Great Moments From Cinema - 9

The Sad Song
Movie: To Kill A Mockingbird (Brentwood, Pakula-Mulligan and United International Pictures; 1962)
Director: Robert Mulligan
Screenplay: Harper Lee (book) and Robert Foote
Major Cast: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Brock Peters and Robert Duvall

Film Synopsis: Set in the South of 1932, a black man is falsely accused of raping a white woman. One man stands next to him and fights for justice.

My Favorite Moment: The black people in the court standing up as a mark of respect for Peck’s ‘Atticus Finch’

Why I Like It: Has there ever been a more heroic movie character than ‘Atticus Finch’? Well apparently not if AFI is to be believed. They named him the No. 1 hero of all time from over 200 characters. When you consider that he was competing with everyone from ‘Moses’ to ‘Indiana Jones’; that is saying something. This is an unforgettable movie experience based on the Pullitzer prize winning book. Told entirely through the point of view of the six year old daughter of ‘Finch’, ‘Scout’, played brilliantly by Badham, it is one of those movies which teaches to sustain the human spirit despite the injustice around us.

‘Finch’ is a small town lawyer who is the only person to believe in the black man’s innocence. With the South wrought with racial prejudice, he fights for that cause which, he deems morally correct. He gives it his all in the court, but it doesn’t convince the white jury who convict the black man who is obviously innocent. As ‘Finch’ leaves the courtroom despondently, all the black people sitting in the balcony stand up in reverence to this one white individual who upholds the dictum of all men being born equal. No words are said, no cheering, no applause. Just a silent and united stand by a community to show their gratitude.

Peck won an Academy award for this performance which is now immortal. He is ‘Atticus Finch’ period. The turbulence of those times is seen innocently by the young girl, who just does not understand why the color of someone’s skin should make them different. Seeing the film from her point of view makes it strikingly heartrending. The reference to the title comes when ‘Atticus’ tells his children that it is a crime to kill a mockingbird since all they do is sing for us. There is also a parallel story line about the town bogeyman played by Duvall. It is a great role in which he is on the screen for just 5 minutes and doesn’t have a single dialogue. But his part says more about humanity than anything else. So who is the mockingbird? Is it the black man who was ‘killed’ by prejudice? Is it Duvall who was unfairly suspected of being a psychopath? Or is it ‘Atticus’, whose spirit is attacked again and again, sometimes by his own son who thinks of him as a coward? It may well be all of them and it is not just the white people, but everyone, who ‘kills’ them with bias against some of their actions. ‘Finch’ says to his daughter once, “If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” It is a learning she will never forget. So is ‘Atticus Finch’ the greatest of all screen heroes’? Damn right he is!

Best Of The Academy - Part 2

With two weeks to go for the 78th Academy awards, we will continue my countdown of the best picture winners from the past 77 years. Today’s films are middle of the pack, yet each of them makes for compulsory watching.


Counting Down The Best : 50-26

50. 1944: Going My Way
Bing Crosby (Best Actor) plays a young priest who brings joy and order to a parish run by a strict old priest in this feel good movie. The last scene will bring a lump in your throat.

49. 1973: Sting
Paul Newman and Robert Redford are two con-artists who pull a big scam in this delightful film. An intelligent script is handled splendidly by these two legends.

48. 1992: Unforgiven, The
One of the last western roles for the icon Clint Eastwood, this is a magnificent movie about a retired outlaw who returns for one last ride and provide justice. The cinematography is breathtaking.

47. 1938: You Can’t Take It With You
A typical Frank Capra movie which makes you feel better about yourself. Jean Arthur and Jimmy Stewart; enough said.

46. 1937: Life Of Emil Zola, The
An engrossing film about the French writer and his fight to acquit an innocent man, who is a victim of military politics. The writing and the dialogue, especially in the courtroom scenes are very good.

45. 1941: How Green Was My Valley
A John Ford film which can be considered a classic, although it is strongly believed that it robbed “Citizen Kane” of its deserved award. Having said that, lush green countryside has never looked better in black and white. This is a testament to the skills of Ford as a director. The movie itself is very endearing as it looks at the virtues of family through the eyes of a young boy. Then there is that enchanting voiceover.

44. 2000: Gladiator
Aspires for epic status, but falls short. It is a good film with magnificent set decoration which has brought ancient Rome to life. Russell Crowe (Best Actor) carries the movie which bears a passing resemblance to “Ben-Hur”. Nevertheless, I wish the Academy had shown a little imagination in giving the award to a foreign language film which was arguably the best movie of the year: the subliminal “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.”

43. 1953: From Here To Eternity
Looks at lives of people on a naval base in Hawaii, just a few days before Pearl Harbor. The ever poetic Montgomery Clift is wonderful as a troubled young man who endures cruelty from fellow soldiers but stands for his principles

42. 2001: Beautiful Mind, A
Russell Crowe is back for a brilliant portrayal of the Nobel laureate John Nash. Good acting but does bog down a bit in the middle. However, does a competent job of balancing sentimentality with drama.

41. 1935: Mutiny On The Bounty
Charles Laughton is fantastic as one of the greatest super villains, ‘Capt. Bligh’. Clarke Gable overacts a bit as ‘Fletcher Christian’ but this is one of the most well made films from that era.

40. 1970: Patton
George C. Scott was born to play this role of the controversial American General who led with great passion during WWII. His opening speech will have even the people in the audience sit in attention.

39. 1931-32: Grand Hotel
Lives of several people intersect for a few days inside the grand hotel in Berlin. Sometimes humorous, sometimes sad but always compelling, this is a fantastic character study. Plus, there is the immortal Greta Garbo.

38. 1945: Lost Weekend, The
Ray Milland (Best Actor) gives a gut-wrenching performance as an alcoholic who tries to drink himself to death over one weekend. His desperation as the hours run late and the money grows thin is quite scary at times. Another classic from Billy Wilder.

37. 1996: English Patient, The
Juliette Binoche and Ralph Fiennes give memorable performances in this story set during WWII, of a nurse who cares for a dying man. The cinematography is spellbinding as it makes even the harshest of deserts look romantic. Although this year the competition was stiff with the brilliant “Fargo” and the heart-warming “Jerry Maguire”.

