REAR WINDOW : I’m not much into rear window ethics

Why are we so curious about other people’s lives? There are two ways of addressing this topic.Most of the time,it is because we tend to think that their lives of others are upgrade than our own,which shows a huge lack of self-confidence.Yet,in less cases,this fact is considered a distractions from our personal problems or it is simply that to learn from other’s experiences …which is good.Alfred Hitchcock,in Rare Window,transformed this frivolous topic to a masterpiece of mystery.

Rear Window is an American mystery film.It was directed and written by Alfred Hitchcock in 1954.This movie was based on a short story ‘It Had to Be Murder’ by Cornell Woolrich’s.It goes without saying that Rear Window is considered by critics and scholars as a film and audiovisual heritage.So,It stands to reason that this movie received four Academy Award nominations.Needless to say that it was named for one of the best 100 Movies on AFI’s 100 Years.There’s not escaping the fact that nowadays,this film is a successful reflection upon the concept of voyeurism.

L.B,.Jefferies is a a well-known photographer.He is recovering from a broken leg and he is confined to a wheelchair in his apartment,in Manhattan.To Jeff,days are too long and he spends all the time watching his neighbors’ life though his rear window,especially ‘Miss Lonelyhearts’ (Judith Evelyn) and ‘Miss Torso’(Raymond Burr),who live in front of him.These nicknames are invented by Jeff and to him their life is so entertaining.One night,Jeff is visited by his girlfriend,Lisa (Grace Kelly) ,who regularly visited him.After Lisa leaves the apartment,Jeff hears a strong sound and a loud scream of a woman.Soon,Jess looks though from his window to his neighbour and he realizes that Thorwald (Mister Torso) abandons the flat.In that moment.It is clear that something had happened.The next morning,Jeff notices that Thorwald’s wife isn’t at home as a normal.What’s more there are weird movements in his apartment and Thorwald is cleaning a knife.It is crystal clear that this situation isn’t the same that Jeff is used to seeing to from their stranger couple.

One of Hitchcock’s best films and my favourite one,Rear Window remains a brilliant thriller half a century later,It’s tense and suspenseful and it has a little lighthearted humor which makes it both exciting and fun to watch.The acting is great,especially from James Steward.There’s not dull moment in this masterpiece

…We’ve become a race peeping toms.What people ought to do it get outside their own house and look in for a change. 

C

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rear_Window

ALIVE : The answer is in the mountain

To get started,I would like to bring forward a topic that has been on everyone’s lips lately,especially in Hollywood.Some cinema experts totally agree over a opinion about the new way to release remakes over previous blockbuster.In fact,they tend to think,nowadays,there aren’t new ideas,and in doing so,they just invest over versions.In my view,to call Bayona’s film a remake is a mistake,as it is simply another version of the story that was once told in Marshall’s very intense,epic.To my mind,Alive,there is a film I should definitely write before the Society of the Snow.

Alive is an American survival and biographical film.This film was released in 1993 and it was based,firstly over the facts of the Uruguayan rugby team’s crash aboard a flight into the Andes mountains in 1972.This shocking movie was directed by Frank Marshall and written by J.P Shanley.Furthermore,one of the survivors,Nando Parrado helps as an advisor on this film.This year,in 2024,on Netflix and the large screen,we will able to enjoy a new adaptation of Alive,The society of the snow,by the Spanish director J.Bayona.It goes without saying that this last film is an absolutely masterpiece and a perfect version.

After their last match,The Stella Maris College’s Rugby team are invited to an upcoming match in Chile.The team finally decides to fly with some relatives and friends over the Andes in the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571.During the flight,there are some turbulences due to the strong storm.The young passengers are really afraid with this emergency because the situations are each more and more dramatic.Finally,the wings and the tail are separated from the fusulage owing to the colliction with a mountain.The plane ends up in the middle of Andes.In a short space of time,some passengers die and some of them are highly ill.The suffering and desperation appears due to the fact they realize that they don’t have enough food and the tracing from the authorities is over.Yet,it is in these moments when the human survival emerges.

