Snapshots From a Dream

What is this thing that builds our dreams yet slips away from us ....

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 15


A Question Of Perfection

Movie: Some Like It Hot (Ashton Productions and The Mirisch Corporation; 1959)
Director: Billy Wilder
Screenplay: Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond
Major Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Joe E. Brown

Film Synopsis: Curtis and Lemmon are two young musicians who witness a mob shooting. To avoid being killed, they dress up in drag and join an all girl band, of which Monroe is a member.

My Favorite Moment: The immortal closing line.

Why I Like It: Has there been a more dazzling cinema goddess than Marilyn Monroe? She inhabits the screen with raw sensuality which is exploited brilliantly by Wilder whilst making sure that it is not cheap and vulgar. It is unimaginable to think that anybody else could have played that role just as it is interesting to note that Lemmon is a great actor, no matter what sex he plays.

The minute the two guys spot Monroe at the train station, they are smitten. They try to climb over each other in order to see her and at the same time ensure that their identity as women remains safe. Monroe herself is glad to make new girl friends and confidants. As the band moves to Florida, Curtis impersonates a millionaire, going as far as to stealing a yacht and taking Monroe for a late-night rendezvous. Lemmon meanwhile is being chased by that eccentric millionaire ‘Osgood’ (Brown) and even considers it a safe investment to marry the guy and then dump him for a hefty alimony. In one of the most hilarious scenes, Curtis comes back from his date to find Lemmon in bed smiling blissfully. Lemmon says that he’s just been engaged and since Curtis doesn’t know that Lemmon means Brown, it leads to the following sequence:

Curtis: “Congratulations. Who's the lucky girl?”
Lemmon: “I am!”
Curtis: “But, you're not a girl! You're a guy, and, why would a guy wanna marry a guy?”
Lemmon: “Security!”

These and other such dialogues make this a great movie, voted by AFI as the best comedy film of all time. But Wilder’s skill is not limited to writing alone. The scene where Curtis gets Monroe to seduce him is directed excellently. Watch for Curtis’s glasses steaming up after their kiss or his leg rising in the air to imply….. Plus Wilder teases with the audience as he shoots a scene with Monroe singing a song in an extremely low-cut dress while the spot-light just stays a little away from what the people expect to see. This is a genius at work and it all culminates in what is regarded without exception to be the greatest closing line of any film. Joe E. Brown shows excellent comic timing in one earlier scene as he and Lemmon dance while holding a rose in their mouth. In the end, as they are eloping in a powerboat, Lemmon finally reveals in frustration that they can’t get married. Brown refuses to accept that. Lemmon says that they can never have children to which Brown replies that they can always adopt. Finally, in frustration, Lemmon peels of his wig, nudges Brown and say, “Oh, you don't understand, Osgood! Ehhhh... I'm a man”. Without batting an eyelid and with that perpetually goofy grin, Brown promptly replies “Well, nobody's perfect.” All Lemmon can do is roll his eyes incomprehensibly while the audience dissolves in laughter. Lemmon may not be, but Billy Wilder is definitely more than perfect.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 14


Wind Beneath Their Wings

Movie: Chariots Of Fire (UK; Allied Stars, Enigma Productions, Goldcrest Films & Warner Bros.; 1981)
Director: Hugh Hudson
Screenplay: Colin Welland
Major Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nicholas Farrell and Ian Holm

Film Synopsis: A true story of two British athletes, one a Jew and other a Christian missionary, who run in the 1924 Olympics.

My Favorite Moment: ‘Eric Liddell’ running the 400 meters final.

Why I Like It: No soundtrack has become as integral a part of the movie as the one Vangelis composed for this film. The music contributes to the success of the movie and is one of the main reasons why the viewer has a feeling of bliss after watching the film. But that would be taking away from the magnificent performances by lesser known actors and a great script. It is a movie for the ages and one which won 4 Academy awards in 1981 including ‘Best Picture’, ‘Screenplay’ and of course one for Vangelis.

