tsmiljan Reviews

Pleasantville (1998)

The Beauty of Color

[10/10 · 27 April 2007]

Although many reviewers have commented on the gradual switch from black and white to color as the film progresses, and although the themes of freedom and bigotry have been well documented in the reviews, I wanted to add an extra comment on the subject of color.

One of the most striking moments in the entire movie is when Jeff Daniels opens the art book and thumbs through it. The movie audience, having spent some time like the characters seeing everything in black and white, can share with him the experience of seeing the paintings in their full color for the first time. We have all seen the famous paintings he looks at in the book many times, but have we ever seen them with such fresh eyes? The colors, both subtle in the Old Masters and bold in the modern works, virtually jump off the pages.

And continuing in this vein, when Daniels wipes Joan Allen's face with his napkin and reveals her true and vibrant skin color, it looks exactly as though he is "painting" her face with his strokes. This was truly a transcendent moment for me, and I never tire of seeing this scene in multiple repeated viewings.

See this movie if only for the renewed appreciation of beautiful things.

The Crazy-Quilt (1966)

Short poignant film about the shaky marriage of romanticism and cynicism

[9/10 · 25 January 2005]

A short poignant movie about the marriage of an incurable romantic and a cynical realist, their lives together, their children, and their troubles and triumphs (she likes to sail boats with handsome lovers; he is a termite inspector). Even though I saw this only once over thirty seven years ago at a small art house, and is completely unavailable in any format as far as I can tell, it has never left my imagination. Narrated by Burgess Meredith, it is (as all good movies are) both funny and tragic. Although not a great or major movie, it is too precious to be lost to time. Someone needs to preserve it so others can share in its magic.

Hester Street (1975)

Absolutely delightful and humorous look at immigrant life

[10/10 · 19 May 2004]

This is one of those "small" movies that hardly anyone has apparently seen, but deserves a much wider viewing.

Carol Kane, in one of her first roles, is perfect as the Jewish immigrant trying to make sense of life in the New World. Trying to hold on to her traditions, she must decide what accommodations to make to modern life in turn-of-the-century New York City. Her husband's philandering is handled with warmth and humor, and there are no villains in this movie.

. The scene between Carol Kane and the lawyer negotiating a divorce settlement is, I think, one of the funniest in all cinema, and the ending is bound to make you feel good about the possibility of justice in the world.

Zorba the Greek (1964)

Quite simply one of the best movies ever

[10/10 · 19 May 2004]

Among the many thousands of movies I've seen, and the few hundred or so that qualify as great, this movie stands out above them all. All elements of a movie work together to create this masterpiece. The acting is second to none, with Quinn and Bates filling in their characters fully, and Kedrova and Pappas shining in their brief moments. The direction by Cacoyannis is without flaw, with each scene carefully constructed and without superfluity. The black and white photography is so beautiful that you will swear later that you can remember the blue Aegean and the green hills.

And, of course, best of all is the story and script. There are many memorable lines. In fact, the out-of-print soundtrack record contains classic excerpts from the dialog. (The music alone is reason enough to rate this movie one of the best). The story of the relationship between an existential hero and a tormented man resonates with insight and wisdom.

And best of all, this is one of the very few movies that knows EXACTLY when to end. Without spoiling the ending, let me just say that the last scene stands for me as a perfect metaphor for the essential condition of man in a world of despair, dancing for the sheer joy of existence amid the chaos.

We are all on this Earth for such a short time. Do yourself a favor and see this movie for what it can teach you about living and dying.

I Aim at the Stars (1960)

I aim for the stars, but . . .

[21 July 2003]

A passe hagiography of the life of Werner von Braun, a great rocket engineer with a questionable past. It's original title was "I Aim For the Stars." The best line I ever heard about this film was: "I aim for the stars, but sometimes I hit London."

Withnail & I (1987)

Repeated viewings highly recommended

[10/10 · 21 October 2002]

When I first saw this movie in 1987, I knew I would like it immediately. About thirty minutes into the movie, however, there is a quick cut in which a large wrecking ball is demolishing a brick building while the soundtrack carries Jimi Hendricks' "All Along the Watchtower." I knew then I was in the presence of pure genius.

Great movies get better with repeated viewings. "Withnail & I" is one of those rare ones. See it as often as you can.

13 Conversations About One Thing (2001)

Profound examination of the meaning of happiness

[10/10 · 22 July 2002]

Imagine! A movie with no car chase, no special effects, no big stars, simple piano music, and no special sets. Just ordinary people struggling with daily life and trying to find the secret of happiness. Four basic stories interweave with each other, all examining the same human issues. Alan Arkin practically walks away with all the acting honors, but there are no weak roles or acting. What a joy to watch a profound movie, simply made.

Probe (1988)

Overlooked and underrated

[6 November 2001]

A literate, humorous, and intelligent series about a Tom Swift character (actually Rick Brant for those who recall) who solves crimes through scientific inquiry. Although Isaac Asimov was listed as the creator, the guiding light to this series was Michael Wagner, an Emmy winning writer (Hill Street Blues) whose wry humor and scientific curiosity was evident in the main character played by Parker Stevenson. Stevenson has commented that he based his characterization on Michael Wagner. Of course, placed opposite The Cosby Show, an intelligent outing like this had no chance in the ratings.

La Jetée (1962)

A unique, powerful and visually stunning experimental film

[10/10 · 16 February 2001]

If you can find this rare film, you must see it. Unique in film history, this experimental short film consists of a series of still shots tied together by narration. It is the story of a post-apocalyptic Earth and time travel. Each still shot is a work of art, and the plot is compelling. A man with a strong memory of a past event witnessed as a small child (a person being shot at an airport), is periodically sent back into that pre-war period by "experimenters" with devious purposes. While visiting the past, the hero falls in love with a woman from that past.

Watch for the one and only scene that contains any movement and natural sounds (birds in the background, while the woman wakes up next to her lover). Coming in the midst of the relentless still shots, it is one of the most sublime moments in all cinema. You are doing yourself a disservice if you do not see this film.

Science Fiction Theatre (1955–1957)

Literate and mind-provoking

[30 November 2000]

In the mid-50's, even prior to the launching of Sputnik, America's interest in science was increasing. This anthology came along in syndication for two years in 1955-56, and to a young 10 year old it was a revelation that few things were as endlessly fascinating as science. Even though the plots often spun off into the realm of the fantastic, they all revolved around some basic scientific principle, demonstrated at the beginning of the show by the host Truman Bradley. You couldn't watch him, surrounded by all that neat looking electronic equipment, and not want to be a scientist. Many of the shows were quite literate, and the acting usually top notch. Of course, now the show looks dated almost a half century later, but it's still better than the ridiculous shows that abound today about channeling the dead, bleeding statues, and other pseudoscientific bunk. Come back, Mr. Bradley.

Butterfly (1999)

Beautifully filmed and poignantly bittersweet drama

[10/10 · 1 September 2000]

A magnificent story about the personal choices that have to be made by people caught up in intolerant times. A shy young boy is brought out of his cocoon by a wise teacher who shows him the wonder of the natural world around him, amidst the growing tensions and chaos of the Spanish Civil War. This is one of those movies whose ending leaves audience members rooted to their seats, stunned into silence. With beautiful photography and glorious classic Spanish (with clear subtitles), this is a movie not to be missed.