacing of the movie is brilliant as well. You can feel the tension slowly build throughout the movie right up until the end, and you are always wondering what will happen next and how it will unfold. The moments between DiCaprio and Walken are shot particularly well, and those scenes become increasingly heartfelt to watch as you realize that the relationship between those two characters is gradually deteriorating.
Catch Me If You Can is one of Steven Spielberg's best films. It is extremely entertaining, and superbly crafted. If you have not seen this film, for whatever reason, I highly recommend that you pick it up.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
A Spy For A Spy
Bridge of Spies was one of my favorite movies of last year. I always get excited when Steven Spielberg has another movie being released, and this film was no different. Among a plethora of masterpieces, Bridge of Spies is one Spielberg's best.
Bridge of Spies is the story of an American insurance lawyer who defends an arrested Soviet spy, and then goes on to negotiate an exchange of the spy for a captured American spy plane pilot. This movie may go down as one of my favorite films of all time. Like so many films that I love, this story follows an ordinary man who is thrust into an extraordinary situation. It also focuses on a controversial topic: everyone, no matter if they are innocent or guilty, deserves a defense. James Donovan (Tom Hanks) defends Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) because it is his job. He does this even though it puts his family and his reputation at risk, and he does it because it is the right thing to do. Even after Abel is found guilty, Donovan suggests that he remain alive just in case an American spy gets captured so that a swap can be negotiated. When that point in the movie comes, things start to pick up dramatically. The lengths that Donovan goes to are enormous, and you really fear what might happen if things go sour. This is a powerful film that wields multiple emotions, and will leave you breathless until the end.
Tom Hanks, in probably the most wholesome performance of his career, plays James B. Donovan. Donovan is a man who remains relatively calm throughout this entire ordeal, no matter how dire it seems. Hanks also brings hints of wit and charm to his performance which shine brilliantly throughout the film, particularly in his scenes with Mark Rylance. Hanks can do so much by doing so little. There is a scene in the movie where Donovan watches people get shot, and the emotion in Hanks' eyes is one of pain, shock and disbelief. This scene alone shows why Hanks is the kind of actor that he is.
In my opinion, Steven Spielberg is the greatest filmmaker of our time. He is also my personal hero. No matter what is going on in my life, his movies can always calm me down. He is the director of Bridge of Spies. When this movie was in theaters, there was some criticism that it did not have that typical Spielberg magic. However, I never saw that as a bad thing. This feels like a passion project that is boldly directed by the greatest who ever lived. Every single frame of this movie is important to the storytelling. The scene on the bridge at the climax of the film, in particular, is well-paced and is quite the white-knuckler. The dialogue scenes are fresh to watch because instead of just cutting back and forth between the actors, there are many wide shots that help us see how differently the characters behave in certain situations. There is also a brief torture sequence in the film which is quite jarring to watch because we are not used to seeing that in Spielberg movies, and he films it in a way that is MEANT to be just so. The use of slightly muted colors in the film also help in visually describing how grim the situation is, while at the same time giving us hope for the outcome. This movie is masterfully crafted, and gives you everything you would want from a Spielberg/Hanks movie and more.
Bridge of Spies is an extraordinary film, and is one that makes you think about what is going on in this country today. There is a certain humanity about the movie that shows that one person can indeed make a difference. As a Spielberg fan, as a fan of movies, and as a fan of good stories in general, I highly recommend this movie to everyone.
Bridge of Spies is the story of an American insurance lawyer who defends an arrested Soviet spy, and then goes on to negotiate an exchange of the spy for a captured American spy plane pilot. This movie may go down as one of my favorite films of all time. Like so many films that I love, this story follows an ordinary man who is thrust into an extraordinary situation. It also focuses on a controversial topic: everyone, no matter if they are innocent or guilty, deserves a defense. James Donovan (Tom Hanks) defends Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) because it is his job. He does this even though it puts his family and his reputation at risk, and he does it because it is the right thing to do. Even after Abel is found guilty, Donovan suggests that he remain alive just in case an American spy gets captured so that a swap can be negotiated. When that point in the movie comes, things start to pick up dramatically. The lengths that Donovan goes to are enormous, and you really fear what might happen if things go sour. This is a powerful film that wields multiple emotions, and will leave you breathless until the end.
