dedsllanber Reviews

Somewhere in Time (1980)

Ingenious, charming tale of time travel.

[9/10 · 29 January 2001]

A gem of a film which first came to my notice by way of television. I seem to be unusually sensitive to film music, and John Barry's score is superb - lush, haunting and totally integral to the film. Like all the very best soundtrack music, if you were to remove it you would destroy the emotional impact of the whole. Strong performances from the principals, Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer, make this essentially improbable story (can you really will yourself back in time?) not only credible but also desirable - although a happy ending would be more to one's liking if one ever chose to time travel! Mention must be made of the glorious setting - the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island on Lake Michigan. Apparently the owners of the hotel were only too happy to welcome the entire film crew and offered the facilities of the hotel without charge because of the immense publicity it would generate. There are some confusing aspects which need some deep thought : the watch, for example - try to figure out where it started its journey and you tend to go round in circles. Jeannot Szwarc, the director, has kept a firm hand on this story, and it could so easily have had audiences hooting in rather rude derision. But Szwarc persuades us to cooperate in that "willing suspension of disbelief" for the duration of the film.

The soundtrack of the film is available, and you can luxuriate in John Barry's lush , romantic and unforgettable theme music.

Friendly Persuasion (1956)

A near perfect blend of casting, acting, direction and music

[10/10 · 25 January 2001]

Nearly half a century old but a film with irresistible charm and atmosphere. Some might describe it as rather sickly sentimental at times, but William Wyler's touch is always assured and coaxes performances of great charm from all the principals. I saw the film for the first time in1957 and was immediately captivated by it. It has remained one of my favourite movies -and takes its place with such classics as "It's a wonderful Life" and "Casablanca" It was also the first time that I really noticed the music of Dimitri Tiomkin, who is now firmly established as my favourite film composer. He is the composer 'par excellence' in setting mood, and there is something haunting in his themes and melodies. Take away Tiomkin's soundtrack and you would destroy the film. Fortunately you can buy the CD of the soundtrack. Tiomkin also wrote the music to "It's a Wonderful Life", and "Gunfight at the OK Corral", which I find also strangely moving. Another feature of the film which adds to the overall charm is the inclusion of humorous touches such as Gary Cooper staring through two curtain hoops at the music booth at the county fair which gives him the appearance of wearing glasses. The strong storyline involves the viewer directly in that one realises the crucial choice involved in taking up arms to defend one's home or refusing to oppose the aggressor because the New Testament asks us to "turn the other cheek". So, what makes this film so memorable? I have spoken to people who think that this movie is "O.K" -"nothing special", and other such comments that suggest mediocrity. But to me , there is an atmosphere that is unforgettable- and thanks must go to the genius of Wyler, Tiomkin, Cooper and a host of talented craftsmen and women.