Category Archives: Movies

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Citizen Kane

This movie was voted the movie of the century by AFI and lot of other organizations…and yet it lives up to its hype.

One  can write volumes on the movie making aspects…cinematography, music, editing, screenplay etc…may be a volume each on every aspect of this movie.

But what is striking is the is the power of an individual, a la Howard Roark reflecting in the genius of ‘Orson Welles’. To conceive, to execute and participate in such a classic, and that at too at an age of 26 is simply mind boggling. His endeavor always reminds us of what an individual can achieve, in any field…not just necessarily in arts. And every frame of ‘Citizen Kane’ is a tribute to that fiery entrepreneurial spirit..I call it entrepreneurism because, there is a certain sense of arrogance, a maverick, a risk taking..that is not just reflected in the ‘character’ of Charles Foster Kane…but it is written all over in the movie making. To achieve such an outrageous result…you need to be outrageous yourself. And that’s Orson Welles for you.

And when the movie was finally made and went thru series of problems, he stuck with it…he was destroyed, but he left a masterpiece and all the memories associated with it.

Orson Welles, is almost Mr.Howard Roark in flesh and blood.

1-By Laksh, ET, Movies

Crimson Tide

Awsome movie!!

Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington are just brilliant in this Tony Scott’s film. While Gene Hackman plays a man who has earned his stripes in the battle, Denzel is smooth talking, Harvard educated tough soldier.

Set in a submarine, that is used to fire a nuclear missile, the movie exploits the best in acting talents of Denzel and Hackman. They battle it out, first in words, later in actions.  
The key aspect about this movie is a great and consistent characterization…once the shades are revealed, they continue till the end. For instance, the cocky demeanour of Gene Hackman is retained till the titles roll….
Movies

From ‘A Few Good Men’

Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I’m entitled.
Col. Jessup: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessup: You can’t handle the truth!
=====
Jessup: I’d appreciate it if he would address me as “Colonel” or “Sir.” I believe I’ve earned it.
Randolph: Counsel will refer to the witness as “Colonel” or “Sir.”
Jessup: I don’t know what the hell kind of unit you’re running here.
Randolph: And you will refer to this court as “Your Honor” or “Judge”… I’m quite certain I’ve earned it. Take your seat, Colonel.
====
Col. Jessup: You see Danny, I can deal with the bullets, and the bombs, and the blood. I don’t want money, and I don’t want medals. What I do want is for you to stand there in that faggoty white uniform and with your Harvard mouth extend me some *beep* courtesy. You gotta ask me nicely.
====
Col. Jessup: Son, we live in a world that has walls.
And those walls have to be guarded by men
with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You,
Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater
responsibility than you can possibly
fathom. You weep for Santiago and you
curse the marines. You have that luxury.
You have the luxury of not knowing what I
know: That Santiago’s death, while tragic,
probably saved lives. And my existence,
while grotesque and incomprehensible to
you, saves lives.You don’t want the truth. Because deep
down, in places you don’t talk about at
parties, you want me on that wall. You
need me on that wall.

We use words like honor, code,
loyalty…we use these words as the
backbone to a life spent defending
something. You use them as a punchline.

I have neither the time nor the
inclination to explain myself to a man who
rises and sleeps under the blanket of the
very freedom that I provide, and then questions the
manner in which I provide it. I would rather
you just said thank you and went on your
way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a
weapon and stand a post. Either way, I
don’t give a damn what you think you’re
entitled to!