36. 1984: Amadeus
The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is told through the jealous eyes of his contemporary Antonio Salieri. The music, as expected, is divine and so is the set decoration which brings 18th century Vienna to life.

35. 1968: Oliver!
The beloved masterpiece from Charles Dickens is set to a musical and is one of the best adaptations of the book. Ron Moody as ‘Fagin’ steals the show.

34. 1959: Ben-Hur
Nobody hams an epic like Charlton Heston (Best Actor) and this is a certified epic. The chariot race itself is worth going miles to see. One of the ‘larger-than-life’ Hollywood productions.

33. 1995: Braveheart
Mel Gibson directs and stars in this film about the 13th century Scottish warrior who fought the English for freedom. Has some of the best battle-scenes captured on camera while telling a good story.

32. 1934: It Happened One Night
Clarke Gable, Claudette Colbert and their long journey from Miami to New York. Has everything we aspire for in a good romantic movie. Grand fun.

31. 1947: Gentleman’s Agreement
One of the landmark movies to deal with the ugly topic of anti-Semitism in the pre-McCarthy era. Good performances make this one of the seminal drama’s to confront bigotry in American community.

30. 2002: Chicago
It was good to see a musical win the best picture nod, and a good movie at that. It is probably one of the most stylish movies ever made and earns its prize with a near perfect script and outstanding choreography.

29. 1943: Casablanca
Although it may be felt that this film is ranked way below its expected spot; the movie does have some flaws. However, includes an iconic performance by Humphrey Bogart and some brilliant dialogues. Must-see-before-you-die stuff.

28. 1955: Marty
Without an iota of doubt, not only the most heart-warming film to win the best picture award but also features one of the most endearing characters as the leading man. Ernest Borgnine (Best Actor) plays a lonely man who is ugly, but with a heart of gold. If he doesn’t win you over, then it’s a lost cause.

27. 1987: Last Emperor, The
A sprawling epic about ‘Pu Yi’, the last emperor of China, it tells a story of a boy who had everything, except his childhood. It is a magnificent production, especially the scenes inside the ‘Forbidden City’. Another one of those films with an emotional final scene.

26. 1999: American Beauty
A fantastic look at suburban America and the complexities in the lives of people living there. But then when you look at it, everything’s quite simple…and beautiful. A modern masterpiece.

Next week 25-1.

Great Moments From Cinema - 8

Sealed With A Kiss
Movie: The Shop Around The Corner (Loew’s Inc. and MGM; 1940)
Director: Ernst Lubitsch
Screenplay: Miklós László (play), Samson Raphaelson and Ben Hecht
Major Cast: Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart

Film Synopsis: Stewart and Sullavan are co-workers in a little gift shop and who can’t stand each other. However, neither one knows that they are secret pen pals, madly in love.

My Favorite Moment: Stewart disclosing to Sullavan that he is her mystery man.

Why I Like It: What a pleasure it is to see films like these. In most cases you know what you are going to get. Sure there will be some anguish, some misunderstanding, some drama; but there is something so wonderful about watching two people in love come to that realization and live happily ever after. Plus, if that couple happens to be Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, well then it’s like being in a candy store. This is one of those delights from the classic era of Hollywood.

In the course of working together in the store, Sullavan and Stewart have grown to dislike one another, even though she feels more strongly about it than him. During their correspondence, they have gradually fallen in love because they firmly believe that it is the minds which matter, not looks. Although they do not know each others description, they are impressed by their mutual taste in literature and poetry. When finally they decide to meet, Stewart, who had just been fired that day, arrives at the rendezvous café and sees her. He is reluctant to reveal himself because he is sure that she would reject him, even though he is the author of those letters. Furthermore, thinking of him as her hated colleague, she proceeds to insult him thus making him leave without disclosing his identity. Some more heartache follows, after which it is the magical Christmas Eve with snow outside (of course), and Stewart and Sullavan are alone in the shop. She is excited because she’s going to meet her mystery person and expects him to propose. By this time Stewart has managed to mellow her feelings towards him as a co-worker and it is now when Stewart, with all his skills as an actor encourages her by saying that he is certain that she will be engaged before the weekend is through. The audience is pleading, “Tell her already” and so he does. He wears a flower on the lapel of his coat, which is their pre-decided symbol for identification, and looks at her as only Jimmy Stewart can. Sullavan’s eyes become big as she processes this information and when she asks if it is was really him all this time; there is just a subtle nod, as only Jimmy Stewart can nod. The audience lets out a collective sigh of relief as they finally kiss.

This movie is like that small puppy dog that just begs to be loved each time he looks at you with those wide eyes. The film was remade in 1999 as “You Got Mail” where email has replaced letters and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are the leads. That is a good movie and Hanks and Ryan are excellent actors. But they are not Stewart and Sullavan; plus the famous ‘Lubitsch touch’ is missing. Besides there is something breathtaking about a love story shot in black and white. In all my years of watching films, I have not understood why audience likes predictable romantic movies. Do I really need to ask?

Great Moments From Cinema - 7

One Flew Over The Moon
Movie: E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial (Amblin Entertainment & Universal Pictures; 1982)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Screenplay: Melissa Mathison
Major Cast: Henry Thomas, Robert MacNaughton & Drew Barrymore

Film Synopsis: A heartwarming story of friendship between a young boy and a lost alien who is trying to find a way home.

My Favorite Moment: A bicycle flying across the moon.

Why I Like It: There is a moment in the film when young ‘Elliot’ (Thomas) shows the alien (‘ET’) to his elder brother (MacNaughton) and kid sister (Barrymore). The young girl starts screeching in high pitch while the elder brother, who has been trying to put up a brave face, starts screaming as well. This scares ‘ET’ and he too screams in his own peculiar way. The children’s mother hears this and comes to investigate. This sends the kids and ‘ET’ scurrying into the closet, all screaming at the same time. With this scene Spielberg does two things. He establishes that this is a movie about kids and made for the kids. Secondly, he shows that the alien is just as scared, perhaps more, of the tiny little girl because he too is a young one away from his family. In fact Spielberg takes great care in the first hour of the movie, not to show the face of a single adult, except the mother. All the others are shot from shoulders down. Even later, most of the adults are either behind masks or in shadows. Adults in this film are unimportant. They are the skeptics. They will not understand. It is not about them. At times you can almost feel the child in Spielberg grinning during some of the scenes, while in some others; you can feel his parental hand pat your shoulder. This movie is his most noble achievement.

