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bruntonstephenson
Reviews
Runaway Train (1985)
Thoughtful and provocative
I don't remember who labeled Runaway Train the world's best existential prison-break train-crash movie, but he was right. It's not perfect--in particular some things seem very dated and gratuitously added for the sake of false depth (the bizarre, horrendously acted secretary in the train company office stands out)-- but there's plenty of suspense and some good acting (but more overacting). What makes it stand out is its complex and thoughtful existentialism. Without knowing it, anyone watching this movie and thinking carefully about it afterward will have had an excellent primer on the basics of existential thought. It's rich enough to watch several times.
The Browning Version (1951)
Touching, not dated, and brilliant performance by Redgrave
The Browning Version tells the story of a teacher, once a brilliant young scholar, on the day before his retirement. He slowly realizes that he has been a failure, but with that realization comes a form of redemption. Michael Redgrave gives perhaps his best screen performance: a virtuoso lesson in the subtle creation of character. You must watch the short interview with Redgrave to appreciate how astonishing the performance is. The is the original movie version of The Browning Version (the playwright Terence Rattigan also wrote the screenplay) and it has aged better than many of its contemporaries. Even most of the supporting actors managed not to look too dated.