USCHO Fan Forum
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
-
The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.
Top 27 best movies - ever
- Thread starter mookie1995
- Start date
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
Yep. Even when looking at the eyes and such, I still had trouble recognizing her, and I'm usually pretty good about that.
Yep. Even when looking at the eyes and such, I still had trouble recognizing her, and I'm usually pretty good about that.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I loved Being There!
Every year, I remember "there will be growt in the spring" and I crack up laughing. Wonderful choice!
I loved Being There!
Every year, I remember "there will be growt in the spring" and I crack up laughing. Wonderful choice!
Slap Shot
I got nothing
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I saw Being There in the theater as an 11 y.o. and for some reason didn't appreciate it and should probably revisit. I might be giving myself away, but I wonder if others of a similar age enjoyed (as I did) films from that time such as Deer Hunter, Young Frankenstein, Heaven Can Wait, Close Encounter, Jaws, Rocky, Taxi Driver, Godfather, etc. I know many of those films are no-brainers in retrospect, but seeing them at that age?
I saw Being There in the theater as an 11 y.o. and for some reason didn't appreciate it and should probably revisit. I might be giving myself away, but I wonder if others of a similar age enjoyed (as I did) films from that time such as Deer Hunter, Young Frankenstein, Heaven Can Wait, Close Encounter, Jaws, Rocky, Taxi Driver, Godfather, etc. I know many of those films are no-brainers in retrospect, but seeing them at that age?
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
Deer Hunter was one of the most intensely astonishing movies I have ever seen! I was traveling and staying with a woman I knew when she was a freelance journalist with an assignment to write a movie review of The Deer Hunter as it had just came out. We went to see it, came back, had a few shots of tequila, then began to try to express in words the impact of that film.
Deer Hunter was one of the most intensely astonishing movies I have ever seen! I was traveling and staying with a woman I knew when she was a freelance journalist with an assignment to write a movie review of The Deer Hunter as it had just came out. We went to see it, came back, had a few shots of tequila, then began to try to express in words the impact of that film.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I always appreciated Young Frankenstein. The others I didn't see until much later in life.
I always appreciated Young Frankenstein. The others I didn't see until much later in life.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I know I'm in the minority here, but Deer Hunter is Overrated. I know, great cast, fine performances, a beautiful film to look at. Only problem is, there are holes in the story big enough to drive a tank through. Deniro just hops a helo into Siagon when everybody else is trying to get out. by himself. I don't think the military works that way.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
The hatred and jealousy of Welles extended for decades after Kane. Remember that Pauline Kael was asked to write an introduction to The Citizen Kane book (which included the shooting script) and she took the occasion to write 10 or 11 thousand words about how Welles stole the writing credit from Mankiewitz. Peter Bogdanovich had a blow out, and wrote a lengthy article in Esquire which was subsequently expanded into a book, essentially saying Kael didn't know her a*s from a hole in the ground. My favorite quote was from Welles' secretary, who said (paraphrasing): "Mr. Welles didn't write the script? Then what was that sh*t I was typing every night?"
In sparing Welles no criticism, Kael informed us that somebody else wrote the script to the famous adaptation of "The War of the Worlds," and that Welles' "only" contribution was to structure the program as a series of breaking news stories. This silly b*tch just didn't understand, THAT was the "little detail" that made the broadcast probably the most famous in the history of radio. But she had an ax to grind. Welles brought that out in a lot of people. But as long as people make and watch movies, Orson Welles, and the standards he set, will be remembered and honored and studied. Pauline Kael not so much.
Ironically, the only Welles movie that made money was "The Stranger," and he didn't much like it.
The hatred and jealousy of Welles extended for decades after Kane. Remember that Pauline Kael was asked to write an introduction to The Citizen Kane book (which included the shooting script) and she took the occasion to write 10 or 11 thousand words about how Welles stole the writing credit from Mankiewitz. Peter Bogdanovich had a blow out, and wrote a lengthy article in Esquire which was subsequently expanded into a book, essentially saying Kael didn't know her a*s from a hole in the ground. My favorite quote was from Welles' secretary, who said (paraphrasing): "Mr. Welles didn't write the script? Then what was that sh*t I was typing every night?"
