Week of June 12-June 18: All about Eve (1950) & A Clockwork Orange (1971)

A Clockwork Orange: I don't like this film. I first saw it nearly fifteen years ago, when I was in college. I didn't like it then, and I don't like it now. If possible, I actually dislike it even more now. I mean, I get it. I understand why it's "important." It's impressively acted, full of captivating visuals, and is an undeniably visceral  experience. It's uncomfortable, unsettling--and that's the point. And that's fine. But it's not for me.

So I fell behind a little...

My apologies for falling so gloriously behind in posting! I have still been watching the films (and am only 1 film behind schedule), but I've been bad about keeping this site updated. In my defense, we're still getting settled into our new house. Plus it's summer--a busy time for my job and a busy time for family trips and activities. Biggest of all, though, we're expecting a baby in December, and preparing our (new) home for the (new) arrival has kept me busy!

What I plan to do going forward is create a schedule (and list the movies a few weeks out in advance). I will return to the schedule to post comments on the films as I'm able. Sound good? Great!

Watch on!

Week of June 5-June 11: The Graduate (1967) & Raging Bull (1980)

Week of May 29-June 4: Apocalypse Now (1979) & Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Week of May 22-May 28: Easy Rider (1969) & Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Week of May 15-May 21: M*A*S*H (1970) & The Gold Rush (1925)

Week of May 8-May 14: Wuthering Heights (1939) & Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

A couple of downers this week.

BCATSK has a lot of fun moments, and with the easy buddy chemistry between Redford and Newman, it's totally understandable as to why this one was a hit. It's violent, though, and dark, with that gang of faceless horsemen in constant pursuit of our heroes--an interesting, if somewhat obvious, metaphor for the fast-approaching future. Not as dark as its 1967 outlaw predecessor, Bonnie and Clyde, though. The (mostly) peppy Bacharach soundtrack contemporizes this Western, too, making the turn of the century setting feel a little like the late 1960's. I like this film. As I think about it, it's a film of transition. Technology overtaking the old west. The sixties ushering in the seventies. Newman cresting his peak of popularity while Redford is just climbing towards his. Maybe dark is the wrong word for this film. Maybe melancholy? Change can be exciting. But also scary. And sometimes sad.

Wuthering Heights is just one long, depressing slog towards its inevitable conclusion. Probably sounds like I'm complaining, but I'm not. The film is very effective. It looks amazing.Wyler masterfully sets the tone.