S 1921 Move notes

 Watching "Mutiny on the Bounty" was like stepping into a time machine. This 1935 classic isn't just a movie; it’s a journey into the past, into a world where the stakes were as high as the ocean waves that crashed against the ship. The film is based on true events, which already gives it an edge of intrigue. It's about an 18th-century British warship on a mission to Tahiti to gather breadfruit plants, with a planned voyage of two years. The captain, played with a chilling severity, rules with an iron fist, believing that fear and punishment are the best ways to maintain order. This oppressive regime doesn't sit well with the crew, leading to growing unrest and eventually, a full-blown mutiny led by the charismatic first officer. Clark Gable's portrayal of the first officer is nothing short of mesmerizing. He's a mix of courage, rebellion, and a desire for justice. His defiance against the captain’s tyranny isn’t just about survival; it’s about standing up...

 Watching "Bride of Frankenstein" is both an interesting and somewhat poignant experience. As a film from 1935, it was undoubtedly a technical marvel of its time, but today, some of its special effects and plot elements do feel a bit dated. However, this is precisely the charm of old movies: they allow us to see the evolution and progress of the film industry. In the movie, Frankenstein is portrayed as a lonely and pitiful creature, not evil, but driven to self-defense. His character is vastly different from the monsters in modern horror films, presenting more of a tragic figure. His creator is coerced into making a companion for him, who will become his bride. This plot itself carries a strong sci-fi flavor, with the idea of creating new life from corpses being very novel at the time. There are many scenes in the film that left a deep impression on me. For instance, the monster escaping and then suddenly returning to the original village puzzled me. How the professor's w...

 The film tells the story of Alice Adams, the daughter of a poor family, who strives to find her place in the affluent social circles. Her journey is full of struggle and hope, making it impossible not to empathize with her. From the very beginning, Alice appears at the ball in her heavily altered old dress. She tries to hide her predicament, but her helpless and self-conscious expression is truly touching. Katharine Hepburn's acting shines here; she isn't just playing a character but embodies a real person, someone we might encounter in our own lives. When Alice meets the handsome, wealthy young man at the ball, her eyes sparkle with hope and longing. Yet, she is acutely aware of the vast gap between her background and his. Every smile and every gesture is tinged with unease and nervousness. She tries to appear composed in front of everyone, but her internal struggle is constantly apparent. One of the most memorable scenes is the dinner at Alice's home, where she hosts the...

Watching "It Happened One Night," I can't help but marvel at its charm. The story is set during Prohibition-era America, where the spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews tries to escape her family's constraints by eloping to New York. Along the way, she meets down-and-out reporter Peter Warne, and together they embark on a hilariously sweet journey. In the beginning, Ellie comes off as a beautiful but brainless daddy’s girl. She meets Peter, a fast-talking reporter who initially seems slick and self-serving. But as the story unfolds, we see his caring, genuine side. Peter not only helps Ellie evade her family's pursuit but also teaches her how to navigate the real world. Their interactions gradually heat up their relationship, revealing Peter's sincerity and Ellie's underlying kindness. One of the most memorable scenes is when they share a night together, separated by a blanket Peter calls the “Walls of Jericho.” This scene is both funny and heartwarming, showcasin...

 Watching the 1934 film "Of Human Bondage" left me with a mix of emotions. While the film omits much of the original novel's exploration of life's meaning and the reasons behind suffering, it still has many commendable aspects. Adapted from W. Somerset Maugham's classic novel, the film may lack the depth of the book's philosophical inquiries, but it effectively portrays the complexities of human nature and emotional entanglement. Leslie Howard's portrayal of Philip and Bette Davis's portrayal of Mildred deliver an emotional punch. Howard's performance is nuanced and authentic, capturing the essence of a man torn between his desires and the harsh reality of unrequited love. His conflicted emotions every time he encounters Mildred are deeply moving. Bette Davis is undoubtedly the film's standout. Despite being an American, she flawlessly mimics the London Cockney accent. Her portrayal of Mildred, with her crudeness and wantonness, is dangerously ...

 "L'Atalante," this 1934 gem, really struck a chord with me. It's like a beautiful love poem, gently singing the purest form of love. From the get-go, I was captivated by Juliette's eyes, sparkling with curiosity. This country girl boldly marries the captain, Jean, and hops aboard the Atalante - a worn-out boat brimming with warmth. Watching them chase each other on deck, I could almost taste the sweetness of first love. That scene where Jean dunks his head underwater to find Juliette's reflection? Breathtaking. But life ain't no fairy tale, right? Juliette's yearning for the outside world, Jean's roughness and jealousy - these are like ripples on calm water, slowly growing, eventually triggering their separation. When Juliette steps onto Parisian soil alone, my heart was in my mouth. The bustling city, unfamiliar faces, Juliette's mix of confusion and excitement - I was both thrilled and worried for her. The shot of Jean sailing away alone is...

 Duck Soup? Man, after watching this so-called "comedy classic" from 1933, I'm torn between laughing and crying. Marx Brothers, are you guys pulling my leg? When the story kicked off, I still had a glimmer of hope. The Republic of Freedonia appoints this wacko president, Rufus T. Firefly, and I thought, "Hey, this might be fun." Boy, was I wrong. Firefly's presidency is like a never-ending circus act. He mocks ministers, flirts with rich girls, spouts nonsense in Congress, and treats diplomacy like a game. I figured this was supposed to be a jab at incompetent leaders, but guess what? This nutjob actually wins the war! Is this satire or praise? I'm completely lost. The Marx Brothers' performance? Okay, I'll give them props for their mirror scene chemistry. But come on, is this your A-game? Compared to Chaplin or Keaton, it's small potatoes. Those so-called "jokes," like the bathtub prank or the squabble in front of the vendor'...