Fresh from cinema.. ..Modern Times

As you might remember I now and then have the chance to watch classics in Cinema in Hannover. Yes.. I am very, very grateful for that..

So last week I had the opportunity to see

MODERN TIMES (USA, 1936)

by Charles Chaplin.

In a nut-shell:

A factory worker (Charles Chaplin) struggles with modern machinery, the police, a feeding machine, co-prisoners and many other things and persons while hoping for a peaceful life with with a pretty gamin (Paulette Goddard).

~ a very cute couple: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chaplin ~

Though I am not really a fan of slapstick - and even less when it contains food - I enjoy Charles Chaplin's films. And to see this one on big screen with a small but very enthusiastic audience of maybe 15-20 people was really great. Paulette Goddard for sure looked very pretty - and I wished my fingernails would look that terrific when I was collecting wood all day long, too.. Luckily I haven't had to collect wood for some time now.. though.. it might do my fingernails good.. strange that Cosmo magazine never tells about that.. 

~ really, Paulette Goddard, REALLY??? ~

About the film itself was talked that much before - though I just noticed I never mentioned Charles Chaplin here before.. - I think I spare you the well-known stories about him pouring water over Miss Goddard's head and declare that to be her costume. (Love at first splash - no doubt..) Yes.. it was the last silent film Charles Chaplin did - yes it contains the wonderful song SMILE which by then was just "THEME OF MODERN TIMES" and which was written by Mr. Chaplin. I love that song.. There are several other pieces of music in this film - and actually I am working on a post about the soundtrack of this film.. 

I have to confess that I like Charles Chaplin most because of his ability to arouse my pity for his character. Over all I am since like forever more a Buster Keaton girl. 

~ rather Keaton than Chaplin?? Excuse me???? ...
- yes.. it is true.. but I like them both.. ~

Still - I very much enjoyed seeing this film in cinema. This Wednesday I will watch another classic there - and I am looking very much forward for that.. 

~ now this is really the image of a sweet home.. ~

Though I was quite often in cinema this year there are several films I have not written about in my Fresh from cinema series - like there were e.g. PARANORMAN (which was ok - but which I do not have to see again..) and THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT (which was rubbish) and to be honest I do not know whether I am going to write about them at all.. We will see.. 

~ mhmmm.. Now I want a banana, too..
I cannot believe how much Miss Goddard eats in this film..~

For now: thank you very much for listening!

Irene

One Ring to rule them all.. (2)

Well.. yes.. the series goes on...

As announced I watched

 THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE TWO TOWERS (USA/New Zealand, 2002)

by Peter Jackson.

I love this film poster above.. I also adore these lines:

One Ring to rule them all, 

One Ring to find them, 

One Ring to bring them all,

And in the Darkness bind them!

I prefer the first film of THE LORD OF THE RINGS series far before the others. The second film is a real challenge for me – though I find the first film in parts really creepy - anyone remember the Ork attack in the mines? Or the 9 Kings searching for Frodo?? Even just their horses freak me out.. I am a sissy. I will not deny that. I am wincing and hiding my face - and actually hugging my Teddy Bear or pillow when watching those films – still I love them. That is inconsequent – but true. 

But what really makes me unhappy with the second film is Gollum. 

That poor little guy.. He is kind of creepy - still he breaks my heart.. When he talks to himself and cries – little me cries with him.. He is betrayed that often and it really makes me feel awful to be so helpless.. yes.. even if it is “just” a character in a film or book I would love to help – I do not want any creature especially those in whom I take a liking to be unhappy. You may laugh at me – but I think if there is one character in THE LORD OF THE RINGS who really needs a hug it is Gollum. There are many characters in need of a hug there – but he really, really should have get one.. To be honest: when he returns in being cynical and mean: It makes me kind of glad for him. 

One of my favourite characters (second favourite to be specific) is

 Sam (Sean Astin) 

but the way he threatens Gollum costs him the pole position in my favours.. He would have been my favourite.. He is loyal to his friend Frodo. A caring and good-minded friend. And yes.. I think he is cute.. Really adorable.. But if there is one weaker than you: you do not bully him. Absolute no-go in my little world. If you are stronger it is your job to protect and help. Period. And still.. I love Sam.. I do. Honestly. 

Well..  Why...yes.. I like Sean Astin.. I don't get the connection here.. Why do you ask that???

Another thing that irks me in this film: the killing of trees.. Aye.. I am a tree-hugger.. So what? 

Uhm.. better I stop here.. Before I start giving away free hugs I am going to hug my Bear again and watch the third film of the LORD OF THE RINGS series..

But here is a quick one showing a very young Sean Astin with his shirt off..

~ well.. nice, hm?? ...

- Still I for one love him being more chubby.. 

yes.. true story.. that's the way MY cookie crumbles...  ~ 

Just for those who are still wondering: Sean Astin's mother is Patty Duke - Three years after John Astin married Patty Duke he adopted Sean as his son - but they are not biological related - though that would really make me freak out in amazement.. (Anyone wonder how I might feel about John Astin?? Yes.. guess there is no question left..)  

Thank you for listening! You all amaze me by doing so.. 

Really - you are awesome, my lovelies!

Irene

One Ring to rule them all.. (1)

I am on holiday these days.. and I use this time to do some film marathons.. Lately I have not watched too many films.. but as the days grow shorter and the evenings darker I of course enjoy snuggling up on my couch and watching films.. I hope I will come back into blogging mood, too.. Hope some of you are still around.. 

Since I am  - not very patient though.. I have to confess - awaiting the release of THE HOBBIT in December (on December, 13 to be specific..) I spent some time now re-watching THE LORD OF THE RINGS.. A short post series ahead?? Oh.. you can bet your sweet smiles on it! ...

Right now I finished watching

 THE LORD OF THE RINGS : THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING 

(New Zealand/ USA, 2001)

 by Peter Jackson.. 

And I think I will not spare you some of my thoughts about it.. that is about one character there I really adore..

But first: I cannot believe how old this film is by now.. 2001??? That is crazy... ok.. that was that.. though... honest?? ....  2001???? ....

What was I about to say?

oh.. yes..

There is one character in THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS I find most interesting.. He is brave, he is loyal, he is easily annoyed, he is at times weak - and he is luckily looking like Sean Bean.. Yes.. it is Boromir.. I love him. I think he is one of the most interesting characters in this film..

Well.. I will not sing long songs about him.. I want to go back to blogging in small steps.. (better for all of us..) 

- just have a look:

~ ... ~

Thank you.. and now I am off for THE LORD OF THE RINGS : THE TWO TOWERS... 

Irene