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amateurfilmopinions · 2 years

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Network (1976)

"He's saying life is bullshit, and it is, so what are you screaming about?"

The first time I saw this movie, I was traumatized. Not because it wasn't any good, it was actually one of the best I had ever seen, but because I felt like it was more of a horror movie than a dark comedy. I extended my unsettled nature to my friend who insisted we watch. After my second viewing, I knew I had to write about. Let's dig in!

Who, What, When, Where, and Why Do We Care

We start the film with two old friends and work colleagues laughing, drinking, and reminiscing about their careers. We learn through their drunken rambles that Max Schumacher (played by a solemn William Holden) has had to deliver the hard news to his longtime-friend and co-worker Howard Beale (played brilliantly by Peter Finch - more on that later). Little do we know, Howard is not going to take this sitting down. On his next broadcast, he announces that he is being forced to step down and that in his next and last broadcast, he will shoot himself on live television. Keep in mind this movie came after the real-life on-air suicide of Christine Chubbuck, which was rumored to be the inspiration behind this, but this has since been debunked. UBS, the channel they work for, and its executives immediately fire Howard. Max somehow gets Howard back on the air to apologize for his outburst, but it quickly turns to a rant on how life is "bullshit." This turns out to be a winner in terms of ratings, something the newly-hired programming chief, Diana Christensen (Faye Dunaway) tries to capitalize on this by convincing her superior, Frank Hackett (Robert Duvall) to give Beale his own show where he can continue his rants in front of a live audience. However, their quest for ratings soon turns into a deadly end.

Diana + Max = Nobody Wins

Lets make something clear: Faye Dunaway and William Holden have chemistry. New Hollywood and Old Hollywood came together to form a steamy, May-December romance. However, they were doomed from the start. Let's put aside the fact that he is married. She is at the precipice of her career at UBS, while his has been over for a long time. She is consumed by her ambition, while his is burning out. She wants ratings, at no matter what cost, while he believes in the integrity of programming. It does not help that this movie displays a pattern present during its time and even today: dehumanizing single, career-minded women where their ambition becomes their downfall (most extreme case: Fatal Attraction). Max truly emphasizes this point by calling her a "humanoid" during their break-up and when he told his wife that Diana is "incapable of any feelings." She even at one point talks about the potential romance as if it was an upcoming pilot. Unfortunately in this movie, particularly in terms of the romance, Diana's character comes across as a caricature, one that as a female, I am tired of seeing. Say it with me: THIS OUT-OF DATE TROPE NEEDS TO GO!

Overall Thoughts: Movie Still Powerful (Flaws and All)

Even with its Sorkin-like, on-the-nose dialogue (sorry Aaron, there is one Paddy Chayevsky), Network still works and resonates, even more than forty-five years after its release. This bring us back to my horrified reaction after my first viewing. The quest for ratings by giving unhinged individuals a platform sounds a little too familiar in this day-in-age. The people of UBS took advantage of the social unrest of the era and its impressionable audience to gain more success and money. It's quite hard to not draw comparisons to the forms of media that constantly air out misinformation and seeks views regardless of content, at the expense of disenfranchised groups. Did we not just have a former, reality television host as President, who in turn used his infamy to attack minorities and promote his anti-democratic ideologies? This film goes beyond satire. It is a warning, which Chayevsky succeeded in portraying. The goal is views/ratings/likes and the cost are our rights and livelihood. Think I'm exaggerating? The January 6th Insurrection says hello. This goes beyond a trend. This is our new normal and we need to start paying attention.

The Oscars: Here's some awards, but not the ultimate prize.

