This is a great vid. It is obvious why they chose an actor of SCL:s caliber to play the role of Saruman. However, I would have loved to see him as Gandalf. The part he always figured himself in.
I cant't wait for The Hobbit to hit the theatres!!
30 aug. 2012
29 aug. 2012
Hugo Cabret - Pure magic
This is waiting for me right now. Looking forward to it. Have heard all sorts of nice things about it.
Additional note: Have just finished the absolutely wonderful and magic film Hugo Cabret (2011) by Martin Scorsese. Not only is it a good film in all senses of the word, it is a friendly movie, without ever loosing distance to itself or being surgary.
It is enchanting to see Sir Christopher Lee in this delightful piece of art.
Originally it is built on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. "Not exactly a novel, not quite a picture book, not really a graphic novel, or a flip book or a movie, but a combination of all these things. (Wikipedia)"
In short the book is on George Méliès and his works at the turn of the last century. The theme is fantastic to make a film on. Not only because it works for children to watch and learn who this first fantasy-filmmaker was, but because it puts a frame to the film that makes it full of layers, and layers upon layers.
Of course it really is a homage to everything that film and moviemaking stands for: The magic and the dreams. And to se Lee in this film, playing a keyrole in a sense, is really touching. He himself, a great part of film history, with a career stretching well over 60 years, has certainly contributed to that dream making in the fullest. I am sure Scorsese put him in that role for a very certain reason.
That is without a doubt a fantastic homage to Sir Lee as well.
I have heard criticism that Lee should have been used more. I can't agree. It is absolutely perfectly put together. I initially thought it was a children's movie. I found out that, as it always is with films about children, the best are those that everyone can enjoy and get something out of, regardless of age. I am so happy I finally saw it. I am happy to own it.
But why on earths name is SCL's name not on my DVD-cover?
Additional note: Have just finished the absolutely wonderful and magic film Hugo Cabret (2011) by Martin Scorsese. Not only is it a good film in all senses of the word, it is a friendly movie, without ever loosing distance to itself or being surgary.It is enchanting to see Sir Christopher Lee in this delightful piece of art.
Originally it is built on the book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. "Not exactly a novel, not quite a picture book, not really a graphic novel, or a flip book or a movie, but a combination of all these things. (Wikipedia)"
In short the book is on George Méliès and his works at the turn of the last century. The theme is fantastic to make a film on. Not only because it works for children to watch and learn who this first fantasy-filmmaker was, but because it puts a frame to the film that makes it full of layers, and layers upon layers.
Of course it really is a homage to everything that film and moviemaking stands for: The magic and the dreams. And to se Lee in this film, playing a keyrole in a sense, is really touching. He himself, a great part of film history, with a career stretching well over 60 years, has certainly contributed to that dream making in the fullest. I am sure Scorsese put him in that role for a very certain reason.
That is without a doubt a fantastic homage to Sir Lee as well.
I have heard criticism that Lee should have been used more. I can't agree. It is absolutely perfectly put together. I initially thought it was a children's movie. I found out that, as it always is with films about children, the best are those that everyone can enjoy and get something out of, regardless of age. I am so happy I finally saw it. I am happy to own it.
But why on earths name is SCL's name not on my DVD-cover?
OD:ing
Okay, I am seriously risking OD:ing right now. A great Twitter friend hinted that Tumblr is a great source on SCL - and sure I've seen some of it. I wished this girl would update again, but it looks like she doesn't anymore.
Anyway, then @Sarah_Fleischer sent me this link, and now I am seriously considering starting a website on Tumblr as well. Seriously risking taking an overdose on SCL right now - mad, beautiful and wonderful pictures. THIS! Gaasssppp!!
Anyway, then @Sarah_Fleischer sent me this link, and now I am seriously considering starting a website on Tumblr as well. Seriously risking taking an overdose on SCL right now - mad, beautiful and wonderful pictures. THIS! Gaasssppp!!
26 aug. 2012
Kind of underwhelmed
Bizarrly enough, I have watched the Dracula-series in the reverse order. Last of all DPoD - but I can't say I was overwhealmed by this hizzing character. On the contrary, I actually do think later films in the Dracula-series are a great deal better.
