CMT - The Island of Dr. Moreau

There are a number of tools available to filmmakers, who wish to enthrall their audiences. Some of those tools are practical effects, including makeup and appliances, animatronic puppets and scaled models. Another tool is the use of visual effects, or computer generated imagery. Many of the more current films I've seen, have concentrated on CGI, as the preferred method of choice. Personally, I think that decision is a type of mistake, which can only occur when there's too much money in the budget.

Classic Movie Trailers - The Island of Dr, Moreau: Director's Cut (1977)

The movie "Star Wars" lived and breathed, as a result of its practical effects. The use of models, makeup and costumes, did so much to pull you into that universe. "Blade Runner" is another example, that I've pointed to in the past. What excites me about those movies, is how much more effective they are, than more modern films with more modern solutions.

When I refer to effectiveness, I'm talking about the ability of the movie to immerse you, in the experience. Immersion itself is that moment in time, when you forget that you're watching a production. You get to accept what you're seeing onscreen as truth, and you're not aware of that feeling until it has gone. If the producers have done their jobs correctly, there is nothing present in the film, to break you from that trance.

Unfortunately, CGI often causes disillusionment. Tricking the eye isn't difficult, but fooling the brain is a different matter. However, when we're presented with something that we have no frame of reference for, it is an easier task. The reason why the effects in "Avatar" worked so well, is that they showed us creatures we had never before seen.

"The Island of Dr. Moreau", also shows us unfamiliar creatures, but it does so in a way that I believe is superior. There was a living, breathing lion to be seen, in the face of a man; there was a bear in the features of another. I saw a boar that could walk around upright, and a bull that hated his humanoid form. My mind confirmed what my eyes had whispered to me; there were no doubts raised, or questions regarding the authenticity of the visuals.

To be honest, I was at one point, pulled away from the story. When the actors had to wrestle with the animals on the set, I was suddenly concerned about their safety. I'm so used to seeing some sort of cheat being used, that the real thing caught me off guard. Though there is something to be said, about the ability of CGI to reduce risk, the best way to film a wild animal, is to place one in front of the camera. If that practice was more common today, the presence of it wouldn't be so striking.

In the past, Hollywood used trained animals and handlers, because there was no other choice. Today it has better technology, and a lot more money to throw at problems, that can't be fixed with money alone. You could spend billions of dollars, in an effort to imitate life, but that doesn't mean the venture will be successful. Computer magic is a tool, that should be used in conjunction with other tools; it should never be the focus, or draw that a movie offers.

Motion pictures are not tech demos. We don't go to the show to see the latest achievements in computer software. What we want is a story that intrigues and acting, that helps us enjoy the ride. A person in makeup, still gives a better performance than an animated image, however detailed. Money does provide resources, but it still takes the discerning mind of a director, to use them wisely.

Fortunately for us, "The Island of Dr. Moreau" is still available to be seen. We can still be pulled into a production, that wasn't hampered with the weight of an oversized budget. Risks were taken and talent was used, from man and beast alike. Artists worked on the faces of other artists, that produced more art of a different kind. All of those factors combined to create a hell of a show, and something that should be more appreciated.

Trailer Here.

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See "The Island of Dr. Moreau: Director's Cut", on Netflix!  

CMT - Death Wish

When a tragedy happens, we can forget all about the progress, that humanity has made over the years. For example, human trafficking is one of the few refuges for slavery, a practice that was legal and institutionalized, a couple of centuries ago. In many states within America, as well as some outside of it, same-sex couples are recognized and allowed to wed. We're taking better care of the environment that we live in now, and there are plenty of organizations dedicated, to taking care of our neighbors as well.

Still, there's no denying that a section of humanity, however big or small, stands against the good will, that we've worked hard to maintain. It is the nature of freedom that allows us, to disregard the needs of our fellow man and abuse him, for personal gain. Inhumane behavior and criminal activity will continue, well past our generation and the generations to come. As we battle to reduce those things, we should look to treat those surrounding the victims, as diligently as the victims themselves.

Classic Movie Trailers - Death Wish (1974)

This film caused a lot of controversy, when it was released. Critics claimed that it glorified violence and vigilantism, and I have a few criticisms of my own, regarding that position. I think people bring a lot of themselves, into the experience of watching a movie, and that our views on life affect how we interpret them. "Death Wish" doesn't glorify vigilantism, or take sides with it, but it does end in a way, that allows us to come to our own conclusions.

I'd like you to ask yourself, about the purpose of motion pictures. Why do we watch film, and why is that experience valuable enough to continue? If you would answer that films are an escape, and that they provide entertainment, I would agree. Let me suggest however, that you are only partially correct.

The illumination of life is a requirement, in the attempt to entertain an audience. Before we are allowed to laugh or cry, or even think about a situation, we must first be presented with a rational scenario. With that said, I would argue that movies must inform, not only in their efforts to entertain, but as an additional goal, to provide worth. The film that provokes contemplation, is a more fulfilling experience, than a paint-by-the-numbers show we'll soon forget.

