Doomsday
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Apr 26, 2016 19:17:36 GMT -5
Post by Doomsday on Apr 26, 2016 19:17:36 GMT -5
I got The Ten Commandments blu-ray for my dad for Christmas. I had never seen it but knew he was a fan. I sat down and watched it for the first time over the weekend and while I found it corny and dated it got me wanting to revisit the other historical and Biblical epics that I was raised on and always admired. Unfortunately they don't make very many of them anymore as they aren't very commercially successful but many still rank as some of the best films ever made. Maybe once I get back on track and finish my Coen Bros. revisiting I'll start laying into some new, old and foreign big-budget 'epics' that we should all be familiar with. A few short thoughts... Ben-Hur (1959)There's a lot to say about Ben-Hur depending on the angle you want to approach it. It's an Academy Award record-holder, it has the famous chariot race, it's pretty much the go-to when people talk about cinematic epics in addition to Spartacus. It's one of the few movies whose popularity hasn't diminished over time and is one that will remain on the radar of movie fans for decades more. Just a couple points without filibustering... One of the things I noticed the last time I sat down to watch it was how much better the production value is compared to other movies of the same genre. Even The Ten Commandments is noticeably filmed on backlot sets with horrendously fake lighting, sketchy costumes design and contemporary dialogue with teenaged extras. Ben-Hur for the first time at least as far as I'm aware is a massive historical epic that actually tries to look the part. The film boats thousands of extras, tens of thousands of period costumes and much of the filming wasn't done in Los Angeles. I'm sure other similar films hold the same credentials but Ben-Hur's effort shows. It's also hard to have an epic without an equally triumphant score. Even modern day epics like Gladiator, Braveheart and Kingdom of Heaven have highly memorable and award winning film scores. Ben-Hur's is not only noteworthy because it's so good but also because of how it is used. When Universal started making talkies they quickly found how effective NOT using music can be which was saying something considering how music was such a massive part of silent films. In post production it was decided that there would be no music over the chariot race. Rather than drums and trumpets we were treated to the sounds of whips, splintering and crashing wood and the cheers of the crowd looking on. Many people probably weren't thinking 'where's the music?' but at the same time they were probably too engaged to care. To put it in perspective, compare the battle scenes of Braveheart to those of Gladiator. Gladiator has the orchestral accompaniment as the armies clash but Braveheart has the yelling, the stamping of the charging soldiers and the sounds of swords and spears smashing into groaning men. I think it's easy to see which one is more effective. As for the new remake, I don't really care about it even though we can all agree that it looks dreadful. As I've said before though, whether it's a Ben-Hur remake or a pointless lady Ghostbusters, they won't diminish the originals. Remakes never do, good or bad. In twenty years people will still be watching Wyler's Ben-Hur with their kids and probably won't even remember the 2016 version.  |
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Dracula
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Apr 26, 2016 19:28:21 GMT -5
Post by Dracula on Apr 26, 2016 19:28:21 GMT -5
. As I've said before though, whether it's a Ben-Hur remake or a pointless lady Ghostbusters, they won't diminish the originals. Remakes never do, good or bad. Not sure Ramon Novarro would agree with that... |
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Doomsday
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Post by Doomsday on Apr 26, 2016 19:58:28 GMT -5
He does, I asked him.
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SnoBorderZero
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Apr 26, 2016 23:38:01 GMT -5
Post by SnoBorderZero on Apr 26, 2016 23:38:01 GMT -5
Ben-Hur is a great film, only seen it once but found it to be highly impressive. I should revisit it again as well. I'm assuming my boy David Lean will be making a few appearances in this topic.
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Deexan
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Apr 27, 2016 11:32:27 GMT -5
Post by Deexan on Apr 27, 2016 11:32:27 GMT -5
The first film that comes to my mind when I hear/read the words "cinematic epic" is definitely Lawrence of Arabia.
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SnoBorderZero
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Apr 27, 2016 11:51:27 GMT -5
Post by SnoBorderZero on Apr 27, 2016 11:51:27 GMT -5
The first film that comes to my mind when I hear/read the words "cinematic epic" is definitely Lawrence of Arabia. Easily the most epic of the epics. EPICEPICEPICEPICEPIC... |
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FShuttari
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Apr 27, 2016 19:01:00 GMT -5
Post by FShuttari on Apr 27, 2016 19:01:00 GMT -5
I sat and watched "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and it still holds up and I am also again reminded how beautiful it is to watch a movie where the film on set rather then fake looking CGI sets.
