Category: 2023-2024

“The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” (1988 & 2023)

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The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (1988) starring Eric Bogosian, Jeff Daniels, & Brad Davis

This TV movie is an adaptation (originally staged as a play) of the court-martial segment from the novel The Caine Mutiny. The play premiered at the Plymouth Theatre in NYC on January 20, 1954. The original cast included Henry Fonda (Barney Greenwald), John Hodiak (Lt. Maryk) and Lloyd Nolan (Lt. Cdr. Queeg). James Garner appeared as a member of the court; he was the understudy to Hodiak. The play ran for 415 performances, closing on January 22, 1955. I know what some of y’all are thinking: there used to be smart movies on TV!? The script is V literate and gives most of us (civilians) insight into Naval protocol, attitudes, traditions, and conflicts btwn. personalities. As one viewer commented: “we see the usual [Robert] Altman technique of a lot of side conversations that are barely heard and added noises to make the film seem more naturalistic.”

Lt. Greenwald (Eric Bogosian- a theater actor/police capt. on L&O: CI) as the defense attorney sustains ambivalence; he does a good job, exuding caged-in intensity. As the defendant, Lt. Steven Maryk (Jeff Daniels) must decide whether his lawyer is capable or unreliable. The prosecutor, Lt. Cmdr. John Challee, is played by Peter Gallagher (a theater actor; D.A. on L&O: SVU). Lt. Cmdr. Queeg (Brad Davis) may be mentally ill; I hadn’t seen Davis before (he died at age 41 in 1991). Unlike in the remake (below), ethnicity/religion is mentioned (Greenwald is Jewish).

[1] Each “author” of the Caine mutiny is a plausible bad guy who lends slightly different emphases to instigators who escape blame for what they goad others into doing.

Davis’s Queeg raises the intriguing possibility that an officer might be flat-out nutty in a way difficult for psychiatrists to detect but easy for an attorney to expose. […] I agree that the caricature of the psychiatrist is hokey.

[2] …it is taught and claustrophobic for most of the story – being set in the court-martial room (a bit of the end of the play is at the post-trial acquittal party). The results is a different telling of the story, and one relying on the audience’s own evaluation of the truth or lies of the different witnesses.

…Queeg is first taken down a peg by Greenwald (Eric Bogosian) not on issues of fitness of command, but on his honesty.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (2023) starring Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Clarke, & Jake Lacy

Some of y’all (cinephiles) may’ve heard re: this one, as it was the last film directed by William Friedkin (who passed away at age 86 in AUG 2023). Lance Riddick (Capt. Luther Blakely) also passed away before the movie’s release; he’s a strong screen presence and gives a fine performance. For insurance purposes, Guillermo del Toro was the back-up director. Friedkin completed filming in 14 days (wow); he was given just 15 days by the studio! This movie (which was released on VOD) has well-known faces, as well as some newcomers; I saw it 1st on a flight last Thanksgiving.

Queeg (Kiefer Sutherland) here is much older (unlike in the original play by Herman Wouk); he has a constrained way of speaking here. The defense counsel, Greenwald (Jason Clarke- a prolific Aussie character actor), hasn’t practiced law much; he is the most fleshed out character. The no-nonsense prosecutor, Challee, is played by a young/Latina woman (Monica Raymund). Maryk is played by boy-next-door actor Jake Lacy (w/ big eyes/open face); he has lately done more on streaming shows than movies. I was a BIT disappointed, as I wanted to know more re: Keefer (Lewis Pullman- son of Bill Pullman; recently seen in Top Gun: Maverick). Keefer ended up writing a novel (based on this incident); it’s revealed that he influenced Maryk’s decisions.

[1] The original Caine Mutiny was a Humphrey Bogart led movie from 1954, one that I love and sticks in my memory very well. This takes notes form that movie, but is not really a remake, just an intensified treatise on the ending with the court martial hearing drug out and the final denouncement of the young opportunist shown his comeuppance. Anyone familiar with the source material, movie or book it was based on would know this. […]

The underlying theme of The Caine Mutiny story is not “wow that guy went crazy” – it’s that well, even the best among us can crack. There is no villain, it is all perspective, and even though a wrong decision was made by Caine himself the question is were there ulterior motives involved by other people.

