Change Your Image
baldomanegro
Reviews
The Tall Men (1955)
Entertaining Cinemascope grade A western
Raoul Walsh didn't feel very comfortable when filming in Cinemascope and you can tell that in this story that, nevertheless, has some pleasant western elements and Jane Russell's body (and feet) standing out among several well-shot action sequences. You have seen it all better in other films such as "Red river" but the film is never boring and some moments- the cattle and the horses crossing a river, for instance- seem so close to reality that they make you miss those times when computer generated elements on screen just didn't exist. The plot solidly emphasizes some conservative attitudes towards life and shows them within a clear, fair scope: Clark Gable's character has fought enough and has earned a well-deserved retirement. He feels he has the right to have a home of his own and enjoy a new life without violence. Classic Hollywood film-makers, and Walsh is a fine example of them, knew how to entertain all sort of audiences. That is why, in spite of some flaws which mostly have to do with too many unexciting characters, I guess you won't be disappointed after seeing "The tall men".
Dead & Buried (1981)
Gloomy horror story with an authentic death flair throughout
I remember the first time when I first watched this movie in a hot summer evening at a small town near Barcelona. I had already seen other horror films but this one really pleased me and it still does. I guess it must be the gloomy atmosphere, the settings, some of the attractive characters, the shocking, imaginative killings and the remarkable use of music. I'd also stand out the fact that "the zombie town" has an ambiguous look which makes it both delightful and menacing: a place that you could choose for your next holidays but, at the same time, a place to be instantly abandoned. And can these film also be a sort of paradox to show the dark side of some kind of quiet, peaceful way of life? In a small village in which apparently everybody knows everything about many people, not only about the neighbour next door, one of its most prominent citizens ignores the truth that really matters. Being the Chief of police. I just feel this film is good enough for those who like unexpected, brilliant endings. The creators of "The sixth sense" or "The others", for instance, had probably seen "Dead and buried" before.
Ecologia del delitto (1971)
surreal killing spree
Mario Bava's "Bay of blood" is a very watchable slasher film that can more easily be enjoyed if not taken too seriously. I read some pretentious explanations which I couldn't fully agree with. However, I loved some killing sequences such as the gloomy beginning with its Gothic atmosphere, the sexy blonde murder after a macabre water encounter and the black-humored ending, among others. Far from being a perfect film, this motion-picture somehow set the trends for lots of American horror movies of the late seventies and the next decades and, like the most successful ones, among them "Halloween" or "Friday the 13th", showed that music and a particular atmosphere are also basic ingredients for the horror genre. They can even be substitutes for most characters who merely prowl around to end up dying in gruesome ways for the viewer's guilty pleasure.
Madigan (1968)
A remarkable, adult police drama with strong performances
While I was watching this quite brilliant film I was constantly thinking about the greatly written passages that can be heard throughout. In addition to that, Siegel's direction is never less than gripping and helps the story with flashes of genius. The acting benefits from a perfect casting in which no one seems out of place. I enjoyed Richard Widmark and Henry Fonda, of course, but also James Whitmore who around 25 years later also excelled in Frank Darabont's "The Shawshank Redemption". A fine film such as "Madigan" must have a powerful ending and that's the case here. The last 10 minutes show Siegel's mastery at his best. The final shooting comes unexpectedly and smartly gets to the point. Cop movies can be good or bad, but should always be truthful. I recommend "Madigan" just for that.
Don't Bother to Knock (1952)
Marilyn shows she could have been a fairly convincing dramatic actress.
I had not a seen a movie with the greatest myth of the big screen for a long time. I had read very little about Roy Baker's "Don't bother to knock", so I was free of prejudices when watching the movie. I felt like watching Marilyn just acting. Happily, it was a pleasant experience. I think Marilyn reacted more than acted to a plot that brought her back to her sad childhood. That is why the viewer can almost feel her emotions as real ones which is something that makes the weird and a bit slow story be much more credible. From the rest of the cast, Richard Widmark shines in spite of having to portray a rather lame, superficial character with few redeeming features. Above all, I will remember this film for portraying a different M.Monroe from the typical dumb-blonde-girl-with-strong-sex-appeal that too often the big studios wanted her to be.