wrvisser-leusden-nl Reviews

Professor Columbus (1968)

something about Phil Bloom

[5/10 · 6 February 2005]

To be honest, I never saw 'Professor Columbus'. I'd like to see it, though, but due to its inferior quality it obviously isn't for sale anywhere.

My purpose here is to write about Phil Bloom, who casts in this movie. She's some kind of celebrity in Holland, for causing quite a stir by appearing naked on Dutch TV. This happened back in 1967, and she was the first girl to do so.

But there's more about Phil Bloom. In the sixties several society-systems were attacked by people in their twenties. This happened in Holland, in France, in the USA, youngsters trying to liberate themselves from society's rigid structures. To enlarge their personal freedom. In hindsight this was a natural process, for these youngsters were not emotionally charged by the terrible experiences from World War 2. Their parents were, resulting in a greatly different outlook on life and on the way society should be run.

Young artists eagerly participated in this whirlwind of sixties-protests. By having a guerrilla, intending to shock and unsettle society's rigid structures. And this is where Phil Bloom comes in, with great success. After her naked performance Dutch society surely never wasn't anymore as it had been before.

It has to be emphasized that Phil participated out of artistic motives. Her naked appearance in 1967 was esthetically, and definitely not sexually charged. Of course this point was greatly missed by the public.

Exploiting her fame by taking part in 'Professor Columbus', and by having herself photographed by Playboy in a similar style, Phil Bloom soon tired of all fuss around her nakedness. Today she works as an artist in the Belgian city of Antwerp - close to Holland. Obviously she doesn't want to live in Holland anymore, for her reputation based on that 1967-tv show lives on. By now Phil's naked appearance more or less symbolizes the Dutch protest movement of the Sixties. Which surely is a fine artistic achievement.

Head-On (2004)

very good

[9/10 · 20 October 2004]

'Gegen die Wand' (= 'against the wall' in German) excellently reflects a problem touching Western European society nowadays. It's about Europeans importing their labor-force from Turkey, Algeria and Morocco. Just like the Americans do from Mexico.

This movie deals with Turkish labor-immigrants in the big German harbor-town of Hamburg. Strongly rooted in their age-old, highly religious traditions, these people have trouble adapting themselves to the economic-dictated rules of western society. For instance, eating pig-meat is a deadly sin to them. For this reason they don't let their children play with German children, fearing they'll be wrongly fed by a well-meaning German mother. Isolation is there.

As clearly woven into this movie's plot, these immigrant's children adapt themselves much better than their parents do. By now every West European law court can testify, how big tensions on this can be within the Turkish community.

The great value of 'Gegen die Wand' lies in the honest exposure of this problem. Presented from a Turkish point of view, which is rare, and free of any prejudice. Understanding is eased here by showing a band playing/singing Turkish songs. The same goes for the shots from Istanbul, a pretty 'western-orientated' Turkish town.

The acting in 'Gegen die Wand' is excellent. Female lead Sibel Kekilli clearly shows she understands the workings of German society. By appearing naked for instance, an unheard-of sin in the tradition of her Turkish home-country.

Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003)

O'Toole even better than Carlyle

[9/10 · 8 October 2004]

Having grown up in the shadow of World War II, I wondered if this movie could teach me anything new. After all, I've heard the Hitler story over and over again ... as well as its implications on world history.

Well, 'Hitler, the rise of evil' did teach me something. Robert Carlyle's fine play deepened my insight in the workings of this dictator's mind. I was also struck by the originality of its plot, wrapping Hitler's life-story around an American couple in Germany, gambling on his policies to make their fortune.

However, the biggest surprise in this movie was actor Peter O'Toole, playing Von Hindenburg. His magnificent performance on the aged German president really sent the marvels down my spine.

And let's not forget the two documentary movies on the second DVD. One of them deals with the hilarious fake of the Hitler diaries, back in the 1980's. But that's another story.

The Bear and the Doll (1970)

stylish and ladylike

[8/10 · 11 August 2004]

An unusual BB-movie, because it's centered around a battle for domination between the male and the female. Here we see two different worlds meet: a fast-living Parisian vamp, and a qualified cello-player with a weak spot for the lovely French countryside. She represents everything he detests, and his lifestyle does not appeal to her at all.

It's really ingenious to see how Bardot's declining beauty (she was 35 at the time) is exploited for this credible theme. A theme far from Brigitte's usual trademarks love, slight immorality and sex.

