Hanging with Otto.
No review today, have been stuck in Foster Hirsch’s wonderful Otto Preminger: The Man Who Would Be King. If you’ll recall, I found Laura to be mildly overrated, but Hirsch’s impassioned analysis is going to force me to return to the picture (which, in fairness, I’ve always liked). I’ve always loved Anatomy of a Murder, a courtroom procedural that features a large cast doing what they each individually do best. Watching George C. Scott and James Stewart spar is a particular pleasure, and Lee Remick gives good sexy, untrustworthy dame.
No promises, but prepare for a mild Preminger fest whenever I finish the book.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:07 am
Cool! Preminger is one of my favorite stylists. In particular I like the “one, two, three” shots he has of three characters lined up just so in many of his films. Where the Sidewalk Ends is a bit underrated, for sure, especially nowadays with the “bad cop” genre almost exhausted.
I love Laura. Anatomy of a Murder is a superior courtroom drama to be sure.
I have a feeling Christian just might bring up another Preminger film.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:36 am
I’m humming a song from Christian’s favorite movie already…
Glad to hear you’re re-evaluating Laura a little Chuck. I’ve never sat down and plowed through Preminger in a dedicated way, just picking them up here and there. I look forward to your retrospective.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:41 am
It’s funny you guys mentioning Christian because I almost directly addressed him in the post, but decided not to. I don’t think that particular feature is available on DVD at this moment, right? Anyone have any word on it? This one can only remain unavailable for so long.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Well, I’m working tirelessly on getting you-know-what to dvd. I have another special screening in the future I’ll let you know about and it’s only a matter of time. Foster quoting me in his book has given more SKIDOO street cred for my efforts. He did a great job.
April 4th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Great to hear that you’re in the book Christian. I haven’t gotten that far yet (I’m finishing the portion where Preminger is overseeing that abandoned Lubitsch film) but I look forward to that and news of the picture.