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Post by berkley on Feb 22, 2021 22:21:01 GMT -5
I have no real desire to watch any of the Godfather films. The subject matter simply holds no appeal for me.
The first two are absolute classics that totally transcend the genre of crime film or mob movie or whatever you want to call it, and I really think any serious film fan owes it to themselves to give them a shot. If you're just a casual film-watcher that's mainly looking for entertainment value, then sure, you can give them a miss if you're not attracted to the content. But if you're interested in seeing as much as possible of the very the best the medium has to offer, then you'll definitely want to give them a try at some point.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2021 0:53:52 GMT -5
I have a morbid fascination with the National Razor aka Guillotine. They claim the executions were humane and painless but I seriously doubt it. I can only imagine what it felt like looking at that blade. Wow.
There, it takes 0.7 seconds to come down on your neck.
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Roquefort Raider
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Feb 23, 2021 6:52:13 GMT -5
I have a morbid fascination with the National Razor aka Guillotine. They claim the executions were humane and painless but I seriously doubt it. I can only imagine what it felt like looking at that blade. Wow. There, it takes 0.7 seconds to come down on your neck.
Spoiler : Gallows humour (literally). Great subject, if a bit brutal! Oddly enough, the guillotine was introduced in France due to humane considerations. Dr. Guillotin, a representative at the National Assembly, thought it unfair that only nobles could benefit from a quick death (their head being cut off with a sword) while commoners were hung or got the breaking wheel. As that occurred during the revolution and executions were plentiful, Paris's headsman, Mr. Samson, pointed out that there was no way he could do the job on his own -his arms would tire, and the result would be pectacularly botched executions. Hence the commission of a mechanical system, which initially bore the name of the engineer who adapted ancient designs for such machines (the Louisette, after Mr. Louis). The name of Dr. Guillotin was eventually the one that stuck, since he had been the instigator of this innovation. Guillotin himself was not guillotined, as is sometimes said, and he died well after the revolution. |
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Post by EdoBosnar on Feb 23, 2021 7:52:21 GMT -5
Spoiler : Gallows humour (literally).
(...)
Ooof, that cartoon! I think I first read about the possibility of surviving a few seconds after decapitation when I was in high school, and ever since then, I always get a bit creeped out whenever the guillotine is mentioned.
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Roquefort Raider
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Post by Roquefort Raider on Feb 23, 2021 8:51:01 GMT -5
Spoiler : Gallows humour (literally).
(...)
Ooof, that cartoon! I think I first read about the possibility of surviving a few seconds after decapitation when I was in high school, and ever since then, I always get a bit creeped out whenever the guillotine is mentioned.
I read somewhere that although the head will technically not die for a while, the traumatic shock is such that the person loses consciousness instantly. I'll try to cheer myself up with that if I ever end up like Robespierre or Lavoisier! |
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Post by junkmonkey on Feb 23, 2021 13:39:28 GMT -5
I have no real desire to watch any of the Godfather films. The subject matter simply holds no appeal for me. You're not alone. |
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Post by impulse on Feb 23, 2021 15:07:43 GMT -5
I'm not a big fan of mob/mafia shows or movies, either, but I did eventually make myself get around to watching the first two Godfather movies just because of their legendary status. I have to admit that I found the first one very deserving of the hype. Just an excellent film all around. I didn't enjoy the second quite as much, but was still very good. I have not watched Part 3 and do not have immediate plans to do so.
While I thought Godfather lived up to the hype, I have no idea why Scarface is as popular as it is.
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Post by berkley on Feb 23, 2021 17:53:25 GMT -5
I'm not a big fan of mob/mafia shows or movies, either, but I did eventually make myself get around to watching the first two Godfather movies just because of their legendary status. I have to admit that I found the first one very deserving of the hype. Just an excellent film all around. I didn't enjoy the second quite as much, but was still very good. I have not watched Part 3 and do not have immediate plans to do so. While I thought Godfather lived up to the hype, I have no idea why Scarface is as popular as it is. It might have been one of those "you had to see it at the time" things, as it was much imitated in the ensuing years. Myself, I think the first half or so is great - basically the lead character's rise from low-level thug to top of the heap. But the rest - his gradual decline and final demise - was far too long and drawn out and generally not nearly as interesting. Pacino's Cuban accent and over the top performance earned him a ton of ridicule but I think it's one of his best roles, in spite of the weakness of that second half of the film.
One thing that I thnk might be forgotten now is how it raised the level of tension and violence for crime films - especially one scene that sort of brought a horror/slasher film kind of terror to this completely different genre. But that's the kind of thing that can be constantly one-upped by imitators, so it may be hard to remember how effective it was here.
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Post by Icctrombone on Feb 23, 2021 17:56:43 GMT -5
The first 2 Godfather movies were nothing short of great. There have been more than a few movies/shows I had no interest in watching that I loved once I did watch them. I have this week off on vacation and am wondering what classic Movies I should watch. Any suggestions ?
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Post by Prince Hal on Feb 23, 2021 18:06:10 GMT -5
The first 2 Godfather movies were nothing short of great. There have been more than a few movies/shows I had no interest in watching that I loved once I did watch them. I have this week off on vacation and am wondering what classic Movies I should watch. Any suggestions ? If you like gangster movies, try The Roaring Twenties, Public Enemy, and White Heat, all with Cagney. |
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Post by Icctrombone on Feb 23, 2021 18:07:44 GMT -5
I never saw Citizen Kane. Is it worth it ?
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Post by Slam_Bradley on Feb 23, 2021 18:21:17 GMT -5
I never saw Citizen Kane. Is it worth it ? Citizen Kane is absolutely brilliant. But it can be difficult for some people. It was absolutely ground-breaking at the time it was made, but most of its innovations have found their way in to the handbook of movie making such that people have a hard time figuring out why it was so important. Also, there are almost no sympathetic characters which can be a major problem for a lot of people watching it. |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2021 19:00:39 GMT -5
While I thought Godfather lived up to the hype, I have no idea why Scarface is as popular as it is. My favourite part is the scene with the yellow Homelite XL-2 chainsaw, can't believe people were calling that scene too graphic, they DO use chainsaws on each other to send a message after all.
I got the blu-ray for $3 so it was worth it.
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Post by The Captain on Feb 23, 2021 19:24:03 GMT -5
I never saw Citizen Kane. Is it worth it ? Absolutely. It's one of the all-time best. Other suggestions to watch (or rewatch, as the case may be): Sunset Boulevard Chinatown Any Alfred Hitchcock The French Connection The Bridge on the River Kwai Dr. Strangelove Blazing Saddles or Young Frankenstein |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 23, 2021 19:33:15 GMT -5
Speaking of the Godfather, has anyone watched the new cut of Godfather Part III?
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