The opposite attitudes between 'l'Ours' (= the bear) and 'La poupée' (= the doll) are the more accentuated by the tasteful application of this movie's fine music.

All in all 'l'Ours et la poupée' is a very stylish, ladylike and tasteful movie. Its ending is unavoidable, however: we see the bear and the doll kiss each other. It surely couldn't have been otherwise in a Brigitte Bardot-movie.

Paris clandestin (1957)

mediocre but enjoyable

[7/10 · 2 July 2004]

A well made, fifties-style movie about the Paris criminal circuit at the time. It provides us with a not-too-exiting police-story, mainly set in the Pigalle night clubs and at a horseracing track. Actors and actresses with names like Jean Murat, Anouk Ferjac and Claudine Dupuis deliver their adequate performance.

In retrospect, the main attraction of 'Paris clandestin' lies in the well transmitted flavor of the Paris entertainment from 1957. Time has been taken to shoot night club scenes, as well as the performance of a couple of French 'chansons'. It's a world long gone by now, but its nostalgic charm and leisure show off convincingly.

Marie-Octobre (1959)

very much talking

[8/10 · 30 June 2004]

This movie is more like a theater-play: very much talking and hardly any action. All talking is done in French, and deals with a very haunting issue: in 1959 a former French resistance group reunites to search themselves for a traitor who killed one of them back in 1944. In this way a real Agatha Christie-like plot develops, all set in the long dark shadows of World War II and its horrors. Leading female star Danielle Darrieux gives a glittering performance, both in her talking and in her presence. The male cast around her consists of some of the greatest French actors at the time. 'Marie-Octobre' is not an easy movie to watch: you have to concentrate on it. If you do so, you'll be swept along onto its climax and surprising end.

Veronica Guerin (2003)

Irish society moving

[8/10 · 20 June 2004]

Above all, I think this movie nicely records the breakthrough of modern thinking in fighting drugs crime in Ireland. Unfortunately the murder of a reputed Irish lady-journalist had to happen to set off public indignation, and to get authorities moving.

Having been in Ireland many times, I clearly recognize the way things are done in this country. By the way, the shots of Dublin and its neighborhoods are fine, too.

However, I think the way Veronica Guerin is presented here less satisfactory. The drive and idealism the real Veronica Guerin must have had is not convincingly transmitted. It seems this movie-VG is just fighting Irish drugs crime for her own liking.

Helen of Troy (1956)

back to the fifties

[8/10 · 12 June 2004]

This movie typically dates from an era, when the many local movie-theatres were visited regularly for their newest issues. An era when television could not compete yet, also an era when society wasn't as hectic and demanding as it is today.

So just sit back, relax, and take your time to watch 'Helen of Troy'. Fifties-movies generally are well-made and worth watching, and this one is no exception. For instance, enjoy the 'overture', a fine piece of film-music to get you in the right mood. The concert is on for about five minutes, the screen before your face not moving at all during this entire period.

Once 'Helen' is on her way, you will enjoy the quality of the (color-)shots, and that of the actors and actresses. Their heroic style of acting, completely out of fashion now, is remarkable. Further there is not much to add. The fifties show a clear trend for pompous movies lending their plot from ancient Greek or Roman history. Such as 'Ben Hur', 'Spartacus' and 'Quo Vadis'. 'Helen of Troy' also belongs to this category.

And, what about Brigitte Bardot? Her tiny role as a slave-girl in a pompous Greek-history setting does not suit her talents very well. Brigitte makes the best of it, though, occasionally succeeding in letting her famous image shine through.

Traci, I Love You (1987 Video)

nice edge

[6/10 · 4 June 2004]

When it comes to sex, I like performing much better than watching. For this reason I skipped the porn-scenes in 'Traci, I love you' -- the accelerated-speed facility on my DVD-player came out handy here.

Having done so, about 10% of 'Traci I love you' is left to review. The movie opens with a fully clothed Traci Lords sightseeing in Paris, naturally including a shot of her against the Eiffel tower. We see close-ups from this 18 year old girl's face, testifying about her two years' career in porn: hard, money-greedy, and fully aware of the great potential in her breathtaking looks.

After that the scene moves over to the seaside resort of Cannes, located at the French Rivièra. A place blessed with a Californian climate. We see Traci topless on the beach, before delivering a full show of her professional skills in the office of a French porn producer.

Time to skip now, and we end up almost at the closing credits of this movie. We see Traci on the set, making fun with the people around her. These light moments show her to be a normal 18 year old girl after all.

