[Movies That Made Going to the Movies Suck] #27: It Happened One Night
Hi everyone! I’m participating in a fun little film analysis list this month with the Desert Island DVDs crew, spearheaded by Mike over at You Talking to Me? The idea is to take a look at movies that brought forth a movement in film and inspired a bunch of generally lackluster copycats trying to cash in on the magic without creating any themselves. When Mike came to us with the idea, there was one film that immediately popped into my mind as something great that inspired a whole lot of films that, well, aren’t. Here’s my essay, and head on over to Mike’s blog all month long to see what other folks have designated as Movies That Made Going to the Movies Suck.
Ah, the romantic comedy. Once a person begins to self-identify as a film enthusiast or a cinephile, one is supposed to turn down his or her nose at the modern entries in the genre. And let’s face it: the romantic comedy of today is quite often a pale and weak imitation of the great romantic comedies of the past. Whether it’s Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, The Lady Eve, or any of the other stellar picks from the 1930s and 1940s, there’s one romantic comedy for everyone that more or less forever ruins the genre. The king of them all, the one that ushered in the screwball comedy and the modern romantic comedy, is It Happened One Night.
Starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable, it follows the story of Ellie Andrews, a young, spoiled woman who, in a fit of rebellion, marries fortune hunter Westley King. Her father collects her before the marriage can be consummated only to have her run away once again. On board a bus to New York City, she happens upon one Mr. Peter Warne. Turns out he’s a down-on-his-luck reporter in need of a good story, so he blackmails her: either she gives him an exclusive, or he’ll rat her out to her father (and collect a handsome reward for it, too). Not a complete cad, he does offer to help reunite her with her beloved quasi-husband (readers love a happy ending).
Now, because the story arc of 90 percent of romantic comedies to follow used this one as a template, we can guess what happens. They hate each other at first, but she’s a little charmed by him, and he’s a little amused by her. Charm and amusement turn to affection, and all of a sudden it’s “Westley who?” Of course, there’s confusion and misunderstanding that leads to Boy Losing Girl, only to prove his worth and eventually get her back.
The difference between this film and the cookie-cutter romantic comedies that follow is that, even now, the film has a certain energy you can’t quite describe. It feels fresh, even though we’ve seen it hundreds of times over. Every once in a while, a romantic comedy captures some of that same spark, even if just for a moment. And I think that’s why we keep coming back, hoping for the best from the genre, even when we’re not supposed to. We’re waiting for that moment when the romantic comedy can prove its worth, regain its honor, and recapture those magical moments we experienced in the past together with films like It Happened One Night. The truth is, when romantic comedy is at its best, the genre contains some of the greatest films and film moments in history.
Desert Island DVDs
Over at the Fandango Groovers Movie Blog, Andy has challenged movie bloggers and bloggers who love movies to come up with the eight movies they’d want if they were stuck on a desert island and somehow miraculously had a working DVD player. You can find a list of participants here, along with Andy’s own picks here.
When considering the films I’d want, I found I wasn’t particularly interested in the films I consider to be critical bests so much as movies I can watch over and over again. So, while some of these movies might not stand up as the greatest films of all times, for me, they do stand up as some of the most watchable. And if you’re stuck on a desert island with no end in sight, I think that’s what matters. In no particular order, here are my picks.
Elizabethtown: Depending on whom you ask, this movie’s either a guilty pleasure or just a pleasure. Either way, it’s a movie I’ve come back to again and again. And its theme of dealing with failure seems pretty appropriate for being stuck on a desert island.
The Princess Bride: Probably don’t need to explain this one. Whether or not you’re a fan, you probably already at least know how fans feel about it. I’m a fan.
Easy Virtue: I’ve talked at length about my love of this movie. It’s layered, it’s funny, it’s dramatic, it’s poignant, and it’s got a great soundtrack, too. I’ve watched it something like five times in the past year, so I think it’s a safe desert island pick.
Lilo & Stitch: My second favorite Disney movie of all time. The quirky humor is right up my alley, so much so that I named one of my dogs after Lilo. Her name is Lilo. She’s awesome. So’s this movie. It’s not your typical animated Disney fairytale, so, if you’ve been steering clear of it because of that, stop. See it. You might want to take it to your own desert island some day.
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame: My favorite Disney movie of all time. Perhaps the darkest of all animated Disney tales, it also has an extremely underrated soundtrack, and it sports some of the most gorgeous animation of the modern era.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl: This fulfills the eye-candy requirements for my island, and it also provides some inspiration for how to get off said island. As a bonus, it can act as a sympathetic companion when I run out of rum.