‘ET’ has been mistakenly left behind by his spaceship and hides in ‘Elliot’s’ garage. When ‘Elliot’ finds out, both of them are scared, but soon develop a friendship and love which grows so strong, that it binds their life-force to each other. ‘Elliot’ starts feeling ‘ET’s’ pain due to homesickness and wants to help him get back. ‘ET’ is a super-intelligent being who amongst other qualities, has healing powers at the tip of his fingers. In one scene, ‘Elliot’ cuts his finger and says “Ouch”; ‘ET’ just touches his finger with his and repeats the same word which he now assigns to pain. In an inspired scene at end, the only conversation between ‘ET’ and ‘Elliot’ during their parting is:

‘ET’: “Come”
‘Elliot’: “Stay”
‘ET’ (pointing towards himself): “Ouch”
‘Elliot’ (doing the same): “Ouch”
Such magical moments are plenty, including the famous shot of ‘ET’ pointing towards the sky and crying out “Home!” In the film’s most subliminal sequence, ‘Elliot’ is riding with ‘ET’ on his bike which starts flying, with the moon as a backdrop. John Williams has composed a score for the ages and young and old alike are sure to gasp each time they watch this scene. In fact, “ET” is a film which every parent should watch with their kids, since it is the most incredible way of bonding for a family at the movies. This scene of the bike is not just great moment in cinema; it is a great moment in the life of a child.

Spielberg at the end of his career may be regarded as the greatest director the world has seen and his films like “Schindler’s List”, “Jaws”, “Close Encounters Of The Third Kind”, “Minority Report”, “Jurassic Park”, “Indiana Jones”, “Saving Private Ryan”, “Color Purple”, “Munich” etc. will be seen as examples of his mastery. But generations of people will see “ET” for the wonder that it is, not because it is another masterpiece by him. That is the difference between great movies and life-affirming experiences at cinema.

Best Of The Academy - Part 1

Each year, for the past 77 years, the The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences honors the best motion picture of the year. In the early years, up to 10 movies were nominated and from amongst them, the members of the academy choose the top film. Since the 50’s only 5 films are selected for the final nominations before crowning the victor. Sometimes, the most deserving film does not get the nod, but then that may be my discrimination rather than a fair evaluation. However, there is no denying the fact that each of these movies is special and the reason that cinema is the most sublime art form on earth. There are only 77 of them so far and I thought that with the 78th Academy awards in about 3 weeks time, it would be fun to rank them according to my preference. Each of these films has been seen by me within the last 2 years, and so they are still fresh in my memory. In ranking them I considered several factors some of them being: the direction, the writing, the acting, the overall production, the importance and relevance for its time, the technology available then, the timelessness, the grandeur, the feeling of witnessing an epic, the larger-than-life appeal and of course my personal favorites. It is difficult not to be prejudiced but I think I managed to consider every aspect. However, most importantly, I considered that supreme intangible called “magic”; that one reason why I love the movies. It is that feature which has earned them the select title of “The Best Picture Of The Year”.


Counting Down The Best : 77-51

77. 1956: Around The World In 80 Days
Jules Verne’s novel brought to screen but lacking the imagination of the book. It is more of a showcase for the production which is interested in parading the cultures of different countries, rather than going back to telling an adventure story which it is.

76. 1932-33: Cavalcade
A historical look at Britain from 1899 to 1933 through the eyes of a wealthy London housewife, who witnesses first her husband and then her son go off to separate wars. It tries to cover all the major events of those years, sometimes with overt sentimentality and thus feels dated today.

75. 1930-31: Cimarron
A look at the early settlers of Oklahoma, right from the pioneer days of 1889 to the industrial age of 1929. It is an interesting concept with competent execution, but feels terribly dated due to some amateurish acting.

74. 1928-29: Broadway Melody, The
A story of two vaudevillian sisters and their love triangle with a young man. It gets predictable at times, but a bearable watch on rainy nights.

73. 1963: Tom Jones
Albert Finney is likable as a brash young man in this satirical look at British aristocracy in the 18th century. However, its farcical humor may not suit every palate.

72. 1966: Man For All Seasons, A
A serious drama about King Henry VIII vs. the church, it is a study of a man who is morally entrenched in his beliefs and thus opposes the King to tragic consequences. Paul Scofield (Best Actor winner) gives a good performance as ‘Sir Thomas Moore’.

71. 1942: Mrs. Miniver
Made during the dark years of WWII, it is about a British family (Miniver) whose son is away at war and who endure bombing every night while Mrs. Miniver does her best to bravely lead a normal life. It was an inspiration for all the people at that time and gave them hope of survival.

70. 1971: French Connection, The
A fast-paced action thriller about a NYC cop who is out to bust a drug cartel whilst trying to work within the system. The car chase scene has become legendary.

69. 1958: Gigi
A light musical about a young French girl, in training to be a courtesan, but who just wants to be carefree and in love. Maurice Chevalier is a delight as usual but not the best from director Vincente Minnelli.

68. 1952: Greatest Show On Earth, The
Cecil B. DeMille looks at the workings of a circus and the lives of people in it, while trying to tell a story of a love triangle. The movie gets too bogged down in the circus acts and becomes a platform for them rather than the characters. Charlton Heston hams as usual but the incomparable Jimmy Stewart steals the show in a brief performance as a clown.

67. 1951: American In Paris, An
There are few greater pleasures in life than watching Gene Kelly dance and though he does it brilliantly, the movie never enamors you like his other famous act where he dances in the rain.

66. 1983: Terms Of Endearment
A story of a mother and her daughter and several years of their lives where their relationship between each other keeps fluctuating, but the love never falters. It aims for greatness but falls short in the writing. Having said that, Jack Nicholson (Best Supporting Actor) is spectacular as a philandering retired astronaut.

