Comics in Film

What is the definition of a comic book?

A comic book or comic is a publication that consists of comic art

in the form of sequential juxtaposed panels that represent individual scenes. The dialog is contained in word balloons emblematic of the comics art form. 

Comics has some origins in the 18th century Japan and 1830's Europe and were first popular in the United States during the 1930's. 

Comic film has a vast world of followers and has flooded our movie screens. I will talk about a few of my favorites in this blog. 

 "Superman" (1978) with Christoper Reeve 

was the first modern comic book movie adaption. A ground-breaker! Great acting and will always be a favorite.

Director:  Richard Donner and actors Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder along with Christopher Reeve 

"Spider-Man" (2002) Tobey Maguire starred in "Spider-Man", Director: Sam Raimi. . .based on the popular Marvel comics superhero. The film was a major success and made him into a star.  He reprised the role in the sequels "Spider-Man II" (2004) and "Spider-Man III" (2007), and has also provided the voice of spider man for the video game adaptations of the films. All three movies went on to part of the highest-grossing movies each year. One of my favorites! I think Tobey is the perfect Spider Man!

 

 "Batman" (1989) Director: Tim Burton. Stars; Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger. This artsy film gave Jack Nicholson the chance to be an awesome Joker! He added his own twist with sounds and laughter from another world. Michael Keaton and the rest of the cast did a sensational job putting this story over the top! Thumbs up to Tim Burton!  

 

"Comi-Con" conventions originally showcased comic books and science fiction related film. But the menu has broadened to include horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, web comics and graphic novels. Here are a few familiar faces who were at this years convention in August at Palm Springs, CA.

          Max Charles, Richard Sammel, Kevin Durand, Corey Stoll, David Bradley

 

            

                  Chris Hardwick and Lydia Hearst

                             Yvette Nicole Brown  (a favorite Talking Dead guest)

                                                     

                                                             Stan Lee

Stan Lee also attended the Comi-Con in Palm Springs. . . an American comic -book writer, editor, and publisher, who was formerly executive vice president and publisher of Marvel Comics. He created Spider-Man, the Hulk, Doctor Strange, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Daredevil, Thor, the X-Men, and many other characters.

On July16, 2017, Lee (born December 28, 1922 in New York City) was named a Disney Legend, a hall of fame program that recognizes individuals who have made an extraordinary and integral contribution the The Walt Disney Company.  

 

 Okay, I can't leave out (as a favorite) Iron Man (2008) a Marvel/Paramount film. Directed by: Jon Favreau, Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges and Gwyneth Paltrow     

Favreau took risks by changing the looks of the characters and filmed this in a way so it appealed to   all readers whether new to comics or experienced comic book readers. He also appealed to the Science Fiction crowd and every age of viewers.

 

 

 

"The Avengers" (2012) I have to add to my favorites. Directed by Joss Whedon.  Stars Robert Downey Jr. Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner. This film has many characters and elements to blend together and Joss does a seamless job of co-ordinating all of this.

 

  Have you seen Dr. Strange?

From Marvel studies comes "Dr. Strange," (2016) Directed by Scott Derrickson;  the story of world- famous neuro surgeon, Dr. Stephen Strange, whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him the use of his hands.

starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejio, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton

I recommend Dr. Strange; which last time I checked is streaming on NetFlix. Special effects are pushed to the limit and the story and acting are top notch!

  "Wonder Woman", and now "Spider-Man: Homecoming" plus "Logan" getting our attention this year, 2017 is shaping up to be one of the greatest superhero movie years of all time...be sure and pay attention this fall to the comic book movie line-ups!

 

What's next? For a list of 2018 upcoming comic book movies click this link:

  http://www.forevergeek.com/upcoming-comic-book-movies/

    

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Alfred Hitchcock

 

Alfred Hitchcock

 

The "Master of Suspense" was an English film director and producer. 

(August 13, 1899 - April 29, 1980) Hitchcock pioneered many elements of the suspense and psychological thriller genres.  He has a successful career in British cinema with both silent films and early talkies and became renowned as England's best director.  He received his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in the 1980 New Year Honors.  Hitchcock moved to Hollywood in 1939 and became a U.S. Citizen in 1955.  He directed more than 50 feature films in a career spanning six decades.

Alfred Hitchcock's talent can be best appreciated by watching his movies. "Notorious" (1946) is the most elegant of his visual style.  It contains some of the most effective camera shots in his work and they all lead to the great final passages in which two men find out how very wrong they both were.  Ingrid Bergman plays a women whose reputation encourages U.S. agents to recruit her to spy on Nazis in postwar Rio. And this nearly gets her killed, when the man she loves mistrusts her.  His misunderstanding is at the center of a plot in which all of the pieces come together with perfect precision, so that two people walk down a staircase to freedom, and a third person climbs steps to his doom. 