Cross plays ‘Harold Abrahams’, who is a Jew studying law at Cambridge and has faced subtle prejudice all his life. He runs with a purpose because he wants to be the fastest sprinter in the world so as to prove himself worthy of his place in the society. ‘Liddell’ (Charleson) is a Scottish missionary who believes that God made him fast for a reason and he runs with a lot of joy and with his heart. When Charleson beats Cross at a race, Cross hires Holm as a trainer and prepares for the Olympics with maniacal zeal. Charleson’s family wants him to go to China as a missionary but he wants to run one time in the Olympics before carrying out his chosen duty. Both arrive in Paris as a part of British team but Charleson learns that the 100 meters preliminaries are on Sunday which is Sabbath for a devout Christian. Against tremendous pressure from the British Olympic committee as well as Prince of Wales, he takes his stand, withdraws from the race and only a teammate giving up his spot in 400 meters allows ‘Liddell’ to compete in an event. Cross goes on to win the 100 meters and in a virtuoso scene Holm, who is too nervous to watch the race, learns of this by watching the British flag being raised from his hotel room. His emotional celebration following this is what makes him a great actor.

As ‘Liddell’ lines up for the 400 meters. race, everyone including his family, teammates and the Prince come to cheer. Even an American competitor wishes him luck as he appreciates ‘Liddell’s’ sacrifice due to his faith. During the race, the camera focuses more on the crowd than on the action. The look of pride on his sister and friends face says that for them, the result was never in doubt. In their mind, by sticking to his beliefs, he is already a champion. Cross watches ‘Liddell’ sprint with an awe which betrays his knowledge, that he wouldn’t have been good enough to beat ‘Liddell’ had he competed in the 100 meters. ‘Liddell’ himself, has a joyous look on his face as he wins, not because of the gold medal, but because he runs for his God. It is one of the best sports scenes in movies and certainly the most human one. A terrific film to watch when your spirit needs a lift, I can never get over the surreal feeling which comes over me when I watch these athletes in training, as they run on a beach against a backdrop of the great Vangelis. Yes, there was a time when these young men had fire under their wheels.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 13


The Killer Pesticide

Movie: North By Northwest (MGM-USA; 1959)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Ernest Lehman
Major Cast: Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, and James Mason

Film Synopsis: Cary Grant plays an executive who is mistaken for an international spy and is framed for murder of a diplomat. This sets up a thrilling cross-country chase culminating in an unforgettable sequence on top of Mt. Rushmore.

My Favorite Moment: Cary Grant in an open cornfield in Indiana, being chased by a crop-dusting plane.

Why I Like It: I cannot help but like a Hitchcock film. Only he can make a movie be suspenseful and yet entertaining at the same time. With this film, Hitchcock managed to combine an adventure through the heartland of America, the excitement of a chase, the suspense of an innocent man being framed and of course Cary Grant. This may not be his best film, but it is the one which never fails to draw an audience from the young to the old. A Saturday afternoon spectacle if there ever was one.

This particular scene has immaculate composition. A flat countryside, clear skies, roads winding down miles on both sides, and the solitary figure of Grant waiting by the roadside to meet a stranger. Another person approaches, but he is just a passenger waiting for the bus. He mentions something to Grant about the lone crop-dusting plane in the distance. Once he leaves, Grant is alone again and notices the plane getting too close for comfort following which, he is chased and shot at by this mysterious pilot. To see the polished Cary Grant run around and get his expensive suit dirty is a rare event worth seeing in any movie. The scene ends in a big explosion as the plane hits an oil tanker and Grant escapes by the skin of his teeth.

Cary Grant, a full 3 years before Sean Connery’s 'Bond', lends a certain element of gentlemanly sophistication to this predicament of a man about to be killed in the middle of nowhere. He is worried yes, but nevertheless graceful as he avoids the bullets as well as the plane itself by throwing himself in the dirt. Finally, as the tanker and the plane explode, thus causing passerby’s to stop; he is calm and collected as he steals a ride back to town.