In sparing Welles no criticism, Kael informed us that somebody else wrote the script to the famous adaptation of "The War of the Worlds," and that Welles' "only" contribution was to structure the program as a series of breaking news stories. This silly b*tch just didn't understand, THAT was the "little detail" that made the broadcast probably the most famous in the history of radio. But she had an ax to grind. Welles brought that out in a lot of people. But as long as people make and watch movies, Orson Welles, and the standards he set, will be remembered and honored and studied. Pauline Kael not so much.
Ironically, the only Welles movie that made money was "The Stranger," and he didn't much like it.
Last edited:
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I am surprised "The Lady from Shanghai" and "Touch of Evil" didn't make money, for the cast alone.
St. Clown
Ideas Posted are Likely Not My Own
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I already feel the gloom setting in on this question. Why do you not want to watch Braveheart?
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I can't absolutely, positively guarantee that, but I'm sure I read it somewhere. Probably in "Captain Billy's Whiz Bang."
"Touch of Evil" (especially the version edited to Welles' specifications) is a terrific film. With the actors talking over one another. And he was just utterly believeable in it. Like Marlene says: "He was a helluva man." The way Hollywood is these days, if Welles were alive, he'd be Spielberg. People would be falling all over themselves to front him the money to make his movies.
There are some film critics who think "Magnificent Ambersons" is better than Kane.
I can't absolutely, positively guarantee that, but I'm sure I read it somewhere. Probably in "Captain Billy's Whiz Bang."
"Touch of Evil" (especially the version edited to Welles' specifications) is a terrific film. With the actors talking over one another. And he was just utterly believeable in it. Like Marlene says: "He was a helluva man." The way Hollywood is these days, if Welles were alive, he'd be Spielberg. People would be falling all over themselves to front him the money to make his movies.
There are some film critics who think "Magnificent Ambersons" is better than Kane.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
And one of mine!
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t9K9wiH2Lko" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
And one of mine!
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/t9K9wiH2Lko" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I think if Welles was making films today he'd be regarded like the Coen Brothers. Which would incense him as I gather Welle's didn't put himself in the same class as anybody.
But hey -- Rita Hayworth. Not bad for a nerdy boy.
I just recently saw Ambersons and those critics are crazy. I have never been so disappointed with a purportedly "brilliant" film. It's not a bad movie; it's just unremarkable.
I think if Welles was making films today he'd be regarded like the Coen Brothers. Which would incense him as I gather Welle's didn't put himself in the same class as anybody.
But hey -- Rita Hayworth. Not bad for a nerdy boy.
Last edited:
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
A 24 year old nerdy boy who had never acted in, written, directed or produced a film. Who was given a carte blanche contract (at the height of the sudio system) to do all of that, with no interference. Recall the stories of the cast and crew pulling out gloves and balls for a game of catch whenever one of the "suits" wandered on to the set. And who produced the consensus greatest film of all time. Recall, Welles made the cover of Time when he was 16. Who knows if he was a pompous a*s. I suspect so. It would take a special person indeed who was not influenced by being called a boy genius all the feakin' time. Thowing the lighted chafing dish at John Houseman suggests a certain state of mind. But he delivered the goods, didn't he? You may be right about the Coen brothers. The point is, he wouldn't have to grovel and beg for money like he did. And I agree about Ambersons, never did much for me.