Tom Hanks, in probably the most wholesome performance of his career, plays James B. Donovan. Donovan is a man who remains relatively calm throughout this entire ordeal, no matter how dire it seems. Hanks also brings hints of wit and charm to his performance which shine brilliantly throughout the film, particularly in his scenes with Mark Rylance. Hanks can do so much by doing so little. There is a scene in the movie where Donovan watches people get shot, and the emotion in Hanks' eyes is one of pain, shock and disbelief. This scene alone shows why Hanks is the kind of actor that he is.
In my opinion, Steven Spielberg is the greatest filmmaker of our time. He is also my personal hero. No matter what is going on in my life, his movies can always calm me down. He is the director of Bridge of Spies. When this movie was in theaters, there was some criticism that it did not have that typical Spielberg magic. However, I never saw that as a bad thing. This feels like a passion project that is boldly directed by the greatest who ever lived. Every single frame of this movie is important to the storytelling. The scene on the bridge at the climax of the film, in particular, is well-paced and is quite the white-knuckler. The dialogue scenes are fresh to watch because instead of just cutting back and forth between the actors, there are many wide shots that help us see how differently the characters behave in certain situations. There is also a brief torture sequence in the film which is quite jarring to watch because we are not used to seeing that in Spielberg movies, and he films it in a way that is MEANT to be just so. The use of slightly muted colors in the film also help in visually describing how grim the situation is, while at the same time giving us hope for the outcome. This movie is masterfully crafted, and gives you everything you would want from a Spielberg/Hanks movie and more.
Bridge of Spies is an extraordinary film, and is one that makes you think about what is going on in this country today. There is a certain humanity about the movie that shows that one person can indeed make a difference. As a Spielberg fan, as a fan of movies, and as a fan of good stories in general, I highly recommend this movie to everyone.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Can We Keep Him?
To say that E.T. The Extra Terrestrial evokes emotion would be an enormous understatement. That's what Steven Spielberg does best, and that is one of the reasons why he is who he is. If you don't tear up during this movie, then in my opinion there is something seriously wrong with you, and you should have yourself checked.
The writing in this movie is very simplistic, while at the same time being a genuine coming-of-age story. One of the things that I love so much about the film is that Elliott's household, due to a divorce, is very much a broken home....until E.T. shows up. The alien that is light years from home is what brings the family together. The script feels like a rough outline that you would write with your friends over the weekend. E.T. is a movie where the story is told through the emotions of the images on the screen.
The movie is told from a child's perspective, and that really shows in the masterful direction by Steven Spielberg. For the first hour of the movie, the movie is filmed using low angles. We never see an adult from the waist up, except if it's Elliot's mother. Adults are viewed as threatening, so we only see their feet. It is only after we learn that the scientists are friendly that we see their faces.
All of the actors, particularly the child actors, do a fantastic job of capturing the characters. For me, though, Drew Barrymore steals the show. It's such a genuine performance. It feels like Steven Spielberg just turned the camera on and let her go. The child actors all do a wonderful job of playing characters who have been affected by divorce. They all get mad at each other for no apparent reason, and yet when something bad happens to one of them, they're all there for each other. Personally, I love this aspect of the film because I am a child of divorce myself and I very much identified with that.
E.T. is a classic, and there's no denying that. It's a movie for all ages, children and adults. It's a beloved film, one that brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
The writing in this movie is very simplistic, while at the same time being a genuine coming-of-age story. One of the things that I love so much about the film is that Elliott's household, due to a divorce, is very much a broken home....until E.T. shows up. The alien that is light years from home is what brings the family together. The script feels like a rough outline that you would write with your friends over the weekend. E.T. is a movie where the story is told through the emotions of the images on the screen.
The movie is told from a child's perspective, and that really shows in the masterful direction by Steven Spielberg. For the first hour of the movie, the movie is filmed using low angles. We never see an adult from the waist up, except if it's Elliot's mother. Adults are viewed as threatening, so we only see their feet. It is only after we learn that the scientists are friendly that we see their faces.
All of the actors, particularly the child actors, do a fantastic job of capturing the characters. For me, though, Drew Barrymore steals the show. It's such a genuine performance. It feels like Steven Spielberg just turned the camera on and let her go. The child actors all do a wonderful job of playing characters who have been affected by divorce. They all get mad at each other for no apparent reason, and yet when something bad happens to one of them, they're all there for each other. Personally, I love this aspect of the film because I am a child of divorce myself and I very much identified with that.
E.T. is a classic, and there's no denying that. It's a movie for all ages, children and adults. It's a beloved film, one that brings tears to my eyes every time I watch it.
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