The Magic of the Movies
Ever since I was a boy I have loved the movies.
Everyone has their own favourites. I have too.
I don't suppose anyone is even remotely interested in my all time favourites but, just in case there is, here goes.
These are films that I can watch over and over again. Some of these I have seen literally hundreds of times both in the cinema and on TV/Video and DVD.
Ben-Hur
Director: William Wyler, Music: Miklos Rozsa, Filmed in Camera 65
Comment: Has everything and taxes all your emotions.
A Fistful of Dollars, For a Few Dollars More, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Once Upon a Time in the West, A Fistful of Dynamite (aka Giu La Testa, Duck You Sucker)
All directed by Sergio Leone, Music: Ennio Morricone, Filmed in Techniscope
Comment: Wonderful to the ear and eye. Extraordinary scripts with some absolutely classic scenes.
Ryan's Daughter
Director: David Lean, Music: Maurice Jarre, Filmed in 70mm
Comment: Photography is superb. I love the atmosphere of the movie. Robert Mitchum's performance was greatly underestimated.
Cinema Paradiso
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore, Music: Ennio Morricone
Comment: Nostalgic look at cinema in Italy in the old days with wonderful atmosphere and a huge sense of loss. The 2 hour version released in cinemas was magnificent but the full 3 hour version is a must-see as a somewhat different slant is put on the story and leaves you wondering. The last thirty minutes is truly moving and the final scene is, quite simply, unforgettable.
Chisum
Director: Andrew V. McLaglen, Music: Dominic Frontiere, Filmed in Panavision
Comment: The 'DOOK" as I will remember him. Beautifully photographed scenery.
Casablanca
Director: Michael Curtiz, Music: Max Steiner, B/W
Comment: Bogart, Bergman and a handpicked cast of characters make this probably the most watchable movie of all time.
The Untouchables
Director: Brian de Palma, Music: Ennio Morricone, Filmed in Panavision
Comment: Sean Connery at his unbeatable best, great action, great music. The only movie I can watch Kevin Costner in.