Can't help but thinking of the different versions on how this came about: According to SCL a bad dialogue which he just plainly refused to say. According tho Hammer that there never was any for him in the script in the first place. I must say find it difficult to believe that Hammer would be calling in one of its big stars - not offering him anything to say at all. Anyone whith the origial script on his or her hand, please stand up!
DhRftG and TtBoD are not at all bad when it comes to plot and dialoge. DPoD seems a bit simplyfied to be honest. The scenery outside the castle is however quite magnificent and the ice-scene holds some nice moments. Now I have to watch DhRftG again, just to watch the priest and the waterscene. Noooo, this never ends!!! :)
Here are some really nice footage - unique - from behind the scenes of Dracula Prince of Darkness! It it better than the film itself. Sorry, Terence Fischer.
Can't help but thinking of the different versions on how this came about: According to SCL a bad dialogue which he just plainly refused to say. According tho Hammer that there never was any for him in the script in the first place. I must say find it difficult to believe that Hammer would be calling in one of its big stars - not offering him anything to say at all. Anyone whith the origial script on his or her hand, please stand up!
DhRftG and TtBoD are not at all bad when it comes to plot and dialoge. DPoD seems a bit simplyfied to be honest. The scenery outside the castle is however quite magnificent and the ice-scene holds some nice moments. Now I have to watch DhRftG again, just to watch the priest and the waterscene. Noooo, this never ends!!! :)
Here are some really nice footage - unique - from behind the scenes of Dracula Prince of Darkness! It it better than the film itself. Sorry, Terence Fischer.
19 aug. 2012
Films so far
I just enjoyed myself by making a list of (most) productions I have seen with Sir CL. I probably missed some of them, but so far it is around 50. I feel like an freaking amateur, considering some of you fantastic friends out there. And considering the supply.
Hugo, Return ofh Captain Invincible and a couple of others stand in line at the moment.
Some classics I have yet to watch. Oh, so much joy to look forward to! :) Films within brackets I have seen parts of even though I could have watched all of it.
Anyway, a list, not sorted:
(They were not divided)
(One step beyond)
(Sherlock Holmes and the deadly necklace)
Beyond Mombasa
Curse of Frankenstein
The Dracula-series
Mummy
Rasputin
Whip and the body
Night of the big heat
Two faces of dr Jekyll
Sign of Satan
Hands of Orlac
I, Monster
The man who could cheat death
Face of Fu Manchu
The torture chamber of Dr sadism
The house that dripped blood
Count Dracula 1970
Dr terrors house of horrors
Poor Devil
Horror express
Wicker man
The devil rides out
TMWTGG
To the devil a daughter
3Musketeers
4Musketeers
1941
Airport '77
How the West was Won
House of Long shadows
Gremlins2
Shaka Zulu
Young Indiana Jones
Around the World in 80 days
The disputation
The Many faces of CL
Sleepy Hollow
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
LOTR
Star Wars
The Resident
Hugo, Return ofh Captain Invincible and a couple of others stand in line at the moment.
Some classics I have yet to watch. Oh, so much joy to look forward to! :) Films within brackets I have seen parts of even though I could have watched all of it.
Anyway, a list, not sorted:
(They were not divided)
(One step beyond)
(Sherlock Holmes and the deadly necklace)
Beyond Mombasa
Curse of Frankenstein
The Dracula-series
Mummy
Rasputin
Whip and the body
Night of the big heat
Two faces of dr Jekyll
Sign of Satan
Hands of Orlac
I, Monster
The man who could cheat death
Face of Fu Manchu
The torture chamber of Dr sadism
The house that dripped blood
Count Dracula 1970
Dr terrors house of horrors
Poor Devil
Horror express
Wicker man
The devil rides out
TMWTGG
To the devil a daughter
3Musketeers
4Musketeers
1941
Airport '77
How the West was Won
House of Long shadows
Gremlins2
Shaka Zulu
Young Indiana Jones
Around the World in 80 days
The disputation
The Many faces of CL
Sleepy Hollow
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
LOTR
Star Wars
The Resident
18 aug. 2012
To the Devil a Daughter
OK, first and foremost a confession. I never was into those "devil-posesses-child"-films. It's just disturbing. That's why I was a bit hesitant to even see this film. I was prepared to be nauseated.
