Like a lot of long epics, Marcel Carné's Children of Paradise has an intermission. But there's something odd about it. When the intermission is over, Part II begins with a full repeat of Part I's opening credits, which is then followed by a brief summary of Part I's action. Both seem pointless. Carné wanted to … Continue reading Children of Paradise: Mystery of the Second Credits
Category: Great Films
Children of Paradise
Something struck me as I watched Children of Paradise Saturday at the Castro. The main characters are, at heart, all extraordinarily selfish. Even when expressing deep and undying love, they're thinking only of their own needs and desires. They want to own the object of their adoration, but they don't see that object as a … Continue reading Children of Paradise
Blu-ray Review: Annie Hall
There are romantic comedies, and then there's Annie Hall. It's about a romance, and it's definitely a comedy, but Woody Allen's masterpiece works so far outside the genre that it feels like something entirely different. Annie Hall tracks a very realistic relationship--mostly in chronological order. We watch as up-and-coming standup comic Alvy Singer (Allen) and … Continue reading Blu-ray Review: Annie Hall
Great Projection Saturday, Part 2: 70mm & Lawrence of Arabia
After yesterday’s digital projection morning, I went home, relaxed for a few hours, then went with my wife to the Castro to see Lawrence of Arabia in 70mm. This wasn’t a new experience, but an old, beloved one. Hollywood made a lot of long epic movies in the 50s and 60s. Many of them were … Continue reading Great Projection Saturday, Part 2: 70mm & Lawrence of Arabia