Thursday, September 19, 2019

Thursday Movie Picks-Breakups


My hubby had his operation last Thursday on his right shoulder, laparoscopic surgery that went on for 3 hours, double the time but it was a success. Of course, my brother, who drove us up since I am too dizzy to drive that far, made a good point that what else are they supposed to say...”Oh that was horrible and the operation sucked!” Hahahaaa. my brother is right but, despite the bad pain, hubby is slowly getting better with some good pain meds and lots of rest. He will soon start physio which will be 4 months worth. We will find out why it took double the time Sept. 30th and I am having my biopsy this Friday so...fingers crossed.

Now, this week over at Wandering Through The Shelves it is all about break ups. We have all been there and, if not, you are one of the lucky few. Breakups simply suck but, when they make them into movies, they become something we often will watch with much crying and/or laughing. Here are my 3...

1. SUNRISE-1927


Yeah, this is an oldie, well, for many of you, maybe an ancient one, but it is gold. It’s directed by the great F. W. Murnau, famous for “Nosferatu” who created a moody, gothic masterpiece about good vs evil in the form of  2 women, the pious, angelic country wife of the man and his mistress, the evil city gal who does a mean shimmy. It’s also about the good and evil within each of us. It’s a study on this bastard, um, I mean, married man bored with his wife, his life and he feels he is in much strife. He’s having an affair with a wild, crazy gal from the city who wants him to murder his lovely wife and go with her to the city. The man does not realize that his wife has caught on and escapes which is when he realizes what a moron he has been. It sounds pretty basic but it’s anything but and strangely, gives an excellent portrayal of marriage in the darker forms. Janet Gaynor plays the wife and she won the first best actress Oscar for this role along with Seventh Heaven and Street Angel (yup all 3 for an Oscar. the last 2 were with her oft film partner Charles Farrell).

2. DODSWORTH-1936


I love this film because it is an honest portrayal of a long marriage going down the tubes. A long married couple, very wealthy, take a ship to travel to Europe and tour the continent. On the voyage, we see his wife engage in some flirtations while he meets a very nice divorcee. Once on mainland Europe, they realize they have grown into 2 very different people and no longer have anything in common. She asks for a divorce and he goes back home while she entertains a nice young man. Remember, this is 1936, the Hays Code is in full effect but this film shows middle aged people who are unhappy in their  marriage, the wife going with a much younger man and a divorcee who is not a bitch. An excellent film about an unhappy marriage that is not filmed with 20 somethings looking chic.

3. THE WAY WE WERE-1971


Yes, this is a romance film that is not my favourite genre and this is not one of my favourite films, to be honest, but it just suits this week’s theme so well. It stars Barbra Streisand as a leftist, strong thinking woman who meets a Waspish, conservative Robert Redford while in college. They meet again when WW2 is on and Robbie looks divine in his uniform. Babs thinks he is the bee’s knees and they soon are an item and marry. Unfortunately, they are very different in their outlook in life in every way possible which does not help their marriage. It is well acted but .....ughhh...I just find this genre boring. The song is great and RR looks great but what do I care when it’s all romance. It’s just like Love Story and The Notebook (minus James Garner and Gena Rowlands who saved that flick), boy meets girl, they banter, they screw, they break up, blah, blah, blah...😁

Which 3 films would you choose?

58 comments:

  1. Hi, Birgit!

    Thanks for the update on your hubby. It's good to know he is making steady progress toward recovery from his operation. I will indeed keep fingers crossed and keep you in my prayers as you await the result of tomorrow's biopsy.

    We studied Nosferatu in my college film course, but I haven't seen Sunrise. Gotta watch out for them wicked city women! Looks like the hussy smokes and everything. I think the wife is the prettier of the two, so I don't know what the guy was thinking. I love the dripping graphics in the trailer. Sunrise appears to have some epic scenes. Thanks for letting me know about it.

    I also have not yet seen Dodsworth. I enjoy David Niven films and, based on these scenes, it looks like another good one. Diane Lane wasn't exactly an old hag when she starred in Unfaithful, but it is another example of a mature and honest approach to the subject of marital infidelity.

    I have seen The Way We Were and occasionally make reference to it in my posts. Call me a "girly man" but, in addition to horror movies, I also enjoy a good romantic film. Love Story is a favorite and I also liked The Notebook. A great "breakup" movie that comes to mind is An Affair To Remember. Cary Grant is ghosted by Deb Kerr as he waits for her atop the Empire State building, yada yada yada. I won't be a spoiler, but it is another great depiction of a mature couple's romance rather than 20-somethings ripping each other's clothes off and hopping into bed every few minutes.