The nice edge throughout this entire movie is the very American Traci Lords contrasting with her very French background. The French producer of 'Traci I love you' did a nice job here.

Come Dance with Me! (1959)

good, but not a BB-vehicle

[7/10 · 4 June 2004]

This well-made movie just has one flaw: Brigitte Bardot is not suited for playing a crime plot. As her talents are with light comedy, she is not able to carry out the necessary mystery, horror and suspense here.

For this reason I think 'Voulez-vous danser avec moi?' not entirely convincing. But apart from that, it's quite entertaining. It is shot well, its acting is good, and its story catches the viewer's interest from beginning to end. Of course your special attention for the scenes in the dance-school, fully displaying Brigitte's excellent dancing skills.

This movie also seriously deals with homosexuality, back in 1959 a groundbreaking issue. For this reason I guess Paris must have been the only location possible.

The Grand Maneuver (1955)

a little cold, but very good

[8/10 · 28 May 2004]

This finely crafted movie takes us convincingly back to the France of some 100 years ago. Against the setting of a small provincial town, it shows how its prominent citizens mix up with the officers of the local cavalry regiment. Citizenry is represented here by the excellent female star Michèle Morgan, the military equally well by actor Gérard Philipe. The magnificent interaction between the two of them makes this movie going: Morgan, playing a divorced Parisienne running a ladies' fashion shop, has herself seduced at last by officer Philipe's tireless efforts. But at that very moment their relationship takes a turn for the worse.

Their tragedy gets more dimension, and is softened at the same time by the succesful development of another love. A young local girl (Brigitte Bardot) finds her cavalry officer, played by Yves Robert. The sincere human warmth between them contrasts with the stiff etiquette in the Morgan/Philipe-affair.

'Les grandes manoeuvres' (= the big army-excercises) is a very well made movie. I only think it a little too mechanical, as director René Clair forces you to watch it with hardly any emotions. Not even Brigitte Bardot is able to change that.

Desperate Crimes (1991)

not too bad

[7/10 · 14 May 2004]

'Desperate crimes' is a not-too-bad crime & action B-movie, in a very Italian setting. Its Italian (harbor) flavor comes out abundantly, and contrasts very well with the American mind of the male lead searching for his lost lover girl. In the end he walks away with the other stranger in this movie: the female German hotel-receptionist.

'Desperate Crimes' also has its weak spot: it is presented as a Traci Lords vehicle. That is far from any truth, for Traci's part is small and non-substantial here. Playing a heroine addict doesn't suit her either, for Traci Lords is just too beautiful for that. Back in 1993, this movie clearly indicates how Traci's stern refusal to go naked forced her into such a minor role.

Laser Moon (1993)

suitable for a long distance flight

[7/10 · 25 April 2004]

Although Laser Moon's exposure of female nudity seems a little too much, I think this movie perfect for one of these dreadful long distance flights. It entertains throughout, has its tense built up well. Its plot is easy to understand, and never touches any deep issue. Built around a nightly radio program, Laser Moon's story ends with Traci Lords killing a murderer. Traci does not really stand out here, only giving an average performance. The most memorable role in Laser Moon comes from the girl with the long brown curly hair, harassing the radio-operator.

Laser Moon is not a movie to make a run for, but when it falls in your lap it certainly isn't bad either.

Extramarital (1998)

mainstream Traci at her best

[8/10 · 27 March 2004]

In Extramarital we see B-actress Traci Lords at her very best. She's all wrapped in horror & suspense here, a type of role that suits her very well.

This mainstream movie lends a lot of its atmosphere from Paul Verhoeven's 'Basic Instinct' (1992), by the way. However, there are differences between the main female characters of Traci Lords ('99) and that of Sharon Stone ('92). For instance, in Extramarital Traci adds some tiny elements from her porn-past. We also shouldn't forget mentioning Extramarital's three main actors. By putting down a convincing performance, each of them greatly contributes to the overall quality of this movie.

All this makes Extramarital into a very enjoyable B-movie. Its storyline shows a good build-up, its tense being well-spread from start to finish. This movie keeps you at the edge of your seat, until its unexpected end.

From Russia with Love (1963)

genuine Fleming

[8/10 · 21 March 2004]

The one and only Bond-movie that truly sticks to the spirit Ian Fleming created in his Bond-novels.

Its predecessor 'Dr. No' just was to low-budgetted to reflect Fleming's ideas well. The Bond-movies afterwards left Fleming's consistent plots, realizing that a quick follow-up of spectacular gimmicks on sex and violence brings in more cash.