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Deexan
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Post by Deexan on Apr 28, 2016 10:03:59 GMT -5
The first film that comes to my mind when I hear/read the words "cinematic epic" is definitely Lawrence of Arabia. Easily the most epic of the epics. EPICEPICEPICEPICEPIC... I stared at the last part of your post too long and now I can't stop thinking about the word PICEP, which sounds like an as-yet undiscovered muscle. |
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SnoBorderZero
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Post by SnoBorderZero on Apr 28, 2016 10:31:41 GMT -5
Easily the most epic of the epics. EPICEPICEPICEPICEPIC... I stared at the last part of your post too long and now I can't stop thinking about the word PICEP, which sounds like an as-yet undiscovered muscle. It's the muscle within the bicep. Charlton Heston had crazy piceps. |
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Doomsday
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Apr 28, 2016 13:30:35 GMT -5
Post by Doomsday on Apr 28, 2016 13:30:35 GMT -5
It's from all that rowing.
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Doomsday
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Post by Doomsday on Apr 28, 2016 19:21:35 GMT -5
A few short thoughts...
Vikings (History Channel)
For the past few years the show I've heard about the most is Game of Thrones. Well, maybe behind The Walking Dead but Game of Thrones is a close second. I've heard how great it is, how brutal and savage and sexy and people want to talk about it endlessly. I can't say I'm a huge fan but I've watched a good deal of it. It certainly has its fair share of intrigue while being bogged down with shameless sex and nudity (my main criticism of the show believe it or not). I can't say I'm a huge fan of the series and I don't think it deserves nearly as much credit as people think, however there is another show that is similar in a few ways. It's a violent, bloody and lustful series that should satisfy any blood-craving you might have. It's a tighter, leaner and more focused narrative than the often bloated Game of Thrones. It has its fair share of crosses, double-crosses and political dealings between enemies and friends of enemies and enemies of enemies. It also has some foundation in historical events and doesn't have dragons in it. Vikings is a story of how the Northmen lead by famed Viking Ragnar Lothbrok began their raiding and plundering of Europe starting with their (true) attack on the raid of Lindisfarne and moving onto their battles against the kingdoms of Wessex and Francia. Any history buff will tell you that the Vikings had a tremendous influence over European history in the Dark Ages, an influence that also touched from North America to Asia. Having just completed their first half of their fourth season, the show is getting a little shaky while moving the story and characters along however it is keeping with its respect to historical inspiration while having a substantial deal of good, bloody violence.
If you're a fan of period pieces or just like bows and arrows then Vikings is definitely worthy of your attention. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones then check out this younger, rabid step-cousin of a show. It's not going to change your life nor is it a deeply thought-provoking show but it's high on entertainment and enjoyability. The characters are rich, it's beautiful to look at and you'll have a blast watching it. The first three seasons are on Hulu. Get the free trial and check it out.
I was trying to look for a good fight scene but this one is pretty good.
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Justin
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Apr 29, 2016 12:29:05 GMT -5
Post by Justin on Apr 29, 2016 12:29:05 GMT -5
Yep...I really like that show.
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IanTheCool
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Apr 29, 2016 20:13:48 GMT -5
Post by IanTheCool on Apr 29, 2016 20:13:48 GMT -5
I really like Ten Commandments. There's a certain charm about it.
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PG Cooper
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May 1, 2016 21:48:21 GMT -5
Post by PG Cooper on May 1, 2016 21:48:21 GMT -5
It's been a while since I've seen Ben-Hur, but I remember thinking it was pretty good. A very rousing film which did a pretty good job keeping up the energy, at least for most of the film. I found the last 40 minutes or so really dragged.
I watched The Ten Commandments (56) last summer and this is what I had to say about it:
Though probably not quite as famous as the comparable Ben-Hur, this 50s biblical epic remains a famous and acclaimed effort, due in some part to the annual airings on Easter Weekend. The film tells the story of Moses discovering his true heritage and leading the Hebrews out of Egypt. The film is clearly a grand production, with a huge cast, thousands of extras, massive sets, cutting edge special effects, and large scale set-pieces. The money is clearly on screen. I also really dug the cast, which is full of strong character actors, along with star turns from Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner. However the show stealer is actually Anne Baxter, who plays a very complicated and dynamic character. However at 3 hours and 40 minutes, the film does wear out it's welcome at points. Sections drag and I wish this would have been tightened. This mainly hurts the focus of the film, which makes it hard to invest oneself. As a result, the film functions more as spectacle, and on that level, this is a fun movie.
B+
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SnoBorderZero
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May 1, 2016 21:56:27 GMT -5
Post by SnoBorderZero on May 1, 2016 21:56:27 GMT -5
Yeah, towards the end of Ben-Hur it loses a little steam, but it was kinda cool when he's just in that land of Lepers like he was in a biblical, zombie wasteland. And then he finds his family. Oh, the drama!
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Doomsday
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Post by Doomsday on May 3, 2016 17:09:16 GMT -5
The end of Ben-Hur feels different because the antagonist is killed and the revenge is accomplished about 3/4s of the way through the film. Once Messala dies the journey becomes about Ben-Hur's rediscovery of his family and the build-up of his final interaction with Jesus. It's a 180 from the rest of the movie because it's meant to be, revenge turning into redemption.
