For Classic Movie Fans

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Graphiteta2s

hey Jet,
I did use a couple of silent films in my class. They were Blackmail and The Lodger. You probably know the background of the films even if you've never seen them. The Lodger is based on Jack the Ripper, a killer who only kills blonds Blackmail is about a woman who is raped and kills her attacker, but is blackmailed by another person.

I can tell you're a great fan of Hitchcock. One thing I'd like to add is that the violence towards women doesn't necessarily mean death or focused on the lead actress. It can be the overall feel of how he treats women in his films. As you rightly pointed out, for example, The Birds is filled with violence against women, with Annie Hayworth being killed and Melanie Daniels being tortured by the birds themselves. In Rear Window, Grace Kelley's character is abused by the killer when he roughs her up. She is also emotionally abused by James Stewart's character.

While it is true that possibly not all the lead actress are physically abused, they may be abused in other ways. Trauma can take on many forms. I will also agree that the trauma/abuse may not occur in every single Hitchcock film, but it is evident enough throughout a majority of his films to be considered a topic for study or discussion.

You must also consider how the film is shot and how he objectifies his female characters. The camera can cut as deep as a knife. These are just thoughts off the top of my head.

G

You're right, I know other women were victims in his movies, and If women are meant to be objectified than they are because of the story. But I still don't see it as a separate facet, but suspense overall. Again, there's also males who are objectified, I think. And as far camera work, I thought it was really eventful most of the time, not just surrounding the scenes with women being murdered or victimized. I think it's interesting to note, for instance, the gun scene in Spellbound when Leo Carrol (Ithink its Leo Carrol, it's been awhile since I've seen it) points the gun at Ingrid Bergman, there's no rack focus as we look down the barrel, both the gun and Bergman are in focus, there was trick to it, but I forget how he did it. And putting a light in the glass of milk to make it look more menacing in Suspicion. The falling effects in Vertigo and so many other things. I think that's why call him the master of suspense, all of what he did was suspense, including no music score or very litte the Birds and then using Bernard Herrman's eerie music in other films, And I have to say I Iove the music in Marnie and I added it to my collection. It's beautiful.

[Julien]

Originally Posted by Jet

You're right, I know other women were victims in his movies, and If women are meant to be objectified than they are because of the story. But I still don't see it as a separate facet, but suspense overall. Again, there's also males who are objectified, I think. And as far camera work, I thought it was really eventful most of the time, not just surrounding the scenes with women being murdered or victimized. I think it's interesting to note, for instance, the gun scene in Spellbound when Leo Carrol (Ithink its Leo Carrol, it's been awhile since I've seen it) points the gun at Ingrid Bergman, there's no rack focus as we look down the barrel, both the gun and Bergman are in focus, there was trick to it, but I forget how he did it. And putting a light in the glass of milk to make it look more menacing in Suspicion. The falling effects in Vertigo and so many other things. I think that's why call him the master of suspense, all of what he did was suspense, including no music score or very litte the Birds and then using Bernard Herrman's eerie music in other films, And I have to say I Iove the music in Marnie and I added it to my collection. It's beautiful.

I completely agree with you about the music by Herrman. I love it. I have a CD with the works by Hermann. I didn't realize how much of Psycho is the music. Not just the shower scene either. The way it swells and builds to a climax is great.(I do realize it sounds orgasmic, it is suppose to). The music in Marnie is one of my favorites too.

Hitchcock is the Master of Suspense. What I observe through my analysis about the women in the films in no way undercuts Hitchcock's work as an auteur. The suspense builds in much of the same way as Hermann's music builds. Or it is like a roller coaster that takes us on a grand ride.

Talking about camera shots, what about Notorious and Ingrid Bergman's pov through hazy vision? It illustrates her hangover state. She can't see clearly and neither can we. Of course it also shows that she can't see Devlin clearly she doesn't know what his agenda is in regards to her. A foreshadowing of this is when he is "introduced" to us, but all we can see is his back in black or in the shadows.

[Julien]

TCM showed The Adventures of Robin Hood yesterday. I love the pairing of Errol Flynn and Olivia deHavilland. I didn't realized how vivid the color was in this film. It was great fun to watch again after a long time. How many of films have you seen with this duo? Captain Blood was their first film together.

[cinderella]

Monty, I have seen several films with this duo, however I can't think of the titles off-hand.

I believe the color is so vibrant because this is one of the many films TCM has been instrumental in having restored. TCM must be commended for being involved in this process, and being such a catalyst in bringing these films to the conscieneness of the general public. It is our country's history and must be preserved for future generations. I wish there was some way I could get directly involved in this endeavor other then just by monetay contributions.

[Julien]

[QUOTE=cinderella;91777][B][COLOR="Teal"]Monty, I have seen several films with this duo, however I can't think of the titles off-hand.

They are: Captain Blood, Charge of the Light Brigade, Adventures of Robin Hood, Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, They Died With Their Boots On, Dodge City, Santa Fe Trail, and Fours a Crowd. I had to go to IMDB for some of these. I remembered 6 of them.

[cinderella]

'Gypsy' will be on TCM on Sunday, May 9 at 10pm. This is a musical, with a tremendous cast that includes the uncomparable Rosalind Russel, Karl Malden, and many others. It is a delightful film, and if you havent' seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it! Full of great songs and comedy, you will love it!

Also, anyone interested in Native American film - Tuesdays & Thursday at 8pm during the month of May, TCM will be showcasing: Native Americans depicted in film. Happy viewing.

[Jaques]

Not a classic movie, but these 3 sisters in l944, have a real talent i think you will enjoy - BUT give em a chance to sing their song lst, be patient and they will amaze you..........

.................Talk about Americas Got Talent, even simon cowell couldnt fail to be impressed

[nomedia]http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PttvOqUE_FI[/nomedia]