    I'll be thinking about you, dear friend BB, and wishing you the best tomorrow. Bless you!

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    1. Thank you so much for your fingers crossed. I love those words dripping off the screen. I hope you can see that film one day. Dosworth is a very mature look at marriage. An Affair to remember is an excellent choice.

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  2. Robert Redford and Streisand - now that's an odd pairing.
    Brain not working this morning as I can't think of any films I liked in that genre...

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    1. It seems odd but they were a huge hit when the film came out. There is the comedy The Breakup with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughan but i thought it was just an obvious one:)

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  3. My first thought was Kramer v s. Kramer. Maybe because my oldest son informed me this weekend that is two-year marriage is ending. They are just two different people and doesn't that occur in so many marriages? Opposites attract but they don't stick together.
    I haven't seen any of these, though I have heard of all of them.

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    1. Oh, I am sorry to hear about the marriage. That is hard on the couple and I hope no kids. Kramer Vs Kramer is a great choice for this week

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  4. I'm glad his surgery went well! I haven't seen any of your picks this week. I don't think I've even heard of them. Sunrise is intriguing me, I haven't seen too many films from the 20's.

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    1. It did go well and I am happy about that. I hope you get to see one of my picks and this silent film is a gem!

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  5. I'm so happy to hear the surgery went well!

    I haven't seen any of your picks.

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    1. Thankfully it went well. Hope you see them one day

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  6. OOOOO LOVE your choices!!!!!

    Sunrise is such a masterpiece of showing the power that was possible in the silent era and how it had evolved into an art form in the proper hands. Janet Gaynor is very moving as is George O'Brien which shows Murnau's skill in direction. I've seen O'Brien in several other pictures and while he was quite the looker in every other film I've seen, particularly talking ones, he is an average actor at best.

    Dodsworth is so good in part because as you said it focuses on a mature couple, something not uncommon during the 30's & 40's but almost unheard of today. It also shows how exposure to the wider world changes people in different ways. It's all wonderfully acted as well.

    Sorry The Way We Were doesn't work that well for you, I adore it! Redford and Streisand would seem an odd match but their contrasts really make their scenes together pop. I'll admit its an imperfect film (Pollack chose to edit out quite a number of the political scenes-including the one which explained the reason for their ultimate breakup...James Woods character had named Katie as a communist...though they were unsuited to each other no matter what) but it is swoonily romantic and I'm good with that. I think it's Babs best on screen performance and Robert Redford is at the peak of his attractiveness. LOVE the ending!

    My last was just too good of a fit to ignore but my others look at a break-up from the woman's point of view.

    An Unmarried Woman (1978)-Erica Benton (Jill Clayburgh) feels secure in her longtime marriage to husband Martin (Michael Murphy) and their comfortable life with their daughter in New York City. Then one day walking down the street Martin tells her that he’s leaving her for someone else. Blindsided we follow Erica as she grapples with the break-up, reassesses her opinion of herself and finds an identity that isn’t tied to being an extension of someone else’s self-worth. Jill Clayburgh was Oscar nominated for her work.

    Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)-After successful literary reviewer Frances Mayes (a luminous Diane Lane) is told her husband is cheating on her by a vengeful author she slides into a deep depression. In an effort to help her out of it her best friend, Patti (Sandra Oh), encourages Frances to take a tour of Italy. During the trip, Frances impulsively buys a rural, somewhat decrepit Tuscan villa and struggles to find her balance again. Surrounded by eccentric characters and the beauty of Tuscany (the cinematography is gorgeous) she discovers a new life and family.

    The Break-Up (2006)-Art dealer Brooke (Jennifer Aniston) and tour bus driver Gary (Vince Vaughn) meet cute and despite being opposites soon find themselves deeply involved and sharing an apartment. When their myriad differences finally drive a wedge between them and they break-up neither wants to vacate their home. As each attempts to get the other out their bitterness towards the other grows. Not a great movie but it does have the courage of its convictions and doesn’t cheat the audience with an unrealistic ending.

    Glad your husband's surgery went well, good luck with you tests!

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    1. I`m glad you like my choices and, funny I almost chose Under The Tuscan Sun which I adore and almost chose The Breakup because it fits this week perfectly. I still have to see An Unmarried Woman. How I wish today`s films would choose 2 people who look their age grapple with their marriage. It`s just not the same when they are full of botox and look like they just crawled out of a magazine.

