Watching this made me realise finally just how much they loved the getting-back-with-ex trope back then. Especially in the '30s and early '40s. And just how many of the ex-husband roles are played by Cary Grant. I never would have divorced you, Cary Grant!
There just isn't much to this but boy did I have a blast seeing Cary Grant in the worst wig known to man & a skirt!
God I wish building a whole house from the bottom up cost me 20 grand
It's very hard to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And no matter where you run into it, prejudice obscures the truth.
Some stunning lighting in a couple of these scenes. Grace Kelly has one glamorous dress on after another. The outside scenes showcasing the Cรดte d'Azur are marvelous. Cary Grant is the tannest he has ever looked. Et voilร c'est un film d'alfred hitchcock pour vous !
Cary Grant having me so pissed off because what do you mean I'm feeling attraction for a man who says he's "scared of women". Also what do you mean he's an international spy he's literally the tannest person in every room. There is NO looking away from this man. Anyways some really beautiful shots. Indisputably Hitchcock's most elegant work.
This is a PSA to all you girls out there: if a hot man comes to you and has a mental breakdown about his alleged crimes, do NOT let your motherly instincts kick in. You can NOT fix him. That man is NOT Gregory Peck.
If you, like me, feel comfort in the presence of witty individuals who will talk so fast your mind can barely comprehend, you will love this movie. I LOVE when characters talk at a million miles per hour over each other.
With that aside, His Girl Friday is actually a harrowing tale of the toxic cycle of systemic abuse within the workplace, namely the journalism world. The ending isn't Hildy falling back in love with Walter Burns; it's her being looped back into an almost Stockholm syndrome-like relationship with her boss under the guise of her career. The film works as a screwball purely because Walter is played by the eternally charming Cary Grant. Yes, Cary Grant being a conniving imp doing literally everything in his power to keep Hildy from leaving is hilarious, and sweet even. That's it. That's how he keeps her there. That's how he has us believing this is what's meant to happen. The journalism, yes, it's Hildy's lifelong passion. But her love for journalism and "affection" for Walter is taken advantage of time and time again. The way he affirms on several occasions that he, in fact, was a terrible husband to Hildy and that she "deserves better", all the while going against her wishes. Yes, this is textbook gaslighting. What makes it worse is that there's a power imbalance at play. Now of course I'm not saying two consenting individuals of an appropriate age can't get into a relationship if they happened to also be boss and subordinate. But clearly... With everything else concerned... Not to mention that the film is very clear on its position towards Walter.
One of those beautiful cases where the resolution of the story is also the climax. Or A climax. There is no exaggeration when I say I've never before been so uncomfortable watching a film without any explicit scenes. Anyways, I see Cary Grant run, I giggle and clap like an infant seeing its favorite toy. I'm sure he would've made an excellent jester had he been born in the right setting!
Ironically enough, this film chock-filled with dull moments. Dick Van Dyke doesn't look like he's enjoying the role at all
Paul Newman speaks French with the most New Yorker accent ever and I think that's beautiful. Also my initial viewing of this movie was the first time I ever thought Gene Kelly (as much as I love him) was a little bit annoying. Unfortunately I think this still stands. I would NOT marry him. It feels like Robert Mitchum doesn't get enough love amongst fans though which has me completely confounded because he's the only husband who doesn't neglect his wife due to not understanding the concept of a work-life balance. Everyone else's eventual demise was due to hubris, while his only fault was not being able to tell apart an ox from dairy cattle.. God forbid a man be a little stupid! Anyways this film has some of the most gorgeous, campy, scandalous garments in cinematic history. The necklace "dress" has be GAGGED every time.
Took me nearly 30 minutes to realise I've seen this movie before. It's just whatever. Doris Day is wined and dined by millionaire Cary Grant (they have exactly zero chemistry) but chickens out and literally gets rashes when comes the time to bed one another. Also Cary Grant seems super unmotivated/uncomfortable in this role for some reason! Definitely a more regressive '60s romcom.
I mean this with utmost sincerity and good intentions when I say Walter Matthau has the most con artist face ever
Spiritually Ace Attorney in that the prosecution keeps throwing out crazy misogynistic takes, they call in an animal to testify, and they're running a goddamn kangaroo court. The peanut gallery goes blind with laughter upon hearing the word "panties" being used in trial.
There is truly no "winning" for Laura Manion. She is forced to relive her traumatic experiences over and over throughout a trial that's supposedly determining the conclusion of a murder trial. Her unreserved personality is constantly weaponized against her, as countless times she is accused of practicing promiscuity. The issues stemming from a patriarchal society become glaringly clear as the film progresses, and even the ending leaves a bad taste in your mouth, as multiple times throughout it is hinted that she is under persistent threat of physical abuse by her husband.
