Months in Movies: May-July

My movie watching over the last couple of months just isn’t what it used to be. I haven’t posted any recaps for that reason, so I’m here to highlight some favorites. And hopefully I can get my act together and start watching them regularly again!

See Here, Private Hargrove (1944) dir: Wesley Ruggles

This film is only included because it was Robert Walker’s first starring role and he’s super adorable in it. A star making role for one of my best boys. Marion Hargrove joins the army and gets into all sorts of trouble. All of it is unintentional.

A Matter of Life and Death (1947) dir: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

My favorite film from this period. A film saturated with color, one of Powell & Pressburger’s masterpieces. David Niven stars as a WWII pilot who was shot down but miraculously survived. He was supposed to die, but the heavenly messenger responsible for retrieving him failed to do so. That messenger is the French dandy Conductor 71 (Marius Goring), who is now my boyfriend. He’s such a delicious character! Peter Carter (Niven) falls in love with June (Kim Hunter), but he will soon be on trial in the heavenly court to determine if his life on earth should continue. Heaven is black and white while the earth is blooming in rich color. It’s easily one of the most fascinating films ever made, in terms of visuals and content.

We Will All Go to Monte Carlo (1951) dir: Jean Boyer, Lester Fuller

One of Audrey Hepburn’s earliest films, watched as part of her Star of the Month spotlight on TCM. The film is funny and has its moments, but it’s somewhat dull. Audrey plays a prima donna with relish. I wish she’d had the opportunity to play more roles like that.

Laughter in Paradise (1951) dir Mario Zampi

This time Audrey had just a bit part but the film is very original and funny. Members of a family are promised an inheritance by an eccentric uncle who was fond of pranks. In order to claim their share, each has to do something ridiculous. Audrey plays a cigarette girl and she’s unsurprisingly adorable.

The Secret People (1952) dir: Thorold Dickinson

This time Audrey played refugee Nora, younger sister of Maria (Valentina Cortese). The girls’ father was assassinated years ago for his political views. When Maria reunites with an old flame, he coerces her to join a terrorist group. Flashes of early brilliance from Miss Hepburn. She was so young, but her potential was visible.

Frank and Ollie (1995) dir: Theodore Thomas

Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were lifelong best friends and Disney animators, two of Walt’s most famous. This film chronicles their life in retirement as they recalled their Disney days. They lived next door to each other for many years. Their friendship is the kind I want. And wouldn’t it be grand to live out your dream with your best friend by your side? That’s actually the story I’ve been working on for the past five years.

Two Days, One Night (2014) dir: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

As someone who suffers from depression, this film was a godsend. Sandra (Marion Cotillard) is in danger of losing her job at a factory. She has to convince her coworkers not to take bonuses so she can stay on. It will eventually be put to a vote. The reason she’s up against everyone else is because of a mental breakdown that forced her out of work. It’s a film that’s incredibly raw, tender, and honest. Although our struggles are not the same, she still seemed to be mirroring myself.

Cars 3 (2017) dir: Brian Fee

My review on Upcoming Pixar. Stay tuned for an article on why the Cars films are some of my favorites and why people’s complaints about it don’t hold water. :~)

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