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stevegibbons1971
Reviews
The Medusa Touch (1978)
An excellent, and unexpected gem
This is a great film, anchored by a brilliant Richard Burton performance (his courtroom speech is magnificent) and he is well supported by some fine cameos (Michael Horden, Jeremy Brett, Michael Byrne and Gordon Jackson, among others).
The plot, about the potential for telekinesis, sounds hokey, but it is an excellently paced thriller, using fine source material in Peter Van Greenaway's book of the same name.
It's a shame that more of his work isn't adapted for the screen, as 'Judas!' and 'The Man Who Took Over Parliament and Sent the Queen Packing' are intelligent, satirical thrillers that twist and turn effectively.
Great score as well.
Trust (1990)
A film that covers a lot.
This was the first Hal Hartley film I saw, and I thoroughly enjoyed it at the time (I was 20 when I first saw it), finding the use of ironic, witty, non-naturalistic dialogue very amusing, and, in Martin Donovan's dysfunctional intellectual a hero of types.
The years have changed my view of the film as a whole, but in a positive way, as I can look at (aged 50) as a piece that takes in problematic relationships; loss; ideas on what love is; and how we understand our world and respond to it.
It's funny at times (the dialogue can be non-naturalistic at times, which reminded me of Godard's 'Weekend') but it also cuts far deeper than most films in showing people in pain seeking something more in a world that can feel alienating and harsh.
Adrienne Shelley's performance is very moving, and her character's development is the crux of the film, beautifully complemented by Martin Donovan's Matthew Slaughter, whose alienated introversion is challenged by having someone new to support as best he can.
Murder, She Wrote: Witness for the Defense (1987)
Tour De Force
Murder, She Wrote can be variable and, at times, predictable, and can depend upon the different aspects (script, performances, use of humour) being married together.
This episode is dominated by an excellent, egomaniacal and overbearing performance by Patrick MacGoohan as the counsel for the defence, playing every scene with relish.
He is ably supported by Angela Lansbury's enthusiasm (seeking the truth, she pries cleverly); Juliet Mills for the prosecution (holding her own against MacGoohan's charismatic grandstanding) and, in a small role which involves wry responses, Simon Jones.
It's also nice seeing Claire Trevor in a later role, subtly underpaying her role.
There's a real sense of people enjoying themselves here, and it's well worth revisiting.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Lies My Parents Told Me (2003)
A story of redemption,tragedy and vengeance
*Spoiler Alert* This is a superb episode. I confess,I am a huge fan of James Marsters,whose performance gains in style and subtlety with each season,working from being an (albeit witty) monster,to a Vampire suffering loss,and then,through Seasons 5 and 6,desire,lust and his attempt at sexual assault,leading to him seeking redemption. In this season,Spike has regained (at great length,and through great pain)his soul. As he seeks this redemption,Spike suffers great pain,as true redemption should be,and the further fact that a 'Trigger' is used (a song attached to his childhood and his nurturing Mother). Into the mix is Principal Wood,seeking vengeance for his Mother's death (a single mother Slayer no less,killed by Spike!). Complex issues of rejection,love and loss are dealt with,and the performances and script are all superb. A wonderful example of how horror and fantasy can go to great psychological depths.