[2] Yes, the ending could have been lengthened and strengthened a bit to really let the viewer know, but then again, here we have a Captain that does some outlandish things, but was that enough to justify a mutiny? You have to really decide the verdict. […]

Some people may have problems with the way the Navy is portrayed in this film, in that they don’t understand that as the captain of a US Navy vessel, one is completely and ultimately responsible for every little thing that happens on or to that boat, good or bad, and that as a result, discipline, rank, and orders must be maintained…

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Spoiler-Free Review: “The Promised Land” (2023) starring Mads Mikkelson, Amanda Collin, & Simon Bennebjerg

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A retired military captain, Ludvig Kahlen (Mads Mikkleson), arrives in 1755 on the barren Jutland (region of Denmark) w/ a single goal: to follow his king’s call to cultivate the heath, and thus get rich/earn a noble title. However, the wealthy/powerful/cruel landowner, Frederik De Schinkel (Simon Bennebjerg), believes that this heath belongs to him (NOT the king). To make matters more complicated, De Schinkel’s beautiful/unmarried cousin, Edel Helene (Kristine Kujath Thorp), comes to admire Kahlen. After two of De Schinkel’s servants, Johannes and Anna Barbara (Amanda Collin), run away and seek refuge w/ Kahlen, the landowner (also local judge) does everything to drive Kahlen away (and get revenge).

I heard about this movie while watching coverage (via YouTube) of the Venice Film Festival in Fall 2023. This film (Danish title: Bastarden) was the official submission of Denmark for Best International Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards. It was directed by Nikolaj Arcel and based on a novel by Ida Jessen (loosely inspired by real historical characters). If you miss “old-fashioned” epics (visually and thematically), then I highly recommend it; fans of the Western genre may also enjoy The Promised Land (available to rent on Amazon Prime). There are at least 2 scenes which I felt were callbacks to The Godfather; y’all can let me know IF you notice that. Mikkleson (who was a dancer for 8 yrs. before falling into acting) has great screen presence; he can do a LOT w/ just his eyes and facial expressions. Keep in mind that this is a time when men are trying to hold in emotions.

[1] …an engaging epic, a character study and a moving drama all in one. With a strong screenplay examining interesting themes, witty, minimalist dialogue and well-drawn characters, the narrative consistently engages. The cinematography and production design are striking, while the score is subtly powerful.

[2] This film uses all the tools of the Western genre: wide landscapes, settlers developing harsh lands, the fight against greed, injustice, cruelty and impunity of the ruling class, a stubborn loner who learns to follow his heart and old vs. new technologies (in this case- agricultural), settlers fighting rich landowners, racial prejudices and- of course- a showdown with a powerful obligatory scene.

[3] First of all Mads Mikkelsen is a phenomenal actor and the perfect choice to play Ludvig Kahlen. He shines especially in the scenes, where he “only” acts out pure emotion with his facial expressions without having to say a word. […]

Throughout the movie you feel all kinds of emotions yourself: anger, hatred, sadness, frustration, disgust, joy, relief,.. I felt it all. It is a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Poor Things” (2023) starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Rami Youssef, Christopher Abbott, & Jerrod Carmichael

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SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read this post if you haven’t seen, or don’t want to know, details from the movie Poor Things.

From filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and producer Emma Stone comes the incredible tale and fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking, Bella runs off with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a slick and debauched lawyer, on a whirlwind adventure across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella grows steadfast in her purpose to stand for equality and liberation. -Synopsis from Searchlight Pictures)

Wow, what to say re: this movie!? It seems like viewers either loved it, hated it, or were simply confused! I saw it (on streaming) several mos. after it was released in theaters. Being always online (& a listener of movie pods) I learned a LOT about this before watching. I think there are some scenes that you can enjoy, IF you considered this an alternate universe (AU), a BIT like Bridgerton (Netflix). Well, it’s NOT always pretty like that Regency era show. The visual style is unique and eye-catching, as are the costumes and sets (part of production design). Now, Poor Things is NOT for those of y’all who are sensitive re: cursing, nudity, sex, and body horror (reminiscent at times of Canadian auteur David Cronenberg). The run time is TOO long, BUT that is not rare for recent films.

This is mostly a character study centered on Bella (Stone); she “grows up” from a toddler (as she has the brain of a child) to an adult young woman (capable of making her own choices). Do you think that Stone (who also produced this film) deserved that Oscar for Best Actress? Bella decides to to leaver her “father”- Dr. Godwin Baxter AKA “God” (Dafoe)- and start a romance w/ his lawyer, Duncan (Ruffalo). Sorry to say, Ruffalo is NOT working for me here; I’m a fan of his acting usually. Sometimes actors need to be pulled back by their directors, though I doubt Lanthimos asked for that. In the 2nd act, we meet a young American played by Carmichael; he’s a funny/smart stand-up, comedy writer, producer, etc. However, his style of acting/manner of speaking doesn’t fit w/in this world; it just took me out of the story. I thought that Dafoe and Youssef were quire good w/ all that they were given. Many weren’t amused by the way that sex work is handled in this movie; however, the filmmakers aren’t reflecting the real world. Feminism is NOT just about traveling or reading books- of course. No one can say that Lanthimos is risk-averse, that’s for sure! I was disappointed- that’s the conclusion.

