232. The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes (1938)

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: Margaret Lockwood

Dame May Whitty

Michael Redgrave

IMDb Rating: 7.9

MY Rating: 7

"I never think you should judge any country by it's politics. After all, we English are quite honest by nature, aren't we?"

While waiting to board a train, Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood) is "accidentally" hit in the head by a flower pot. Her friends help her board the train, where she instantly falls asleep. Upon awaking, she finds herself sitting across from an elderly lady named Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty). The two strike up a conversation and decide to have a drink in the dining car. Afterwards, they return to their compartment, and Iris takes a nap. When she awakes, she notices that Miss Froy is gone. Even stranger, no one on the train is claiming to have ever seen Miss Froy. Did Iris hallucinate the whole thing, or is everyone on the train hiding the same secret?

The Lady Vanishes is an early film from my favorite director Alfred Hitchcock. It is definitely lacking on the suspense of his later and more popular works. Although, it is full of his usual mystery and dark humor. The film is never predictable and actually keeps you guessing up to the the very final scene. Hitchcock's ability to unravel a story from every angle is on full display here. This might not be one of his most exciting films, but it's a solid story with great elements of Hitchcock's trademark brand of mystery.

The only place that I feel this film stumbles is with the performances of the actors. Other than Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave, the characters are pretty forgettable. Some of the performances actually come off rather amateur and goofy. The most notable folly occurs in a scene where a character gets shot in the hand. He shows no signs of pain or agony. He just sort of shrugs it off. If I got shot in the hand, I would at least have a look of discomfort. Luckily, Lockwood and Redgrave's characters are where the focus of the film lies. So the supporting performances don't leave a sting all that bad.

The Lady Vanishes might not rank high on Hitchcock's long list of films, but it is indeed a must watch. I would call it one of Hitchcock's most subtle films, which is precisely why it works so well. All great mysteries need to be just that, mysterious. If you spell out all of the details, you risk losing the entire tone of the film. With the exception of a few botched performances, there isn't much wrong with this film. I would recommend this film.

233. Spartacus

Spartacus (1960)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Kirk Douglas

Laurence Olivier

Jean Simmons

IMDB Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 8.5

"I'm Spartacus! I'm Spartacus!"

Spartacus is the story of the slave who rose up to lead a revolution against the Roman Empire. In the beginning of the film, Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) is sold to become a gladiator. Once at the training grounds, Spartacus begins befriending many slaves. After a few weeks, Spartacus is chosen to battle in front Roman leader Crassus (Laurence Olivier). Spartacus ultimately loses his battle, but his foe, Draba, refuses to kill him. He respects Spartacus too much, and instead heaves a trident into the gallery of observers. Draba is stabbed by Crassus when he attempts to climb into the gallery containing Crassus and his entourage. As Crassus is leaving the grounds, he buys the female slave Varinia (Jean Simmons). Spartacus has been falling in love with her for sometime. Her absence combined with harsh treatment from slave owners, leads Spartacus to overthrow the gladiator camp and escape with a small army of slaves. Thus begins Spartacus' revolution against the ways of Rome.

Men and women from far and wide come to join Spartacus. Many are escaped slaves in search of freedom just like him. Varinia and Spartacus are eventually reunited and the two are married. In seven months, Spartacus turns his followers into a powerful army. Their goal is too sail to freedom with the aid of Sicilian pirates. Crassus hears of Spartacus' plan and buys off the Sicilian pirates. This foils Spartacus' plan and leads to the inevitable battle for freedom between Spartacus' army and the much stronger Roman Army.

Director Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus is one of those rare films that really does have something for everyone. If you want action, the battle scenes are fast and thrilling. The story line of Spartacus and Varinia provides a "classic romance" in every sense of the phrase. Film buffs like myself, will marvel at the amazing cinematography and epic score. The film also leaves you feeling inspired to overcome any obstacle. If you are searching for drama, look no further than the emotional final scene. Spartacus succeeds because of it's ability to appeal to a mass audience.