The movie itself is supremely enjoyable; well any movie that has actors crawling on ex-President’s noses is a must-see. Eva Marie Saint plays the role of femme fatale to perfection and traveling through America has never been so much fun. The scene in question has been parodied in some movies, which is a tribute in itself. This remains my favorite Hitchcock movie and Grant’s immaculate dialogue delivery and one-liners are worth the price of admission by themselves. Each time I see a cornfield, either on screen or driving through one myself, I cannot help but think of this film.

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 12


Chariots Of The Gods

Movie: Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (Columbia Pictures and EMI Films; 1977)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Steven Spielberg
Major Cast: Richard Dreyfus, Melinda Dillon and François Truffaut

Film Synopsis: One night during a power outage, Dreyfus sees what he believes to be alien space-crafts from another world. After this, he is plagued by vision of a mountain and certain musical notes, to the point of going insane. It all leads to a final encounter with intelligent species.

My Favorite Moment: The aliens and humans trying to communicate using musical notes.

Why I Like It: If “2001: A Space Odyssey” leaves us in wonder of the Universe, then this film makes us awestruck because of our fellow inhabitants. If “Independence Day (1996)” is about war, then this is about healing. If “Star Wars” is a rock concert, then this is a ballet. If “Contact” is about our quest for finding alien life, this movie is about what we have been missing for so long.

Dreyfus has a nice family whom he adores and lives a typical suburban life, till he sees the alien craft. One night, as he is out checking a power outage, his utility truck is enveloped in blinding light which transfixes him and changes his life forever. Since then, he becomes obsessed with an image of a mountain and 5 musical notes. Because of this insanity, his wife and kids leave him, which doesn’t seem to bother him one bit. All he wants to do is unlock the puzzle in his mind. When he learns that thing which he seeks is ‘Devil’s Tower’ in Wyoming, he sets off on a journey, accompanied by Dillon who has similar visions and who believes that these aliens have abducted her son. On reaching there, they find that US government has cordoned the area. They are able to sneak inside and see an elaborate camp site which is filled with scientists and military, assembled to make contact with these aliens. Truffaut is an UN scientist who helps them in this mission.

The scene is towards the climax as huge spacecrafts approach the area. All of them have colorful lights which seem almost hypnotic. What follows is an inspired effort with both life-forms using musical notes in order to communicate their peaceful intentions. It is as much a triumph for John Williams’s score as for Spielberg’s direction. The entire sequence is played out not as an attempt at making contact, but more as an emotional bonding with a species from whom we can learn so much. Spielberg uses blinding lights throughout the film, perhaps to portray the aliens as hostile visitors. However, the actual encounter reveals them to be friendly, peaceful and someone who are just as curious about us as we of them. It ranks as one of the best spiritual experiences in cinema and those 5 musical notes which are the primer for this new friendship, have become a part of movie legend.

The film was nominated for 8 Academy Awards and is universally loved by young and old. It is one of the most dazzling pictures ever, not because of the colorful lights from the spaceships, but because of the awe with which it fills us. Awe, that we may have billions of friends out there, who are just waiting for our call.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 11


One More Night

Movie: American Graffiti (Lucasfilm, Coppola Company & Universal Pictures; 1973)
Director: George Lucas
Screenplay: George Lucas, Gloria Katz and Willard Huyck
Major Cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams and Harrison Ford

Film Synopsis: Four teenage friends (Dreyfuss, Howard, Le Mat, and Smith) and their one last night before Dreyfuss and Howard leave for college.

My Favorite Moment: Their night of adventure while the radio plays ‘Wolfman Jack’.

Why I Like It: Alright I admit to cheating. I have to mention the movie and that night in entirety without singling out one moment. It is the mood of the film which makes it so special. It is set in early 60’s; before JFK and before Vietnam. It was a time of innocence, a time of joy, a time to be free and a time when the road ahead was waiting with endless possibilities; in short it is a lovely film of a lovely era. It doesn’t matter to what place or to what period the audience member belongs, each one of them will be nostalgic after seeing this one. It will leave you with that yearning for something which was once there. Forget “Star Wars”, for me, this is Lucas’s greatest film.

