Tag: History

“The History of Sound” (2025) starring Paul Mescal & Josh O’Connor

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Lionel Worthing (Irish actor Paul Mescal) is a music prodigy from a humble Kentucky farming family who is able to visualize sound. Orphaned in adolescence, David White (British actor Josh O’Connor) is from a privileged background under his uncle’s guardianship in Newport, RI. Both become students at a music conservatory in Boston and meet at a bar in 1917. Their shared love of folk music brings them together; that bond soon becomes romantic. While the Great War (WWI) separates them, they’re brought back post-war when David (a researcher at an Augusta, Maine college) asks Lionel to accompany him on a trip to collect folk songs. Chris Cooper (the older version of Lionel) narrates the audiobook version of the short story on which the film is based.

Lionel: What happens to all the sound released into the world that is never captured?

The film was announced in October 2021, but due to challenges in aligning schedules of director Oliver Hermanus (who hails from South Africa and is a queer man of color), Mescal, and O’Connor, filming didn’t begin until FEB 2024. Mescal is one of the EPs, which marks the 1st time he has received a producing credit on a film. Mescal and O’Connor became close friends during the pandemic; both young actors shared the experience of becoming famous at the same time. Mescal co-starred in Normal People; O’Connor played Prince Charles in The Crown (S3 & S4). I was excited for this movie (being a fan of its leads), BUT was also somewhat hesitant. I was NOT a fan of the 2024 miniseries (Mary and George) that Hermanus directed. Though the story is centered around Lionel, David is the more interesting character. O’Connor’s gazes, micro-expressions, and (variety) of smiles draw the audience in. No wonder Lionel was under his spell and wanted to follow him wherever he went! The American accents are flawless and the singing was quite good, too.

[1] My favorite scenes were when Paul and Josh were together. They’re both great actors in my opinion, had amazing chemistry. I just wish we had gotten more! Having these two as your lead actors, the possibilities are endless. Perhaps my expectations were too high. That said, I loved the beginning and the last 30 minutes. Another positive is that it’s a beautiful film, with gorgeous shots!

[2] A love story is at the core of director Oliver Hermanus’ slow-moving 2025 period drama, but his introspective approach doesn’t generate enough heat to make it palpable beyond what is portrayed onscreen.

[3] The movie looks gorgeous. The American scenes in particular are reminiscent of the paintings of Andrew Wyeth. Art decoration and cinematography are beautifully detailed. The music is all based on American folk songs wonderfully augmented by evocative music composed by cellist Oliver Coates. […]

This movie is probably not for everybody, but those interested in folk music and American history will find it rewarding. I was tempted to add “gay studies,” but I think that would be somewhat misleading. That is, however, the central issue, even though it never takes center stage. I think that’s what makes the film so haunting.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Border Incident” (1949) starring Ricardo Montalban & George Murphy

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The Bracero Program (1942-1964) was a series of agreements btwn Mexico and the US that allowed millions of Mexican men to work (legally) in the U.S. on short-term agricultural/railroad contracts. It was created to address labor shortages during WWII; it was the largest guest worker program in U.S. history. However, braceros often faced exploitation (promised wages, housing, and working conditions NOT met by growers). This movie (available on Amazon Prime video) centers on federal agents trying to protect Mexican braceros (someone who works w/ their arms/hands) from being robbed/killed along the U.S.-Mexico border. Pablo Rodriguez (Ricardo Montalban; aged 29 and looking FAB in 1st MGM lead role) teams up w/ FBI agent, Jack Bearnes (George Murphy) to tackle illegal immigrant smuggling. This is one of the few roles where Montalban played a Mexican (his real ancestry)! Pablo goes undercover as a bracero; Jack poses as a criminal (who smuggles work permits). There is a documentary feel in the framing (beginning and end) scenes. This movie (filmed mostly on location: Mexicali, Mexico; Calexico and El Centro, CA) is a blend of noir and Western.

