THE NEW FORMAT

I am going to use this LIVE JOURNAL to write about movies I have seen (both at the theaters and at home).

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OPEN WATER (2004)
Directed by Chris Kentis

Shot entirely with a Sony PD-150 (the camera we used on JUMBO), OPEN WATER is one of the most innovative and important independent films of the last ten years. It chronicles the horrific experience of a couple who, while on a scuba diving expedition in the Bahamas, is accidentally left behind by their boat due to a miscount performed by one of the crew members. We soon learn that the waters in which they have been abandoned are shark-infested, and we watch as their hopes of being rescued transform into the acceptance of the fact that they will in fact never return to land.

OPEN WATER was one of the most intense and suspenseful cinematic experiences I have had in a long time. Already familiar with the basic plot, my stomach began to turn when they first jumped into the water -- however, it's never clear as to what exactly will happen to them. Don't listen to the naysayers that say that OPEN WATER is just "two people floating around for 90 minutes." On the contrary, it is one of the most captivating and frightening films ever made. HIGHLY RECOMMENED!

Grade: **** (out of four)

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GRAND HOTEL (1932)
Directed by Edmund Goulding
Produced By Irving Thalberg

I started my survey of the earliest winners of the BEST PICTURE Oscar with this ensemble comedy that exists as the first Hollywood movie to feature an "all-star cast." Set entirely at the titular Berlin establishment, it follows the exploits of a diverse menagerie of individuals: John Barrymore as a flirtatious Baron whose motives are less noble than they appear to be; Greta Garbo as a self-obsessed ballerina who falls in love with the Baron; Joan Crawford as an opportunistic yet kind-hearted stenographer; Lionel Barrymore as a terminally ill factory worker intent on spending his final days socializing and spending money; and finally Wallace Beery as a villainous businessman with eyes for the attactive Crawford.

Unlike many pictures from this period, GRAND HOTEL isn't very dated and it is consistently entertaining. Outside of Joan Crawford (who I'll get to in a second), the most interesting aspect of the movie is the performance given by Lionel Barrymore, who I only knew as the evil Mr. Potter from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Barrymore truly displays his range here by playing a character that is ABSOLUTELY nothing like his most famous role. It's my opinion that the very moving scene late in the movie wherein a drunken Barrymore struggles to find his missing wallet is partially responsible for clinching the BEST PICTURE award.

What stood out the most for me, however, was Joan Crawford. It's one of the best and most delightful female performances I've seen in a long time. After watching her first showcase scene (when she is macked on by Jon Barrymore), she had me in the palm of her hand. Now I want to see more Joan Crawford movies (especially the early stuff).

Some interesting tidbits: GRAND HOTEL is the only movie to win BEST PICTURE without being nominated for any other awards. I should note, however, that Lionel Barrymore, as well as the art direction and cinematography, should have been nominated. Also, the behind the scenes doc stated that the movie's budget was 700K, which in today's numbers would adjust to $80 million!

Grade: ***1/2 (out of four)