Remembering Old Movies that I liked

Netflicks has a great number of older movies available through their DVD program.

This week I am running back to the old "Taming of the Shrew" film that stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The movie should have one an oscar for art direction. It completely characterizes the mellow raw sienna color scheme that reflects the mood and aura of the Shakespearean play. Richard and Elizabeth certainly have sparks that fly beyond the script in this one.

The counterpoint to Taming of the Shrew is the 1953 Cole Porter classic musical "Kiss me Kate." Its amazing the songs that came out of this musical. It features an on stage treadmill that is used in dance sequences and to move stage sets to signify moving. It introduces a choreographer, then an actor in Bob Fosse. When you look at this movie it is interesting to see the beginnings of the Fosse break style choregraphy that would represent his style in the future. Its a smaltzy musical with the concept of putting on the Taming of the shrew inside the musical format with actors and actresses that off stage are performing that same kind of exchanges that occur in the Shakesperian comedy.

Earlier this week I watched Papillon. Its quite a story and a couple of really solid acting performances.

Don't forget to check out "Flipped."Its a great movie by Bob Reiner. It gets the AARP award for best intergenerational movie. Its a great look at growing up in the 60's.

: ) Pat