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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Birthday: Thelma Ritter


Thelma Ritter is one of the best actresses who ever lived. She was quick with the comedy and always put a lot of realism into her roles. She deserved more credit than she received, if you ask me. My favorite films with Thelma are: Rear Window (1954), The Misfits (1961), and The Mating Season (1951). All About Eve (1950) is pretty fantastic, too. If you've never watched a film with Thelma or feel like watching some more, then I would start with the ones that I've mentioned. You'll adore her!




Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Happy Birthday: James Dean and Jack Lemmon



Happy Birthday to two of my favorite actors: James Dean and Jack Lemmon! Both were amazing actors, so it's pretty easy to enjoy their birthday day by watching some spectacular films. Now, it's just difficult to decide which ones to watch! East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, The Apartment, and Some Like it Hot are all sounding particularly awesome right now. 








Thursday, February 2, 2012

Day 27: 31 Days of Horror: The Exorcist


Yes, I included The Exorcist (1973) in last year's 31 Days of Horror, but I still think it's the scariest film that I've ever watched. Being the horror genre addict that I am, I decided that I was mature enough to handle William Blatty's novel, which the film is based on. I was right, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't freaked out by it. I may have had the light on during the nighttime a little bit longer than usual because I, of course, thought a demon might jump out from a corner of my room if it wasn't on. I survived reading the entire book and it was gloriously terrifying and well written. I recommend reading it, if you think you can handle it.



The Exorcist psychologically terrifies me so much that I am not able to watch it on my own anymore. I tried to during this Halloween season and I came close to finishing it, but the viewing ended in disaster because it led me to Google more information regarding Pazuzu. Pazuzu is the name of the demon that possesses the young girl, Regan. This ended up being a huge mistake! I partially blame my Catholic upbringing for making me so freaked out by the thought of demon possession. Never ever Google more information about Pazuzu, I guarantee that it will give you terrible nightmares and you will not be able to sleep if it ever feels suspiciously cooler in your room.



I am able to enjoy The Exorcist whenever I watch it with someone else. For some reason, I feel it's safer to watch this film when I watch it with someone. It allows me to watch the film and be consumed by it without freaking out too much before it gets really good. I especially enjoy Father Karras' dream about his mother and the exorcism scene. Everything about these two scenes is right, the acting, the editing, the screenwriting, the lighting, everything. When I watch these scenes, I feel like I'm actually there, witnessing the horror up close.  It's amazing. Just thinking about it is making me want to try to watch the film on my own again. Should I dare?

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Happy Birthday: Clark Gable


Clark Gable was a fabulous actor. Sadly, he passed away when he was only 59 years old, but he left behind some magnificent classic films for all of us to enjoy. The Misfits (1961) was Clark's last film and it displays one of his best performances. Out of all the films of his that I have watched, I like The Misfits and It Happened One Night (1934). I also enjoy Mogambo (1953) and Gone With the Wind (1939). So, if you're just getting into watching some films with the dreamy Clark Gable, that's where I recommend starting. Happy Birthday, Mr. Gable!