A Week Without Movies... Almost
As first posted on "Dal, Hel & Bel" - Sunday, August 21, 2008
That's right. This last week we did not go out to see a movie and we didn't get a chance to watch any DVDs. Now, that isn't to say we didn't watch any movies. In fact, last night Helen was babysitting from 7PM till about midnight while I was home with Isabel. In that time Australia's great "free to air" television programming fit me like a glove. I started the night off with Pixar's The Incredibles on channel Seven which was immediately followed by Scary Movie 4 (absolute offal, but better than watching "Spicks and Specks"), after which I turned to channel Ten for The Return of the Jedi (HELLO!). So, watching three movies in one night could hardly be called a week without movies, but none of these movies are recent releases, and the fact of the matter is I didn't feel like doing a review on any of those films. Instead, I've decided to do a short review on a film Helen and I watched a few weeks ago. The classic Don Siegel film Dirty Harry starring the inimitable Clint Eastwood. I've also decided to list my top five Steven Spielberg films. ENJOY!!!
-Dallas
Top Five Steven Spielberg Films
1. Schindler's List
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Jaws
4. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
5. Munich
Nihilism in the USA
a review by Dallas
Dirty Harry, released in 1971 tells the story of Harry Callahan a gritty San Francisco Police Detective, played to perfection by Clint Eastwood, as he tries to apprehend a serial killer known as Scorpio. This is a fascinating film that explores the power possessed by a maniac with a gun. Whether that maniac is an outlaw serial killer or a police officer with a badge makes no difference. They both wield considerable power that can and is abused.
At the core of this film is a masterful performance by Clint Eastwood. Consider the two ways he delivers his now classic "Do I feel lucky, punk?" speech. His delivery at the beginning of the film exudes an aura of arrogant petulance, which makes the speech feel practiced as though Harry has delivered it on thousands of occasions to minority criminals all over San Francisco. At the end of the film the speech is delivered with a barely contained fury and maniacal menace. Indeed, although Harry Callahan is the protagonist of the film he is far more frightening than the skittish Scorpio. Harry's nihilistic actions deepen his character, and enlighten the audience to the intentions of the filmmakers, which is to state that we tragically live in a world where criminals have more power than the police. But in a way, Harry's character also lessens the suspense. Scorpio is not a villain to be feared, or even wickedly enjoyed whilst on screen. He is more more like a pitiful insect, and is hardly a match for the elemental force of Harry Callahan. With this in mind, it is only a matter of time before Harry Callahan gets his man and wraps up the plot.
Nevertheless, this is still a "must see" film for anyone who enjoys Clint Eastwood, is interested in the exploitation or vigilante films of the 1970s, or would just like to watch a classic film with great location shooting in San Francisco and that classic speech by Mr. Eastwood.
***1/2 Stars
That's right. This last week we did not go out to see a movie and we didn't get a chance to watch any DVDs. Now, that isn't to say we didn't watch any movies. In fact, last night Helen was babysitting from 7PM till about midnight while I was home with Isabel. In that time Australia's great "free to air" television programming fit me like a glove. I started the night off with Pixar's The Incredibles on channel Seven which was immediately followed by Scary Movie 4 (absolute offal, but better than watching "Spicks and Specks"), after which I turned to channel Ten for The Return of the Jedi (HELLO!). So, watching three movies in one night could hardly be called a week without movies, but none of these movies are recent releases, and the fact of the matter is I didn't feel like doing a review on any of those films. Instead, I've decided to do a short review on a film Helen and I watched a few weeks ago. The classic Don Siegel film Dirty Harry starring the inimitable Clint Eastwood. I've also decided to list my top five Steven Spielberg films. ENJOY!!!
-Dallas
Top Five Steven Spielberg Films
1. Schindler's List
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark
3. Jaws
4. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
5. Munich
Nihilism in the USA
Dirty Harry, released in 1971 tells the story of Harry Callahan a gritty San Francisco Police Detective, played to perfection by Clint Eastwood, as he tries to apprehend a serial killer known as Scorpio. This is a fascinating film that explores the power possessed by a maniac with a gun. Whether that maniac is an outlaw serial killer or a police officer with a badge makes no difference. They both wield considerable power that can and is abused.
At the core of this film is a masterful performance by Clint Eastwood. Consider the two ways he delivers his now classic "Do I feel lucky, punk?" speech. His delivery at the beginning of the film exudes an aura of arrogant petulance, which makes the speech feel practiced as though Harry has delivered it on thousands of occasions to minority criminals all over San Francisco. At the end of the film the speech is delivered with a barely contained fury and maniacal menace. Indeed, although Harry Callahan is the protagonist of the film he is far more frightening than the skittish Scorpio. Harry's nihilistic actions deepen his character, and enlighten the audience to the intentions of the filmmakers, which is to state that we tragically live in a world where criminals have more power than the police. But in a way, Harry's character also lessens the suspense. Scorpio is not a villain to be feared, or even wickedly enjoyed whilst on screen. He is more more like a pitiful insect, and is hardly a match for the elemental force of Harry Callahan. With this in mind, it is only a matter of time before Harry Callahan gets his man and wraps up the plot.
Nevertheless, this is still a "must see" film for anyone who enjoys Clint Eastwood, is interested in the exploitation or vigilante films of the 1970s, or would just like to watch a classic film with great location shooting in San Francisco and that classic speech by Mr. Eastwood.
***1/2 Stars
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