simon_acors Reviews

Born Yesterday (1950)

A much overlooked performance

[9/10 · 9 June 2009]

A wonderful film. There are fine performances from William Holden, Broderick Crawford and Howard St John, but Judy Holliday steals the film by a mile. Her career was cut tragically short but it's possible to see in 'Born Yesterday' that she was a very talented and intelligent actress.

Though essentially light-hearted the film has plenty of pathos, romance, social commentary and is also not without elements of dramatic tension (even menace). Its premise may be a touch naive but it doesn't really run out of steam, and that simple premise is transcended by the performances, the sharpness of dialogue and direction, and the inherent decency of the main characters, whom we can't help but root for.

Looks Familiar (1970– )

Priceless theatrical reminiscences

[9/10 · 9 June 2009]

Well, it's a cliché I know, but they don't make TV like this anymore. It makes me quite melancholy just to think about this show now, just as watching it at the time used to. There is great joy and laughter in the anecdotes that grace "Looks Familiar", but the warm nostalgia was inevitably tinged with a sense of loss; these were invariably performers in the Autumn of their careers, chatting about a showbiz world that had passed into history; a world killed-off by the very medium they were appearing on, television.

Dennis Norden was an excellent host. Gently cynical about the contemporary world, he prompted the three regular guests for stories from their theatrical careers, whilst at the same time contributing gems from his own vast knowledge of music hall, popular music, variety and cinema. It suffered from often being shoved into a daytime slot (deemed fit for viewing only by the retired I guess) though it did get moved about a bit, and got an occasional wider airing. So even in the 1970's the subject wasn't quite getting the recognition it deserved - so much had the world moved on.

Such theatrical riches! We had such riches!

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (1941)

Some golden moments but just doesn't work as a film

[6/10 · 14 August 2005]

Even the talents of Lombard, Montgomery and Raymond can't really save this Hitchcock screwball comedy-curio. Some scenes are priceless - the scene in the Florida Bar where Robert Montgomery tries to make Carole Lombard jealous, and the scene where Carole Lombard gets Gene Raymond drunk are of the first rank - but more often than not the comedy falls flat. Whilst the plot of a comedy shouldn't have to bear too much scrutiny it should have its basis in truth, and unfortunately, here the characters fail to convince; in fact they become rather irritating and dislike-able. With Hitchcock directing and such a stunning ensemble of actors on show this has all the feel of a missed opportunity - its sum never fulfilling the promise of its parts. Shame. Though maybe worth watching just to see Lombard et al, strut their stuff.

Bombón: El Perro (2004)

The story of a "simple mechanic"

[9/10 · 4 July 2005]

A captivating story told in a subtle naturalistic cinematic style. A largely novice cast give fine performances. Special mention should be made of Juan Villegas' portrayal of the main character 'Coco'; a good-hearted and modest ex-gas-station attendant who is vainly looking for work doing "simple mechanics". Coco's journey is engrossing and leads the viewer in an understated manner through the social landscapes of unemployment, poverty and inequality to the quaint world of dog exhibiting, whilst all the time the natural and industrial landscapes of Patagonia (beautifully filmed by Hugo Colace) serve to provide a sometimes bleak and sometimes beautiful visual canvas.

The characters he meets, from the boastful dog-trainer to the empathetic restaurant-singer, are finely drawn and are often contrasted against Coco's simplicity and naivity. Unlike some I didn't find the ending a disappointment - I'd say that it proved a fitting climax.

This gem of a film has many facets. As a foreign viewer I found wit, pathos and charm aplenty. I found a world that was believable, at turns hauntingly sad and others full of kindness and hope; characters that I cared about and whose story I wanted to follow.

And then of course there is Bombon! a dog of impeccable pedigree who fills the screen (literally) and who is the catalyst in Coco's life... he should be the canine manifestation of Latin American machismo but he has an effeminate name and questionable libido...

Fine score by Nicolas Sorin - beautiful and never irritating or obtrusive. Worth viewing on the big screen but if you don't then definitely get hold of this film on DVD.