Monday, October 22, 2007
TALKING!
Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was
It just came out on DVD.
Nicely restored and they got the record in sync with the film!
We are seeing this because it is a historic film not because it is, in itself, a great film.
In fact, it is not really that historic as many believe. We know that belief will trump fact anytime in our culture.
The link is a great myth breaker.
Nevertheless, my parents thought it was the first talking film and that is good enough for me.
There is a real thrill to hearing Al Jolson say "Wait a minute, wait a minute. You ain't heard nothin' yet!" if you can place yourself in a theater seat 80 years ago.
The story is melodrama and filled with jewish stereotypes.
There is black face. A really bizarre thing if you think about it.
But they were still doing some of it when I was a kid.
The other thing here is to see Al Jolson. He was on early teevee but he was past his prime.
He is a piece of work. Mugging and stealing scenes.
You can even see him doing a version of the 'moon walk'; also the kid who plays him as, well, a kid.
There is nothing new in show biz.
Watch for blackface to come back soon.
Women and all are playing Bob Dylan in the new film.
Only a step away.
I think any serious movie fan should see this picture.
It may not have been first first but it was the one that made the waves and changed the art of film forever.
I will give it a 2 out of Netflix5 but I really am glad that I saw it.
Look at this. When does any film get this kind of crowd today?
Never.
Labels: best films