Seen from this point of view, 'From Russia with Love' is the Bond-movie par excellence. It's story is good and consistent. Beautiful female lead Daniela Bianchi is allowed to carry her character Tatjana Romanova through the entire movie, developing it credibly. Bianchi plays a woman of flesh and blood here, a pretty rare occurrence in later Bond movies. She even reveals a flash of blatant nudity, which is very unusual in any Bond-movie ever. And back in 1963 rightout revolutionary.

Male leads Sean Connery and Robert Grant do equally well. But it's no doubt veteran actress Lotte Lenya who lifts 'From Russia with Love' above the average Bond-level. Acting out deflected SMERSH-chief Rosa Klebb, her performance is absolutely glittering - the very best I have seen in any Bond-movie.

More charm is added by using the somewhat mysterious interior of the world-famous Istanbul-mosque. And also by using the 'Oriënt Express', known in Europe as a legendarily romantic railroad-track between Istanbul and Paris.

'From Russia with Love' is my favorite Bond-movie.

Almost Famous (2000)

early seventies well reflected

[8/10 · 19 March 2004]

Above all this movie excellently reflects the early seventies-pop music scene: flat, boring and uninspiring. Back then the whirlwinds of the Sixties had petered out, and Punk was yet to come.

Quite in line with this spirit, the story of Almost Famous does not press itself too much on you. It's about everything we all know when it comes to pop music: the glitter, the fame, the money, the booze and the dope, the fans and the groupies, and the merciless dropping of those who aren't up to the latest trends.

Really, I think this movie very balanced and well made. It's name is Almost Famous, it deals with the time when pop music was almost good.

His Father's Portrait (1953)

unknown but good

[8/10 · 12 March 2004]

My guide on Brigitte Bardot-movies tells me that 'Le portrait de son pere' (= his father's portrait) was never issued in the USA or in England. Not even in the late fifties, when Bardot's fame had rocketed skyhigh, and her earlier movies were eagerly re-issued for a quick cash-in.

One can well wonder why. In 'Le portrait de son pere' French actor Jean Richard convincingly plays a simple country lad. He inherites the shares of a Paris department store, and becomes its succesful manager.

This very French comedy provides us with a good and consistent story, emphasizing on family values. The acting is good, too. Young Brigitte Bardot plays the manager's Parisian step-sister. She is a well educated young girl here, without even the slightest hint to sex and nudity. Throughout the entire movie the manager's behaviour towards Brigitte is strictly one of brotherly love and concern; Brigitte's behaviour towards him follows the same pattern. In the end both Brigitte and her step-brother run off with a different partner, and not with each other.

I guess it's this lack of anything immoral that makes this BB-movie so unknown outside France. Quite unjustified in my opinion, because 'Le portrait de son pere' is good. To appreciate it, maybe in your mind you should first disconnect Brigitte Bardot with her usual trademarks of slight immorality, sex and nudity.

Titanic (1997)

a guaranteed setting

[8/10 · 11 March 2004]

The setting of this movie against the tragic 1912-disaster cannot possibly go wrong: technological advance meets disaster, caused by human arrogance leading to overconfidence.

Given this background, the flashback in Titanic's storyline really is a great choice. It allows us to be taken back from our times to 1912, making it easier to identify with Jack Dawson, Rose de Witt Bukater, and all other characters.

I only think the goodbye-scene between Jack and Rose, together in the icy Atlantic after the ship is gone, too much. Overdone and therefore boring. However, this flaw is corrected soon enough by showing us Rose back in 1997. Standing at the stern of the salvage ship, she plunges her invaluable necklace right into the sea. Meant as a tribute to her long-lost lover, and also as a moral correction on the greed of the people surrounding her.

So much for Titanic's story. It is supported by truly magnificent pictures, alltogether making this a truly great movie.

Me and Will (1999)

easyrider copied

[5/10 · 4 March 2004]

For those old enough to have experienced 'Easyrider', Me and Will holds no new vibes. I think it a true copy of this very famous 1969-movie. It is admitted to be so, by the way. What remains, is enjoying the nice American landscape the two bikers are travelling through. A short study on the differences between Me and Will and Easyrider also provides some entertainment: two girls (1999) against two guys (1969), a deeper explanation of the youth- and drugproblems compared to 1969, and a different death by one of the bikers. In 1969 he is shot, in 1991 she gets an overdose. For the fans of Traci Lords: she has a tiny role as a waitress, and does well.

