Well, it’s been more than a quarter, but it’s just easier to sum up that way! I’m still not getting much reading done, but at least I managed to find some really good movies. Here’s a wrap-up for the first quarter.
Amadeus (1984)
A look into Mozart’s genius through the eyes of his envious lifelong competitor, Antonio Salieri. There are conspiracy theories about how Salieri might have instigated Mozart’s bankruptcy and early death, and the movie plays into those. Epic and groundbreaking, one of those must-watch top 50 movies of all time. But just mentally prepare yourself for the tragic, bitter end and the really long stretch.
Mr. Smith goes to Washington (1939)
I had somehow missed watching this old classic about an idealist railing (and filibustering) against corruption and banging the walls of justice. It’s slow and not for cynical eyes, but it still has that charm. And James Stewart, of course.
Conduct Unbecoming (1975)
Absolutely mind-boggling mystery based on a play by Barry England. On the surface, this is just a period drama about the widow of an army hero being molested. But the plot just keeps twisting and turning, and it’s only in the last 20 minutes that the real crime and the unexpected criminal get revealed. An underrated gem.
The Verdict (1982)
Paul Newman plays the alcoholic down-on-luck ageing lawyer who gets a medical negligence case. He can take the easy way out and settle out of court, but that would mean = no movie. So, instead Newman fights it out. That speech he gives at the end to conclude his arguments is quite powerful.
The Glass Onion (2022)
A farce on social media barons, if ever I saw one. There’s a luxury island party and someone is about to be murdered there. Benoit Blanc is as good as ever, and I hope he continues to baffle and annoy audience with his knowing smirks and wisecracks. Poirot for the new age!
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Alright, so I rewatched this for James Stewart. Should have saved it for Christmas. But that struggle that small-town banker George Bailey faces to travel and see the world versus family obligations still hits home.
My Cousin Vinny (1992)
It was fun rewatching this one. Our really silly lawyer, who dresses really funny, has to try really hard to win this ONE case. Just one, really! Meanwhile, the judge really hates him and his fiancée (the wonderful Marisa Tomei) is the only one who can save him.
Rashomon (1950)
The same incident – a young wife assaulted by a bandit after he beats her samurai husband in a duel – is told through the eyes of several different people: a priest, a woodcutter, a medium, the wife and the bandit. One truth does not fit all, as everyone interprets events and manipulates words as per personal lens and agenda. This is old Japanese cinema, it is slow and needs patience, but it makes you think. A lot.
The Wonder (2022)
Psychological horror based on a book by Emma Donoghue. Can’t say I liked the movie, but the build-up of suspense is nail-bitingly good. In 1860s Ireland, a young girl has been successfully fasting for 4 months, and people claim she is reaching sainthood. An English nurse sent to observe the girl has different theories.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
As a fan of Edgar Poe, I couldn’t miss this period drama. There is a suspicious death at the military academy in New York, and Detective Landor is asked to investigate. There are paranormal themes, much like the afterlife and hauntings that Poe used to write about (and Poe is a cadet at the academy). But I liked the movie better for the plot twist at the end.
House by the River (1950)
Recommended for all fans of noir and Hitchcock. A budding author accidentally kills the house-help, but then he realizes he can get away with it. The movie is a superb depiction of a man’s descent into outright villainy. Except for those last 5 minutes, this was an exceptionally spine-chilling mystery/ thriller.
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
British black comedy, about how an ambitious candidate to the dukedom kills off the 8 people ahead of him (all played by the same actor, by the way). He does it with so much cool aplomb and dry wit, it’s impossible to hate him. He almost gets away with it too ….
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
As the blurb says, a curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore… and ends up meeting some dark fae. Liked it, but not as much as I’d hoped. It was too light and too anime-like for me, even though it is cozy historical fantasy + fae + comedy of manners.
Mirage by Louise Cooper
One of those underrated SFF authors that I really wanted to read. The leader of a destroyed land awakens an old warrior to fight off the enemies, using black magic. There were some interesting reincarnation themes going on and it was well-written. But far too dramatic, IMHO. I do want to try out out Cooper’s better-known Time Master series though. (And does anyone know who did the cover art?)
A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge
Masking your emotions is an art and a necessity in Caverna. Everyone knows this, except for the human foundling, Neverfell. One time, she asks too many questions and then it’s a spiral down into the rabbit-hole from there. Well-written Middle Grade fiction, a perfect gift for the younger kids in your life.
Which were your stellar reads/ watches of those first few months of ’23? Folks, we will soon be halfway through the year!
5 replies on “First Quarter Wrap-Up +Movie Recs”
The only classic film I remember watching is Kind Hearts, and that’s far too long ago for me to remember more than the basic plot. But isn’t it odd how the pacing of these old films now often feels painfully slow? I can manage slow reads and slow music but not, it seems, slow movies. Ho hum.
I’ve yet to read anything by the late Frances Hardinge, despite having two or three titles by her on my shelves. And now it’s too late to praise her.
Glass Onion was fun but the denouement was a bit of a cheat, I thought – one should really be given a chance to work out whodunit if a film claims to be a homage to Agatha Christie. And Amadeus is hokum as far as the history goes but glorious storytelling and wonderful music: I used to show the video to classes of 14yo students as part of their curriculum and most enjoyed it.
I did like Knives Out more than Glass Onion, but I’m just glad it’s a series and we’ll have more of those quirky adventures. And totally hear you on the slow pace of those older movies – I admit I had multiple tabs open while Kind Hearts was playing. 😉
I agree, Knives Out was better but it’s good to know more are expected!
I have watched so few movies this year! Reading your update and trying to come up with my favorite movies of ’23 so far made me realize that I’ve only seen 3 or 4 movies in total this year. Though I finally got around to watching “Black Panther” and I enjoyed it, so that’s something at least.
You managed to read so much good stuff – whereas my reader’s block is burning a hole in my back! I haven’t watched Black Panther yet, and I was looking for something new.