Movie Thread

[Tricycle Rider]

Alan Smithee was the code name used by producers when a director disowned his movie for whatever reason.

Yes indeed, now I know. Even after decades of movie watching I'm still learning new stuff, which is a good thing. For example, today I learned what a Russian Arm is, I've always wondered how they filmed those chase scenes.

It looks expensive, at any rate, not sure an Ed Wood-like production would have access to it. That's okay though, Ed Wood would probably just throw in some old stock footage that didn't fit his movie at all and call it a day.

https://extremestunt.com/services/russian-arm/

PS - I checked, to rent a Russian Arm would cost anywhere from $4,500 to $10,000 a day, and that doesn't include the wages of the crew who operates it. So yeah, a low budget production would probably have to go without and would have to get creative in other ways.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Seems like they handed him a live gun when he was told it wasn't live and there were a few earlier incidents on the same film set.Sounds like a troubled film shoot from the get go and some of the crew walked off the set earlier in protest about how things were being done. The lawyers will probably be lining up...........

I'm not following the story too closely because sifting through all the social media opinions and actual facts is too much, but there is supposed to be a press conference today. Stay tuned.

 

[movingtarget]

Rob Zombie's Halloween II (2009) Like the first one, there was a better movie within grasp but still not bad as far as sequels go. Probably the most different of the Halloween remakes, re-imaginings which is why a lot of fans seem to hate it. One thing it surprisingly touches on is survivor guilt and the psychology of victims. Also fantasy sequences, and the industry of murder and how people benefit from it financially by writing books etc, so there is a moral dimension also some satire which the other Halloween movies don't have. Once again Zombie complained about studio interference and the movie bombed at the box office after the first one was a success. Would rank both of the Zombie Halloween movies in the top 4 of the Halloween related movies without having seen the latest two yet. Another near miss but most critics seemed to hate it. Visually good but not much suspense. Nice performances by Malcolm McDowell as Dr Loomis and Scout Taylor-Compton as Laurie.

 

[movingtarget]

Halloween (2018) Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the Halloween universe after 16 years. Obviously the money was too good to refuse after it seemed her previous outing was the last but Hollywood gets around logic by starting a new series of sequels that have nothing to do with the previous ones ! The critics that called this a so called "woke' version or feminist version are not too far from the mark but does that make it a good movie ? An interesting start and some suspense towards the finish but what was in between was pretty much old hat and the movie never really got out of second gear. One scene towards the finish tested the audience's suspension of disbelief more than usual. All in all I thought it was pretty ho hum . And after reading some of the reviews after I watched it I think it was mysteriously overrated but each to their own. Wouldn't be amongst my top five Halloween movies but it was a financial success with more on the way including the current one. The franchise is looking tired, even the re-imaginings can't stop that it seems even with three screenwriters ...............

 

[Tricycle Rider]

House (1985) - This was supposed to be a horror comedy (which I didn't know till after I watched), I did not catch the comedy part at all. Instead I thought it should have won a Razzie award in every single category - the acting, plot, and special effects/makeup/costumes were just awful. I kept wanting to give up but kept on watching just to see if it would get any worse, and it did, with each passing minute.

The Fog (1980) - It's been a few years since I've seen it, but it still holds up pretty well. First time I saw it many years ago it spooked me, and the fog and atmosphere are still pretty spooky. It's not as good as John Carpenter's Halloween, but it's still a classic. (Weird that Jamie Lee Curtis wasn't the main scream queen in this, btw., her role was rather small compared to Adrienne Jo Barbeau's. Curtis was just sort of there.)

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Halloween (2018) Jamie Lee Curtis returns to the Halloween universe after 16 years. Obviously the money was too good to refuse after it seemed her previous outing was the last but Hollywood gets around logic by starting a new series of sequels that have nothing to do with the previous ones ! The critics that called this a so called "woke' version or feminist version are not too far from the mark but does that make it a good movie ? An interesting start and some suspense towards the finish but what was in between was pretty much old hat and the movie never really got out of second gear. One scene towards the finish tested the audience's suspension of disbelief more than usual. All in all I thought it was pretty ho hum . And after reading some of the reviews after I watched it I think it was mysteriously overrated but each to their own. Wouldn't be amongst my top five Halloween movies but it was a financial success with more on the way including the current one. The franchise is looking tired, even the re-imaginings can't stop that it seems even with three screenwriters ...............

I had to check and see if I've seen this one, I simply can't remember. But after finding out this is the 11th installment in the Halloween franchise it's no surprise I can't tell them apart!

There's supposed to be another sequel coming out next year, it'll be called Halloween Ends. If only. I mean are they sure this time?

 

[movingtarget]

I had to check and see if I've seen this one, I simply can't remember. But after finding out this is the 11th installment in the Halloween franchise it's no surprise I can't tell them apart!

