Still more movies currently in the theaters

7/31/07

Lady Chatterley
Directed by Pascale Ferran

This lovely French film is based on an early version of D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover, one that is not generally read. As TVOR has not ready any versions of the story, I can’t say whether the film adheres closely to the text or not. What I will say is that the film works well on its own. The characters retain their English names, but don’t seem very English—and they’re speaking French, of course. The story is of an affair between Lady Chatterley, whose husband has been seriously injured in World War I, and the estate’s gamekeeper. In spite of a nearly three-hour running time, the film is consistently engaging, and does not drag. And, yes, you do see naked bodies. Including the naughty parts.

The Golden Door
Written and directed by Emanuele Crialese

This Italian film tells the story of a group of immigrants making the journey from Sicily to the United States early in the 20th century. It follows them as they prepare for the journey, travel on a crowded boat, and attempt to negotiate the bureaucracy of Ellis Island. They are, for the most part, poor and illiterate, but dream of an America full of wealth and promise. This is a movie that is absolutely gorgeous on the big screen—do try to see it in a theater.

Rescue Dawn
Written and directed by Werner Herzog

In this English-language film, German director Werner Herzog tells the true story of Dieter Dengler, who as a child in Germany watched his town get demolished by Allied bombers. His response to this experience was to develop a passion for flying, which led him to emigrate to the United States, enlist in the armed services, and become a Navy pilot during the Viet Nam war. On his first mission, he was shot down, captured, held as a prisoner, and eventually escaped and was rescued. If it occurs to you that Dengler was an unusual guy, I think it’s safe to say you’re right. As portrayed in the film, he takes pluckiness to new heights. The film is beautifully shot, and well-acted and directed (it is a Werner Herzog film after all), but TVOR never really got a handle on Dengler’s character. The film was interesting, but not very engaging.

Video notes: Ten years ago, Werner Herzog made a documentary called Little Dieter Needs to Fly. In it, the real Dieter Dengler tells his story, with narration by Herzog. This is one to check out.

The big video news today as far as I’m concerned is that Hot Fuzz is out on DVD. This is another winner from the people who brought you Shaun of the Dead. Whereas Shaun spoofs zombie films, adding a bit of romance (I believe they called it a rom/com/zom or something like that), Hot Fuzz gives us a comedy cop buddy picture. And fortunately for viewers like TVOR, you don’t have to have any experience with the genre being spoofed to enjoy the result. I’m sure there are many inside jokes and references that went right over my head, but no matter. It’s hilarious no matter what your level of cop picture sophistication is. So watch Hot Fuzz and if you can’t lay your hands on that one, give Shaun of the Dead a try. A warning—both are rather gory. But zombies and buddy cops are like that.