HISTORY_OAC_gheins

The Naked Kiss is an interesting tale about earning redemption, losing it then fighting to regain credibility. The story is a roller coaster ride that really incorporates the viewer into the thoughts and feelings of the main character, "Kelly". When Kelly repents against her sinful past the viewer becomes proud, a fact which is all the more substantiated by Kelly's newfound profession. When The skeletons in the otherwise "Mr. Perfect" Grant's closet are revealed there is a true sense of sadness. Not only because of the emotion that his abhorrible acts provoke, but sadness for Kelly in that she was so close to a normal life-which admittedly is all she ever wanted. The film is in a noir type, which adds to the somber sense of hopelessness. All in all the film was certainly enjoyable, yet at times somewhat melodramatic.

I thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Strangelove, and if political/cold war doomsday satire is your cup of tea I'm sure you will as well. The characters of the movie were certainly the most satirical aspect. Peter Sellers does a great job portraying different political archetypes, such as a helpless leader, as well as a technology crazed "mad scientist". The General was a strong analogy for the eager-to-fight leader who wants nothing more than to see the fun toys the military has at its disposal to be put to use. The film came from a time in which society was caused a great deal of distress due to the significant potential for have government officials acting as recklessly as they do in Dr. Strangelove. The film was a satirical wake up call to the world that the current course of travel leads to one logical conclusion: the end of the world.

The characterization of film noire is applied to certain films that touch on the grittier, more cynical aspects of life. This genre is typified as having lead roles played by strong, solemn male characters, in this respect, Mildred Pierce is an exception. In all other ways Mildred Pierce follows the model for a great film noire. The main character encounters both success and crushing emotional hardships, which the viewer gets to see the effects of. The supporting characters do a wonderful job depicting deceit in action, and each individual character contributes moving specific parts of the film along. The film ends with somewhat of an untied knot, and the viewer could certainly learn to love Mildred as the epitome of a "tragic hero". The film starts with a mystery and works it's way backwards, and as you can assume the viewer imagines he/she knows what is going on, when clearly the writer has us at his whims. Great acting. Great tragedy. Great film noire.