My week of watching films chronologically
This week I was on vacation and watched films chronologically based on year of release.
My week:
Monday:
The Symbol of the Unconquered (1920) Currently, this film is rated a 5.7 on imdb with only 302 votes. It deserves to be rated higher and be more widely seen. The Symbol of the Unconquered is an engaging film with interesting characters and a story that is worth telling. Rating: 7/10.
Body and Soul (1925) Good movie, bold for its time, but a bad ending forced by censorship minimizes some of the punch. Still worth seeing. Rating: 7/10.
Variety (1925) Beautifully filmed and with some really good moments, but the story wasn't as interesting as I would have hoped. Still would recommend it and would rate it a 7/10.
Eleven P.M. (1928) This odd film was written and directed by Richard Maurice, who also stars in it. The storyline is convoluted and performances are hit and miss. There are some amusing, memorable moments, but it really isn't what I would describe as a good film. Rating: 5/10.
The Exile (1931) A young black man is torn between two very different women in the first talkie by an African-American director. This was a bit of a disappointment. It dragged on and was not very interesting. Acting was alright, dialogue wasn't very good, and story was mediocre at best. Rating:5/10.
Tuesday:
The Bohemian Girl (1936) This Laurel and Hardy musical comedy has some cute, fun moments, but isn't one of their best films. I would rate it 6/10.
Our Relations (1936) Laurel and Hardy each play two roles in this hilarious comedy about two pairs of long lost twin brothers that get mistaken for each other. This was lot of fun and had some great laugh out loud moments. Laurel and Hardy are both wonderful here. Rating: 9/10.
Way Out West (1937) This was a pretty good Laurel and Hardy comedy with a western theme and some good singing. Some laughs and fun, but not one of their best. Worth watching. 7/10.
The Blood of Jesus (1941) This was a really interesting film. I liked the music and the story was engaging. They accomplished a lot with a very low budget and minimal experience. 8/10
Sorry, Wrong Number (1948) This film has a good cast with Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster and an interesting plot, but they could have done more with it. There is a lot of exposition, talking on the phone and flashbacks. It isn't as compelling as it could have been. Performances are pretty good and the ending is effective. My rating is a 6/10.
Wednesday:
White Heat (1949) James Cagney is excellent in this entertaining, well written gangster film. My rating is a 9/10.
Reign of Terror (1949) Robespierrre, a powerful figure in the French revolution, is desperately looking for his black book, a death list of those marked for the guillotine. Moderately interesting, with some good performances. Could've been better, but still worth a watch. 7/10.
The Killer That Stalked New York (1950) This was really good. It was suspenseful and interesting, well acted and with good dialogue. My rating is 8/10.
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) A nasty, slimy movie, and I mean that in the best way possible. Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis are both fantastic and the dialogue really crackles. Score is great and the cinematography is excellent. My rating is a 9/10.
A Woman Is a Woman (1961) I like the colourful look of the movie and it has a certain playful style that I appreciate. However, I didn't find the story overly interesting. Not one of Jean-Luc Godard's best films. My rating is a 7/10.
Thursday:
Two Weeks in Another Town (1962) Kirk Douglas is great here, but the story wasn't as compelling as it could have been. It dragged in parts, although there were some really good moments. My rating is a 7/10.
Alphaville, une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution (1965) This was a strange film. I really liked the cinematography, but had a hard time getting into the story. It was overly slow. I think this Godard's weakest film. My rating is a 6/10.
The American Soldier (1970) This stylish German film about a soldier turned contract killer has a lot of noir elements to it. It was an entertaining, well shot film and tells the story in a fast paced and effective way. My rating is an 8/10.
Friday:
Beware of a Holy Whore (1971) Beautifully filmed, but intentionally slow paced. I found it dragged at times but had some interesting moments. My rating is a 7/10.
Uptown Saturday Night (1974) This comedy, directed by and starring Sidney Poitier, wasn't very funny and only moderately entertaining. My rating is a 6/10.
Je vous salue, Marie (1985) The very beautiful Myriem Roussel stars as a contemporary version of the Virgin Mary. The film is beautiful and bold, lyrical, poetic, and erotic. Rating: 9/10.