The Travels and Rants Journal

The Quiet American: Michael Caine is a great actor, and makes the role of Thomas Fowler his own. This is just a well-crafted, beautiful film. 4/5. *

Neil Young: Heart of Gold: I’ve been a fan of Neil Young forever - and I think he’s one of the best songwriters and performers of his era - but as a film, this just felt lifeless and staged. I loved watching Neil and seeing the interview footage, and some of the older songs had a certain energy to them, but too much of the uncompelling concert footage lacked any kind of spark. 2/5.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon: I found a lot of this obvious and ineloquent (and it’s kinda hard to take seriously any film that chooses to use Geraldo Rivera as a talking head), but if nothing else, it can be recommended for its obvious parallels to present-day abuses of government power, and for our day’s need for a man who can be counted on to stand up for the right thing. 3/5.

Frida: Salma Hayek and Alfred Molina are perfect as Frida and Diego, and the film floats along with a colorful and stylish energy. It’s smart, feeling, beautiful, and emotional. 4/5.

Field of Dreams: Possibly my favorite movie of all time. Don’t get me started… 5/5. *

Taxi Driver: Yeah, it’s a classic, and everyone should see it. De Niro is amazing of course. Still, I was a little surprised how dated it felt. Or if not dated, sort of obvious…? 4/5. *

The Assassination of Richard Nixon: Though this is not for the squeamish, it’s a pretty amazing film, with some amazing performances. Sean Penn is about as good an actor as this day and age gets. Don Cheadle also turns in a nuanced, first-rate performance. 4/5. *

Torn Curtain: In some ways, a very un-Hitchcock Hitchcock movie (Julie Andrews?!), but in some ways, it’s a fun and well-paced thriller. Paul Newman (also un-Hitch) is good, and the film carries the usual elements along at a steady speed. 4/5.

* Highly recommended.

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Older picture. Surry County, Virginia. December 2005.