Kirk Douglas is larger than life as Spartacus. His performance gives the heart and inspiration that is needed to properly portray the historical figure. The greatest warriors in cinematic history have all been played as men with great passion. Kirk Douglas' performance is just that. With a great hero, also comes a great villain. Laurence Olivier is simply sinister as Crassus. Although, their scenes together are few, the tension between these two great men is constantly felt. Jean Simmons is stunning as the object of Spartacus' affections. Her performance grows as the film goes on. She is brilliant in the final scene of the film, which firmly rests upon her shoulders.

I was surprised how much I really did enjoy Spartacus. In recent years, the "epic" films have just dragged on. This film does not have a similar fate. A hefty three hour plus run time keeps you interested and intrigued throughout. The combination of Kubrick's masterful direction, excellent acting, and a grand score makes this film stand high in it's genre. This stands out my favorite of the 250 thus far. If you enjoyed Ridley Scott's Gladiator this is indeed a film for you.

234. His Girl Friday

His Girl Friday (1940)

Director: Howard Hawks

Starring: Cary Grant

Rosalind Russell

Ralph Bellamy

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 7.5

"I thought it would be a novelty to have a face around here a man could look at without shuddering."

Newspaper editor Walter Burns (Cary Grant) has just found out that his ex-wife Hilda Johnson (Rosalind Russell) is engaged to a new man and is leaving town. To make matters worse, it turns out that Hilda is the newspaper's best reporter. Walter still loves Hilda, and doesn't want to lose her. He decides to make a deal with her and her new fiancee insurance salesman Bruce Baldwin (Ralph Bellamy). Walter will buy a $25,000 insurance policy from Bruce in exchange for one last story from Hilda. Walter then sets Bruce up for trouble at every corner, and throws Hilda into a news story that will remind her of the profession and the man that she is leaving behind. What follows is a fast-paced dark comedy that keeps you engaged the entire crazy ride.

Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell are a fantastic pair. Grant is up to his usual smooth, wise-cracking ways. Grant's character of Walter Burns isn't much different than roles he has played in other films. He is charming, debonair, and utterly hilarious. Although, a style like Grant's never gets old. Rosalind Russell's performance is perfect up against Grant. She brings forth a powerful female presence than dominates almost every scene that she is in. The scenes with both Grant and Russell are the true gems of this picture.

I did enjoy His Girl Friday quite a bit. It is rare that comedies of today are this smart. Grant and Russell are indeed the shinning beacons of this film. Their often hilarious banter really carries this film into it's classic status. I recommend this movie if you enjoyed films such as Charade or It Happened One Night.

235. All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Director: Lewis Milestone

Starring: Lew Ayres

John Wray

Louis Wolheim

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My rating: 7.5

"You think it's beautiful to die for your country. The first bombardment taught us better. When it comes to dying for your country, it's better not to die at all."

When it comes to anti-war films, there are few greater than All Quiet on the Western Front. The film does more from showing the harsh realities of war, than most films accomplish from just talking about it. The film begins by showing the young men enlisting to be filled with the ideals of glory. As the film progresses, each soldier that lives to see another day, becomes as damaged as his fallen ally. Men that were full of life are now hallowed versions of their former selves. The films visual message proves a valid point by not over analyzing, rather just letting the images tell the story.

Even though All Quiet on the Western Front was made eighty years ago this year, it's battle scenes still hold up as some of the greatest of it's kind in film history. The violence might be at a minimum, but you do get the feeling of being under attack. The scenes are met with loud explosions and gunfire that litter the air. It is too often in today's war films, that unneeded dialogue is inserted. There are of course the usual superiors barking orders. Although, this film really does lets the "battle" take center stage of it's battle scenes.

I would like to talk about one scene of this film. If you have not scene the film (and want to), please do not read on. The final scene of the film shows soldier Paul (Lew Ayers) laying in a trench peering though a hole in the wall. He spots a butterfly and smiles. When he lifts up to reach for it, a french soldier shoots him and he dies. This simple scene could be cut and shown individually and it would send the same message. In moments of peace, sometimes war still prevails. It's an image that easily stays with you, long after the credits roll.