When I saw The Wicker Man for the first time, the most scaring part was that it was all so ... reliable. The set of values of the islanders are not evil - just different. Just a nothingness, an amoral way of relating to life. There is no devil, blood or anything. Just a creeping and growing conviction that those people are probably prepared to do pretty nasty stuff. And no-one is there to speak up for more normal values.
To the Devil a Daughter (1976) meets the difficult problem of dealing with the subject of satanism in a direct way. That always means trouble, since there is little room for subtlety. There are some moments in the film that makes me just want to look away. But I'll cope.
*spoiler alert*
-----------------------
Sir Christopher Lee writes:
"In their wisdom -- or lack of it --- Hammer chose, right at the last to put in two things that completely ruined the picture: the obscene baby scene, which was distasteful; and my death, by which I tamely dissapear -- how do you kill the Devil by hitting him on the head with a rock? A ludicrous ending."
I wouldn't say the film was ruined, that is to be a bit harsh. But I'd like to ask Sir Lee exactely what baby scene he referrs to. I think there are at least a couple which could be considered quite distasteful. And the ending is rather a bit like "whoopsy-daisy there he goes".
All in all definitely a descent film. Probably I'm just greatful it didn't scare the pants of me. There are acutally some scenes that makes me think of The Shining in its way they are directed. But those moments aren't taken care of properly.
By the way, I ought to mention I havn't read the origial novel. The film obviously made the author furious.
When I saw The Wicker Man for the first time, the most scaring part was that it was all so ... reliable. The set of values of the islanders are not evil - just different. Just a nothingness, an amoral way of relating to life. There is no devil, blood or anything. Just a creeping and growing conviction that those people are probably prepared to do pretty nasty stuff. And no-one is there to speak up for more normal values.
To the Devil a Daughter (1976) meets the difficult problem of dealing with the subject of satanism in a direct way. That always means trouble, since there is little room for subtlety. There are some moments in the film that makes me just want to look away. But I'll cope.
*spoiler alert*
-----------------------
Sir Christopher Lee writes:
"In their wisdom -- or lack of it --- Hammer chose, right at the last to put in two things that completely ruined the picture: the obscene baby scene, which was distasteful; and my death, by which I tamely dissapear -- how do you kill the Devil by hitting him on the head with a rock? A ludicrous ending."
I wouldn't say the film was ruined, that is to be a bit harsh. But I'd like to ask Sir Lee exactely what baby scene he referrs to. I think there are at least a couple which could be considered quite distasteful. And the ending is rather a bit like "whoopsy-daisy there he goes".
All in all definitely a descent film. Probably I'm just greatful it didn't scare the pants of me. There are acutally some scenes that makes me think of The Shining in its way they are directed. But those moments aren't taken care of properly.
By the way, I ought to mention I havn't read the origial novel. The film obviously made the author furious.
Man Who Could Cheat Death
Nice Hammer-film, this. Just what you'd expect. The actor playing Dr. Weiss, Arnorld Marle, is a gem. Good old-fashioned suspense and horror. And yayyy! Another "goodie"-role!
You can watch the film here - if you are not too disturbed by Spanish subs.
You can watch the film here - if you are not too disturbed by Spanish subs.
14 aug. 2012
13 aug. 2012
"It's getting hot! I'm going in!"
Night of the Big Heat (1967) is one sweaty film. As it is to portray an unnatural heatwave on the Brittish island of Fara, the cast weares wet clothes and open shirts - though it was filmed in the midst of the winter. The scientist Goodfrey Hansen (Lee) has come to suspect there is something un-earthly going on on the island, and he is quite right.
"The entire cast wore the flimsiest of clothing, and we were covered in artificial sweat (...). This was physically very demanding on the cast..." Lee comments in Films of Christopher Lee.
As it is directed by Terence Fisher, it maintains high quality. Sweaty Lee is quite a distraction. Half of the time trough this film I just can't help thinking: Ok, so it's hot. Why don't you just take your shirt off?
