Touch of Evil

Touch of Evil (Orson Welles, 1958)

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

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

Film Noir, Crime, Suspense, Thriller

Stories about corruption have been part of the film canon for decades. Orson Welles captures the sordid and gritty side of the law so marvelously it's scary. The artistry is so immaculate and precise I'm sure that every frame could make a meaningful still-life. And Welles' portrayal of Quinlan is one of the most memorable ever. Classic film, perfect for Halloween-time.

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Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive (David Lynch, 2001)

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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

Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Psychological

Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting and thought-provoking films ever made. The narrative is so loose and disjointed and surreal, the music is strange and disconcerting, and the acting is wonderful. What is reality and what is dream? Are they that different? Which comes first? How do we make sense of anything in this life? With those kinds of questions, it's hard not to stay focused when you watch this masterpiece.

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The Magnificent Ambersons

The Magnificent Ambersons (Orson Welles, 1942)

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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

Drama, Based on Book, Class, Philosophical

Such an intricate film full of wonderful artistry and cinematic flourishes. Orson Welles really liked to experiment with the set, the angles and lighting, the art as an extension of the narrative. The Magnificent Ambersons really feels like a movie, an escape, a complete entity. I've always liked that about films made during the late 1930s and early 1940s. They somehow manage to lift me up by their form alone...almost as if because it is a film, it will make me feel good. These classics leave me with a warm feeling for a long time after, even the ones with tragic figures or depressing endings.

Georgie is a bratty, irritating character, the kind of person we strive not to be. But he is not evil and neither are his parents or his friends. An interesting critique on class and upbringing.

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Topper Returns

Topper Returns (Roy Del Ruth, 1941)

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

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

Comedy, Slapstick, Mystery

Sometimes I like to watch a silly, frivolous movie--nothing special, just average writing and acting and artistry. The Topper films are just that. This one is a lot of ridiculous, over-the-top moments but that's about it. Not a waste of time, but I won't watch again.

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