Overall, I did enjoy this film. I remember watching it in high school, and not being too impressed. The film might be dated, but it's themes are still as strong as ever. The grit and realism of the battle scenes is striking and at times shocking. Also, the symbolism and simplicity makes this so much more than a "war movie." Regardless of your personal stance, if you like war films, I would recommend this film.

236. Mulholland Dr.

Mulholland Dr. (2001)

Director: David Lynch

Starring: Naomi Watts

Laura Elena Harring

Justin Theroux

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 9

"Silencio..."

The first time I saw Mulholland Dr. was at the Enzian Theater in Winter Park, Florida. At the conclusion of the film, something very strange happened. The majority of the theater walked out in just utter confusion. The remaining fifteen or so patrons gathered around a few tables, and began to talk out the film. We all went around and said what we thought the film meant. I knew none of the people before that night, and I have not spoken to any of them since. No one that night had a clear grasp of the film. Although, it is one of my favorite memories at the movies. It wasn't until a week later, that I met with my friend James Brendlinger, and got the explanation I had been looking for. Following this entry, James Brendlinger will be guest blogging his explanation of the film. So please look forward to that.

A car accident occurs in the Hollywood hills. A beautiful woman (Laura Elena Harring) escapes from a destroyed limousine. She does not appear to be seriously injured, but she cannot not remember anything including her own name. She stumbles to the valley below and falls asleep in some bushes. In the morning, she wakes up and sneaks into an apartment to seek shelter. Betty Elmes (Naomi Watts) has just landed in Los Angeles with the dreams of becoming a great actress. She is staying at the home of her aunt, and the very same apartment that the mystery woman has taken refuge. As she is touring the apartment, she discovers the woman in the bathroom. Seeing a poster of Rita Hayworth, the woman tells Betty that her name is "Rita." While looking through Rita's purse, they find a large sum of money and a blue key. Thus begins their journey to discover the mysteries revolving around Rita's identity and strange accident.

Meanwhile, a meeting is taking place between famous film director Adam Kesher (Justin Theroux), his agent, and some producers. They are discussing the casting of his next film. Two men pull a head shot photo from a briefcase, and instruct Kesher to cast the pictured woman, Camilla Rhodes, as the lead. Kesher refuses and leaves the meeting. He retreats to his home, and walks in to find his wife in bed with another man. Kesher then goes to stay at a seedy hotel for the night. He soon finds that all of his funds have been cut off, and his presence is requested for a meeting with a man called "The Cowboy." The Cowboy gives Kesher the same instructions of casting Camilla Rhodes, and leaves Kesher with a eerie warning. Kesher is then left with the delima of casting Camilla Rhodes, or facing the consequences.

What follows is a mind trip of epic proportions. Writer and director David Lynch's Mulholland Dr. is one of the greatest mysteries of our time. The film is layered with many details. Each detail, from coffee cups to the placement of lampshades, matters to decoding the meaning of the film. It asks of it's audience not just to watch, but to decipher and interpret. At the conclusion, the film might seem like a confusing mess. Once sorted through, Mulholland Dr. is a brilliant and original piece of film making.

Mulholland Dr. is a complete ensemble performance. Each character seems to be casted as if the parts were written with that actor in mind. The cast was a virtual list of unknowns at the time of it's release. Naomi Watts has probably gone onto the most success. It is also Watts' that might shine a little brighter than the rest in this film. Her role demands much more depth and the portrayal of a few different personalities. She rarely falters in her finest performance to date. The collective effort of the entire cast is just one of the areas that makes this film so great.

I could really go on about Mulholland Dr. for hours. It is one of my favorite films of the last ten years. It has a style that brings to mind some of the great film noir of the 1940's and 1950's. It's original story and thought provoking plot has found me going back multiple times. The first time viewer of this film must be warned that this is an extremely complicated film. This is not a film for the casual movie watcher. It requires your complete attention for almost every scene of the film. If you liked Christopher Nolan's Memento, you might really enjoy Mulholland Dr. I give this film my highest recommendation.