Dreyfuss and Howard are fresh high-school graduates and are suppose to leave for college in the morning. Dreyfuss has second thoughts about going while Howard tries to convince him otherwise. Howard himself is sad at leaving his sweetheart (Williams) behind and with whom he spends the entire night fighting, as they try to figure out their future and contemplate breaking-up. Le Mat is a young hot-shot who is the best car racer in town and who unfortunately ends up spending the night chaperoning a little girl in his hot-rod. Smith is a geeky guy who wants to be cool and borrows Howard’s car to show-off. He picks up a girl walking on the main street and they spend the night trying to buy liquor and later searching for the car which gets stolen. A very young Harrison Ford is the brash new guy in town who is looking for Le Mat, to race against him. Dreyfuss sees an elusive blonde at an intersection, driving a T-bird and spends the entire night searching for her while getting mixed up with a street gang and at the same time wondering about his future. Through all of these separate story lines, which intersect periodically, the radio keeps playing the show by a mysterious DJ, ‘Wolfman Jack’. As the night winds down, all of them learn something about themselves and life in general. It all comes down to the dawn where Le Mat and Ford race against each other, Howard realizes that he is too much in love with Williams to leave town, and Dreyfuss finally tracks down the blonde woman but chooses to go to college instead.

The film was nominated for several Academy awards including ‘Best Picture’. It is one of those movies which can never age. I suspect 50 years from now people will still like it and identify with those boys, even though they are from an era which can never exist again. I envy them for that time in their lives. Where the nights were filled with people cruising the streets without a care in the world, where there was always a drive-in diner to go in case you got hungry, where you could run into your friends at different times throughout the night and have something new to share each time and where ‘Wolfman Jack’ played those memorable tunes to keep you company as you lived your youth.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Best Of The Academy - Part 3

In this final installment of the series, I would be naming what in my opinion are top choices as the Best Picture winner.

Counting Down The Best : 25-1


25. 1981: Chariots Of Fire
An inspiring film about two athletes with different beliefs but one goal: to win an Olympic gold. The music by Vangelis is phenomenal as is everything else.

24. 1977: Annie Hall
A film by the great Woody Allen, on the relationship between two people who are polar opposites of each other. The writing is top class and Woody is at his neurotic best. Although a great film, the Academy should have shown imagination in naming a different film. The same imagination that was unleashed by George Lucas and his far away galaxy.

23. 1980: Ordinary People
An elegantly crafted movie by first-time director Robert Redford, it is a tragic look at a family which is slowly falling apart after the death of their eldest son. Donald Sutherland gives a heart breaking performance as the father trying to keep it together while Timothy Hutton (Best Supporting Actor) as the youngest son is the find of the film.

22. 1964: My Fair Lady
A delightful musical comedy, it has stood the test of time and is as fresh to watch today as was the year of its release. Rex Harrison (Best Actor) is outrageously good as ‘Prof. Henry Higgins’ and the songs are superb. Definitely brings on a smile each time you watch it.

21. 1978: Deer Hunter, The
A bone-chilling movie about the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Robert De Niro is fantastic but its Christopher Walken’s (Best Supporting Actor) brilliant performance which goes to show that for some soldiers, the war doesn’t end after the guns stop blazing.

20. 1998: Shakespeare In Love
Although I will always maintain that “Saving Private Ryan” should have won that year, this one is a splendid film. In fact it is a shame that they had to go against each other. Marvelous screenplay, direction and acting make each and every scene a delight.

19. 1950: All About Eve
An all time classic about backstabbing and betrayal in show business, this might be the best acted movie to win the award. In fact it was good enough to beat Billy Wilder’s greatest masterpiece “Sunset Boulevard”. Each performance is spot-on and the film is flawless. If not for anything else, watch for the legend of Betty Davis.

18. 1976: Rocky
Gave birth to the most popular folk heroes of cinema. It is a heartwarming movie about a likeable guy and his one shot at glory. The scene with Sylvester Stallone and his arms raised on top of the steps has become etched in history.

17. 1960: Apartment, The
Billy Wilder has created a movie which will make you smile while leaving you with a heavy heart. Jack Lemmon is terrific as a man who prefers to be lonely whilst advancing his career. A wonderful movie from the best writer-director to ever work in Hollywood.