You're Killing Me... (1999)

Traci Lords mesmerizing

[7/10 · 4 March 2004]

A thrilling B-movie, with a fascinating performance by Traci Lords. She plays Laura, the spiritual leader of a Killing Club of three ladies trying to get rid of some annoying men. This movie's story is built up well, showing ruthless Laura having more and more trouble to inspire her two hesitating companions into a new murder. In the end the three of them inevitably split up, Laura moving on from Los Angeles. Her companions stay behind, one of them writing a successful novel about their experiences in the Killing Club. Six month afterwards these two ladies are shown reflecting about their adventures with Laura, concluding they don't really miss her. At the same time Laura is shown somewhere in Arizona, taking off in a cab. No doubt on her way to a new horror plot.

D.R.E.A.M. Team (1999 TV Movie)

pleasant to watch

[7/10 · 26 February 2004]

A thin story with many fine shots. Eyecatchers here are the three ladies from the D.R.E.A.M. team. And, to a lesser extent, the guy accompanying them. Traci Lords convincingly acts out the female half of an evil business-couple intending to poison the world with antrax. Original in this movie is the bra-bomb, put on a captured member of the D.R.E.A.M.-team. Of course she is rescued by a co-member, three seconds before explosion. Although clearly lent from James Bond's 'Goldfinger' and 'You only live twice', such a climax always works well. All in all a nice watch, James Bond replaced here by three Charlie's Angels.

Not of This Earth (1988)

amazing

[8/10 · 6 February 2004]

Truly stunning how such a cheap & rubbish plot can provide such a good & entertaining movie! The answer to this lies in the great performances of all main actors involved: Arthur Roberts, Traci Lords and Lenny Juliano. Each of them adapting very well to the sinister touch of this movie, each of them contributing to it. Their performances get extra depth by the down-to-earth play by Ace Mask (doctor) and Roger Lodge (policeman). Also added are a touch of sex and humor (birthday girl). As I said, the overall result is downright good. More so, 'Not from this earth' is a great B-movie.

Shock 'Em Dead (1991)

Lords in the wrong

[5/10 · 1 February 2004]

This B-movie is only held together by its coherent and vivid story. That's a pity I think, because the 'Shock 'em dead'-story is worth a much better movie than what we see here.

The only person in 'Shock 'em dead' with some acting talents, Traci Lords, plays the wrong role. Although this movie is about horror & suspense, Lords' part has nothing to do with that -- while h&s just suits her talents very much! Lords' acting as the rock group's manager is wooden and uninspiring. If she had taken part in the horror & suspense, for instance by teaming up with self-destructive rock guitarist Martin Paxton, I feel 'Shock 'em dead' would have turned out much better.

The Cranes Are Flying (1957)

truly magnificent

[10/10 · 23 January 2004]

The plot of this movie is set against the most terrible war in history of mankind: the violent clash between Adolf Hitler's Germany and Soviet Russia, from 1941-'45.

With the western areas of their country thoroughly devastated, and 20 to 30 million Russian people killed, the vibes of this conflict can be felt in Russia up to the present day. Let alone back in 1957, when memories were still very fresh and painful.

This very black setting strongly contrasts with the fine and coherent style of 'Letjat zhuravli's' beautiful shots. Its simple story deals with human behaviour in times of war: bravery, love, patriotism, weakness, cowardice and corruption. All beautifully tied together by a toy-squirrel.

Add to this the truly magnificent acting, and it's easy to understand why this movie is so famous. Really, one of the very best ever made.

The Lady with the Dog (1960)

very good, very Russian

[8/10 · 21 January 2004]

This movie ranks among the masterpieces of Soviet film art.

Really everything is good here: the acting, the shots, the timing, the scenery and its tale. Taken from a very famous short story by Chekhov, one of Russia's greatest writers. 'Dama s sobachkoj' reflects its very Russian character well: infinite boredom, caused by life in an endlessly large country with a harsh climate and a very monotonuous landscape.

The plot of this movie is timed at the end of the 19th century, an era when in Europe divorce was socially disastrous for your life, status and career. For this reason the lovers Sergueevna and Gourov cannot get together, thus being forced to consider in full the fate of their unhappy marriages and their missed chances in life.

It will not surprise you that the pace of this movie is slow. Maybe too slow for Western taste, even back in 1960. Anyway, its slowness provides you with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the magnificent shots from this very Russian movie.