Full disclosure: I share a very minor connection with Welles. He and I both attended the same summer camp (NOT at the same time, he added quickly). The camp was started by the very, very ritzy private school Welles attended in Woodstock, IL. The Todd School for Boys. The first time I saw "The Stranger" I was with a group of friends. If you've seen it, you'll recall Eddie Robinson is following the little Nazi creep, hoping he'll lead them to the big Nazi creep, Welles. Anyway, the little Nazi creep loses Robinson in the gym of an exclusive private boys school (hmmmm) and when he exits he closes the door. The camera lingers on a sign on the door: "Use the equipment at your own risk. signed Coach Roskie." My head nearly exploded. I know coach Roskie. I have pictures of me with Coach Roskie. Coach was AD at the Todd School and chief ramrod at the camp. And Welles was just giving the old boy a little shout out. Still, very cool (at least to me).
I just recently saw Ambersons and those critics are crazy. I have never been so disappointed with a purportedly "brilliant" film. It's not a bad movie; it's just unremarkable.
I think if Welles was making films today he'd be regarded like the Coen Brothers. Which would incense him as I gather Welle's didn't put himself in the same class as anybody.
But hey -- Rita Hayworth. Not bad for a nerdy boy.
A 24 year old nerdy boy who had never acted in, written, directed or produced a film. Who was given a carte blanche contract (at the height of the sudio system) to do all of that, with no interference. Recall the stories of the cast and crew pulling out gloves and balls for a game of catch whenever one of the "suits" wandered on to the set. And who produced the consensus greatest film of all time. Recall, Welles made the cover of Time when he was 16. Who knows if he was a pompous a*s. I suspect so. It would take a special person indeed who was not influenced by being called a boy genius all the feakin' time. Thowing the lighted chafing dish at John Houseman suggests a certain state of mind. But he delivered the goods, didn't he? You may be right about the Coen brothers. The point is, he wouldn't have to grovel and beg for money like he did. And I agree about Ambersons, never did much for me.
Full disclosure: I share a very minor connection with Welles. He and I both attended the same summer camp (NOT at the same time, he added quickly). The camp was started by the very, very ritzy private school Welles attended in Woodstock, IL. The Todd School for Boys. The first time I saw "The Stranger" I was with a group of friends. If you've seen it, you'll recall Eddie Robinson is following the little Nazi creep, hoping he'll lead them to the big Nazi creep, Welles. Anyway, the little Nazi creep loses Robinson in the gym of an exclusive private boys school (hmmmm) and when he exits he closes the door. The camera lingers on a sign on the door: "Use the equipment at your own risk. signed Coach Roskie." My head nearly exploded. I know coach Roskie. I have pictures of me with Coach Roskie. Coach was AD at the Todd School and chief ramrod at the camp. And Welles was just giving the old boy a little shout out. Still, very cool (at least to me).
Last edited:
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I've heard a lot of Welles' Mercury Theatre radio material -- it's wonderful. He worked at a time when people could unabashedly make "high brow" art, and it shows, particularly (and paradoxically) in his more accessible work. I don't mind his pomposity in the least -- a foolish modesty is the hobgoblin of little talents.
I did not know that.
I've heard a lot of Welles' Mercury Theatre radio material -- it's wonderful. He worked at a time when people could unabashedly make "high brow" art, and it shows, particularly (and paradoxically) in his more accessible work. I don't mind his pomposity in the least -- a foolish modesty is the hobgoblin of little talents.
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
He was doing so much radio, with different schedules, he hit on the idea of having an ambulance, with screaming siren, taking him from one studio to another. Like I mentioned, what Pauline Kael dismissed as a "minor contriubtion" to "War of the Worlds," making the story unfold as breaking news instead of a straight drama, was utterly brilliant.
As Sir Joseph Porter kcb, would say: "Proper self respect, nothing more."
Which Shakespeare play was it that Welles produced on Broadway? (MacBeth?)Breathtakingly staged, set in Haiti, with an all black cast. And even in a film in which he was on screen very little and didn't direct, he utterly dominated "The Third Man."
His entrance, and that kind of loveable rascal look on his face, is truly a classic.