16. 1929-30: All Quite On The Western Front
A WWI film which is unique since it is entirely from the German point of view. Not dated despite all these years, it has one of the indelible images of cinema as its last shot with the soldier and the butterfly.

15. 1990: Dances With Wolves
Kevin Costner steps into the director’s chair and also stars in this grand picture about the undiscovered Western frontier during the civil war and the native Indians who lived there. The locations are breathtaking and though the story moves at a slow pace, it is involving nevertheless.

14. 1946: Best Years Of Our Lives, The
This is a terrific film portraying the struggles which WWII veterans face after returning back to their civilian lives. It has unforgettable performances especially by Harold Russell (Best Supporting Actor). Teresa Wright plays one of the nicest characters on screen with whom any man can fall in love. A true gem and an ageless wonder, it did beat Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra’s greatest classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.

13. 1991: Silence Of The Lambs
Certainly the best title that any movie, let alone an Academy award winning movie has had, it showcases the greatest performance as a villain, by Anthony Hopkins (Best Actor). Scary yet riveting, it is one of the finest thrillers of all time. Jodie Foster (Best Actress) is also very good and the chemistry between her and Hopkins is perhaps the best that two people who are not involved romantically, have ever had.

12. 1974: Godfather, The Part II
The sequel to an iconic film had much to live up to and it does so splendidly. Once again, we are attracted to the world of the Corleone’s and can’t take our eyes away, no matter how violent their lives get. Great acting all around, including a career performance by Al Pacino.

11. 1982: Gandhi
A well made biography of the great person who influenced the lives of many. Ben Kingsley (Best Actor) has embodied the spirit of the man and in doing so educated an entire new generation of people about the spirituality of the ‘Mahatma’. This is a testament to the filmmakers who have succeeded in this huge undertaking. It was unfortunate that the main competition came from one of the most endearing films of all time, “ET: The Extra Terrestrial.”

10. 2004: Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood gives an emphatic proof that in this day and age of modern cinema, a plain story if told well, can do miracles. A masterpiece of simplicity, it will blindside you with its emotional center. This movie ought to be a mandatory lesson in film school.

9. 1954: On The Waterfront
Quite simply the best acting performance in cinema, it made Marlon Brando (Best Actor) a legend. That scene in the taxicab is unforgettable in its raw emotion.

8. 1962: Lawrence Of Arabia
The most definitive scene in the movie is Omar Sharif’s entry as a mirage in the scorching desert and that perhaps is one of the most outstanding shots in cinema. This movie is an extraordinary vision of one man, David Lean, (Best Director) who believed that it was possible to make a movie under the backdrop of a desert and in doing so, fashioned an epic.

7. 1994: Forrest Gump
An American treasure, it is a memorable look at events in American cultural history from 50’s to the 80’s through the eyes of a simpleton. Tom Hanks (Best Actor) gives the performance of his career. Brilliant!

6. 1939: Gone With The Wind
Perhaps not the best movie of all time, but for its time, it is certainly one of the grandest productions to have been brought to the screen. It is believed to be the most widely watched movie of all time and deserves its place amongst the pantheon of legends. But for a minute, consider some of the movies in the competition (from 10): “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”, “The Wizard Of Oz”, “Wuthering Heights”, “Goodbye Mr. Chips”, “Ninotchka” and “Stagecoach”.

5. 1993: Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’s most personal film, it is a gruesome yet necessary depiction of the holocaust and a reminder how one individual can possess the ability to change the fate of generations. It also brought a long-overdue Best Director award for Spielberg.

4. 1965: Sound Of Music, The
Oh what a wonderful movie. An absolute pleasure to watch, it is everything cinema should be and more. Great songs and awe-inspiring cinematography make this an experience to behold.

3. 1972: Godfather, The
A perfect film! Flawless in all aspects, it is a compelling look at the mafia and the Corleone family in particular. Marlon Brando (Best Actor), Al Pacino, James Cann and Robert Duvall create characters that will be remembered for years.