237. Barry Lyndon

Barry Lyndon (1975)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Ryan O'Neal

Marisa Berenson

Patrick Magee

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 8

"If ever i should meet him again you will find out who is the best man of the two. I'll fight him sword or pistol, captain as he is."

Barry Lyndon is a film in two parts. An alternate title could have easily been "The Rise and Fall of Barry Lyndon." In Part One, we meet young Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal), a passionate Irishman who only wants to establish himself as a wealthy nobleman. After killing British Captain John Quill in a duel, Barry flees to Dublin. Along the way he is robbed of his money and horse. This forces him to enlist into the British Army to fight in the Seven Years War. Eventually, Barry abandons the British Army, and is forced into the Prussian Army. There he saves the life of his captain, which leads him to becoming a servant for Chevalier de Balibai (Patrick Magee).

The Prussians suspect Chevalier of being a spy, and they assign Barry to verify their theory. Barry learns that Chevalier is also an Irishman, and the two quickly become close allies. The two travel around cheating nobles. Seeing himself changed, Barry seduces the Countess of Lyndon (Marisa Berenson). This is easy and she easily falls in love with him. The year following her husband's death, Barry and the Countess are married. It is here that Barry's life has peaked and the downturn of his life slowly begins.

I am not a huge fan of "period piece" films. So I met Barry Lyndon with some skepticism. I will say of all the period pieces I have seen, this is by far one of the best. Ryan O'Neal gives us a character that we root for in the beginning and slowly start to dislike as the film progresses. His passion at the beginning of the film, I found very easy to identify with. The language of the film was never too difficult to understand. Historical films have a tendency to lose you in the language. Through a great main character and a script that never goes off course, Barry Lyndon entertains and intrigues the audience.

Stanley Kubrick once again adds to his multi-dimensional talent. It was hard to believe that this film came from the same man who made The Shining and A Clockwork Orange. Kubrick adapts the novel by William Makepeace Thackeray into a perfectly written script. The film also looks absolutely gorgeous. Kubrick's filming of a classic duel, gives us a genuine feeling of what it was like to have been present at one. Kubrick has once again given us a cinematic film, on which every film in it's genre will have to be compared.

After first watching the film, I wasn't impressed as I was later the next day. As the film settled in, I started to realize how excellent of a film it was. It's run time is a hefty three hours, but there is a lot of story to tell. It rarely feels unnecessary or dragged out. I would recommend the film for anyone who enjoyed Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence or television's The Tudors.

238. The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Director: Gillo Pontecorvo

Starring: Brahim Hadjadj

Jean Martin

Yacef Saadi

IMDb Rating: 7.9

My Rating: 7

"Acts of violence don't win wars. Neither wars nor revolutions. Terrorism is useful as a start. But then, the people themselves must act."

The Battle of Algiers tells one story of Algeria's fight against the French during the Algerian War of Independence. The National Liberation Front of Algeria (FLN) has started to act out against the French police force in Algiers. The FLN shoot French policemen in the streets and send women with bombs into public places. These activities cause the French to send army paratroopers into the city to eliminate the FLN.

The Battle of Algiers was actually comminssioned by the Algerian government. Even though it does paint a relatively fair picture of both sides, the French government had the film banned for five years. The film was shot documentary style in the streets of Algiers, using real citizens as extras in the film. This gives the viewer a very real sense of the situation. You never feel as though you are being exposed to a piece of war propaganda. It's realistic guerrilla gilm making approach is really what makes this film succeed.

The score by Ennio Morricone is superb indeed. I would find it difficult to score a film with such realism. Although, Morricone's music only helps paint the picture even clearer. In an early scene, Ali, an FLN rebel, is following a French police officer to assassinate him. The music builds the rension as he stalks the police officer and makes the scene a highlight of the film. Ennio Morricone proves once again, why he is one of the cinema's master conductors.

The Battle of Algiers is a very raw look at a nation in search of their independence. It's use of Algerian citizens as extras, brings a new dimension to the realism of the film. I liked the film, but will most likely not go back for a second viewing. If you liked Clint Eastwood's Letters From Iwo Jima and Flags of Our Fathers, you would like this film very much.