If you missed earlier reflections as 80s films are watched for the first time with a contemporary eye, check out: Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, & Part VII.
This edition contains some very different films from the earlier part of the 80s.
Gallipoli (1981)
Directed by Peter Weir
Recommended by Magnus, Ando, Will & Kat

Like many of the 80s films, it's interesting to see these still prevalent actors/actresses in their younger days. Mel Gibson as a youthful actor is interesting here. He looks totally different, but his voice is certainly the same. I can't say I loved this film, but I'm glad I watched this. It's amazing to me, especially after watching Mosquito Coast recently as well, to continue to see the different themes and ideas that Peter Weir tries to develop and play with in his films.
Sophie's Choice (1982)
Directed by Alan J. Pakula
Recommended by Oscar (best actress Meryl Streep, plus 4 other nods), Will, jeremy

Yet, while there's that "french-feeling" story line, there is also the long flash-back sequence which is probably the most powerful moments in the film. Yet with this "film within a film" style it certainly makes for an uneven viewing experience. It's too bad it's so uneven, because the performances are great, the story is interesting, yet the screenwriting and artistic elements limited the film from being cohesive.
The World According to Garp (1982)
Directed by George Roy Hill
Recommended by Oscar (2 nods)

The Academy Awards totally got it right by nominating Glenn Close as the nurse mother who is obsessed with fighting the concept of lust, and John Lithgow the former pro tight end who has undergone a sex change. Both of them do great work, and Glenn completely deserved this Oscar nod, her first of five she would receive in the 80s (although she still has not won an Oscar). Robin Williams is the same Robin Williams we see in other films, just with less finesse and practice...it's like pre-Mrs. Doubfire.
The story is kind of weird and quirky, much like Accidental Tourist (which started this entire post-series) but it's a little more cohesive and enjoyable, especially because Glenn Close is amazing.
5 comments:
Paris, Texas and Diva . . . both 80s, both amazing, neither too quirky
Gallipoli. That movie still gives me the shivers twenty years after I first saw it.
I know what you mean with Sophie.
Despite the fact that Meryl is absolutely brilliant, the overall film is weird and uneven.
I was shocked when the AFI put it in the best American films of all time.
But well, the power of Streep.
Matt Lee - the one who's not Mel Gibson in Gallipoli - is now a director. His debut feature The Bet was released last year and it was quite good.
Gallipoli beach is one of the most important places for Australian culture because so many men died there. A lot of people still take the pilgramige over there on the day we celebrate the veterans (ANZAC Day).
I never realised that Garp was a Hill film. Highly under appreciated in my book.
As for Gallipoli, perhaps you have to be in the Commonwealth to truly appreciate this one, from one of the former Dominions of the Empire. Canadians and the ANZACs (Australians and New Zealanders) were often used as fodder and given the really tough assignments - better us than born and bred, proper Britons. We are often overlooked in war films.
Post a Comment