Pat-Hingle Movie Reviews

Taken from the excellent non-fiction book by Robert Lindsey, director John Schlesinger's film does a fine job of creating the feeling and temperament of the time but stumbles in a couple of important areas, though the leads, Timothy Hutton as Christopher Boyce and Sean Penn as Daulton Lee, are in terrific form.

Boyce was the "falcon" as he dabbled in falconry, Daulton the "snowman" due to his dealing cocaine, or snow.

Boyce was the oldest of a large Catholic family whose father was retired FBI. Boyce was given a job too quickly with TRW, at the time working with the CIA on secret projects. Working from the "Black Vault," Boyce eventually decided to sell the information he saw to the Soviets. His drug dealing childhood friend Lee became the courier who transported the data to the Russian Embassy in Mexico.

While the story flows well on screen, the film cannot deliver what the novel makes apparent, namely WHY Boyce became a traitor. Other minor nitpicks include a scene (that never occured in real life) of Boyce seeing his ex-girlfriend Alana before impending arrest added for schmaltz effect only, and a badly edited moment of him ripping apart a gift from his co-workers that leaves the viewer puzzled.

However, everything else is fine. The cast is superb, particularly Pat Hingle as Boyce's father. The look of the film is true to the era it occured in. Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays produced a compelling score, collaborating with David Bowie on the theme song.

This is not an action film, and the better for it. Instead The Falcon And The Snowman gives the viewer psychological insight into espionage. It does not go far enough but is a solidly enjoyable film and deserves your attention.

More specifically, Splendor in the Grass deals with themes of class struggle, sexual repression, parental control and unconditional love. In particular, I was struck by the strong Calvinist and authoritarian ethic of the father of Warren Beatty's character. Determined that his son fulfill his vision of "the successful life," he more or less forces his son to give up on his true longing, his love for Natalie's character, and pursue a Yale education. Not surprisingly, this leads to disillusionment while at Yale, and co-incidentally a mental break-down on the part of Natalie's character. Soon enough, the father of Beatty's character realizes the flaw of his heavy-handed and ultimately selfish actions, but it is too late at this point.

There are many lessons one can draw from a movie of this degree of complexity and meaning, but I think the most meaningful and enduring lesson can be found in the voice-over heard near the end of the movie, which quotes from Wordsworth's poem: "We will grieve not, but find strength in what remains behind." It was trully compelling and inspiring to see the two characters, after the great emotional cost their longing for each other had inflicted on their lives, finally accept the practical futility of their love and summon the resolve to move on with their lives. I think this is a powerful lesson that can go a long way toward healing personal, and even societal, wounds after the onset of hardship or tragedy.

I mean, I'm the straight guy raised on Sci-Fi, and I practically wept when this movie ended. It's that real. In a way it's not possible to remake this film given the, er, "relaxed" social norms of today. Most young people watching this film will probably just shrug and say, "so what's the big deal?"

SITG is a snapshot of another era, yet all (or most) of us can relate to the question: "what if?" or "what might have been" when we look back at growing up and our love lives, no matter what era you grew up in. This film is not representative of my generation, neither with regard to the era in which it was filmed nor the era it depicts, yet I was transfixed by it. If you can relate to that kind of experience then this film will touch you like no other film.

SITG helped launch Warren Beatty's career. Natalie Wood was, of course, already a star but this was arguably one of her most sensational performances. I always felt she sort of overdid her performances a bit--eye and facial movements seemed over exaggerated, etc., but physically and emotionally she still owns the screen. Many have already pointed out that her tragic death was foreshadowed in the scene in the bathtub and at the waterfall (and the boat on/from which she died was named, yep, you guessed it).

I actually like Pat Hingle's (Commissioner Gordon from the Batman films) over the top performance as Ace Stamper: "You want that? You got it boy! I'll get it for you! This world is your oyster!" He's not so much a character as a characature--in this case he's the emotional polar opposite of Jim Backus as the father in "Rebel Without A Cause."

Complex, raw, brilliantly acted. Leaves you with many questions. When Deanie hugs Bud Jr you almost know that she's thinking "what if?" while projecting her love to a pure and innocent child. I just can't believe that encounter was the end and the two of them said goodbye forever. The film begs for a sequel yet no sequel can do it justice. It can and should stand alone.

More specifically, Splendor in the Grass deals with themes of class struggle, sexual repression, parental control and unconditional love. In particular, I was struck by the strong Calvinist and authoritarian ethic of the father of Warren Beatty's character. Determined that his son fulfill his vision of "the successful life," he more or less forces his son to give up on his true longing, his love for Natalie's character, and pursue a Yale education. Not surprisingly, this leads to disillusionment while at Yale, and co-incidentally a mental break-down on the part of Natalie's character. Soon enough, the father of Beatty's character realizes the flaw of his heavy-handed and ultimately selfish actions, but it is too late at this point.

There are many lessons one can draw from a movie of this degree of complexity and meaning, but I think the most meaningful and enduring lesson can be found in the voice-over heard near the end of the movie, which quotes from Wordsworth's poem: "We will grieve not, but find strength in what remains behind." It was trully compelling and inspiring to see the two characters, after the great emotional cost their longing for each other had inflicted on their lives, finally accept the practical futility of their love and summon the resolve to move on with their lives. I think this is a powerful lesson that can go a long way toward healing personal, and even societal, wounds after the onset of hardship or tragedy.

I mean, I'm the straight guy raised on Sci-Fi, and I practically wept when this movie ended. It's that real. In a way it's not possible to remake this film given the, er, "relaxed" social norms of today. Most young people watching this film will probably just shrug and say, "so what's the big deal?"

