Reviews
Longmire: Tell It Slant (2013)
Powerful Episode
I've only watched a few episodes of Longmire but I've enjoyed what I've seen so far. There was a mini marathon today and I got a chance to see "Tell It Slant". I was hooked as soon as Gary Farmer showed up. I knew this would be something special. Without providing any spoilers, let me just say that the scene in which Walt interviews Aaron about his sister's death is one of the more powerful pieces of film I've seen on television. I was so immersed in the emotion that I believed completely in the characters. The exchange between Gary Farmer and Robert Taylor, the lighting, and the filming were extraordinarily well done. This will definitely not be the last episode I watch!
The Body Snatcher (1945)
One of Lewton & Karloff's best
This is one of my favorite films in the "horror" genre and one of my favorite Karloff films. While not specifically a horror film, it has moments that still send shivers up my spine. The atmosphere of the film is palpable and Val Lewton uses the black & white to superb effect. Boris Karloff is perfect as Cabman Gray and gives one of the creepiest performances of his career. It may not be Frankenstein or The Mummy but the complex character of Gray is every bit as frightening as any monster. Which brings me to the one scene in the film that never fails to make me shiver.
SPOILER:
After inviting Joseph to his humble home to discuss Joseph's blackmail attempt, Gray "burkes" Joseph. While his hand is still covering Joseph's face, Gray reaches out and pets his cat. This scene sums up the complex character of Gray more succinctly than any other in the film. He can kill without conscience and, in nearly the same breath, pet his cat.
Treasure Island (1990)
My favorite version
I have to agree with everyone who has lauded this film as the best adaptation of Stevenson's novel. "Treasure Island" has long been one of my favorite books and this is the first version that comes closest to my vision of the story. Fraser Heston obviously knew and loved this book, it's evident in every frame. The costumes, the sets, the actors and the music all combine to create an unforgettable cinematic adventure. When I first heard that Charlton Heston was going to play Long John Silver, I was skeptical, but his performance was spot on. He was able to communicate the moral ambiguity of Stevenson's character without making him comical. He comes across as a man who is at once dangerous and compelling.
Christian Bale was a great Jim Hawkins, coming closer to the way I pictured him in the book than any actor previously. The scene on the ship when Israel Hands is chasing him up the rigging was exactly the way I envisioned it, with all the urgency and tension it required.
Let me just take this opportunity to say that, while I wasn't familiar with Pete Postlethwaite before this film, his portrayal of George Merry really made me pay attention. All the supporting actors were perfect. Christopher Lee's Blind Pew is the stuff of nightmares and Oliver Reed as Billy Bones looked closest to the way I had always envisioned him.
The musical score by the Chieftains is one of the most perfect for any TV movie I have ever seen, and better than many for big screen films. It's one of the few scores I purchased on CD so that I could just listen to the music.
In spite of a few continuity errors, this film captured perfectly the look and feel of Stevenson's tale. It's one film I never tire of watching and I highly recommend it.
Trespass (1992)
Better than I was expecting
I saw this film recently on cable and found myself more intrigued by it than I thought I would be. I hadn't heard anything about this movie so I really didn't know what to expect. It ended up being much better than I expected and, while not a great film, it is certainly one I wouldn't mind watching again. I recognized the elements of "Treasure of Sierra Madre" without having any information about the film. I've since learned that it was indeed echoing Huston's film.
I had no problem with the actors and actually found some of the conflicts on both sides interesting. Even some of the "bad guys" were struggling to deal with decisions they didn't necessarily agree with. I didn't really see the characters as all bad or all good. Each had their own demons that they brought with them and they were all susceptible to the lure of gold.