Border Incident (a courageous movie for its day) was directed by Anthony Mann (before his iconic Westerns starring James Stewart). The budget needed ($650K) would’ve been TOO high for the “Poverty Row” studios he’d toiled in for 7 yrs. Mann was invited to MGM studios, which was headed by Dore Schary, a liberal/Democrat committed to making meaningful movies. Schary had been a playwright, director, and producer (for the stage), before transitioning to screenwriter and producer of moving pictures. Mann was apolitical; his main focus was making quality films. The director insisted that his frequent collaborator, John Alton, be hired on as DP/cinematographer. Fans of noir consider Alton to be a master of B&W photography; as Eddie Muller (TCM) noted, he somehow made the (wide open) spaces of the desert look claustrophobic!

There is no femme fatale (as this is a world populated by men); instead, we meet a bevy of baddies of different looks and (unhinged) personalities! Rancher Howard Plakson is played by Howard Da Silva; noir-istas may recognize him from The Blue Dahlia (1944) and They Live by Night (1948). Alfonso Bedoya plays “Cuchillo” (knife); he was the Mexican bandit “Gold Hat” in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948). He famously told Bogie: “We don’t need no stinking badges!” Zopilote is played by Howard Moss, a Shakespearean stage actor who had played many “ethnic” roles (due to his ambiguous looks). Mann creates tension and does NOT shy away from depicting racism and violence (based on real cases from the INS).

[1] If you’ve only known Mr. Montalban as Mr. Roarke on “Fantasy Island” or as Khan on the “Star Trek” episode “Space Seed” not to mention “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” you’ll probably be wonderfully surprised by his heroic role here.

[2] The pic is often vicious, sadistic even, landing violent scenes in the conscious that refuse to move until it’s all over and the screen goes blank. Suspense is never far away in Border Incident, with a mostly on form cast… bringing the material to life as the dream team cloak it all in pictorial assertiveness.

[3] John Alton’s photography is worth seeing alone, even without the sound it’s so good, not that you would want to avoid the fantastic score by Andre Previn. And the direction by Anthony Mann at the peak of his intensity is sharp and beautifully controlled.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Close-Up on Civil Wars: “Ride with the Devil” (1999) & “The Wind That Shakes The Barley” (2006)

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Ride with the Devil (1999) starring Skeet Ulrich, Tobey Maguire, Jewel, & Jeffrey Wright

On the Western frontier of Missouri, the American Civil War was fought not by armies, but by neighbors. Informal gangs of local Southern Bushwhackers fought a bloody and desperate guerrilla war against the occupying Union army and pro-Union Jayhawkers. Allegiance to either side was dangerous. But it was more dangerous still to find oneself caught in the middle... -Prologue

Jake [after reading a letter to a Union soldier]: One mother’s very much like another.

Pitt Mackeson: Remember one thing, her boys will kill you if they can.

Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire) and Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich) are best friends/neighbors in rural Missouri when the American Civil War starts. Jake lives w/ his German/immigrant father, who feels their ppl should have nothing to do w/ this war. After his older sister’s wedding, Jack Bull’s father is murdered by Union soldiers, who were also looking for him! Jack Bull (more the leader of the pair) and Jake (the follower) run away from home that same night. One year goes by; the young men have joined the Bushwhackers (loyal to the Confederacy); they ride w/ Black John (Jim Caviezel) and infiltrate enemy territory (disguising themselves as Union soldiers in blue uniforms). As one critic said: “This is guerrilla warfare- or terrorist tactics- depending on one’s viewpoint.”

Y’all prolly haven’t heard of this movie, unless (like me) you’re into history or fan of Taiwanese-American director Ang Lee (Sense & Sensibility; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The screenplay is by James Schamus; it is based on the novel Woe to Live On by Daniel Woodrell. Lee (who attended NYU film school w/ Spike Lee) is an immigrant to the US; he makes unexpected choices here (which brings depth/richness to what could’ve been a simple war story). You’ll get a kick out of seeing young/international actors (NOT yet famous): Mark Ruffalo, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Simon Baker, Jeffrey Wright, Jewel, and Jonathan Brandis.