Now, I’m sort of cheating for my last one, but since they were filmed all at once, I think it’s OK to compromise and count it as my last two. So, for my last choice, I choose…
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (preferably the extended editions with appendices): For the record, if I had to choose two of these films, I’d choose The Two Towers and The Return of the King, but I’d really like to not have to make that choice. I mean, come on. I’m already stuck on a desert island. Cut me a little slack. These movies hit all the targets at varying times: funny, epic, gorgeous, inspiring, etc., etc. Plus, they take up a nice, big chunk of desert island life, and that’s probably a good thing.
Those are my picks. What are yours?
My Film Festival Redux
Last August, there was a meme going around that involved dreaming up your very own film festival: six days of double features. Well, it’s been nearly a year, and it seems as good a time as any to revisit the concept. You can view last year’s dream festival here.
Day One: HOPE YOU’RE NOT DIETING Night
Mostly Martha
Ratatouille
Both these films feature unlikely pairings that work fabulously. Both will likely make you want to cook or, at least, to eat. And both will leave you feeling warm and full. Perfect start to the festival, I think.
Day Two: LOVE ‘EM AND/OR LEAVE ‘EM Night
Jules et Jim
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
A little more serious fare for our second night. Catherine and Maria Elena are cut from the same cloth: passionate, psychotic, intoxicating.
Day Three: SUPERINDIE BUT SUPERGOODIE Night
Sita Sings the Blues
Bigga Than Ben
Both these movies are super low-budget indies. Sita, of copyright battle fame, can be viewed online for free, but some of its animated sequences are just begging to be seen on the big screen. Bigga Than Ben is a surprisingly poignant and hilarious look at two self-proclaimed Russian scum trying to make their fortunes in London. The storytelling is quirky but quality, and the acting far surpasses anything I’d normally expect from such a low-budget production. I wish it had made it to the indie theatres in my area because it would have been fun to see the famous London landmarks through the eyes of immigrants on the big screen.
DAY Four: GUNS ABLAZIN’ Night
In Bruges
The Professional
Night Four showcases two films that walk the line between quirky dark comedy and simple dark drama. I didn’t know what to make of In Bruges at first, but it’s become one of my favorites of 2008. I was always going to like The Professional because it’s Luc Besson AND supercute little Natalie Portman. What’s not to love?
Day Five: GUARDIAN ANGEL Night
Angel-A
Harvey
Speaking of Luc Besson, Angel-A is a gorgeously-shot black & white film from 2005. The way he captured Paris on film actually made me cry. Seriously. And Harvey has Jimmy Stewart at his best (though I’m not sure I could name a film where Jimmy Stewart is at his worst). I’ve paired these two because they both speak to learning how to accept and be comfortable with oneself in different and lovely ways.
DAY Six: A SONG IN YOUR HEART Night
This is Spinal Tap
Mamma Mia!
And that brings us to the last night of my film festival, during which we will have a spectacular, romping, singing-and-dancing-along, and altogether great time. Both films here are sort of ridiculous but also really awesomely fun. And you get the feeling that the casts of both films really just wanted to get together with friends and have a good time, and, “Hey, let’s make a movie while we’re at it.” Sounds good to me.
And that’s it. Anyone want to loan me a theatre for a week? How about you all? What would you show at your very own film fest?
Moving Movies
Earlier this week, Julie Gray over at The Rouge Wave wrote a post about films that move you. You know the ones: they make your tears well up (or spill over), or they give you that tingling feeling, or that swelling sensation in your chest that makes you proud to be a human being. Roger Ebert calls it Elevation or Transcendence.
It’s something I’ve felt in all of my 5-star films this year. It’s not always a joyous feeling, mind you. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the feeling of camaraderie with a character who’s making a difficult decision. It doesn’t feel good, but you’re right there with them. So, with that being said, here’s a shortlist (in no particular order) of movies that move me. What movies move you?
Joyeux NoëlThis film tackles some pretty heavy subject matter. On one Christmas Eve during World War II, troops from three different countries (two were allies but not fond of each other; the third was Germany), called a truce, got to know one another as humans instead of soldiers.
