This epic was made at the wishes of the Soviet regime to sort of inspire the masses as they grew leery of the threat Nazi Germany posed to them. Alexander Nevsky was a Russian prince who calls the people to arms to repel an invasion by German Knights in the 13th century. The interesting fact about this film was the score was created off of the director's sketches and shot plans. Then after it was recorded, the director shot and cut the film to match screen movements with the sound, essentially doing the normal process in reverse.
Alexander's Ragtime Band: 1938, USA (Musical)
This was a love story and a showcase for 28 Irving Berlin songs. The only name I recognized among the cast list was Ethel Merman.
Alien: 1979, Great Britain (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
Here is where I am forced to admit that I was too scared growing up to watch 'Scary Movies'. Although reading about Alien now makes me feel like I need to make an effort to watch it. The biggest thing I get out of reading what the book says is that this movie gave creditability to the Sci-Fi genre as more than just a children's fantasy adventure. Ridley Scott created suspense and used strong characterization to drive this story. This is probably Sigourny Weaver's not recognizable role as Ripley. It is probably time to grow up and submit myself to these other great movies.
Aliens: 1986, Great Britain (Science Fiction & Fantasy)
James Cameron took over the franchise and went it what seems to be his usually direction, full out action and visual splendor. Ripley returns to Earth after 57 years in suspended animation to find the planet with the alien eggs has been colonized, and hilarity ensues. What a minute, that's not right. This basically sounds like the formula for many failed sequels, go bigger and crazier, but they say Cameron pulled it off like he always seems to. Probably because Bill Paxton was in it, that guy is movie gold!
All About Eve: 1950, USA (Drama)
This classic once held a record for Oscar wins. Better Davis stars as an aging actress who takes a younger actress under her wing, only to end up learning more herself in the process. The film is an upfront look at the world behind the camera.
All About My Mother (Todo Sobre mi Madre): 1999, Spain/France (Drama)
This movie sounds strangely interesting. The director, Pedro Almodovar, is known for characterization and comes out swinging plotting a transvestite prostitute, pregnant nun and lesbian acting couple together on an adventure to find the father of the main character's deceased son.
All of Me: 1984, USA (Comedy)
This movie instantly makes me think of my mother. She watched his movie alot and got me to enjoy it as well. Lily Tomlin plays the a woman whose soul becomes entrapped in a man's (Steve Martin) body. This movie propelled Martin back into top comedy stardom after some recent bad movie choices. His style of physical comedy fit perfectly into the issues faced by a man with a woman's soul controlling half of his body. I would recommend it for anyone who like Steve Martin.
All Quiet on the Western Front: 1930, USA (War)
This was a landmark anti-war movie based off the novel of the same name. It follows seven German boys as they lose their enthusiasms and fall prey to the harsh realities of trench warfare. One of the final scenes is an often celebrated war statement. When the young solider finds a piece of beauty amidst the carnage of war, he tries to reach for the butterfly only to be killed by a sniper's bullet. The film was noted for having so realistic battle sequences that they were often used in documentaries about the war.
All That Heaven Allows: 1955, USA (Romance)
Rock Hudson stars in this tale of social status and forbidden love. A wealthy widow in the New York suburbs falls in love with a younger gardener bringing about scandals even with her children who like her to marry and older man looking for companionship. The movie comments heavily on social norms despite being more of a melodrama.
All That Jazz: 1979, USA (Musical)
The book claims this love song to theatre and show business is far more brilliant than over the over. I seriously doubt that.
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2 comments:
Well the only ones I've seen here is the Alien films. Although, I may have seen All That Jazz on the stage, I can't seem to remember if that is so.
Anyway, the Alien films stick with me for some reason. They always have. Not that the action or the acting is anything all that special. It's the idea that has always popped up in my head. That sense of being completely removed from society and, at the same time, being hunted by something with absolutely no conscience. That's always stuck with me, and if you look at some of things that pop up on this blog, it shows (unintentionally) in my stories.
I am also a sucker for the Alien Vs. Predator movies. They're bad and I know it, but I can't resist them all the same. I just love the idea of those two creations fighting it out.
More I had thought about it, more I am sure I did watch All Quiet on the Western Front once. I know I had it setup in an queue somewhere to watch from blockbuster and the description put images into my head of the battles. Did you see the first posting of this list?
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