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Sunday, May 22, 2005

OBSESSION

Today's Best Movie is Ridley Scott's first feature.

Everything I read about it starts with that phrase about Scott.

I think it has something to do with the fact that the writer is a bit embarrassed about liking the movie and has to justify the liking. So, if it is historical, then it is OK.

Of course, at the time, no one knew who the fuck Ridley Scott was or that he would go on to make some good films (Blade Runner and Alien). So the question remains.

It is like the sound of a tree falling in the forest. If Ridley Scott was there did we hear it?

The answer is that I heard it. There was a noise.

OK. Done with that part. The film in question is The Duellists (1977) with Keith Carradine (sigh) and Harvey Keitel.

For once Keitel is not shown naked. A first as far as I am aware. Harvey manages to show his ass or more in every film I have seen him in 'til now.

Next, was the film any good?

I liked it a lot. It has a lot of tension and a nice flip you on your head ending. It is based on a short story by Joseph Conrad so it has a good pedigree. But, we know that many films start out with good bones and then end up all a-clutter.

First and foremost, this is an achingly beautiful picture along the lines of Barry Lyndon and others of its ilk. Almost every scene is a breathtaker. The film takes place over sixteen years during the time of Napoleon's ascendancy and so there is history. There is also some great dueling and some inconsequential side stuff. Mostly it is about codes of honor and reality. Obsession versus leading a good and productive life.

People get all hung up, as in the linked review, about American accents in films like this. There are almost all Brits except the two male leads. I gotta say that while they may talk flat they sure talk clear. I had to strain to get almost all the Anglo bits. Sorry. It had English subtitles as an option and I am sorry I didn't activate them.

The duels are staggering. A host of weapons are used. Yes, there are many duels. You didn't have to get killed to lose or kill someone to win. Disabling, crippling, all worked. Dismemberment. Just like an insurance policy. Scaring the other off wasn't bad either.

I am giving this one a 4 out of Netflix5. I am a sucker for pretty pictures and this one has them in abundance. Keith isn't such a bad picture either.


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