65. 1936: Great Ziegfeld, The
A look at the up’s and down’s in the life of one of America’s famous showman; it has some of the most extravagant set decorations and of course, Myrna Loy!

64. 1948: Hamlet
Laurence Olivier and his adaptation of the classic play. It is a good movie though Olivier overplays his role a bit.

63. 1949: All The Kings Men
Showcases how power can corrupt a simple man from a small rural town when he goes on to become the Governor of that state. It is a morality check for those who choose to ignore rather than act.

62. 1989: Driving Miss Daisy
A sweet look at 20 years in the life of an old lady of the south and her African-American driver. Extremely well-acted, it is one of the simplest stories to win the best picture award.

61. 1940: Rebecca
Laurence Olivier is back to over-act, along with the exquisite Joan Fontaine, in this Hitchcock thriller. While it never matches up to the other films of the ‘master’, it is engrossing and does keep the viewer guessing. Though how this beat out the fantastic “Grapes Of Wrath”, one would never know.

60. 1961: West Side Story
A modern day Romeo & Juliet musical set on the streets of New York, it has some of the most outstanding choreography captured on the screen. However, weak acting prevents it from reaching for greatness.

59. 1969: Midnight Cowboy
Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman are terrific as two men who form an unlikely friendship while struggling to survive the urban life of NYC. Dealing with issues which were taboo at that time, it remains the only X-rated movie and one of Academy’s boldest choices as the best picture winner.

58. 1975: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest
Here is where the frowning starts since this is an American classic and yet occupies this lowly spot on my countdown. That is not to deride this film which features an outstanding performance from Jack Nicholson (Best Actor) and a magnificent one from Louise Fletcher (Best Actress) who creates one of the most despicable characters ever. It just means that I like the other 57 movies better.

57. 1988: Rain Man
Stars Dustin Hoffman (Best Actor) and Tom Cruise as two brothers who bond emotionally over a cross-country trip across America. Hoffman gives a realistic portrayal of an autistic man without having to resort to unnecessary sentimentality.

56. 1979: Kramer vs. Kramer
Dustin Hoffman (Best Actor) once again, gives a great performance as a father who fights to keep custody of his son after his wife leaves them. Wonderful acting and a satisfying ending made this simple film a surprise winner considering that it was competing with “Apocalypse Now”. For me however, the best film of the year was one which atrociously, was not even nominated: Woody Allen’s greatest masterpiece, “Manhattan.”

55. 1985: Out Of Africa
Meryl Streep plays a Danish woman who inherits a farm in Africa from her husband and eventually grows to love it more than anything else. Outstanding cinematography and music, Africa has never looked better while Robert Redford charms as usual.

54. 1986: Platoon
A disturbing look at the Vietnam War, the movie takes you right to the heart of the battle and the struggle for survival whilst maintaining your morality. Not the best Vietnam movie but a must-see nevertheless. Though this was the year that Woody Allen, yet again, made another masterpiece which should have won; “Hannah And Her Sisters.”

53. 1957: Bridge On The River Kwai
Alec Guinness (Best Actor) is the leader of British troops who are forced to build a bridge for their Japanese captors during WWII. Rather than being just another war film, this is a fascinating character study of 3 men.

52. 1927-28: Wings
The very first best picture winner, it is surprisingly good and has special effects which are fantastic for that era. The air-battle sequences can be enjoyed even today and the story is involving as well.

51. 1967: In The Heat Of The Night
Sidney Poitier is an African-American cop who is investigating the murder of a white industrialist in a southern town rampant with racism. The look on his face as he says these famous words, “The call me MISTER Tibbs!” still evokes chills.

Next week: 50-26.

Great Moments From Cinema - 6

A Beautiful Day
Movie: Fargo (Gramercy Pictures; 1996)
Director: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Screenplay: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen
Major Cast: Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare

Film Synopsis: In the remote town of Fargo, North Dakota, Macy hires two thugs, Buscemi and Stormare to kidnap his wife, so that Macy can collect ransom from his rich father-in-law. From then things fall apart and once again, fate emphasizes how crime never pays. McDormand is the chief of police who works the case.

My Favorite Moment: McDormand, after arresting Stormare, asking him sadly, what was gained through this entire tragedy.

Why I Like It: Frances McDormand won the Academy Award as best actress for her role of a pregnant chief of police who is brilliant at her job, but would not look out of place as a simple housewife. When what started off as a silly kidnapping ends in mass murder, she just shakes her head, looks at Stormare through the rear view mirror of her police car and says, “There's more to life than a little money, ya know. Don'tcha know that? And here ya are. And it's a beautiful day. Well. I just don't understand it.” The beauty of the scene is in the forlorn way in which she says this. It seems extremely sad to her that people can sink to such depths, just to earn a few extra dollars. You can see the sadness in her eyes as she reflects upon this unfortunate event. The fact that Stormare has committed cold-blooded murder is beside the point. Her question seems directed more towards humanity than a single person. Since she is about to bring a life into this world which still looks good to her, is perhaps why she says that she can’t understand all of this. Although Fargo appears like a place which is perpetually covered in snow, she can’t help but say that it’s a beautiful day because she is unable to look at life through any other way than optimism.

The cast led by McDormand is excellent. Although she comes across as a very pregnant woman who is always looking for a good buffet, McDormand is also a very smart cop who realizes very early on that the Macy may not be telling the complete truth. She is a simple person who gets firm with people only when required. Even then it sounds like an advice more than a reprimand. There is a moment when her not-so-competent colleague says something and she replies with, “I'm not sure I agree with you a hundred percent on your police work, there, Lou.”

Fargo stands outside any particular genre. It can be classified as a comedy as well as tragedy; a thriller as well as a character study. But whatever you may call the movie’s theme, it is one of the finest films of the 90’s and was selected by the American film institute as one of it’s 100 greatest films of all time. Coen brothers are known for making off-beat dark comedies, and with Fargo they proved that an interesting story can be told in any setting, even frozen tundra.

