Cinematography: Days of Heaven

DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978)
Director: Terrence Malick
Cinematographer: Nestor Almendros

When one says "great cinematography," beautiful landscapes, tight close-ups, perfectly balanced colors, and Days of Heaven come to mind.

Days of Heaven, featuring a young Richard Gere, was directed by Terrence Malick. It's a love triangle set in early 20th century America.

The film is notable for its better-than-brilliant cinematography, which was mostly shot by Nestor Almendros. Days of Heaven is visual magnificence.

The film's iconic locust attack sequence.

Cinematography: The Seventh Seal

THE SEVENTH SEAL (1957)
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Cinematographer: Gunnar Fischer

Last June 11, acclaimed cinematographer Gunnar Fischer passed away. He was 100 years-old. Fischer is best known to film enthusiasts as the man who preceded Sven Nykvist as Ingmar Bergman's cinematographer. In fact his most notable works are the ones he did for Bergman: The Seventh Seal, Wild Strawberries, etc.

The Seventh Seal is the most parodied among Bergman's films. It is set in 13th century Sweden, during the Black Plague. After a crusade, Antonius Block (Max von Sydow), along with his squire (Gunnar Bjornstrand), makes his way back home. Along comes Death (Bengt Ekerot). Antonius, not yet ready to leave this world, makes a deal with Death; if Antonius wins the game of chess, Death will leave him alone.

The Seventh Seal wouldn't be the same without Fischer's haunting cinematography.

Death vs. Antonius

A Superb Drink Up to the Last Sip

PEPPERMINT FRAPPE
Carlos Saura, 1967

Geraldine Chaplin radiates grace in almost every film she's in. That's why I forgive her for taking part in that junk called BloodRayne. I've always been entranced by Chaplin's screen presence. And after watching Cría cuervos, I was intrigued to see more of Carlos Saura's films. So I checked out Peppermint Frappe, his first of nine films with Chaplin.

Cinematography: The Spirit of the Beehive

THE SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE (1973)
Director: Victor Erice
Cinematographer: Luis Cuadrado

Cuadrado was already going blind during The Spirit of the Beehive's production. Cuadrado, along with Nestor Almendros, is considered to be one of the greatest Spanish cinematographers who astounded audiences around the world with their breathtaking visions. Both Cuadrado and Almendros went blind later in their careers. Both also died under tragic circumstances; Almendros succumbed to AIDS, and Cuadrado committed suicide. But their works will continue to inspire audiences and filmmakers alike.

Cuadrado's work for The Spirit of the Beehive is one of his best. Victor Erice's film tells the story of a dreamy seven year-old girl who wanders into her own fantasy world after watching Frankenstein. I've always thought that The Spirit of the Beehive somehow inspired Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth.

The Spirit of the Beehive is one of the most astonishing films I've ever seen; thanks to Erice's flawless storytelling, Ana Torrent's raw but engaging performance, and Cuadrado's splendid photography.

Wow. Just wow.

Favorite Movie Moments: The Mirror Crack'd

Just like the other film adaptations of Agatha Christie's works, The Mirror Crack'd has a star-studded cast. This time it includes Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, Kim Novak, Tony Curtis, Geraldine Chaplin, Edward Fox, and Angela Lansbury. A then-unknown Pierce Brosnan also makes an uncredited appearance. This 1980 crime/mystery/thriller was helmed by Guy Hamilton, a director best known for his James Bond films.

Despite being a murder mystery, the film is packed with hilarious one-liners like:

My (Criterion) Top 10 List

The Criterion Collection is a video distribution company that publishes "the greatest films from around the world." (In DVD and Blu-ray formats.)

In other words, if a film gets a "Criterion treatment" then it must be great. Every month, Criterion asks "a friend — a filmmaker, a programmer, a writer, an actor, an artist — to select their ten favorite movies available from the Criterion Collection and jot down their thoughts about them."

I love their Top 10 Lists, which include lists by Steve Buscemi, Jane Campion, James Franco, Guy Maddin, Paul Schrader, etc. Criterion doesn't even know I exist so I made my own Top 10 List. I wrote it in alphabetical order, so I wouldn't have to go insane thinking which film is my most favorite.

#1
CHARADE

Stanley Donen




From Maurice Binder's glorious title sequence (accompanied by Henry Mancini's gorgeous music) to the clever denouement; everything about Charade is pure entertainment. And then there's Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant, two of the classiest actors in the history of cinema. Hepburn's beauty is enchanting. Most critics call this film as "the best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made."

My Favorite Cinematic Moms

Being a mother is one of the best things that can happen to a woman. And a mother's love is one of the best things that can happen to a person.

Every day should be Mother's Day, because a day is not enough to thank and celebrate the most wonderful woman in our life. If it weren't for our mothers, none of us would exist.

Cinema has been a very good medium in showcasing different shades of mothers; from Bambi's mom to Mommie Dearest. Below are some of my favorite movie moms.

Mary, The Passion of the Christ

Maia Morgenstern as Mary.

The Blessed Virgin Mary herself is the epitome of motherhood and genuine love.

Childhood Through a Child's Eyes

CRÍA CUERVOS
Carlos Saura, 1976

Most adults, especially the depressed ones, describe childhood as the happiest stage of their life. It is a time when innocence is in full bloom. A time when almost everything is a mystery to our then-innocent eyes. A time when stupid vanity does not exist. And a time when every day is an adventure.

I don't mean to sound cynical, but childhood is not always stress-free. For some it is perhaps the most uncertain period of their life. As children, we don't have enough capacity to decide for ourselves. Somebody else decides for us. Acclaimed Spanish director Carlos Saura described childhood as "a time of terrible indecision."

Women in Turmoil

They say that behind every man's success is a woman. And my favorite Beatle, John Lennon, once sang: "And woman I will try to express. My inner feelings and thankfulness. For showing me the meaning of success..."

Whether she's a mother, a sister, a wife, a lover, or a friend, a woman is truly an inspiration to a man. But what will happen if a man's inspiration suddenly finds herself battling her inner demon? Will the man still love her? (Just wondering.)

There are many depictions of women in turmoil; but few I found really outstanding. Here they are:



Ingrid Thulin, Cries and Whispers

Fave Movie Quotes: Opening Night

Age isn't interesting. Age is depressing.
Age is dull. Age doesn't have anything to do with anything.

- Myrtle Gordon