Before Matthew McConaughey was giving stand-out and Oscar-worthy performances in films such as DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (2013) and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (2013) or in the popular HBO TV series “True Detective” yet after he was better known as that rom-com actor who seemingly took on a new career as a beach dude obsessed with constantly showing off his tauntly toned torso, there was … Continue reading THE LINCOLN LAWYER (2011)
Based on EM Forster’s novel, the famed production/directing duo Ismail Merchant/James Ivory’s A ROOM WITH A VIEW (1985) takes an unconventional view of a romantic tale in a very conventional time. Set in Edwardian British society, a young miss Lucy Honeychurch, portrayed delightfully by Helena Bonham Carter in her first big screen debut, and her overbearing cousin chaperone (talented Maggie Smith) vacation at the Pensione … Continue reading A ROOM WITH A VIEW (1985)
Despite urgings from industry colleagues to avoid predicted controversy (especially when three political figures are called out for their well-known antisemitism by name), producer Darryl F Zanuck fought hard to bring Elia Kazan’s GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947) to the big screen. With a love story mixed in, this film tackles the subject of American antisemitism as a cultural experience, much more directly than had been endeavored … Continue reading Nuances of Antisemitism in GENTLEMAN’S AGREEMENT (1947)
What made the Pre-Code era so scandalous, was the content and characterizations in those films made between 1930-1934 in a time when censorship was in name only. In the years 1932-1934, these were the rebellious years of filmmaking where the envelope was pushed so far, the Hays code of censorship was finally enforced. One of the benefits of this scintillating period was the portrayal of … Continue reading Classic Movie History Project: Women In Film 1932-1934
For the 2nd year in a row, the ‘Cubish duo’ Aurora aka @CitizenScreen of Once Upon A Screen and yours truly of Outspoken & Freckled aka @IrishJayhawk66 are so in awe of the mega talents of writer/director Billy Wilder that hosting a birthday party blogathon in his honor is simply a must! I think Billy would appreciate the best gifts are those in the form … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Billy Wilder! (Bloggers Beguile Us with Bday Bash Gifts)
To honor Billy Wilder’s birthday (today would have been his 109th birthday), I’m sharing my thoughts on one of his most beloved comedies of all-time, SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959). Written (along with long-time writing partner IAL Diamond), produced, and directed by Billy Wilder, this film is a comedy that’s both classic and contemporary. Then and now. It was a slight change of pace for Wilder who … Continue reading Billy Wilder’s SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
What defines sexy in film? Is it watching a couple make out? Adonis and goddess bodies of perfection? Is it showy shots of skin? Is it something more taboo? If you ask, most people define sexy as not something so gratuitously obscene as pornography, but rather the suggestion of sex. What’s most hot, is usually what’s not. In other words, why let the camera do all … Continue reading Why SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1933) defines SEX
Melissa McCarthy has accomplished more than offering up a light comedy this summer, much more than a silly spy spoof. She’s headlining a continuation of a recent trend of feminism and female empowerment in film via her latest comedy vehicle, in Paul Freig’s SPY (2015). After screening SPY, I wasn’t surprised at all to hear that the same writer/director who brought us BRIDESMAIDS (2011) and … Continue reading SPY (2015) is the Gal Pal, Snort Fest
In the steamy summers as a kid, I would often pass the time in the muggy Kansas heat at my grandparents’ houses. When I needed a break from the lake or the community pool or my uncle’s baseball games and yet that sweet bombpop barely satiated with a few sticky bites- it was the perfect time to come inside to the cool A/C and enjoy … Continue reading Beach Party Films: the Fashion, Music and Pop Culture, Daddy-O!
Boy howdy, is there a fun summer in store for you, film fans! In case you haven’t heard, Turner Classic Movies network has packed your summer with everything you need to keep those hot, sizzling days nice and cool. Whether you’re up for family fun flicks or dark noir, TCM has the ultimate silver screen soiree scheduled for everyone… all summer long. Starting June 5th, … Continue reading KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND! Summer Sizzles in Cool Noir on TCM- plus more!
Outspoken & Freckled 