Great Moments From Cinema - 5

Once Upon A Time In The South
Movie: Gone With The Wind (Selznick International Pictures; 1939)
Director: Victor Fleming, George Cukor and Sam Wood
Screenplay: Margaret Mitchell (book) and Sidney Howard
Major Cast: Clark Gable, Vivian Leigh, Leslie Howard and Olivia de Havilland

Film Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the American civil war, this is the story of ‘Scarlett’, a pretentious daughter of a plantation owner. Played with great verve by Leigh, she is a little immature and loves the placid ‘Ashley’ (Howard). When he chooses to marry the sweet de Havilland, ‘Scarlett’ plots and schemes to get him back. Gable plays ‘Rhett’ a man who comes in and out of her life and whom she eventually marries. Despite all of his attentions, ‘Scarlett’ never gives up on trying to win back ‘Ashley’ and in doing so looses anyone who'd ever loved her.

My Favorite Moment: ‘Scarlett’ walking on streets of Atlanta, which are lined up with the dead and wounded soldiers of the confederate army.

Why I Like It: ‘Epic’ is a term loosely used to describe some movies in Hollywood. However, this is the one true certified ‘Epic’ film of the 20th century. A grand production in brilliant Technicolor, it has stood the test of time and even today holds the record for the highest adjusted box-office grossing film. Despite it’s carousel of three directors, the movie is overwhelming evidence that a film does not need computerized effects to be a compelling experience.

There are several memorable scenes and though the movie is a love story and a character study of a troubled woman, it is also a great educator due to its depiction of the civil war. The wide shot of ‘Scarlett’ walking through the hundreds of soldiers of the confederate army, who were once confident of a comprehensive victory but now in ruins, is one of the most haunting images from cinema. Plus, ‘Scarlett’, who as a young woman lost her beloved farm in Tara and was thrust into this war, can’t escape the death and destruction which was making its way down south. She is one of those who were never given a chance to grow up completely and this scene is one prime example as to why. Her refusal to give into poverty makes her take some bad decisions, which eventually make her life most miserable.

Clark Gable is sensational as a man whose desire is to possess ‘Scarlett’ more than actually love her. He does believe that some day she may love him, but at the end when the most famous dialogue in movies is uttered, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”, we are all nodding in unison. Even when he kisses ‘Scarlett’ while they are fleeing the burning Atlanta, the bright color of the sky reflects their tumultuous relation rather than any passion. Vivian Leigh gives a career performance and richly deserved the Academy award. She plays to perfection the role of a spoilt girl who may just think that she knows what love is, but is actually just scared of being alone. Perhaps, what ‘Scarlett’ truly loves is her farm and thus the fantastic final shot of camera panning back to show her on the farm with the evening sky. This is a flawless film in all aspects and the best overall production that I have seen. ‘The most magnificent picture ever’ screamed the posters. 67 years later, no one will disagree.

Great Moments From Cinema - 4

The Very Best Of Life
Movie: The Best Of Youth (Italy) (BiBiFilm and Rai Cinemafiction; 2003)
Director: Marco Tullio Giordana
Screenplay: Sandro Petraglia and Stefano Rulli
Major Cast: Luigi Lo Cascio, Alessio Boni, and Jasmine Trinca

Film Synopsis: Encompassing four decades from the 60’s to the present, the movie follows two brothers, ‘Nicola’ played by Cascio and ‘Matteo’ played by Boni and the people who come in and out of their lives; while taking a look at the changes occurring in rural and urban Italy.

My Favorite Moment: A young ‘Matteo’ and ‘Giorgia’ (Trinca) staring at each other while the jukebox plays a song.

Why I Like It: Oh, this is a wonderful movie. It’s an enriching experience and almost a privilege to be a part of these character’s lives. It is also impossible to single out just one great scene from the film. It is one of those movies that do not need a specific moment which is going to make people remember it with fondness. It’s the sum of whole parts which is going to make it a classic over the years. It runs for 366 minutes, but if there ever was a film where the time spent was worth its weight in gold, then this is it. At no point do we need to look at our watch and in the end, I was desperately left wishing for another 6 hours and beyond. The movie is that good. In fact, it is better than anybody’s highest expectation.

The film opens in the early 60’s, with the two brothers and their friends preparing to take a trip from Rome towards Norway and eventually the cape. ‘Nicola’ is a free spirit who is studying medicine whereas ‘Matteo’ is a brilliant and intense young man, keeping his own counsel and somehow seems dissatisfied with himself. During his volunteer work at a mental clinic, he meets the lovely ‘Giorgia’ who is being abused by shock therapy. He sneaks her out and along with ‘Nicola’ tries to take her to her father’s town. She is mentally scarred, rarely speaks and has enormous anger towards everyone, even lashing out at the brothers. One day in a café, ‘Matteo’ sees a juke box and asks her for a favorite song. As he plays it, they both look at each other. No words are said and the director holds the close shot for a long time. In that moment, both of these troubled minds communicate, many things being said through their eyes. Perhaps the feelings are romantic, but their look forms a bond which would go on to affect the rest of their lives. Later, ‘Giorgia’ is captured by police, which causes the brothers a lot of anguish and leads them to choose their respective paths in the future. In the next few decades, people will come in their lives and some of them will leave. But their relationships with them mould their character in some form or another. It is their journey towards self-discovery which is both hopeful and tragic at times.

The script spends time in outstanding character development, thus making all the people in this movie unforgettable. There is none better than ‘Nicola’, who is the glue which holds everyone together, sacrificing his own happiness at times. Not since Setsuko Hara in Ozu’s “Tokyo Story” has any character been so endearing and nice. I always think that I may never see a movie which is visually more spectacular than “The Lord Of The Rings” or emotionally more satisfying than “City Lights”. I know for sure that I will never see a movie which will make me care about each and every character in it as “The Best Of Youth”. I can personally guarantee that anyone who gives 6 hours of their time to this film will be rewarded for a lifetime. And when they see a badly made movie which makes them despair for the state of cinema, all they have to do is remember that there are filmmaker’s around the world who are capable of gems like this.

