Chip Kaufmann’s Pick:
Lawman (1971)
The death of director Michael Winner (see page 26) spurred me on to revisit several of his key movies from the 1970s. Winner was one of my favorite directors from back then and I chose as my pick this month not his best known movie Death Wish (1974) but his first American film Lawman (1971).
Lawman stars Burt Lancaster as an impassive, strictly by the book marshal who comes to a town controlled by cattle baron Lee J. Cobb to arrest some of his cowboys for shooting up Lancaster’s town and accidentally killing a civilian. Despite Cobb’s sincere efforts to make everything right, Lancaster refuses to yield which leads to several violent confrontations and an unexpected finale.
Gerald Wilson’s script examines the use of guns in society (“We always bury the cost” exclaims Cobb) and the consequences of the inability or the unwillingness to compromise. The film was highly regarded in its day as a provocative “thought Western” and with today’s headlines it seems as fresh and as contemporary as ever.
Lawman marked the first time that Winner assembled a cast of Hollywood veterans from the 1950s and 60s who lend added conviction to the roles that they are playing. He would continue to do this throughout his Hollywood career. Also in the cast are Robert Ryan and Joseph Wiseman (Dr No). TV stalwarts J.D Cannon, Richard Jordan, and Ralph Waite are also on hand and there’s a fine performance from a young Robert Duvall.
Chances are you’ve seen a Michael Winner film and just didn’t know it. His best movies are distinguished by a tight no-nonsense approach, skillful editing of action sequences, a casual approach to violence which makes it that much more disturbing, and scripts that feature more than just dialogue.
Most of his movies are available on Netflix although he has no listing of his own. Look him up on imdb and then go from there. From 1967-1978 he had a remarkable run and all the films from that time period are worth revisiting.
Michelle Keenan’s Pick:
The Artist (2011)
Last year the [mostly] silent film The Artitst was nominated for ten Academy Awards. The film took home five, including Best Picture, Best Director for Michel Hazanavicius and Best Actor for Jean Dujardin. For me, last year’s top films were a sentimental and enchanting lot, and The Artist was right at the top. In light of this being the month for Oscar and Cupid, The Artist seemed like a perfect DVD pick.
The Artist takes place from 1927 to 1932 in Hollywood. It tells the story of a silent film star and his relationship with a young actress as the talkies come in to vogue. George Valentin (Jean Dujardin) is a silent movie superstar a la Douglas Fairbanks. Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo)is an extra ‘discovered’ by Valentin. Peppy’s bubbly appeal, winning smile and signature beauty mark (given to her by Valentin), catapult her to stardom, while the advent of the talkies tolls the death knell for Valentin’s career.
When the stock market crash claims his fortune, his long-suffering wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and the last vestiges of his charmed life go with it. His only comfort throughout is his steadfast movie pooch, Uggy. However, unbeknownst to him Peppy, ever grateful to him for her big break, and Clifton (James Cromwell), his devoted chauffeur, are also keeping a watchful eye over him.
Dujardin channels Fairbanks and John Gilbert and at time bears and uncanny resemblance to a young Sean Connery. Berenice Bejo is a delight; a scene where she simulates dancing with Valentin by putting her arm in the sleeve of his jacket, which is hanging on a coat rack, is one for the ages. Supporting players, James Cromwell and John Goodman bring much to the table, and everyone leaves wanting more of Uggy.
The Artist is a love letter to Hollywood. It seems like it would be film that would only appeal to film geeks like the good Professor Kaufmann and myself, but that is not the case. It offers a tip of the hat to dozens of films throughout, but you don’t have to ‘get’ the references in order to enjoy the film. The Artist is a silent film that plays to a 21st century audience. It is a beguiling film with notes of melancholy and broad audience appeal.
If you did not have the chance to enjoy this film on the big screen last year, rent it now. The Artist is a Valentine of a movie, suitable for an indulgent night on couch alone or for cuddling up with your squeeze.