joel cohen's Reviews

Lonely Are the Brave (1962)

10/10

9 February 2006

A much under-appreciated movie, I love it. I caught a snippet of it the other night and it got me to thinking how many "modern" day cowboys were influenced by Burns' character. I'll bet anything Jerry Jeff Walker has seen it. Kirk's performance alone justifies the look but I can't recall another flick with so many actors in pre-star roles. For example, Gena Rowlands, George Kennedy (pre- Cool Hand Luke), Walter Matthau, William Schallert (Patty Duke's dad, Bill Bixby etc.

What I'd like to focus on is a very small piece of the movie focusing on the "one-armed man" Bill Raisch (pre-The Fugitive). Bill starts a fight with Burns just to have something to do on a Saturday nite. The scene is a great reminder to be careful of dropping in on unfriendly/unknown bars.

This movie could serve as the basis for any English/Literature major's college paper/thesis. Not surprising since Dalton Trumbo had a hand in the screenplay.

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The Gambler (1974)

9/10

Worth the Gamble

6 September 2005

I saw this movie back in 1974/75 when it was released. I was already a Caan man. My comments are just random tidbits. Burt Young would go on to join Caan in 1975's The Killer Elite". Monkey (London Lee) was a stand-up comic who appeared numerous times on the Ed Sullivan show in the 60's. Lauren Hutton would trade Caan for Burt Reynolds in Gator. Caan earlier had beat out Burt for the role of Sonny Corleone. The line I remember most from this film is when Axel's mother is trying to get a bank loan to fund his gambling debt. There are some bureaucratic snafus and the bank officer isn't sure he has the proof to approve the loan to mom. Caan says "I came out of her womb and I know she's my mom. Now give her the god... money!".

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The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

8/10

Mixed Deal

1 July 2005

Warning: Spoilers

I saw the film in it's entirety for the first time last nite on DVD. I'm a long time McQueen fan. Some random thoughts I haven't seen elsewhere.

I wasn't an English major for long in college, but it seems to me the film's opening could generate a thesis. The Kid is in or behind a NOLA funeral procession. He emerges full of life and able to beat a young black street urchin in a coin toss game. This clearly establishes the Kid as the "street man".

The Kid is thoroughly ethical in cards (a metaphor for life) in that he is honest nor will he mislead Tuesday Weld. He will play Edward G honestly; won't cheat to win since what does it mean to win by cheating? When his father figure (Shooter) is prepared to compromise his integrity, the Kid follows suit. At the film's denouement (perfect IMDb term) Eric has already enjoyed a piece of Melba Toast but it's not fulfilled him, just tainted him. If Shooter finds out he'll want to Stoneher. Life comes crashing down with Eric's loss, but it appears that Tuesday Weld's character is still there to help him start over. The young black urchin (possibly Dave Chapelle) now trumps the old street master and we have come full circle. Out. Time to switch to driving fast cars not cards Stoner.

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The Great Escape (1963)

10/10

A Great Escape

27 June 2001

I saw this movie for the first time as a nine year old boy on a big screen in the Bronx. I'm now in my 40's. I have seen it many times since but not on the big screen. It was meant for the big screen! It's on my top five list along with The Sand Pebbles. It's a great movie about hope and freedom and man's responsibility to his fellow man. These men are all near saints; James Garner insisting on Donald Plesence making the escape, Charles Bronson fighting his claustrophobia. Steve McQueen is the star among the stars, not merely because of his motorcycle skills but for his attempt to save a life and for bringing the game of "off the wall" to the masses. :-)

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High Noon (1952)

9/10

The climax hinges on broken glass.

22 June 2001

I loved this movie which I have recently seen for the first & second time. But for the breaking of the glass store window by the "drinker" gunman, Kane will be outgunned and dead instantly when the parties converge. Why does he decide to steal the woman's hat(?) Has he suddenly gone light in his boots? :-) Seriously, I suppose he plans on giving it to Grace Kelly in exchange for her "gracing" him with other favors. Katy Jurado is great- couldn't take my eyes off her and she plants the idea of defending Kane to the death in the mind of Quaker Amy Kane. Who put out the town fire (blooper)? . Final thoughts- the townsfolk who force the Kanes to leave town are actually sending the newlyweds off to their funeral not their honeymoon. Geez, and I thougt my wedding was rough.

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