There's supposed to be another sequel coming out next year, it'll be called Halloween Ends. If only. I mean are they sure this time?

Box office dictates, money to be made. John Carpenter must be rolling in royalties and he only directed the original.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Box office dictates, money to be made. John Carpenter must be rolling in royalties and he only directed the original.

I thought you were going to say Carpenter must be rolling in his grave, but I checked and he's still alive at 73. So yes, the original Halloween had him set for life. Speaking of Carpenter...

I have learned he was married to Adrienne Barbeau at the time when The Fog was shot, so maybe that is why she got the bigger role than Jamie Lee Curtis. Hm, yes, that would make sense.

 

[movingtarget]

I thought you were going to say Carpenter must be rolling in his grave, but I checked and he's still alive at 73. So yes, the original Halloween had him set for life. Speaking of Carpenter...

I have learned he was married to Adrienne Barbeau at the time when The Fog was shot, so maybe that is why she got the bigger role than Jamie Lee Curtis. Hm, yes, that would make sense.

Barbeau was in quite a few genre movies back then for various directors but yes most of her big roles were in Carpenter movies. Curtis was probably too young for that role in the Fog anyway and she became typecast for a while as a scream queen but it was her comedy roles in mainstream movies like Trading Places, True Lies and A Fish Called Wanda where her career really took off. I think those roles are her best, She's quite good in comedies. Her performance in Halloween (2018) was one of her better ones as well.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Barbeau was in quite a few genre movies back then for various directors but yes most of her big roles were in Carpenter movies. Curtis was probably too young for that role in the Fog anyway and she became typecast for a while as a scream queen but it was her comedy roles in mainstream movies like Trading Places, True Lies and A Fish Called Wanda where her career really took off. I think those roles are her best, She's quite good in comedies. Her performance in Halloween (2018) was one of her better ones as well.

I can't remember whether you've mentioned already, have you seen this year's Halloween Kills? I don't want to give anything away in case you haven't yet...

I watched Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021) earlier today, I thought the latter was actually a bit better. The 2018 one was just a rehash of the same old same old, there is just no more new plot or dialogue to be discovered. Poor Jamie Lee Curtis was a trooper in both movies though, and you're right, she does have good comedic timing.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Rewatched The Shining (1980) - It's not so much the plot or even the acting, I just love this movie because of the scenery, the sets, and the atmosphere. The snow, that huuuuge hotel, and that chase scene in the snowy maze at the end is one of my all-time faves.

The more times I see this movie the less I like Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval's acting, but for the atmosphere alone I will always be happy to rewatch The Shining.

 

[movingtarget]

I can't remember whether you've mentioned already, have you seen this year's Halloween Kills? I don't want to give anything away in case you haven't yet...

I watched Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills (2021) earlier today, I thought the latter was actually a bit better. The 2018 one was just a rehash of the same old same old, there is just no more new plot or dialogue to be discovered. Poor Jamie Lee Curtis was a trooper in both movies though, and you're right, she does have good comedic timing.

Haven't seen Halloween Kills yet, it just arrived at my local cinema but it seems that lovers of the previous film are not too impressed from some of the titles I have seen in You Tube. I avoid the reviews until I have watched the movie. Seems like they filmed the next two Halloween movies back to back and will release the third one next year I suppose.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Haven't seen Halloween Kills yet, it just arrived at my local cinema but it seems that lovers of the previous film are not too impressed from some of the titles I have seen in You Tube. I avoid the reviews until I have watched the movie. Seems like they filmed the next two Halloween movies back to back and will release the third one next year I suppose.

I'll shut up about Halloween Kills then, I don't like spoilers myself unless I'm actually looking for them. I think it's an okay movie though, as I said, I like it better than Halloween 2018.

 

[movingtarget]

Rewatched The Shining (1980) - It's not so much the plot or even the acting, I just love this movie because of the scenery, the sets, and the atmosphere. The snow, that huuuuge hotel, and that chase scene in the snowy maze at the end is one of my all-time faves.

The more times I see this movie the less I like Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval's acting, but for the atmosphere alone I will always be happy to rewatch The Shining.

I thought The Shining was a technical masterpiece but as a Stephen King adaptation and as a great movie I think it falls short. Some people think it was the greatest horror movie ever made. I don't think it got even close to that but for the visuals and atmosphere it certainly hit the mark. The scene in the maze and the shots of the kid on his bike in the hallways and the little girls were so good. Like you I found the acting over the top especially from Nicholson which was too bad as some of the supporting actors were very good. I have heard that Kubrick never cared about acting as much as the technical aspects but if that is the case why did he have a reputation for doing so many takes ? Duvall and Nicholson both complained about that after the movie was released and Duvall had some sort of breakdown after filming was completed. Her career was never the same after that movie.

