herbiehancock

No 80 – The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp Directors – Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger I really love Powell and Pressburger . Another great things to come out of this little film challenge is that I have discovered so much of their back catalogue (and Billy Wilder’s – also excellent). I went in to The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp with high expectations, and I wasn ’t let down – from the beginning the film has a wonderful sense of class. The film begins with a tapestry, into which are weaved the names of the principal cast, followed by the rest of the credits - which are presented in a way which was very much of its time and which makes me think of that wonderful period of cinema – of Errol Flyn and Arthurian legends. Of a time when everything was less gritty and a bit more fantastical. This vibe is also (though to a lesser degree) prevalent throughout the film, solely due to the stylistic touches of the age. I love films which are almost entirely shot on sound stages . ...

No 236 - Black Narcissus Directors - Michael Powell & Emeric Pressburger It is a landmark moment in my history of blogging. For with this film, I approached the world of Blue-Ray . Which felt rather redundant. I should be watching my first Blue-Ray experience on a CGI - tastic , hi def, special effects bonanza . Or something crisp and Pixar . Not a 1947 intimate film about Nuns in the Himalayas! What the Blue Ray does help with is the sheer glorious crispness of Technicolour. Something I have mentioned over and over again in my list of filmic loves. The vistas across India and the Himalayas are just stunning and the imagery is beautiful . It is just a shame that the film feels somewhat stilted for the first hour. Now, I love Powell and Pressburger , ranking A Matter of Life and Death as one of my favourite ever films. However, the first hour of Black Narcissus is mundane to such a level that Mr Biddle fell asleep! Saying that though, the ending is so excellent (and will be discus...

No 149 - The Red Shoes Directors - Michael Powell and Emeric Pressberger I would like to begin with a story. When I was a young boy, one of my favourite places to go was The Museum of the Moving Image (or MOMI ) on South Bank. Sadly the museum got closed down... I think this is because they never seemed to update it. You got to 'present day' but found yourself stuck in the 80s. Surrounded by cybermen and spitting image. What I loved about the place was the fact that everything was themed. So you would go through the early Victorian section through the 20s and 30s to modern day. All the staff would be in costume and in character. Best of all there was an old war era American Odeon there. It would play old films and it was there that I first saw part of The Red Shoes. It was the central ballet sequence and I remember being somewhat disturbed by it. However, times have changed. I have matured (slightly) and am more aware of Powell and Pressberger . I remember my dad saying exc...