MR#2: Psycho - Finally, a Movie I Can Relate to!

Pysco is the controversial thriller directed by the famous Alfred Hitchcock and realeased in 1960. Almost everyone has seen or heard of some part of Psycho, whether it is the infamous shower scene or the ominous name of the Bates Motel.

I have watched Psycho and I found it to be a very entertaining thriller. It doesn't have the blood, guts, and gore that many people want to see in a movie today, but that is what I liked about it. I find blood, guts, and gore (and people who love it) completely morbid and disturbing. Ewwww.

In this movie, Alfred Hitchcock manages to create suspense without the overblown special effects and gallons of fake blood necessary to create a horror movie today. Luckily, I managed to avoid all talk about this movie until I actually got to see it in full, and I was glad I did. Although I had jokingly guessed the 'surprise twist ending', I never thought I would actually be right and was actually very surprised.

The two best aspects of this movie (in my humble opinion) were Anthony Perkins' chilling performance as Norman Bates and the suspenseful music that played during the movie. Anthony Perkins' understated interpretation of the character Norman Bates was amazing. Even though you knew he couldn't be good, he seemed to innocent and trustworthy, an intresting mix of sinister and sweet. And the music that played throughout kept you on your seat and is what made the movie the suspenseful thriller that it is.

I can see how many people of this generation won't like it. For one thing, the lack of blood and guts could be a problem. Also, if a movie isn't in colour then it is not worth watching. While I did not find this movie scary (and believe me, I am scared VERY easily), I still thought that it was an amazing movie. I loved the plot and I loved the music and I loved how it was black and white. Colour makes everything less spooky.

One thing I didn't love about the movie was the story of Norman Bates' mother. Even though it was explained at the end of the film, I still thought it was a bit of a stretch and a bit odd. I also found the scene directing after the murder, where Norman takes his sweet time to mop (don't you just love a man who mops?) the blood up, to be a bit slow-going.

Overall, I thought Psycho was an awesome movie and definitely worth watching, even if just for the scary 'knife murderer' music that everyone knows and loves...or not. It's up to you.

Yo, Kane! Imma Review You!

For the past 3 days in class, I have had it very rough. I have been worked to the bone, almost. You would not believe the backbreaking work they make us do in this class! What have I been doing, you ask?

I have been WATCHING A MOVIE!

*gasps of horror* "Oh, the cruelty!"

Yes, I have been watching CITIZEN KANE, the movie that film nerds/snobs everywhere hail as the greatest movie of all time. It is a fact that AFI named CITIZEN KANE as the #1 movie of all time.

Do I agree with this title? I have no idea.

Now, don't get me wrong. I thought CITIZEN KANE was a good movie. But personally, the title of best movie ever made jsut sets this film up to be a disappointment. With this lofty title to uphold, first time viewers expect to be amazed and entertained for every second of the movie. With such an immense and intimidating reputation, viewers expect magic. Because of this title, I was left somewhat unsatisfied at the end of the film. If, say, the movie was given the title of worst movie ever made, I would definitely have enjoyed it more. The higher your expectations are, the more disappointed you will be. Isn't that the rule?

(This is your cue to say, "Why, yes it is! How insightful of you!")

For me, the best part of the movie was the twist ending. I am now able to understand all of those 'rosebud' jokes that I see on TV all the time. The world makes sense now.

Although the film's plot jumped back in forth, it was surprisingly easy to keep track of. This is something that I, hailing from what is known as the 'lazy generation', can definitely appreciate.

I liked Orson Welles in the lead role as Kane. After doing some research on him I discovered that prior to taking this role he had only done theatre and radio before, which is clearly evident when watching his theatrical acting style throughout the film. The fact that he was only 25 when filming the movie is remarkable. It really puts The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to shame. Welles aged without CGI help!

In the end, I found this movie quite sad. Kane is a character so desperate to be loved, yet he wants to control the love of others, which made love impossible and ultimately ended up in him dying alone. How depressing.

Oh well!

Mini Review #1 - Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times

I've always known who Charlie Chaplin was.





"Who's Charlie Chaplin?" they'd say.





I'd reply with, "You know, the guy with the funny mustache that was in black and white films."





And that is true, isn't it?



Observe the picture: Does he not have a funny mustache? Is he in black and white?

Case closed.

But the other day in class, I was able to actually watch a Charlie Chaplin film entitled Modern Times.

What did I learn? Charlie Chaplin is surprisingly small. Why did I think he was taller? He's like a pocket gnome!

I actually liked the film. First of all, Charlie Chaplin reminds me so much of my grandpa. They're both really short and weird. So I found the movie funny because I kept thinking of my grandpa, who acts just like that.

If I didn't keep imagining my grandpa in Charlie's role, I might not have found the movie funny so much as silly. It was silly. Silly humour is not my favourite, but the grandpa thing...you know. It was funny.

Overall, I enjoyed the film and was disappointed that I could not finish it in class. Will I become Charlie Chaplin's #1 fan and stalk him and his family? *ponders for a moment* Hmmm....maybe not, although that does sound fun.

The film was silly, but fairly funny. The style of humour is very dated, but still funny. If something is truly funny, it will always be funny. He got a few laughs out of me!

Well, mostly because of the grandpa thing. Maybe if it wasn't for that I wouldn't have found it as funny. I'm really biased here....and confused.

I don't know what to think!!!!