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jcian
Reviews
Star! (1968)
A huge Hollywood musical biography of Gertrude Lawrence, beautifully portrayed by Julie Andrews, on the heels of SOM.
I recommend starting from the scene entitled "Faultless Timing" and watching a capsule version that really carries the full flavor of the whole film, which, I'm afraid, is very lush but oh so long.
Julie Andrews' rendition of the Weill/Gershwin classic "My Ship" is just right. And I must say that I have never before or since seen Julie move the way she do like voodoo in the colossal Hollywood production number of "The Saga of Jenny".
If you still want more, and you have some time on your hands, watch the whole damned thing-- but at least feel free to skip the overture, which is perfect, but...
Gertrude Lawrence really crawled up out of the streets of London, and her progress is victorious.
I think the film could easily be trimmed of at least 30 minutes to beneficial effect.
Twist (2003)
promising new twist on Oliver is a slow screw
I wanted very much to like this film. The premise is compelling, the too-close relationships that grow out of necessity for the down and out who basically do whatever they must to continue to be able to get by and get high. Unfortunately, the most intimidating character is kept off screen and is just someone we hear through the phone conversations of other characters. Because this part of the drama remains unseen, it appears that there are 3 related but somehow unmotivated deaths. The scenes between dodge and his brother are poignant but it all takes too long. Every shot is long and slow. Plenty of long drawn-out track shots. Even the establishing shots of exteriors and interiors are lingering. I managed to go and make lunch between crises. Still, there's some real juice in this one.