This film won three of the four acting awards: Peter Finch (Best Lead Actor - posthumously), Faye Dunaway (Best Lead Actress), and Beatrice Straight (Best Supporting Actress - holds the record for briefest film performance win at five minutes and two seconds). An argument can be made that Ned Beatty deserved to win for Best Supporting Actor for his brilliant, brief performance as Arthur Jensen, the UBS parent company chairman who helped turn Howard Beale to the dark side. It won Best Screenplay for Chayevsky, deservedly so, but controversially, not my favorite of his movies. I feel that Marty was better equipped at portraying emotional turmoil and philosophical turning points (highly recommend). However, when it came to the top prize, the film felt short of another cultural phenomenon: Rocky. It appears that the Academy went for the heartwarming story of triumph, rather than the one that mirrors our ugly reality. Seems like a copout, yet I don't blame because that is the easiest option. However, in times like these, we do not have that luxury and neither does the Academy. By constantly picking simplistic one-dimensional films like Oliver!, Shakespeare in Love, and Dances with Wolves that fail to examine the human condition and what is actually going on, they were and continue to be at risk of fading into obscurity. I mean, let be honest, how many people were watching this year's ceremony before the "Slap Heard Around the World"?

What do you think? Do you think Network is worth the hype? Leave your take in the comments!

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amateurfilmopinions · 2 years

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Next Movie Review Post (I'M SERIOUS THIS TIME!)

I know. I am a liar. I keep saying that my next movie review post is coming and nothing happens. However, it is going to happen this weekend. SO HELP ME GOD IT WILL. I cannot watch any other movie until I get this one out of my mind, and the only way I can do that is by writing about it. Therefore, I will post a movie review this weekend because my mental health depends on it.

#movies #movie review #20th century #drama #workplace #oscars

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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why would this actually be perfect …..

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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As a final ode to The Sound of Music, please enjoy one of my favorite SNL skits!

youtube

#the sound of music #20th century #austria #musicals #snl skit #john mulaney #cecily strong #kate mckinnon #beck bennett #nbcuniversal #nbcsnl #captain von trapp #maria von trapp #julie andrews #rogers and hammerstein #Youtube

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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My take on The Sound of Music: https://amateurfilmopinions.tumblr.com/post/663683690150461440/the-sound-of-music-1965

The Nanny & The Sound of Music

While watching The Sound of Music, I could not get out of my mind the Flashy Girl from Flushing. The similarities could not be more obvious between this musical film classic and the beloved sitcom. You have beautiful, free-spirits with iconic voices who change the lives of stuffy, rich families who are in dire need of a little laughter and love. The Von Trapps led us to the Sheffields. Greorg and Maria ran so Maxwell and Fran could walk. They brought us laughter and joy, while teaching us the importance of family. If you don't believe me, hear it from The Queen from Queens herself!

#the sound of music #julie andrews #maria von trapp #austria #captain von trapp #musicals #20th century #the nanny series #fran fine #fran drescher #maxwell sheffield #tv sitcom #flushing #cbs studios #1990s tv

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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The Nanny & The Sound of Music

#the sound of music #julie andrews #the nanny series #fran drescher #maria von trapp #fran fine #austria #flushing #captain von trapp #maxwell sheffield #musicals #tv sitcom #20th century #cbs studios #1960s movies #1990s tv #turner classic movies #disney plus #hbo max

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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Reminder my take on this movie is out. Will be posting on another one pretty soon!!! :)

The Sound of Music (1965)

"When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window."

Finally! After a little more than two weeks, I finally finished this movie. Let's just say this is a big departure from our last film review. This is the quintessential musical.

Introduction (Who are our characters and why do we care)

We start the film by seeing our lead perform the titular song. She lives in the abbey and is on her way to becoming a nun, or not since her rambunctiousness is getting on the sisters' last nerves. Maria is a free-spirit who just oozes happiness and sunshine all day every day. If she were played by any other actress, I probably would've had a migraine from all the times I would roll my eyes. However, Julie Andrews brings such a charisma and purity to the role that I actually embrace Maria's eternal wonderfulness. The warmth and naiveté she brings to the role is big contrast to her star-making role of Mary Poppins, which came out just a year earlier. From the moment she is rushing to make it to the abbey on time, I find myself actually rooting for her character.

Back to the story, Maria's adventurous spirit and shenanigans prompt the Mother Superior to suggest that she try to get a taste a life... by becoming a governess to the children of a naval officer. Whoa, calm down Mother. Is that what people need to do to experience life? If so, I will happily continue being a hermit.

