Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf
I struggle with the stiffness of the language of some of Hollywood's older films. The rigid direction too. I appreciate the context and the time these classic hail from, but can only keep that in mind as I watch them from the comfort of the 21st century. Given that this movie is adapted from a stageplay there is even more to the limit of the surrounding environment and reliance on detailed dialogue than normal. In addition to that, this is material that I don't mind admitting went partly over my head. The dysfunctional, abusive relationship, the psychological games. The era and environment. All worked against my ability to absorb all that this had to offer.
Regardless, the stellar performances of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton are a treat and admirable in their intensity and chemistry.
The Ipcress File
Moving forwards in time and across the pond to the UK and Michael Caine in his youthful prime. As a spy thriller this feels quite undercooked - there just don't seem to be enough moving parts to keep you guessing for long. Caine is mesmerising - though more due to his status today and his 60's aloofness then to any genuine acting chops on display. Some of his performance in the last act is nearly as cringe-worthy as his Jaws stuff.
The entertainment for me was in the era, the endearingly clunky handling of scenes and action - considered slick and exciting for its time - and the astonishingly abrupt conclusion that is so common to earlier films. Very little sense of closure. Stylish but rather quaint by today's standards. Bond would gain momentum shortly afterwards and keep on upping the ante in style, action and story. But this has an undeniable charm to it.
The Gentlemen
So, in 2019 Guy Ritchie puts out Aladdin for Disney.. ..and also this.
If you've seen the trailer then you already know that this is a deliberate return to the Snatch and Lock Stock cheeky London gangster fayre that catapulted Ritchie into prominence and, it seems, a decade of questionable decisions.
The Gentlemen absolutely delivers on its promise and is a riot of violence, twists, big characters, jump-cuts, flashy edits and playful - if colourful - dialogue.
Where Snatch had Brad Pitt, The Gentlemen has Matthew McConaughey and it's about what you expect. The character isn't as large, the presence isn't as engaging. McConaughey consistently reliable, but rarely memorable.
To offset that you get Hugh Grant playing against type. Serving as the narrative voice for the film, he is a wonderful weasel of a character. With the possible exception of his turn as the bad guy in Paddington 2 (a genuinely fantastic family film - highly recommended) this is the best thing I've seen Hugh Grant in.
For added fun, there's a touch of 4th-wall breaking apparent at the end of the film, but it doesn't make a big deal of itself.
If you enjoyed Snatch or Lock Stock, this will be a film you'll want to see.
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