The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (November 17th, 2024)

This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films, whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:   

Insomnia (2002) 

What is the most forgotten entry in all of Christopher Nolan’s filmography? After the bold crime thriller that is Memento put Nolan on the map, he took on a studio project which was an English language remake of Insomnia. This is not Nolan’s most original entry or most compelling from a filmmaking perspective, but it is still Nolan…and that makes it a strong film. Led by a subdued and somber performance by screen legend, Al Pacino, this thriller utilizes its setting and morally gray scenario to weave together an engrossing experience. Robin Williams is haunting in a way few performances highlighted in his time. There are plenty of interesting threads that weave together that explore the seediness at the heart of a “hero” cop’s legacy. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Pacino and Williams is quite compelling as they attempt to manipulate each other. Nolan expertly renders the growing insomnia from the endless sunshine in Alaska and captures it in a unique and poignant way from a technical standpoint. Nolan has rarely missed the mark and this is not one of those times. 

Sweet Smell of Success (1957) 

How compelling can a film be when your protagonist is a slimy urchin of big city life? Quite compelling when it comes to the impactful thrills of Sweet Smell of Success. This metropolitan neo-noir features Tony Curtis as Sidney Falco, a seedy agent working the underbelly of society. He works for himself is bad enough, but he also works for one of the most dangerous and powerful men in all the city, J.J. Hunsecker (portrayed by Burt Lancaster). Curtis is endlessly charismatic and Lancaster casts a haunting shadow over the whole film. Director Alexander Mackendrick captures a slick and cool atmosphere around the city but there is a constant darkness shrouding it. This is a thriller boiling over with tension as a Hunsecker sister is caught in the dangerous web of his making. There are horrifically brutal moments and some dark twisted elements that will not relent. This is not the feel-good movie of the time, but it is a film with poignant roots that will last long after.

Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) 

How do you make another boxing biopic stand out? Robert Wise (the filmmaker behind The West Side Story and The Sound of Music) certainly can craft a compelling and engrossing film. The cinematography for Somebody Up There Likes Me is sharp and impactful. The way the camera most creates a dynamic feeling for a film that could have felt like some standard affair for sure. But Wise has some impressive help thanks to the fiery and engrossing performance of his young leading man, Paul Newman. One of Newman’s first big starring roles shows all you need to see and feel when it comes to the actor that he will one day become. From the opening credits and Perry Como’s titular theme song, this truly sets the tone. The narrative might be standard but the rebellious nature of Newman’s Rocky Graziano brings so much more to the table and makes this an essential feature.

The Steamroller and the Violin (1961) 

All legendary careers start somewhere more modest, don’t they? Andrei Tarkovsky make a serious impact on Russian cinema with films like Solaris, Mirror, and Stalker. But back in school, he was making impactful short films like The Steamroller and the Violin. A young boy connects with a construction worker after this poor young man comes face-to-face with some bullies. This impeccably shot film does not feel like a film from the 60s let alone one that is a student film. There is an inspiring connection at the core of this little film that shows a unique and charming dynamic. Igor Fomchenko delivers a moving performance as our young protagonist with Vladimir Zamanskiy creating strong connection with his young costar. Beautifully shot and full of personality, this little film will have you engaged from start to finish.

Live and Let Die (1973) 

How big of a splash did Roger Moore make with his first outing as the legendary cinematic spy? Live and Let Die is an iconic entry in the James Bond franchise that offers up a fresh and suave take on Bond thanks to the refined charm of Moore. His Bond was quite the change of pace from Connery’s more ruthless characterization. But this entry in the iconic franchise takes some interesting twists as it channels the blaxploitation elements of cinema of the era while delivering a sillier and fun tone for the franchise. The iconic theme song, “Live and Let Die”, just might be the most iconic and famous theme in any Bond film with the efforts of Paul McCartney & Wings leaving their stamp on it. There are great set pieces from crocodile hopping to bus chases to voodoo ceremonies. Yaphet Kotto is one of the most unique Bond villains as Kananga/Mr. Big with henchmen like Julius Harris’ clawed Tee Hee and Geoffrey Holder’s voodoo witch doctor Baron Samedi making quite the impact. Jane Seymour is a refined and stunning love interest for Bond as Solitaire. Live and Let Die is a thrilling entry that puts Moore right on the map. 

Lost in America (1985) 

How much of a genius is Albert Brooks? These films are some of the most offbeat, hilarious, and creative satires of the 70s and 80s. Lost in America is a fascinating exploration of the upper middle-class Yuppies who decide to give it all up and live on the road. Brooks and Julie Hagerty have fantastic chemistry as the aloof New York couple who decide to go off the grid for a new life. This comedy is quite a series of unfortunate events that have quite the biting commentary on 80s Reaganomics. This cross-country comedy finds our dynamic duo gets themselves into all types of shenanigans. Brooks’ way with words makes for such a compelling and hilarious character who tries to weasel his way out of all his responsibilities. Lost in America is an odd bird with such funny work from Brooks and Hagerty who absolutely deliver what is needed to keep the audience engaged in this bizarre collage of misadventures.