2. 2003: Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
A once in a lifetime experience which no other movie can surpass. Just making this series is cinematic equivalent of climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. Then why is it at number 2? The only reason being because it is a part of a trilogy. On its whole the series is unparalleled, but individually they do not make a complete film like The Godfather I or II. Thus, I have to acknowledge the following movie as the finest to win a ‘Best Picture’ award.

1. 1997: Titanic
A film made with astonishing passion, it is incredible in its planning and execution. James Cameroon (Best Director) has done an almost impossible task of combining a very good fictional love story with the chilling reality of the greatest maritime disaster. I cannot imagine the real event being any different from what is shown. A masterpiece, which although was commercially an unprecedented success, is not given its rightful due as one of the greatest films of all times.

There it is. My list of the 77 movies that won the Academy award for ‘Best Picture.’ Very often, people complain that the films which Academy chooses for nomination are ‘art house material’ and not entertaining. Some others complain about the exact opposite saying that Academy ignores independent films. It is quite impossible to please everybody but in my opinion, Academy awards are the true reflection of cinematic excellence. All of films mentioned above are good movies and some of them are legendary. Academy awards for me remain the benchmark of greatness and I for one am convinced of their legacy. Come Sunday the 78th film will be crowned and after seeing all 5 of this years nominated films, I know what I am cheering for. Like the previous two years, as soon as I saw this one, I knew that it was the best film of the year and would require a special effort to beat it. Although released in April, no film since has come close. So I hope that the 78th Best picture is none other than my favorite film of 2005, “Crash”.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

Great Moments From Cinema - 10


Dancing In The Dark

Movie: The Band Wagon (MGM; 1953)
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Screenplay: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Major Cast: Fred Astaire, Cyd Charisse, Oscar Levant, Nancy Fabray and Jack Buchanan

Film Synopsis: Astaire and Charisse are hired as stars of a Broadway musical directed by the over-zealous Buchanan. What started out as a simple and funny story ends up being a modern day “Faust” and naturally flops. It is left to Astaire to motivate the cast and make a comeback.

My Favorite Moment: Astaire and Charisse dancing in the ‘Central Park’ at night

Why I Like It: What an absolute delight. This is the kind of film one should be watching at the end of a hard day at work. A gem of a movie which endears itself to the audience immediately and only gets better. What works is the entire package rather than any individual performance or the direction or the story. It appears as if everyone is just having plain fun. Having said that, any movie with Astaire in it, better be good.

Astaire plays a washed-up actor/dancer who is looking for a second chance at stardom. His married friends, played by Levant and Fabray, have written a musical which is nice and homely. They want it to be directed by Buchanan, who is a known name in the industry. However, he is a pompous person proud of his own image and loves to make ‘artistic’ productions with him as the lead performer. He listens to their story and even before they can finish, has made up his mind to convert it into a modern day “Faust”, complete with gaudy special effects and bad acting. Astaire grudgingly agrees and Charisse, who is one of the top ballerinas, is hired to star opposite him. Both of them are conscious of the other person’s reputation and are hence scared to work together with a fear of disappointing the other. Thus, to hide their true feelings, they start fighting from the moment they meet and it continues through the rehearsals. At one point, Astaire quits and Charisse is sent to apologize to him. During this, they learn that all this time they had been arguing for no apparent reason and have nothing but respect for each other. To solidify this friendship, they go for a late night buggy ride and a walk through the park. Then, without any spoken word, they both start dancing in the night. Their elegant movement doesn’t need any dialogue and is poetic enough, that it can be watched without any music. What we see are two supreme performers reveling in their peaceful surroundings. They are both doing what they love the most and nothing else could have brought them closer.

Astaire is great as usual and his initial ‘shoe-polish dance’ as well as the final sequence during the ‘girl hunt’ scene are fantastic. But the real star is Buchanan, who is electrifying as a director who trusts his own publicity. His sales pitch for the musical, to the financers, is one of the most hilarious scenes in movies. Finally, everything is resolved, the show is a hit and there is genuine gratitude and poignancy in the way the cast thanks Astaire in the end. Minnelli made several musicals in his career but none better, as he invites us all to come aboard his band wagon.