EdMorbius’s Film Reviews

20 Films have been rated or reviewed by EdMorbius.

Timescape (1991): Arguably Twohy’s best SF movie. It’s NOT about aliens, just odd tourists in a small town; with brisk pace & relatable characters (mainly Daniels & Richards). Time travel is central, with the most satisfying twonky (paradox) I have seen since Time Bandits.
Brainstorm (1983): Notable as Natalie Wood's last film (she died in mysterious circumstances before it wrapped). That, and Trumbull's ambitious technical innovations, mean it is remarkable it was completed!
Miracle Worker, The (1962): I consider this amongst the 15 best movies of all time. Screenplay brilliantly adapted by William Gibson from his stage play, and directed by Arthur Penn (Bonnie & Clyde). The award–winning performances are unforgettable.
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964): Byron Haskin (who directed War of the Worlds) released this with Mars canals yet to be disproved in mid–70s). So he could claim: "SCIENTIFICALLY AUTHENTIC…". A Blu–ray edition has commentary by Robert Skotak (who did SFX for Abyss & T2).
Into the West (1993): Magical maybe. But the "PG" rating did not forewarn viewers of the grungy realism of gypsy poverty, plus the Garda beating up a suspect in their police station. Parents: be prepared. The scenes with the white horse were indeed beautiful.
Magnificent Seven, The (1960): It launched the careers of several acting newcomers; and is filled with energy from the remarkable and propulsive musical score by the (then) up–and–coming composer Elmer Bernstein (Man With the Golden Arm; To Kill a Mockingbird).; DVD ~~$20~~ $15
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): The exceptional nature of this film should lead viewers to read an even more exceptional book. The evocative music was by a young Elmer Bernstein (Magnificent Seven; 10 Commandments; World of Henry Orient).; DVD ~~$15~~ $11.25
Man for All Seasons, A (1966): The witty dialogue was by Robert Bolt (Lawrence of Arabia); & the fine soundtrack music was by a Frenchman – the great Georges Delerue, notably accompanying the title sequence of a courier's progress via the Thames to deliver a message.
Man On Wire (2008): Another remarkable one–of–a–kind movie from Director Bob Zemekis. It's a docudrama, not simply a "doco". But don't hold that against him. It is riveting.
Umbrellas of Cherbourg, The (1964): Absolutely agree. I was blown away seeing it in the 1980s. Now I must see The Young Girls of Rochefort, which is also held by Arovideo.
King's Speech, The (2010): An almost perfect movie. Colin Firth is excellent as the initially reluctant monarch driven by circumstances. The eponymous speech, stage–managed by Rush (as Logue) is a masterclass in fashioning images, sound, & music into a stirring unitary performance.
Judgement at Nuremberg (1961): Also a standout performance by Burt Lancaster, leading to his later title role in Visconti's The Leopard. Musical score by Ernest Gold, in the same year that Gold won the Oscar for Exodus. The soundtrack LP showcased speeches of Lancaster & Tracy.
Memories of Me (1988): Contrary to Aroview, I found this a life–affirming light drama about human relationships. Like Steel Magnolias, it has a rich musical score by Georges Delerue, and saves its best laugh for a funeral! Watch till the credits roll.
Steel Magnolias (1989): An excellent study of friendship enduring some tough times. Its intelligent, often subtle, humour avoids the risk of mawkishness, and the soundtrack music by Georges Delerue is worth the price of admission.
Three Worlds of Gulliver (1960): Notable for its delightful soundtrack music, by composer Bernard Herrmann (who also scored Citizen Kane, Psycho, Fahrenheit 451, Journey to the Centre of the Earth, Mysterious Island, The Day the Earth Stood Still, to name a few).
Baby The Rain Must Fall (1965): A more subtle Mulligan/Pakula/Foote/Bernstein opus than “Mockingbird”. With its hint of abuse, the revealingly symbolic belt seen hanging on a door – like the shot in the last seconds of Polanski’s “Repulsion” – largely escaped its audience.
Rapture (1965): Outstandingly acted & photographed drama, fulfilling Patricia Gozzi’s promising start (the unforgettable Sundays & Cybele). Georges Delerue's evocative score is one of his very best.
Sundays and Cybele (Les Dimanches de Ville d'Avray) (1962): In NZ – with the Christchurch Creche affair still an issue – its political point is bang–on. Acting is first–rate, & photography (Henri Decae) sublime. I saw it in 1963, & in 2022 it remains a favourite – joyful, thoughtful & unforgettable.
Leopard, The (Il Gattopardo) (1963): A rich blu–ray restoration. Yes, first viewing is hard work. Like 2001 it rewards further viewing. I enjoyed the commentary (in subtitled longer version) & English dubbed version featuring Lancaster's own voice. His best since Judgment at Nuremburg.; DVD ~~$20~~ $15, ~~$25~~ $18.75
Month in the Country, A (1987): A beautiful & thoughtful film based on the eponymous novel. Colin Firth's first depiction of a stutterer (this time, one of two survivors needing to recuperate in the aftermath of World War 1). Great early performances by Firth and Kenneth Branagh.

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EdMorbius’s Film Reviews