Gareth's Movie Reviews Past and Present VI
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The adventures of Benjamin Braddock in this 1967 film are hilarious, moving, thought-provoking and disturbing, sometimes all at the same time. Dustin Hoffman (in his first major role) excels in the title role as a young man fresh out of university, surrounded my people who think they know what's best for him. He is in a position that many of us have found ourselves in - he does not know which way he wants to take his life.
His vulnerability is exploited by a frustrated, alcoholic housewife, Mrs Robinson (Anne Bancroft) who seduces him and they embark on a secret affair. She is hiding it from her husband and Benjamin is hiding it from his over-bearing parents who are pushing him to ask out Elaine Robinson - the daughter! Anyway the inevitable happens and Ben meets Elaine and after a shaky start, they really like each other. So they start seeing each other against Mrs Robinson's express wishes.
What happens after includes more than one classic movie scene, notably the church scene at the end. But what this is all about, more than the love story, is how Benjamin reacted after his graduation and being so worried about his future. Despite all the advice, he does something crazy. The fact that he feels like the weight of the world is on his shoulders is often illustrated, most obviously by a scene where he is trying on a diving suit for his birthday and his parents are pushing and pushing him under the water until he slowly sinks to the bottom of the pool and stays there.
The final scenes where Benjamin busts a gut trying to prevent Elaine form marrying someone else, are unforgettable. The final image of the two of them escaping on a bus is a poignant one. The fact that they do not know where the bus is going to is a metaphor for their new predicament. They sit on the back seat, an obvious space between them, neither looking at the other, neither speaking, although Benjamin tries to suppress a smile. As the credits roll, so we smile too, although I couldn't help but wonder about their future.
The film is a delight. There is so much going on beneath the surface that it will give you plenty to think about. Director Mike Nichols won an Oscar for this and I can understand why. Other stand out points are the editting which is very effective, especially during the sequence depicting Benjamin's affair with Mrs Robinson, and the soundtrack. Now most of the film is silent in terms of background music. Simon and Garfunkel provide the music but there are actually only three songs used. However, when they are, they are all the more effective and memorable. This is a true classic and should be in everyone's collection.
Nicolas Cage, James Caan and Sarah Jessica Parker star in this romantic comedy about a man who swore to his dying mother that he'd never get married. He soon finds himself with a long-term girlfriend who is getting fed up, wanting family, commitment, etc. Reluctantly he agrees to marriage and they set off for Vegas to tie the proverbial knot.
The twist arrives when Cage takes part in a poker game with wealthy trickster Caan. Cage loses big time and Caan says he'll write off the massive debt IF he can spend a weekend with the girl. Ah ha! Indecent Proposalisms ahoy? Well yes. She goes off with Caan and Cage gets cold feet and tries to stop them - unsuccessfully. The rest of the film we see Cage doing his stuff - running about, getting into humourous scrapes (no sarcasm intended there) and generally attempting to reach his lady love and get her back. It all ends in great style with a parachute jump with a shit load of Elvises.
This film is great fun with good performances all round, although I'm still not sure Sarah Jessica Parker can act - great body though!
Poor Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) is such a devoutly religious fellow and he has to face all manner of unsightly sights in this 1973 film. Howie is sent to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young schoolgirl called Rowan. It seems a straightforward enough task doesn't it? But as soon as Howie arrives he finds the locals rather strange. It reminded me of those films where a stranger arrives in a town in the Deep South and all the locals are staring, while granny sits in her rocking chair on the porch. You know what I mean? Well Summerisle is a bit like that. The locals though, are all chatty enough but without providing any help whatsoever and Howie is frustrated at every turn because it becomes apparent that SOMETHING has certainly happened to Rowan.
To begin with Howie believes Rowan to have been murdered but soon uncovers the fact that the islanders are all Pagans, performing traditional Pagan rituals - including sacrifice. Howie starts to wonder if the islanders are holding Rowan captive until the next sacrifice comes around where she will be the victim. On his wanderings around the island Howie witnesses more than his fair share of naked dancing girls and queer folk. He is disgusted by these people, being the devout Christian that he is. As the story unfolds his worst fears are realised. He finds himself marooned, his transport off the island sabotaged, and he decides to attempt a search and rescue mission for Rowan.
What follows is not altogether unsurprising but the final scenes are truly horrifying and the closing images will surely haunt you. The obvious weirdness and latent menace of the islanders manifests itself in a shocking, almost inhuman way. I say "almost" because they simply believe unquestioningly in their religious traditions. Although it looks very dated now, the film is very effective. The standout performance is from Edward Woodward and there is average support from Christoper Lee (sporting a ridiculous haircut). Britt Ekland pops up as a randy barmaid who dances naked round her bedroom of a night (they're all nutters in this place you know). But like I say, the film is effective. The silent menace of the locals is subtle but omnipresent and everyone is so willing to help without being of any use whatsoever. Small school children are even taught about penises. Ignore the crap soundtrack - the songs are all so naff as to be just plain silly. Just soak up the heavy atmosphere and share Howie's utter mindblowing terror at the final reckoning. You won't regret it.