 

[gunara]

I thought The Shining was a technical masterpiece but as a Stephen King adaptation and as a great movie I think it falls short. Some people think it was the greatest horror movie ever made. I don't think it got even close to that but for the visuals and atmosphere it certainly hit the mark. The scene in the maze and the shots of the kid on his bike in the hallways and the little girls were so good. Like you I found the acting over the top especially from Nicholson which was too bad as some of the supporting actors were very good. I have heard that Kubrick never cared about acting as much as the technical aspects but if that is the case why did he have a reputation for doing so many takes ? Duvall and Nicholson both complained about that after the movie was released and Duvall had some sort of breakdown after filming was completed. Her career was never the same after that movie.

While I never question his technical mastery in creating atmosphere for his scenes (to the point you forgive ott actings), I always find Kubrick has his own peculiar way in pacing his movie, valleys and peaks in some unusual spots in the plots, it's either you like it or not. Me, I've never really got into the rhytms of most of his storytelling, and I watched most of his movies, just because I recognize his importance and enjoy the well-made scene one after another.
And I don't think he tried to be groundbreaking or anything with his style, it's just how he sees it and somehow it works perfectly for many people, me not included.

 

[movingtarget]

While I never question his technical mastery in creating atmosphere for his scenes (to the point you forgive ott actings), I always find Kubrick has his own peculiar way in pacing his movie, valleys and peaks in some unusual spots in the plots, it's either you like it or not. Me, I've never really got into the rhytms of most of his storytelling, and I watched most of his movies, just because I recognize his importance and enjoy the well-made scene one after another.
And I don't think he tried to be groundbreaking or anything with his style, it's just how he sees it and somehow it works perfectly for many people, me not included.

I prefer some of his older movies like Paths Of Glory and 2001 : A Space Odyssey.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

I thought The Shining was a technical masterpiece but as a Stephen King adaptation and as a great movie I think it falls short. Some people think it was the greatest horror movie ever made. I don't think it got even close to that but for the visuals and atmosphere it certainly hit the mark. The scene in the maze and the shots of the kid on his bike in the hallways and the little girls were so good. Like you I found the acting over the top especially from Nicholson which was too bad as some of the supporting actors were very good. I have heard that Kubrick never cared about acting as much as the technical aspects but if that is the case why did he have a reputation for doing so many takes ? Duvall and Nicholson both complained about that after the movie was released and Duvall had some sort of breakdown after filming was completed. Her career was never the same after that movie.

Shelley Duvall's character seemed already pretty fragile and pathetic in The Shining, it's probably what Kubrick wanted from her. But his perfectionism might have pushed Duvall over the edge. Speaking of Kubrick...

Apparently he started out as a photographer (a professional one, not just a hobbyist), so I'm sure he already had a talent and an eye for what would look good in motion pictures. However, probably much to his dismay not each initial take came out perfect the way he wanted, so he just kept on doing it over and over until his vision had been accurately captured and in the process he drove everyone around him nuts. That's how I picture things went down, anyway.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

While I never question his technical mastery in creating atmosphere for his scenes (to the point you forgive ott actings), I always find Kubrick has his own peculiar way in pacing his movie, valleys and peaks in some unusual spots in the plots, it's either you like it or not. Me, I've never really got into the rhytms of most of his storytelling, and I watched most of his movies, just because I recognize his importance and enjoy the well-made scene one after another.
And I don't think he tried to be groundbreaking or anything with his style, it's just how he sees it and somehow it works perfectly for many people, me not included.

I haven't seen all of Kubrick's movies, but even the ones I have seen I don't cherish every moment he's committed to film. I mean, in 2001: A Space Odyssey I skip the first 20 or 30 minutes... I've seen the dragged out ape scene once, I don't need to see it again. So, I think I kinda see what you're saying.

 

[movingtarget]

Shelley Duvall's character seemed already pretty fragile and pathetic in The Shining, it's probably what Kubrick wanted from her. But his perfectionism might have pushed Duvall over the edge. Speaking of Kubrick...

Apparently he started out as a photographer (a professional one, not just a hobbyist), so I'm sure he already had a talent and an eye for what would look good in motion pictures. However, probably much to his dismay not each initial take came out perfect the way he wanted, so he just kept on doing it over and over until his vision had been accurately captured and in the process he drove everyone around him nuts. That's how I picture things went down, anyway.