Waking Ned DevineThis fun, little screwball comedy has one of the most heart-swelling moments I can remember seeing on film. Forced to give a eulogy on the spot for a dead man he didn’t really know, the main character proceeds to instead deliver a tribute to his underappreciated best friend, who’s sitting in the front row of the wake. The friend is moved, along with those attending; and we’re all reminded to appreciate those who mean the most to us while they’re here.
Angel-AThis is the story of a man learning that he is a worthwhile human being who deserves to be loved — not just by others, but also by himself. In the scene where Angela forces the man to look in the mirror and tell his reflection that he loves him, the man (understandably) feels incredibly silly. But Angela’s not one to be trifled with, and she forces him to stick with it. What he’s saying to himself eventually breaks through, both to him and to the audience.
Harvey
Dead Poets SocietyI’ve already made my love for this movie perfectly clear here, so I won’t expound further except to say this is the cream of the crop when it comes to the Inspiring Teacher genre, in my opinion.
ElizabethtownThis movie splits the crowd, critically speaking, but I adore it. There’s a lot of thematic material, most of it linked to the concepts of success versus greatness. What do you do when the life you’d envisioned for yourself comes crashing down around you? What happens when, having striven for greatness, you find yourself in the midst of a fantastic failure? Is it better to play it safe to ensure success, or is it worth it to risk failure in order to achieve greatness? Well, as Drew puts it, “No true fiasco ever began as a quest for mere adequacy.” It’s a movie that inspires us to risk, to go all out, and to let the chips fall where they may.
Benny & JoonThis is the story of two oddballs who, despite the odds, find love and acceptance. In some of the same ways as Harvey, the movie also tackles the issue of the dignity we afford people who are different than we are. The moment when Johnny Depp as Sam swings in front of the window, bringing Joon out of her funk — and inspiring her to believe in herself again — is absolutely iconic.
The Best Character Introductions in Film
The introduction of a character has the ability to set the stage for an entire movie. Character introductions create icons. The best ones survey a place in our brains, set up camp, and never leave. These are a few of the ones that have done that for me.
Manhattan (youtube): Isaac Davis
It opens simply with Isaac’s voice over stop-and-start attempt to write the introduction to his book. The images are nothing more than stock footage of New York. But the music! Need I say more than Gershwin? Woody Allen’s intro isn’t just an intro to his character, but to his entire body of work, to himself as an artist, to the city he loves. However you feel about the rest of the movie, there’s no denying this intro is absolutely classic.
Elizabethtown: Drew Baylor
Drew Baylor. The weight of the downfall of an entire company rests on his shoulders. He’s fine. Everybody knows. He’s fine. She knows. He’s fine.
Beauty & the Beast (youtube): Belle
The song tells us everything we need to know about Belle: she’s beautiful, she’s intelligent, she’s meant for more than the life she’s living and she knows it.
Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain (youtube): Amélie
We see the world as Amélie sees it: full of happenstance, whimsy and magic. We see her as an infant, a child, a teenager, a young adult. We see what makes her who she is. We understand her, we’re captivated by her, and we want to see the world like she does.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl: Captain Jack Sparrow
When I think of iconic character intros — and really iconic scenes in general — this is the first one that jumps to mind. Salty, stoic, and rugged, Captain Jack Sparrow sails into shore. Fearless. Even in the face of his fellow pirates hanging from the gallows, he is brave and respectful, doffing his cap to his fallen comrades. Adventure awaits. Even as he steps onto the dock, perfectly timed to the sinking of his ship, he exudes easy confidence. Before he’s even spoken a word or flashed that mischievous grin, we’re in love.
For more favorite scenes in a variety of categories from others, visit Kate and Matt. And feel free to weigh in!
You Only Get What You Give, Except When I’m Doing a Meme
My friend Matt stumbled across an interesting meme, and I decided to join in the fun. I’ve been toying with doing some sort of blog give-away anyway because I think they’re fun. This seems like a good opportunity, so here it is.
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!My choice. For you.
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:
- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
- What I create will be with you in mind.
- It’ll be done sometime this year (2009)
- You have no clue what it’s going to be. It may be something written, some physical thing made, could be anything at all, but I will make it myself. It’s entirely my choice what it is. No quibbles, no refunds–because you never paid me in the first place. :p
Most of these things will probably be IRL items, but I won’t ask for addresses until later–if I need them at all.
The catch?
Oh, the catch is that you put this in your journal as well. If you don’t, you don’t get anything.
And that last part about the catch? You can ignore it. Feel free to join in if you like, but I’m not holding you to that requirement. First five commenters get something. Plain and simple. Ready, set, GO!