I thought that "Death Wish" was a fulfilling experience. It presented us with a believable character, and showed us the tragedy that changed his life. We follow the protagonist as he becomes another person, and that person is someone contrary, to his very nature. All the while however, given the circumstances, we understand his point of view each step of the way.

Each action that he takes, is a plausible action. Each event that occurs, as a result of those actions, is believable as well. The plot unfolds in a manner that makes sense, and it concludes in a satisfying way. What the film may not do, is show you a series of events, that condemns and punishes the violence.

Here is where I have to point something out. I believe that entertainment should inform, but I never said that it should teach. When we get to the point that our movies are dictating morals to us, is the point where things get ham-fisted, contrived and boring. Let's leave the lessons in the classroom, and the life advice to the parents, whose job it is to give it.

If a movie does agree with our views, wonderful. My only concern, is that it does so in service of the story it's trying to tell. I don't see "Death Wish" as something that glorifies vigilantism. I see it as a commentary on crime, and vigilantism as one of its effects.

I also saw a man, that was driven out into the middle of the night, to confront the source of his anguish. I saw someone that, admittedly or not, was willingly putting himself into dangerous situations. This is someone that was looking for conflict. This is someone that wanted an excuse, to shoot the kind of criminals, that ruined the lives of this loved ones.

I was also reminded, that when crime occurs, it affects a lot more people than just the direct victims. Paul Kersey was a man with a wife and daughter; he was victim to an assault, that happened in his home when he wasn't there. That incident changed and wounded him in a way, that was just as significant, as the change that befell his daughter. The only notable difference between the two characters, is that one showed the change openly, while the other did his best to hide it.

In one way or another, our lives will be affected by the worst examples of humanity. When confronted with such ugliness, we should take care to prevent ourselves, from becoming the monsters we loathe. There's also a responsibility, to support and aid our neighbors, who have been devastated. Everyone that needs help, doesn't always ask for it.

These words are written, partially in response, to a film that I have interpreted, in my own way. Thankfully, the movie is well written, well performed and honest, so that I am allowed to do so. I'll never ask a movie, to fill a role intended for community and religious leaders, but I'll look for it to throw a spotlight, on an issue worth talking about. "Death Wish" does exactly that and it does it very well.

Trailer Here.

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See "Death Wish" on Netflix!

CMT - Taxi Driver

As moviegoers, we've all been taking something for granted. The majority of films have allowed us, to follow sympathetic characters. Those are the people that we can identify with, people that we could imagine ourselves talking to. We might even go so far, as to compare ourselves to them and experience things through them, vicariously.

When we aren't allowed to relate to, sympathize with, or even like the main character, the experience can quickly become daunting. If we're forced to follow someone, whose words and behavior upsets us, it's a test of patience. There may be, however, a willingness to continue watching. You might soldier on, hoping to see that character change, or you might be curious to see the fate of a person, that you hope to never meet.

Classic Movie Trailers - Taxi Driver (1976)

I tried to watch this movie before, over a year ago. It has a running time of just over two hours, but I was done after twenty minutes. I've come to a realization, about what kind of things are difficult, for me to watch. It's frustrating, to see someone struggling with simple, human interactions, that are second nature to most of us.

There are unwritten rules, regarding what is and what isn't acceptable social behavior. The reason why they aren't recorded, is because that for most of us, they don't have to be. People form the capacity to empathize, by two years of age. The ability to experience a situation from another point of view, is an invaluable tool, that helps us regulate what we say and do.

We may occasionally forget, that some people are emotionally unbalanced. There are also those with behavioral, or learning disorders. Whatever the underlying causes, some individuals have trouble recognizing, when they're being inappropriate. They may be obsessive, confrontational, delusional and shockingly direct.

The most value I found in "Taxi Driver", was the look at a good-hearted person, that I couldn't possibly cheer for. It was seeing the soldier of the movie, preparing for a war I didn't want him to wage. I can remember dozens of films, in which the hero straps on multiple guns. This is the first and only movie I can think of, that made made me cringe at that exact same imagery.

It was off-putting to me, to watch many of the scenes. I felt a natural aversion to them that was familiar, having experienced those emotions a year ago. Using empathy however, I believe I can understand those, that were riveted by them. Some people avoid looking at a train wreck, but others are attracted to those kinds of events.

At the end of the ride, the scenes were unusually calm. There was a general feeling of normalcy, that I'm sure was intentional. Belying the obvious subterfuge, was a pair of intense eyes, staring into a rear view mirror. If you were part of the audience that was looking for change, you'll have to look elsewhere.

If you were one of the ones captivated, by the adventures of an unhinged man, perhaps you were satisfied. I can also imagine however, that many were left wanting a lot more, than what they chose to give. Personally, I'm content with the knowledge of the movie as a whole. If there was any question as to the film's quality, or to the reasons for its esteemed status, those doubts have been assuaged.

The final moments before the end credits, left me divided and uneasy. There was a feeling of uncertainty, regarding the film's conclusion, but in retrospect, that was probably the point. Travis Bickle is an unsettling character. "Taxi Driver" is an unsettling movie. Ii sits there on the shelf and in the queue, looking deceptively like all of the movies around it, but it isn't the same.

Trailer Here

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-Watch "Taxi Driver" on Netflix!

