Holy cow!! Talk about ahead of its time! The plot is nothing new, but the way it’s presented makes you feel like you’re watching something bold and innovative. Probably one of the strangest and most risk-taking films I’ve seen from the 1930s. And thanks to its stylistic choices, it really elevated basic melodrama to high art.
One of the nastiest, more underrated Pre-Code films I've seen. The central plot about false horoscopes is rather silly, but the film's got plenty of stabbings, suicides, bombs, attempted child murder, people being run over by trains, and other grotesque scenes that make it truly stand out among general Hollywood fare of the time.
While it certainly is too long for the story they wanted to tell (the pace feels almost somnambulant in the first act), there are so many charming, lovely moments that make the whole experience worthwhile, particularly in the last half-hour. The tonal shifts between comedy and bittersweet romance are not as smooth as in The Apartment, but that doesn’t rob any of these little moments from their beauty. Possibly the closest Wilder ever really got to Lubitsch.
A cut above the average screwball comedy with its German-like leanings toward fables and fairy tales, not to mention a few genuinely poignant moments that are more powerful than most comedies of the era, particularly when the professors are all singing Sweet Genevieve and the scene where Potts tells Sugarpuss how he really feels.
Feels like the kind of movie that was made specifically for teenagers to make out during. Nothing interesting, suspenseful, or even remotely scary happens, and then it’s over. And don’t be fooled by the R rating either, this movie is as PG-13 as they come.
To call it the best Fellini film Fellini never made would be doing a disservice to Cuaron's incredible humanism. Every frame of this film is filled with so much love and empathy, it's one of those films that can accurately be described as a tonic for the times we live in. Like saudade said, it's a masterpiece.
Lee Tracy’s storyline is about as hammy as it gets, but there’s one great scene in the middle of the picture, and other really solid, effective moments throughout, that definitely make it worth a watch.
Able to touch on nearly every human emotion on the entire spectrum and achieve a true catharsis of the spirit without even breaking a sweat. I can't even begin to describe how this movie is so wonderful, it just has to be seen more than anything else.
Fascinating to watch when compared to High School. While one deals with institutionalized education and the pitfalls of it, this film teaches that self-education and informing yourself on any variety of matters is the greatest way to learn. There are so many different points of view, it's like a trip to the library itself.
It's only 30 seconds long, but that running through the wheat field might be the most purely romantic scene in all of cinema. The kind of gorgeous filmmaking that makes your heart soar.
Despite the inherent goofiness of several scenes, it's definitely one of the more unique takes on a disintegrating relationship that I've ever seen.
Also, despite the fact that kaleidoscopic patterns and colors have become pretty cliche for trippy visuals, this is still pretty visually stunning at times, especially during the montage sequences.
Not just one of the best Japanese action movies, but I'd argue one of the most well-constructed, merciless, emotional, and beautifully shot action films ever. The forceful impact it leaves and the views it has on crime and such remind me of a Japanese Sam Fuller film. Downright brilliant.
A beautiful little comedy about why filmmakers do the things they do and put up with so much. Come for the laughs, stay for the intricate Möbius strip-like plotting. Also, the only film about movies I've ever seen to actually portray room tone.
Not a good movie by any stretch of the imagination, but god help me, I liked it. The script was pretty awful and the less said about most of the acting, the better, but Paul Schrader can still set mood and direct a setpiece like nobody's business. I can't think of a modern director that does icy detachment better (probably why so many people here wonder why they're supposed to care about any of the characters). What I really love is the final act, which is all about what happens when men (or perhaps directors) lose control, which even if it's filtered through Ellis's arguably misogynistic lens, is the same thread explored in Vertigo and Schrader's Obsession.
Saw this at Anthology Film Archives under a series entitled "The Medium is the Massacre," and it's really fascinating to see the film stock itself rebelling against the image, making it seem like it's attacking the leading lady.
Well, chalk me up as somebody who really enjoyed this film, then. I didn't think it was drawn out in the slightest. It's just an interesting mixture of the fast-paced energy of young Truffaut with the introspection and sometimes fatalism of the older Truffaut. Not his best, but still a really worthwhile film.
Anybody who doesn't watch the original ending immediately after watching the full movie is doing themselves a huge disservice. That original ending may be one of the most spectacular deleted scenes in the history of Hollywood.
Okay, does ANYBODY here like this movie? Because I just watched it and think it's probably one of my favorite Humphrey Bogart films now. It's not as classy as Casablanca, not as poetic as In a Lonely Place, and not as brawny as Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but it totally holds its own among them. The finale, which Martin Scorsese first introduced me to, is absolutely brilliant.
Comments 1 - 25 of 70
Movie comment on The Sin of Nora Moran
TomServo
Holy cow!! Talk about ahead of its time! The plot is nothing new, but the way it’s presented makes you feel like you’re watching something bold and innovative. Probably one of the strangest and most risk-taking films I’ve seen from the 1930s. And thanks to its stylistic choices, it really elevated basic melodrama to high art.Movie comment on Thirteen Women
TomServo
One of the nastiest, more underrated Pre-Code films I've seen. The central plot about false horoscopes is rather silly, but the film's got plenty of stabbings, suicides, bombs, attempted child murder, people being run over by trains, and other grotesque scenes that make it truly stand out among general Hollywood fare of the time.Movie comment on Avanti!