I remember on the set you [Ang Lee] kept repeating: I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie, I don’t wanna make a white man’s movie. -Jeffery Wright, actor

Jake (called “Dutchie” as an insult) is an outsider among the men at the Bushwhacker camp; long-haired/wild-eyed Pitt Mackeson (Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers) antagonizes him whenever they meet. Jake wants to prove himself as an American; unlike most of his peers he can read/write. I learned re: the division btwn (native-born) Americans and German immigrants (who settled in the Midwest in large numbers in the mid-1800s). Perhaps the most interesting character is Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright- from DC; then known for theater work), a Black man recently freed by his master, George Clyde (Aussie actor Simon Baker). George is a quiet observer (until the 2nd half of the movie) and an expert marksman. Wright commented that the ensemble cast “all got to be pretty good w/ horses.”

[1] Lee handles the subject with aplomb, never rushing the deep introspection that the plot demands in favour of action and this lends the film a sense of the reality of war – long periods of boredom and waiting interposed with occasional flashes of intensely terrifying fighting. The action is unglamorised and admirably candid, recognizing that both sides committed a great number of atrocities.

[2]  What is beautiful about the movie, like all of Lee’s films, is that he doesn’t “side” with his characters. He creates characters, embodies them with life, problems, and ambiguity… and endows them with a reality that often hits far closer to home than with which many are comfortable.

But as an exploration of the greater human ambiguity that surely dwelt within the Civil War, it is a masterpiece.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

The Wind That Shakes The Barley (2006) starring Cillian Murphy, Liam Cunningham, & Padraig Delaney

Against the backdrop of the Irish War of Independence, two brothers fight a guerrilla war against British forces. -Synopsis

In the early 1920s, rural Ireland is a battlefield of republicans fighting British security forces. Med school grad, Damien O’Donovan (Cillian Murphy), is the pride of his village; he is planning to train at a London hospital. On the day when he’s about to leave, he witnesses the brutal abuse of commoners at the railroad station. Damien pledges loyalty to the local IRA brigade, commanded by his older brother, Teddy (Padraig Delaney- in his 1st film). In the 2nd half of the movie, we learn that IRA leaders negotiated a Free State (yet still under British crown). Teddy and Damien have V different reactions!

I saw this film several yrs ago, BUT didn’t do an in-depth review; I recall being impressed, as I was on re-watch! The British director (Ken Loach) is known for Socialist realism; he often focuses on the working class/ordinary ppl. Most of the actors come from County Cork (where the story is set). Fans of Game of Thrones will get a kick out of seeing Liam Cunningham (whose character sees things from a Socialist lens). In the past yr, you may’ve noticed Cunningham speaking re: a free Palestinian state. Last month, I came across a news clip w/ screenwriter (Paul Lafferty); he’d been released from jail after protesting in London (in support of Palestinians). Yup, these filmmakers are real ones!

The young rebels are lean, proud, and V determined; they hunger for respect, freedom, and opportunity denied them on their native land. Early in the film, a teen boy is beaten to death by British soldiers after refusing to speak English (instead replying in Gaelic). You will see the (guerrilla) tactics used by the IRA, though the violence is brief (and NOT glamorized). As some viewers commented, there is NOT much blood shown; this was to protect the (fragile/period) costumes on a small budget. Damien wisely comments that Britain will never give Ireland freedom, b/c that will open the door for colonies- India and some African nations. This film (told on a small scale/intimate in nature) makes history come alive!

[1] The Wind That Shakes the Barley is a film that doesn’t shy away from the unrelenting terror and bloodshed of the revolution. The working-class accents and dialects are authentically preserved, with constant debate and war never ceasing. The film raises an important question about whether the Irish Revolution was a socialist or nationalist one.

[2] The film consists of two parts. Part 1 is about violence on the side of the English occupier, Part 2 is about Irish disunity.

The English violence in the movie did cause some discomfort at the time of release. We are accustomed to war crimes perpetrated by Germans, but the English? It should, however, not be forgotten that the English used WWI veterans in the Irish war of independence. Particularly the “Black and tans” were notorious.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Gladiator II” (2024) starring Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen, Joseph Quinn, & Fred Hechinger

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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 Gladiator II (available on VOD).

After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people. -Synopsis

This sequel directed by Ridley Scott (and one of the most anticipated movies of 2024) is a hot mess! As we saw in promos/trailers, Paul Mescal (who plays the lead- Lucius) and Pedro Pascal (Gen. Acacius) do indeed look hot (esp. w/ those added muscles). However, as time went on, I got worried; Napoleon (2023) was also written by David Scarpa (pls get a new job)! I saw Gladiator II about 2 wks after its theatrical release; I’d planned to go during Thanksgiving break (but screenings were mostly full).