Alive is a great film experience. It is based on true events.The film is uplifting and kind of rough to watch at times. Ethan Hawke and Vincent Spano give excellent performances. The screenplay is well written and touching. Frank Marshall did a great job directing this film.I’m not sure over what of these two versions I prefer.And you,what both adaptations do you prefer?

…I’m not dead.I’ve never felt worse in my life,but I’m not dead.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alive_(1993_film)

THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL : My name is Charles Dickens

Have we ever wondered about if we could talk to with our future self ? Or talk to with our child self? What would we talk about? Well,it’s hard to pinpoint a straightforward answer.In my view that we would advise over some negative experiences that we have suffered to avoid them.What’s more,I am also totally convinced that we would also say that there are lovely moments to enjoy in our life,and we should worry just over vital issues.Why not? An unexpected visit of some temporal ghost would help to consider like Mr.Scroogle happened

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a musical film directed by Brian Henson.As we know this novel is adapted from the well-known novel A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.This film was released in 1992 and it is the first Muppet film which was produced by Walt Disney.Despite its low box office,this version achieved positive reviews and it might be the best Muppet film.Yet,it is fair to point out that this movie was dedicated to Jim Henson,who had passed away recently.Finally,the role of Gonzo is probable the most relevant.In fact,Almost ninety-five percent of what Gonzo says in the movie is directly taken from the book.

London,in the 19th century,during this Christmas,the whole people are on the streets playing Christmas carols and laughing,everything is happyness.Yet,to Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Cane),a greedy and moody moneylender,this season is absolutely repellent.He refuses Nativity time and also people’s happiness.His nephew Freds,who works with him,invites Scrooge to his Christmas dinner due to the fact Scrooge will be alone this nice evening.His uncle rejects this invitation.During this night,in his house,Scrooge sees two ghosts his late business partners,Jacob and Robert Martley.They talk with Scrooge about his conduct which will have negative consequences.They comments that during this festive night three spirits will visit him.During this night,the childlike Ghost of Christmas Past,merry ghost of Christmas Present and Future.They show him how was his childhood and how will be his future due to his behaviour.

A fantastic Interpretation of Dickens beloved Christmas Carol novel,The Muppets work beautifully in this context,and they are wonderfully complimented by the great Michael Caine who is in sparkling form.A stone clod Christmas classic.

My Mother always taught me,”Never eat singing food”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Muppet_Christmas_Carol

IT: The master of horror

There is not doubt that one of my best childhood memories is related with some novels.It is impossible to forget when I read,for instance, ‘The neverending story’,’The adventures of Sherlock Holmes’,’Needful things’ or ’The Long Walk’.Yet,I’d like to point out that there was one book which impacted me : IT by Stephen King.Needles to say that Stephen King is one my favorite author.I couldn’t forget the day which Raul (R.I.P dear friend) recommended me to read it.I was absolutely hooked with this novel,it was shocking with its plot.After that,I must make clear that my point of view over clowns changed completely.

IT is an American horror film.It is based on a novel of the same name by Stephen King.The film was released in 2017 under the direction of Andy Muschietti and written by Chase Palmer,Cary Fukunaga and Gary Dauberman.There is not question that this premier was waiting for the audience and as a result its box office achieved records and grossed over $701 million worldwide.Furthermore,It received some relevant awards and it was nominated for the Critics’ Movie award for the best Sci-fi horror movie.This is the first part of the novel.The second part was premiered in 2019,covering the remaining story from the book.As a final curiosity,the director demanded that children didn’t have any contact with Bill Skarsgard (Pennywise) before the first scene in order they feel a real fear of the clown.

1988,during a strong storm,Georgie and his older brother Bill are playing at home.Bill makes a paper sailboat to his brother.Later,Georgie plays outside with the boat,but unfortunately it goes along the rainy streets to a drain.In that moment,Giorgie tries to recuperate the paper toy,but suddenly,he realizes that there is a clown inside the drain.At the first glance,it appears to be a friendly clown who introduces himself as Pennywise and he wants to play with Georgie.However,dramatically,Pennywise bites his arm off and drags him into the sewer.One year later since this horror moment,Bill and his friends (Richie,Eddie and Stan) run away of some bully classmate, and they along with other friends end up hiding close to Georgie’ disappearance.In that moment,due to some mysterious facts they realize that it could be possible that Giorgie may still be alive but it is likely he is with the clown.Yet,this investigation,Pennywise attacks them,and he tries to kill

I’ve seen movies with some complex storylines,but the simplicity of this horror of kind of what’s to love about it.The gore and the portrayal os fear as a factor is really interesting and well executed.Stephen King,the master of horror unleashes everything you were ever afraid of.I’m sure that this movie will change your opinion on clowns..forever.