Great Moments From Cinema - 3

Scenes From A Memory
Movie: Vertigo (Alfred Hitchcock Productions and Paramount Pictures; 1958)
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Screenplay: Pierre Boileau (book), Thomas Narcejac (book), Alec Coppel and Samuel Taylor
Major Cast: James Stewart and Kim Novak

Film Synopsis: Stewart plays cop who is forced to retire since he is suffering from vertigo. When asked by an old friend to spy on his wife, played by Novak, Stewart starts getting obsessed with the enigmatic woman. When she dies under mysterious circumstances, Stewart is disconsolate, until he sees a person who looks exactly like her.

My Favorite Moment: Stewart forcing Novak to change her appearance to resemble the dead woman

Why I Like It: This is another of Hitchcock’s masterpiece, if not his best. Stewart has fallen in love with his friend’s wife ‘Madeleine’, whom he had been following for days, at one point even saving her from drowning. His friend is worried since his wife is acting strangely and had thus asked Stewart to keep and eye on her. In doing so, Stewart had grown increasingly attracted to her mysterious persona and genuinely believes ‘Madeleine’, when she claims to be the reincarnation of her own ancestor. When ‘Madeleine’ dies by jumping off a tall church tower, Stewart is struck with grief, especially since he was unable to follow her, due to his vertigo. After several months, he spots a woman, ‘Judy’, who looks just like ‘Madeleine’ and his old passion is rekindled. He doesn’t realize that this is in fact the same person and the entire charade was a plot by his friend to kill his wife with Novak being a hired actor. However, while playing the role of ‘Madeleine’, ‘Judy’ has also fallen in love with Stewart, but cannot get herself to tell him the truth. Thus, she is ready to do whatever he says, even change herself to look like ‘Madeleine’.

Stewart takes ‘Judy’ out shopping and makes her try out several dresses and shoes to match what ‘Madeleine’ used to wear. He makes her change the color of her hair and even forces her to tie it in exact same fashion. As ‘Judy’, dressed like ‘Madeleine’, walks out of the bathroom door, Stewart gets up to look at her. Hitchcock lights the scene with a green neon sign outside the room making Novak look like a mirage and by using blurred focus, makes her appear like a distant memory, because that’s what she is to Stewart. ‘Judy’ for him, does not exist since he has become blind with his desire. The camera makes a 360 degree turn as Stewart holds her tightly, and the background changes to recreate, in Stewart’s mind, the surroundings where he and ‘Madeleine’ used to meet.

Stewart plays the part to perfection. It is a dark role, of a man possessed by the image of his passionate love. He doesn’t realize that the more he forces ‘Judy’ to be like ‘Madeleine’, the more distant he is pushing away a person who wants him to love her for what she is. But there are no happy endings and when Stewart learns the bitter truth about the deception which Novak was forced into by his friend, he screams out broken-hearted and in agony, “Did he train you? Did he rehearse you? Did he tell you exactly what to do, what to say? You were a very apt pupil too, weren't you? You were a very apt pupil! Well, why did you pick on me? Why me?” At the tragic end, Stewart is once again left with a memory that was never real.

Great Moments From Cinema - 2

The Golden Flames
Movie: The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre (Warner Bros.; 1948)
Director: John Huston
Screenplay: B. Traven (book) and John Huston
Major Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt and Walter Huston

Film Synopsis: Bogart and Holt are two laborers in Mexico who are trying to survive after being cheated by a contractor. They meet an old prospector, Huston, who tells them of these hills which have untapped gold. Once they find the treasure, mistrust sets in amongst the trio.

My Favorite Moment: Bogart succumbing to the madness of paranoia and greed.

Why I Like It: If all the cinema legends were to live on the first level of an apartment building, Humphrey Bogart would occupy the penthouse. No one has had a screen presence to rival his. He can say a dialogue with such authority that he owns the scene, no matter who his co-stars. This is one of his best acting roles and a realistic portrayal of how little the difference is between man and an animal, when gold is on the line.

The three men start the prospecting with high hopes for a good future. But the more gold they collect, the more fearful they get of their surroundings, including each other. Even if anyone were to leave his sleeping place in the night, the others get up, alert to his intentions. They have to fight off bandits in the process and at one point plot to kill an innocent passer-by who comes to their camp and asks for a chance to prospect with them, in return for his help against the bandits. After the gold has been collected, they are on their way home when Bogie starts getting suspicious about everything. Huston leaves his two colleagues, trusting them with his share of the gold, and goes off to help some natives who have a sick person. After this, Bogie’s paranoia reaches its peak as he starts accusing Holt of planning to murder him and run off with the treasure. Both men refuse to fall asleep, afraid of the other. Finally, as Bogie attacks Holt and tries to kill him, the flames from the campfire seem to get brighter and partially light’s up Bogie’s face, which reveals the madness that has consumed him. When he thinks that he has killed his partner, Bogie lies next to the fire and talks to himself, “Conscience. What a thing! If you believe you got a conscience it'll pester you to death. But if you don't believe you got one, what could it do t'ya? Makes me sick, all this talking and fussing about nonsense.” His depiction of this pathetic man trying to justify his actions is so real that we pity, more than hate, him for his deeds.

Apart from Bogie, who is outstanding and should have won the Academy award for best actor, Holt has done a good job. But the real surprise is Walter Huston whose son directed this movie. Upon winning the Academy award for supporting actor, Huston said, “Many, many years ago I raised a son and I said to him, if you ever become a writer or director, please find a good part for your old man.” This poignant moment is a Hollywood ending in itself. The movie has not aged a day and is still considered an all time classic. What a great character study of three individuals who started off with similar motives, but ended up with choosing different paths. It was as the tagline said, 'They sold their souls for The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre'.

Great Moments From Cinema - 1

License To Thrill
Movie: Dr. No (Danjaq Productions and Eon Productions Ltd.; 1962)
Director: Terence Young
Screenplay: Ian Fleming (book) and Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood & Berkely Mather
Major Cast: Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, Joseph Wiseman, & Bernard Lee

Film Synopsis: In his first outing, ‘James Bond’ (Connery) travels to Jamaica, to investigate the mysterious ‘Dr. No’ (Wiseman).

