I am trying to get used to this new Blog “behind the scenes” look. On to a new month which means a new sin and it’s all about envy folks. Wandering through the Shelves has put me through the paces thinking up ones that fit the theme and it’s funny how I can think up tons of movies when I don’t need to write about that theme but, when I do....blank goes the mind. Anyway, here are my 3...
1. DEAD RINGER-1964
I was wondering whether to go with Joan Crawford or Bette Davis but I went with Betty Davis. In this film she plays twins, one nice but stuck in a losing bar business loved by an old fashioned cop with a big nose..yes, Karl Malden and her sister a bitch in a big house who just buried her husband, one she never loved...but her sister did. What is the poor nice Bette to do but kill her horrible sister off and take her place since everything that sister has should have been hers to begin with. I mean her bitch sister did take away the man she loved, hell even the dog loves her more than the original rich bitch. Unfortunately not everything goes as planned. And soon Bette is smoking up a storm. It’s not the best Betty Davis movie but it is still entertaining and it fits this week’s bill to a T.
2. THE BLUE MAX-1966
George Peppard is at his steely blue eyed best as the poor boy looked down upon by his peers only to want everything he thought he could never get and show up the rich guys by becoming the ace of the German skies during World War 1. His heart is made of coal and it never really does grow 2 sizes too big because he is not living inWhoville.. This guy wants to have everything he thought he never could have because he envied all the rich snots and now he wants them to envy him. This is quite a good war film that is not only about war but envy, power and fame.
3. AMADEUS-1984
I have a feeling this will be a biggy this week. This stars Tom Hulce as Mozart who gets the goat of Antonio Salieri driving him almost insane with envy at this kid’s brilliance. Mozart was a child prodigy, touted all over Europe by his dad, including to the kings and queens of the day. We see Mozart as a young hellion who makes fun of the establishment while trying to deal with the imposing shadow of his father. Salieri is incensed and in awe of this young man to the point where he helps Mozart compose his requiem knowing Mozart is too ill to finish. This is brilliantly acted by both leads with F. Murray Abraham winning an Oscar for his role as Salieri. The costumes are excellent and the music...sublime.
Which films would you choose?
I saw the theme and for the life of me could not come up with a name of a movie. I did think though that one probably would have Bette Davis in it, so what a surprise (not) when I saw your first pick. I saw it ages ago, but have not seen the other two. Amadeus is on my watchlist, but so are a gazillion others.
ReplyDeleteThis was tough for me so it will be fun to find out what everyone will choose.
DeleteHi, Birgit!
ReplyDeleteYessum, that's just my style - another month, another sin. :)
I don't mean to be a spoiler, but those twin sisters in Dead Ringer both have Bette Davis eyes. You know how much I love the art of the classic movie trailer. It was fun to see Rat Packer Peter (The Thin Man) Lawford teasing Dead Ringer. I liked Lawford and loved Karl Malden. Remember Malden as the bully dad in the baseball bio Fear Strikes Out (1957) prodding his mentally disturbed son (Tony Perkins, of course) to buck-up, rub some dirt on it and walk it off? "You don't want to rot in the minors, boy!"
I don't mean to be a spoiler, but George Peppard loves it when a plan comes together. I haven't seen The Blue Max. Mrs. Shady is a war and history buff and would probably enjoy it. Amadeus is one of Mrs. S's favorite films. She has watched it many times and twisted my arm to sit through it with her. I actually found the film enjoyable whenever busty Elizabeth (The Funhouse) Berridge appeared on the screen. I agree. The costumes are excellent, especially hers. :)
For an envy theme, I would pick All About Eve (1950) and Valley of the Dolls (1967). Enjoy the rest of your week, dear friend BB!
Yes, Betty Davis Eyes...now I hear the song in my head. I wish 8 could have found a better YouTube video for The Blue Max. I’m glad you sat through Amadeus and those boobs really do come into focus with those costumes. Love All About Eve and almost chose this one but I chose this one before.
DeleteThat is a tough one and you managed to make some excellent choices. I'll go with a recent film - Shazam.
ReplyDeleteI have to see Shazam still but it looks funny
DeleteI have only seen Amadeus and totally love it, but then I'm a Mozart fan.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see the Bette Davis film though, she is brilliant, Kate x
Amadeus is excellent and you would love the Bette Davis film
DeleteI love Dead Ringer! It's one of Bette's better post Jane films and she bites right into it.
ReplyDeleteThe Blue Max is a great catch. I haven't seen it in years but remember it being involving and Peppard strong in the lead.
We match!!! Amadeus is spectacular both in look and performance. All three are great fits!
