October Thrillers Challenge: Frankenstein

Frankenstein (James Whale, 1931)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Classic, Thriller, Suspense, Based on Book

It was fun to watch Frankenstein in its entirety, since there are so many classic scenes and lines. I especially found it fun to compare it to the many, many other versions of the tale that I have seen over the years (a personal favorite will always be Mel Brook's Young Frankenstein).

From this little challenge, I've discovered that my new favorite classic actor is Dwight Frye. I'll be investigating more from this exceptional character actor soon!

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October Thrillers Challenge: Dirty Harry

Dirty Harry (Don Siegel, 1971)

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Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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

Thriller, Crime, Action

As I expected, this film just wasn't for me. Clint Eastwood is certainly a legendary actor but his style has never been my favorite. I suppose that makes sense because he is more of a physical actor, not a talker. This movie is all about the chase and doesn't give much depth of characters, which is fine but I always like to know more about the "why." Scorpio is one of the creepiest villains I've seen in film, so that doesn't help my personal score for the film. I do, however, appreciate the action shots and suspense throughout.

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October Thrillers Challenge: Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (Don Siegel, 1956)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Thriller, Aliens, Action, Horror

A true classic thriller that still has terrifying moments, but I'm sure they were much more effective back in 1956. The many remakes of this film are certainly scarier, if that's your thing (it isn't mine!). I can imagine the timeliness this film had during the age of McCarthy. Most of this film is running away and trying to stay awake. Humanity is to valuable to lose.

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October Thrillers Challenge: Dracula

Dracula (Tod Browning, 1931)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Thriller, Vampires, Horror

It was fun to watch this classic, especially after having seen other versions of the story and reading the book (one I read and studied in graduate school). Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula is iconic, strange, almost comical. Dwight Frye as Renfield is even creepier: "He came and stood below my window in the moonlight. And he promised me things, not in words, but by doing them."

It's interesting to think about how much influence this film has had on multiple film genres--especially vampire films. While I liked this classic, I still prefer Coppola's 1992 version of the book. It's more detailed and complex. Plus Gary Oldman is fantastic.

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October Thrillers Challenge: King Kong

King Kong (Merian C. Cooper & Ernest B. Schoedsack, 1933)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Classics, Thriller, Adventure

The original thriller, some critics have written, was a fun escape for me. The thrills are still there even after 85 years, though certainly not to the same extent as in the 1930s. I can imagine that this film, back then, would have been miraculous and even terrifying. Certainly awe-inspiring on a big screen. The brutal and violent moments surprised me--even made me gasp. And the Empire state building ending scene is still one of the best in film.

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SPECIAL October 2018 Thrillers Challenge

Six years ago, when my blog was still fairly new, I created an October Challenge for myself: watch 10 classic thrillers. Some I'd partly seen and some were new to me. I also predicted what I would rate each film, too, which was fun. I was pretty accurate but also surprised by some.

I thought it would be fun to do it again this year, but with fewer films (I don't have the time like I used to!). Below is my list with my anticipated ratings.

1. King Kong (1933)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=4 Average OJ

2. Dirty Harry (1971)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

3. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=5 Average OJ

4. Frankenstein (1931)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=4 Average OJ

5. Dracula (1931)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

Cape Fear

Cape Fear (J. Lee Thompson, 1962)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Based on Novel

I can't quite describe my reaction to this film. I had read about it and knew that its villain, Max Cady, is legendary in the film canon. But nothing can really prepare you for the disturbing qualities Robert Mitchem brought to every evil character he played. Maybe it's the non-nonchalant, meandering walk. Maybe his slow drawling voice. How can a straw hat and cigar become creepy?

This story is not just thrilling, though. It is an interesting tale of ethics and manipulation. Are the rules we put in place worth upholding? Or should they bend? And for whom should they bend?

