Billy Budd (1962) ****
Melville’s magnificent allegory of the martyred innocent. Terence Stamp as Billy appears to have descended on a sunbeam. Superbly done, but the film averts its eyes: We should see Billy hang.
Body of Lies (2008) ***
DiCaprio the CIA operative gets beaten, bitten, and generally smooshed in this high-octane Middle East thriller. Russell Crowe’s his manipulative boss. Implausible story, but watchable every minute.
Girl with a Suitcase (1961) ***
An excuse to watch Claudia Cardinale for two hours—as if one were needed. Interesting companion piece to “Violent Summer,” by the same director, the oft-neglected Valerio Zurlini.
Angel Face (1952) **
Jean Simmons a rich-girl nut job with designs on poor Robert Mitchum, clearly bored and boggled by a script that can't decide if he’s canny or stupid. Sexual chemistry required here; none on tap.
Age of Consent (1969) *
Excruciating art-house picture about a weary painter who goes off to a sunny paradise, brings along his cute dog, meets a headstrong island girl, deals with eccentric types, etc. Artist/muse hokum.
Monday, October 12, 2009
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