1073. Gangs of New York

Gangs of New York
2002
Directed by Martin Scorsese

I thought we could use an antidote to the sickening sweetness of last week's musical. Of course, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, even if Leo is standing on it.

In the slum neighborhood of Five Points, Manhattan, two gangs fight over turf, unfortunately without any snapping or pirouettes. Priest Vallon, the leader of the Dead Rabbits gang is killed by Bill the Butcher Cutting. Vallon's young son swears revenge and returns to Five Points sixteen years later. You can probably guess what happens.

Daniel Day Lewis' performance has been praised, and even I'll admit he is brilliant in this, though I generally find him insufferable. But poor, poor Cameron Diaz. Bless her heart, she tried. Even Leo forgot that he was supposed to be doing an accent sometimes. At least they both looked hot panting.

Anyway, the plot is just okay, the sets are incredible and has a star studded cast. So by Hollywood standards, a wonderful movie. But by 1001 movie standards? They probably could have done without the Butcher's leavings.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Leonardo DiCaprio accidentally broke Daniel Day Lewis's nose during filming, and of course, Daniel kept going with the scene. Ahem, "accidentally."

Sarah Michelle Gellar was originally cast as Jenny, but had to back out due to scheduling conflicts with Buffy. Joss Whedon is once again responsible for my heartbreak.

1072. Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!
1955
Directed by Fred Zinnemann

I am not the biggest fan of musicals, although I will fight anybody who says Hamilton isn't the best thing to happen to America. By "fight" I mean pen a hurtful haiku about that person. I do like old Hollywood musicals, but why is there always that one number that just goes on wayyy too long? You know which one I mean.

Curly McLain is in love with Laurey Williams. She loves him too; she even bakes him his favorite pie! But Curly had the gull to wait until the morning of the party to ask her to be his date. What nerve! So she decides to go to the dance with the psycho farmhand instead. You know, to make Curly jealous.

So this is obviously an aggressively wholesome movie. It's not just Oklahoma...it's Oklahoma! But it can be fun if you let it be. Some of the songs actually weren't too bad. "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" is catchy, although I might just like that because I have positive When Harry Met Sally associations. "Many A New Day" has a refreshing message; most women in musicals come to the conclusion that they are nothing without their closeted male counterparts.

I think this should have replaced Seven Brides for Seven Brothers in my edition. This is much less creepy. Well, it's a little less creepy.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Set in 1907, before Oklahoma territory was admitted to the Union.

Cost $6.8 million to make.

Inspiration, for next time that certain fellow snubs you:

1071. The Eagle

The Eagle
1925
Directed by Clarence Brown

Even though the new editions of the List tend to favor newer movies, they did sprinkle in some entries among the older ranks. I guess they felt they didn't pay enough homage to Rudolph Valentino the first go around, so now we all have to sit through this one and properly acknowledge his hotness.

My embarrassing literary secret is that I've never read any Pushkin, but I believe this is based on a Pushkin novel. Valentino plays a Russian lieutenant who catches the fancy of the Czarina, but she's old, so gross. He rejects his advances and flees, so she puts out a warrant for his capture, dead or alive. Then he becomes Robin Hood.

It was jarring watching this, as I haven't watched a silent film since I was a young lass and started this blog. I know that back when I was languishing in the mire of Griffith movies, this would have been a welcome reprieve. But now it was rather a chore to sit through, because well...they hadn't starting making good movies yet. You know, with good stories and non awkward movie kisses.

Still, Valentino is a magnetic force. So he deserved a place on this List.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

In order to project a more masculine image in this film, Valentino insisted on doing the opening stunt himself.