It was released in US under the theatrical title of The island of the burning damned or The island of the burning doomed, which makes me think of those C-movies made in Hollywood in the mid 50's. Charming as they can be, that title is misleading. This is a well-made film with a great cast. And yayyyy! Cushing is in it. But they should have made better use of him.
---------
*Spoiler alerts:*
I had high hopes for SCL to survive this film. He is after all a "goodie". He lives until 1:26 of 1:30. So - another death, incinerated by aliens. That must be one of the oddest ones - together with him being quartered in Torture chamber of Dr. Sadism, yuck!
So not even when he is a "goodie" he gets to survive. All heroes must survive, that is the unwritten law of pop-culture. Well, there is always one exception to the rule, and that exception in this case is Christopher Lee. *sigh*
"The idea is an excellent one and it's a good picture right until the very end, when they made the great mistake of introducing the ailiens. (...) To me, they looked like badly fried eggs."
Not an egg I would like to have on my plate, anyway. (I'd rathter have Lee there.)
"The entire cast wore the flimsiest of clothing, and we were covered in artificial sweat (...). This was physically very demanding on the cast..." Lee comments in Films of Christopher Lee.As it is directed by Terence Fisher, it maintains high quality. Sweaty Lee is quite a distraction. Half of the time trough this film I just can't help thinking: Ok, so it's hot. Why don't you just take your shirt off?
It was released in US under the theatrical title of The island of the burning damned or The island of the burning doomed, which makes me think of those C-movies made in Hollywood in the mid 50's. Charming as they can be, that title is misleading. This is a well-made film with a great cast. And yayyyy! Cushing is in it. But they should have made better use of him.---------
*Spoiler alerts:*
I had high hopes for SCL to survive this film. He is after all a "goodie". He lives until 1:26 of 1:30. So - another death, incinerated by aliens. That must be one of the oddest ones - together with him being quartered in Torture chamber of Dr. Sadism, yuck!
So not even when he is a "goodie" he gets to survive. All heroes must survive, that is the unwritten law of pop-culture. Well, there is always one exception to the rule, and that exception in this case is Christopher Lee. *sigh*
"The idea is an excellent one and it's a good picture right until the very end, when they made the great mistake of introducing the ailiens. (...) To me, they looked like badly fried eggs."
Not an egg I would like to have on my plate, anyway. (I'd rathter have Lee there.)
11 aug. 2012
An Invitation to remember
Brian Johnston interviews Christopher Lee. From 1989. Love that moustache! Lots of talk of his different parts - clips from Wicker man. Lee speaks of when he met Rasputins murderers, his part in the Three Musketeers etc.
And he talks of playing Mycroft Holmes. "I am the only actor in history who has played both Holmes brothers, both Sherlock and Mycroft."
Nice to watch!
And he talks of playing Mycroft Holmes. "I am the only actor in history who has played both Holmes brothers, both Sherlock and Mycroft."
Nice to watch!
On Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasty
Two minutes of SCL from the program A Century of Science Fiction.
"What keeps theese stories interesting (...) is the human factor."
"What keeps theese stories interesting (...) is the human factor."
My preccciousssss!!!!
Two weeks ago, Little Film House (hey, #FF @Littlefilmhouse on Twitter!!) suddenly advertised that they had this poster signed by SCL.
I actually caught an RT, made by one of my followers. The tweet was like two minutes old. I jumped on it and could not believe my eyes. I once had that poster as a small postcard when I was teenager.
Now this wonderful poster,(in quad-size!) one of twenty like that in the world, signed in november 2008 by the man himself, stared me right in the face. That was almost to good to be true.
After a short but brief minute of agony it was just impossible not to buy. I was incredibly lucky. The following hour the Film House had a great deal of questions on this poster, the poster I had already bought! Can't believe I have been so lucky!
This afternoon when I came home, it was waiting for me! My wonderful poster! Do I need to say that my heart was pounding when I unpacked it?!
It comes with a certificate that it is authentic.
I'm sorry, but this is just insanely cool.
The fangirl within is squeeling!!!
Oh, dear me! I used to have this as a small postcard as a teenager. Now it is mine as signed poster! Wooowww!!
This man is a living legend!
Can't believe I have it! My preccciouuuussssss!
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