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Blue Velvet

Blue Velvet (David Lynch, 1986)

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Rating: Q=6, P=3 / Average OJ

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

 

Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Drama, Surreal

 

In true David Lynch fashion, Blue Velvet startles, confuses, and offers a lot to think about. I watched "Twin Peaks" several years ago and fell in love with the weird and skewed way Lynch portrays our little human environments and how he comments on the darker side of our world. "It is a strange world," as Jeffrey says in this film. Lots of symbols--like bugs and ears and flames--kept the film student gears in me moving. I especially liked the way the whole film centered around a few songs from the 1950s. Great songs in creepy situations. Dennis Hopper's character is so creepy-- and the climactic scene is so memorable, like a horrific still photograph that Jeffrey just walks into. Anyway... if you like to be surprised, watch this.

 

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One Month Hiatus

A Moving Story Scope will be on hiatus from September 26 through October 17 since I am moving into my first house! I'll likely start blogging again once everything is in place. Look forward to a few thrillers just in time for Halloween:

Purple Noon


Cape Fear


Blue Velvet

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Late October Challenge: The Fugitive

The Fugitive (Andrew Davis, 1993)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Action, Thriller, Mystery, Detective, Chase

I'm surprised at how much I actually enjoyed this film- I'm usually not a blockbuster/action film fan. Perhaps its the play between Harrison Ford's quiet obsessiveness and Tommy Lee Jones' impatient wit. The mystery part of the film is also fairly good, partly due to the quick pace of the film.

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October Challenge: Alien & Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

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

Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, Gore

 

The absolute classic alien film and one of the best scares in cinema history. Fantastic performances -especially by John Hurt and Sigourney Weaver- and memorable moments throughout. The pacing, as in most thrillers, drives me almost to the point of insanity in parts. But even if you know what to expect, Alien gets to you... well worth returning to regularly.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Steven Spielberg, 1977)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, UFO

I've avoided watching this film for years because many people told me it was overrated and Spielberg's style isn't usually my favorite. Well, I must say it was far better than I imagined. While the story itself was a bit lacking (I would have liked more character development and dialogue) the visuals are stunning- they are still amazing even for today's standards. My biggest complaint is the pace- it drags in multiple places and too many threads are left untied. Yes, don't give us all the answers but give us a few more!

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October Challenge: Bullitt

Bullitt (Peter Yates, 1968)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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

Thriller, Action, Detective, Car Chase, Mystery

Classic car chase, great soundtrack, enjoyable action sequences, but not much more- at least for my tastes. There was little psychological development of characters or even development of the story. Definitely fun to watch and worthy of the awards for editing, but this is film is clearly visual rather than intellectual or emotional.

 

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October Challenge: Jaws

Jaws (Steven Spielberg, 1975)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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

Thriller, Shark, Gore, Open Water, Action

Certainly exciting, suspenseful, and nerve-wracking but that's pretty much it. Richard Dreyfuss's performance is fun and the cinematography and music is excellent but the plot and characters don't shine and are basically surface-level. I'd rather watch a thriller that is more psychological and mysterious. A classic adrenaline rush, though.

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October Challenge: Wait Until Dark

Wait Until Dark (Terence Young, 1967)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Blind, Based on Play

I really enjoyed this film. Since it is a play, the writing and timing is perfect. The story revolves around one scene, too, which adds to the claustrophobia and paranoia of the main character. Audrey Hepburn does a marvelous job as both a trusting and vulnerable victim AND a strong, resourceful woman. And, of course, Alan Arkin is intensely creepy, especially in the last sequences. Lots of surprises, definitely "on the edge of your seat" thrills.

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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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SPECIAL: October Thriller Challenge

October is here and Halloween and horror movies are popping up on TV and on DVD shelves. My plan is to watch 10 classic thrillers, some I've seen bits of long ago, some that are new to me. All are critically acclaimed and exciting in their own unique way. Here, I've anticipated what I think I'll rate each. We'll see how well I predicted.

1. Jaws (1975)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

2. Alien (1979)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

3. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=4 Average OJ

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

5. Strangers on a Train (1951)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

6. The Fugitive (1993)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

7. Bullitt (1968)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=2 Thanks But No Thanks

8. Notorious (1946)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

9. Marathon Man (1976)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

10. Wait Until Dark (1967)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