Memes: What to Give & What to Get
Penguin asked a bunch of their authors what books they’re giving and what books they’d like to get this holiday season, and I thought, “Hey, that’s a good idea for a meme.” So, if you’d like to join in, here are the rules.
1. Post a link to the original list from the Penguin Group.
2. Tell us what books you’re planning (or would like to) give this holiday season.
3. Tell us what books you’d like to receive this holiday season.
4. Tag others, if you so choose.
Neil Gaiman’s newest novel is pretty much everything you want in a book: funny, sweet (but not cloying), honest, poignant, scary, adventurous, great for all readers, etc., etc., etc.
Stardust
This was my first Neil Gaiman novel, and I think it’s still my favorite. It’s quite different from the movie in tone (but fairly similar in content). Often billed as a “fairy tale for grown-ups,” it’s a story about love, longing, evil and, of course, magic.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
I think I’ve already made my love for this story and for Oscar Wilde in general quite clear. With a movie adaptation coming out next year, this seems like the perfect time to introduce or reacquaint people with this excellent novel. Also, because of Wilde’s way with words, it’s a great starting point for people looking to get into the “classics” without being overwhelmed by the language.
Watchmen
A great way to introduce someone to the graphic novel medium. Beautiful art and an intense story. And again, with an adaptation coming out next year, it’s a good time to do it.
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In the pursuit of continuning my Neil Gaiman education, of course.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
Controversial books always pique my interest. After seeing the film adaptation of the first in the triology last year, I’m intrigued enough to read them. Also, epic fantasy is a guilty pleasure.
Biographies by Antonia Fraser
I’ve found Antonia Fraser to be an extremely skilled biographer. Historical nonfiction has the tendency to err on the side of boring, but that’s something from which Fraser manages to steer quite clear. I’ve read Marie Antoinette: The Journey
Persuasion
After being delighted by Pride and Prejudice
Now that that’s finally done, I’m tagging Brittany, Matt and Jen. Have fun!
Memes: What to Give & What to Get
Penguin asked a bunch of their authors what books they’re giving and what books they’d like to get this holiday season, and I thought, “Hey, that’s a good idea for a meme.” So, if you’d like to join in, here are the rules.
1. Post a link to the original list from the Penguin Group.
2. Tell us what books you’re planning (or would like to) give this holiday season.
3. Tell us what books you’d like to receive this holiday season.
4. Tag others, if you so choose.
Neil Gaiman’s newest novel is pretty much everything you want in a book: funny, sweet (but not cloying), honest, poignant, scary, adventurous, great for all readers, etc., etc., etc.
Stardust
This was my first Neil Gaiman novel, and I think it’s still my favorite. It’s quite different from the movie in tone (but fairly similar in content). Often billed as a “fairy tale for grown-ups,” it’s a story about love, longing, evil and, of course, magic.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
I think I’ve already made my love for this story and for Oscar Wilde in general quite clear. With a movie adaptation coming out next year, this seems like the perfect time to introduce or reacquaint people with this excellent novel. Also, because of Wilde’s way with words, it’s a great starting point for people looking to get into the “classics” without being overwhelmed by the language.
Watchmen
A great way to introduce someone to the graphic novel medium. Beautiful art and an intense story. And again, with an adaptation coming out next year, it’s a good time to do it.
In the pursuit of continuning my Neil Gaiman education, of course.
His Dark Materials Trilogy
Controversial books always pique my interest. After seeing the film adaptation of the first in the triology last year, I’m intrigued enough to read them. Also, epic fantasy is a guilty pleasure.
Biographies by Antonia Fraser
I’ve found Antonia Fraser to be an extremely skilled biographer. Historical nonfiction has the tendency to err on the side of boring, but that’s something from which Fraser manages to steer quite clear. I’ve read Marie Antoinette: The Journey
Persuasion
After being delighted by Pride and Prejudice
Now that that’s finally done, I’m tagging Brittany, Matt and Jen. Have fun!
Seven Facts Meme
I’d managed to escape this meme for quite some time, but it finally caught up with me. Thanks, Danielle.
The idea is to share seven facts about yourself and then to tag five people.
Seven Facts about Elizabeth Ditty
- During parent-teacher conferences in the fifth grade, my teacher told my parents that I was “eccentric” and “dared to be different.” I’ve never lived it down, though I have learned to embrace it.
- One of my favorite movies as a child was The Last Unicorn, which, if you’ve ever seen it, explains a lot about me, I think.