She is then lead to the house of Captain Greorg Von Trapp, played flawlessly by Christopher Plummer who ironically later expressed his distaste for the film (RIP). Captain Von Trapp is a stern man who has a reputation of discipline and order. He summons his children with a whistle and has different whistle patterns for each child (RIP my ears). Well if that is the case, why have his children (SEVEN of them) gone through four or five governesses? So much disciplined parenting. Maria enters their lives to put brighten it up and fill the missing part of their lives and hearts (sound familiar?). While the children are resistant at first, they warm up to her and provide the audience with some of the best songs in the movie. While the family does have obstacles from a potential stepmother, known as the Baroness, to actual Nazis, they must triumph in the end because this is a happy musical and Maria needs to get her happily ever after!

Maria + Greorg = <3

I would be lying if I said that I did not notice the chemistry between Maria and Captain Von Trapp, which is a testament to the brilliant performances of Andrews and Plummer. They have all of the makings of a musical romance couple: singing, conflict, and not to mention the drama! This drama takes the form of the Baronness, a woman who fought for the man she loved by causing Maria's initial departure from the Von Trapp home, yet gracefully conceded when Greorg broke off their engagement.

All of this buildup finally culminated in a declaration of love... in the dark. Yep, that's right. After 2+ hours of will they/won't they, we barely get to see when they actually do. It's not like the dialogue is any source of comfort. She's loved him since the first time he blew his whistle - sure!

At least their wedding was nice. However, I don't understand why the nuns could not go past the gate to actually be a part of the wedding party. Went to Catholic school for more than ten years and yet I was so confused about that.

Nazi Takeover (We all knew Rolfe was trouble)

Okay, we all saw this part coming. The rise of the Nazi party was hinted in the beginning and came out in full force in the end, just like in Cabaret (see previous film post). However, I felt that Cabaret did a better job in balancing the story of the two leads with the rise of Nazism. In this movie, it kind of sneaks up on you because it is initially treated as an afterthought. It kind of felt as if I was watching two different movies: 1) a story about a single father of seven who meets a free-spirit turned governess and 2) the story of a family trying to resist and eventually escape the Nazis. Maybe that was the purpose of the movie. The story of a family coming together and then they face the ultimate obstacle in the form of the Nazis. I am not sure, but I felt it could have been done better. At least we have this iconic shot:

Onto the transition and one of its players: Rolfe. I was not shocked at all about his devotion to the party. He already gave me shady vibes in the beginning and also the overall feeling that he could be the ideal candidate for any cult. That scene where he is facing off with Captain Von Trapp and desperate to show his toughness just makes you realize how much of a coward he really is. He was not willing to fight for Liesl or her family. Yet, I could not empathize with Liesl. Yes, being in love hurts, but in this case, there are actual problems in the world that take precedent. I had no patience for the teenage angst, as harsh as it sounds. What she said about her love life did not help: "Sometimes I feel the world is coming to an end.."

So long, farewell!

Okay, we are in the final part of the film. The Von Trapps are trying to get away from the Nazis. It all comes to a head... at a festival where they have to sing for the lives basically (#onlyinamusical). Granted, I did feel emotional when they were performing. They were expressing their love for their homeland and saying goodbye. I could appreciate that sentiment. However, the real heroes here were the sisters at the abbey. It was not for them they would have never gotten away. The ending, though, left me feeling a little bit unsatisfied. I understand that they were able to get away and make their way out of Austria in the real story. However, would an audience member realize this without knowing the history beforehand? Maybe, if we would have seen a flag or sign, or even heard a quote that indicated that they made it out of the country. Yes, we're brought back to the hills Maria we're singing to. However, that basically loses its meaning when you learn that they were no where near that when the real-life family escaped. The real person who Maria was based on says that one would not be able to cross the Alps to get to Switzerland, in other words it is geographically not possible. Oh well, its for the love of sentimentality and the cinematic experience. Yay?

Worth the Awards?

