Point Blank (1967)

Warner Bros. just released Point Blank alongside their Film Noir Classic Collection Vol. 2 (which I'd HIGHLY recommend you go buy). They didn't put it in the collection, which was a wise decision, and just goes to show how far they'll go to please the film buffs that buy their stuff. It was made in 1967, well after the 'golden age' of noir, was in widescreen, and in color. The purists might not like it, but they can't deny that it's an awesome film.

Truth be told, it's a great example of style over substance, but unlike all the other films that choose this route, there's still a good story to be told. It's a very straightforward, getting-revenge-and-the-money-that-the-bad-guy-stole story. However, the style and momentum of the film are what keeps you hooked on it. You know where the story's going, but it's such a great ride, that you're living every minute of it.

There's a number of great scenes that jump out of the movie and scream "awesome!" at you. One in particular that stuck out in my mind, was when the main character, played by Lee Marvin learns of where his traitorous wife is hiding. He begins walking down a hallway at a brisk pace, with a stone-cold look on his face, his shoes clapping against the hard floor in a rhythmic beat. The sound doesn't stop as the camera cuts to her in her bedroom, unknowingly brushing her hair, performing menial tasks. Back to Marvin's character, still silently walking down the hall. Another cut-away, the shoes still clapping on the floor. It's excellent, and really makes the entire scene such a great success in terms of creating tension.

There's not much to discuss about the film, it's very straightforward. But, it's a blast to watch, and an awesome movie overall.

Gimme Shelter (1970)

I've recently seen the Maysles' other film, Salesman, and really enjoyed it. So, I figured now is the time to check out Criterion's edition of Gimme Shelter. I'd known very little about Altamont, which, as I've found, is pretty much the norm for people these days.

As a documentary, it's extremely well-made. It's one of those cases of truth being stranger than fiction. You simply can't make up something like this. A group of Hell's Angels hanging out, drinking beers, presiding over 300,000 members of the love generation. It's pretty much a gigantic neon sign saying "DANGER WILL ROBINSON!" And yet, the footage is still horrifying to view. It's horrifying because this is REAL, there are no camera tricks, no stunt doubles, those Hell's Angels are REALLY beating a guy with pool cues.

The film really makes you think about the blame, and where, if at all, it should be placed. The Stones of course, they were just trying to raise some money and give a free show. However, you're left to wonder; how could they have done things differently, if they could at all?

It makes me think of a local station around here, they put on free concerts every summer, when local Alternative bands come through the state. Of course, along with the people who want to go innocently have a good time, there are those with nothing better to do who want nothing more than to ruin it for everyone else. If they cause trouble, they've got nothing to lose, really. I've seen many fights break out, plenty of objects thrown into the crowd with harmful intentions, balloons full of paint hurled at the bands, all just to ruin someone else's fun. It's nice to know that this was still carryng on over 30 years ago.

It's an incredibly powerful and effective documentary. Not only does it inform you and entertain you, but it genuinely makes you feel something.

---

For anybody reading this, two new Hitchcock items were announced today. The first is 20th Century Fox's big holdout, Lifeboat. I haven't seen it, because Fox has been so stingy about it, but it's a must-buy anyway. Also, Universal has the Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection coming in October. Every property they own, which is 14 films, all (supposedly) newly-remasted, with an extra disc of bonus features. The current editions of Psycho and Vertigo are non-anamorphic, and the new discs SHOULD be, so that's a big reason there. Also, we're hoping Vertigo's original mono track is restored, instead of just having the butchered 5.1 remix like the current disc.