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Movies and Life - by Tracy

'A good story should surprise you as it unfolds. Then afterwards it should seem the story could only have unfolded that way.’ Ken Loach

Film thoughts - Movies and Life

Eddie Izzard - British films verses American films

August 17th 2008 00:50

Eddie Izzard articulates the differences between American and British films. As always he does it with flamboyant zest and contagious humour:

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: Film thoughts

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What could have been...?

May 25th 2008 23:39

I missed out on being at the Indiana Jones premiere and red carpet experience (I was sick, but appreciated the invite from Paramount Pictures) last week, so I’m a bit miffed. But I am heartened at finding out that I’m not alone, there are others that were not involved either:

Tom ‘Moustache’ Selleck was almost Indiana. He was offered the role at the same time that CBS picked up the Magnum PI pilot Selleck had just made. Unfortunately the Magnum producers would not release him and he had to pass on the film role. In one of those awful ironic life twists, an actor's strike delayed the start of Magnum's filming. As Raiders was being shot in Europe far away from Union regulations, Selleck could have done the role after all. Selleck, showing generous sportsmanship, appeared in an episode of Magnum that parodied Raiders with the trademark accessories, riffs on the hat, the whip and booby traps.

Spielberg originally intended the role of Marion Ravenwood to be for his girlfriend Amy Irving, but they broke up during production. Other contenders were Sean Young and Barbara Hershe, while Debra Winger turned the role down. After seeing Karen Allen in National Lampoon's Animal House, Spielberg decided she was the one.

Spielberg originally wanted Danny Devito for the role of Sallah, Indiana’s sidekick and skilled Egyptian digger, but apparently he was too expensive. After seeing John Rhys-Davies in the '80s miniseries Shogun, he was chosen for the role.

Spielberg considered Jacques Dutronc (Ma Place au Soleil) and Giancarlo Giannini (Casino Royale) for the part of René Belloq before deciding on Paul Freeman. He spotted Freeman in Death of a Princess, his piercing eyes standing out. Belloq was supposed to appear in the prequel Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but for unknown reasons, he was written out.

And finally, Willie Scott. We could have seen Sharon Stone in this role. She was among the hundred and twenty actresses that Spielberg saw for the high maintenance chanteuse. He eventually settled on Kate Capshaw, then known for her role in daytime soap Edge of Night. Spielberg wanted Willie to be a complete contrast to Marion, both in personality and looks. So, upon Spielberg’s request, Capshaw dyed her brown hair blonde. Trivia-wise, Willie was named after Spielberg's dog and Spielberg married Capshaw in 1991.

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Posted By: Tracy - Category: Film thoughts

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You should be dancing

March 27th 2008 21:10

After talking about the impending Fame remake over on Filmpeek, I started thinking about the combination of music and dancing in films. Costumes, music, vibrancy all mixed together can form a vivid, visual feast that sets those tootsies tapping. It’s a tenuous affair though; one dodgy pirouette and Cheese-Ville can call.

For me, when characters spontaneously cut a rug, it's more delectable if the film wasn't actually a musical. So, here are some films that sport an iconic, memorable dance sequence.

Pulp Fiction – Travolta is no stranger to the dance caper, but this is his coolest, most memorable f**k off boogie routine I’ve seen. And we mustn’t forget Uma, what a partnership. Who would’ve taken them on? Not me, no matter how fast I could get my feet to jive.

Reservoir Dogs – Another Tarentino classic. This one made me squirm in my seat and leave the room, but nonetheless it must be mentioned. The infamous 'ear scene' was originally set to the Sweet's Ballroom Blitz, but was later changed to Stealers Wheel's Stuck in the Middle with You. A perfect fit.

Swingers ¬ Despite its title, this film only has one dance scene. Jon Faureau & Heather Graham give the floor a good workout and show us a couple who don’t care what people think and know how to have fun.

Scent of a Woman – Despite finding this film frustrating and arduous, this tango is unforgettable without needing words.

Sixteen Candles – The infamous gym scene shrieks of cringeworthy teenage awkwardness.

Do The Right Thing - Rosie Perez set the tone for this controversial film by showing off some herky-jerky moves over the movie's opening credits and the pulsing beats of Public Enemy's, Fight the Power, an enigmatic song.

And finally, Saturday Night Fever - While the groove scenes were not a surprise compared to the other mentioned films, the content definitely was. John masters the dance floor with his slick moves, snazzy white suit and rigorous arm gestures. An absolute shuffle classic.