Read more review of "Notorious" here:

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-notorious-1946 

 

Hitchcock's Style

Here is a movie clip from "The Birds" (1963) 

 

 

Hitchcock was known for his attention to details.  He drew storyboards of every scene before shooting, Hitchcock once commented, "The writer and I plan out the entire script down to the smallest detail, and when we are finished all that's left to do is to shoot the film.  I have a strongly visual mind.  I visualize a picture right down to the final cuts.  I write this out in the greatest detail in the script, and then I don't look at the script while I'm shooting.  I know it all by heart, just as an orchestra conductor needs not look at the score."

 

 

 

In "Rear Window" . . .

The "peeping tom" character is  played by Jimmy Stewart.  He has been laid up with a broken leg and is in a cast that runs all the way to hip.  He never leaves his apartment and has only two regular visitors; Thelma Ritter, his nurse, and Grace Kelly, his girlfriend, who despairs of ever getting him to commit himself to a relationship as he is a proud, independent bachelor. 

Personally, I love to gaze at the detailed set that was built for this movie. The viewer can see three levels deep, if you look closely, as the set captures the everyday people going about their daily activities in the neighborhood. Really draws you into their world. Great attention to detail! This film is one that you will want to watch again and again. 

 

Hitchcock/Truffaut

In 1962, film critic and French New-Wave director Francois Truffaut sat down with Alfred Hitchcock to record a week-long interview about Hitchcock's entire body of work.  These sessions beget a book, "Hitchcock/Truffaut," a book to show Americans they were underestimating the richness of Hitchcock's work.  Despite his fifth directing Oscar nod for "Psycho," Hitchcock was mainly seen as a director for the unwashed masses of general audiences. Truffaut aimed to fix that. 

In 2015, Kent Jones brings us "Hitchcock/Truffaut," the movie version of this essential book.  He includes many of our favorite directors such as Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, and Brian De Palma  who share with us how they have been influenced by Hitchcock's work.  This documentary is an entertaining and informative gift to movie lovers constructed with care, humor and insight.

 

Vertigo. . .

(1958) crime, drama, film noir, mystery, romance, thriller

"did he train you" Did he rehearse you? did he tell you what to do and what to say? This cry comes from a wounded heart at the end of "Vertigo."

 - A man has fallen in love with a woman who does not exist!

The story:  James Stewart plays Scottie Ferguson, a private investigator, who is hired by his old friend, Gavin Elster to follow his wife Madeline Elster (Kim Novak.)

Gavin claims that Madeline is becoming so obsessed with the painting of a dead woman named Carlotta, that Carlotta's ghost might be inhabiting Madeline.  What follows is a mysterious story of obsession and mistaken identity, as Scottie Ferguson becomes obsessed and falls in love with Madeline as the dead women. 

Jimmy Stewart's character is not well. He suffers from fear of heights along with back problems. He falls obsessively in love with the image of a women. When he cannot have her, he finds another women and tries to mold her, groom her, train her, change her makeup and her hair until she looks like the women he desires.

read more review of this movie at this link:

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-vertigo-1958 

 

As I was studying Hitchcock, I ran across a brief article from "IndieWire" that is worth checking out. Here is the link to a excerpt from Andy Warhol's interview with Alfred Hitchcock.  

They talk about death, murder, corpse-disposal and psychosis. In other words, you know, just a little light banter. Here is the link:

http://www.indiewire.com/2014/04/read-an-excerpt-from-andy-warhols-delightfully-morbid-1974-interview-with-alfred-hitchcock-192576/

For further viewing, here is a link with Hitchcock's top 25 films

http://www.indiewire.com/2015/08/alfred-hitchcocks-top-25-films-ranked-184715/

 

Hitchcock was truly "The Master of Suspense"

 

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Rober Ebert    http://www.rogerebert.com 

You Tube:        http://www.youtube.com 

Criterion          http://www.criterion.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE BRITISH ACTOR INVASION

 

THE BRITISH INVASION

. . .was a cultural phenomenon of the mid-1960s, when rock and pop music acts from the United Kingdom, as well as other aspects of British culture, became popular in the United States, and significant to rising counterculture on both sides of the Atlantic. Pop and rock groups such as the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five, the Kinks , the Rolling Stones, Herman's Hermits, and the Animals were at the forefront of the invasion. 

