NOTES FROM RICK’S PERSONAL DIARY
I am happy to learn that a group of directors which includes Alfonso Cuarón and Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan has organized to save the Village Theatre in West Los Angeles. I once lived five blocks from the theater and attended more than one premiere there — attended as a sidewalk spectator. At the premiere of A MAJORITY OF ONE I can’t remember why the marquee on the Bruin Theatre, directly opposite the Village, was dark that night. What I remember is that when Rosalind Russell arrived, she exited her vehicle on the passenger side, facing the Bruin. I still remember how her face fell. No lights, no sidewalk spectators. Then ol’ Roz wheeled about and found the Village’s lighted marquee and the assembled crowd. The lights and the applause brought the smile back to her face.*
Readers will recall that it was the Village Theatre where the Margot Robbie character went to watch herself in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
LIFE AS A HOUSE Irwin Winkler 2001
This touching story about learning to live life while facing death is given its life by an excellent cast. Kevin Kline is outstanding. Kristin Scott-Thomas, in a smaller role as his ex-wife, is always believable and very affecting. A shockingly mean-spirited Mary Steenburgen is also very good as the neighbor, and Hayden Christensen as the son is perfectly cast.
THE HORSE WHISPERER Robert Redford 1998
This is an indulgent film indulgently paced, but it remains engrossing. A teenage girl is recovering from an accident which took one of her legs and the life of her beloved horse. She is helped by her parents and a knowledgeable horseman played by Robert Redford. But the film belongs to Kristin Scott-Thomas as the mother. She makes us care about a not very likeable character. As the girl, a very young Scarlett Johansson is already a very fine actress.
Through the camera lens Montana looks high, wide and handsome.
Photography, Robert Richardson
MONTANA STORY David Siegel and Scott McGehee 2021
This is not a Montana story. This dysfunctional family is universal. It is an American tale. But there ARE Indians. And a horse is central to the tale. The film is superbly acted by Owen Teague and Haley Lu Nuttgens as estranged brother and sister.
The Montana-set film was shot NOT in Alberta, NOT in Wyoming but IN Montana, in and near the city of Bozeman in what is now called Paradise Valley.
Photography, Giles Nuttgens
Editing, Isaac Hagy
*Rick’s Flicks thanks Nicole Sperling for information on the Village Theatre: “A Landmark Movie Palace Is Bought by Star Directors,” New York Times, 2/24/24.
NEXT Friday POST April 5
Until then,
If you live near a restored theater,
See you AT the movies,
Rick
ricksflicks 