I mean the real question is, why does society treat sexual assault and rape victims in the same way as depicted in a film from nearly seven decades ago? Yes, this film's depiction of matters regarding sexism was seen as progressive for its time, but why is the legal system still failing us women to this day? Never let a man tell you feminism is unnecessary! x
Some genuinely terrifying stuff in here but why the fuck are these people asking Mitch about the birds and blaming them on Melanie? Like there's literally a bird expert in the same town are these people genuinely stupid? Also why were they slandering crows like that?? Anyways they really should've added a few more bird noises it was almost possible to hear the dialogue over all the cooing and chirping
Quite interesting that such an incredible horror film about women's bodily autonomy being forcibly taken from her by her husband and some Satanists would be made by a borderline "Satanist" sexual predator convicted of statutory rape!
Just Jane Fonda making me fall absolutely in love with her with each and every film and I think that's so cool
Because diamonds are a girl's best friendโฅ๏ธ Marilyn's literally always only spitting facts even when playing the stereotypical "dumb blonde bimbo" archetype! Actually I love that she's a conniving gold digger in this film! Good for her!!
And exactly why should I get married when even Audrey Hepburn has to go through this bullshit in marriage
Don't know what made a greater impact on the gay community, those sparkly ass silver pants or Joan Crawford's eyebrows
So messy. I think all love triangles should have more Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant.
Honey Rock Hudson is not taking you to bed because he's GAY !!!! All those girls he's serenading over the phone?? Those are his fag hags !!!! Get with the program!!!
You could not have convinced me to vote Jimmy for senator if my life depended on it but I would be lying if I said Mr. Smith didn't move me a bit... There's just something about Stewart-Capra films that feels so formula-y and yet moving. Also like obviously there's truly nothing like a good old-fashioned filibuster. The moment a there's a filibuster with someone's whole ass life and career on the line, I'm sat the fuck down.
For a film that has Jimmy Stewart's face blown up larger than the others' and all the way at the top, there doesn't seem to be enough Jimmy Stewart in it. But dang if he isn't charming when he is onscreen. It's a sweet film with much naรฏvetรฉ (very Capra, not surprising), and surprisingly "communist" as usual as a stark comparison to Stewart's political affiliations. Not their best, not their worst. I personally would love to be randomly adopted by a zany little commune with each member of the household focusing on their passions.
It's impossible not to feel compassion for Liz Taylor in this movie, if I were married to Paul Newman but he was a homosexual grieving over his gay lover's suicide AND dealing with daddy issues I'd be driving myself mad
Katherine Hepburn gags Cary Grant wearing a women's fur trim gown and has him wrapped around her finger. If that isn't feminism then I don't know what is.
Marilyn looks incredible in her truly '50s Harlequin frames and I personally wouldn't have been too upset to see her and Lauren Bacall share a kiss tbh
Each scene where Laura Bacall and Humphrey Bogart were together felt like some intimate moment I shouldn't be intruding on. And yet I was utterly incapable of tearing my eyes away from all their eye-fucking.
Sex and the Single Girl ran so that Down with Love could fly. It's a satirical parody of the common '60s sex comedyโso many delightful little meta references speckled throughout, and the humor is enjoyable to say the least. Also call me basic, but a good comedic car chase scene will ALWAYS win over my heart!
If spiritual faith should be kept alive, should He not repay with some compassion for His devout followers?
Tomas' words of faith are empty; he longs so much for them not to be so, and yet he is unable to tend to his flock. He is a mere walking contradictionโa shepherd turned into a lost lamb in His name, conflicted between a memory of his Godly faith and the reality of abandonment. Belief and devoutness is met only by deafening silence: silence from God to those asking for guidance; Tomas' silence to the fisherman and his wife; his heart's response to Marta's confession of love. His sermons are only empty echoes embellished with false faith, made in hopes that a sign will appear before his eyes.
ใใใผใคใบโขใใผใใใใชใใฆใใใฌใผใซใบโขใใผโขใขใณใใทใฃในใใใ!
A fairly classic Japanese coming-of-age formula with a strong-willed underdog female lead with a tendency to dream winning the hearts of those around her and understanding the human nature. Overdone, perhaps, but tried and true, for a fact. This type of optimism in the form of an epic (in the loosest definition) just never fails to give me the utmost hope and lust for life... Such a great encapsulation of the postwar rebrand and reconstruction of Tokyo, with all its westernization and urbanism on the steady rise towards prosperity. Absolutely sweet and endearing!
Fun '50s screwball with tons of bits centered around age regression and they manage to not make it weird! Super great 10-year-old acting! Cary Grant's tan-ness scale is at like a 5/10, could be better. #relationshipgoals unironically
It's just the "incompetent man fails at everything and is charming and comedic about it" you've seen time and time again. I'll admit some of the gags did warrant a few chuckles out of me here and there, vis-a-vis the soap gun and the marching band cello bit. And I'm forever guilty of loving a well-executed "serious scary men peanut gallery" trope. I'm not the biggest fan really of Woody Allen films in general so.. it's pretty refreshing to somewhat enjoy the experience of watching one, I guess?