THE BRITISH INVASION. . .again!

Have you noticed? The British have invaded the film industry and the television industry! When did it begin this time? 

Hugh Laurie of "House" was one of the pioneers of the British invasion. Many actors crossed the Atlantic in search of fame and fortune after this medical show became a hit.  

 

  SOME DIRECTORS AND ACTORS ARE CONCERNED 

The movement of the British invasion was ignored for a long time, but their massive takeover landing major roles in the movie and TV industry is getting Hollywood's attention. Many directors are asking the question - why aren't more American actors given these roles?

WERE YOU SURPRISED?

. . .when Hugh Laurie spoke with his own language instead of the American one? I was shocked when I was watching "the Talking Dead" with Chris Hardwick and Morgan (Lennie James) began speaking with a British accent! Who knew? He did not seem British at all as he wandered the forest with his steadfast belief as Morgan that "all life is precious." Lennie nailed it!

 

And, what about the role of Rick Grimes played by British Andrew Lincoln? In "The Walking Dead" he acted out that role with a southern American accent and attitude! Amazing acting, giving the character his own special twist, he entertained us for over 7 years leading the survivors of the zombie apocalypse. This series is still going strong.

Daniel-Day-Lewis played the role of Abraham Lincoln. He has starred in several major American films.

 

WHAT IS GIVING THE BRITS THE EDGE? 

Actor Samuel Jackson is speaking up about how American black actors should be getting more of these roles.

Director Spike Lee is calling for an urgent rethink in the industry and is asking why our country is failing to produce male stars with enough ability to tackle more of these major roles? He says of the international actors, "their training is very proper whereas some of these other brothers and sisters, you know, they come in here, and they don't got that training."

 

There was a "golden age" of time when actors such as Robert Dinero, Gene Hackman, Al Pacino and Robert Duvall attended drama school and learned serious theory and acting methods.

However, in our times often American actors get their experience from television or from auditioning for commercials. There are, of course, exceptions to the rules such as Leonardo DiCaprio whose talent and hard work keep landing him amazing roles in films.

American actors who reach their late 20's or early 30's might find themselves under qualified compared to their international competitors who spent their early 20's learning theater and how to speak properly.

For example, Tom Hiddleston (the photo above) is a 2005 graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was not discovered until he was out of his 20's. We did not notice Benedict Cumberbatch (stars in "Sherlock Holmes" streaming on Netflix) in America until he was out of his 20's as well. (photo below)

 

Joanna Read (of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) has been quoted, "There is a lot of stage work in British drama training, but I think its more to do with how we ask them to think about characters, how we ask them to be imaginative, and to change themselves. We will ask an actor to play against type at times, to play a role that they wouldn't necessarily be cast in the profession, in order to work out and transform how they move towards that character. It's almost like putting on a second skin." - *(see ref)   Cumberbatch, Ejiofor and Oyelowo are among the actors who attended this school. 

 

This Brit deserved an Emmy for his portrayal of a disfigured, gruff-talking former soldier! Jack Huston starred as Richard Harrow on "Boardwalk Empire."  Al Capone was also played by an Englishman, Actor Stephen Graham.

Did you know Alfred Molina was born and raised in London. He is part Italian and part Spanish. He is the master of many accents.

 

 Cary Grant spent his formative years in Bristol, England. After moving to the states as a teen, he adopted a transatlantic accent that left many wondering where he was from.

 Sean Connery (August 25, 1930) was one of the first Brits to capture America's admiration. He played 007 in the first five Bond films. 

Dr. No (1962), From Russia With Love (1963), Goldfinger (1964) and Thunderball (1965)  then... went on to star in (1971) Diamonds Are Forever,  (1983) Never Say Never Again

He was in "Marnie" (1964) by Alfred Hitchcock

 

 One of my favorite movies was "The Untouchables" (1997) with Keven Costner. 

Sean Connery was voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine in 1989 and in 1999 at age 69 he was voted "Sexiest Man of the Century. His film list is long and I am never disappointed by his performances.

American actors are finding ways to get the recognition they deserve by creating unique roles for themselves. Jake Gyllenhaal in "Night Crawler" (2014) video clip above - really pushed the limits with this character called Louis Bloom and made it all his own. The director, Dan Gilroy let him run with it! This movie made a big impression on me as I saw Gyllenhaal transformed into a con artist in L.A. loosing weight and completely changing himself into another person! Cast members included Rene Russo, Bill Paxton, Riz Ahmed and more. "Night Crawler" has received much praise from the ciritics. Jake has been offered some impressive movie roles since "Night Crawler."  http://www.imbd.com 

 

 

Another actor that earned recognition by creating his own character is Billy Bob Thornton. He came to international attention after writing, directing, and starring  in the independent drama film, "Sling Blade" 1996 (film clip above) for which he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor.  He appeared in several major film roles following Sling Blade including Oliver Stone's "U-turn" (1997) "Primary Colors" (1998) and "Armegeddon" (1998) along with "A Simple Plan" (1998) which earned him his third Academy Award nomination.