TomServo
While it certainly is too long for the story they wanted to tell (the pace feels almost somnambulant in the first act), there are so many charming, lovely moments that make the whole experience worthwhile, particularly in the last half-hour. The tonal shifts between comedy and bittersweet romance are not as smooth as in The Apartment, but that doesn’t rob any of these little moments from their beauty. Possibly the closest Wilder ever really got to Lubitsch.Movie comment on Ball of Fire
TomServo
A cut above the average screwball comedy with its German-like leanings toward fables and fairy tales, not to mention a few genuinely poignant moments that are more powerful than most comedies of the era, particularly when the professors are all singing Sweet Genevieve and the scene where Potts tells Sugarpuss how he really feels.Movie comment on The Possession of Hannah Grace
TomServo
Feels like the kind of movie that was made specifically for teenagers to make out during. Nothing interesting, suspenseful, or even remotely scary happens, and then it’s over. And don’t be fooled by the R rating either, this movie is as PG-13 as they come.Movie comment on Serenity
TomServo
I have SEVERAL questions.Movie comment on Can You Ever Forgive Me?
TomServo
"Will you make me 29? With perfect skin? Don't make me sound stupid."Movie comment on Roma
TomServo
To call it the best Fellini film Fellini never made would be doing a disservice to Cuaron's incredible humanism. Every frame of this film is filled with so much love and empathy, it's one of those films that can accurately be described as a tonic for the times we live in. Like saudade said, it's a masterpiece.Movie comment on Doctor X
TomServo
Lee Tracy’s storyline is about as hammy as it gets, but there’s one great scene in the middle of the picture, and other really solid, effective moments throughout, that definitely make it worth a watch.Movie comment on Damsel
TomServo
Definitely not going to be everybody's cup of tea, but it's absolutely my cup of tea.Movie comment on Visages villages
TomServo
Able to touch on nearly every human emotion on the entire spectrum and achieve a true catharsis of the spirit without even breaking a sweat. I can't even begin to describe how this movie is so wonderful, it just has to be seen more than anything else.Movie comment on Ex Libris: The New York Public Library
TomServo
Fascinating to watch when compared to High School. While one deals with institutionalized education and the pitfalls of it, this film teaches that self-education and informing yourself on any variety of matters is the greatest way to learn. There are so many different points of view, it's like a trip to the library itself.Movie comment on City Girl
TomServo
It's only 30 seconds long, but that running through the wheat field might be the most purely romantic scene in all of cinema. The kind of gorgeous filmmaking that makes your heart soar.Movie comment on Koroshi no rakuin
TomServo
This movie really had me craving some hot, boiled rice.Movie comment on The Trip
TomServo
Despite the inherent goofiness of several scenes, it's definitely one of the more unique takes on a disintegrating relationship that I've ever seen.Also, despite the fact that kaleidoscopic patterns and colors have become pretty cliche for trippy visuals, this is still pretty visually stunning at times, especially during the montage sequences.
Movie comment on Shurayukihime
TomServo
Not just one of the best Japanese action movies, but I'd argue one of the most well-constructed, merciless, emotional, and beautifully shot action films ever. The forceful impact it leaves and the views it has on crime and such remind me of a Japanese Sam Fuller film. Downright brilliant.Movie comment on Beat the Devil
TomServo
It's as if Mel Brooks directed a parody of John Huston films. In other words, it's amazing."There are so many bad characters these days. Take mine, for example."
Movie comment on Living in Oblivion
TomServo
A beautiful little comedy about why filmmakers do the things they do and put up with so much. Come for the laughs, stay for the intricate Möbius strip-like plotting. Also, the only film about movies I've ever seen to actually portray room tone.Movie comment on The Canyons
TomServo
Not a good movie by any stretch of the imagination, but god help me, I liked it. The script was pretty awful and the less said about most of the acting, the better, but Paul Schrader can still set mood and direct a setpiece like nobody's business. I can't think of a modern director that does icy detachment better (probably why so many people here wonder why they're supposed to care about any of the characters). What I really love is the final act, which is all about what happens when men (or perhaps directors) lose control, which even if it's filtered through Ellis's arguably misogynistic lens, is the same thread explored in Vertigo and Schrader's Obsession.Movie comment on Outer Space
TomServo
Saw this at Anthology Film Archives under a series entitled "The Medium is the Massacre," and it's really fascinating to see the film stock itself rebelling against the image, making it seem like it's attacking the leading lady.Movie comment on Arrival
TomServo
The rare modern sci-fi movie that can actually be called "beautiful."Movie comment on La peau douce
TomServo
Well, chalk me up as somebody who really enjoyed this film, then. I didn't think it was drawn out in the slightest. It's just an interesting mixture of the fast-paced energy of young Truffaut with the introspection and sometimes fatalism of the older Truffaut. Not his best, but still a really worthwhile film.Movie comment on Phase IV
TomServo
Anybody who doesn't watch the original ending immediately after watching the full movie is doing themselves a huge disservice. That original ending may be one of the most spectacular deleted scenes in the history of Hollywood.Movie comment on High Sierra
TomServo
Okay, does ANYBODY here like this movie? Because I just watched it and think it's probably one of my favorite Humphrey Bogart films now. It's not as classy as Casablanca, not as poetic as In a Lonely Place, and not as brawny as Treasure of the Sierra Madre, but it totally holds its own among them. The finale, which Martin Scorsese first introduced me to, is absolutely brilliant.Movie comment on Everybody Wants Some!!
TomServo
It's a crowded field, but he did it: Richard Linklater officially made the greatest bro movie of all time. And I mean that in the best way possible.Showing items 1 – 25 of 70