I re-watched Gladiator (2000) in mid-NOV; I was entertained (joke intended), though the SFX didn’t hold up. Crowe owned that role, as a LOT of critics/viewers noted (over 20+ yrs). As Maximus, he had a movie star presence/charisma and confident line delivery. FYI: The script was weak when filming began and there was much improv from the actors. As for the baddie, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix) was a strong foil to Maximus (the man he felt usurped his role and his father’s love).

Macrinus [to Lucius]: You will be my instrument!

IF you’re a big fan of Denzel Washington (like me), you MAY enjoy some of this movie; the veteran actor plays Macrinus (a wealthy/charming owner of gladiators). He’ll remind you somewhat of Proximo (Oliver Reed) from the 1st movie; the actor (an alcoholic) died before filming ended. Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) and Gracchus (Sir Derek Jacobi at aged 85- wow) are the only returning characters; Crowe appears in flashbacks (archive footage). Pascal and Joseph Quinn (Emperor Geta) will also be seen in MCU’s Fantastic Four as Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Johnny Storm (The Human Torch). Quinn was cast after Barry Keoghan dropped out to work on an indie film instead (smart move).

The gates of hell are open night and day;

Smooth the descent, and easy is the way:

But to return, and view the cheerful skies,

In this the task and mighty labor lies.

-Lines from John Dryden’s 1697 English translation of Vergil’s epic poem Aeneid

The acting is ALL over the place; it’s as if Scott gave totally different guidance to each of the cast! Washington, Quinn, and Fred Hechinger (Caracalla- 2nd of the twin emperors) are having a fun time w/ their (scenery-chewing) acting. These twins don’t have strong motivations for why they act as they do (unlike Commodus); they act like crazed/drunken frat boys. Pascal is taking it all V seriously; Acacius comes off as weary, morose, and disillusioned w/ military life. I know some ppl liked his portrayal, BUT I wanted to see some charm. Nielsen doesn’t have a LOT to do (yet more than in original); I felt something was missing from Lucilla, though that mostly comes down to the writing. As for Mescal, it takes time for him to grow into his role, so that made me wonder ask: why didn’t Scott allow for more takes? As for the “rage” that Macrinus keeps mentioning, we don’t see much of that from Pascal. Was he miscast here (some have wondered)?

This sequel follows much too close to the original; there is even a graphic depicting key moments from that story in the opening credits. In the 3rd act, Maximus is referred to as Lucius’ father many times- I had to roll my eyes. Some fans wondered: since Maximus was so big on “honor,” why’d he cheat on his beloved wife (w/ whom he had a son nearly the same age as Lucius)!? For such a pricy movie, I expected the SFX to be much better! Many were cringing (or laughing) re: the (unrealistic) baboons, BUT that’s NOT the only case of shoddy effects work. The one-on-one fighting scenes, esp. the one w/ Mescal and the super-sized warrior in the emperors’ tent was V impressive. If anyone disses you for saying that The Last Duel was well-made, just point them to his epic disappointment!

Lucius: Know this: where death is, we are not. Where were are, death is not! By my sword, strength and honor!

There is some BTS controversy to explain, as those of you (like me) who’re always online MAY know. In May of 2023, Variety reported that Egyptian-Palestinian actress May Calamawy had been cast. Deadline Hollywood reported that Calamawy’s character would be V important to the story; Scott did a broad search before she was finally cast. She was featured in the official trailer, BUT for unknown reasons, she ended up w/ a non-speaking background role. Calamawy is NOT credited in the end credits and wasn’t part of the promo tour. Contrary to gossip on social media, she wasn’t replaced by Israeli actress Yuval Gonen, who plays Arishat (wife of Lucius).

[1] There seems to be a trend these days when making follow ups to beloved classics that you need to add more. More characters! More action! But that doesn’t always equal better. It’s almost like filmmakers these days think we’re stupid and want more of everything but all this does is sacrifice quality.