Yes he was a bit eccentric and perfectionist and a recluse. Not really a people person. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman after making Eyes Wide Shut with him seemed to think he was a genius but sort of an exasperating one.............Kirk Douglas who was a star when Spartacus was made said either Kubrick stays on the film or he walks, even at a young age, his talent was recognized, a big studio production for an inexperienced director but Douglas had already kicked the original director off the project after having a differences of opinion and Douglas said later in interviews he knew Kubrick would do a good job But Kubrick himself had severe doubts about taking it on. Nothing like Kubrick's later work but it was a good historical epic with a big name cast and Douglas also starred in Paths of Glory for Kubrick a few years earlier so he must have been impressed. Douglas was supposed to be generous with up and coming artists and had no trouble using his clout to get the people he wanted on his films.

 

[Unchained]

I can't believe that you guys are kicking around The Shining and not talking about the most important actor in the film!!! Scatman Crothers .the guy just fits..a casting masterpiece.
For those that like to see iconic movie hotels and houses..there mostly still there..one of my favorites..Biltmore House..I think Being There is a great movie..and I read that the resort used in Dirty Dancing was destroyed..oh well..but most of the Law Vegas stuff in gangster movies are long since leveled or redeveloped to the point were you don't recognize them..the Fountain Blue from Scarface still exists but I don't know if you could sit or walk anyplace where Tony Montana did..
I gotta wonder how much cheaper everything is using drones instead of planes and helicopters in T V and movies..
When you see the Volkswagen bug going up the mountains in The Shining it really sets things up..

I watched both recent Oscar Isaac movies..Dune and Card Counter..I am trying to mentally block them out..I really love the guy..so these films are hard to take

 

[Tricycle Rider]

I can't believe that you guys are kicking around The Shining and not talking about the most important actor in the film!!! Scatman Crothers .the guy just fits..a casting masterpiece.
For those that like to see iconic movie hotels and houses..there mostly still there..one of my favorites..Biltmore House..I think Being There is a great movie..and I read that the resort used in Dirty Dancing was destroyed..oh well..but most of the Law Vegas stuff in gangster movies are long since leveled or redeveloped to the point were you don't recognize them..the Fountain Blue from Scarface still exists but I don't know if you could sit or walk anyplace where Tony Montana did..
I gotta wonder how much cheaper everything is using drones instead of planes and helicopters in T V and movies..
When you see the Volkswagen bug going up the mountains in The Shining it really sets things up..

I watched both recent Oscar Isaac movies..Dune and Card Counter..I am trying to mentally block them out..I really love the guy..so these films are hard to take

I looooooove that scene in The Shining where they are driving up the mountain in the yellow Bug - what year do you think it is? I've never gotten a close look, but mine is a '67 and I always get all kinds of giddy when I see other vintage Bugs.

You're right about Scatman Crothers, I like his character probably the most. He's just cool and smooth while the rest of them slowly descend into insanity.

 

[Tricycle Rider]

Yes he was a bit eccentric and perfectionist and a recluse. Not really a people person. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman after making Eyes Wide Shut with him seemed to think he was a genius but sort of an exasperating one.............Kirk Douglas who was a star when Spartacus was made said either Kubrick stays on the film or he walks, even at a young age, his talent was recognized, a big studio production for an inexperienced director but Douglas had already kicked the original director off the project after having a differences of opinion and Douglas said later in interviews he knew Kubrick would do a good job But Kubrick himself had severe doubts about taking it on. Nothing like Kubrick's later work but it was a good historical epic with a big name cast and Douglas also starred in Paths of Glory for Kubrick a few years earlier so he must have been impressed. Douglas was supposed to be generous with up and coming artists and had no trouble using his clout to get the people he wanted on his films.

I need to see Paths of Glory, it being a war movie I'll have to wait for the right mood though. It does get excellent ratings...

 

[Unchained]

Looked at stock images for 1967 Bug..and then 68,69 looks like the bumper changed between 67 and 68.. So I thinking that murderous Jack Nicholson was in a 1968 or later..and not that they would have predicted but Ted Bundy also drove a Bettle for a spell..don't know why but Volkswagen bug doesn't register with me as a car of a killer..as a kid we were told it was van drivers offering candy or to look at a puppy..
I definitely would have taken a ride in the dog van from Dumb and Dumber..

View: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sPAi3PvutsU


there is a scene were a motorcycle drops off a small cliff maybe @20ft high..keeps control and then goes full gas down the beach..I have done the full gas down the beach but on the gulf side..and all movies that film on the Sea of Cortez are crazy it can be still,water smooth and glassy and suddenly within a few minutes that's of super strong wind and swirling sand..
there are a few good racing movies..

 

[movingtarget]

Closely Watched Trains (1966) Czech absurdist classic directed by Jiri Menzel. Some very funny scenes. A trainee train conductor in a small town worries about becoming a man in Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia.

 

[Koronin]

We watched Halloween Kills over the weekend. My thoughts are that Halloween (2018) was a little better, but Kills is still good, but than Halloween II which is the only other one of the series that I think is good enough to watch. Obviously the original Halloween is still the best.