CMT - The Big Lebowski

Like any movie, "The Big Lebowski" presents a story, and stories are reliant on two main things; one is character, and the other is conflict. Those elements are essential, for a cult classic like this to be made. The latter is necessary, in order to provide the audience, with an experience that lasts long enough. The former is there, to make sure that the experience is actually worth watching.

Classic Movie Trailers - "The Big Lebowski" (1998)

When I committed to continuing this series on a regular basis, I knew that I'd be exposing myself to a wealth of good films, from many different eras. "The Big Lebowski" is a movie I've heard mentioned many, many times. I was curious about it, but I never took the opportunity, to sit down and see what all the fuss was about. Given my now legitimate excuse, I was allowed to discover the roles that Jeff Bridges and John Goodman had, in making the show into something worth talking about.

When "The Dude" and Walter were arguing, it was comedic gold. I never had as much fun watching, than when they were together. Goodman was definitely believable, as an obsessed veteran with anger issues. He was the perfect companion for "The Dude", who was cool most of the time.

As an audience, we want that interaction to continue, a good long while. In order for that to happen however, there has to be a reason. In fact, the entire running time of the picture is dependent upon a conflict, that has yet to be resolved. The nature of that conflict isn't actually important, it's the fact that it matters to the characters.

They could have focused the movie on the bowling league championship, and it would have turned out just fine. The really important thing about stories, is that you deny the main character, the thing they want the most. The entire second act, is just piling obstacle upon obstacle in front of their way. What keeps the action, or in this case the comedy going, is that you do not give them that thing.

Part of what keeps it entertaining, is finding out about what wild and crazy twists await you, as the plot unfolds. Situations are funny by themselves sometimes, though it does take good characters, to make them hilarious. Looking at it that way, it's an interesting and interdependent relationship. The plot gives us time with the characters, the characters keep us engaged, and both of them pull us along, to the film's conclusion.

Regarding this movie, the ending was even less important, than the cause of the conflict. The resolution of the events was nothing more than a footnote, but I don't think that fact compromised the ride. Though the film leaves us abruptly, and leaves some of us wanting more, it doesn't overstay its welcome either. Ultimately, the destination wasn't crucial, it was the journey that made it worthwhile.

Trailer Here.

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See "The Big Lebowski" on Netflix!

CMT - Re-Animator

After an accident happens on the road, traffic slows down to a crawl. Some people are genuinely concerned about the heath of strangers, but others are staring at the wreck, looking for something specific. It's the same thing that drives up the ratings, for your local news station. It's the same thing that keeps us up at night, and is present in our dreams when we sleep.

Death drives so much of what we do, whether we fear it or not. It urges both men and women to have children. It determines our eating habits and how often we exercise. It also makes scientists pious, while it keeps the pious devout.

It's fitting that, the one event that is inescapable, is the same thing we're obsessed with avoiding. Think about Peter Pan, and what staying young forever means. Think about vampires and consider for a moment, why that genre is so popular. The earliest fantasies we have, all involve defeating death. Smart fiction takes advantage of this, and “Re-Animator” is smart fiction.

Classic Movie Trailers – Re-Animator (1985)

The end of life is inevitable, and once life has left the body, that change quickly becomes permanent. There's no magic that will revive you, after it happens. There's no component of alien DNA, or heroic act of will, or scientific marvel that will reverse it. Stories can deny this fact, but there's a lot of value in bucking that trend and embracing it.

“Re-Animator” takes a lot of pleasure, in denying your childish dreams. It voices them, examines them and teases them, but it never quite delivers. Instead of catering to those simple desires, it turns them into something undesirable. It dangles that carrot in front of us and ties us to a treadmill, until the carrot goes bad.

That isn't to say, that it leaves us wanting in all respects. There are plenty of people that want to be grossed out by a movie, and If you're that type of person, you can find some of that here. Just be aware that time hasn't been kind, to all of the special effects. Most of them are still impressive however, and they hold up just fine.

As for the movie as a whole, it's clearly a comic book. The tone, the subject matter and the visual style, is like one of those old EC Horror comics. I couldn't express the feeling better, than that wonderful illustration, which was used for the poster and DVD cover. With that glowing vile of liquid, the text and the bright colors, you could slap that image onto the front of “The Vault of Horror”, or “Tales from the Crypt”, and it would be just as appropriate.

The film for me, was a fun, B-movie ride. As long as you can excuse some touchy-feely nonsense, from Dr. Ichabod Crane, the creepy dead guy, then pull up a chair. This is as much of a comic, as “Avengers: Age of Ultron”. It's in a different genre certainly, and it pretends to be really serious, but it wants you to know that it's faking it. I actually didn't laugh out loud, until the second act was almost over; in hindsight, I don't know how I lasted so long.

“Re-Animator” has all you would expect, from a horror movie of that era. There's blood and guts and breasts, because you can't forget those, as well as camp and genuinely funny moments. If I could have added one thing, it would have been The Crypt Keeper. This movie laughs at us and our fear of death, but I'd rather he do it, explicitly.

Trailer Here.

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@ChannelSeals

See "Re-Animator", on Netflix!