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PG Cooper
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May 3, 2016 18:39:07 GMT -5
Post by PG Cooper on May 3, 2016 18:39:07 GMT -5
The end of Ben-Hur feels different because the antagonist is killed and the revenge is accomplished about 3/4s of the way through the film. Once Messala dies the journey becomes about Ben-Hur's rediscovery of his family and the build-up of his final interaction with Jesus. It's a 180 from the rest of the movie because it's meant to be, revenge turning into redemption. That's fair, I just find it dull and drawn out, particularly after the awesome chariot race. It's like following a great orgasm with a discussion about mortgage payments. Certainly important, but it kind of kills the enjoyment. |
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SnoBorderZero
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Post by SnoBorderZero on May 4, 2016 9:47:52 GMT -5
The end of Ben-Hur feels different because the antagonist is killed and the revenge is accomplished about 3/4s of the way through the film. Once Messala dies the journey becomes about Ben-Hur's rediscovery of his family and the build-up of his final interaction with Jesus. It's a 180 from the rest of the movie because it's meant to be, revenge turning into redemption. That's fair, I just find it dull and drawn out, particularly after the awesome chariot race. It's like following a great orgasm with a discussion about mortgage payments. Certainly important, but it kind of kills the enjoyment. That is totally something Neverending would say. |
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PG Cooper
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Post by PG Cooper on May 4, 2016 10:48:07 GMT -5
That's fair, I just find it dull and drawn out, particularly after the awesome chariot race. It's like following a great orgasm with a discussion about mortgage payments. Certainly important, but it kind of kills the enjoyment. That is totally something Neverending would say. He's rubbed off on me, in more ways than one. |
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SnoBorderZero
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Post by SnoBorderZero on May 4, 2016 11:14:49 GMT -5
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Doomsday
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Post by Doomsday on May 18, 2016 20:14:39 GMT -5
A few short thoughts... Rome (HBO series)
 There's a lot to say about Rome. From the opening credits you see that it was co-created by John Milius, a hard-edged, almost insane filmmaker who also has a deep understanding and appreciation of military history. It's a show that at the time was momentous with huge production costs to help give it that epic 'feel.' Just ten years later it seems pretty tame by comparison to other TV titans like Game of Thrones, now in its sixth season compared to the two that Rome was given despite its solid reviews. You can say that Rome helped pave the way for shows like Game of Thrones and Vikings in the sense that it helped demonstrate that there's an audience for historical/period shows with adult themes (namely graphic sex and violence). Rome plays out in a rather interesting manner. Half the show details the political maneuvers and treachery of the Julian family near the end of the Republic. For the first season this revolves around Julius Caesar (the recognizable Ciarán Hinds) as he butchers his way to his supreme dictatorship. The second season focuses on the power grab for Caesar's legacy, creating turmoil between his grand-nephew Octavian and trusted friend Mark Antony which finally ends in Octavian claiming the mantle 'Augustus' and the creation of the Roman Empire. Amongst all this are two soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), and their encounters with these immortal titans of history including late-night romps with Cleopatra and fateful meetings with Cicero. It almost seems like half docu-drama, half soap opera. One thing that was very apparent in the series was their glossing over of major events like the Battle of Actium. They are only mentioned in passing or shown after they take place. This happened for two reasons. One was that the show was one of the most expensive ever produced at the time. It wasn't long before HBO gave it the axe however there was still story to tell. Toward the end of the series there are years that elapse between episodes. Major characters are in completely different circumstances. It's jarring to watch however it makes sense given the production. It's a shame that it was cancelled because it affected how the second season progressed at a breakneck speed but it also would have been great to see the characters as they navigate the newly-founded Roman Empire. With Deadwood supposedly making a big screen return I can only hope that they might do Rome the same justice. It will be a tough sell considering that it's been a decade since it was cancelled but hope springs eternal. I'd rather see that than most anything else being offered at the moment. |
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IanTheCool
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May 18, 2016 22:19:50 GMT -5
Post by IanTheCool on May 18, 2016 22:19:50 GMT -5
Nice write up. I love Rome, great series. The first season in particular came together wonderfully.
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SnoBorderZero
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May 19, 2016 10:15:23 GMT -5
Post by SnoBorderZero on May 19, 2016 10:15:23 GMT -5
Been meaning to watch Rome, a true shame it's only two seasons long.
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May 19, 2016 10:18:18 GMT -5
Post by Justin on May 19, 2016 10:18:18 GMT -5
It's a great show.
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Doomsday
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May 19, 2016 12:11:39 GMT -5
Post by Doomsday on May 19, 2016 12:11:39 GMT -5
Been meaning to watch Rome, a true shame it's only two seasons long. If you have HBO you should definitely watch, it's a quick watch but very enjoyable. A casual tv-watcher can burn through it in a few days. |
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