The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (February 9th, 2025)

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

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

What makes The Maltese Falcon one of the most iconic film noirs of all time? At the core of this film, this is an exploration of the underbelly of society with private investigators, criminals, hire guys, grifters, and the police. John Huston delivers such crisp and sharp direction with impressive pacing for a film that is nothing but discussing plans and making accusations. The black-and-white cinematography is so rich and striking. Humphrey Bogart is the perfect figure at the core of this film. He is rugged and snarky and wily. He plays all sides against each other for sure. Mary Astor is an iconic femme fatale in this film, and she is seductive and plays with the men in this film perfectly. The rest of the cast is filled with great character actors with the legendary Peter Lorre as the mischievous and dangerous Joel Cairo. Sydney Greenstreet portrays a rotund and classy (yet dangerous) crime boss named Kasper Gutman who is the basis for the iconic Marvel villain, The Kingpin. This even has THE cinematic MacGuffin…the titular Maltese Falcon. This is perfect and has it all.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Why is The Treasure of the Sierra Madre not considered one of the great westerns of all time? John Huston’s direction has scale, tension, suspense, and the perfect tone for this twisted western thriller. The heightening and rising tension and paranoia between three partners in a gold rush makes the bedrock for this enticing narrative. Huston captures the Mexican settling so well and delivers all the western vibes you can ask for. This dynamic trio works so well because of their impressive performers. Tim Holt is the smallest name of the three, but he steps up against two screen legends for sure. Humphrey Bogart portrays a sly and charming man who quickly loses his wits, and his paranoia fully takes over. Bogart sells every bit of Fred Dobbs’ fear and paranoia. But Walter Huston is the real standout with such a great performance. You feel so much empathy for Huston’s Howard who is the true moral center of this gold seeking venture. There are plenty of iconic moments and great dialogue that has stood the test of time. Huston is a Hollywood legend for a reason and Sierra Madre is an incredible addition to the western genre.

The Man Who Laughs (1928)

Did you know that the Joker is based on an iconic and often overlooked classic Universal film that also set the stage for the Universal Monster series? Well…now you do! This iconic DC villain found his roots in The Man Who Laughs. Conrad Veidt’s performance is quite compelling as he sells the strange, unnerving, and oppressive smile of his character. His pale skin and slicked back hair all point towards the Joker. But Paul Leni’s film is so much more than just an influence of an iconic comic villain. This is a tragedy drenched in German Expressionism thanks to its talented director. There is a moving romance at its core that elevates the impressive period design to deliver a film that still feels impactful. The themes centered on classism certainly resonate in today’s world for sure.

Grand Canyon (1958)

What is needed to make a film worthwhile? Film is a dynamic medium and only needs a few strong elements to deliver. That is exactly what Disney’s Grand Canyon has. Beautiful cinematography is breathtaking with plenty of beautiful shots of the canyon. This short documentary brings this wonder to life in such a moving way. The visuals are perfectly matched with the impressive music of Ferde Grote. “Grand Canyon Suite” is an incredible piece of music that matches well with the beauty of the land. There is a reason Grand Canyon won an Academy Award.

Hotel Chevalier (2007)

How much can a director do with two actors and a Parisian hotel room? When you are Wes Anderson, you can accomplish quite a bit. Hotel Chevalier is an impressive film that is the most lustful and sexual of all of Anderson’s work. Few of his projects show real intimacy in this way but this short film captures a misguided fling between ex-lovers. Jason Schwartzman is a sad sack who is struggling through moving on and his ever-present love for this woman. Portman is electric, alluring, and magnetic for sure. This will-they-won’t-they in the bedroom is an intriguing dance with layers of emotions and great acting choices. Anderson channels his visual stylings as well to deliver a compelling and engaging little film about a complex relationship.

Don’t Torture a Duckling (1972)

How dark can a Giallo horror go? Director Lucio Fulci pushes his audience to the limits with Don’t Torture a Duckling. This is about a serial killer…who murders children. Yes. Dark. This Italian horror thriller has some visceral and cutting elements from some POV murdering to brutal assaults. The make-up effects are so effective in the most horrific ways. There are some alluring elements to the film (including some strikingly beautiful women) but Fulci forces the audience to grapple with the potential guilt of what these femme fatales might be capable of. There are certainly some taboo elements including inappropriate seduction, witchcraft, and other elements that will put you on edge. The climax of this film challenges some significant institutions and delivers a haunting and impactful finale. Not for everyone…but will scratch that Giallo itch for sure.

The Towering Inferno (1974)

Wait…disaster movies used to get Best Picture nominations? When you can pack your film full of giant stars like Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, William Holden, and Faye Dunaway, there are some great chances! This film might be a little too long but there are so many great things about it. The John Williams score ratchets up the tension so well and accentuates so many of the thriller elements. The effects are impressive as you get people on fire and giant floods of water to fight the flames. The Towering Inferno does not pull punches in depicting the danger of such an ego-driven tower that is taken down by nature. The special effects and production design are quite impressive as well. There are plenty of characters to latch on to and appreciate as well (brought to life by so many great actors from this period). This is a towering blueprint of the genre at the time and still stands as one of the great disaster movies of all time.

Airport (1970)

Can you use even more disaster in your life? Airport accomplished the feat of being a Best Picture nominee a few years before The Towering Inferno while boasting many of the same strengths. The cast in this film is incredible. Burt Lancaster. Dean Martin. Jean Seberg. George Kennedy. Van Heflin. And so many more. This is a film filled with stories. The central elements that really pull you in are centered around the planes and Lancaster. As the lead, Lancaster’s character navigates a failing marriage, a budding romance, and a catastrophic night at the airport. The snow. A bomber. An old lady who keeps sneaking on flights. So much to handle! There might be too many storylines but there are some strong comedic elements, thrilling moments, and some strong performers completely committing to this big-time disaster movie feel.

Frankenstein (1931)

What is the most iconic monster movie of all time? Universal was the biggest name in horror in the early 30s as they began a large, shared universe for all these iconic monsters. But it is Frankenstein that has made the largest impact of all. The image of Boris Karloff as The Monster is striking and haunting. The monster make-up has become synonymous with what most people think the creation looks like. There are plenty of other iconic elements with Colin Clive creating the prototype for all mad scientists in the future. There are some chilling moments including between The Monster and the young girl (watching her father carrying her lifeless corpse hits so deeply). This might not be the most engaging film throughout the whole film but there are plenty of strong elements that pull the audience in. The creation scene and the climactic windmill scenes just hit so hard. This is a lean 70-minute film that is an all-time classic for a reason.