…they all float down here.When you’re down here with us,you’ll float too!.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_(2017_film)

NEBRASKA : Breathtaking..

Each year on September 21st,it is the world Alzheimer's and Demential Day and This date organizations around the world make a huge effort to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around this disease.There is not doubt that this illness is likely one the worst.Not until each family knows its consequences do they realize what it really means.From my blog,I want to have my humble tribute to these families which suffer and also the Alzeimer associations.

Nebraska is an American comedy-drama film.It was directed by Alexander Payne in 2013.This brilliant movie was nominated for numerous awards such as Cannes film Festival,Palmer d’Or and especially it was nominated by six Academy Oscar award.Furthermore,not only becomes this film a complete success ,but also it was highly considered by criticism.Needless to say that the most relevant point was the film’s lighting which was designed black and white screening.It was converted from color to black and white in post-production because Payne said he wanted to produce an ‘iconic and archetypal look atmosphere’

In Billings,Montana,Woody Grant is a an elderly person who suffers dementia.One day,he is walking alone on the motorway.Suddenly,a policeman asks him about his destination.Woody says that he wants to go to Nebraska to collect a million dollar prize that he believes the has won.After that,Woody is picked up by his son (David) to the local police station.When they arrive at home,Kate,Woddy’s wife is angry with his insistence about collecting this money.Yet,his son gets obligated to achieve his father’s goal.So,David and Woody start this adventure to collect this uncertain award.During this travel,while Woody memories are dissapearing due to his illness,David knows everything over his father’s past.

An masterpiece in this genre,It’s hard to even describe what sensitive and thought provoking this movie.There is not doubt that It should be in ‘must see’ of everyone.The choice to film in black and which is brillant.

…Does he have Alzheimer’s? No,he just believes what people tell him.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_(film)

AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN : Up where we belong.

 

In Hollywood history,there are emotional romantic scenes.Thoughhout this blog,I have written over them.Yet,there is one of them,in my humble opinion,which is on the tip of the iceberg about this genre.The final scene along with its soundtrack on ‘An officer and a gentleman ‘ is an absolutely a masterpiece.The moment when Richard Gere surprises to his girlfriend in the factory is iconic that even The Simpson imitated this unforgettable scene.

An Officer and a Gentleman is an American romantic film.This emblematic film was directed by Taylor Hackford in 1982.This film was a completely blockbuster due to its positive critics and its financial success.Apart from its emotional plot,its cast was the key,which are completed by Richard Gere,Debra Winger and Louis Gosset Jr.It is relevent to mention the role of Gosset Jr,who won the Academy Award,being one of few Black males to did it.As a curiosity,its title came from’ Officer and Gentleman’ is an old expression from the Royal Navy.As a mentioned before,its memorable final scene along with its soundtrack is considered one of the best endings in America cinema history.

Zachary ‘Zack’ Mayo (Richard Gere) is a teenager who is sent to live with his problematic father,after his mother committed a suicide.When Zack becomes an adult,he decides to join a Navy military.Upon arrival to the AOCS,Zack meets his new friend Sid Worley (David Keith),but they also meet the drill Sergeant Emil Foley (Louis Gossett Jr).The Sergeant considers that they are not prepared for this world.The main purpose of Foley is that the guys like Zack and Sid go throuth really hard punishes,and after that they will be dismissed.One night,the two candidates meet a two young factory workers,Paula (Debra Winger) and Lynette (Lisa Blount).In general,most of female workers have a main goal,meeting a prometed Navy man to get married.There,Sid meets Lynette and Zack meets Paula.Yet,Paula doesn’t have the same purpose like Lynette and the rest of the girls.

An Officer and a Gentleman is a brilliant film with a great soundtrack,strong performances and the most rousing and emotional final scene in a film.An Officer and a Gentleman deserves its place among the classic of film history,withouth a doubt whatsoever.

