atlasmb
Joined Jul 2012
Welcome to the new profile
We're still working on updating some profile features. To see the badges, ratings breakdowns, and polls for this profile, please go to the previous version.
Ratings2.4K
atlasmb's rating
Reviews2.3K
atlasmb's rating
I had high hopes for this documentary, and I was not disappointed. I saw the film in IMAX, which may have helped, since music is a large part of the experience.
I planned to evaluate the film based upon three factors: 1. How well it told the origin story of the group and described the personal histories of its members.
2. How well it presented the group's music.
3. How well it focused on Led Zep II.
That third one was important for me, because I view that album as one of the best of all time.
Fortunately, the film delivered on all three counts. And their second album was indeed highlighted, with classic renditions of its songs.
The film does not assemble the group members to give a united view of Led Zeppelin. But it does include in interview with Jon Bonham that nicely rounds out the narrative.
I planned to evaluate the film based upon three factors: 1. How well it told the origin story of the group and described the personal histories of its members.
2. How well it presented the group's music.
3. How well it focused on Led Zep II.
That third one was important for me, because I view that album as one of the best of all time.
Fortunately, the film delivered on all three counts. And their second album was indeed highlighted, with classic renditions of its songs.
The film does not assemble the group members to give a united view of Led Zeppelin. But it does include in interview with Jon Bonham that nicely rounds out the narrative.
Generally considered the greatest film of all time, "Citizen Kane" is even more remarkable for the fact that was only the second feature-length film directed by Orson Welles, who was twenty-six years old upon its release. What audacity, to undertake the production, co-writing, direction, and acting the lead role by the wunderkind who cut his teeth on Mercury Theatre radio productions.
The story is basically a mystery. The first scene shows the final breaths and dying word of a man in a mansion on top of a forbidding hill. The film revolves around the meaning of that word.
The man is Charles Foster Kane (Welles), and we learn of his life through flashbacks provided by the narratives of those who knew him, as given to an inquisitive newspaper reporter.
This life-long saga required Kane and his fellow actors to age convincingly throughout the film-another challenge. Welles is charismatic, so he is perfect as Kane-a man who uses his money and force of personality to bend others to his will. The viewer needs to decide is Kane is sympathetic or odious, but that judgment should wait for the final scene.
The other actors fit well into the dramatic storyline. Special kudos go to Joseph Cotten, who plays the part of Kane's long-time associate, Jedediah Leland. I also particularly enjoyed the performance of Dorothy Comingore, who plays Susan Alexander, a working-class woman who eventually sees Kane for what he is.
Welles' direction is novel, showing great attention to framing and composition, as well as the use of light and shadows. The production values are impressive, and the music by Bernard Herrmann (composing for his first film) shows a promise that made him one of the all-time greats.
The story may have been loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, but it is much more than the story of a man. It has no-doubt influenced countless other authors and filmmakers, and its themes still feel relevant to politics today. As a mystery, no moral is needed to tie up the ending. It is up to the viewer to flesh out the inner story of Charles Foster Kane and judge the value of a man's life.
The story is basically a mystery. The first scene shows the final breaths and dying word of a man in a mansion on top of a forbidding hill. The film revolves around the meaning of that word.
The man is Charles Foster Kane (Welles), and we learn of his life through flashbacks provided by the narratives of those who knew him, as given to an inquisitive newspaper reporter.
This life-long saga required Kane and his fellow actors to age convincingly throughout the film-another challenge. Welles is charismatic, so he is perfect as Kane-a man who uses his money and force of personality to bend others to his will. The viewer needs to decide is Kane is sympathetic or odious, but that judgment should wait for the final scene.
The other actors fit well into the dramatic storyline. Special kudos go to Joseph Cotten, who plays the part of Kane's long-time associate, Jedediah Leland. I also particularly enjoyed the performance of Dorothy Comingore, who plays Susan Alexander, a working-class woman who eventually sees Kane for what he is.
Welles' direction is novel, showing great attention to framing and composition, as well as the use of light and shadows. The production values are impressive, and the music by Bernard Herrmann (composing for his first film) shows a promise that made him one of the all-time greats.
The story may have been loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, but it is much more than the story of a man. It has no-doubt influenced countless other authors and filmmakers, and its themes still feel relevant to politics today. As a mystery, no moral is needed to tie up the ending. It is up to the viewer to flesh out the inner story of Charles Foster Kane and judge the value of a man's life.
If this genre of film appeals to you, then I highly recommend this film. It features a wonderful and talented cast who really knows how to evoke emotions from a script.
In fact, the script deserves praise. It shows the audience more than it tells, which is one sign of an excellent film, because it respects the viewer's ability to understand action and subtext without a verbal explanation for everything.
The film also features wonderful music and some beautiful scenery.
The story is about second chances. A young architect (Jake Allyn) loses his best friend (Sarah Fisher), then discovers a secret that may change his life. Expect some emotional scenes that feel rewarding, and some characters that are very likable.
In fact, the script deserves praise. It shows the audience more than it tells, which is one sign of an excellent film, because it respects the viewer's ability to understand action and subtext without a verbal explanation for everything.
The film also features wonderful music and some beautiful scenery.
The story is about second chances. A young architect (Jake Allyn) loses his best friend (Sarah Fisher), then discovers a secret that may change his life. Expect some emotional scenes that feel rewarding, and some characters that are very likable.