- Between college and my current job, I spent five hellish weeks working in the Tire & Lube Express department at Wal-Mart . I was placed there despite knowing next to nothing about cars. But the upside is I can now help you pick out tires and I can take an educated guess at what kind of oil your car uses.
- I’ve played just about every major sport (major as defined in the States). Soccer, softball and basketball were the biggies, but I’ve also taken tennis lessons, and I participated in swim team for a number of years in my youth (breaststroke and fly were my specialties). I was a tetherball champion in elementary school. I’ve never played on a volleyball team, but I know the basics. I even did a year of cross country in seventh grade. I also took an introductory epée fencing class in August, and I hope to continue fencing after NaNoWriMo. I’ve never really played football, but I think I get a pass on that, being a girl and all.
- A few months ago, I started speaking to my dogs in French. This is mostly an effort to keep my level of French somewhere between elementary and conversational. I think it also makes me a little weird (see No. 1).
- I love to cook and bake. I love trying out new recipes, and I love feeding people. But I hate cleaning, so I rarely partake in this hobby these days.
- I really enjoy having intellectual conversations with people, be it about books, movies, religion/spirituality, politics, philosophy, whatever. I tend to be fairly quiet in group settings, but if you get me one on one or in a very small group, I’m much more talkative. I love to debate for the sake of learning about people and hearing new perspectives, and my goal is often just to get people to think rather than to convince someone that my stance on any given issue is correct.
Phew, that was harder than I expected. Now to unleash it on other unsuspecting bloggers…
Have fun!
The 12 Movies Meme, or If I Held a Film Festival
I came across a meme the other day over at Bamboo Killers that sounded like fun. Originally started at Lazy Eye Theatre, the idea is to post your dream film festival à la Diablo Cody‘s turn at New Beverly Cinema.
Day One: LOVE ‘EM OR HATE ‘EM NIGHT
Moulin Rouge!
Elizabethtown
To kick off my festival, I’m starting with two films that seem to split the crowd between passionate love and passionate hate. My feelings about these two films fall into the “love” category, which is appropriate since this is my imaginary film festival.
Day Two: TIM BURTON, JOHNNY DEPP & SHARP OBJECTS NIGHT
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Edward Scissorhands
The most recent Burton-Depp collaboration followed by the first one seemed an appropriate way to pay homage to the pairing that has nearly become a genre in and of itself.
Day Three: SIBLINGS NIGHT
The War
Summer Stock
For Siblings Night, I polled my sisters for their picks. What came out of that was two films featuring siblings from my siblings that are generally underappreciated. I’m taking my middle sister’s word for that on the first pick, which I haven’t seen since it came out. The second one is a Judy Garland-Gene Kelly musical that is really quite charming. It’s my youngest sister’s favorite movie, and I actually prefer it over the better-known Singin’ in the Rain.
Day Four: FAIRYTALE NIGHT
Stardust
Ever After
I originally had The Princess Bride slotted in Ever After‘s spot for Fairytale Night, but I think fewer people have seen Ever After. I think both of my choices are underappreciated, but, more importantly, they’re both a lot of fun. Ever After had quite an influence on one of my first screenplays, and Stardust is going to have a major influence on what I’m writing for NaNoWriMo this year as well.
Day Five: INDIE BUT GOODIE NIGHT
Once
Playing by Heart
While it’s grown in popularity, too many people still have not seen Once. As for my second pick, I think the only people who have ever heard of this movie are people I’ve told about it. I found it during the height of my X-Files mania when I was exploring the filmographies of Gillian Anderson (who stars) and David Duchovny. The cast is really phenomenal: Sean Connery, Gena Rowlands, Ryan Phillippe, Dennis Quaid, Madeleine Stowe, Jay Mohr, Ellen Burstyn, Jon Stewart, and a very young Angelina Jolie, among others.
Day Six: THE CLASSICS NIGHT
Casablanca
The Wizard of Oz
And we end with two undeniable classics. I don’t think either one of these needs much explanation. It just felt right to end with two paragons of cinema, and these are the two that jumped to mind. They also made this list of the Top 50 Movie Endings, which seemed fitting for the last night of my imaginary film festival.
So, there you have it. This little exercise has made me wish I had my own little theatre so I could actually run festivals like this. Alas, the start-up cash for such a venture eludes me for the time being. Maybe some day. For now, maybe I’ll just have to run my own one-man, one-viewer film festival in my own home.
