I recently proposed to Gil and Sarah that I write a regular “film review” series for Life as a Human, in which I would review movies from the past forty years or so that have moved me for one reason or another but may not have been especially popular or may have been forgotten over the years. They enthusiastically agreed, so here we go.
While I am a devoted cinephile, I am in no way an expert in film-making or in film reviewing. I simply wish to share with readers the joy I have experienced in watching movies—in many cases over and over again—that have spoken deeply and intimately to me. So the reviews I submit will be even more subjective than what one might expect from a “professional” reviewer.
I invite readers to challenge my opinions, offer alternative interpretations, and submit recommendations for films to review. If you have seen a film I review, I hope that what I write will inspire you to remember it fondly, to watch it again, and to perhaps see it from a slightly different angle. If you have not seen it, my wish is that you will be moved to add it to your collection of memorable cinematic experiences.
The first review will be up this week!
Photo Credits
Thumbnail and Feature Image from the Microsoft Clip Art Collection
Recent Ross Lonergan Articles:
- The Film-School Student Who Never Graduates: A Profile of Ang Lee, Part Four
- The Film-School Student Who Never Graduates: A Profile of Ang Lee, Part Three
- The Film-School Student Who Never Graduates: A Profile of Ang Lee, Part Two
- The Film-School Student Who Never Graduates: A Profile of Ang Lee, Part One
- Bullying, Fear, And The Full Moon (Part Four)
Great idea Ross! I’m a big movie fan, and if you alert me to a jewel I’ve missed, I’ll be listening! Great one that comes to mind is The Wind and the Lion – a personal favorite. Love to see what else others come up with! 🙂
Dan
Thanks Dan. I have not seen The Wind and the Lion but I will definitely track it down and watch it and let you know what I think (but I do love that type of movie – Lawrence of Arabia is one of my all-time favorites). Apparently (I just saw this on amazon.ca), John Houston’s The Man Who Would Be King came out the same year as The Wind and the Lion; it also starred Sean Connery (and Michael Caine?). Did you see that one? I remember loving it at the time.
Ross –
I did see The Man Who Would Be King – I remember enjoying it a lot at the time, but haven’t seen it in years. I’m with you – Lawrence of Arabia one of my all time favorites as well. It made a huge impression on me when I saw it the first time. If you enjoyed that one, you’ll love Wind and the Lion. Very similar spiritual essence to the movie, and in my opinion, the finest movie Sean Connery ever made. Candice Bergen almost steals the show, and Brian Keith as Teddy Roosevelt really captures the essence of the man.
I suspect this won’t be the last time we’ll chat about movies, Ross! 🙂
Dan
I loved Alec Guinness as King Faisal and Anthony Quinn as Auda Abu Tayi. And what cinematography!
Hi Ross,
Like Dan, I highly recommend The Wind and the Lion. Superb movie great cast. And The Man Who Would Be King is another favorite of mine. How about The Sand Pebbles? Steve McQueen!
Cheers,
Gil
Wow, The Sand Pebbles: I haven’t seen that one for a million years. Great film.
Gentlemen, we’re all on the same page. The Sand Pebbles is another of my “alltime” favorites! One of the best Steve McQueen made, from my viewpoint. And yes, Ross – in Lawrence, Alec Guinness was superb, and Anthony Quinn was made for that character!
Boy, this is fun! 🙂
Hi Ross
Great idea and I also look forward to it.
How about some of the old Popeye series and the like. Especially the oldies with the Road Runner etc. Are Abbott and Costello out of reach? We all need a good laugh these days.
Here’s wishing you and LAAH the best of luck with this new series.
Granny Joan.
P.S. I am already a fan.
Hi Granny:
Thanks for your good wishes and support. I am not sure that I’ll be doing stuff like Popeye or Abbott and Costello (not really my cup of tea) but of course that does not prevent you or anyone else from jumping in and giving us a fresh perspective on those classics.
Looking forward to it!
Thanks Sarah. I am excited about doing this.