38. The Exorcist (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin
Written by William Peter Blattly from his novel
Starring Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max von Sydow, and Jason Miller
Oscar Nominations: 10 Oscar Wins: 2 (Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound)
There are so many things to love about The Exorcist. Let's talk about the story. Based on a supposedly true story, it's about a little girl possessed by a demon. However, the story is so much more than that. In addition to a number of scenes that are just down right creepy, there are the other plots. The buildup to the climatic exorcism scene is where much of the drama happens. From the first time that Regan mentions her imaginary friend, Captain Howdy, you know something is wrong. The nightmarish imagery that follows pulls the audience in, making them believe that this little girl is, in fact, possessed by something that should exist.The people around her react the only way that one should and that's where this movie gets truly scary. It's really psychological, most of the people think that Regan is just insane. I don't think any of us would seriously think someone we know could be possessed. That's where the movie gets scary.
The performances and their subplots are where the movie shine. I've already kinda touched on Linda Blair performance as a little girl possessed. Father Karras, played by Jason Miller, is a young priest doubting his faith. The scenes with his mother where he is racked with guilt for having to put her in a nursing home where she dies alone is sad, so very sad. Max Van Sydow's Father Merrin is truly terrific. Equal parts mystic and human, every one of his scenes rocks. The music, in particular the signature Tubular Bells, the song most people associate with the movie, is beautiful and creepy and helps convey an otherworldiness that the movie would otherwise be missing. Then there's the exorcism scene at the end. There really isn't a good way to describe it. It's one of the most famous scenes in film history and must be seen to be appreciated.
37. West Side Story (1961)
Directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise
Screenplay by Ernest Lehman from the play by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris
Oscar Nominations: 11 Oscar Wins: 10 (Best Picture, Best Director Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise, Best Supporting Actress Rita Moreno, Best Supporting Actor George Chakiris, Best Color Cinematography, Best Color Costumes, Best Editing, Best Set Direction Color, Best Score, Best Sound)
I'll get my one beef out of the way. Natalie Wood doesn't do her own singing. There, with that out of the way, God this movie is good. Let's start with the choreography. This is perhaps some of the best I have ever seen in a musical. It almost puts Fosse to shame. One needs to only look at Mambo to know this. Yes, a lot of the fight are just dancing but at the same time, it's a musical. Get over it. Besides, most fights scenes in movies are a series of choreographed moves, these ones are just more stylized. The use of color is another plus of the movie. It looks nice, feels natural, and adds a brightness when necessary to the film. The acting as well brilliant. The teenagers actually feel like teenagers. Rita Moreno, while not nearly as good as Chita Rivera, still puts in a good performance.
That said, let's talk about the music. This is the reason to watch West Side Story. The Leonard Bernstein score is perhaps one of the best in cinema history. It's iconic, beautiful, and resonating all at the same time. While a lot of films use their music a crutch for emotion, West Side Story embraces the music, says, "Yeah, I'm going to use the music to manipulate you and you're going to enjoy it." and you do. I can't say much about the voices since most of them are over-dubbed by other actors. I mean, seriously, of the four leads, only one did their own singing. Oh well, it happens. Can't help it. Just remember actors of today though, that will not be tolerated. Don't accept a role in a musical if you can't freaking sing. That is all.
Next Time: "I got the motive which is money, and the body which is dead." "There's more to life than a little money, you know. Don't you know that?"
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