The Cat in the Hat flares up my chronic pain like you would not believe with each viewing. I'm somewhat convinced at this point that the movie is genuinely hexed or something. I don't know, I just really think there needs to be some kind of support group for child actors made to act alongside grown men in fairly terrifying fur costumes. Hot take but this movie feels spiritually Robin Williams if that even makes sense like it's kind of nightmare fuel but also I can never stop thinking about it and there will be dozens more rewatches in the future.
It may be impossible to fully appreciate all the intricacies of a Japanese silent film without the efforts of a benshi to guide us through, but I truly think the surrealist scenes and feverish editing in this film get us pretty close. The emotional capabilities of these actors were astounding; even without understanding to the full extent of the conversation unfolding, you've still so much to unpack. The distorted imagery and the actors embodying true insanity are sure to drag one into a pit of psychosis along with them. There's something about early-20th century Asian horror/thriller acting that really works so well with grainy black-and-white film. Maybe it's just me but I've had many a nightmares in my childhood with this exact 1920's film filter.
I absolutely adore that the basis of humor has not changed much throughout the years. I see a man bonking his head repeatedly, I laugh. There are just so many gags in this movie that holds up perfectly well to this day, to much delight. Especially the entire fabric sale sequenceโhim Solomon-ing that piece of fabric for those women to share amongst themselves... The 50-dollar-bill trick... And what a treasure Harold Lloyd is! He's just such a devious little guy throughout the entirety of the runtime.
Bette Davis Frightens You with Her Fuck Ass Makeup and Her Stellar Acting While Joan Crawford Charms You with Her Fierce Eyebrows and Her Stellar Acting: The Movie
Multiple questionable moments and many more nonsensical ones, but it all pales in comparison to the genius of that final act, those last 15-20 minutes or so. My breath was held, tension was high, and Alan Arkin delivered. It's also always such a delight seeing Audrey Hepburn act the crap out of a non-romcom genre. Also Sam can eat shit what the fuck is his problem?
If you've ever seen a movie and thought, "wow, this movie thing is really great. But boy do I wish it was much more confusing so that I would need to exert 100% of my brainpower to keep up with what's happening onscreen", this is the movie for you. I spent nearly 3 hours watching this movie because I had to take notes and check through previously mentioned information each time something new came up. As an individual who isn't so good with names, this movie is literally kind of hell. Each time a new name showed up it felt like seeing a topic on an exam you've literally never even seen mentioned before in your life.
Also Humphrey Bogart's character is like a One Punch Man/Casanova hybrid. He knocks out everyone with one single punch and effortlessly has every woman in his vicinity flirting with him uncontrollably. Kind of incredible.
Because who hasn't felt a strong sense of repulsion for Roman Polanski at least once in their lives?
A manicurist with her hair unkempt and her nails bitten, unease and paranoia beneath her mask of seemingly blank indifference. And yet none realize Carol's underlying fear and trauma; all anyone can see is the "cool" demeanor she seems to put off. Colin, although without clear malintent, grows a shallow fascination rooting from her beauty, misreading her signs as "playing hard to get". Michael's concerns for her wellbeing are based purely in her disinterest in his charms. Even Helen, Carol's own sister, is unwilling to acknowledge her underlying issues and dismisses them as mere personality quirks.
All throughout the film, repulsion grows in Carol's mindโrepulsion for men, repulsion for sexuality and sensuality, repulsion for conforming into a society she cannot find agreeable. She must face catcalls from men on the streets, Michael leaves his razor and toothbrush in her cup without permission, she watches as her coworker, Brigitte, seemingly goes through different stages of "psychosis" as she navigates a toxic situationship. The sounds of Helen and Michael sharing intimate moments seem as though coming from the next room over, even though their bedrooms should be farther apart.
Psychosis and paranoia feed exceedingly faster in a patient when left to their own devices. Reality is distorted, false sensory inputs assault the mind, delusions become indistinguishable from truth. Without Helen to keep by her side, the house replaces this emptiness with sounds of clocks ticking, faucets dripping to no end. The rabbit meat begins to rot and the cracks in the wall spread to all corners as Carol's mind also deteriorates. Men come to her bed at night to assault her body within soundless screams; molesting hands reach out from the walls as she walks through the corridor. Repulsion is pure claustrophobia being insisted upon your senses, subjecting you to Carol's insanity from her view for a hundred minutes straight.
Tag yourself, j'suis Mademoiselle Tristounette, sans profession
Easily the best vintage fairy tale film next to The Princess Bride and The Red shoes. This film is undoubtedly Demy's best work of all time visually.
Three of THE hottest people to ever grace the screen in THE gothic sex horror flick of all time. Well, four if you count Willem Dafoe's screentime of like 3 seconds. Death is only frightening when it's imminent, fleshly betrayal of the self. This is undeniably the sexiest iteration of vampirism and morbidity, brought to life by Bauhaus and Yves Saint Laurent.
I'd never given it much thought before viewing this but quite fitting that the director of photography for someone like Ken Russell should be named Dick Bush, isn't it. This film has the most hilarious instance of a Scot playing the bagpipes to save the day. And what impressive lung capacity he has at that.