I lied, he was already an elderly 22 when me made the cover of Time:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1968770_1968777_1968854,00.html
Here's a segment which gives some idea of the reaction to War of the Worlds, including Steve Allen recalling that he and his mother and aunt were in a hotel room in Chicago. The ladies went ape. And decided to head to Holy Name Cathedral.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWR44p4gW4k
Again, Pauline Kael. In her hit piece, Welles meeting with reporters after the broadcast was an example of him taking credit for other people's work. Of course, in the immediate aftermath of the broadcast, they wanted his head. It was his name on the program. If he had sent someone else out there to face the heat, Kael would have skewered him for being gutless. People were outraged at having been shown to be so credulous. At one point, I believe Welles had the New Jersey national guard mobilizing in about 15 minutes! He knew exactly what he was doing, every step of the way.
He knew he was up against Bergen and McCarthy. And he knew they started out with a monologue and then took their first break. Knowing that people would be doing the radio equivalent of channel surfing, that's when he had the first very serious news "bulletin." Hook 'em and reel 'em in.
He was doing so much radio, with different schedules, he hit on the idea of having an ambulance, with screaming siren, taking him from one studio to another. Like I mentioned, what Pauline Kael dismissed as a "minor contriubtion" to "War of the Worlds," making the story unfold as breaking news instead of a straight drama, was utterly brilliant.
As Sir Joseph Porter kcb, would say: "Proper self respect, nothing more."
Which Shakespeare play was it that Welles produced on Broadway? (MacBeth?)Breathtakingly staged, set in Haiti, with an all black cast. And even in a film in which he was on screen very little and didn't direct, he utterly dominated "The Third Man."
His entrance, and that kind of loveable rascal look on his face, is truly a classic.
I lied, he was already an elderly 22 when me made the cover of Time:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1968770_1968777_1968854,00.html
Here's a segment which gives some idea of the reaction to War of the Worlds, including Steve Allen recalling that he and his mother and aunt were in a hotel room in Chicago. The ladies went ape. And decided to head to Holy Name Cathedral.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWR44p4gW4k
Again, Pauline Kael. In her hit piece, Welles meeting with reporters after the broadcast was an example of him taking credit for other people's work. Of course, in the immediate aftermath of the broadcast, they wanted his head. It was his name on the program. If he had sent someone else out there to face the heat, Kael would have skewered him for being gutless. People were outraged at having been shown to be so credulous. At one point, I believe Welles had the New Jersey national guard mobilizing in about 15 minutes! He knew exactly what he was doing, every step of the way.
He knew he was up against Bergen and McCarthy. And he knew they started out with a monologue and then took their first break. Knowing that people would be doing the radio equivalent of channel surfing, that's when he had the first very serious news "bulletin." Hook 'em and reel 'em in.
Last edited:
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
I liked it. It was....methodical? Slow-paced for sure.
Bringing Out The Dead: best movie based on ambulance drivers. Absolutely love this movie.
I liked it. It was....methodical? Slow-paced for sure.
Bringing Out The Dead: best movie based on ambulance drivers. Absolutely love this movie.
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: Top 27 best movies - ever
Welles and Houseman did that production (as part of a New Deal theater program -- today it would be decried as "elitist waste"
). Welles also did a production of Julius Caesar with Mercury. Late in his career he played Othello (a very highly regarded performance that I personally find somnambulent). He also did the movie "Chimes at Midnight" which is a pastiche of the Henriad and which Harold Bloom in "The Invention of the Human" said (paraphrasing) that it's the only competent rendering of Shakespeare to ever come out of Hollywood.
Welles allegedly once said that he was born as Hamlet in America and retired as Falstaff in England.
Welles and Houseman did that production (as part of a New Deal theater program -- today it would be decried as "elitist waste"
). Welles also did a production of Julius Caesar with Mercury. Late in his career he played Othello (a very highly regarded performance that I personally find somnambulent). He also did the movie "Chimes at Midnight" which is a pastiche of the Henriad and which Harold Bloom in "The Invention of the Human" said (paraphrasing) that it's the only competent rendering of Shakespeare to ever come out of Hollywood.Welles allegedly once said that he was born as Hamlet in America and retired as Falstaff in England.
Last edited: