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AnOKMovieNut
Some Random Favorite Movies
3 Amigos
Antz
Assassins
Batman Begins
Boiler Room
Clue
Fiddler on the Roof
Firestarter
Heathers
Highlander
Ladyhawke
Lake Placid
Memphis Belle
The Mummy
Nightmare Before Christmas
Pitch Black
Princess Bride
The Quick and the Dead
Real Genius
Silence of the Lambs
Sin City
Sleepy Hollow
Spaceballs
A Stranger Among Us
Transformers: The Movie
WarGames
Reviews
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
A childhood favorite that withstood the test of time
I first saw this movie when I was very young - maybe 9 or so - when my mother rented it. I remember watching it over and over again. When I saw that the DVD had come out I didn't even hesitate; I bought it right away. I'm glad I did.
There are many themes that find their way into this movie: feminism, romance, the supernatural, etc. The one that struck me the most was a longing for something that could never be while maintaining the practical to survive. There is a constant tension between Gene Tierney (Mrs. Muir) and Rex Harrison (Captain Gregg) that is never really satisfied. Words of love are never spoken, not even in the passionate monologue from Rex Harrison. But they are unnecessary because the undercurrents are so strong. Through this tension they work and live normally because what else is there to do? Because of this there is a layer of sad acceptance in the actions of Mrs. Muir and Captain Gregg, which is understandable to all of the audience - this is an emotion that all people are forced to feel at one point or another.
From a technical standpoint, the film is obviously in black and white which does nothing to detract from the story. The cinematography was nominated for an Oscar, and should have won in my opinion. I also am one of many that want to rebuild the house and live there forever. The passage of time should definitely be noted, as it was masterfully portrayed.
On the whole, it is a wonderful movie which I would recommend to anyone.
Dangerous Beauty (1998)
Wonderful movie, with slight historic discrepancies
This movie is beautifully filmed and artfully portrayed by all of the actors involved. Catherine McCormack and Rufus Sewell are absorbing as the two citizens of Venice tied by love, but separated by their class. Oliver Platt, Jacqueline Bisset, and Fred Ward shine in their supportive roles and give credence to a lovely, romantic story.
The only drawback that I can see has nothing to do with the movie, and everything to do with historic fact. After watching the movie I found myself curious about the life of Veronica Franco, because she is portrayed so strongly by Catherine McCormack. I found that Franco was indeed interrogated by the Inquisition, not only once but twice. Also, she faced the council alone, with only her wits to save her. After watching the movie a second time, I feel that even with the strong performance this movie might not have done justice to such an amazing woman like Veronica Franco.
Even so, I rate it very highly and would encourage any adult to watch it. There are some nude scenes, with sexual acts performed, so this is definitely not a movie for children. However, the love story is touching and the history behind the story is fascinating.