Is this British invasion raising our standards of character acting and our television standards of acting?

What do you think? 

I have enjoyed the addition of refreshing British actors who have joined the film industry and television industry. They have worked hard at entertaining us and have done outstanding with the opportunities here in the US. 

I also know that American actors, when given a chance, can transform themselves and do well at character acting. The actors are just as talented and can come up with their own characters and stories to "wow" us when given the opportunity or making the opportunity!

 

Whether we think it a good thing or a bad thing. . .

The Brits are coming!  The British invasion becomes bigger each year. Homeland Security showed a 500 percent increase in the number of visa petitions approved for actors and directors from the UK who want to work in the US entertainment industry.

I did not have time to cover the women actors. They are not loosing as many roles to Brits as the men. The women are holding their own better than the men.  Another blog?

There are directors and actors who are angered by this movement and forming groups to try to solve the problem for American acting students. You can research to find them easily online.

 

 

 Thank you for visiting! 

              Nelda 

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*The Guardian    http://www.theguardian.com

 

GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM

 GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM

German Expressionism. . .began around 1910 emerging in architecture, theater and art. It gives a distorted view of the world and evokes a mood or idea. The films used asymmetrical (the absence of symmetry) camera angles, and contrasting lighting to develop themes of insanity and madness. 

"Caligari" (1920) Directed by:  Robert Wiene 

Roger Ebert comments. . ."Caligari" is said to be the first example in cinema of German Expressionism. a visual style in which not only the characters, but the world itself is out of joint. I don't know of another film that used its extreme distortions and discordant angles, but its over-all attitude certainly cleared the way for
            "The Gollem" "Nosferatu" "Metropolis" and "M"
In one of the best-known books ever written about film "From Caligari to Hitler", the art historian, Siegfried Kracauer argued that the rise of Nazism was foretold by the preceding years of German films, which reflected a world of wrong angles and lost values. In this reading, Caligari was Hitler and the German people were sleepwalkers under this spell." 
He goes on to say, "Caligari" creates a mindscape, a subjective psychological fantasy. In this world, unspeakable horror becomes possible."  
     to read more of this review by Roger Ebert click this link:
https://rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari-1920

 












"NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR" (1922)
Director:  F.W. Murnaus   This is a detailed story of a vampire.  It has no sound but evokes much feeling and lays down some of the characteristics of vampires that we still use today! I found this streaming on Roku! Look on your streaming channels and watch for free!

In 1927 Fritz Lang (Dec 5, 1890 to Aug 2, 1976) an Austrian-German filmmaker and his wife wrote a movie called "Metropolis." This film was representative of the "Expressionism" movement.
This is a silent film with no sound and it had to be restored which was a long process. You do not miss the sound when you watch it! I was impressed.

These expressionism films embraced a desire for change with bold, new ideas and artistic styles. The set designs were wildly non-realistic, geometrically absurd angles, along with designs painted on walls and floors to represent light, shadows and objects. The stories were madness, insanity, betrayal and other topics triggered by experiences of World War I (as opposed to standard action and romantic films).

Madonna's 1989 music video "Express Yourself" pays omage to the film "Metropolis" and Fritz Lang.

The following video clip is of Charlize Theron talking about filming of "Aeon Flux" in Berlin, Germany. This is a science fiction film heavily influenced by German Expression.

Many science fiction films were influenced by "Metropolis" and the German Expression movement.  I just recently viewed a movie streaming on "Sling" that reminded me of "Metropolis." The name of this movie is "AEON Flux" created by Korean American animator Peter Chung. This action, horror. science fiction film was released on Dec. 2, 2005. The film is set in the future and stars Charlize Theron (video clip above) who plays Aeon Flux, the underground operator fighting totalitarian rule in the 25th century. I noticed the set designs were filled with  angles, circles and extreme perspective shots. From this film was created a TV series, a video game and a comic book. I enjoyed the film and if you like science fiction, I would recommend watching it- streaming on "Sling."  Also be sure and watch "Metropolis" (now streaming on Netflix) and you will see its influence in many science fiction and horror films.