My Favorite Moment: “Bond. James Bond”

Why I Like It: With these words, the most famous movie character was launched. 44 years and 20 movies later, he shows no signs of slowing down. It is very surprising for a franchise to survive for so long, especially when the leading man has changed 5 times and yet the audience keeps coming back for more. Although the plots have had to keep up with the modern times, the central theme remains the same. There is a super villain with plans of world domination, which prompts the British secret service to pull ‘Bond’ from the company of a sultry beauty and send him to exotic locations. 2 hours later, after surviving several heart-stopping moments, he is back in the arms of another beauty as they celebrate his success over glasses of martini. It is predictable yes, but so is our favorite ice-cream. This is one guilty pleasure which nobody minds.

Sean Connery was the ideal choice to play the lead role. He was young, handsome, sophisticated and had that arrogant charm which Cary Grant had made his own years earlier. His entry in the movie is typical of the character. He is first seen dressed in a tuxedo and gambling successfully in a posh casino, surrounded by the rich and famous. He is far removed from being the ruthless government spy who carries a number ‘007’, which means ‘license to kill’. He drinks vodka martini, “shaken not stirred”, and seduces women by merely introducing himself in the manner mentioned above. Then, after a playful tryst, he was sent off to Jamaica where he encounters ‘Dr. No’, defeats him, saves the world and collects the beautiful Ursula Andress as his spoils of victory. It is not as easy as it sounds, it never is in a ‘Bond movie’, but the style with which he carries out his missions, makes the danger seem trivial.

Over the years, the favorite pastime of ‘Bond’ fans has been to compare the performances of the various actors who have been ‘James Bond’. Each one has their own favorite and rightly so, because all the actors brought something to the character and added to his legend. Whether it was the intelligence of Connery, the wit of Roger Moore, the fierce intensity of Timothy Dalton, the shrewdness of Pierce Brosnan or even the charm of George Lazenby, who was abandoned after one outing; all of them took us for a thrill ride across the globe and made us believe, that the only bother for them might have been the selection of a tie to go with their dinner jacket. Plus, who can forget those beautiful women who have come to be known as ‘Bond Girls’. As we await the next installment of the franchise which introduces Daniel Craig as the new leading man, he knows that he has some big shoes to fill. For every fan will be watching his exact move, starting from ordering of the drink, to finding the right tone to introduce himself. Oh yes, ‘007’ is a prestigious number to carry, for it signifies a sacred part of cinema history.

Great Moments From Cinema - Prologue

Moving Magic
I am often asked as to why I bother. Why invest so much time into something, which is not even real. Why pretend that the celluloid medium is a gateway to fantasy and that like ‘Dorothy’, you too might end up finding a magic land over the rainbow. Why, sometimes even I question my own motivation towards cinema. It is probably like being in a relationship where you are not sure if it is love or just a veil of convenience, shrouding that what is true and real. Is it like an intoxicating mixture of romance and deceit, which at first, has an irresistible charm but which can only fade to black long before the credits roll? Is it because watching movies is like entering a mist, which looks inviting and we only comprehend what is immediate, not what lies ahead? Or is it like that undying urge to rise above the common and stare directly at that elusive spotlight which should have been your own? What is this theatre of dreams that has me trapped and like quicksand, is eating away at me slowly, one inch at a time? Is it really just a house of mirrors with thousand reflections staring back at me with an equal measure of ridicule and pity? Maybe the time has come for introspection and answers to all the questions, with a hope that at the end I either let myself be completely swallowed or fight my way out and regain semblance of sanity.

Filmmakers for a long time have been called “The Dream Merchants”. That’s because they sell dreams to all those who need them the most. Does it mean that there are a lot of souls that need saving? Is entertainment really deliverance for people needing an escape? That is one perception. The other is the more practical one of business. Movies, like any other industry, have a primary goal of making money. A movie after all, aims to satisfy the consumer demand. The real question should be if the demand is for the so-called “salvation”? Do people go to the movies for distraction? Are they so fed up by their 9 to 5 life that they need an outlet for their emotions? Do they see themselves on that silver screen? Do they wish for a life of the protagonist, no matter the darkest hour, because they know that the dawn has to come much before the lights in the auditorium? It is important to address these queries because therein lies the reason for my predicament.

I once heard a comment where it was said that movies are made for the people in the “cheap seats”. They are the working classes for whom perhaps, the above rules apply. If this were the reality then there would have never been a Walt Disney . Doesn’t an animated film bring an angelic smile to a kids face? Don’t they laugh when a pie hits someone squarely in the face? For them there are no 9 to 5’s. For them there is no alternate reality. For them the universe is just that small house and the backyard of their loving parents. Their movie experience differs a great deal from the grown-ups. But are these not the same grown-ups who can still laugh at ‘Tom’ knowing that he can never hope to trap ‘Jerry’? What is their involvement in a foregone conclusion?

For some people a movie is another form of art. It is equivalent to visiting an art museum or listening to a maestro in concert. It is a science of optics and lighting. They are continually amazed by the technology that can make impossible things come to life. They go to a movie for an experience which can enrich their knowledge, and like a vintage port, the taste of a good movie stays with them for a long time. This is yet another community which has me questioning my place in the fraternity of cinema watchers. How can single medium mean different things to different people?

Where do I fit in? Am I that person who is in a dead-end job and wants to momentarily suspend belief and believe that it is possible for true love to conquer all? Am I that person who is like the wide-eyed kid who likes seeing people making a fool of themselves? Or am I one of those who find it perplexing as to how a partially lit face can communicate so much more than spoken words? Do I find myself as one of these kind or am I all of them? What is this thing called cinema and what hold does it have over me?

