Yearly Archives: 2011
My Love For Woody Allen: Week 2.5
You can see the first two parts of my look at Woody Allen’s complete directorial filmography here and here and don’t forget about the Woody Allen Blogathon on May 20th. This post covers Allen’s work from 1992 to 2000. While perhaps not the strongest period in his career (especially compared to the previous decade), this decade was far kinder to Allen’s talent than what came after.
Movie Quote of the Day – Braveheart, 1995 (dir. Mel Gibson)
Magistrate: It can all end. Right now! Bliss. Peace. Just say it. Cry out. “Mercy!”
Crowd: Mer-cy! Mer-cy! Mer-cy!
Magistrate: The prisoner wishes to say a word!
[beat]
Hamish and Stephen: Mercy, William. . .Say Mercy. . .
[beat]
William Wallace: FREEEEEDOMMMMMM!
The Magnificent Ambersons Available For Pre-Order On DVD!
This is a film that has never been available on DVD in North America, so this is exciting news! The downside (sort of?) is that it’s only available from Amazon as part of its 70th Anniversary release of Citizen Kane. I actually just bought Citizen Kane on DVD, but I think I may have to get this regardless. This is huge news for the classic film world. You can pre-order the films here.
Movie Quote of the Day – Marathon Man, 1976 (dir. John Schlesinger)
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: Are you talking to me?
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: Is what safe?
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: I don’t know what you mean. I can’t tell you if something is safe or not unless I know specifically what you’re talking about.
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: Tell me what the “it” refers to.
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: Yes, it’s safe. It’s very safe. So safe you wouldn’t believe it.
Dr. Christian Szell: Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: No, it’s not safe. It’s very dangerous. Be careful.
Dr. Christian Szell: Relax, relax. Come on. Open. Open. It’s OK. That hurt? I should think it would. You should take better care of your teeth. You have quite a cavity here. [beat] Is it safe?
Thomas “Babe” Levy: I told you I can’t tell you [screams in pain]
Dr. Christian Szell: Think he knows? He’s being very stubborn.
Thomas “Babe” Levy: No, please. Please don’t. No.
Dr. Christian Szell: It’s OK. [beat] Is it not remarkable? Simple oil of cloves and how amazing the results. Life can be that simple; relief – discomfort. Now, which of these I next apply, that decision is in your hands, so take your time and tell me. Is it safe?
Guest Post: Hans Albers, Germany’s singing John Wayne
Trevor has once again written a post for Cinema Fanatic! This time it’s on a subject I have absolutely no knowledge of, so I will be learning along with you all.
Movie Quote of the Day – The Constant Gardener, 2005 (dir. Fernando Meirelles)
Tessa: Take me to Africa with you.
Justin: What? Roll you up in a rug? Pack you in a tea chest?
Tessa: Very funny.
Justin: I’d have to smuggle you in as illicit goods. I couldn’t declare you. Oh, listen. I could put you in one of these plant boxes, and you’d be very comfortable, wrapped up in a little piece of, uh, I could label you. “Tessa.”
Tessa: I’m serious.
Justin: Um, yeah, I can see you are. [beat] And in what. . .what capacity should I take you to Africa?
Tessa: I don’t mind. You can take me as your mistress, lover, wife.
Justin: There’s too much choice.
My Love For Woody Allen: Week 2
You can read part one of my four-part look at Woody Allen’s filmography here and don’t forget about the Woody Allen Blogathon on May 20th! This post covers Allen’s work from 1982 to 1990. It’s the beginning of his fruitful decade-long collaboration with Mia Farrow and contains some of Allen’s greatest and most memorable films.
Movie Quote of the Day – The Mummy, 1999 (dir. Stephen Sommers)
Evy: You’re wondering, “What is a place like me doing in a girl like this?”
Rick: Yeah, something like that.
Oscar Vault Monday – A Star Is Born, 1937 (dir. William A. Wellman)
The original version of the twice re-made A Star is Born (though, the plot quite resembles 1932’s What Price Hollywood?), is quite wonderful. Perhaps not as memorable as the George Cukor/Judy Garland 1954 musical adaptation, the 1937 version is miles and miles better than the mediocre 1976 Barbra Streisand version. It’s also in the public domain, so it’s available to watch for free in various quality all over the internet. The film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one: Best Writing Original Story (won), Best Writing Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Assistant Director, Best Director, Best Picture. W. Howard Greene was rewarded an honorary plaque for the color photography of the film, an award that was “recommended by a committee of leading cinematographers after viewing all the color pictures made during the year”. The other films up for Best Picture that year were: The Awful Truth, Captains Courageous, Dead End, The Good Earth, In Old Chicago, Lost Horizon, One Hundred Men and a Girl, Stage Door and winner The Life of Emile Zola.
Movie Quote of the Day – The Sound of Music, 1964 (dir. Robert Wise)
Max: He’s got to at least *pretend* to work with these people. You must convince him.
Maria: I can’t ask him to be less than he is.
the diary of a film history fanatic 