Shawshank: a simple classic

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Bill Wren

The movie The Shawshank Redemption is a lot like one of its main characters, Andy Dufresne. It’s something of a mystery. Popularity alone has made it a classic, but what does it do right? With so many cinematic elements being … Read more →

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The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

Posted on July 3, 2011 by Bill Wren

Directed by Frank Darabont “Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.” – Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption – The key to The Shawshank Redemption is its simplicity. It starts in one place and makes its way to another — … Read more →

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A curious thriller: So Long at the Fair

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Bill Wren

Prior to moving out to California and Hollywood, Jean Simmons was primarily in British films. This makes sense given that she was British. So Long at the Fair is one of those movies. Depending on your age and interests, however, … Read more →

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So Long at the Fair (1950)

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Bill Wren

Directed by Antony Darnborough and Terence Fisher A curious little gothic romance, So Long at the Fair is an intriguing thriller starring a young and fetching Jean Simmons as Vicky Barton, a woman who finds herself in Paris during the … Read more →

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Strange Cargo (1940)

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Bill Wren

Directed by Frank Borzage Rarely has the word “strange” in a title been used so appropriately as it is in Strange Cargo. This movie is strange indeed. It’s also a pretty good adventure film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable … Read more →

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Crawford and Gable and the oddball Strange Cargo

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Bill Wren

I stumbled upon Strange Cargo last night and rarely has the word “strange” in a title been used so appropriately. This movie is strange indeed. It’s also a pretty good adventure film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable (the latter’s … Read more →

Posted in Actors, Clark Gable, Movies | Leave a comment

A curious Long Goodbye from Robert Altman

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Bill Wren

To be honest, I’ve never been a big Robert Altman fan, though increasingly I’m finding his movies more appealing. I think his approach creates the sense in me that I’m listening to a slow-talker and I want to interrupt and … Read more →

Posted in Directors, Noir | Leave a comment