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  7. Good luck with your biopsy coming up! Glad hubby came through his surgery too; wishing him a speedy recovery! I did like The Way We Were. Cheesy, but sometimes cheesy is needed.

    betty

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    1. Thank you for your well wishes. The movie is a good romance film but just not that into it

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  8. BIRGIT ~
    Best o' luck with your biopsy tomorrow!
    And I'm pleased to hear your husband's surgery was a success, but I can't believe you have to wait until Sept. 30th to learn why it took twice as long as expected. Here, some nurse would probably come into the waiting room and tell you why the surgery was taking longer than expected WHILE the surgery was still ongoing. That boggles my mind that they keep you guessing for weeks about what the complication was.

    Anyway, believe it or not, I like 'The Way We Were' and have seen it a couple times. That ending was done so well and was so sad. I don't know why that movie appeals to me as much as it does.

    I know I'm forgetting some Breakup movies I really like, but some comedies come to mind right away for me:

    'BETTER OFF DEAD'... has John Cusack trying to deal with a breakup and it's just hilarious!

    'SWINGERS'... has Jon Favreau trying to deal with a breakup and it's just hilarious.

    'HEAVEN CAN WAIT'... has the luscious Gene Tierney breaking up with her husband Don Ameche, AFTER she has already unceremoniously broken up with her fiance, Ameche's cousin, at their engagement party. It's hilarious and an absolute classic which is amongst my very favorite movies of all time.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'

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    1. Thanks Stephen...Actually the nurse told me that the Dr. is very meticulous and takes longer and they did say what the issue was but to my doped up hubby. I was out getting him lozenges since his throat was sore from the tube stuck down his throat. When I came back, the Dr was gone and so was the physiotherapist. I figure we can wait until the 30th to find out. I have been wanting to see Better Off Dead which sounds quite funny. I don`t know Swingers but I love Heaven Can Wait which is a real gem

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  9. Breakups depress me (had more than my share).

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    1. I know you went through crappola. I suggest watching Under The Tuscan Sun..starts off blecchh because she separates but then she finds herself and grows in the beautiful area of Tuscany with some humorous events

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  10. I loved The Way We Were, but haven't seen the other two. Sunrise sounds like a winner and I'd love to watch it, sometime. Two break-up movies that come to mind are Natalie Wood's Splendour in the Grass and Jim Carey's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

    I hope you and your hubby will be feeling better soon! ❤ Good luck with your biopsy, Birgit.

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    1. Sunrise is fantastic but you have to love silent film. Which I do. I haven’t seen Splendour in the gRass in decades and I still have to see Eternal Sunshine but it is popular this week

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  11. I'm not a breakup movie person. They make me sad. I'd probably toss A Star Is Born under this category.
    Glad your hubby's op was a success. Everything crossed for Friday.
    Hugs

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    1. It is a sad part of life but if you want one that starts off with the breakup but turns into something romantic about life, watch Under the Tuscan Sun.

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  12. Glad the op went well, and all the best to you for tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

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    1. Hubby is doing well but mine was jus5 a quick meet and greet. My actual biopsy is now this Friday

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  13. I've crossed my fingers, knocked on wood, and channeling positive thoughts for you, Birgit, and for Hubs' healing.
    I saw The Way We Were a few weeks ago. I didn't care much for it the first time. Still holds. Remember that movie with Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, Two Weeks Notice. That couple is similar to the ones in The Way We Were. I wonder if they'd eventually split up.
    I want to see Dodsworth now.

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    1. Dodsworth is great. Yeah, not much into the Way we were. 2 Weeks Notice is funny but they would never work

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  14. I hope your biopsy turns out well tomorrow, dear. It's also quite good news that your husband's surgery went well, even if it did take a lot longer than expected.

    As I'm sure you imagined, I've seen (and not even heard about) none of these films. I also had no idea what the Hays Code was, so looked it up. Some things are actually GOOD in it, but most are just too antiquated and unwanted. Like saying hell, shit, damn (grin)!

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    1. Biopsy now this coming Friday..ughh. It was a meet and greet this past Friday. Yeah, the Hays Code Came into effect after the major scandals of the 1920’s but was put into major force after Mae West. This is why the passionate kisses were lack lustre and short plus married couples were in separate beds and had to be a certain distance apart

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  15. Good luck with your biopsy.

