Wow, this is getting tiring. First of all, I have had to write about ten of these things in a row because I have seen so many. Also, I am getting a bit tired of the formula. I always feel like you really have to be in the mood for a good film noir, since they are all the same. This time, I guess I wasn't in the mood. Plot: every noir ever. Fast talking, pretty femme fatales, threats, etc. You are probably just as bored reading about them as I am writing about them. Nothing new and certainly not the best we have seen. RATING: ***-- Interesting Facts: Humphrey Bogart lobbied to play Jeff.
I Walked With A Zombie 1943 Directed by Jacques Tourneur I am a huge fan of horror films and I am really excited to get into eras in film when the movies are actually scary.As you can see from the above picture, this movie has mildly creepy moments but it is clearly not Ringu yet. Still, we are moving in the right direction.
This film is like Jane Eyre with creepy voodoo. Of course, all the black people in the movie are involved in primitive magic rituals. Still, at least they were actually characters and talked eloquently which is a step up from A Man in Grey.
This movie is pure fun. It is not really not quality and it doesn't come with a deep message. I have been reading and watching so many intellectual books and movies that I just needed something fun. It is short, light, and exciting.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
The mom was younger than one of the sons she played.
Cat People 1942 Directed by Jacques Tourneur We have entered the next stage of horror films, I believe. In the thirties we had a lot of cheesy monster films. Now, we are getting something a lot more subtle. As hokey as the movie poster looked, this film relied on mounting tension rather than gore.
This movie is about a Serbian woman who may or may not be a cat. Her cattiness actually might just ruin her marriage! Anyway, that part of the movie isn't really what is important. What is important is the way Tourneur skillfully makes you like the main character and sympathize with her. There also is another really intriguing story line about another love interest of the hubbie.
This film isn't even remotely frightening but it is exciting so definitely check it out.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Major hit in the box office which led many critics to retract their formally scathing reviews.
Took 18 days to film.
Used sets from The Magnificent Ambersons (which I will be reviewing next).
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