Saturday, June 27, 2009
Notorious
I can’t state exactly how many times I’ve seen the movie “Notorious” (1946), but every single time I watch it I am drawn in immediately. It’s partly the skill of director Alfred Hitchcock and partly the taut writing of Ben Hecht and partly the fine acting of the entire cast - especially the gorgeous Cary Grant and the stunning Ingrid Bergman. More than just technical genius, there is something mesmerizing about the entire film. Each time I watch “Notorious” I hold my breath during the scene in the wine cellar and, of course, the walk down the sweeping staircase at the cusp of the denouement. Six decades past its creation, it remains not notorious but glorious.
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5 comments:
Real acting, proper direction, a fantastic movie make.
There are very few movies like that. We're way over due for another one!
Hi DMM & Irene -
I know they still make good movies, but there is something wonderful about the classics where the storytelling is the first priority.
I'm certain I will sound like a hopeless fuddy-duddy, but when writers had to actually write without falling back on foul language, naked bodies, explosions and computer generated imagery, then the story had to be coherent and compelling. Take that sort of solid story and add great acting, directing and cinematography and you've got something timeless and fabulous.
Were there shortcomings back then? Absolutely! The same shortcomings which existed in the larger society were manifest in the movies. Gender and racial stereotypes abounded; some topics, including sexual orientation were taboo. But I still believe that it's the writing which is the most important foundation for any great movie.
- Lee
I'm ashamed to say, I've never seen it. I'll have to sift through Amazon to see if I can find a copy somewhere... sounds like a classic
Hi Sue -
Oh it is a classic, which means you have something to look forward to, curled up on the couch on a cold winter's day!
We're lucky over here that many cable television stations carry a channel called TCM -Turner Classic Movies - which runs all sorts of terrific old movies.
I just checked. According to Wikipedia, TCM is available in South Africa on DStv, a satellite system. Hope it becomes more widely available for you very soon!
Enjoy!
;o)
- Lee
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