Comments for Bright Lights After Dark

Comment on Scatological Cinema, or Why “The Help” Stinks by Susan

Susan — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:29:42 +0000

I have not seen the film yet, but as a film historian, I will speculate here. You hinted at it yourself: Public and private bathrooms were segregated in the South, a historical fact that every schoolkid is taught, so I am not surprised that the idea of bathrooms and what occurs in bathrooms is foregrounded. The shot of the commodes on the lawn is a visual image that recalls that aspect of segregation but also tosses it back in the faces of those who perpetuated it. It’s a motif, if you will, that underscores a particularly humiliating part of segregation.

And, if you really think this is scatological humor, you ought to see the so-called “gross out” comedies by Judd Apatow and his minions. I am sure The Help is not nearly as immature as those male-dominated movies.

Comment on Scatological Cinema, or Why “The Help” Stinks by Dave Krueger

Dave Krueger — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:03:13 +0000

Vastly superior an investment of time and thought is the HBO (via Netflix disc) Thurgood.
Lawrence Fishburn in a one man stage presentation of Thurgood Marshall’s life.
The writing is excellent, concise, historic, illuminating and deeply moving.
Hollywood is best paired with the stinking rancid oil served over the stale popcorn in corporate chains.
Thurgood. You must!

Comment on Scatological Cinema, or Why “The Help” Stinks by Sue

Sue — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:29:15 +0000

If I remember correctly, in the opening scene, or close to it, one of the indistinguishable white girls was making pen marks on the sheets of toilet paper. I guess this would signal if the maid had used the toilet. Or at least if she wiped. Stupid movie. When they weren’t focused on shit, they did squeeze in the obligatory good for nothing black male, a staple in every black themed film directed by a white male. And what purpose did Sissy Spacek serve? Shitty movie.

Comment on The Epic Actor – Charlton Heston (1923-2008) by C. Jerry Kutner

C. Jerry Kutner — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:04:14 +0000

Re THE NAKED JUNGLE, check out my follow-up post: http://www.brightlightsfilm.com/blog/2008/04/attention-scott-brothers-remake-this.html

Comment on The Epic Actor – Charlton Heston (1923-2008) by James Byrne

James Byrne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:41:34 +0000

Nice post on the Epic qualities of Charlton Heston. You forgot to mention his contribution to the adventure movie genre, in particular THE NAKED JUNGLE and SECRET OF THE INCAS, two movies which have inspired scenes in Indiana Jones blockbusters.

Comment on It’s a bourgeois town: the feel-good Oscar Nominees for 2011 by William Michael

William Michael — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 02:01:05 +0000

Are you just now discovering this? This is standard Academy operating procedure.

“War Horse” was not a great movie, and the Academy knows this…but they have to give it something because it’s tied to Speilberg. My prediction is that it won’t win in the best picture category, but will take it in best original score. Meryl Streep is Hollywood Royalty, and she is still and always will be a great actress. But, “Thatcher” sucked and no one ever heard of it because it was barely in theaters. Nick Noltle killed it in “Warrior,” but I would bet money that he’s not going to win.

The Oscars have never really been about “the best.” Like you said, it’s very rare nowadays where the films that really spark controversy or challenge the status quo. Unfortunately those who really deserve it won’t get the recognition for it because they didn’t kiss the right ass over at the Academy.

Comment on It’s a bourgeois town: the feel-good Oscar Nominees for 2011 by Erik

Erik — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:32:35 +0000

IMHO, the only real movie in the bunch is Moneyball, which could never win because of its unfriendly title, and because it’s a thoughtful, well crafted film that has everything you’d want from a movie except… and it’s a bit hard to explain.Might take more than 10 seconds even. So that’s outsky.
I doubt The Artist will win, and hope it doesn’t, it’s the weakest of the bunch. Then again, in presenting recycled pastiche instead of actual content, and in showing contempt for the actual “old school” form it pretends to venerate, it is THE movie for the times.

Comment on How About This For a Double Feature? by FilmBuffRich

FilmBuffRich — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:16:20 +0000

I always thought that Madonna and Supertramp would have made a great double concert bill.

Comment on HELLO OUT THERE – The Last Testament of James Whale by C. Jerry Kutner

C. Jerry Kutner — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:59:56 +0000

The IMDB credits Whale as Art Director of this film. Mr. Ilou might have assisted in some capacity. Or perhaps he was associated with the original stage production starring Harry Morgan and Jennifer Jones – also directed by James Whale.

Comment on TWO SECONDS to Noirville by Philippe Cousteau

Philippe Cousteau — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:13:29 +0000

A good marriage (if any there be) refuses the conditions of love and endeavors to present those of amity.