He Saw / She Saw - A Star Is Born

Sue:

Definitely not what I expected.  Considering there have been 3 remakes of this movie, I was expecting it to be WOW.  In my opinion, it was not. Some film historians believe that the marriage of Barbara Stanwyck and Frank Fay was the film's real-life inspiration.  Who knows, but the plot is same as the remakes — country girl (played by Janet Gaynor) goes to city to become an actress, meets an actor she admires played by Fredrick March.  We soon find out he is an alcoholic and the ending is same.  She becomes famous...he dies.  I would not watch this movie again.

Bruce:

Going back through three remakes, this is the original that started it all.  An early O'Selznick film that shows glimpses of grandeur, but also has points that drag on far to long.  Good character development and pacing, however, this is a fair-tale film that is rather fluffy, aimed at farm girls on the Great Plains during the Great Depression. 

He Saw / She Saw - Disclosure

Sue:

I am sure most people in our age group have seen this movie staring Demi Moore and Michael Douglas.   If you have not it is worth watching as they both give great performances,  She is his sexy new boss (and prior ex-girlfriend from many years back).  And she wants him...sexually!  Scenes are pretty graphic and shows how a woman can be domineering and forceful to get what is wanted in a man’s world.  Thumbs up!  

Bruce:

A well done film that oddly pre-dates the #metoo / sexual harassment movement of today.  Only back in the 1990s, it was the woman who is exposed as the predator.  The filmmakers vision of a technology / virtual-reality driven future is both interesting and humorous at the same time. 

For RePeats Sake: Aerosmith - The Making Of Pump

Take Away

An exceptional film.  I often lingered to watch segments as I walked through the Man Cave.  If you think you know Aerosmith, you probably don't.  Well shot with interesting interview segments that show the band had matured a lot by the time they made this.  The studio segments where they are rehearsing are astounding. 

For RePeats Sake: Beethoven - Symphonies 3 & 7

Take Away

If you see the words Karajan and Beethoven in the title, you know it is going to be good.  Classical discs like this are of two type.  Images of life that are highlighted by the music and an actual classical concert.  This is a hybrid, with the Berlin Philharmonic filmed on a specially built sound stage with very high production value.  Karajan is so into the music, he never opens his eye during the 3rd Symphony. 

For RePeats Sake - Fleetwood Mac: Tango In The Night

Take Away:

Filmed at The Cow Palace in San Francisco 12th/13th of December, 1987.  In this rendition, Lindsay Buckingham is replaced by Billy Burnette and Rick Vito.  They make a tight band even better.  All their greatest hits in a well done concert film. 

Track List:

The Chain

Everywhere

Dreams

Seven Wonders

Isn't It Midnight

World Turing

Little Lies

Oh Well

Gold Dust Woman

Another Woman Stand Back

Songbird

Don't Stop

For RePeats Sake: Maria Callas - Paris Debut

Take Away:

A concert film shot at the Paris Opera House in 1958.  A fascinating historical document of a famous performer in her prime.  She was the rival of Jackie Kennedy and the paramour of Aristotle Onassis and she was the last great Opera Prima Donna.  Watching this, she comes off as the Madonna of her day. 

For RePeats Sake: Listen Up - The Lives Of Quincy Jones

Take Away:

There is no track list here, more of an intimate portrait / documentary of Jones and all the musicians that he has collaborated with...and there are a LOT of them.  The definite aire to Duke Ellington.  Very well shot and produced.