Sunday, June 10, 2007
SCREWBALL
Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was Howard Hawks'
The script was by Billy Wilder and it stars Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper.
I have trouble with the 'screwball comedies' because many of them are out of date or somehow don't hit my funny bone; so contrived.
This is a major exception.
It is funny. The plot mechanisms are well oiled and all fit into place.
The star pairing works. The supporting cast are all very well known and exceptional at doing their bit.
Stanwyck is an interesting personality. She started out sexy and funny; a tricky combination for a career.
She is not really pretty and never had work done.
Her energy is compelling. She works with the other actors very intensely. She is with them.
We most recently saw her doing a tough broad thing in Double Indemnity. Anything but funny in that one.
She had great range of parts and could do them all very well.
I will give this a 5 out of Netflix5.
Labels: best films
