Travis Simpkins

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Gilda (1946): Rita Hayworth and Film Noir

Directed by Charles Vidor, Gilda (1946) offered a lush addition to the Film Noir genre and presented Rita Hayworth in her signature role as the ultimate femme fatale. The story concerns a gambling cheat who turns straight to work for a wealthy casino owner in Buenos Aires… but things take an unexpected turn when his ex-lover reappears as the wife of his new boss. Rita Hayworth is unbelievably stunning in the title role as Gilda. Glenn Ford and George Macready play the two men who are infatuated with her. The film is also well known for the song, "Put the Blame on Mame", which Rita Hayworth performs both acoustically and as a sensual dance routine.

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

Gilda: Rita Hayworth and Glenn Ford

Gilda: Rita Hayworth

The Rite (2011): Anthony Hopkins, Exorcism and the Holy Roman Catholic Church

Directed by Mikael Hafstrom, and written by Michael Petroni, The Rite (2011) was generally well-received within the Catholic community. Inspired by Matt Baglio's 2009 book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, the story is loosely based on true events surrounding the Exorcism training of Father Gary Thomas. The plot centers on a young to-be-ordained priest, suffering from lack of faith, who is sent to Rome to study and learn from the veteran clergy working in the realm of Demonic Possession and Exorcism. Skeptical at first, the novice soon faces a terrifying reality. The film has a gripping visual tone and the attention given to church practice lends an air of authenticity. Colin O'Donoghue stars in the lead role. Anthony Hopkins steals the show in his role as an experienced Exorcist. The supporting cast is good as well, including Alice Braga, Ciaran Hinds and Rutger Hauer.