The movie won five Oscars, including best picture. Did it deserve the major prize? When compared to the films of that year, I'm not sure. I'll admit that I have not seen most of the films that were nominated. Granted, I have seen Dr. Zhivago and while it can be described epic, I was not fond of the pacing nor was I captivated by the story. However, let it be known that it won Best Adapted Screenplay, while The Sound of Music was not even nominated for any writing awards. Whether Robert Wise deserved the directing Oscar over David Lean could also be debated. However, I cannot say without a doubt that this was the best movie of that year. Even if I disliked all of the movies nominated, I think the story is too simplistic to be given an award that is supposedly the "most prestigious in film." The film feels like a Disney movie meant to teach children that Nazis are bad, which obviously, but there is so much more to the lesson. I think the following quote from the youngest Von Trapp sums it up best: "Maybe the flag with the black spider makes people nervous?"

Final Thoughts

The movie's impact in undeniable. I mean why else would there be tribute after tribute and an NBC live special. If you love musicals, then this is a must-see. The songs are amazing and the acting is stellar. However, if you are a musical-averse individual, skip it. Julie Andrews fans: the movie is a must. Her performance is amazing and I even think it is better than Mary Poppins (please don't come at me).

What do you think? Do you think the Sound of Music is worth the hype? Leave your take in the comments!

#the sound of music #julie andrews #christopher plummer #rogers and hammerstein #robert wise #best picture #1960s movies #musicals #disney plus #turner classic movies #20th century #movies

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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The Sound of Music (1965)

"When the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window."

Finally! After a little more than two weeks, I finally finished this movie. Let's just say this is a big departure from our last film review. This is the quintessential musical.

Introduction (Who are our characters and why do we care)

Maria + Greorg = <3

Nazi Takeover (We all knew Rolfe was trouble)

So long, farewell!

Worth the Awards?

Final Thoughts

What do you think? Do you think the Sound of Music is worth the hype? Leave your take in the comments!

#the sound of music #julie andrews #christopher plummer #robert wise #rogers and hammerstein #captain von trapp #maria von trapp #best picture #1960s movies #musicals #turner classic movies #disney plus #austria #the alps #20th century #catholiscism #wwii #academy awards

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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I'M BACK!!!

Hello Everyone! I have not forgotten about you. I will be reviewing another film in the next couple of days. Thank you to everyone who liked/reblogged my Cabaret review! Like last time, below is my hint for the next film I will talk about. Spoiler: it's another musical.

#musicals #cinemalover #history #rogers and hammerstein #best picture #1960s movies #turner classic movies #disney plus #20th century

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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Cabaret Origins

Did you know that the character of Sally Bowles was based on the real life person, Jean Ross? She was British cabaret singer and aspiring actress. However, there is a bit of controversy with the casting of Liza Minnelli as the female lead because Ms. Ross was considered to be more of an amateur singer, while Minelli had ample experience on Broadway and TV, plus was the daughter of musical icons Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli.

Was Liza Minnell miscast? Who should have played Sally Bowles? Sound off in the comments!

#cabaret #bob fosse #liza minnelli #sally bowles #hollywood icons

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amateurfilmopinions · 3 years

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Cabaret (1972)

"Life is a Cabaret, old chum..."

On Saturday night, I was in the mood to watch a musical. I could have watch Funny Girl for the fifth time or finally take the plunge and watch Cabaret, something I have been trying to do for two years ever since I saw Fosse/Verdon. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and for once not let my anxiety dictate what I watch on TV. I turned on Cabaret and watched it over the course of two days.

My expectations for the movie were pretty high. I knew it was not going to be a conventional musical given the plot and Bob Fosse's direction. However, the movie is almost four decades old and we have a tendency to underestimate stories and forms of media in general when it is not from our generation. However, I must say that this movie is pretty unforgettable and even pretty modern for the era.