    Can you believe I've never seen The Way We Were? I've seen bits, but not all the way through. I think I'll be disappointed. The others are way old. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

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    1. Yes...they are way old but so good. I a, surprised you didn’t see The Way We Were but you might see it soon now...maybe😁

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  16. Glad your husband is recovering well. I was curious you said "drove up" to where? I am guessing Hamilton? Good luck with your biopsy, you two aren't doing too well health wise lately so all the best to you both.

    Didn't see any of the films this time.

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    1. We drove up to downtown Toronto at Sunnybrook Hospital. My brother drove since I a, too dizzy. No biopsy to my surprise as it was more a meet and greet so will now have the biopsy this coming Friday..ughh

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    2. What a nuisance. Pity you can't go closer to home. Let me know what happens.

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  17. Seen the last, yeah, it was okay for a watch, but meh. lol they are predictable as they go meet, screw, and breakup. Great his surgery went well, even double time, but then yeah, what else would they say haha hopefully your biopsy goes well too.

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    1. It is not my favourite film so I agree with you even though I feel I should rewatch it. Hubby doing well and biopsy now this coming Friday

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  18. Hi Birgit...so glad your hubby is doing well...its so scary when an operation goes on longer than expected...and I am keeping fingers and toes crossed for your biopsy results....enjoy the weekend its glorious weather here in the uk....xxxx

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    1. Hope you had a great vacation. Hubby is doing well but my biopsy is now this Friday because it was more a meet and greet plus I need to take some meds the night before

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  19. so pleased to hear that your husband's op went well and that he is recovering well. I do hope that your biopsy goes well for you and that the results are good.
    Haven't seen any of your films this week, take care, Kate x

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    1. Biopsy delayed to this Friday now as it was a meet and greet and I have to take meds before the day. Hubby is doing well and I a, happy about this.

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  20. I only know the third - heartbreaking.

    You know, it's hard to think of a breakup movie in which the couple doesn't ultimately get back together. The first two that came to me have been mentioned above: Kramer vs. Kramer and Better Off Dead. How about a couple old Steve Martin flicks:

    LA Story
    The Lonely Guy

    Though in both of those, he ultimately ends up with someone else, doesn't he? Better Off Dead, too. K v K, of course, ends up being about something else entirely.

    Glad the surgery went well. Good luck with the biopsy.

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    1. St. Elmo's Fire - everyone's broken up by the end.

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    2. I love LA Story which fits the theme but haven’t seen the other Steve Martin film. I have yet to see St. Elmo’s Fire because I was so not into the bratpack hype. Casablanca is a gem

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    3. I don't remember much about The Lonely Guy, though there is a famous and memorable scene of him trying to eat alone in a restaurant.

      No reason to see St. Elmo's Fire.

      Can't believe I didn't think of it until just now: A Brief Encounter. Bridges of Madison County (which I suppose also counts) borrows heavily from the earlier, amazing, British film. Based on a Noel Coward play. One of the best ever.

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    4. OMG! You are right about Brief Encounter which is a great film and I wish i would have chosen that instead of The Way We Were. I tried watching Bridges a few times but fell asleep..Yawners to meryl streep

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  21. Replies
    1. I didn’t have the actual biopsy! I need to take some meds to um..open things up wider(I know tmi). She just said it is good I have one and that the dizziness I am feeling is not from this. So I am actually scheduled for this Friday to have the actual biopsy

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  22. The only one I have seen is The Way We Were- but I saw it a loooonnnnggg time ago and can't remember it clearly.

    Hope the biopsy goes well and that you and your husband both have speedy recoveries. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. It’s been a long time too so I will watch it again...one day. Getting that biopsy next Friday which is a bummer.

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  23. I haven't seen any of these movies either but I've watched the clips. The way we were video clearly indicates at 1:26sec 1940's cars and the vehicle on the left is a 1940 Studebaker Commander! I get a prize don't I? :)

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    1. Wow..you get a gold star! I wasn't even looking at the cars.

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  24. Oh sad about your hubby's operation. Sending him healing vibes.

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  25. RR does look good, but I can appreciate that without watching the long boring movie. I'm with you on that one.

    Glad hubs is on the mend and that he got laproscopic procedure - or it would've been much longer. Sending healing thoughts.

    Keep your spirits lifted, my friend.

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    1. RR does look scrumptious doesn't he? Where's that chocolate?? Yes, he had a full shoulder replacement a few years ago and that did take much longer and was much more invasive. he is actually able to move his arm a bit now which is good news indeed

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  26. i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
    or
    call/whatsapp:+2349057261346










    i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
    or
    call/whatsapp:+2349057261346

    ReplyDelete