Schindler's List (1993)

     Passionately directed by Steven Spielberg, Schindler's List (1993) won numerous Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and is often cited as one of the greatest American films ever made. With harsh, gritty black and white cinematography by Janusz Kaminski, the film brings great visual depth to the World War II era setting. The story focuses on Oskar Schindler (Liam Neeson), a German businessman who saved the lives of over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The performances are all great, including Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes in superb roles.

Schindler's List. 1993: Liam Neeson

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993: Liam Neeson

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993: Liam Neeson

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993: Liam Neeson

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993

Schindler's List. 1993: Liam Neeson

Princess Tam Tam (1935): Josephine Baker

     Directed by Edmond T. Greville, Princess Tam Tam (1935) sought to capitalize on the screen success Josephine Baker had the previous year in the starring role of Zouzou (1934). The story focuses on a Tunisian peasant girl who is educated and introduced to Parisian high society. An interesting parallel comes when the girl becomes an exotic artistic muse in Europe, becoming the inspiration for paintings and sculptures, much as Josephine Baker had in real life. The whole cast does a wonderful job but as usual, it is Josephine Baker that is the true star of the production, delivering memorable musical and dance performances.

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Princess Tam Tam. 1935: Josephine Baker

Rope (1948): Alfred Hitchcock and James Stewart

     Rope (1948) was one of Hitchcock's experimental pieces, one in which he tested the technical abilities of the camera to keep a story running seamlessly. Yes, the goal was to make the film appear to be one continuous shot... and it works, especially considering the technical limitations of the time. The hour and a half length of the movie required changing film reels several times. So, to make it as least noticeable as possible, Hitchcock chose to change reels while focused on a solid, dark stationary object (the back of a man's coat, the top of a trunk). This gives Rope the overall tense feeling of claustrophobia, as the viewer does not leave the apartment and the events transpire in real time. 

    Two young men, Brandon and Phillip, murder David, a friend they deemed to be intellectually inferior and unnecessary. After strangling David, they place his body in a trunk in their apartment... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock

     They committed the crime for the "Art" of it, and are proud at how perfect the act transpired. They are so proud, in fact, that they have decided to host a party with the trunk containing David's body serving as the buffet. Amongst those invited are David's girlfriend... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock

     as well as the dead man's parents... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock

     One guest, however, was invited for the sole purpose of testing exactly how perfect their crime really was. Rupert Cadell (James Stewart) is their former teacher, and the one person smart enough to figure it all out... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock: James Stewart

     If he does not suspect, then Brandon and Phillip have truly "created" something special. Rupert does suspect something is amiss, though, but is unsure exactly what... His suspicion grows through subtle questioning... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock: James Stewart

     and Brandon and Phillip are growing uneasy at how shrewd Rupert really is... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock: James Stewart

     The slightest slip-up will result in them being caught. Tension is growing... 

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock: James Stewart

     Have they committed the perfect murder, or has cockiness proved to be their downfall...

Rope. 1948. Alfred Hitchcock: James Stewart