We have Brian, played subtly and beautifully by Michael York. He has the glow of an innocent out-of-towner who is then taken under the wing of the eccentric Sally Bowels, played by Liza Minelli, whose performance I will discuss later. From the get-go, there is a notable spark between them and you actually feel like you are going to be taken on an adventure. They both live in a boarding house, which is pretty stable and calming compared to the other dominant setting, The Kit Kat Klub.

The Kit Kit Klub. What can I say about this establishment other than it is Cabaret. The whole movie is dependent on this environment and it is a testament to the set design of how it turned out. The movie would have been nothing without it because the hedonism just jumps out at you. I felt as if I could smell the tobacco smoke of the club patrons. The performers made me want to dance on stage with them. All of this was led by the Masters of Ceremonies, played by Joel Grey as his finest. Prior to watching the film, I thought I was going to be annoyed by this man whose makeup frightened me. By then end of the viewing, I was enraptured by his presence. He helps us navigate the film by being its one constant. Even in the rise of Nazism both outside and inside the club, he is still on his feet performing for the patrons and being as brazen as in the start of the film. What adds to his fascinating persona is the mystique behind it. There is no background to this person. Does he have a home, a family, a conscience? The only thing we do know is that life is a Cabaret and he is managing it. Rightfully so.

What contributes to the beauty of the film are the relationships. The chemistry between Sally and Brian is electric and even a third participant cannot eclipse it. In all seriousness, the movie surprised me with how modern it was. The scene where the Baron, Sally and Brian are dancing in a circle, you really feel the tension and the heat within one another. In my opinion, the movie served as an example, maybe a flawed one, of multiple party relationships. These people had chemistry and they embraced it. Also, Brian, while quiet and introverted, was never trying to be someone else in the film. His possible bisexuality was cited multiple times and never in a way that felt like he was chastised and or discriminated. He was who he was, but that did not make him love Sally any less. This movie, while it could have done better in terms of LGBTQ+ representation, did go farther than a lot of films at the time. I should put in as a disclaimer that I am not a member of the LGBT+ community and cannot speak for them. I am just an ally and any comments on this topic are encouraged.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the side love story of Natalia and Fritz. They served to characterize the innocence of love and the struggle of the Jewish community in 1930s Germany. This is when we get to the hardest part of the movie: the rise of the Nazis. The movie did such a good job of never letting us forget what was going on. While we were enjoying learning about these characters, Nazism was in the background until it could not be ignored. We went from seeing a lone Nazi soldier getting kicked out of the club to the audience being filled with them at the end. Don't even get me started on the "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" scene. The Baron's cavalier attitude about the Nazis serves as the perfect mirror to how they were underestimated in real life. Bob Fosse succeeds in balancing the rise of Nazism and the story of Sally and Brian until they are unfortunately mixed together.

While I have you, we need to talk about Liza. Prior to the movie I only knew a few things. She is the daughter of Liza Minelli, guest-starred in Arrested Development, and has an Oscar. Tell you the truth, I did not have enough experience with her to understand the hype. Now I see everything in a different light. Ms. Minelli shined in this movie. She made Sally lovable and relatable, even in all her eccentricity. She had me mesmerized for in every performance at the club. The movie feels like it was tailor-made for her. This makes me sad, because we never got to see another film like that in her career. She ended being used for tabloids and offered roles that quite frankly did not do her justice. Recently, I had watched the film, Arthur, and now that I think about it, it was a thankless role. She did not get to showcase her true talents which I think is a real waste.

My verdict: Cabaret is a must-watch film that will have you humming the songs days later.

The movie won 8 Oscars and lost Best Picture to The Godfather. You know how good you have to be competition to that film? This film needs to be talked about more. It is the perfect movie musical in that it can attract even those who abhor the genre. It would be pretty hard to do a reboot of it. DO NOT GET ANY IDEAS HOLLYWOOD!

What do you guys think? Sound off in the comments. Should there be reboot? Who should star/direct?

#cabaret #musicals #1970s cinema #bob fosse #liza minnelli #michael york #sally bowles #hollywood icons #gwen verdon #joel grey #marisa berenson #master of ceremonies #commentbelow #20th century #turner classic movies #movies #movie blog

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