THE GOLEM 
Another notable film from German Expressionism is Paul Wegener's "The Golem: How He Came Into the World" (1920).  Video clip above.  In this version a clay statue is brought to life by Rabbi Loew in 16th century Prague to save the Jews from the ongoing brutal persecution by the city's rulers. 

GERMAN EXPRESSION has cast its shadow on some of the most well-known directors of movie history.  For example, "The Killers" by Robert Siodmak's is filmed in a beautiful expressionist style which adds to the films mystery. "Citizen Kane" by Orson Welles is an ode to expressionist film making with many famous scenes displaying this style.
Tim Burton films are highly influenced by expressionism. German Expression is nearly 100 years old; but it still inspires directors and screenwriters.

THIS MOVEMENT BEGAN TO END  - "The Blue Angel" (1930) (clip above) is considered the last German Expressionism film. Directed by Josep Von Sternberg  Starring:  Marlene Dietrich    A full feature "talkie" film. Marlene and Sternberg went on to make 6 more movies together! 

. . .during the mid 1920's. Some 1,500 directors, producers, actors and other film professionals emigrated to Hollywood, California during the years after the Nazis came to power. Among them were Billy Wilder, Erich Pommer, Marlene Dietrich, Peter Lorre and Director Fritz Lang who had a long and prosperous career in America. Therefore this style remained influential especially during the 1930's and 1940's in American horror films and film noir. Director Fritz Lang in photo below.

INFLUENCE OF GERMAN EXPRESSIONISM

THE HORROR GENRE OWES A DEBT TO GERMAN FILMS OF THE 1920'S.
Lord Browning's "Dracula" (1931) contains all the hallmarks of Expressionism, along with the movie "Frankenstein" by John Wales.

THE FILM NOIR GENRE began in the early 1940's and one of its biggest influences were expressionism and crime fiction. Just like expressionism, film noir is noted for its striking visuals and the use of shadows to add a pessimistic view of the world.

 

A LITTLE ABOUT GERMANY. . .

Germany is one of the most industrialized countries. Located in central-western Europe, Germany is a democratic, federal, parliamentary republic. It contains 16 states with a very high standard of living. It is a global leader in several industrial and technological sectors. It is called "Federal Republic of Germany".

BERLIN is the capital and the largest metropolis.

In the 21^st century, Berlin has emerged as a major international creative center. Berlin is in the art world spotlight. Many types of festivals are held here each year.

Berlin holds an annual "The Berlin International Film Festival" also called "Berlinale" which is considered the largest publicly attended film festival worldwide. This past year was the 66th festival. (Runs Feb. 11 thru 21) Founded in 1951, Up to 400 films are shown in several sections, representing a comprehensive array of the film world. About twenty films compete for the awards called the Golden and Silver Bears. The Golden Bear is Berlinale's highest award featured on the German capital's flag. The winner is chosen by an international jury; last year Meryl Streep presented the award. 

The Cohen brothers' "Hail Ceasar" released in the UK on March 4 opened last year's festival. 

 

  A little more about Germany's Art. . .

 

GERMANY IS A FASHION HUB

Germany is a leader in the fashion industry. The German textile industry consisted of 1,300 companies with more than 130,000 employees in 2010. Berlin Fashion week and its fashion trade fair "Bread and Butter" are held twice a year.

GERMANY FAMOUS FOR THEIR BREAD 

Bread is a significant part of German cuisine and German bakeries produce about 600 main types of bread and 1,200 different types of pastries and rolls. 

  GERMANY IS THE SECOND LARGEST MUSIC MARKET IN EUROPE AND FOURTH LARGEST IN THE WORLD

Movements of Neue Deutsche Welle, pop, Ostrock, heavy metal/rock, punk, pop rock, indie and schlager pop as well as electronic music pioneered by Kraftwek and Tangerine Dream.  Techno and house music scenes of Germany have become well known. (e.g. Felix Jaehn, Paul van Dyk, Paul Kalkbrenner and Scooter).

 

Germany has an open mind and open arms to all art, in all its many forms and is rising to influence the world once again and celebrate with us the wonderful gift of art.

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Here are a few more blogs you might be interested in:

Alfred Hitchcock

http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/alfred-hitchcock.html 

SPOOK-eeeee
http://earthoceanfire.blogspot.com/2017/10/spook-eeeee.html 

 FOR FURTHER STUDY

AMC                 www.filmsite.org

IMDB              http://www.imdb.com

Roger Ebert      www.rogerebert.com

Criterion           www.criterion.com 

Wickepedia       www.wickepedia.com

Film Inquiry     https://filminquiry.com