Author: John Welsh
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The Bishop’s Wife: Another Look At The Making Of A Great Film
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Read more: The Bishop’s Wife: Another Look At The Making Of A Great FilmThe Bishop’s Wife puts you in mind of another bit of magical fantasy, Portrait of Jenny. Both films are based on novels by Robert Nathan and both enjoy the idea that a charming almost magical personality can enter your life at the most unexpected moments. The obviously banal aspects to the story are simple. Bishop…
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An Open Letter to David Fincher
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Read more: An Open Letter to David FincherMr Fincher, I must confess this would have been a fan letter to your father had circumstances been different. Mank enjoys a superb screenplay bearing the stamp of its subject matter. It gave us a wonderful sense of period, Hollywood, the studios of the 30s. The Paramount writer’s room had the feel of the press…
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Heaven’s Gate (1980)
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Read more: Heaven’s Gate (1980)I had just emerged from the hills on highway 93 at the north end Flathead Lake on the way to Kalispell when I saw the first bumper sticker that read, To Hell With Heaven’s Gate. I was soon to see many more. This was August of 1981. Over a year after the film wrapped, ugly…
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The Truth Of The Matter
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Read more: The Truth Of The MatterKeeper of the Flame (1942) Directed by George Cukor. With Spencer Tracy and Kathrine Hepburn. 36 Hours (1965) Directed by George Seaton. With James Gardner, Eva Marie Saint, and Rod Taylor The “truth of the matter” can be an elusive concept. What is real? This is the persistent theme in the works of Philip K.…
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Third Encounters Of A Close Kind -or- Standing On A Corner In Muncie, Indiana
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Read more: Third Encounters Of A Close Kind -or- Standing On A Corner In Muncie, IndianaRuthless Reviews presents: I Love a Mystery! Follow our tireless critics of the A-1 Detective Agency as Jack, Doc and Reggie ferret out the best, and worst in movies. Sponsored by Pee Clean, “never fear the pee police again, use, Pee Clean and have clean pee!” Your host: So fellas, tonight we have a blast…
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2001, A New View: Or Stanley Kubrick’s Forgotten Hal Edition
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Read more: 2001, A New View: Or Stanley Kubrick’s Forgotten Hal EditionOK, as to be expected, the visionary, prophet, and his own cameraman, Stanley (99 takes is never too much) Kubrick, fucked it up. You know, Stanley, the Huck Finn to Spielberg’s Tom Sawyer. 2001 is a Frankenstein murder mystery. In this case the good doctor is his own monster. What’s up with the three scientists…
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Twilight (1998)
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Read more: Twilight (1998)Harry Ross (Paul Newman) is an ex cop, ex P.I., ex drunk, who knows being a detective is a hell of a way to make a living. Robert Benton’s 1998 film noir, Twilight proves it. It becomes like a law of nature, especially when you get close to the beautiful people of Hollywood. Star power.…
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The Fighting 69th (1940)
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Read more: The Fighting 69th (1940)( “Faugh a Ballagh” ) A battle cry of Irish origin meaning ‘clear the way’ was first used as a regimental motto of the Royal Irish Fusiliers back in and now the motto of the Royal Irish Regiment. It was adopted by the the Fusiliers back in 1798 after the exploits of Sgt Patrick Masterson…
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John Welsh’s Look At Turner Classic Movies
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Read more: John Welsh’s Look At Turner Classic MoviesFor a movie lover, life can change for the good even in these troubled times when Turner Classic Movies re-enters. Yes, I went without TCM for years, when last week a miracle occurred. Yes, a miracle. Great films are on my television screen. What need have I of HBO or Showtime? Ha! I say Ha!…
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Miller’s Crossing
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Read more: Miller’s CrossingI had trouble finding a hook for a critique of the excellent Coen Brother’s film, Miller’s Crossing. I read several reviews, even going so far as to read Roger Ebert’s pedestrian analysis. As to be expected, Ebert, who seemingly offers reviews from beyond the grave like a Dracula with press credentials, the piece was about…