There are movies which are truly great. Sometimes it is the story and sometimes it is the performance. Sometimes it is the special effects and sometimes it is the lack of them. There is a lot of literature, which explains why some movies are legendary and why some are just a waste of everyone’s time. However, there are no two people in the world that agree on almost everything that the critics say. That is because the same movie means different things to different people. It is an individual experience, which is unique. Their reason for seeing the movie may have been the same, but the opinion at the end may not be similar or it may be vice versa. This is the primer on which any analysis can be based. My reasons for seeing the films may be vague, but the feelings are real. I recollect with delight seeing ‘Hogwarts’ and ‘Minas Tirith’ come to life. I felt the panic as ‘Titanic’ went down and the relief when ‘Apollo 13’ landed back on earth. I felt ‘Terry Malloy’s’ grief at being a nobody and rejoiced in ‘Simba’s’ triumphant return to pride rock. I felt the old man’s loneliness at the end of Tokyo Story and ‘Guido’s’ confusion in 8 ½. I understood why Jack Nicholson wanted to be a better man and why Clarke Gable said that he didn’t give a damn. I marveled at Kerry Conran technical achievement as he showed his ‘World of tomorrow’ and the simplicity of Clint Eastwood in telling his ‘Million-dollar story’ . I got lost in the vast expanse of desert as I rode with Lawrence in Arabia and I felt trapped with a broken leg next to the Rear Window . I know now why for some people there will always be the Grapes Of Wrath while there are others who are always happy while listening to The Sound Of Music . Due to movies I can understand why people can commit murder to collect money on Double Indemnity while there are some who know that no matter what, You Can’t Take It With You . I can equally empathize with ‘Paikea’ who desperately wants to be a Whale Rider and ‘Forrest Gump’ who just wants to run. I can never get tired of listening to Jimmy Stewart deliver his filibuster in Washington or James Earl Jones talk about baseball on his Field Of Dreams . I feel as if I have lived JFK’s life through those anxious 13 Days as well as waded through the fountain during La Dolce Vita . Yes, it is the movies that make me want to strongly believe that someday we will make Contact with intelligent life in the universe while at other times I do feel that we are all trapped in a Matrix .

The emotions felt during or after a movie are what makes me want to love it. I love the grandest thought to the smallest details about a movie. I love that inspired writing can change even the dullest of moments to something special. I love the fact that films can have an opening word like “Rosebud” or closing words like “Nobody’s Perfect” and become legendary because of them, just as much as I love that people get delirious when movies start with a caption like “A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away…”. I love that dialogue like “You Had Me At Hello” means the same thing as “Shut Up and Deal”. I love the fact that the icon of slapstick comedy, through a silent film like City Lights , can make people cry. I love that I can get equally moved by either watching great acting like Brando wishing that he was a contender or by watching the opening of an animated film like The Lion King . I love to see Gene Kelly jumping up and down in the rain, just as much as I love to see Julie Andrews describe her favorite things. I love to see the ‘Beatles’ running aimlessly after a Hard Days Night just as much as I love the notion that getting someplace is as easy as following the ‘Yellow brick road’. I love that I can still feel the same thrill when I see a bicycle fly across the moon as much as seeing horses running next to a moving goods train. I love the fact that later in life I can say that I was around when The Lord Of The Rings films were made just as much as I would love to experience them again for the very first time. I love that smart dialogue delivered by Gable , Bogie , Stewart , Hepburn , Stanwyck , Powell and Grant is the best stimulant for my brain. I love that a people can discuss ‘quarter pounder’s’ and ‘foot massages’ before going on a ‘hit’ and I also love that two people can spend the entire night talking, and fall in love because of that. I love that I can just sit for hours and watch Jean Arthur , Teresa Wright , Setsuko Hara , Kate Winslet and Zhang Ziyi do nothing but inhabit the screen. I love to see Rex Harrison trying to understand why a woman is not like a man just as much as I love seeing Uma Thurman go on a killing spree to prove that she really is. I love that nobody can order a ‘Martini’ like a womanizing British spy. I love to revel in the tranquility of an Ozu film, just as I love the vitality of a Fellini one. I love to see the gangster blood fest in a Scorsese movie just as much as I love the poetic and elegant fights of a Zhang Yimou film. I love the feeling of anticipation before a Spielberg film just as much as I love the feeling of suspense during a Hitchcock film and just as much as I love the feeling of happiness after a Capra film. I love that Woody Allen can make movies which break your heart while making you laugh. I love that only in movies can a mammalian bone thrown in the air morph into a spacecraft and yet not seem ridiculous. I love that I can watch a woman get killed in a shower or man get up with a horses head in his bed and still not feel revolted. I love that a movie can have just one guy on a beach talking to a football for 90 minutes and yet hold my attention. I love that an animated film like Grave Of The Fireflies can be the strongest lesson against war. I love that documentary films such as ‘Up Series’ can make me a part of other people’s lives of whom I would have otherwise never heard of. I love that ‘Middle Earth’ is even better than the one in my dreams as is the ‘Kingdom Of Narnia’. Maybe, what all of this analysis shows is that I love my life when I watch a movie. After all, these are just moments which you treasure for a long time. Moments, which I would now like to share.

I think I comprehend now. Movies are my ‘Neverland’. I am all of them. I am the man who is fed up of his routine life. I am that kid who stares at the screen in fascination. And I am also that person who appreciates each and every nuance that goes into making a film. Yes, it is mist with no long-range visibility. But I can carry a torch to face what comes after it. Yes, it is like a fascinating mixture of romance and deceit. But it is also great to match wits against it. Yes, it is a house of mirrors. But I can smile back at those reflections. And yes I know that ‘Tom’ will never catch ‘Jerry’. But boy, will I have fun seeing him try.

It Is Time

After an extended hiatus, my buddy ‘The 2 Cent King’ has convinced me to make a comeback. For that solitary reader who was waiting for this momentous occasion, all I can say is, “Dude, get a life”. Anyways, after my self-imposed exile, I have decided to write extensively on a subject that is very close to my heart: cinema. As my next posting will make it clearer as to why I am doing so, I’ll leave it at that.

Movies according to me are made special because of some extraordinary moments. It will be my aim to discuss some such moments from over 100 years of cinema. Each of them will be a reason why I love that film and also why movies are so dear to me. Barring a few, almost all of them are American films. Some of them are classics while others will be unseen by many. But make no mistake; all of them are my personal favorites. The selection is random and not a countdown. So for all those who want to start your movie experience and don’t know where to begin, well then look for another source since I may be divulging the endings of some of the films. Finally, these are my choices. If you agree with all that I say, then we may be long-lost twins.