[1] I do recommend this if you like the unusual art film. But I can see it as not being everyone’s idea of a fun time at the movies.

I might almost pair it up with “Barbie” as a thematic double feature as both films explore feminism in 2 very different ways.

[2] Completely over the top, mind boggling romp through the imagination of the main character on a journey of self-discovery and a relentless degree of self-indulgence.

[3] It’s a very very very specific type of weird, that won’t be for everyone. […] It’s like a fever dream on the strangest cocktail of psychedelics. If it happens to be your kind of weird, you will love it.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Eileen” (2023) starring Thomasin McKenzie & Anne Hathaway

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The stagnant waters of Eileen’s dull, stifled life as a solitary worker at a juvenile detention center in 1960s Boston, are unexpectedly disrupted when the institution brings in a new psychologist, the vibrant Rebecca. The fervent enthusiasm that blossoms between the two women almost immediately gives way to a closer relationship, until their fragile connection takes a dramatic turn. -Synopsis

You have to hand it to Anne Hathaway- she’s trying new things! Now, these roles aren’t all going to fit her right. As Rebecca, she wears a platinum wig (like a femme fatale from the days of noir). However, the real dangerous lady here is played by Thomasin McKenzie, a young/20ish Aussie actress w/ a LOT of talent. So far, I’ve seen McKenzie in Jojo Rabbit, The Power of the Dog, and Old. Eileen has a difficult home life, dead-end job, and “girl next door” looks (which helps the audience empathize w/ her plight). Elieen lives w/ her alcoholic/retired cop father, played by prolific character actor Shea Wigham.

The director, William Oldroyd, is a Brit who we can thank for “discovering” the FAB Florence Pugh (who was the lead in his debut/indie Lady Macbeth). This movie is inspired (in part) by Todd Fields’ critically-acclaimed drama Carol (which starred Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara). The 1st hour is intriguing, BUT that sense of anticipation is let down in the last half hour; the story is undercooked. I kept thinking that something was missing. What was the point here? FYI: There is a plot twist (involving another character) which could be difficult for sensitive viewers. Overall, I was disappointed, as I had high hopes for this movie!

“Priscilla” (2023) starring Cailee Spaeny & Jacob Elordi

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Wife to the King. Icon to the world. Destined for more. -Tagline

When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. -Tagline

Are any of y’all having a hard time sleeping? Well, this movie MAY be the solution- no joke! We have (another) case of style over substance. I had modest (NOT high) hopes for this biopic; it had gotten a LOT of buzz at the Venice Film Festival last Fall. The teens/20s crowd (mostly female) waiting for pics/autographs went wild for the statuesque Jacob Elordi (who plays Elvis). Priscilla Presley (whose autobiography the film was based on) was on the red carpet, along w/ Sofia Coppola (director) and petite/newcomer Cailee Spaeny (who plays the title role).

I think it would’ve been easy to make a much darker movie, especially because seeing something unfold onscreen can be so much more visceral than reading it. But I didn’t want the darker side of their relationship to completely overshadow the film, so it was a matter of trying to show the reality. It was important to Priscilla that it was still her love story and to show Elvis as a real human being instead of some two-dimensional villain. I just wanted to show her point of view and leave it to the audience to come to their own conclusions about this relationship. But it was a matter of finding some balance because I don’t want the film to seem like it’s condoning certain things, but I also wanna portray Priscilla’s experience as she says it was. It was important to me for her to feel good about the film, and that it felt truthful to her experience and how she told it. -Sofia Coppola, director

Lisa Marie Presley (before passing away suddenly) read the script and strongly disapproved; she wrote a letter to Coppola criticizing the portrayal of her father. Elvis Presley Enterprises declined approval for this film to use his songs; Coppola used music by her husband’s band (Phoenix) and cover versions of songs. As we expect from this director, the look of the film is impressive; the period details are cool to see. At nearly 2 hrs in run time, this movie seems TOO long b/c of its pacing. The tone is heavy throughout. I didn’t see much heat (romantic chemistry) btwn Elordi and Spaeny! Was this perhaps intentional (in some scenes), I had to wonder? Their acting is good for what they’re given, BUT I didn’t find depth in the dialogue or feel connection to the story. The supporting characters don’t get much to say/do, which makes the tale seem even more thin. As the Young’uns might say: “It was meh.”