What made the original such a classic was the relatively simple plot, a protagonist you cared about and action that felt earned and impactful.

This one is so overstuffed it feels rushed. The plot feels like a lazy retread of the first but I didn’t care about any of the characters. Paul Mescal was so wooden it sounded like he was reading his lines. If this is how he acts, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about with him. Am I missing something?

[2] I approached this movie truly trying to give it a fair change on its own by not holding and comparing it too much to its original, But this movie just pulls of A Force Awakens and has 80% just recycled nostalgia bait its impossible to not compare them.

It recycles quotes, plot, narratives, even very same camera shots.

And yeah, alas, the first did absolutely everything, every single aspect better to much better and most definitely story/drama character wise. […]

This movie definitely looks glorious and expensive and had a big grandeur (although some CGI looked comically fake), but it fails to have a coherent driven plot.

[3] The “games” in the Colosseum are superbly presented and yes, exotic animals and water battles were really fought there in Roman times. The twin Emperors are superbly crazy… […] I was initially disappointed with Paul Mescal’s performance, but in hindsight I now wonder if it’s character rather than his performance that was disappointing. Hanno is no Maximus – no leader of men, no charismatic warrior – in fact he tells as much a number of times in the film. But maybe that’s Scott’s point this time? Even a simple soldier can achieve great things?

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“The Dead Don’t Hurt” (2023) starring Vicky Krieps, Viggo Mortensen, Solly McLeod, Garret Dillahunt, & Danny Huston

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The Dead Don’t Hurt is a portrait of a passionate woman determined to stand up for herself in an unforgiving world dominated by ruthless men. -Excerpt from synopsis from Shout! Studios

I saw an online ad for this feminist Western drama recently; it was written/directed by Viggo Mortensen. He also composed the musical score- wow, talk about wearing many hats! Though this story is set in the 1860s (Civil War era), it asks Qs that men and women are facing today. At the center is this issue: How does one navigate a romantic relationship w/o losing one’s own personality and independence? To add weight here, the leads are already mature (middle-aged) and have lived according to their own wishes for some time. In an NPR interview, Mortensen (who plays Holger Olsen) said that Vivienne Le Coudy (Vicky Krieps) is partly based on his (French-Canadian) mother: “As w/ her time, she was a mother and a housewife. But she was not going to let anyone tell her how to think.”

Mortensen did NOT intend to act in the film, BUT “late in the game,” the actor who’d originally been cast left to work on a different project. Krieps (originally from Luxembourg; based in Berlin) suggested he take the role himself. Olsen was then aged up and made Danish (like his own father). The war which Olsen fought in was presumably the First Schleswig War (1848-1851) in which Denmark fought the German Federation for control of the regions of Schleswig-Holstein; Denmark was the winner. As he noted on The Late Show, the knight that appears in young Vivienne’s dreams carries a familiar sword: Anduril- Aragorn’s sword from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003).

The film has some beautiful landscapes/scenery; it was shot in Vancouver, British Columbia and Mexico (w/ a mostly Mexican crew). Four languages are heard: English, French, Spanish and Danish; in some scenes, languages are mixed w/in the same line of dialogue. Y’all immigrants and 1st gen Americans will relate to that! The cast is international: in San Fran, we see “old money” gentleman Lewis Cartwright (Colin Morgan: Irish); in the Western town, Mr. Jeffries (Garret Dillahunt: American) is the powerful businessman; his son Weston (w/ a strong resemblance to Dillahunt- Solly MacLeod) is a newcomer from Scotland seen in S1 of House of the Dragon); and Mayor Schiller (Danny Huston: American/son of John Huston). These men are on the taller side (close to/over 6 ft.) Fans of Deadwood (HBO) will recognize two characters played by W. Earl Brown and Ray McKinnon.

I thought that there was great (natural) chemistry btwn Mortensen and Krieps; you really buy them as a couple! Krieps is slim and tall (5’9″), so well-matched physically w/ Mortensen. The film takes time to get going w/ its plot; we get to know the characters. There are time jumps, BUT I didn’t think those posed any problem. The main issue is its pacing; otherwise, I was impressed w/ the film as a whole. I look forward to seeing more of Mortensen’s directing!