..Being a male is a matter of birth,being a man is a matter of age,but being a gentleman is a matter of choice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Officer_and_a_Gentleman

ELEMENTAL : I can’t exist in a world with you

 

Life is a collection of moments…Yet,given the circumstances that we are living in our current world,sometimes it is difficult to find them.Fortunately,During my summer holidays,I had one of them,which I’ll never forget it.This moment was when I went to the cinema with my nephew.It was our first time together there,and needless to say that it was absolutely unforgettable.We watched Elemental,and the film teaches us to enjoy the small things that make life beautiful.

Elemental is an American animation film.It is produced by Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios.Although this movie was released in July on 2023,this project started seven years ago.I’d like to point out that some critics believe that its plot and originality are underwhelmed in comparison to Pixer’s previous films,yet it is being a complete success in the box office.Besides,the animation tools used to design the visual effects and appearance of each character are totally up-to-date.I must make clear that the film perfectly handles the topic of  immigration,showing as the couple leave their native home of fire beings to the bustling metropolis of Element City.

Bernie and Cinder Lumen left their city in order to find a new home.When they arrive to the metropolis,the couple opens up their own business while they are waiting their first baby,Ember.Bernie works really hard to go ahead his store with the early help of Bernie,which one day she will run the shop.Yet,first she must control her tremendous temper.One day,Bernie runs the store alone,but this situation ends up a drama due to her strong temperament.The basement is flooded and an inspector water element (Wade) appears there.Wade must inform about these irregularities and as a consequence the store will close down.Ember tries to convince to Wade that it was an unusual incident and it will solve,but he must report it.Despite this first episode,they start a friendship and Wade helps her to solve this problem,control her temper and they show that fire and water could be more than friends.

Elemental is an experience for the big screen for the whole family,It’s dreamy,surreal amd magically entertaining without a moment of dullness.The story is so touching and uplifting,there is not doubt that it is the perfect blend of emotions.Do not miss it!

…Why does anyone get to tell you what you can do in your life?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemental_(2023_film)

ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN : The most devastating detective story.

 

Do you believe in politics? It is a complicated question,isn’t it? This month,we’ve had general elections.Under a really tense moment in Spain,we had to choice our future.Yet,in general,Spanish citizens don’t believe in these politicians.At first glance,they offer good intentions and positive measures.Yet,there is a fine line between what is prometed and what is finally really done.Besides,there isn’t anything transparent in their movements.In my humble opinion,and as we could watch in the videotape ‘All the president’s men’,in the politic system not all is clear.

All the President’s Men is an American political film.The movie  is based on a book of the same name by two journalists who investigated the case of The Washington Post.Two years later,in 1976,All the President’s Men was released to the large screen,directed by Alan J.Pakula.There is not in doubt that the strong points of this genial film are its film star,Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman.This film is considered as a culturally,historically and aesthetically significant by the Liberty of Congress in the United States.Besides,the film won four Academy Awards.As a final curiosity,the title is derived from a line spoken by Mark Antony in Shakesperare’s play Julius Caesar.The title symbolized the investigation into the integrity of the President and his administration.

Year 1972,Bob Woodward (Robert Redford),a young reporter of Washington Post is assigned to cover the attempted robbery at the Watergate.At the first view,this burglary is considered a minor importance,one of the thieves is James W.McCord Jr who has recently left the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).This fact makes the case changed fully due to it is directly related with The White House,and now it is highly delicate about private interests of the Nation.Yet,Bob Woodward along with another post reporter Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) believe that their work has of the lack of reliable sources of the Post’s.For that,they encourage further investigation in order to clarify this sordid case.

This is a masterpiece.The film involved a solid direction and a great cinematography.One of the few films that you can watch multiple times.This film is a must for cinema lovers.

…’I don’t mind what you did.I mind the way you did it’.

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_the_President%27s_Men_(film)

TITANIC : A women’s heart is a deep ocean of secrets.

Can you imagine traveling to the space or scaling Everest? Or as it has recently happened to the depths of ocean to visit the Titanic.Nowadays,to wealthy people,it is really common the they organize ultra-luxurious but also risky vacations.It is a well known fact that many people consider the holidays as an escape to our routine.

