October Challenge: Notorious & Strangers On A Train

Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock, 1946)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Thriller, Suspense, Nazi, Spy, Psychological, Romance

One of Hitchcock's finest films. Ingrid Bergman's performance is fantastic and, in my opinion, makes the film as engaging and exciting as it is. Timing, dialogue, angles, and music create the perfect edge-of-seat viewing experience.

Strangers On A Train (Alfred Hitchcock, 1951)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Thriller, Suspense, Psychological

Robert Walker's performance is absolutely creepy. Strangers on a Train is exhilarating  disturbing, and a beautiful work of art. There are few scenes in cinema that can compare to the carnival catastrophe ending of this film- so intense and scary. Hitchcock keeps us on the edge of our seats, as always.

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October Challenge: Rosemary's Baby

Rosemary's Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Paranoia, Witchcraft, Cult, Slow-paced, Intense Character

I usually can't handle watching films about psychologically abused characters, but Rosemary's Baby is so well-crafted and Mia Farrow's performance is so effortless. It is one of the best thrillers ever made, in my opinion, because the audience sympathizes so strongly with Rosemary and wants so desperately for her to fight back or win. But the brilliance of Polanski is that Rosemary doesn't (not really) and the ending is left ambiguous. While I can't say I'll watch it again in the near future, I can say this film stays with you. Haunting, Nerve-wracking, Thrilling.

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October Challenge: Marathon Man

Marathon Man (John Schlesinger, 1976)

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Rating: Q=4, P=2 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=1, Scale 4=1

Thriller, Nazi, Spy, Brothers, Action

Eek. I have to admit, I went into this film believing I probably wouldn't enjoy anything and... I was pretty much right. The film is disturbing, in many ways- the torture sequences, the dark lighting and drab mis en scene, the eerie music, the story. Interestingly, for the first hour, I wasn't captivated at all, which I didn't expect. As soon as all the pieces fall into place, though, it is definitely full of anxious tension and suspense. Brilliant performances by Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier- creepiest role he probably ever played.

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Chico & Rita

Chico & Rita (Errando, Mariscal, Trueba, 2010)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Animated, 1940s-50s, Jazz, Cuba, Romance

This film is so vibrant- it leaps off the screen with gorgeous colors, fluid movement, exciting music, and a beautiful story. It is like peering through the broken, rose-tinted glasses of the past- both the past of a whole generation and the very personal memories of a talented and lonely composer. If you love Jazz and enjoy animation, this film is definitely right up your alley. If you have access to the "making of" documentary, be sure to take the extra time and view it. A marvelous effort that involved many great musicians and artists.

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