SITG is a snapshot of another era, yet all (or most) of us can relate to the question: "what if?" or "what might have been" when we look back at growing up and our love lives, no matter what era you grew up in. This film is not representative of my generation, neither with regard to the era in which it was filmed nor the era it depicts, yet I was transfixed by it. If you can relate to that kind of experience then this film will touch you like no other film.

SITG helped launch Warren Beatty's career. Natalie Wood was, of course, already a star but this was arguably one of her most sensational performances. I always felt she sort of overdid her performances a bit--eye and facial movements seemed over exaggerated, etc., but physically and emotionally she still owns the screen. Many have already pointed out that her tragic death was foreshadowed in the scene in the bathtub and at the waterfall (and the boat on/from which she died was named, yep, you guessed it).

I actually like Pat Hingle's (Commissioner Gordon from the Batman films) over the top performance as Ace Stamper: "You want that? You got it boy! I'll get it for you! This world is your oyster!" He's not so much a character as a characature--in this case he's the emotional polar opposite of Jim Backus as the father in "Rebel Without A Cause."

Complex, raw, brilliantly acted. Leaves you with many questions. When Deanie hugs Bud Jr you almost know that she's thinking "what if?" while projecting her love to a pure and innocent child. I just can't believe that encounter was the end and the two of them said goodbye forever. The film begs for a sequel yet no sequel can do it justice. It can and should stand alone.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

Into this odd "business is evil" morality play comes a baby for whom Diane eventually develops maternal feelings, as well as a rugged country dude who can give her what she "really needs". Who knows? Even the bad 80's music groups have nostalgia value. Maybe this movie is next.

They call her "The Tiger Lady". She's a woman of the 80's.She's a high powered ad exec,with a six figure income,has an apartment to die for, which she shares with her significant(but slightly dull)other(also a six figure income),and is about to become a partner in the firm.She's J.C.Wiatt,a real go-getter. She has it all. Or does she?

Diane Keaton turns in a touching and funny performance as this dynamic woman, whose life is suddenly turned upside-down by a surprising inheritance. No, not money or a family heirloom, this inheritance is "Elizabeth"....a bouncing bundle of joy who melts the heart of the Tiger Lady and will melt yours as well.A toddler was not part of J.C.'s plan.How will she juggle her career and motherhood? And what about romance,can that ever be part of her future now? It doesn't look good. But when life hands J.C. Wiatt lemons(and a baby)...she does it her way...she makes applesauce!

Written by Nancy Meyers and Charles Shyer(who also directed), it is a nostalgic look back at the evolving baby boomer.A marvelous supporting cast includes Harold Ramis, Sam Wanamaker,Sam Shepard, and James Spader as the protoge from hell. It's a sweet and funny feel good tale. The music by Bill Conti gives the perfect feel to the story.

The DVD is presented in widescreen(1.85:1) and the sound is in Dolby Digital stereo surround. The picture is good. Not the shaprest I've seen on a film this recent, but a nice view.The surround sound is nice. The music and dialouge both clear and disguinishable.There is a theatrical trailer and it may be viewed in French(also stereo) and has subtitles in French and Spanish, but none in English. If you are interested in this film and are needing English subtitles, there is a German edition(PAL)with English captioning out there. I did not see it sold here at Amazon though.

"Baby Boom" is a fun romantic comedy that was nominated for Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture(Comedy/Musical) and Best Actress(Comedy/Musical).4 stars.

Thanx and enjoy......Laurie

A very nifty tale of morality and vengeance that presages the great themes of director Eastwood's career.

The premise:

Clint Eastwood plays Jed Cooper, a former law man from St. Louis, MO. As the movie begins, we see him herding cattle past a river and he's approached by nine riders. We soon learn that Jed thought he'd purchased these cattle honestly, but the person he bought them from was a criminal and now Jed's going to pay for it because these nine riders are a lynch mob and they intend to hang Jed.

Fortunately for Jed, a law man comes by and cuts him down from the tree before he dies and throws him in the wagon with a bunch of other criminals headed towards the only court in the Oklahoma territory and run by the "Hanging Judge." As luck would have it though, his story checks out and the judge offers him a job as a Federal Marshal. What follows is a great western filled with Clint Eastwood's "true grit" western hero style as he sets out for vengeance upon those who attempted but failed to hang him.

I would highly recommend this outstanding western for those who favor this genre heavily or casually and especially for those who are Eastwood fans! {ssintrepid}

A very nifty tale of morality and vengeance that presages the great themes of director Eastwood's career.

The premise:

Clint Eastwood plays Jed Cooper, a former law man from St. Louis, MO. As the movie begins, we see him herding cattle past a river and he's approached by nine riders. We soon learn that Jed thought he'd purchased these cattle honestly, but the person he bought them from was a criminal and now Jed's going to pay for it because these nine riders are a lynch mob and they intend to hang Jed.

Fortunately for Jed, a law man comes by and cuts him down from the tree before he dies and throws him in the wagon with a bunch of other criminals headed towards the only court in the Oklahoma territory and run by the "Hanging Judge." As luck would have it though, his story checks out and the judge offers him a job as a Federal Marshal. What follows is a great western filled with Clint Eastwood's "true grit" western hero style as he sets out for vengeance upon those who attempted but failed to hang him.

I would highly recommend this outstanding western for those who favor this genre heavily or casually and especially for those who are Eastwood fans! {ssintrepid}