I had a little trouble too since I wanted ones that focused on envy more than jealousy but I managed to finally come up with a trio.
Purple Noon (1960)-Tom Ripley (Alain Delon) travels to Europe to visit his friend, wealthy layabout Phillipe Greenleaf (Maurice Ronet) and his fiancée Marge (Marie Lafort). What Phillipe doesn’t know is that Tom is being paid by Phillipe’s father to persuade his son to return home. Arriving in Italy he insinuates himself into their lives but when he is unsuccessful in his mission the father cuts him off. Seeing the lifestyle the pair lead Tom becomes consumed with envy as well as lust for Phillipe which he’s willing to acquire by any means he deems necessary. The basis for Matt Damon’s The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Amadeus (1984)-Child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) is a vastly talented composer with the ability to create masterworks with little to no effort but also an immature undisciplined hedonist. He incurs the enmity of Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) who though he is the Viennese court composer is a middling talent. Consumed with envy Salieri becomes obsessed with Mozart's downfall but his schemes lead to dire consequences for both men. Loaded with great music, set design and performances both men were Oscar nominated with Abraham winning the statue.
Single White Female (1992)-Having just broken her engagement from fiancé Sam (Steven Weber) Allison Jones (Bridget Fonda) advertises for a new roommate when Sam moves out. Mousy Hedra “Hedy” Carlson (Jennifer Jason Leigh) answers the ad, moves in and the young women quickly form a bond. But Allison doesn’t realize that Hedy is unstable and envious of her life which she slowly starts to imitate. When Allison begins to reconsider her engagement Hedy’s grip on reality slips away and Allison has the fight of her life on her hands.
I thought Purple Noon sounded very familiar and now I want to see this version to see which one I prefer. I haven’t seen Single White Female and it never appealed to me but hey, we match on Amadeus. I love that film which is great and Tom Hulce should have won
DeleteI'm 0/3 on your picks this week.
ReplyDeleteNew blogger hasn't been forced on me yet. I tested it a few months back and didn't care for it. I'm sure it's upon me soon.
Maybe you will one of these one day.
DeleteHow about "Bedazzled" with Peter Cook and Dudley Moore? That covers all seven deadly sins in one way or another.
ReplyDeleteIt does and I am saving that one
DeleteThis is another tough one, sis, though your selection of "Amadeus" is perfect. The three that come to mind for me? "Theatre of Blood," the schlockey but brilliant Vincent Price movie from the early 1970s about an actor who is so envious of the success and acclaim of his peers that he takes extreme measures to gain his revenge. "Citizen Kane" touches on the envy an absurdly rich individual has for the common man, simple pleasures, and true friends. My third choice is "Snow White," and how envious the wicked queen is of a young, beautiful, and virtuous woman. This was a challenging topic!
ReplyDeleteYou found 3 great films! You know I love Theatre of Blood but I chose this film before but I’m glad you mentioned Citizen Kane which I almost went to and it is brilliant. Snow White is also great and the original Disney film I still have to see because I always hated the look of Snow White in that film and her outfit. I had read the Grimm Fairy Tales so many times and knew how she was supposed to look plus I didn’t like the dwarves. I would like to see it now,
DeleteI knew a guy when I was in my 20s who was in a band called Blue Max...
ReplyDeleteI saw Amadeus back in the day, but I was too young for it at the time. I should see it again. It was weird to 13-year-old me.
That’s funny that his band was called that...what did he play? Classic rock or music from the 80s? Amadeus is excellent but it is not the norm but I still loved it
Delete'AMADEUS' - Hokey-Smoke!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't possibly come up with a better example than *that*.
Well played, BIRGIT!
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
Thank you!
DeleteI've only seen Amadeus but it's been so many years since that happened I barely remember a thing. I do recall liking it though.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite good and I need to revisit it myself
DeleteThe only one I know is Amadeus, and it's a really good one. The others sound interesting though.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great movie and I think the others are also excellent
DeleteI loved Amadeus! Totally absorbing.
ReplyDeleteyes it is.
DeleteShazam and maybe Life Stinks came to mind for me. Good picks at your sea indeed.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen either but would like to see them one day
DeleteI haven't seen any of your picks, however, I am familiar with Amadeus. They all sound rather interesting, though, so I'll make sure to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to see them
DeleteAmadeus was a fascinating film.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day.
it is a great movie. I am a mom to furbabes but I shall take it. I hope your mom's day was a nice one even from a distance
DeleteI'm with everyone about Amadeus. I saw it many years after it came out.
ReplyDeleteI have the Amadeus DVD...I saw it some time ago halfway. Need to finish it one of these days.
ReplyDelete