However,these excursions get out of hand because it can threaten the environment or lead rescue risk missions.As tragically it has recently taken place about the excursion to see the rests of the Titanic.There is not doubt that more than hundred years later we continue to talk about the sinking of The Titanic.

Titanic is an American romantic,but it also a tragedy film.The film was directed and written by James Cameron in 1997.The story is based on the sinking of RMS Titanic which was in 1912.Despite that this dramatic accident which had disastrous consequences Cameron was able to show a fascination love story inside this disaster.For this dramatic recreation,Cameron used scale models,modern imagery,among others reconstructions to show this epic situation.According to some experts,the film was a full success.Titanic received pretty positive criticise and numerous accolades,meanly its 14 nominations for the Academy Award that prove it.Furthermore,it is the second film to gross more than $2 billion worldwide after Avatar.As a final curiosity,the director James Cameron has recently said that ‘ discussing whether Jack could have survived 20 years after the fact is absolutely silly.The film is about death and separation,in others words Jack had to die’.

1996,the famous treasure hunter,Brock Lovett and his team search for the wreck of RMS Titanic in order to find a valuable necklace known as the Heart of the Ocean.Yet,they find a drawing of a woman wearing this necklace.When this news is shown on TV,the elderly woman Rose Dawson Calvert contacts with the Lovett.She claims that she is the women in the drawing and it was painted in 1912,in the Titanic.After that,Rose recounts her amazing experience as a Titanic passenger.

The year was 1912,the young Rose Dewitt Bukater (Kate Winslet),along with his wealthy fiancé and Rose’mother,embark in the Titanic.Meantime,in another part of this ship,Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) a poor artist travels to achieve a new life.Rose is really frustrated with this future because she doesn’t get married with to his fiancé.As a result,Rose intents to commit a suicide.At that moment,Jack avoids this dramatic fact.Jack and Rose start a friendship,although soon they admit that they are more than goods friends.The couple spend their day with complicity,love,passion and …with the famous portrait with the necklace until the ship’s collision where their life and the rest of the occupant will change forever.

A masterpice.First of all,I’d like to point out that the direction of James Cameron is absolutely amazing and the original song by Celine Dion is iconic.The first half,it is a visually stunning and charming love story,and the second half,some of the most incredible action ever put to the large screen.You really feel the terror of all the people on board as they flight for their lives.

… I figure life’s a gift and I don’t intend on wasting it.You don’t know what hand you’re gonna get dealt next.You learn to take life as it comes at you..to make each day count.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film)

THE IRISH GOODBYE : One hundred and one wishes

 

Not only is May a beautiful month for all mothers,but also is pretty cute owing to my Mum’s birthday.For this reason,it’s a great idea to write about the unconditional love of our mothers.The tradition in Spain,it’s to visit our mothers and give them a gift,especially flowers.Unfortunately,in this short movie,an Irish goodbye,their characters (Turlough and Lorcan) can’t live his mum because of she recently passed away.Then again,thanks to Lorcan,they could carry out his mum’s last wish.

An Irish Goodbye is a short videotape which was released in 2022.This hilarious black comedy was produced,written and directed by Tom Berkeley and Ross White.During 2022 and 2023,the film had achieved uncountless awards but,and there’s a big but that its successful moment was when Am Irish Goodbye won the 2023 Academy Award for the best live Action short film.

In a Irish farm.Turlough (James Martin) and Lorcan (Seamus O’Hara) live two brothers who had just lost their mother.After his mum last goodbye,the priest comments to the brothers about a list with things to do after her death.Turlough doesn’t want to know anything over this list and he just thinks about selling the farm and live in London with his brother Lorcan,who has Down syndrome.Although Lorcan absolutely disagree with that idea.So,Lorcan has a wonderful plan.He creates a ‘bucket list’ to stay on the farm where the two brothers and his mother was fully delighted.

I must make clear that I rarely write about short films,but in this case I had to do it.To my mind,an Irish Goodbye is gloomy but lovely,and most of all,uplifting.I loved this short videotape,one of those films that make you smile through painful situations.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Irish_Goodbye